January 1, 2026 Fines apply for phone violations while driving

IOWA STATE PATROL
January 1, 2026 10:04 am

Starting TODAY: Iowa moves from warning to enforcement - hands‑free only while driving.  Law Enforcement may now issue citations for any use of electronic devices while driving unless the device is used hands‑free.

Community Givers...

SALVATION ARMY OF BENTON COUNTY
January 1, 2026 9:52 am

The Red Kettle brought to the community by the Salvation Army of Benton County was the scene of many smiles and greetings of "Merry Christmas!" Among

Clover Buds join in the Christmas Fun

SALVATION ARMY OF BENTON COUNTY
December 31, 2025 8:35 am

The Shellsburg-Urbana Clover Buds 4H group showed everyone how to ring the bell for the Salvation Army's Red Kettle fundraiser this season. The group was filled with smiles and lots of bell ringing to gain the attention of shoppers at the Fareway Store this year.

Community Bell Ringers included...Wesley United Methodist Church

SALVATION ARMY OF BENTON COUNTY
December 28, 2025 6:44 pm

Bell ringers from Wesley United Methodist Church in Vinton. Several area folks helped to be bell ringers throughout the season to raise money for the Red Kettle Drive as part of efforts by the Benton County Salvation Army.

Tama County Man Wins $1 Million Prize

IOWA LOTTERY
December 26, 2025 5:52 pm

A Tama County man has won a $1 million Powerball® prize on a ticket he purchased in Benton County.William Zak of Dysart won big in the drawing on Dec.

Local family suffers house fire on Christmas Eve

VINTON FIRE DEPARTMENT
December 26, 2025 5:41 pm

On Wednesday, December 24, 2025, at 08:16 pm, the Vinton Fire Department was requested by the Benton County Sheriff’s Office Dispatch to a private residence in the 1000 block of West 8th Street to a working structure fire reported to 911 by a neighbor.

Attorney General Brenna Bird Secures Settlement with Menards

IOWA ATTORNEY GENERAL
December 24, 2025 10:43 am

Attorney General Brenna Bird today announced a multistate settlement with Menard Inc. d/b/a Menards, the home improvement retail chain. The settlement resolves claims made in 2020 that the company incorrectly marketed its Menards 11% Rebate Program.

Daily Email will resume January 5

VALERIE CLOSE, EDITOR
December 24, 2025 10:19 am

I'm going to do something I haven't done in decades: I'm going to take a week off. Generally, the week between Christmas and New Year's is slow when it comes to news, however,  I will keep an eye on things.

American Legion 57 Assists with Toy Drive

AMERICAN LEGION GEORGE G. LUCKEY POST 57
December 23, 2025 11:09 pm

In the past (and present) Koop's has partnered with the American Legion Post 57. It only made sense to support the Christmas Toy Drive with a $200 donation to help support those who may lack resources for a memorable Christmas season for their family.

Benton County Veterans honor the Fallen

BENTON COUNTY AMERICAN LEGION
December 23, 2025 7:42 pm

Veteran members of the Benton County American Legion lowered the flag at their memorial along Highway 30. The Benton County Memorial flag was lowered to half mast to honor the Iowa National Guard members killed in action in Syria, Sgt.