Following the 2024 election, Benton County selected a new Benton County Sheriff, David Upah. As is customary, the new Sheriff also selects his own First Deputy.

"So many volunteers and generous people donated," this year, Julie Hansen said. These three elves were on loan from Santa, and has come to ring the bell every year! The Farm Bureau office arranges their trip especially for the event!Merry Christmas and have a Blessed New Year in 2026!-Benton County Salvation Army Even though the "Red Kettle" Season is past, donating year-round can continue to help our neighbors year-round!1.

The Union Community School District has received a High Performing designation on the Iowa Department of Education’s 2025 School Performance Profile.

The Community Foundation of Northeast Iowa (CFNEIA) is excited to announce the opening of its 2026 scholarship application process, offering students the opportunity to receive a share of over $700,000 in scholarships.

By: Co-Reporter, Bri DulinMembers of the Vinton-Shellsburg FFA Chapter participated in the Soils Evaluation Career Development Event at both the district and state levels.

By Shauneen MirandaPresident Donald Trump’s administration will start garnishing the wages of student loan borrowers in default beginning early next year, the U.

-- First step in  aligning  federal  education  funding with statewide priorities --  Governor  Kim Reynolds and the  Iowa  Department of Education today announced that  Iowa  is the first state in the nation to receive federal approval of critical steps to redirect federal resources from compliance to the classroom in its innovative Unified Allocation Plan.

By: Co-Reporter, Bri Dulin The Vinton-Shellsburg FFA chapter hosted a Cookie Walk on Friday, December 19th to celebrate the holiday season and give back to the community.

The Charles and Helen Yundt Charitable Foundation is accepting grant applications for year2026 from non-profit organizations serving the Vinton, Iowa community.

Pictured: Santa showed up to ring the bell at Fareway this season, as he often does. Joining in the Red Kettle Fundraising for the Salvation Army of Benton County, were Greg Walston and Fareway leaders who stopped by.