Bill would allow state to close Historical Society center in Iowa City

IOWA CAPITAL DISPATCH
January 21, 2026 3:09 pm

By Robin OpsahlA Senate subcommittee advanced a measure Tuesday to remove the state requirement to maintain a State Historical Society of Iowa research center in Iowa City — a point of litigation as the state has already moved to close the facility.

Dangerous Cold moving into the area

BENTON COUNTY EMERGENCY MANAGEMENT
January 21, 2026 11:23 am

● Snow showers this afternoon and evening. Strong winds gusting up to 45 mph will result in drifting and blowing snow as well as reduced visibility.

Benton County Community Foundation event Canceled

BENTON COUNTY COMMUNITY FOUNDATION
January 21, 2026 11:19 am

Due to the weather, tonight's event has been canceled. Stay tuned for more information concerning award recipients. 

Vinton's Big Read announces Art Contest Winners

VINTON GUILD OF FINE ARTS
January 20, 2026 5:29 pm

The Big Read Community Art Contest concluded on Saturday, with a reception at the Vinton Public Library to announce the winners and congratulate everyone who participated.

S&J Sanitation Change of Schedule for Friday, January 23

CITY OF VINTON
January 20, 2026 9:56 am

Due to predicted frigid temperatures, S&J Sanitation curbside trash & recycling pickup scheduled for  Friday, January 23 will be  MOVED  to Thursday, January 22.

VGH thanks Tree of Lights: Annual Campaign Donors

VIRGINIA GAY HOSPITAL
January 19, 2026 11:46 am

Tree of Lights Purchases: 2025We are overwhelmed by the generosity and support shown by our community for the 2025 Tree of Lights Campaign. The 2025 Tree of Lights contributions provided VGH Hospital and Clinics healthcare professionals with technology and equipment designed to improve patient recovery, lessen hospital stays, and increase overall staff efficiency.

Be Weather Aware Sunday Night into Monday

NATIONAL WEATHER SERVICE
January 18, 2026 6:50 pm

Stay safe tonight and into tomorrow!Key Messages ●Cold Weather Advisory area-wide tonight through Monday morning ●Falling temperatures tonight will combine with gusty northwest winds of 30-40 mph, with a few higher gusts, yielding dangerous wind chills as low as -15 ° to -20 ° south to -25 ° to -30 ° north.

Benton County Community Foundation to Award Over $150,000 in Grants

BENTON COUNTY COMMUNITY FOUNDATION
January 17, 2026 2:10 pm

 What: The Benton County Community Foundation is holding their 2025 grant awards celebration.  Why: The Benton County Community Foundation will be awarding over $150,000 in grants to nonprofits and government entities in the areas of arts and culture, community betterment, education and youth development, environment and animal welfare, health and human service.

Oopsie Daisy

VALERIE CLOSE, EDITOR
January 17, 2026 2:08 pm

Friday, around noon, on the list of things to do, was to stop in at the bank. A customer pulled into the parking space of Farmers Savings Bank & Trust before accidentally creating a new drive up window situation on the west side of the building.

Former Vinton Resident will be 110 Years young on January 26

VALERIE CLOSE, EDITOR
January 16, 2026 11:00 am

On January 26, 2026, Alice Hootman, formerly of Vinton, will celebrate her 110th birthday!Alice was a former employee at the County Home and the Iowa Braille & Sight Saving School,  until moving to Webster, IA in 1986 with her husband, Art.