Iowa's Unified Allocation Plan receives first-in-the-nation approval

IOWA GOVERNOR'S OFFICE
January 11, 2026 1:30 pm

-- 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.

FFA Cookie Walk Brings Holiday Cheer to the Community

FFA
January 11, 2026 1:23 pm

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 & Helen Yundt Charitable Foundation Now Accepting Grant Applications

CHARLES & HELEN YUNDT FOUNDATION
January 9, 2026 9:03 pm

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

Just Like Ever Other Year, We Say Thank You Benton County!

SALVATION ARMY
January 9, 2026 4:15 am

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.

Gov. Reynolds opts into federal education tax credit program

IOWA GOVERNOR'S OFFICE
January 8, 2026 11:50 am

 Today, Governor Kim Reynolds announced her plan to opt into a federal education tax credit program, set to begin in 2027, that will expand school choice in Iowa.

Iowa to scrap Healthy Kids Iowa in favor of federal, summer feeding program

IOWA CAPITAL DISPATCH
January 8, 2026 11:47 am

State restrictions on sugary drinks and snacks will apply to the programBy Cami KoonsEligible Iowa households can receive a monthly allotment to spend on certain food items at the grocery store throughout the summer now that Iowa plans to participate in the federal summer feeding program.

Belle Plaine, Center Point and Van Horne receive DNR Fire Assistance Grants

IOWA DEPARTMENT OF NATURAL RESOURCES
January 8, 2026 11:46 am

Nearly $350,000 in 50 percent cost-share grants were recently awarded to 105 Iowa rural fire departments to help their efforts to protect Iowan’s and their property from wildfires.

Shellsburg Public Library Recap of 2025

SHELLSBURG PUBLIC LIBRARY
January 7, 2026 1:07 pm

Thanks to generous grants and funding, 2025 was a wonderful year of growth and updates for Shellsburg Public Library.Kicking off 2025, Shellsburg Public Library received a grant from the Benton County Community Foundation that made interior painting updates possible, giving our space a fresh, welcoming look.

2025 Calendar Year Breaks Record for Great Iowa Treasure Hunt

IOWA TREASURER
January 7, 2026 1:06 pm

State Treasurer Roby Smith announced 2025 was a record-breaking calendar year for reuniting unclaimed property from Great Iowa Treasure Hunt with individuals and businesses.

VS FFA Annual Fruit Sales Fundraiser!

FFA
January 6, 2026 11:53 am

By: Co-Reporter, Abby McKennaThe Vinton-Shellsburg FFA chapter recently wrapped up its annual fruit sales fundraiser, which took place over the past couple of months.