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.

Benton County Sheriff's Department answers 11,464 calls in 2025

VALERIE CLOSE, EDITOR
January 6, 2026 11:52 am

At the end of the Benton County Sheriff's Office list of arrests for the week, was this small note."For 2025, Benton County Deputies issued 577 citations, 685 warnings, and investigated 226 motor vehicle accidents.

Stacy Diveley Facing Six Additional Charges

VALERIE CLOSE, EDITOR
January 5, 2026 5:44 pm

An arrest warrant went out on December 3, 2025 for Stacy Diveley. Diveley, formerly of Shellsburg, is currently serving time in the Iowa Correctional Institution for Women in Mitchellville.

Community Bell Ringers included...a goodhearted Karen

SALVATION ARMY OF BENTON COUNTY
January 5, 2026 1:11 pm

Karen offers to ring the bell every day of the season!   Now that's a giving heart!Several area folks helped to be bell ringers for the Red Kettle Drive as part of the efforts by the Benton County Salvation Army.

Community Bell Ringers included...Santa and Mike

SALVATION ARMY OF BENTON COUNTY
January 5, 2026 2:30 am

Mike, who looked an awful like another guy that's been making the rounds this year! Mike served on a cold winter evening helping to raise money for the Red Kettle Drive as part of the efforts by the Benton County Salvation Army.

Center Point Felon Sentenced to Additional Prison for Escaping

UNITED STATES ATTORNEY’S OFFICE
January 3, 2026 1:03 pm

             A previously convicted drug trafficker who escaped from a halfway house was sentenced on December 30, 2025, to a year in federal prison.

Community Bell Ringers included...Two singing teachers ♫ ♩

SALVATION ARMY OF BENTON COUNTY
January 2, 2026 11:47 am

Two retired teachers from Center Point - Urbana, gave it their all while ringing the bell for the Salvation Army of  Benton County. The two teachers

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!"  Amon

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.