Iowa 4-H Judging Team Breaks into Top 5 at American Royal

IOWA STATE UNIVERSITY EXTENSION
December 23, 2025 5:57 pm

The Iowa 4-H Livestock Judging Team delivered an outstanding performance at the American Royal Livestock Judging Contest, earning multiple top 10 finishes and placing fifth High Overall Team among some of the nation’s strongest competitors.

Grinch spotted at Vinton Lutheran Home

VINTON LUTHERAN HOME COMMUNITIES
December 23, 2025 5:57 pm

The Grinch was spotted at the local Lutheran Living Communities this past week. He was spreading some holiday mischief and bringing endless laughter a

Final hours to give to the Salvation Army

VALERIE CLOSE, EDITOR
December 23, 2025 9:31 am

If you are out and about in the last couple of days before Christmas, don't forget to drop a donation into the red kettle at the local Fareway. Fareway staff will be ringing the bell on Wednesday, the 24th until the store closes at 5:00 p.

Attorney General Brenna Bird Announces Multi-State Settlement with Mercedes-Benz

IOWA ATTORNEY GENERAL
December 23, 2025 8:50 am

Attorney General Brenna Bird today joined a coalition of 50 attorneys general announcing a $149,673,750 settlement with Mercedes-Benz USA and Daimler AG for violating state laws prohibiting unfair or deceptive trade practices by marketing, selling, and leasing vehicles equipped with illegal and undisclosed emissions defeat devices.

Jeffery Diveley faces six more charges

VALERIE CLOSE, EDITOR
December 23, 2025 7:25 am

The Benton County Sheriff’s Department released the arrest records which showed that the department has filed charges once again against, Jeffrey Diveley.

Vinton Scout Pack 47 Brings Holiday Cheer to VG Nursing & Rehab Residents

VIRGINIA GAY HOSPITAL
December 22, 2025 2:54 pm

Residents at VG Nursing & Rehab were treated to a heartwarming holiday performance as  Vinton Scout Pack 47  shared festive music to celebrate the season and spread Christmas cheer.

Benton County Angel Tree helps 284 Families this Christmas

VALERIE CLOSE, EDITOR
December 22, 2025 7:04 am

Another year is in the books for the Benton County Angel Tree program. The small contingent of elves behind Angel Tree was able to assist 284 area families this year, and 381 children! The event is organized specifically for Benton County children each year and staffed by the kindhearted people in the community.

Virginia Gay Hospital Staff Participate in Disaster Preparedness Training

VIRGINIA GAY HOSPITAL
December 22, 2025 6:58 am

Staff at Virginia Gay Hospital (VGH) recently participated in a  Tabletop Disaster Preparedness Training  focused on emergency readiness and coordinated response.

We Have A New Animal Ambassador!

BENTON COUNTY CONSERVATION
December 21, 2025 1:04 pm

By Aaron Askelson, Naturalist Our newest animal ambassador is a western hognose snake aka plains hognose snake. We received this male snake from a research project that is being conducted by West Liberty University in West Virginia.

Sue Gates retires after 22 years with Grant Wood

VINTON SHELLSBURG COMMUNITY SCHOOLS
December 21, 2025 1:03 pm

After 22 years of dedicated service, Sue Gates has officially retired from the Grant Wood AEA Board of Directors. She faithfully represented Vinton-Shellsburg and our broader AEA region.