News

Help Prevent Car Break-ins

Benton County Sheriff’s Office have seen an increase in the number of thefts from parked cars. In many cases the vehicles were left unlocked and thieves simply helped themselves. The most frequent types of personal items stolen include wallets, purses, driver's license, insurance and registration information, computer laptops, cell phones, license plates, and garage door openers that may be used at a later date to gain access into a home.

If you are the victim of a Vehicle Burglary on Christmas Eve contact the Sheriff

On 12-24-2019, at about 10:00 PM, The Benton County Sheriff’s Office received a report of a reckless driver on Hwy 30 near 30th Ave. The vehicle reported to have been driving recklessly was reported to have turned south towards Norway IA. A check of the license plate given showed the vehicle to have been reported stolen.Benton County Deputies would later locate the vehicle in Norway IA, and the suspects would attempt to elude Deputies, a brief vehicle chase ensued.

Faces of Benton County Nominee: Vanessa Jones

Meet Vanessa Jones, a Vinton resident who has struggled with mental illness in the past, but today is making great strides and creating nurturing environments for elementary school children. Vanessa is the sixth nomination to the Family Nurturing Council’s Faces of Benton County campaign. Vanessa was nominated by Dea Burroughs, head cook at Tilford Elementary School.

Wally the Walleye finds new home near Fischer Pavillion on the Cedar River

In the moon of the Salmon run, Mother of Mother Nature was fishing from her cloud in the heavens.  The fish had been reluctant to give themselves to her but she cast her line in hopeful arcs.  Deciding to move to a new spot as any good angler would, she spied a river that was unfamiliar to her.  “Why not!?,” she thought.  Down went her line and on the first cast she had a hit.

Angel Tree Assists families through the efforts of many and dedication of one

Angel Tree has been a staple in our community thanks to the efforts of many and dedication of one Angel Tree once again gave Santa a helping hand this Christmas through the generous support of the community. From the lending of office space in the Governor Sherman Building by Mike Elwick to the several hundred donations of gifts via Arnold Motor Supply, the organization provided gifts to families this Christmas season.The area has always been generous with area families helping Santa's elves make sure that every child in the area has a toy to unwrap on Christmas morning.

Faces of Benton County: Destiny and John VanHauen

MEET DESTINY & JOHN VAN HAUEN, Belle Plaine residents striving every day to foster a nurturing environment for their four children!Destiny and John Van Hauen are the fifth nomination to the Family Nurturing Council’s Faces of Benton County campaign. Destiny and John were nominated by Pastor Kate West.“[The Van Hauens] are the parents of four children.

Vinton Presbyterian Church to hold 6th Annual Christmas Dinner

    The Vinton Presbyterian Church will hold its sixth-annual free Christmas dinner from 12-2 PM  in what has become a tradition for both the church and the community.    It all began in 2014 after a then-new Pastor Jessica Crane-Munoz saw a need in the area to help serve people who might ind themselves alone at the holidays. And she drew the inspiration from nearby.

Santa Claus comes to the Courthouse

Seeking advice for flying on a foggy Christmas Eve Santa asks Scott Hansen for advice The Benton County Courthouse held its annual Christmas party last week. Jolly St Nick stopped in to visit with the employees and posed for pictures with the people responsible for keeping the county functioning throughout the year. With all kinds of goodies, including cookie for Santa the crew took few minutes, to enjoy the food and have a laugh with Santa.

The Polar Express arrives at Tilford Elementary

A Christmas tradition at Tilford Elementary took place last week as the Kindergarteners got to enjoy a pajama day before beginning their Christmas vacation. As part of the Christmas fun, the children wore their pajamas to school and watched slides of the Polar Express book which was read by their Principal Mr. Murray the conductor. 

Identity thieves captured thanks to car dealership

Ronnie Hill On 12-19-19, at about 3:44 PM, the Benton County Sheriff’s Office responded to a report of a possible Identity Theft at Van Horn Motor Company on Hwy 30 near Newhall IA.  An employee reported that they had a customer trying to purchase a vehicle using a false Upon the arrival of the responding Deputy, a brief foot chase ensued, where suspect, Ronnie William Hill, age 32, from Cedar Rapids IA, fled from the Deputy and got into a white 2018 Chevrolet Cruze, driven by Torrance Terrett, age 29, from Chicago IL.