News
Koop's Sales & Service collects toys to brighten the Christmas of local children
The Christmas season is near! For the 11th year, Koop's Sales and Service is holding their annual toy drive! The business is collecting unwrapped games, and toys from now until December 13th. All toys collected will be distributed to local Benton County children. The business said, "Every year our drive gets bigger and with your help we reach more families. Giving Tree to help area children available at Cedar Valley Bank & Trust
A giving tree to benefit area children has been set up and is ready at Cedar Valley Bank & Trust in Vinton. "Our giving tree is ready to spread some Christmas Magic! We welcome the community to stop in and spread a little cheer!" said Jenna Parmater. The gifts are due back by Friday, December 13, 2024. Iowa officials sue federal government over voter citizenship information
By Robin OpsahlIowa Secretary of State Paul Pate and Attorney General Brenna Bird filed a lawsuit in federal court Tuesday accusing the U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services of unlawfully withholding information about individuals registered to vote who were identified by the state as potential noncitizens.Two weeks before the 2024 general election, Pate issued guidance to county auditors to challenge the ballots of 2,176 registered voters identified by the office as potential noncitizens.
Vinton-Shellsburg High School FFA Members Enjoy Fun-Filled Lock-In
The Vinton-Shellsburg High School FFA chapter had a great time at their annual lock-in on Tuesday, November 26th. Forty-four members gathered at the high school for a night full of food, fun, and teamwork. The evening started with a Thanksgiving potluck, where everyone brought food to share. The meal created a warm, family-like atmosphere and gave members a chance to relax and enjoy each other’s company. Baby Girl Declared Safe Haven in November
Through the Safe Haven Law, a baby girl, born November 11 is now in the care and custody of the Iowa Department of Health and Human Services (HHS) and will be placed with a foster family until permanent placement is determined. This brings the overall total to 72 infants since the law went into effect more than two decades ago. This is the sixth case so far in 2024.
Property tax legislation expected in the 2025 session, legislative leaders say
By Robin OpsahlIowans should expect to see further property tax law changes brought up in the 2025 legislative session, lawmakers said Tuesday at the Greater Des Moines Partnership legislative leadership breakfast.Senate Minority Leader Janice Weiner, House Majority Leader Matt Windschitl, House Minority Leader Jennifer Konfrst and Sen. Mike Bousselot, R-Ankeny, answered questions and talked about their caucus goals at the annual event Tuesday, going over objectives and expectations for the upcoming 2025 legislative session set to begin Jan.
Support Vinton Police Department’s “Holiday with a Cop” Event!
The holiday season is a time for giving, and this year, the Vinton Police Department is once again hosting its annual Holiday with a Cop event on December 15th! This special day brings joy and smiles to school-age children selected by Vinton-Shellsburg Community Schools, giving them a chance to shop with our dedicated officers and create lasting holiday memories.
Local Courthouse Shines Bright with Children's Art This Christmas
The Benton County Courthouse has embraced the holiday spirit with a heartwarming addition to its second floor: a beautifully decorated Christmas tree adorned with handmade ornaments created by local students.The colorful ornaments, carefully crafted and lovingly colored by kindergarten and first-grade art students from Vinton-Shellsburg schools, were brought to life under the guidance of art teacher Shayla Hemphill. Bauer Recognized for 35 years as the Harrison Township Clerk
ownship Clerk in rural Benton County. She came to the position originally at the request of one of the trustees, George Geater. She agreed to finish the term of Thelma Horak and then was elected to serve until this past election. 35 years later, she reflected on her time as the township clerk. Her responsibilities included budgeting the monies that came into the township, for caring for the Bear Creek Church property, managing cemetery funds, and expenses for the township owned properties.