News

If you know Tom and Eunice Pingenot, you know they are one couple that is just "bubbling" with fun. They "bubble" whenever they can, wherever they can. They've "bubbled" in several small towns surrounding Vinton, and at several events in Vinton. Using a 'tri-string' wand they create giant bubbles for the entertainment of children of all ages. Another wand Tom rigged up for this use is a 'garland' contraption giving multiple bubbles at once.

All Charges are subject to review by the Benton County Attorney's Office. An arrest or criminal charge is merely an accusation, and the Defendant is presumed innocent, unless proven guilty. Intrastate Warrants are issued by Law Enforcement Agencies for crimes happening in their jurisdictions.Three Adult ArrestsApril 25 Aaron Erwin Smith, 38, Vinton, IAIntrastate Warrant Arrest-Failure to AppearUnauthorized Use of Credit CardPossession of Drug ParaphernaliaMay 3 Alfred Malinoski, 48, Vinton, IAIntrastate Warrant Arrest-Criminal Mischief 5th DegreeMay 6 Deshawn Markeal Reed, 28, Vinton, IAIntrastate Warrant Arrest-Trespass 1st OffenseZero Juvenile ReferralsSixteen Code Enforcement ViolationsTall Grass and Weeds x 15Junk x 1 Nine Traffic Citations for Offenses were issued the week of April 29-May 5, 2024Three Traffic Warnings for Offenses were issued the week of April 29-May 5, 2024One Reported Motor Vehicle Accident for the week of April 29-May 5, 2024For the Week of April 29-May 5, 2024- 60 complaints/calls for service were handled by the Vinton Police Department.

In September of 2022 a Shellsburg couple, Jeffrey and Stacy Dively, were arrested on several crimes involving children.The first of these charges were brought to trial this week in the case of Stacy Diveley, 47. She faced four misdemeanor counts of Child Endangerment, and two Class D Felony charges of Child Endangerment with Bodily Injury as well as a charge of Witness Tampering, Diveley was found guilty in six of these charges.

The following students were recognized by Gov. Kim Reynolds and Lt. Governor Adam Gregg for outstanding academic achievement at the 22nd Annual Governor’s Scholar Recognition Ceremony on April 28 at the Iowa Events Center in Des Moines.Center Point Urbana - Casey KirtzBelle Plaine - Alyssa SteinbeckVinton-Shellsburg - Emmett ColschBenton Community - Emma Townsley (no photo available)The statewide program, sponsored by the Iowa Governor’s Office, Iowa High School Athletic Association (IHSAA) and its title sponsor the Iowa Farm Bureau Federation (IFBF), honored 424 high school seniors from across Iowa.

By Brooklyn DraisyAn encampment set up by pro-Palestine activists on the University of Iowa campus was dismantled within half an hour by university, county and state police.University of Iowa Action for Palestine, described on its social media as an “autonomous network of students, community members, alumni, and staff organizing and acting for a free, Liberated Palestine,” set up tents in Hubbard Park early Monday morning.

Auditor of State Rob Sand today released a report of recommendations on the Iowa Veterans Home for the year ended June 30, 2022.  A copy of this report is below.

On a perfect spring morning last week, Kindergarten students from Tilford Elementary made their way to the Lutheran Home to entertain the residents. Lois Martin led the children in the outdoor concert.Singing songs and playing instruments from their latest concert, the group of more than 100 children sang with gusto. The residents appreciated the concert smiling and clapping their appreciation.

The students were absolute aces! The event, organized in collaboration with Matt Boggess, VPRD Director and Lions Club members saw enthusiastic participation from middle school students, Lions Club members, local community leaders and teachers in a display of camaraderie, showcasing their skills and sportsmanship. The annual event is an effort to support our community youth and Vinton Shellsburg High School Scholarships, empowering deserving students to pursue their educational dreams.

The Iowa Department of Education did a little homework on some of the stats that they've been sharing for more than a decade. They checked their math and found that the actual graduation rate is lower than they had been reporting.According to the new stats, the four-year high school graduation rate is 87.5% for the Class of 2023. The rate of graduations in 2021 was also lowered from 90.

 The Benton County Community Foundation’s 2023 annual report is now available on the Community Foundation’s website at www.bentonccf.org. The report highlights key impacts made and lists funds held with the Community Foundation along with grant-funded projects. In 2023, a total of $310,013 in grants from all charitable giving funds of the Foundation were awarded to organizations benefiting Benton County residents and communities.