The Iowa State Fair released the following results for 2025 Iowa State Fair: Static/Creative Arts/PhotographyAmrie Wittmer - Blue Ribbon4H Club - Jackson Better FarmersDepartment: StaticDescription: 8x10 matted photo of an American flag hanging from a barn window frameDivision 103: Creative ArtsClass 10320: PhotographyAmrie Wittmer - Professional Photographers of Iowa (PPI) Gallery Award4H Club - Jackson Better FarmersDepartment: StaticDescription: 8x10 matted photo of an American flag hanging from a barn window frameDivision 103: Creative ArtsClass 10320: PhotographyAmrie Wittmer - Blue Ribbon4H Club - Jackson Better FarmersDepartment: StaticDescription:  8x10 black matted photo of 3 eggs in a nestDivision 103: Creative ArtsClass 10320: PhotographyAmrie Wittmer - Blue Ribbon4H Club - Jackson Better FarmersDepartment: StaticDescription:    8x10 black double matted photo of 3 girls eating ice cream conesDivision 103: Creative ArtsClass 10320: PhotographyJenna Grovert - Blue Ribbon4H Club - North Eden Willing WorkersDepartment: StaticDescription:    8x10 flush mounted photo of slinky in a circle, half white, half black background.

By Addyson Sweeney and Audrey Seiler  CPU FFA members have the opportunity each summer to participate in both the Benton and Linn county fairs. Members show livestock and help in the FFA learning barns.

All Benton County Veterans are invited to contact the Benton County Veterans Affairs office to sign up for a Thanksgiving Dinner. Everything you need for a nice Thanksgiving Dinner will be provided and can be picked up the Tuesday before Thanksgiving! The deadline to sign up is Friday, November 7, 2025.

By Addyson Sweeney and Audrey SeilerRecently, three Center Point-Urbana FFA members competed at the State Livestock Judging contest. This career development event consists of judging and ranking various classes of livestock for their quality.

PUBLIC NOTICE  Benton County will be closed to the public on Monday, September 15, 2025 8:00 a.m. -10:00 a.m. PURPOSE: To allow all the employees to attend required training.

The Iowa Department of Public Safety (DPS) is pleased to announce the launch of its redesigned Sex Offender Registry (SOR) website. The updated site enhances user experience, improves functionality, and continues to provide Iowans with critical tools and resources to access information on registered sex offenders.

A new school year, new School Resource Officers! In the Vinton-Shellsburg Community School District, Officer Kris Stephenson will be joining the district.

Garrison, like the vast majority of cities in Iowa, uses the Mayor-Council form of government. City elections in Iowa are held in odd numbered years. In Garrison, the term for Mayor is two years.

32-year-old William Robert Atkinson of Belle Plaine faces several charges following threats made toward Benton County courthouse official and law enforcement.

By: Co-Reporter, Bri DulinOn Saturday, August 23rd, eight members participated in State Livestock and Meats Judging Career Development Events. Kirsten Pettit, Jameson Demuth, Cole Birker, and Will Kruetner competed in Livestock Judging where the team earned 35th silver placing.