PUBLIC NOTICE: Benton County to be closed to the public on Monday, September 15

HAYLEY RIPPEL, BENTON COUNTY AUDITOR
September 3, 2025 3:44 pm

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.

Iowa Department of Public Safety announces Sex Offender Registry Website Update

IOWA DEPARTMENT OF PUBLIC SAFETY
September 3, 2025 11:49 am

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.

Schools welcome Resource Officers

VALERIE CLOSE, EDITOR
September 3, 2025 11:49 am

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

Garrison Election Information

CITY OF GARRISON
September 2, 2025 9:23 pm

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.

Belle Plaine man charged with Harassment of County Officials

VALERIE CLOSE, EDITOR
September 2, 2025 11:46 am

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

Livestock & Meats Mastery: VS FFA Takes on State CDEs

FFA
September 1, 2025 6:29 pm

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.

Garbage Pick Up in Vinton Change for Labor Day

VINTON TODAY
August 28, 2025 7:42 pm

Due to the Labor Day holiday….Garbage pickup for Vinton residents whose pick up is scheduled for Monday will be collected on Tuesday…Tuesday’s pick up will be on Wednesday.

No Regular Email Monday – Even the Inbox is Taking a Day Off

VALERIE CLOSE, EDITOR
August 28, 2025 7:09 pm

Vinton Today will be observing Labor Day this Monday, which means there will be no regularly scheduled outbound email. Even the email server needs a day to kick back and grill a hot dog or two.

Vinton's New Parks & Recreation Director is a Hometown Kid Who Never Really Left

VALERIE CLOSE, EDITOR
August 28, 2025 7:09 pm

Thursday night at the City Council meeting, something quietly special happened. The council voted to name Scott Wirth as Vinton’s new Parks and Recreation Director.

Area Schools Kick Off New School Year with Patriotism and Excitement

VALERIE CLOSE, EDITOR
August 27, 2025 12:11 am

The first day of school is always filled with a unique mix of excitement, jitters, and new beginnings, and Monday was no exception for Benton County students.