Friday, May 29, 2026
Our Reach: 36,751,663 views
Article Thumbnail. Leif Allen’s restored tractor.

Vinton-Shellsburg FFA Members Shine at the Iowa State Fair

By: Co-Reporter, Abby McKennaThe Vinton-Shellsburg FFA Chapter had an outstanding showing at the 2025 Iowa State Fair, with members competing in a wide variety of events and earning recognition for their hard work.

LaPorte Police Department help to convict Drug Dealer

A Waterloo man who smuggled fentanyl into the United States and distributed it in the Waterloo area was sentenced today to 37 years in federal prison.  Javoni Marcelius Butler, also known as “G Man,” age 44, from Waterloo, Iowa, received the prison term after a September 20, 2024 jury verdict finding him guilty of one count of conspiracy to distribute a controlled substance, one count of international money laundering, and one count of possession with intent to distribute controlled substances.
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Vinton-Shellsburg Welcomes New Teachers

This week we were excited to welcome eight new teachers to the Vinton-Shellsburg Community School District. Over the past two days, they participated in training designed to help them get acquainted with our district, our students, and our community.

AG Brenna Bird Warns of Deepfake Dangers as Students Head Back to School

As students across Iowa prepare to return to the classroom, Attorney General Brenna Bird is issuing a warning to Iowa parents and schools about the dangers of deepfake artificial intelligence (AI) images being used for bullying and harassment.
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Salvation Army Offers School Clothing Vouchers

 Salvation Army of Benton County is offering vouchers to purchase school clothing. Call 319-560-1921 for a voucher.The voucher is only for use at the Salvation Army Clothing Store at 5824 Council St NE, Cedar Rapids, Iowa 52402.
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Drive Sober or Get Pulled Over

Last year, in the final four weeks of summer, 45 people died on roadways in Iowa; Nearly 30% of those fatalities were caused by impaired driving*. The Governor’s Traffic Safety Bureau (GTSB) is partnering with law enforcement statewide to support enforcement efforts aimed at decreasing impaired driving.
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