In-Law Suites now legal across iowa

VINTON TODAY
July 20, 2025 8:08 am

As of July 1, 2025, Iowa counties and cities are required to allow at least one Accessory Dwelling Unit (ADU) — also known as an “in-law suite” — on the same lot as a single-family home.

Heavy Rains Bring More Flooding to Vinton Streets and surrounding areas

VALERIE CLOSE, EDITOR
July 20, 2025 8:07 am

It’s no surprise to anyone in Vinton that the saturated ground leaves little room for more rain — and Saturday morning showed it again.Overnight showers added another inch of rain to already soggy conditions in the area, according to the National Weather Service, which reported that much of Benton County has received more than 5 inches of rain over the past two weeks.

FFA Critter Corner!: VS FFA hosts a Petting Zoo during Party in the Park

FFA
July 17, 2025 6:06 pm

By: Co-Reporter, Bri DulinOn Saturday, July 12th, 12 FFA members volunteered at the petting zoo held at Riverside Park in Vinton. They brought smiles to kids and families throughout the day by teaching them about animals and having craft stations for temporary tattoos, magnetic bookmarks, and kindness rock painting.

Union Community School District seeks bond approval in November

VALERIE CLOSE, EDITOR
July 17, 2025 12:02 pm

The Union Community School District's Board of Directors approved a facility improvement plan. It will address outdated facilities and gaps in safety. Priorities include new fire alarm systems and intruder-resistant locksets, modernizing mechanical systems with new HVAC and LED lighting, and reconfiguring spaces to better serve educational needs.

Sun, Fun, and FFA: FFA Summer Outing At Jellystone Park

FFA
July 17, 2025 10:02 am

By:   Co-Reporter, Bri DulinOn Monday, June 30th, seven FFA members went to Jellystone Park in Monticello, Iowa for our Summer Outing. The day was pa

Master Gardener partners with Dysart UMC to provide 'holistic garden'

IOWA CONFERENCE UNITED METHODIST CHURCH
July 16, 2025 1:16 pm

When a parishioner approached Rev. Mechille Boldt of Dysart United Methodist Church about revamping an existing garden space, she seized the opportunity to cultivate a new ministry.

Party in the Park - The Show must go on!

VALERIE CLOSE, EDITOR
July 16, 2025 10:25 am

In spite of terrible weather that rolled into Vinton on Friday, just in time for the annual Party in the Park event, the party was in full swing on Saturday!   In order to keep residents safe, a notice was sent out on Friday that the day's events would be canceled except for the community meal at Farmers Bank.

Humid Conditions with Storms Today - Potential Tornados, Damaging winds possible

NATIONAL WEATHER SERVICE
July 16, 2025 8:12 am

Timing for severe storms: Noon-7 PM Key Messages ● Scattered thunderstorms are likely this morning through the afternoon, with a few becoming strong to severe this afternoon.

If you thought it was a little windy and rainy on Friday...

NATIONAL WEATHER SERVICE
July 14, 2025 8:12 pm

The National Weather Service Storm Survey confirmed that a tornado tracked through portions of Benton and Linn Counties (southwest of Center Point, Iowa) last Friday afternoon (7/11/2025).

National school voucher program included in ‘big, beautiful' law, with no cap

IOWA CAPITAL DISPATCH
July 14, 2025 8:11 pm

By Shauneed MirandaA national private school voucher program is now law, though the school choice initiative comes with a huge caveat. States also choose — whether or not to participate.