Improved accessibility to Hannen Lake Park Beach with a new sidewalk.

BENTON COUNTY CONSERVATION
June 22, 2025 1:17 pm

Benton County Conservation (BCC) is proud to announce the installation of a new accessible sidewalk at the Hannen Lake Park beach—another step forward in making outdoor recreation more inclusive and enjoyable for all.

Move Over! It's the law.

GOVERNOR’S TRAFFIC SAFETY BUREAU (GTSB
June 19, 2025 9:02 pm

 The Governor’s Traffic Safety Bureau (GTSB) is partnering with the Central Iowa Traffic Safety Task Force (CITSTF), and law enforcement across Iowa June 17-19 to educate drivers about the importance of yielding to vehicles on the shoulder displaying flashing lights.

Heat Advisory - updated

NATIONAL WEATHER SERVICE
June 19, 2025 3:23 pm

UPDATED:A quick note that confidence has increased in heat this weekend and as such we have issued an Extreme Heat Watch for that period for all of eastern Iowa and Rock Island and Mercer Counties in Illinois.

Belle Plaine Pharmacists convicted of Stealing Opiods for his own use

VALERIE CLOSE, EDITOR
June 19, 2025 2:36 pm

A Belle Plaine pharmacist was convicted of diverting oxycodone for his personal use and replacing the opioids with an over-the- counter pain reliever.Thomas Kelly, 55, of Cedar Rapids, was charged with four counts;In counts 1 and 2 he was charged with Prohibited Act - SCH I, II, or III Controlled Substance, a Class B Felony.

There will be no email on Juneteenth

VALERIE CLOSE, EDITOR
June 18, 2025 11:34 am

Due to the federal holiday, there will be no outbound email on Thursday, June 19.If there is any urgent news, or time-sensitive news, it will be posted on the website and an email will go out.

SACG Makes Upgrades at the City Park

VINTON TODAY
June 18, 2025 8:30 am

Last summer, a Vinton Shellsburg graduate with the class of 2025 and an Eagle Scout, Brody Waters contributed a Gaga Ball Pit to the Shellsburg City Park.

Benton County Farm Bureau Sponsors Rodeo at the Fair

BENTON COUNTY FARM BUREAU
June 17, 2025 3:56 pm

Benton County Farm Bureau is proud to be a gold sponsor of the rodeo at the Benton County Fair this year. The Board of Directors is always looking for a way to give back to the community and this was the perfect opportunity.

Vinton-Shellsburg FFA Hosts Creative Kids Ag Days

FFA
June 17, 2025 8:55 am

By: Co-Reporter, Abby McKennaOn Tuesday, June 10th and Thursday, June 12th, 2025, members of the Vinton-Shellsburg FFA Chapter led two exciting Creative Kids FFA Days, bringing agriculture education to local elementary students through fun, hands-on learning experiences.

Roadside Chat - It's Bike Season - Be Nice Look Twice

IOWA DEPARTMENT OF TRANSPORTATION
June 17, 2025 8:54 am

Bicyclists are not easy to spot — especially youth riders. The average youth bike height is four feet and length is only 20-24” often making their little outlines invisible against a backdrop of intersections, vehicles, trees, and structures.

La Porte Police Department assist in take down of Mexican Money Launderer

UNITED STATES ATTORNEY’S OFFICE
June 13, 2025 12:09 pm

A Chicago‑area man who acted as a money launderer for a Mexico‑based drug trafficking organization was sentenced June 11, 2025 to nearly five years in federal prison.