News

The Vinton Police Department has partnered with the Iowa Department of Revenue (IDR), Alcohol & Tax Compliance Division, to conduct underage alcohol compliance checks to reduce and deter illegal alcohol sales to minors. This initiative is part of the Iowa Underage Alcohol Enforcement Program.Under this program, compliance checks will be conducted at businesses licensed to sell alcohol.

The trial for Luke Truesdell, Marion, who was charged in the beating death of four people in Linn County last June has been postponed.  Truesdell was charged with four couts of first degree murder in the deaths of Amanda Parker of Vinton, Romondus Cooper and Keonna Ryan of Cedar Rapids and Brent Brown of Marion.Truesdell’s lawyers are asking the judge to throw out his confession made to detectives.

Meeting to focus on college’s workforce and training efforts in Benton County Kirkwood Community College will hold the next meeting of the institution’s Benton County Leadership Council on March 5, from 1-2:30 p.m., at Kirkwood's Benton County Center in Vinton. Kirkwood President Kristie Fisher, college officials, local community leaders and members of the general public are all expected to be in attendance.

Wesley United Methodist Church is  thrilled to announce a silent auction as part of their upcoming fundraising event which started on February 9 at Wesley UMC (the church by the library). Guests will have the opportunity to bid on a wide array of unique items such as a beautiful brass chandelier, P.Buckey Moss pictures (Prairie Creek Church , General Store, Erin’s Doll, Iowa Governor Mansion, General Store) some framed, posters and plates, two gorgeous stained glass windows from the church, a pretty tulip designed stained glass window, a pie a month, a certificate for a decorated cake, uniquely designed floral porch pots, gift baskets , an evening out at an outdoor concert, a handmade name quilt with ties to Vinton from the 1930’s and more, with all proceeds directly benefiting future building projects and missions to help the community of Vinton.

The Van Horne Fire Department recognized some of their staff this week for their service. Chief Jeremy Hlas presented Kim Koehler Rayman with a certificate for 5 years of service, as well as Training Officer Jason Rayman for 5 years of service. Secretary Matt Matheny retired from the Van Horne First Responders with 16 years in EMS and was recognized for his service.

The Vinton-Shellsburg High School Girls' Basketball program, hosted a memorable Pink Night, celebrating the strength of local breast cancer survivors while raising awareness about the importance of early detection. The event also served as a fundraiser for Gifts of Hope, an initiative through Virginia Gay Hospital in Vinton, Iowa, that provides crucial support to individuals facing breast cancer.

NOTICE: The Benton County Conservation Board approved Rules and Regulations on February 10, 2025.es/Camping/Rental PoliciesGo camping! It's in your nature!Online reservations are taken for shelters and cabins only. No campsite reservations are taken - campsites are first come first served.Click Here to Make a Cabin or Shelter ReservationReservations must be made a minimum of 7 days in advance for shelters and cabins.

In the case of Jeffrey Diveley, 64 of Shellsburg, sentencing was issued on Friday, February 7, 2025.  The judge sentenced Diveley to 40 years in prison, but said that it is possible that Diveley will only serve 25-30 years. Diveley is currently being held at the Iowa Classification Center in Coralville. Four of the charges, 9-11 and 13 made the defendant unbailable at the time of the verdict.