News

By: Co-Reporter, Izzie BirkerOn April 1st, the Vinton-Shellsburg FFA Chapter had the conclusion of the yearly elections in the Ag Room of the high school. 14 candidates went through a multistage process including an evaluation of their applications, adult panel interview, and a student nominating committee interview. During the meeting, each of the candidates gave a speech on why their fellow members should vote for them for the last portion of the scoring process.

Well, the world didn't end and all of the warnings given for emergency preparations, were a reminder of Y2K for me. When things were going to switch from 1999 to the big 2000, we were warned to stock up on supplies. And much like that warning, the same went out for this eclipse, " emergency officials are saying it's smart to stock up on food, water gas and other basics.

By Whitney BaxterBettering the people and the world around them is something Ian Johnson, Caroline Lang and Emily Shatek have in common. As three of this year’s six Wallace E. Barron All-University Senior Award recipients, all have displayed outstanding achievements and leadership in and out of the classroom.Presented annually by the Iowa State University Alumni Association, the award recognizes graduating seniors who have shown great character, excelled in their classes, and been active in university and community organizations.

Welcome tough conversations during Sexual Assault Awareness Month to Support Iowa SurvivorsBy Paul D. Pate, Iowa Secretary of StateThere are some topics that are difficult to discuss. One of those topics is sexual assault. April is nationally recognized as Sexual Assault Awareness Month and provides an opportunity for us to embrace uncomfortable conversations to support victims of this crime.

By Robin Opsahl The Iowa Senate Appropriations Committee advanced a bill that would add an exemption to the time limit on filing child sexual abuse lawsuits, allowing former Boy Scouts in the state to be a part of the national settlement against the organization.Senate File 2431, approved unanimously by the committee Thursday, would extend the statute of limitations on civil actions involving child sexual abuse — specifically for “claims against the bankruptcy state of a congressionally chartered organization.

It's that time of the year. When winter has passed, for the most part, and the huge earthmoving trucks are popping up to create smooth sailing in our little town. If you've noticed, work just west of the former Iowa Braille and Sight Saving School, the extension of J Ave. is taking place. The street will be expanding from 9th to 13th Streets. Something that has been on the city's to-do list.

The Benton County Pork Producers made two more donations of pork this past week to area Benton County food banks.  On Wednesday, 39 pork loin roasts were donated to the Shellsburg Food Pantry to be included in their Easter Boxes for local residents.  Then on Thursday, 39 pork loin roasts were donated to the South Benton County Food Pantry in Belle Plaine to be shared with friends during their food distribution on Friday.

Learn more about this great project that happened at Hannen Lake!"Hi my name is John Sebetka. I am a member of BSA Scouts Troop 8 out of Cedar Rapids. I live outside of Newhall in Benton County. I recently did my Eagle Project at Hannen Lake in Benton County. I chose to do my project at Hannen Lake because we used to camp and fish here all the time when I was young and we had several Cub Scout events here.

In the ongoing efforts to raise money to acquire the Wildcat Bluff Addition, Benton County Conservation Foundation has received an additional donation that will be doubled by the Meyers’ Family Conservation Fund challenge. Gwen and Don Eells of Vinton, Iowa have donated $10,000 to the Wildcat Bluff Addition. Gwen stated they are “excited to support a project that stays right here in Benton County.

In a post, the Benton County Sheriff's Office put out a warning to area residents. "We continue to receive reports of Fraud by various methods of scammers. Unfortunately, we are often faced with the same outcome, unrecoverable losses. Please take the time to educate yourself and family members about the warning signs of a scam. We have received reports of scams involving large monetary prizes, brand-new vehicles, grandchild incarceration, technical support, and so many more.