News
Vinton-Shellsburg FFA Celebrates Their Hard Work at the 2024 Benton County Fair
By: Co-Reporter, Izzie Birker The Benton County Fair took place on the week of June 18-23. During the county fair, many Vinton-Shellsburg FFA members participated in showing livestock, working in the local food booths, and helping out with fun activities in the FFA barn. But all of their amazing efforts to contribute to the fair started weeks beforehand with setting out trash barrels, laying wood chips, setting up pens, and even hanging up signs in the barns. Deadline for college student financial aid, state grants and scholarship
By Brooklyn DraiseyThe end of a tumultuous year for student aid is coming to a close as deadlines for the Free Application for Federal Student Aid, or FAFSA, are set to pass next week.The 2024-2025 FAFSA, which covers the 2024-25 school year through June 30, 2025, had a rough start in its Dec. 30 soft launch then full opening in early January, when in the past it would open to students in the fall.
Laws that take effect on July 1
By Robin OpsahlDozens of the laws passed during the 2024 legislative session take effect Monday, including measures cutting state boards and commissions, limiting the potency of consumable hemp products and setting new education policies for public K-12 schools.During the 2024 legislative session, the Republican-controlled Legislature passed more than 180 bills on subjects from tax cuts to K-12 education policy to health care.
12th Annual Party in the Park 5K/10K Walk/Run Results and Thank you!
The 12th Annual Party in the Park 5K/10K Walk/Run, held recently, has been hailed a tremendous success. We extend our heartfelt thanks to everyone who participated, volunteered, and supported this event. Your enthusiasm and dedication have helped make a significant impact in our community.This year's event was organized to raise funds for Gifts of Hope, a local initiative providing crucial support such as access to mammograms, annual wellness visits, and financial aid for those battling breast cancer. Local Citizens Receive Recognition at Governor's Volunteer Award
The following organization and individuals from Benton County and the surrounding area, will receive a Governor’s Volunteer Award from Governor Kim Reynolds and Lt. Governor Adam Gregg during a special recognition ceremony held Tuesday, June 25th in Ankeny:Blairstown Ambulance - Nominated by Janet NiebuhrJim Hessenius, Atkins - Nominated by Teresa Barnes for his work as a Court Appointed Special Advocate for neglected and abused children. It's time to Party in the Park!
This year as Vinton residents finished their hot dogs at Farmers Savings Bank & Trust the kids were lining up to race down the street in the Kiddie Parade. This year, the theme was to "Let your imagination be your guide and show off who YOU are!"Children 5th Grade and younger were invited to join in the fun with decorated bikes and a variety of wheels. Retirement Open House in Honor of Scott Hansen's 25 Years of Service
Please join us Friday, June 28th, 2024
from 10 am—2 pm to celebrate Scott Hansen
and the 25 years he has devoted to Benton
County and the State of Iowa through
Emergency Management.
A light lunch and refreshments will be served
at the
Benton County EOC, located at
213 2nd Ave, Vinton, Iowa, with award
ceremony at 11am. SAND URGES IOWANS AND GOVERNMENT ENTITIES TO BE ON THE LOOK-OUT FOR SCAMS
State Auditor Rob Sand today urged Iowans and their community leaders to be on alert for people preying on victims of the flooding in Iowa.“Iowans are known for rallying around victims of natural disasters. Communities come together to help with clean-up and provide for people who have lost everything,” said Sand. “Unfortunately, natural disasters are also calling cards for con artists.
2024 Faith in Action assists area residents
Blessed Hope Community Church completed its 8th Annual Faith in Action, an "in-town mission trip." The purpose of the project is to lend a hand to those in the community who have a need for repairs around the house, lawncare needs, or other tasks that the homeowners just can't accomplish on their own. Requests from the community had been submitted months ahead of time. It's A-Maze-ing to get around town
After an early morning call where I needed to exit town quickly, I began my trip. Cones, and signs greeted me on Hwy 218 before I got to the edge of town. Then I headed down North K Ave. along the river to bypass the construction heading to the Mt. Auburn road...only to find a guy telling me to turn around because that road was flooded. So I did, and went down the suggested detour on the west side of Hwy.