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Legion members carried out the "Unserviceable Flag Ceremony" on Flag Day last week. The Legion has been honoring the worn flags across the nation with solemn retirement ceremonies since September of 1937. The ceremony has been an integral part of the American Legion ritual since that time. The local American Legion George G. Lucky Post 57 gathers to perform the ceremony, retiring dozens of worn flags with dignity and respect each year.

The former Urbana Police Chief was put on leave last April following a move by the Urbana City Council. The council handed over the oversight authority to the "City Administrator." The City Clerk, Jennifer Burkhart appears to have taken on the role of "Administrator" and proceeded to put Urbana's Police Chief, Josh Baker on leave, thus eliminating the Urbana Police Department.

The Vinton City Council met on Thursday evening for their first June meeting.  meetings. The meeting was called to order followed by a roll call with all members present, Ron Hessenius, Rylie Pflughaupt, Tami Stark-Mahood, Zach Parmater, Wesley Recker, Andrew Elwick and Mayor Bud Maynard. The Pledge of Allegiance was recited and the meeting began.

Samantha Bevans was found guilty of First Degree murder in the death of her stepmother Jodie Bevans. Sentencing was held at 1:30 p.m. on Friday, June 14. The Judge sentenced her to life in prison without a chance of parole and ordered her to pay $150,000 in restitution to the beneficiaries of Jodie Bevans.As the hearing opened, lawyers for Samantha tried to make the case for a retrial.

In the Benton County Supervisor Meeting held on May 28, 2024, former Benton County Attorney, David Thompson said, "you have more lawsuits out there that are pending, that you haven't disclosed to the public yet," and "How many more lawsuits do you want? Because you know you have more out there that the public's not aware of." The statement made seemed to be an odd one to make, until this week.

Nathan's Miles Glow Trail has certainly been a bright spot in Vinton. On June 9th, a Facebook page called, "Iowa Road Trip" gave a glowing review of Vinton's trail. Sharing the post brought even more attention. In the online world, it speaks a lot about the reach of social media for this project.  At Thursday night's council meeting, Vinton's Parks and Recreation Director, Matt Boggess' said that his phone has been lighting up again with inquiries about the trail.

By: Co-Reporter, Sophia NewtonThe Vinton-Shellsburg FFA members have spent weeks preparing for various state and district contests. The competitions were held at the Kirkwood and Iowa State University campuses. On Thursday, June 6th the Ag Mechanics and Food Science teams competed at Iowa State in their statewide contest. The Vinton-Shellsburg State Ag Mechanics team included Andrew Allsup, Cooper McClintock, and Wesley McKenna.

The complete packet is below. The following information is typed out and included for the seeing impaired. ● Confidence is high in the time being within 2-10 PM● The primary risks with severe storms are large hail and damaging winds, some of which may be significant ● Also Thursday will bring 95-100° heat indices south of U.S. Highway 30 ● Be weather aware, and also demonstrate heat safety! Thursday Storm Timing InformationStorms will last 1-2 at any locationCold front moves through area this afternoon bringing severe storms2:00 PM - 10:00 PM Thursday Scattered / Widespread Coverage ● Showers and thunderstorms will redevelop along a passing cold front Thursday afternoon and evening ● Confidence of severe weather during this period is medium ● The primary risks with this round of storms is damaging winds and large hail, with a low risk of tornadoesThe day before severe weather, make sure can receive Weather Emergency Alerts, adjust your plans and make sure your shelter is clean and accessible.