50th Anniversary of Leaving Vietnam event for Veterans April 30

BENTON COUNTY VETERANS AFFAIRS
April 2, 2025 10:33 am

Benton County Veterans Affairs is hosting a dinner commemorating the 50th Anniversary of Leaving Vietnam. Join us at the Vinton Skate Center from 5-7 p.

Accident on Saturday: Bug 1, Minivan 0

VALERIE CLOSE, EDITOR
April 1, 2025 1:09 pm

Early Saturday afternoon, an insect was the cause of an accident on 4th St. A minivan driven by a juvenile was trying to shoo the bug out of the window while approaching the 4th St.

State Auditor releases report on City of Center Point

IOWA STATE AUDITOR
April 1, 2025 1:06 pm

Auditor of State Rob Sand today released a report on the City of Center Point for the year ended June 30, 2024.  The report can be seen below.

VFW Auxiliary Post #2440 Presents Essay Awards to 3rd & 4th Graders

VALERIE CLOSE, EDITOR
April 1, 2025 12:57 pm

The VFW Auxiliary Post #2440, a combination of Benton and Buchanan County Posts, presented awards to area students. The essay awards were presented last week at Tilford Elementary and Shellsburg winners this week.

Science for All

BENTON COUNTY CONSERVATION
March 31, 2025 9:34 pm

By Faith Hunt, NaturalistA community scientist is someone who contributes to scientific research. Community scientists are people who have a little bit of time and interest in contributing to local and national data about the world around them! You don’t need advanced degrees or years of experience, just a passion for science, a willingness to help with research, and an eagerness to volunteer your time.

House votes to ban eminent domain for CO2 pipelines

IOWA CAPITAL DISPATCH
March 31, 2025 1:20 pm

By Kami CoonsThe Iowa House approved a bill Wednesday that would stop pipelines carrying liquified carbon dioxide from using eminent domain. Six other bills related to carbon sequestration pipelines, eminent domain and the Iowa Utilities Commission were combined into one bill, which also advanced.

This is only a drill, until it's not

VALERIE CLOSE, EDITOR
March 28, 2025 1:35 pm

On Friday morning, students at the Vinton-Shellsburg High School were tested on their fire drill response, and they performed perfectly!Just before noon, they were tested again, but this time it was a real life situation.

DuCharme sentenced to Probation

VALERIE CLOSE, EDITOR
March 28, 2025 1:14 pm

Nearly 40 people filled half of the courtroom for the sentencing of Robert "Bob" Ducharme. DuCharme was arrested last March 5, 2024, on a total of 10 charges: Ducharme, 61, a Vinton resident and former owner of Tactical Creations.

Senators vote to protect Iowans' ‘basic human right' to garden

IOWA CAPITAL DISPATCH
March 28, 2025 10:36 am

By Cami KoonsA bill advanced from the Iowa Senate floor Monday that would protect home gardens from state and local ordinances.Sen. Cherielynn Westrich, R-Ottumwa, said the bill hits at a “growing concern” that home gardeners are blocked from growing their own vegetables and food on their properties.

Benton County Farm Bureau Donates to CPU FFA Greenhouse

CPU FFA
March 27, 2025 12:10 pm

Benton County Farm Bureau is proud to announce their $6,000 donation to the Center Point – Urbana FFA Alumni and Supporters to aid their Greenhouse Campaign.