From Extirpation to Restoration: The Return of Wild Turkeys

BENTON COUNTY CONSERVATION
March 23, 2025 8:35 pm

By Cara Harrill, Conservation TechnicianSpring turkey season is right around the corner! Let’s take a look back at the history of wild turkey in Iowa, and how the once extirpated, or locally extinct, population has recovered.

Convicted Killer Tacoa Talley Seeks Post-Conviction Relief in Iowa Court

VALERIE CLOSE, EDITOR
March 21, 2025 2:15 pm

Tacoa Talley, who was convicted in 2023 for the murder of Jodie Bevans, has filed an application for post-conviction relief under Iowa Code Chapter 822.

Iowa Senate advances constitutional amendment on remote testimony

IOWA CAPITAL DISPATCH
March 21, 2025 12:49 pm

By Robin OpsahlThe Iowa Senate unanimously passed a resolution Wednesday to start the process of amending the state constitution to allow child victims to testify remotely against their alleged abusers.

Vinton Community Foundation Accepting Grant Applications One hundred percent

VINTON COMMUNITY FOUNDATION
March 21, 2025 9:18 am

Photo:  From left to right:  Kyle Koeppen representing the Vinton Shellsburg Community School District, Cyanna Boggess representing Vinton Unlimited, Deb Wilberg representing Farmers Savings Bank & Trust and Anne Williams representing the Vinton Area Ministerial Association.

Atkins Roundhouse Update

BENTON COUNTY CONSERVATION
March 20, 2025 5:17 pm

Atkins Roundhouse was severely impacted by the 2020 Derecho, leading to its closure due to tree hazards. We received a Community Development Block Grant for a timber stand project which began in January 2025.

Governor's bills on school cellphone use, math teaching pass Iowa House

IOWA CAPITAL DISPATCH
March 20, 2025 5:17 pm

By Robin OpsahlThe Iowa House passed Gov. Kim Reynolds’ proposal Tuesday to set a statewide restriction on cellphone use in school classrooms.The measure, House File 782, was highlighted as one of the governor’s priorities heading into the 2025 legislative session.

Senate votes to restrict drivers' use of handheld devices, raises speed limits

IOWA CAPITAL DISPATCH
March 19, 2025 5:52 pm

By Kathie ObradovichThe Iowa Senate voted Tuesday to ban the use of handheld cellphones and other devices behind the wheel, while turning down an effort to extend the ban to drivers of farm implements.

Benton County Conservation Utilizes GIS mapping

BENTON COUNTY CONSERVATION
March 19, 2025 2:08 pm

By Layla Lynch,   East Unit Park RangerYou may have heard the term “GIS”, but have you wondered what it really entails? Maybe you have wondered how the maps you use at county and state parks are created.

VGH Announces Retirement of Monica Stark After 38 Years of Dedicated Service

VIRGINIA GAY HOSPITAL
March 18, 2025 8:55 pm

After an incredible 38-year career at Virginia Gay Hospital (VGH), Monica Stark is retiring on March 17, 2025—exactly 38 years to the day after she first joined the VGH team on St.

Vinton-Shellsburg Grows as One at District Convention

FFA
March 18, 2025 10:54 am

Pictured:  Top Row Left to Right: Brody Waters, Cooper McClintock, Ben McGowan, Ben Buhr, Andrew Allsup, Jameson Demuth, Cole Birker, Jonah Meyer. 2nd Row: Lily Ann Hesson, Kara Rollinger, Megan Schlitter, Eleanor Moen, Levi Lutz, Leif Allen, Steven Rogers, Andrew Pingenot.