WEAR BLUE DAY - JANUARY 11, 2025

SECRETARY OF STATE
January 6, 2025 11:59 am

 Join us in wearing blue on January 11, 2025, for National Human Trafficking Awareness Day. As blue represents the international fight against trafficking, your participation helps spark vital conversations about this crime in Iowa.

Atty. Gen. & Dept. of Public Safety Warn Public of Rise in Grandparent Scams

IOWA DEPARTMENT OF PUBLIC SAFETY
January 6, 2025 11:59 am

Iowa Attorney General Brenna Bird and the Department of Public Safety are warning Iowans to be aware of a new wave of “grandparent scams.” Several Iowa communities throughout the state have recently reported efforts by criminal groups to swindle predominately older Iowans.

New Benton County Leadership Sworn in

VALERIE CLOSE, EDITOR
January 2, 2025 11:06 pm

Thursday, January 2, 2025 was the first official day of the new term of Benton County's elected officials. Judge Christopher Bruns swore in the local elected officials including Sheriff Dave Upah, Auditor Hayley Rippel, County Supervisors Ronald Tippett, Bruce Volz and Tracy Seeman.

IOWA: No. 23 U-Haul Growth State

VINTON TODAY
January 2, 2025 10:09 pm

Migration Trends: Where People Moved in 2024Iowa is the No. 23 growth state of 2024, according to U-Haul ® Growth Index data analyzing one-way customer transactions during the past year.

Take Action This January: People Are Not For Sale

SECRETARY OF STATE
January 2, 2025 10:04 pm

January is Human Trafficking Awareness Month - a time to recognize that every person deserves freedom and dignity. Through our Iowa Businesses Against Trafficking (IBAT) program, we empower community members to recognize warning signs and safely support trafficking survivors.

V-S FFA Exceeds $40,000 Fruit Sales Goal: Leadership, Teamwork Efforts Shine

FFA
December 30, 2024 8:55 pm

The Vinton-Shellsburg FFA conducted their annual fruit sales with great success. The chapter set an ambitious overall goal of $40,000 in sales, and through the dedication of its members, they exceeded their target.

Santa‘s train stop in Shellsburg brings smiles to area children

SHELLSBURG PUBLIC LIBRARY
December 30, 2024 9:06 am

The whistling of the train brought excitement as Santa arrived at the Shellsburg Public Library by train last week!  The reindeer had to save their energy for their travels on Christmas Eve.

The Nature of Things Newsletter

BENTON COUNTY CONSERVATION
December 29, 2024 2:41 am

Vinton Man Arrested After High-Speed Chase and Rollover in Riverside

VALERIE CLOSE, EDITOR
December 28, 2024 11:48 pm

A Vinton man is in custody following a high-speed chase that ended in a vehicle rollover and fire in Riverside early Thursday morning.According to the Washington County Sheriff’s Office, the pursuit began shortly after 2:00 a.

Young Philanthropist Waylon Struve Sets New Record with Pantry Donation

VALERIE CLOSE, EDITOR
December 28, 2024 11:35 pm

Seven-year-old Waylon Struve has once again made a big impact on the community with his annual donation to the Wesley United Methodist Church's pantry.