Senate panel passes latest attempt to ban hand-held phones for drivers

IOWA CAPITAL DISPATCH
January 23, 2025 11:49 am

By Robin OpsahlAdvocates and senators at a Statehouse meeting Wednesday said they were hopeful that 2025 will be the year the Legislature can finally pass a hands-free cellphone bill for drivers.

Baby Boy Declared Safe Haven in December

STATE OF IOWA
January 23, 2025 11:47 am

Through the Safe Haven Law, a baby boy, born December 3 is now in the care and custody of the Iowa Department of Health and Human Services (HHS) and will be placed with a foster family until permanent placement is determined.

DNR sets public meetings to recap hunt season discuss possible changes

IOWA DEPARTMENT OF NATURAL RESOURCES
January 23, 2025 11:47 am

The Iowa Department of Natural Resources (DNR) is hosting a series of town hall-style meetings where local staff will provide updates on recently completed hunting and trapping seasons, discuss possible changes to hunting and trapping rules and regulations, and address other topics as requested.

VFW and Auxiliary Department of Iowa essay winners

VFW AUXILIARY
January 23, 2025 11:47 am

Our VFW and Auxiliary District 2 had several winners last weekend at our Midwinter conference in Des Moines, Iowa. We had a student from Independence, Iowa Post 2440 who wrote his Voice of Democracy essay.

Lawmakers hear arguments proposing constitutional amendment on child testimony

IOWA CAPITAL DISPATCH
January 23, 2025 11:46 am

By Robin OpsahlAdvocates of child victims said a proposed constitutional amendment allowing for remote testimony for children and people with certain disabilities could help young victims from being retraumatized in the courtroom, but others said the measure could abridge the rights of wrongfully accused defendants.

Difference Maker Award: Megan Schlitter

VINTON SHELLSBURG COMMUNITY SCHOOLS
January 23, 2025 11:46 am

It is with great pride that we recognize Vinton-Shellsburg High School senior Megan Schlitter as the recipient of the January Difference Maker Award! Megan's unwavering dedication to service and leadership has made a profound impact on our school and community.

Salvation Army Appreciates Our Giving Communities

SALVATION ARMY OF BENTON COUNTY
January 22, 2025 12:13 pm

We are grateful for the willingness of the people in this county to support our local Salvation Army Service Extension Unit. We met our goal by raising over $20,000.

Bill proposes adding sharks to Iowa dangerous wild animals list

IOWA CAPITAL DISPATCH
January 22, 2025 12:13 pm

By Robin OpsahlIowa lawmakers are considering a proposal to add a new animal to its list of dangerous wild animals: sharks.A subcommittee in the Iowa House met Thursday to discuss House File 24, a bill that would add sharks that can grow to a length of 23 inches or more, or that have a  documented history of biting humans, to the state’s existing code prohibiting contact with dangerous wild animals.

Three Central Iowa community lakes stocked with rainbow trout

IOWA DEPARTMENT OF NATURAL RESOURCES
January 22, 2025 12:13 pm

1/16/25The Iowa Department of Natural Resources (DNR) released 3,700 rainbow trout this afternoon at Lake Petocka in Bondurant, Triumph Park West and East in Waukee, and Terra Lake in Johnston.

Shellsburg Memorial Park Improvement

SHELLSBURG AREA COMMUNITY GROUP (SACG)
January 22, 2025 10:28 am

As part of the Shellsburg Area Community Group’s (SACG) ongoing efforts to improve the city's park areas, the Parks Committee undertook the task of researching, funding, acquiring and installing a steel shaded canopy and picnic table on a concrete pad this fall.