News

UPDATE:The Benton County Sheriff’s Office reports that missing Rhiannon (Rainy) Walter, age 11, was located in Keystone IA at about 310 PM on 4-11-24.  She was found unharmed but is being medically evaluated at this time.A large number of State, Federal, and local agencies, along with a substantial number of volunteers assisted in a prolonged search.

by Rob Sand, Iowa State AuditorLots of topics get swept under the rug because they’re not comfortable for us to confront. Sometimes we’d rather pretend the problems don’t exist or couldn’t happen in a place like Iowa. But they do, and it can happen anywhere—even in our great state. It is our obligation to confront them in order to solve them.

The Missing Person Report issued on 4-2-2024 regarding Zander McClintock has now been canceled.On 4-9-2024, Benton County Deputies located the vehicle of the missing subject approximately 5 miles south of Vinton in Benton County.  Human remains were located at the scene.The initial investigation of the scene suggests that the incident was the result of a motor vehicle accident, and foul play is not suspected.

By Robin OpsahlThe Iowa House approved a bill Tuesday to regulate traffic cameras, despite criticisms from some lawmakers who said the bill unfairly limits local control, and others who said the automated traffic enforcement systems should be entirely banned.Iowa lawmakers passed House File 2681 on a 85-12 vote after approving an amendment brought forward by Rep.

             A woman who possessed over 50 grams of actual (pure) methamphetamine was sentenced today to more than seven years in federal prison.  Rebecca Ann Rose, age 36, from La Porte City, Iowa, received the prison term after a November 6, 2023 guilty plea to possessing at least 50 grams of actual (pure) methamphetamine with the intent to distribute it.

The Benton County Suicide Coalition presented a program to the local Vinton Kiwanis. Greg Walston introduced Braxton Morrison who addressed the group. Both men shared that while they haven't had family members affected by suicide, they have seen the need for something to address the issue. In 2022, the county had a total of six residents succumb to suicide.

REQUEST FOR QUOTES The Benton County Conservation Board is soliciting quotes from qualified and experienced companies or vendors with a demonstrated history of successful concrete shower house builds in accordance with approved plans and specification as part of the Benton County Conservation Board Project #105. Notice of Acceptance of Sealed BidsThe Benton County Conservation Board will be accepting sealed bids for a meeting on April 29, 2024 at 5:00pm for Shower House at Wildcat Bluff Recreation Area.

By: Co-Reporter, Izzie BirkerOn April 1st, the Vinton-Shellsburg FFA Chapter had the conclusion of the yearly elections in the Ag Room of the high school. 14 candidates went through a multistage process including an evaluation of their applications, adult panel interview, and a student nominating committee interview. During the meeting, each of the candidates gave a speech on why their fellow members should vote for them for the last portion of the scoring process.

Well, the world didn't end and all of the warnings given for emergency preparations, were a reminder of Y2K for me. When things were going to switch from 1999 to the big 2000, we were warned to stock up on supplies. And much like that warning, the same went out for this eclipse, " emergency officials are saying it's smart to stock up on food, water gas and other basics.

By Whitney BaxterBettering the people and the world around them is something Ian Johnson, Caroline Lang and Emily Shatek have in common. As three of this year’s six Wallace E. Barron All-University Senior Award recipients, all have displayed outstanding achievements and leadership in and out of the classroom.Presented annually by the Iowa State University Alumni Association, the award recognizes graduating seniors who have shown great character, excelled in their classes, and been active in university and community organizations.