News

In the ongoing efforts to raise money to acquire the Wildcat Addition, Benton County Conservation has received another commitment as part of the Meyers’ Family Conservation Fund. Benton County Conservation is more than halfway toward their fundraising goal for the Wildcat Bluff Expansion which will more than double the size of the existing park.

Do you need a fun idea for the kids, something that they can do that will be memorable? You might take a trip to Pourville Art Studio and Gallery. Dandeena Schadle has created a new space in the Gallery for budding artists to enjoy. She has a "Black Light Splatter Room." Art is created in the room under a black light. Donning protective gear and goggles, the artists are invited to take a canvas into the room.

Vinton Shellsburg students are going to be busy over the next couple of months playing their hearts out to bring wins to their teams. Adult help is needed to manage the concession stand. Contact Barb Winsor at 319-270-2166 or brwgarf@gmail.com to Volunteer in the Concessions!Monday, January 29, 20244:15pm Basketball: Boys 7th Game vs Mount Vernon @ Vinton-Shellsburg Middle School4:15pm Basketball: Boys 8th Game @ Mount Vernon Middle School4:15pm Wrestling: Girls MS Meet @ West Delaware Middle School6:00pm Basketball: Girls Junior Varsity Game @ Center Point-Urbana High School6:45pm Basketball: Girls Varsity Game @ Center Point-Urbana High SchoolTuesday, January 30, 20248:00am L egislative Symposium @ Des Moines4:15pm Basketball: Girls Junior Varsity Game @ Benton Community High School4:15pm Basketball: Boys 7th Game @ Independence West Elementary School4:15pm Basketball: Boys 8th Game vs.

             A man who sexually exploited a child was sentenced January 25, 2024, to 30 years in federal prison.             Michael Heinitz, age 20, of Urbana, received the sentence after an August 4, 2023, guilty plea to one count of sexual exploitation of a child.  At the plea hearing, Heinitz admitted that, between August and September 2022, he recorded sexually explicit videos of a four-year-old girl.

In a document loaded onto the City of Vinton's website, an explanation is given for the increased water rates and what those proposed rates will look like.Please take a few moments to read through the document. If you have any other questions, there is a phone number located at the bottom of the form that you can call and ask your questions.The doc

Jeanette Henry was invited to be the Chairman of the Americanism Program as part of the Iowa Veterans of Foreign Wars Auxiliary. She wrote the program for Dru Novak, the VFW State President, in which Iowa children participated in for the VFW's essay writing contest. When Novak asked Henry to chair the program, Henry said that it would be her honor to do so.

In a statement read by Benton County Board of Supervisors chair, Rick Primmer the Board of Supervisors say that the released statement is to provide "accurate information about the work of the department of health." The editor notes that they did not say the Board of Health, which are two different government bodies.Throughout the statement, it refers to the former Board of Health who was fired but doesn't clarify if they plan to reinstate the board or appoint new members.

Advice on caring for animals when the temperature dropsWith more bitter cold days in the forecast, livestock and pet owners need to be vigilant about the care they give to outdoor animals.While many hobby farm animals in Iowa are well acclimated to lower temperatures, a few basic considerations can keep livestock healthy and comfortable throughout the winter months, according to Amy Powell, 4-H specialist with Iowa State University Extension and Outreach.

The conditions have continued to deteriorate this morning and more ice has been added to the roadways. School is cancelled for the day.We will make a decision on evening activities this afternoon. 

David Upah, a Sheriff Deputy for Benton County has announced his run to fill the seat of Benton County Sheriff in the 2024 election. Upah has served in Benton County for the past nearly 18 years in law enforcement. He began in 2006 as a Reserve Deputy and later on the Special Response Team and performed drug investigations and civil processes. As a road deputy Upah has been involved in jail operations, taking care of vehicle fatalities, homicides, and any kind of call that you can imagine.