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News
Atkins Roundhouse Area Now Open!
We’re excited to welcome you back to the Atkins Roundhouse Area. While the
space is still a work in progress, it’s ready for you to enjoy once again.
You’ll notice there's still work to be done, and that’s because we’re
committed to continuous improvement for the benefit of people and nature
alike. We currently have tree replanting bids open, so if you or someone you
know is interested in helping shape the future of this property, please help us
spread the word! Thank you for your patience—and your passion for Benton
County’s wild spaces. Hands free law in effect July 1
A short video worth watching Wait for it... this could save your life | @SummerBreak 4The Iowa Department of Public Safety, the Iowa State Patrol, and the Governor’s Traffic Safety Bureau (GTSB) are collaborating to educate the public on Iowa’s new Hands-Free Driving Law. Governor Kim Reynolds signed bill SF 22 into law on April 2, 2025, making Iowa the 31st state in the nation to enact hands-free legislation.
Pastor Johnson Ordained to Serve Area Congregations
On Saturday, June 21, Pastor Zach Johnson was ordained and installed to serve the congregations of St. Mark Lutheran Church in Garrison and Zion Lutheran Church in Shellsburg. He and his wife, Hannah, moved into the parsonage in Garrison on June 13. Pastor Johnson is originally from Huxley, Iowa and Hannah grew up in Keystone. The congregatio Roadside Chat - Batter Up! Safe Driving Is A Home Run
It’s the season when umpires are calling baseball players from pee-wees to major leaguers into the batter’s box. And this weekend, many Iowans will make the drive to Omaha on I-80 to watch the best teams swing for the fences in the Men’s College World Series. Whether stepping up to the plate or into the driver’s seat, keep your eye on the ball and your head in the game. Be Weather Aware
Benton County Emergency Management has released the following weather information packet. Please be aware that if there is severe thunderstorm warnings issued, sirens will sound. If you are outside and hear sirens, seek shelter immediately.
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Meth Dealer Receives Prison Time, LPC PD assists in Prosecution
Reinbeck Methamphetamine Dealer Sentenced to Federal Prison for Second Time A Reinbeck man who obtained a significant quantity of methamphetamine from a source of supply that he had met in federal prison was sentenced June 23, 2025, to 20 years in federal prison. Austin David Hansen, age 39, from Reinbeck, Iowa, received the prison term after a December 23, 2024 guilty plea to one count of conspiracy to distribute a controlled substance after having previously been convicted of a serious drug felony.
Woodworking with Purpose at Vinton-Shellsburg
By: Ali Lutz, Ag Journalism InternIn May, the students in the Ag Exploration class at Vinton-Shellsburg High School completed a hands-on project by building wooden benches as part of their Power, Structural, Technical unit. This project was more than just a chance to work with wood; it gave students the opportunity to learn valuable life and career skills. Class of 1960 to hold 65th Reunion
The Vinton high school class of 1960 will be having their 65th reunion at the Pizza Ranch in Vinton from 11:00 a.m. to 3:00 p.m. on Saturday, September 20th!Please share with all of our classmates!Questions? Contact Roger Rinderknecht. rogerrin@msn.com.
Vinton-Shellsburg FFA Members Compete at State and District Contests
By: Co-Reporter, Abby McKennaOn Tuesday, June 10th, the Vinton-Shellsburg FFA Chapter took part in the State Nursery Landscape and Floriculture CDEs and the District Livestock Judging Contest. The students represented their chapter well and gained valuable experience. The Nursery Landscape team of Andrew Pingenot, Wyatt Shaver, Abby McKenna, and Ali Lutz earned a Bronze Rating at the state level. Two rescued near Chelsea following boating accident
A boat overturned on the Iowa River near Chelsea at about 1:30 p.m. on Sunday afternoon. "Two people were safely recovered with only minor injuries," the Tama County Sheriff's Department reported. Also responding to the call were the Tama County Sheriff’s Office, Tama Police Department, Chelsea Fire, Belle Plaine Fire, and Belle Plaine Ambulance as well as nearby citizens also jumped in to help.
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