News
Restoration Work Begins on Historic Center Point Depot
Preservation efforts are underway at one of Linn County’s treasured historic landmarks. Repair work has begun on the doors and stucco of the 1914 Interurban depot, a longtime fixture on the Cedar Valley Nature Trail and home to the Center Point Historical Society museum since 2000.
The restoration project aims to maintain the integrity of the century-old building, which once served as a bustling hub for the rail line and now welcomes visitors as a museum showcasing local history. Achenbach recognized with ICOG Prometheus Award for leadership
ICOG Honors Excellence with Innovative Project Award, Prometheus Award, and Friend of COGs Awards ---The Iowa Association of Councils of Governments (ICOG) proudly announces the recipients of the 2025 ICOG Innovative Project Award, ICOG Prometheus Award, and the inaugural Friend of COGs Award. These prestigious awards, presented at the May 1 Staff Retreat in Des Moines, IA, recognize outstanding contributions in public service, workforce development, economic development, and related fields. DHS offers $1,000 to immigrants without legal status who self-deport
By Ariana FigueroaThe U.S. Department of Homeland Security announced Monday that the agency will provide $1,000 in what it called “travel assistance” to people in the United States without permanent legal status if they self deport.It’s the latest attempt by DHS to try to meet the Trump administration’s goal of removing 1 million migrants without permanent legal status from the country.
Benton County Inmate Re-Entered U.S. After Deportation - Sentence to 85 days
A man who illegally returned to the United States after being deported was sentenced today to more than two months in federal prison.Jose Solis-Alvarado, age 34, a citizen of Mexico illegally present in the United States and residing in Traer, Iowa, received the prison term after a March 10, 2025 guilty plea to one count of illegal reentry into the United States after having been deported. Nomination Deadline for the Iowa Farm Environmental Leader Award Extended
Individuals and farm families will be recognized by Gov. Reynolds, Lt. Gov. Cournoyer, Secretary Naig and Director Lyon at the 2025 Iowa State FairIowans seeking to nominate individuals or families who are conservation leaders in their community for the 2025 Iowa Farm Environmental Leader Award now have two additional weeks to complete and submit the application.
2024-2025 VSCSD and VSEA Reception May 14, 4-5:00 p.m.
The annual VSCSD and VSEA Reception will be held on Wednesday, May 14, from 4-5:00 p.m. at the Vinton Skate and Activity Center. At 4:30 p.m. we will recognize our retiring staff and end of the year honorees. The award winners are:Teacher of the Year - Shelly PattersonSupport Staff of the Year - Kris Ferguson and Teresa TuckerFriends of Education - Roxanne Fuller and Brenda SuttonUnion Member of the Year - Marsha FurlongRetirees include:Shirale Hanson, 41 YearsJim Struve, 38 YearsCara Patterson, 36. RICHART AND SHAULL RECOGNIZED BY GOVERNOR REYNOLDS FOR ACADEMIC EXCELLENCE
Tori Richart of Vinton-Shellsburg and Kyla Shaull of Belle Plaine were recognized by Gov. Kim Reynolds and Lt. Governor Chris Cournoyer for outstanding academic achievement at the 23rd Annual Governor’s Scholar Recognition Ceremony on April 27 at the Iowa Events Center in Des Moines.The statewide program, sponsored by the Iowa Governor’s Office, Iowa High School Athletic Association (IHSAA) and its title sponsor the Iowa Farm Bureau Federation (IFBF), honored 424 high school seniors from across Iowa. Gov. Reynolds signs list of bills into law
Today, Governor Kim Reynolds signed the following bills into law:HF 117: A bill for an act establishing the National Guard Service Professional Qualification Scholarship Program.HF 118: A bill for an act modifying provisions related to the National Guard Service Scholarship Program.SF 275: A bill for an act requiring the director of the Department of Education to develop and administer a purple star school initiative.
Shellsburg Memorial Park Improvement
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 during the fall of 2024. It is at the East end of Memorial Park. SACG received a generous grant from the Benton County Community Foundation.