News
Union Community School District Implements Cutting-Edge Gun Detection Technology
Union Community School District (UCSD) has taken a significant step forward in ensuring the safety of its students and staff by partnering with ZeroEyes, an industry-leading AI gun detection and situational awareness platform. This makes UCSD the first district in eastern Iowa, and one of only a few in the state, to adopt this proactive security measure.
Fire and wind alert for Friday, March 14
Updated: March 14, 2025 10:45 a.m.The current incoming weather conditions for Friday, March 14 include high winds. There is an anticipated fast-moving storm with high winds. The criteria for Benton County to activate sirens is when the winds will be 70+ MPH and this is what this storm is capable of producing. Please note that we are in High Fire Danger. Buzzed Driving is Drunk Driving
The Governor’s Traffic Safety Bureau (GTSB) is partnering with law enforcement across Iowa March 13-21 to remind drivers: Buzzed Driving is Drunk Driving.St. Patrick’s Day is one of our nation’s most popular holidays, celebrated with festivals, parades, and parties. These celebrations frequently feature themed cocktails and green pints; the amount of alcohol consumed is higher than average. Iowa House passes bill raising penalties for showing obscene materials to minors
By Robin OpsahlThe Iowa House passed legislation Monday raising the penalties for the crime of exposing minors to obscene materials after changing the bill to lower charges for minors who expose their peers to such material.House File 306, approved unanimously, increases the charges for knowingly disseminating or exhibiting obscene materials to a minor.
Center Point-Urbana FFA Sends Three Events to the State!
On March 8th, the Center Point-Urbana FFA chapter competed at the District FFA Convention, hosted at the Waterloo Career Center. The chapter had a strong showing, with three events qualifying for the state competition!Leading the way was Caleigh Lewis in the FFA Creed Speaking contest, where she earned a first-place finish. Addyson Sweeney also secured a trip to state with her Chapter Website presentation, earning second place. Iowa schools eligible for $1,000 match on local food purchases
By Cami KoonsThe Iowa Department of Agriculture and Land Stewardship launched a $70,000 pilot program Monday to help schools purchase local meat, poultry, produce, dairy, eggs or honey through the Choose Iowa program. Schools are eligible for a dollar for dollar match up to $1,000 per building, which means up to $2,000, per participant will go to local food producers.
VIRGINIA GAY HOSPITAL RECEIVES EXCELLENCE IN HEALTHCARE AWARD
PRC Recognizes Industry’s Best with Annual AwardsVirginia Gay Hospital was recently recognized as a 5-Star Award for Excellent Performance in Outpatient Services and Emergency Department for Overall Quality of Care by PRC, a leader in the healthcare intelligence space.The Excellence in Healthcare Awards recognize organizations and individuals who achieve excellence throughout the year by improving patient experiences, healthcare employee engagement, and/or physician alignment and engagement based on surveys of their patients. IRFA’s Drive Clean Campaign Offering After-Prom Prizes
Young Drivers: Drive Safe and Drive Clean on Prom NightIowa Renewable Fuels Association’s (IRFA) Drive Clean campaign wants to support young drivers on Prom night! The campaign, which educates young adults on making clean fuel choices, has gift packages available for donation to Iowa High School After-Prom events. “We want to build confidence in young drivers on choosing what fuel to use at the pump, while also encouraging them to drive safe on Prom night,” said IRFA Marketing Director Lisa Coffelt.
Secretary Naig Invites Applications for Century and Heritage Farm Recognition
Applications for recognition at 2025 Iowa State Fair will be accepted through June 1 Iowa Secretary of Agriculture Mike Naig invites eligible Iowa farm owners to apply for Century or Heritage Farm recognition as part of the Iowa Department of Agriculture and Land Stewardship’s (IDALS) Century and Heritage Farm Program. The program was created by the Department and the Iowa Farm Bureau Federation to honor families who have owned their farms for 100 years and 150 years, respectively.
From Vinton Band Student to the World Stage
Jeff Reed, an accomplished conductor and music educator who graduated from Vinton in 1980, wants you to imagine a world without music. No soundtracks in movies, no songs on your drive home, no anthems tied to your favorite memories. "Music," Reed says, "is woven into the fabric of our lives—and it deserves to be nurtured and celebrated in our schools.