Gino Retires from Vinton Police Department

VALERIE CLOSE, EDITOR
February 5, 2026 3:38 pm

At the last Vinton City Council meeting, the city approved the retirement of the Vinton Police Department's K-9 Officer, Gino. In December 2016, the German Shepherd, along with his partner Officer Ben Parmater, completed their training together in Indiana.

Boys Swim Team Conference Results from Luther

VS CPU BOYS SWIM TEAM
February 4, 2026 11:56 am

Swim results from the boys' swim team conference meet last weekend at Luther are as follows. The boys placed 7th (106 points) out of 8 teams at the meet, which is amazing considering we only have 4 swimmers.

AG Bird Collaborates with Ring to Support Survivors of Domestic Violence

IOWA ATTORNEY GENERAL
February 4, 2026 10:11 am

Attorney General Brenna Bird announced today at a press conference a new community initiative in collaboration with the Iowa Coalition Against Domestic Violence and Ring (an Amazon company) to support domestic violence survivors with technology and safety tools.

When a building permit "isn't worth the paper it's written on"

VALERIE CLOSE, EDITOR
February 3, 2026 1:24 pm

It began when Marvin and JoAnn Roster decided to build a larger garage at their home on 17th St. They followed all the rules. They drew up the plans and submitted them to the city.

Vinton-Shellsburg FFA Members Attend Legislative Symposium

FFA
February 3, 2026 12:23 pm

By: Co-Reporter, Abby McKennaOn Wednesday, January 21st, seniors Ben Buhr and Braedon Hepker attended the FFA Legislative Symposium with chaperone Chad Newton.

Kiwanis deliver Dictionaries to area 3rd Graders

VALERIE CLOSE, EDITOR
February 2, 2026 1:43 pm

The Kiwanis Club of Vinton continued its mission of serving the community by delivering dictionaries to all third-grade students in the Vinton-Shellsburg School District.

VS FFA Hosts Spaghetti Dinner

FFA
February 2, 2026 11:26 am

By: Co-Reporter, Bri DulinOn Friday, January 16th, the Vinton-Shellsburg FFA Chapter hosted its annual Spaghetti Dinner from 5:00–8:00 p.m. during the Williamsburg Boys and Girls basketball game.

Sometimes officers needed for Paw Patrol

BENTON COUNTY SHERIFF'S OFFICE
January 29, 2026 9:11 pm

No two days look the same in the life of a deputy. Today was a reminder of that reality, and of how quickly situations can turn critical. After a passerby called 911 to report a dog that had fallen through the ice and was struggling to stay afloat, Deputy Fairbanks responded without hesitation.

Benton Community FFA goes to Des Moines

FFA
January 29, 2026 3:53 pm

Benton Community FFA members attended the 41st FFA Legislative Symposium at the Iowa State Capitol. Members visited the Secretary of State’s Office, learned about Iowa’s Constitution, and took in the beauty of our state capitol building while learning how bills are introduced and move through the legislative process.

Benton County Youth & Leaders Participate in Extension & 4-H Voices Day

IOWA STATE UNIVERSITY EXTENSION
January 29, 2026 3:50 pm

On January 21, two Benton County 4-H youth, one Extension and Outreach Council member, and one Extension and Outreach staff member participated in Extension and 4-H Voices Day at the Iowa State Capitol in Des Moines.