News

In a news release from Benton County Sheriff David Upah, he released the following information. ---On February 23rd, 2025, at 9:26 AM a report was received of a male subject firing a gun outside a residence in the 400 block of Lehnen St. Norway. Deputies arrived and secured the area. Responding Deputies were able to confirm gunshots were being fired inside the home of 409 Lehnen St.

Virginia Gay Hospital is proud to celebrate the remarkable career of Leona Dulin, who is retiring after almost 48 years of dedicated service.Leona has been a cornerstone of our hospital, demonstrating unwavering commitment, kindness, and compassion throughout her career. Her contributions have left an indelible mark on patients, colleagues, and the entire VGH family.

Iowa pork producers are stepping up once again this year to fight food insecurity with the return of Pork in the Pantry. In 2024, pork producers across the state donated more than $45,000 worth of pork to local food pantries, providing an estimated 60,000 servings of protein to Iowans in need.Organized by the Iowa Pork Producers Association (IPPA), Pork in the Pantry offers up to $1,000 in funding per county pork producer organization to purchase and donate pork to local food pantries.

Iowa Secretary of State Paul Pate today unveiled a new display case to house Iowa’s original 1857 Iowa Constitution. As a demonstration of the state’s commitment to transparency and accessibility, Iowa’s Constitution is on display for the public to view in the Iowa Secretary of State’s Office during normal business hours.This new protective case replaces the previous 1980s-era display and adds room for three more historic documents while offering enhanced preservation measures.

The Vinton Police Department has partnered with the Iowa Department of Revenue (IDR), Alcohol & Tax Compliance Division, to conduct underage alcohol compliance checks to reduce and deter illegal alcohol sales to minors. This initiative is part of the Iowa Underage Alcohol Enforcement Program.Under this program, compliance checks will be conducted at businesses licensed to sell alcohol.

The trial for Luke Truesdell, Marion, who was charged in the beating death of four people in Linn County last June has been postponed.  Truesdell was charged with four couts of first degree murder in the deaths of Amanda Parker of Vinton, Romondus Cooper and Keonna Ryan of Cedar Rapids and Brent Brown of Marion.Truesdell’s lawyers are asking the judge to throw out his confession made to detectives.

Meeting to focus on college’s workforce and training efforts in Benton County Kirkwood Community College will hold the next meeting of the institution’s Benton County Leadership Council on March 5, from 1-2:30 p.m., at Kirkwood's Benton County Center in Vinton. Kirkwood President Kristie Fisher, college officials, local community leaders and members of the general public are all expected to be in attendance.

Wesley United Methodist Church is  thrilled to announce a silent auction as part of their upcoming fundraising event which started on February 9 at Wesley UMC (the church by the library). Guests will have the opportunity to bid on a wide array of unique items such as a beautiful brass chandelier, P.Buckey Moss pictures (Prairie Creek Church , General Store, Erin’s Doll, Iowa Governor Mansion, General Store) some framed, posters and plates, two gorgeous stained glass windows from the church, a pretty tulip designed stained glass window, a pie a month, a certificate for a decorated cake, uniquely designed floral porch pots, gift baskets , an evening out at an outdoor concert, a handmade name quilt with ties to Vinton from the 1930’s and more, with all proceeds directly benefiting future building projects and missions to help the community of Vinton.