News
Birthday Wishes make the day of former Vinton Woman

Wesley United Methodist Church has received a $10,000 grant from the BCCF

Vinton-Shellsburg Fine Arts Century Club receives Donation

Senate panel passes latest attempt to ban hand-held phones for drivers
By Robin OpsahlAdvocates and senators at a Statehouse meeting Wednesday said they were hopeful that 2025 will be the year the Legislature can finally pass a hands-free cellphone bill for drivers.Senate File 22 passed unanimously out of subcommittee Wednesday. It’s the latest attempt by Iowa lawmakers to establish fines for drivers handling cellphones when they’re behind the wheel except in hands-free or voice-activated modes.
Baby Boy Declared Safe Haven in December
Through the Safe Haven Law, a baby boy, born December 3 is now in the care and custody of the Iowa Department of Health and Human Services (HHS) and will be placed with a foster family until permanent placement is determined. This brings the overall total to 74 infants since the law went into effect more than two decades ago. This brings the total to eight cases in 2024, including a baby girl born October 13 and a baby girl born on November 11.
DNR sets public meetings to recap hunt season discuss possible changes
The Iowa Department of Natural Resources (DNR) is hosting a series of town hall-style meetings where local staff will provide updates on recently completed hunting and trapping seasons, discuss possible changes to hunting and trapping rules and regulations, and address other topics as requested.“We want people to come out to these meetings, listen to the seasons reviews, ask questions and hear directly from our staff,” said Todd Bishop, chief of the Iowa DNR’s Wildlife Bureau.
VFW and Auxiliary Department of Iowa essay winners

Lawmakers hear arguments proposing constitutional amendment on child testimony
By Robin OpsahlAdvocates of child victims said a proposed constitutional amendment allowing for remote testimony for children and people with certain disabilities could help young victims from being retraumatized in the courtroom, but others said the measure could abridge the rights of wrongfully accused defendants.House Study Bill 35 is the constitutional amendment proposed by Iowa Attorney General Brenna Bird’s office, adding that the right of an accused party to confront their accuser “may be limited by law” when the witness is a person under age 18 or has a mental illness, intellectual disability or other developmental disability.
Difference Maker Award: Megan Schlitter

Salvation Army Appreciates Our Giving Communities
