Seen around town: Pelicans

VALERIE CLOSE, EDITOR
April 20, 2026 11:45 am

This flock of pelicans created a beautiful photo opportunity when they landed at Dudgeon Lake, north of Vinton. Russell Lindberg captured this photo of the birds over the weekend.

Making Room for the Next Generation

VALERIE CLOSE, EDITOR
April 20, 2026 10:14 am

Will McKenna, son of Nichole and John, shared a speech he gave as part of a FFA Public Speaking project. As required, it addressed several agricultural topics entitled, "Making Room for the Next Generation.

Statewide Hands-Free Traffic Enforcement Results

IOWA DEPARTMENT OF PUBLIC SAFETY
April 17, 2026 12:07 pm

For Distracted Driving Awareness Month, the Governor’s Traffic Safety Bureau (GTSB) partnered with the Central Iowa Traffic Safety Task Force (CITSTF), and law enforcement agencies across the state to enforce Iowa's Hands-Free Driving Law.

A new gold rush: States stockpile bars, encourage gold-backed debit cards

IOWA CAPITAL DISPATCH
April 17, 2026 12:07 pm

By Kevin HardyMore states are piling up gold bars, or encouraging residents to use gold-backed debit cards, to hedge against inflation.Several states, including Western ones with rich mining histories, have been stockpiling gold as part of their broader state savings.

Serving for Success: FFA Members Raise $14,665 in Volunteer Auction

FFA
April 17, 2026 9:22 am

By: Co-Reporter, Abby McKennaOn March 31, 2026, the Vinton-Shellsburg FFA Chapter hosted its annual Volunteer Auction, bringing together students and community members for one of the chapter’s biggest fundraisers of the year.

BCHPC Announces K–12 Art Contest Honoring the Nation's Birthday

VINTON TODAY
April 17, 2026 9:13 am

The Benton County Historic Preservation Commission is pleased to announce the launch of its 2026 K-12 Art Contest, inviting students across Benton County to celebrate the nation's birthday through original artwork.

Keep an Eye on the Sky

BENTON COUNTY EMERGENCY MANAGEMENT
April 17, 2026 9:06 am

Be sure to pay attention to the weather from lunchtime until bedtime tonight. Watch for alerts that are sent and take them seriously. There is an enhanced risk (level 3 of 5) for severe storms this afternoon and evening.

Foster Care Training Reform Bill signed by Governor Reynolds

IOWA GOVERNOR'S OFFICE
April 16, 2026 1:54 pm

Today, Governor Kim Reynolds signed state legislation and a joint proclamation with the federal Administration of Children and Families (ACF) which aim to strengthen Iowa’s foster care system.

Iowans Asked to Comment on Iowa's Application to Byrne Justice Assistance Grant

IOWA DEPARTMENT OF TRANSPORTATION
April 16, 2026 1:47 pm

The Iowa Department of Public Safety, Office of Drug Control Policy (ODCP) seeks public comment on the State of Iowa’s application to the U.S. Department of Justice, Bureau of Justice Assistance for an estimated $2,000,000 in FY 2025 Byrne Justice Assistance Grant (JAG) program funding.

Vinton Cottage Garden Society donates to Benton County Conservation Foundation

BENTON COUNTY CONSERVATION
April 16, 2026 1:47 pm

Vinton Cottage Garden Society makes generous donation to Benton County Conservation Foundation for native plants around the Wildcat Bluff Recreation Area shelter.