By Cara Harrill, Conservation TechnicianThe Atkins Roundhouse area is an 85 acre property on the northeast side of Atkins. Once a historic train roundhouse, this is now a public area where users go to relax, walk trails, and enjoy nature.

The U.S. Presidential Scholars Program recognizes and honors distinguished graduating high school seniors. The program was established in 1964, by executive order of the President, to recognize and honor some of our nation's most distinguished graduating high school seniors.

Blessed Hope Community Church is preparing for our 10th Annual Faith in Action event! On June 4-6, we will be offering free labor services to complete projects in our community for those who could use some assistance - no strings attached.

Updated: The Atkins Fire Department put out a news release concerning an accident on Highway 30 on Monday. It reads as follows: On Monday, April 6 at 6:20 p.

In 2023 an endowment fund for the  community of Shellsburg was initiated by the  Shellsburg Area Community Group.   Endowment funds create a perpetual  source of income so just imagine the  potential this  fund creates for the community.

The weather played a nasty Easter weekend trick on all of the Easter bunnies in the area. Following a night of pouring rain, the morning greeted us at a nippy 38 degrees.

Benton County Conservation Library Programs will be at the following libraries.  Plant a Seed & Read! June 5th, 10:00 a.m. - Belle Plaine Public Library June 22nd, 10:15 a.

Resolution #26-20ProclamationWHEREAS, Sexual assault affects women, children and men of all racial, cultural and economic backgrounds; andWHEREAS, in addition to the immediate physical and emotional costs, sexual assault may also have associated consequences of post-traumatic stress disorder, substance abuse, depression, homelessness, eating disorders and suicide; andWHEREAS, sexual assault can be devastating not only to the survivor, but also for the family, friends and community of the survivor; andWHEREAS, since no one person, organization, agency, or community can eliminate sexual assault on their own, we must work together to educate our entire population about what can be done to prevent sexual assault, support survivors and their significant others, and support those agencies providing services to survivors.

The Vinton Fire Department responded to a fire at the home of Stephanie and Bridgette Castle in Vinton on Wednesday evening, April 1st at 11:44 p.m. The department released the following:"The Vinton Fire Department was dispatched by Benton County, Iowa Sheriff's Office Dispatch to a reported structure fire at a private residence in the 700 block of West 8th Street.

A former Vinton-Shellsburg preschool teacher is charged after police say she left bruises on a 4-year-old boy after an incident at the school.Kimberly Murray, 51 of Manchester, was charged after leaving bruises on a 4 year old boy after an incident at school   She was charged on December 15, 2025, with child endangerment, an aggravated misdemeanor and assault causing bodily injury or mental illness a serious misdemeanor.