News Headlines

Shellsburg Public Library recently received a beautiful Diamond Dots artwork created by Gerry Ries of Vinton, formerly of the Shellsburg area.Diamond Dots art is created by placing tiny, faceted resin “diamonds” onto a pre-printed, adhesive canvas, forming a shimmering mosaic image. The process is similar to paint-by-number, but with added sparkle and dimension.

Following the 2024 election, Benton County selected a new Benton County Sheriff, David Upah. As is customary, the new Sheriff also selects his own First Deputy. Upah replaced First Deputy, John Lindaman, who served under former Sheriff Ronald Tippett, with his own selection of First Deputy, Josh Karsten.Following the transition, Lindaman filed a complaint against the county on October 10, 2025, with the Iowa Civil Rights Commission CP# 10-25-84472 and it is cross-filed with the Equal Employment Opportunity Commission case No.

Virginia Gay Hospital is proud to announce that Sara Wattnem, Registered Dietitian, has officially earned her Inclusive Eating Disorder Specialist (IEDS) Certification, expanding access to specialized eating disorder nutrition care for patients in the region.The IEDS certification recognizes advanced training in the nutritional treatment of eating disorders across the full spectrum, including Avoidant/Restrictive Food Intake Disorder (ARFID), anorexia, bulimia, body dysmorphia, and related conditions.

The Community Foundation of Northeast Iowa (CFNEIA) is excited to announce the opening of its 2026 scholarship application process, offering students the opportunity to receive a share of over $700,000 in scholarships. The deadline to apply is 8 p.m. on March 11. The CFNEIA scholarship program supports high school, college, and adult students in pursuing higher education.

The Charles and Helen Yundt Charitable Foundation is accepting grant applications for year2026 from non-profit organizations serving the Vinton, Iowa community. Each grant awardedshall be for a specific purpose or project, with the intent to benefit the greater VintonCommunity, with particular attention to education, health and human services.Grant applications are available through the Farmers Savings Bank & Trust website atfsb-vinton.

Greg Walson, has served with the Benton County Extension and Outreach as the County Director will be celebrated at a Retirement Celebration. On Thursday, January 22, (Snow date January 29th) from 4-6:00 p.m. at the Van Horne Community Center located at 508 1st Ave. in Van Horne. Greg has been a staple in our community over the years. You may have seen him in the community gardens organizing, teaching others, planting, weeding, harvesting at the old West School.

Pictured: Santa showed up to ring the bell at Fareway this season, as he often does. Joining in the Red Kettle Fundraising for the Salvation Army of Benton County, were Greg Walston and Fareway leaders who stopped by.I say and write it every year. Thank you.Try saying the same sentiment annually, to the same folks, for the last 5 or so years. How can I do it differently? It's supposed to be fresh and exciting, right? However, much gratitude is best simply stated.

Vinton's Big Read Art Contest has come to a close, and all of the 41 entries received will be on display at the Vinton Public Library from January 7, 2026 through January 17th.The community is invited to stop in and view the artwork and vote on the piece they like best. The winner of the Community Vote will receive a $100 cash prize! A judges committee will also be awarding first, second, and third place prizes, with all winners announced at the library on Saturday, January 17th at 11:00 am.

Please note: All items are set up at the bowling alley where you can submit a bid. If you are on Facebook, send a message to Amber Pattee who will be happy to add a bid for you!All bowling pins in the photos, came from the historical Vinton Iowa Mary Ingalls Braille School bowling alley. Some items have been painted, redesigned, and just made beautiful again.

An arrest warrant went out on December 3, 2025 for Stacy Diveley. Diveley, formerly of Shellsburg, is currently serving time in the Iowa Correctional Institution for Women in Mitchellville. She is now housed at the Benton County Jail and will report to court for a preliminary hearing on Thursday. In her third round of arrests, she is facing yet another six charges that include:- Accessory after the fact on July 12, 2021, Aggravated Misdemeanor- Child Endangerment, July 12, 2021, Aggravated Misdemeanor- Assault with intent to commit sexual abuse, April 8, 2021, Aggravated Misdemeanor- Accessory after the fact, November 19.