News Headlines

The Weary Ramblers will be at Farmers Mercantile Hall in Garrison,  on October 12th! Don't miss this premier Iowa folk duo!The Weary Ramblers are the Iowa folk duo, Chad Elliott and Kathryn Fox. Their songwriting, performance and chemistry will leave you moved and inspired! Check their website for what others are saying about them or listen HERE!Like this from the Pella Opera House: “Weary Ramblers brought music magic to our stage tonight! The talent these two, Kathryn Fox and Chad Elliott, have is awe-inspiring & incredible! Thank you both for the beautiful songs!” -Pella Opera House.

Get ready, Vinton — the alleys are about to get a whole lot more colorful! The Back-Alley Art Festival, hosted by Pourville Art Studio & Gallery, is happening Saturday, September 27, from 3 to 8 p.m. behind City Hall, and everyone is invited. Best of all? It’s completely free!This one-of-a-kind event is all about rolling up your sleeves, grabbing a paintbrush, and leaving your mark on downtown.

Windsor Manor of Vinton is seeking:Part-time Resident Assistants 2nd shiftPart-time Resident Assistants 3rd shiftTo apply, click HERE!

Bloomsbury Farms in Atkins celebrates its 30th Anniversary with a corn maze.  Each year, the family chooses a different theme for the design that this year the maze celebrates the farm itself. The maze covers 10 acres and will take about 45 minutes to complete...unless you get turned around of course!The maze will open on September 12 and be open through October 26.

The Iowa State Fair released the following results for 2025 Iowa State Fair: Static/Creative Arts/PhotographyAmrie Wittmer - Blue Ribbon4H Club - Jackson Better FarmersDepartment: StaticDescription: 8x10 matted photo of an American flag hanging from a barn window frameDivision 103: Creative ArtsClass 10320: PhotographyAmrie Wittmer - Professional Photographers of Iowa (PPI) Gallery Award4H Club - Jackson Better FarmersDepartment: StaticDescription: 8x10 matted photo of an American flag hanging from a barn window frameDivision 103: Creative ArtsClass 10320: PhotographyAmrie Wittmer - Blue Ribbon4H Club - Jackson Better FarmersDepartment: StaticDescription: 8x10 black matted photo of 3 eggs in a nestDivision 103: Creative ArtsClass 10320: PhotographyAmrie Wittmer - Blue Ribbon4H Club - Jackson Better FarmersDepartment: StaticDescription:  8x10 black double matted photo of 3 girls eating ice cream conesDivision 103: Creative ArtsClass 10320: PhotographyJenna Grovert - Blue Ribbon4H Club - North Eden Willing WorkersDepartment: StaticDescription:  8x10 flush mounted photo of slinky in a circle, half white, half black background.

By Addyson Sweeney and Audrey Seiler CPU FFA members have the opportunity each summer to participate in both the Benton and Linn county fairs. Members show livestock and help in the FFA learning barns. The fair is always a rewarding experience for participants as it helps them develop skills and get hands-on experience with agriculture.At the Benton county fair, CPU FFA had members showing cattle, swine, and a rabbit.

Pizza doesn't have to be fancy! Kids can stop in and make their own pizza using tortillas, pizza sauce, and cheese!When? Friday, Sep 12, 2025, 1:30 PMWhere?  Vinton Iowa Public Library, 510 2nd Ave, Vinton

First Christian Church introduced their Fall Festival to the Vinton community in 2019.  Located  at 1209 West 13th Street, the church members come together to create a celebration of autumn with games for children, crafts, baked goods and plants for sale.  Each year the profits have been designated for special projects.  This year the profits will be used for programing for children and youth.

All Benton County Veterans are invited to contact the Benton County Veterans Affairs office to sign up for a Thanksgiving Dinner. Everything you need for a nice Thanksgiving Dinner will be provided and can be picked up the Tuesday before Thanksgiving! The deadline to sign up is Friday, November 7, 2025. Pick-up will be on Tuesday, November 25, 2025 from 9:00 a.

A new school year, new School Resource Officers! In the Vinton-Shellsburg Community School District, Officer Kris Stephenson will be joining the district. The school said that he "will be working with students, staff and familes to help keep our schools safe, build positive relationships, and serve as a trusted resource in our district." In the Benton Community School District, the Benton County Sheriff's Department announced that, Deputy Tiffany DeBoer will be embedded in the school district.