News Headlines

Attorney General Brenna Bird Warns Iowans of Tax Day Scams

IOWA ATTORNEY GENERAL - April 15th 2026 11:47 am

As tax season comes to a close, Iowa Attorney General Brenna Bird today announced tips to protect Iowans from tax and IRS scams. â€œYou can celebrate the end of tax season, but donâ€™t let your guard down against scammers,â€ said Attorney General Bird. â€œThey love to take advantage of Iowans any time of year, but post tax season itâ€™s especially important to be vigilant.

VGH, UI ARC Mobile MAT Clinic, and BCOC Partner to Expand Access to Care

VIRGINIA GAY HOSPITAL - April 14th 2026 7:00 pm

Pictured: Members of the Benton County Opioid Committee, University of Iowa Addiction and Recovery Collaborative (UI ARC) Mobile MAT Clinic team, and Virginia Gay Hospital staff gathered during a recent visit focused on expanding access to substance use treatment and community-based care in Benton County.__Virginia Gay Hospital (VGH) recently hosted the University of Iowa Addiction and Recovery Collaborative (UI ARC) Mobile Medication-Assisted Treatment (MAT) Clinic, bringing expanded access to substance use disorder treatment directly to the local community.

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St. Mary's Catholic Church part of Catholic Church's reorganization

VALERIE CLOSE, EDITOR - April 14th 2026 11:28 am

Article Thumbnail. Benton County map of the Catholic Church consolidations

The Archdiocese of Dubuque announced its plan to reorganize 160 parishes across Iowa into 24 pastorates beginning July 14, 2026. This yearlong â€œJourney in Faithâ€ is aimed at strengthening evangelization, leadership formation and pastoral planning.Vinton's St. Mary's Catholic Church is on the list of congregations that will be dispersed to join other congregations.

Fisher Places First at the Boone Speedway

VALERIE CLOSE, EDITOR - April 13th 2026 9:13 pm

Article Thumbnail. Joren Fisher chases down First Place at the Boone Speedway this weekend! - Photo courtesy of Motorsports Photography

To those in Vinton, we know there's a lot of talent when it comes to dirt racing. Vinton is the home to IMCA which is a large national organization that in the case of the Fisher family, they race under.Â For Joren Fisher, racing runs deep as a fourth-generation racer on both sides of the family. The youngest in the Fisher family, Colten, will be jumping into a Hobby Stock race next season when he turns 14.

Cub Scout Pack 47 wants to turn Vinton Red, White, and Blue!

CUB PACK 47 - April 13th 2026 7:44 pm

Hello Vinton Community!Cub Scout Pack 47 is holding their third annual flag fundraiser. We would love to have your support in honoring America and our veterans throughout Vinton's community.There are so many things about America that are wonderful but oftentimes we can find ourselves losing sight of these reasons in the hustle and bustle of everyday life.

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Active Weather incoming this week

BENTON COUNTY EMERGENCY MANAGEMENT - April 13th 2026 3:18 pm

There will be several rounds of storms that are probable from this afternoon through Wednesday AM. The greatest coverage and intensity of storms is expected Tuesday afternoon and evening.There is an Enhanced (level 3 of 5) risk for severe storms Tuesday along and north of an Ottumwa to Burlington line. All modes of severe weather will be possible.

Vinton Shellsburg Grand March kicks off Prom Night

VINTON TODAY - April 13th 2026 9:52 am

Article Thumbnail. Adele Gerard and Will McKenna

The guys and gals sparkled and wowed the audience who came out to enjoy the latest styles of the season. In formal wear, from the brightest colors of dresses and tuxedos, to the comfort of blue jeans and tennis shoes, students arrived at the Vinton-Shellsburg High School Grand March on Saturday night. Introductions were made by Kelly Henkle.

Successful District Convention Highlights Leadership, Awards, State Qualifiers

FFA - April 9th 2026 12:34 pm

Pictured:Front row; Will McKenna, Levi Lutz, Ali Lutz, Abby McKenna, Jenna Grovert, Nora Grovert, and Madeline Pingenot.Second row; Andrew Allsup, Jackson Lloyd, Bridgette Castle, Bri Dulin, Kenzie Rhinehart, Zane Helter, Jameson Demuth, and Cole Birker.Third row; Zoey Dods, Katelyn Fleming, Aiden Lukaszka, Presley Waters, Kirsten Pettit, Kassidi Brunssen, Kendalyn Appleby, Will Kreutner, and Leif Allen.

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Siren to be tested tomorrow, Thursday April 9

CITY OF VINTON - April 8th 2026 1:52 pm

After a minor repair, the outdoor warning siren on the west side of Vinton ( N Ave & W 4th St.) will be tested at 8:45 a.m. on Thursday, April 9th. The test will be cancelled if inclement weather is a threat at that time.

Atkins Roundhouse Update

BENTON COUNTY CONSERVATION - April 8th 2026 11:45 am

Article Thumbnail. Aerial view of Atkins while contractors were beginning work on east end of property

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. During the 2020 derecho, the Roundhouse property was destroyed after Atkins was hit with 126MPH straight line winds.

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