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The Union Pacific will be bringing Big Boy No. 4014 through Benton County as part of America’s 250th birthday celebration. The world’s largest operating steam locomotive will pass through on its coast-to-coast tour.

What started as a simple invitation from a friend has turned into a remarkable lifetime gift for others for local resident Mona Hanson, who recently reached an incredible milestone — donating 109 pints of blood through the Red Cross.

The Iowa Police Chiefs Conference was held in Coralville with the Vinton Police Department in attendance. The department was proud to officially accept its ILEAP Accreditation Award.

The Vinton Guild of Fine Arts has been planning the 2026 Community Mural, a public engagement project intended to involve artists and community members in together designing and producing the next mural in Vinton.

Saturday, May 30th, is the annual fundraiser for the Shellsburg Area Community Group. You are encouraged to stop by Wildcat between 9:00 and 1:30 p.m. to support the group’s efforts.

Friends, neighbors and families gathered at the historic Bear Creek Cemetery and Bear Creek Church over the Memorial Day weekend to honor the memory of loved ones and veterans who have passed away.

Just north of Vinton, at the Marlow home, a Memorial Day display received an unexpected and unforgettable finishing touch this week. A large Bigfoot figure stood quietly holding an American flag beside a single white cross in a simple but meaningful tribute to those who gave their lives in service to the country.

With flags fluttering in the spring breeze and flowers carefully placed beside weathered headstones, Vinton area students and residents once again came together to prepare local cemeteries for Memorial Day weekend.

The Benton County American Legion presented local students with various scholarships and awards. Opening the ceremony was Michael Naylor, the Benton County Commander who presented the scholarships along with Chair Doug Anderson.

Members of the Benton County American Legion recently took time to honor the sacrifices of America’s veterans by placing a memorial wreath at the Benton County Memorial along Highway 30.