News Headlines

Benton County Health & Wellness Fair, March 7th at Vinton-Shellsburg High School

VIRGINIA GAY HOSPITAL - March 5th 2026 12:48 pm

Benton County residents are invited to attend the Benton County Health & Wellness Fair on Saturday, March 7th, at Vinton-Shellsburg High School, held in conjunction the annual Kiwanis Club of Vinton with Pancake Breakfast.The Health & Wellness Fair will bring together dozens of local and regional organizations offering information, resources, and services focused on physical, mental, and community well-being.

Center Point-Urbana FFA finds success at Sub-Districts

FFA - March 5th 2026 11:50 am

By Co-Reporters: Audrey Seiler and Addyson SweeneyThe Center Point-Urbana FFA chapter had an outstanding day at sub-districts. Beginning with teams, Conduct of Chapter Meetings scored gold and placed 2nd overall. This team included Kolten McLaughlin, Kyla Russler, Brynne Hite, Tabitha Letts, Sophia Blackwell, Audrey Seiler, and Emily Cue. Bella Edler, Kinze Manson, and Hannah Walvatne competed in Chapter Program of Activities and received gold for their amazing presentation, demonstrating their deep knowledge of the chapter and events.

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Endangered Person Advisory

IOWA DEPARTMENT OF PUBLIC SAFETY - March 4th 2026 3:57 pm

The Warren County Sheriff’s Office and the Iowa Division of Criminal Investigation are issuing an Endangered Person Advisory for 78-year-old Cheryl Anderson. Cheryl was reported missing on March 3, 2026, and was last seen leaving her residence in Cumming, Iowa at 4:04 PM. She may be traveling in a white 2007 Toyota Sienna, Iowa license plate PJ791.

Discounted trees available at distribution events this spring

BENTON COUNTY CONSERVATION - March 4th 2026 1:02 pm

The Iowa Department of Natural Resources (DNR), through a partnership with Alliant Energy, is offering a mixture of hardwoods, low-growing ornamental and evergreen tree species for $25 each.Alliant Energy customers can purchase up to two trees to be picked up at the following locations:● Tuesday, April 21, 4:00-6:00 p.m., Williams Park (610 H Ave, Ogden)● Thursday, April 23, 4:00-6:00 p.

Community Health Needs Assessment (CHNA) Stakeholder Meeting

BENTON COUNTY PUBLIC HEALTH - March 4th 2026 11:48 am

Benton County Public Health will be conducting our next Community Health Needs Assessment (CHNA) in 2026. The CHNA is a vital tool for identifying the most pressing health & human service needs within Benton County. It helps to guide and support local health initiatives by assessing community strengths, identifying gaps in services, and clarifying top health priorities for citizens.

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Iowa’s Shortest St. Patrick’s Day Parade in Dysart

DYSART CHAMBER OF COMMERCE - March 4th 2026 11:48 am

It may be short, but it is big on fun!Join us in downtown Dysart for Iowa’s Shortest St. Patrick’s Day Parade on March 17th at noon, organized by Mayor Tim Glenn.It’s quick, festive, and a fun community tradition you won’t want to miss. Wear your green and don’t blink!

Iowa Attorney General Bird stops at the Benton County Sheriff's Office

BENTON COUNTY SHERIFF'S OFFICE - March 4th 2026 11:27 am

We had the pleasure of welcoming Iowa Attorney General Brenna Bird to the Benton County Sheriff’s Office yesterday! During her visit, we provided a tour of our facility and had an open discussion about the issues currently impacting Benton County, as well as the proactive work and positive momentum happening within our agency.We appreciate Attorn

VGH: Top 100 Critical Access Hospital via the Chartis Center for Rural Health

VIRGINIA GAY HOSPITAL - March 3rd 2026 9:03 pm

Virginia Gay Hospital in Vinton, IA today announced it has been recognized as a 2026 Top 100 Critical Access Hospital by The Chartis Center for Rural Health. The Top 100 awards program celebrates outstanding performance annually among the nation’s rural hospitals based on the results of the Chartis Rural Hospital Performance INDEX®.“This recognition reflects the extraordinary dedication of our providers, nurses, and staff who deliver high-quality, compassionate care every day,” said Tina Eden, CEO of Virginia Gay Hospital.

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Primary Season: First Candidates file to be on the June 2nd Primary Ballot

VALERIE CLOSE, EDITOR - March 2nd 2026 9:05 pm

Article Thumbnail. Bethany Hantz turns in her paperwork to be a candidate on the Primary Ballot. Pictured with Deputy Auditor, Gina Edler

The first candidate for the June 2, 2026 primary election ballot was Bethany Hantz. She filed her paperwork with the Benton County Auditor's Office bright and early on Monday morning, the first day that papers could be submitted. She will now be one of the candidates on the Republican ticket to run for Benton County Supervisor. Hantz said that she believes public office is built on trust and that elected officials must operate with openness and accountability.

Truesdell Judge: "His Unfathomable acts have caused immeasurable pain and loss"

VALERIE CLOSE, EDITOR - February 27th 2026 5:47 pm

RecapLuke Truesdell was the man charged with the beating deaths of Romondus "Ro" Cooper, Amanda Parker, Keonna Ryan and Brent Brown in Hiawatha on June 5, 2024. Truesdell was sentenced on Friday afternoon. He was originally charged with four counts of first-degree murder, but was found guilty by a jury of only three counts of first-degree murder and one count of second-degree murder in November of 2025.

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