News Headlines

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.

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.

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

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.

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.

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.

National Association of Counties Legislative Conference draws nearly 2,000 county leaders along with cabinet-level speakers, members of CongressBenton County Auditor and Commissioner of Elections, Hayley Rippel joined nearly 2,000 county leaders from across the country for the National Association of Counties (NACo) Legislative Conference February 21-24.

Abby Cronk spoke with the local Vinton Kiwanis Club on Tuesday. She shared that she's been with the Vinton Palace Theatre for 20 years and told of her experiences during her time there. Cronk began as a projectionist in the days of films arriving on reels. She said that they would arrive in a 2 big cans with six or seven reels which had to be spliced together, put on a larger reel and then put on a "platter.

Save the Date! The Vinton Lions Club Foundation (VLCF) will host the Second Annual Pickleball Tournament, “Battle for the Paddle,” on Saturday, May 9, beginning at 8:00 a.m. Funds raised will support scholarships for Vinton-Shellsburg High School students.  The tournament will be held at both the Vinton Skate Center, located at 1703 C Ave.

By: Co-Reporter, Bri DulinOn Wednesday, February 18th, Vinton-Shellsburg FFA members traveled to Hawkeye Community College to compete in the Sub-District FFA Contest, earning impressive results. Advancing to the District Competition include: Kendalyn Appleby earned 2nd place Gold in Creed Speaking, Raine Wheeler earned 1st place Gold in Extemporaneous Speaking, Will McKenna received 2nd place Gold in Prepared Public Speaking, Bridgette Castle earned 1st place Gold in Chapter Website, Wyatt Shaver earned 1st place Gold in Ag Sales, in Chapter Program Zane Helter, Bri Dulin, and Kenzie Rhinehart earned 2nd place Silver, and the Parliamentary Procedure team of Levi Lutz, Ali Lutz, Ciara Dods, Kassidi Brunssen, and Andrew Allsup earned 1st place Gold.