News
POST PROM DETERMINED TO GIVE OUR SENIORS A MEMORABLE PROM
It has definitely been a year of challenges for many. This year’s Post Prom fundraising efforts are not an exception! The Vinton Shellsburg Post Prom Committee is determined to offer the V-S Class of 2021 as ‘normal’ of a prom as they can. The V-S Prom is scheduled for May 1, 2021 and we are currently making contingency plans, allowing us to be flexible if needed, while cooperating with any and all Covid restrictions in place at that time.
Funds Available for Families and Farmers Impacted by August 10th Derecho
Benton County families impacted by the disaster who still have unmet needs are encouraged to apply to the Benton County Disaster Recovery Coalition for assistance. To request an application for assistance, call: 319-241-5121. Funds are available to help anyone who still may have expenses incurred from August 10’s derecho that are not covered by other sources.
Former Belle Plaine Officer Pleads Guilty to Accessing Child Pornography
A man who accessed child pornography pled guilty on January 11, 2021, in federal court in Cedar Rapids. Jared Daily, age 34, from Belle Plaine, Iowa, was convicted of one count of accessing with intent to view child pornography. At the plea hearing, Daily admitted that, between January and June 2020, he used a cell phone to access child pornography, including images of prepubescent children. PUBLIC INPUT NEEDED ABOUT PASSENGER TRANSPORTATION
-For five-year plan covering Benton, Iowa, Johnson, Jones, Linn, and Washington CountiesEast Central Iowa Council of Governments (ECICOG) is starting work on its Passenger Transportation Plan (PTP). Passenger transportation can include:• Public transit• Taxi/transportation network (Uber & Lyft)• Volunteer driving programs• Non-emergency medical transportationThe PTP aims to bring light to unmet needs, improve Iowans’ transportation services and justify future investments.
1 Injured, 1 killed in ATV accident near Shellsburg
On 1-5-2021, at about 4:58 PM, the Benton County Sheriff’s Office received a report of an ATV accident with injury on 64th St, about 1 mile east of Shellsburg IA. A Polaris 500 ATV, with two occupants had lost control, going into the ditch. An 18-year-old male from Cedar Rapids IA, was found deceased at the scene. A second subject, an 18-year-old male from Cedar Rapids, was injured and transported to a local hospital for treatment.
BENTON COUNTY NEW YEAR'S DEATHS RULED MURDER-SUICIDE
On January 1, 2021, the Iowa Division of Criminal Investigation assisted the Urbana Police Department in the investigation of a possible murder/suicide. The Urbana Police Department received a 911 call from Garry Jensen, age 59, stating he had shot and killed his wife, Margaret Jensen, age 54. Law enforcement responded to the Jensen residence, located at 300 East Main Street in Urbana, and found Margaret Jensen deceased from an apparent gunshot wound.
Benton County Community Foundation Grant Application Now Available
Grant applications can now be submitted to the Benton County Community Foundation’s 2021 grant cycle. The online grant application may be found on the Community Foundation’s website at www.bentonccf.org. The deadline to submit applications is 11:59 p.m. on March 15, 2021. Grants are awarded to projects in the following areas: arts and culture, community betterment, education and youth development, environment and animal welfare, health, and human service.
Authorities investigate death of area resident
At or about 9:00 a.m. on the morning of Saturday, January 2, 2021, deputies with the Benton County Sheriff’s Office responded to a request for a welfare check at a residence at 5909 28th Avenue in rural Vinton, Iowa. Upon arrival, authorities located the body of a deceased male identified as 84-year-old James Howard Bright. Bright's death is currently being investigated by the Iowa Division of Criminal Investigation, the Benton County Sheriff’s Office, and the Iowa State Patrol.
Vinton Unlimited Holiday Lights Punch Card Grand Prize Winner Announced!
2020 may be a year we are happy to see fading in our review mirror, but with the help of Vinton Unlimited and several local businesses, 2020 is going out on a good note! Vinton Unlimited’s Holiday Lights Punch Card promotion has been in full swing since the end of November. Shoppers have been able to turn in punch cards for every $100 they’ve spent at participating local businesses to be entered into weekly drawings, accumulating into one final Grand Prize!The holiday season was kicked off by the first weekly winner, Laurie Hyland. Vinton reminds residents to clear sidewalks
Reminder: With the impending winter storm, please move vehicles off the streets to assist with the City's snow removal. Also, sidewalks are to be cleared within 24 hours after snowfall ceases.