News
Science for All
By Faith Hunt, NaturalistA community scientist is someone who contributes to scientific
research. Community scientists are people who have a little bit of
time and interest in contributing to local and national data about the
world around them! You don’t need advanced degrees or years of
experience, just a passion for science, a willingness to help with
research, and an eagerness to volunteer your time. House votes to ban eminent domain for CO2 pipelines
By Kami CoonsThe Iowa House approved a bill Wednesday that would stop pipelines carrying liquified carbon dioxide from using eminent domain. Six other bills related to carbon sequestration pipelines, eminent domain and the Iowa Utilities Commission were combined into one bill, which also advanced. The bills were directed at an ongoing fight between landowners and the Summit Carbon Solutions pipeline, which would stretch more than 1,000 miles in Iowa connecting to biofuel refineries and transporting the sequestered carbon dioxide to underground storage in North Dakota.
This is only a drill, until it's not
On Friday morning, students at the Vinton-Shellsburg High School were tested on their fire drill response, and they performed perfectly!Just before noon, they were tested again, but this time it was a real life situation. Kyle Koeppen, Superintendent said that there was a heating and cooling unit in the Guidance Office that began smoking. (smoking is not allowed in the building, even if you are an HVAC system!) "We cleared the building as a precaution, but once we cut power to the unit, everything was cleared. DuCharme sentenced to Probation
Nearly 40 people filled half of the courtroom for the sentencing of Robert "Bob" Ducharme. DuCharme was arrested last March 5, 2024, on a total of 10 charges: Ducharme, 61, a Vinton resident and former owner of Tactical Creations. made an Alford Plea* in the case. Sentencing was before Judge Mark Fisher on Thursday, March 27, 2025, at 1:30 p.m. Senators vote to protect Iowans’ ‘basic human right’ to garden
By Cami KoonsA bill advanced from the Iowa Senate floor Monday that would protect home gardens from state and local ordinances.Sen. Cherielynn Westrich, R-Ottumwa, said the bill hits at a “growing concern” that home gardeners are blocked from growing their own vegetables and food on their properties. Westrich noted that similar bills, often known as right to garden bills, passed in Illinois and Florida.
Benton County Farm Bureau Donates to CPU FFA Greenhouse
Benton County Farm Bureau is proud to announce their $6,000 donation to the Center Point – Urbana FFA Alumni and Supporters to aid their Greenhouse Campaign. This donation supports the growth of agricultural education in Iowa as well as showing others that it’s possible to achieve a goal in such a short amount of time. This greenhouse will offer numerous benefits that will enhance students’ educational experiences and broaden the school’s impact on the community. VGH Announces Appointment of Tina M. Eden as Chief Executive Officer
Virginia Gay Hospital is pleased to announce the appointment of Tina M. Eden as its new Chief Executive Officer. With over three decades of dedicated service to Virginia Gay Hospital, Eden brings a wealth of experience, leadership, and a deep commitment to community healthcare.Eden has been serving as Interim Co-Chief Executive Officer since August 2024 while continuing her role as Chief Nursing Officer (CNO). Bill banning handheld cellphone use while driving heads to governor’s desk
By Robin OpsahlAfter years of failed starts, the Iowa Legislature has finally sent legislation banning the handheld use of cellphones while driving to Gov. Kim Reynolds.The Iowa House passed Senate File 22 on a 84-11 vote Wednesday. The legislation is an expansion of Iowa’s current laws banning texting while driving to cover any handheld use of a cell phone.
Severe Weather Spotter Training Seminar Thursday, March 27
On Thursday, March w7, 2025, the public is invited to a seminar that will last approximately 2 hours. All emergency services, law enforcement, school personnel, public works, Benton County EMA Spotters and anyone interested in learning about severe weather is encouraged to attend.The Quad Cities National Weather Service Forecast Office out of Davenport, Iowa will be conducting this training seminar in cooperation with Benton County EMA.