News

By Clark KauffmanIowa Attorney General Brenna Bird is calling for a constitutional amendment to ensure that child victims of crime do not have to testify inside a courtroom alongside their alleged abusers.In June, the Iowa Supreme Court overturned the conviction of a man who argued it was unconstitutional for two children to testify against him though a live, closed-circuit video link that allowed the children to sit in a remote location just outside the courtroom.

Updated 8:50 a.m.

The second member of a Shellsburg couple was found guilty in the Benton County Courtroom this week following a week-long jury trial. Jeffrey and Stacy Diveley of Shellsburg faced numerous charges between the two of them in the abuse of children. Their first trials or over, with another still on the books. Recap: Stacy DiveleyStacy was found guilty of six charges of child endangerment, four were aggravated misdemeanors, two of the charges included bodily injury, and was a Class D Felony.

Santa and his elves have been raising funds by taking a turn ringing the bell for the Red Kettle campaign. I have it on good authority that more elves are needed in the next couple of weeks! Here are the slots that are not filled…if you can lend a hand it would be so appreciated! (And if you are worried about the temperatures you can ring inside!)Call 319-329-7119 to sign up for an hour or two!Ringing ends Dec 24th.

Fish and Wildlife Service Proposes Endangered Species Act Protection for Monarch Butterfly; Urges Increased Public Engagement to Help Save the SpeciesThe U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service is proposing protection for one of the nation’s most beloved species -- the monarch butterfly -- and is encouraging the public to be part of its recovery. The Service is seeking public input on a proposal to list the species as threatened with species-specific protections and flexibilities to encourage conservation under section 4(d) of the Endangered Species Act (ESA).

"Some people think they are in community, but they are only in proximity. True community requires commitment and openness. It is a willingness to extend yourself to encounter and know the other." David SpanglerThis past Saturday evening Vinton Fire Department hosted our annual Christmas party at the fire station. This party is many things: a look back on the year with plenty of laughs, recognition of years of service and retirements, a reunion of retired members, and a show of appreciation to other community members (City Council and Rural Board members, and donors) and departments (mutual aid depts, Vinton Police Department, North Benton Ambulance, Benton County, Iowa Sheriff's Office, Benton Co Emergency Management) for their assistance throughout the year.

Have you ever run out of good puzzles? Tired of recreating the same old puzzles year after year? The Vinton Public Library will be holding a Puzzle Swap from January 10-22nd. Adults can bring a puzzle and swap it out from a selection of other puzzles in the community! 

Attached you will see the calendar for garbage pickup in Vinton for 2025.

Festive celebrations, flickering lights and winter greens are hallmarks of the holiday season, but they also present fire risks that can quickly turn this festive time of year into a devastating one. NFPA works to educate the public about potential fire risks during the holidays, offering tip sheets, videos, and other resources to help everyone safely enjoy the Winter Holiday Fire FactsU.

To all interested bidders: Benton County Conservation now is accepting sealed bid proposals at the Benton County Conservation Nature Center (5718 20th Ave Dr, Vinton, IA 52349) until 12:00pm, Friday, January 10, 2025 for the purchase of a lot located within Vinton City Limits, 0.62 acres at 5999 25th Ave Trl, Vinton, IA 52349; parcel#24041820.