News

Notice was given from Benton County Emergency Management has rescinded the county wide burn ban, effective on Friday, November 1st at 8:00 a.m.

The Shellsburg Public Library was buzzing with Halloween spirit on Thursday night as local ghosts, goblins, and costumed kids stopped by for a fun-filled evening. Library Director Marge McDonald welcomed the young visitors, who enjoyed playing a variety of games organized by the library staff.The event concluded with each child receiving a goodie bag, courtesy of the library, sending the little monsters home with treats to remember the night.

By Robin OpsahlCivil rights groups and immigrant advocates have filed a federal lawsuit against Iowa Secretary of State Paul Pate on behalf of naturalized U.S. citizens in Iowa affected by his order to challenge the ballots of 2,022 people listed as potential noncitizens in the 2024 election.The lawsuit calls for Pate to rescind his guidance calling for county auditors to challenge the ballots of Iowa voters who are on a list compiled by the Secretary of State’s office as potential noncitizens.

Iowa Secretary of State Paul Pate and state and federal election security partners convened at the Iowa Department of Homeland Security’s Emergency Operation Center to remind voters of the many safeguards in place that protect Iowa’s election integrity.Representatives state and federal election security partners are in regular communication throughout the year to solidify their respective roles in keeping Iowa elections safe and secure.

The Vinton-Shellsburg Community School District (VSCSD) is collaborating closely with local businesses and organizations to ensure that its graduates are "Future Ready"—prepared not only to live healthy and productive lives but also to achieve career success and contribute as valued members of their communities. With the help of local companies and non-profit organizations, the school is providing career and technical learning experiences to offer hands-on experiences so students can explore a range of career paths and build practical skills.

By: Co-Reporter, Sophia NewtonThe Vinton Shellsburg FFA chapter recently enjoyed an unforgettable experience at the 97th National FFA Convention, held from October 22nd to 26th in Indianapolis. With 19 enthusiastic members in attendance, they traveled with neighbors from La Porte-Dysart FFA Chapter, on a journey that included exciting tours and meaningful community service activities.

In Benton County, registered voters in each party are broken down as follows:Libertarian 111Republican 6,695Democratic 3,993No Party 7,761Other 25The numbers below show how many of these in each category have voted early:Libertarian 9Republican 1,488Democratic 793No Party 638Other 1

This is just a reminder that due to Benton County reminds resident that there is a high fire danger because of the unseasonal warm weather and high winds. Attached in the photos is the information from the National Weather Service.

Justin Jensen, a representative from United States Senator Joni Ernst's office, stopped to award a certificate to Michelle and Michael Seibert of Tootsie's Ice Cream & More. Ernst, a ranking member of the Senate Small Business Committee, recognized the business as the Business of the Week in early September.Throughout this Congress, Ernst plans to recognize a small business in every county in each of Iowa's 99 counties.

Haunted houses, gobs of candy, costumes, and parties. Halloween, with its fun and spooky traditions is in full swing, and no celebration playlist is complete without “The Monster Mash.” This classic 1962 Bobby "Boris" Pickett tune features Frankenstein and his ghouls and zombies grooving to the graveyard smash.The same adrenalin pump and communal spirit that brings us together to kick up our heels can contribute to the aggressive driving behavior of tailgating.