News

The Iowa Department of Health and Human Services (HHS)’s Special Supplemental Nutrition Program for Women, Infants, and Children (WIC) is expanding a partnership with Hy-Vee stores to offer online ordering and pick-up for participants.“This is yet another incredible example of a public-private partnership that will greatly benefit individuals receiving WIC benefits in our state,” said Kelly Garcia, HHS director.

Conservative syndicated talk show host since 2017, Todd Starnes made a stop in Vinton on Saturday night along with radio personality Jeff Stein of KXEL where both can be heard. The two visited with Benton County Republicans before heading back to Waterloo in preparation to be at the Cattle Congress on Sunday. The group had an opportunity to visit with Starnes and were able to hear his views on things that he's seen happening across the country and in his own part of the country, Memphis, Tennessee.

In September of 2022 a Shellsburg couple, Jeffrey and Stacy Dively, were arrested on several crimes involving children. In May of 2024, Stacy Diveley, 47 was finally brought to trial.She was charged and found guilty of the following:Count 1 - Child Endangerment, Aggravated MisdemeanorCount 2 - Child Endangerment - Aggravated MisdemeanorCount 3 - Child Endangerment - Aggravated MisdemeanorCount 4 - Child Endangerment - Bodily Injury, Class D FelonyCount 5 - Child Endangerment - Aggravated MisdemeanorCount 6 - Child Endangerment - Aggravated MisdemeanorCount 7 - Dismissed - Tampering with a WitnessIn count 2, the charge of Child Endangerment with Bodily Injury, a Class D Felony,the charge was reduced to Child Endangerment dropping it to an aggravated misdemeanor charge.

We are thrilled to announce an Open House event at Virginia Gay Hospital to introduce our new CEO, Euan MacGregor. Please join us as we extend a warm welcome to Mr. MacGregor and learn about his vision for the future of our hospital.Date: Friday, July 12thTime: Noon to 2pmLocation: Clinic Conference Room, Virginia Gay HospitalThis event will be an excellent opportunity to meet Mr.

It is with great admiration and respect that we celebrate the retirement of Todd Reynolds BSRT(R), (CT), (MR), a distinguished figure in the field of radiology, after an illustrious career spanning half a century.Todd Reynolds began his journey in radiology as a Radiologic aide at the University of Iowa, where his passion and dedication soon led him to pursue advanced training in X-Ray technology.

Melissa Sherbon, 42, a former special education associate who worked at the middle and high school of the Benton Community School District was arrested in January of 2024. Sherbon was charged with Telephone Dissemination of Obscene Material to a Minor. This is her first offense. The school district released a statement that reads, "The Benton Community School District is aware of pending charges involving a former employee.

The Oath of Office was given to Vinton Police Officer Braeden Ellis by Mayor Bud Maynard at the Vinton City Council last Thursday. Ellis comes from Elgin, Iowa and recently graduated from the Iowa Law Enforcement Academy, Police Science at Hawkeye Community College. His family is no stranger to serving in both Benton County and law enforcement. His father is currently the police chief in Postville as well as having served in Benton County's Conservation in the early 2000s.

On 6-29-24, at about 8:23 PM, the Benton County Sheriff’s Office responded to a report of an erratic driver driving east on Hwy 30 in Benton County.  Benton County Deputies would soon locate a gray Kia Telluride on Hwy 30 near 31st Ave and conducted a traffic stop for a speeding violation. The traffic stop would escalate and the driver would display a handgun.

By: Co-Reporter, Izzie Birker The Benton County Fair took place on the week of June 18-23. During the county fair, many Vinton-Shellsburg FFA members participated in showing livestock, working in the local food booths, and helping out with fun activities in the FFA barn. But all of their amazing efforts to contribute to the fair started weeks beforehand with setting out trash barrels, laying wood chips, setting up pens, and even hanging up signs in the barns.

By Brooklyn DraiseyThe end of a tumultuous year for student aid is coming to a close as deadlines for the Free Application for Federal Student Aid, or FAFSA, are set to pass next week.The 2024-2025 FAFSA, which covers the 2024-25 school year through June 30, 2025, had a rough start in its Dec. 30 soft launch then full opening in early January, when in the past it would open to students in the fall.