News

The Iowa Department of Education did a little homework on some of the stats that they've been sharing for more than a decade. They checked their math and found that the actual graduation rate is lower than they had been reporting.According to the new stats, the four-year high school graduation rate is 87.5% for the Class of 2023. The rate of graduations in 2021 was also lowered from 90.

 The Benton County Community Foundation’s 2023 annual report is now available on the Community Foundation’s website at www.bentonccf.org. The report highlights key impacts made and lists funds held with the Community Foundation along with grant-funded projects. In 2023, a total of $310,013 in grants from all charitable giving funds of the Foundation were awarded to organizations benefiting Benton County residents and communities.

By Robin OpsahlThe U.S. Department of Justice intends to file a lawsuit against an Iowa law making illegal immigration a state crime if the law remains in effect, a top official wrote in a letter to Gov. Kim Reynolds and state Attorney General Brenna Bird.First reported by the Des Moines Register,Principal Deputy Assistant Attorney General Brian Boynton said in a letter to the Republican state officials that the federal department “intends to bring a lawsuit to enforce the supremacy of federal law” and enjoin Senate File 2340, blocking it from being enforced.

The annual Bike Rodeo brought teeny tiny tots and children a few years older. The event was coordinated by the Vinton Parks and Rec Department and the Vinton Kiwanis Club. Both were on hand to direct traffic.Children had an opportunity to start out with a safety check with the Vinton Police Department. Officers checked helmets to make sure they were properly worn, and making sure tires were inflated, and the bikes were ready to go.

Each year, Blessed Hope Community Church holds a Faith in Action in town mission trip. The church is making plans now for their 2024 trip. Labor Projects are needed, nominate someone today! Could you or someone you know benefit from free labor services such as yard work, cleaning, light construction, painting/scraping, etc.?Nominations for projects are due by May 3, 2024!If you don't consider BHCC your home church but are interested in helping to provide labor services, reach out to Haley!Contact Haley at (319) 558-6880 with any questions or to submit a verbal nomination.

Following the resignation of Benton County assistant attorney Tim Dille, the County Attorney's office was in need of a replacement. Approval was given by the Benton County Supervisors on Wednesday to hire Attorney Alisha Stach-Lorang. Her work experience includes working in Dubuque, Linn and Blackhawk Counties. She comes with more than 25 years of experience.

By Robin OpsahlIowa Gov. Kim Reynolds signed on to a letter Monday alongside 47 other state governors, as well as five territories and commonwealths, opposing the Biden administration’s move to incorporate Air National Guard service members into the Space Force.The letter from the National Governors’ Association, addressed to Secretary of Defense Lloyd Austin, is written in opposition to a legislative proposal submitted by the Department of Defense to the Senate Armed Services Committee that would transfer some Air National Guard personnel and equipment currently being used on space missions to the Space Force.

 Fareway Stores, Inc. will showcase its appreciation of medical professionals with a special offer. In honor of National Nurses Day on Monday, May 6, all medical professionals are eligible to receive a 10 percent discount at the register. “We are proud to celebrate our essential healthcare workers,” said Fareway Chief Retail Officer Mike McCormick.

HACAP Food Reservoir and Bloomsbury Farm will be holding a ribbon cutting ceremony May 10th at 1:30 PM at Bloomsbury Farm to reveal the design for Bloomsbury's annual corn maze, which will feature local food bank, HACAP Food Reservoir, in an effort to raise more awareness surrounding food insecurity in our community.This event will also serve as the kick-off to HACAP Food Reservoir's summer food and fund drive called, Eastern Iowa Freedom from Hunger presented by Frontier Co-op.

In a criminal complaint filed in Tama County Shellsburg resident, Huston William Danker, 27 was the second suspect arrested in connection with a 2021 murder of Ryan Roy Cooper of Traer.Iowa Division of Criminal Investigation's (DCI) Major Crime Unit and the Tama County Sheriff's Office arrested Danker in Cedar Rapids. He was then transported to Tama County where he was charged with first degree murder, a Class A felony.