Iowa
Vinton family loses home, pets in fire on Christmas Eve
VINTON, Iowa (Iowa’s News Now) — A family in Vinton lost their home in a fire on Christmas Eve.
The fire happened in the 1000 block of 8th Street on Wednesday evening.
The family told Iowa’s News Now that they lost everything in the fire, including family pets and all Christmas gifts.
A GoFundMe has been set up to help with expenses. Information listed on the site says the family has three young boys, ages 7, 9 and 11.
If you would like to donate, click here.
We did reach out to the Benton County Sheriff’s Office, and they told us more information will be released later today.
Iowa
‘Viral’ mac and cheese bar expanding in Iowa with new Waukee store
See the 2025 Des Moines Register Essential Restaurants
What are the best restaurants in Des Moines? These entries from the Des Moines Register’s Essential Restaurants list won’t let you down.
You know that viral mac and cheese place? The one that slathers every bowl with ungodly amounts of cheese? The one that makes you feel lactose intolerant just looking at it?
Yeah. Roni’s Mac Bar is opening its second Iowa location, this time in Waukee.
The store will celebrate with a grand opening on Saturday, May 16 at 10:30 a.m. sharp
In a video on social media, the company credits the new location choice to the Waukee man who drove to a location in Waco, Texas, asked for a bowl so cheesy that the chef making it felt lactose-intolerant just looking at it.
Frank Senese, chief executive officer of Roni’s Mac and Cheese, said the business as the “Chipotle of mac and cheese.”
“It’s comfort food; whether you’re a hungover college kid, tattooed biker or a little princess in a tutu, you’re going to find something here that you’ll love,” Senese told the Ames Tribune before the company’s restaurant opened there in 2025. “It’s a fun way to think outside the box.”
The first 100 people to get in line can spin the wheel for a chance to win giveaways and a year’s worth of mac and cheese.
Roni’s Mac bar boasts massive menu
The quote, “Think outside the box” is painted on the wall inside the mac and cheese bar, and the menu certainly inspires customers to do just that.
Roni’s Mac Bar has created a menu of more than 77 million possible combinations that continues to grow, Senese said.
Every bowl can be unique, with drizzles like pesto and ranch, and toppings such as tomatoes and even pineapple − a topping that can be a key indicator of a repeat customer, Senese said.
Where to find Roni’s Mac Bar in Waukee
- Location: 1195 SE Alice’s Road, Waukee
- Contact: 515-450-2497, ronismacbar.com
- Hours: 10:30 a.m. to 10:30 p.m. daily starting May 16
Lucia Cheng is a service and trending reporter at the Des Moines Register. Contact her at lcheng@gannett.com or 515-284-8132.
Iowa
Two separate traffic stops leads to four arrests in Iowa County
MADISON, Wis. (WMTV) – Four people were arrested during two separate traffic stops by the Iowa County Sheriff’s Office on Thursday.
The sheriff’s office explained that just before 8:30 p.m., an Iowa County Sheriff’s Office deputy stopped a vehicle in the 7000 block of US Highway 18-151 in the Town of Ridgeway.
Lee J. Kaul, 47, of Ridgeway was arrested for operating while revoked (REV due to alcohol/controlled substance/refusal), possession of drug paraphernalia and possession of narcotic drug.
Kaul was additionally held on a Wisconsin Department of Corrections probation hold and transported to the Iowa County Jail.
About an hour later, another Iowa County deputy stopped a vehicle near US Highway 18 and Lisa Street in the City of Dodgeville, the sheriff’s said.
The sheriff’s office explained three people were arrested for possession of drug paraphernalia to manufacture/compound/convert/produce/store methamphetamine.
Ronald E. Slater, 56, of Platteville, Rayven E. Stanisch, 30, of Linden and Amy M. Gregory, 38, of Linden were all taken to the Iowa County Jail.
Gregory was also held on a Wisconsin Department of Corrections probation hold.
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Copyright 2026 WMTV. All rights reserved.
Iowa
Iowa City Community Band readies for the summer | Music Column
The Iowa City Community Band (ICCB) returns this summer with performances throughout Iowa City and Coralville in June and July. Now in its 43rd season, ICCB is proud to once again be led by Rob Medd, a retired band director from Iowa City West High School, for the 19th year.
We perform nine times, including Coralville’s 4thFest Parade and pre-fireworks show. Our first three concerts are:
- 12 noon, Saturday, June 6 at the Iowa Arts Festival in downtown Iowa City
- 7 p.m., Wednesday, June 10 at McPherson Park
- 7 p.m., Sunday, June 14 at Fairmeadows Park
Each concert features a combination of traditional marches, contemporary pieces, and some familiar classics. For a full concert schedule, visit our Facebook page (www.facebook.com/ICCBand).
Rehearsals are held on Saturdays at 10 a.m. (May 30 through July 18, excluding June 6 and July 4) at West High School. New members — high school age and older — are welcome throughout the summer, with no audition required. Because new music is introduced each week, participation is flexible and ideal for those who can only join for part of the season. If you are interested in participating or learning more, send an email to iccb.communityband@gmail.com.
ICCB operates solely on donations from individuals and local businesses to provide free concerts to the public.
If you would like to contribute, send your donation to: Iowa City Community Band – c/o West Music, 1212 5th Street, Coralville, IA 52241. Make checks payable to “Iowa City Community Band”.
The Iowa City Community Band is ready for a great summer of making music together. We hope that you’ll join us often, either as a musician or an audience member. See you at the park.
April Donlon serves as the publicist and plays Alto Saxophone for the Iowa City Community Band.
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