News Headlines

Volunteer Kristie Davis Honored for 16 Years Leading Community Blood Drive

VALERIE CLOSE, EDITOR - April 30th 2026 3:13 am

Article Thumbnail. Kristie Davis wraps up 16 years of leading local blood drives

When longtime community blood drive leader Erlene McKenna passed away in 2010, there was an immediate need for someone to step forward and continue the important work. Newly retired Vinton-Shellsburg elementary teacher Kristie Davis didnâ€™t hesitate.â€œI can do that!â€ she said.Davis had just retired from teaching and quickly stepped into the volunteer role, organizing the local blood drive and gathering friends to help make it a success.

Rhubarb Search

4TH ST. DINER - April 29th 2026 2:59 pm

It is almost that time of year again when rhubarb will be ready to harvest, and weâ€™re reaching out for donations!This year, we are collecting fresh rhubarb for both the Vinton and Belle Plaine meal sites. Your donations help us provide delicious, home-cooked meals to members of our community, and rhubarb is always a seasonal favorite.If you have extra rhubarb to share, we would greatly appreciate your contribution.

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3 Months of FREE Internet service!

IVINTON - April 28th 2026 5:00 pm

iVinton, is a service built for Vinton, by Vinton. Sign up now to enjoy this 100% fiber internet service with 3 months FREEÂ - PLUS - FREE installation!We provide:-Speeds from 250 Mbps (Megabytes per second) to 10 Gbps (Gigabytes per second)- New Top-of-the-Line Equipment- Advanced WiFi 6G Technology- Reliable Fiber ConnectivityAs part of this pr

State FFA Convention - CPU FFA

FFA - April 28th 2026 11:48 am

Article Thumbnail. State Chorus Participants, L to R: Kinze Manson, Kolten McLaughlin, Hannah Walvatne, and Brynne Hite.

The Center-Point Urbana FFA Chapter had a phenomenal turnout at the Iowa State FFA Convention this past week. With incredible participation in LDEs, CDEs, and the state choir, the chapter's presence was strong in Ames.Â To begin, three events competed in LDEs and achieved high levels of success. The Conduct of Meeting team, consisting of Kolten McLaughlin, Brynne Hite, Tabitha Letts, Sophia Blackwell, Audrey Seiler, Emily Cue, and Kyla Russler, received a silver rating.

Make Plans Now to attend Party in the Park, July 16-18, 2026

VALERIE CLOSE, EDITOR - April 28th 2026 10:58 am

Plans are already in the works for this year's Party in the Park weekend here in Vinton! This year the event will be held over three days - Thursday, July 16, through Saturday, July 18, 2026. There is still time to donate and support this exciting event if you feel so inclined. Itâ€™s your donation thatâ€™s at the heart of this three-day event.

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V-S FFA Members Shine at State Convention

FFA - April 27th 2026 6:48 pm

Article Thumbnail. Ag Communications: Bri Dulin, Kirsten Pettit, Nora Grovert, and Jenna Grovert received 8th place Gold.

By: Co-Reporter, Bri DulinApril 19th to 21st, 2026, The Vinton-Shellsburg FFA Chapter proudly attended the State Leadership conference. A total of 35 members were given the opportunity to attend leadership workshops, career exploration shows, business sessions, and compete in various competitions. Members also had the honor of taking stage to be recognized with multiple awards, highlighting their dedication and success.

Vinton Parks and Rec shares plans for the Summer

VALERIE CLOSE, EDITOR - April 27th 2026 1:35 pm

Article Thumbnail. This new mural can be found at the Vinton Pool, courtesy of the Vinton Guild of Fine Arts

Scott Wirth, director at the Vinton Parks and Rec Department, shared plans for the department with the local Kiwanis.Â Broc Shaw kicked off the presentation, sharing that he had just finished classes at Kirkwood with a degree in Horticulture. He had joined the team while finishing up and was grateful for the flexibility. Before starting with VPRD he'd worked in Center Point and Cedar Rapids where he gained a little bit of experience in the field.

The Bucktown Americana Music Show Returns to Garrison!

FARMERS MERCANTILE HALL - April 26th 2026 10:15 pm

The Bucktown Americana Music Show will be in Garrison, Sunday, May 17th, with special guests Rivertown, a bluegrass trio that enjoys singing in harmony. Come join us for an afternoon of Old Time, Bluegrass and Americana music. Bucktown Americana hosts a delightful series of shows each year in the Quad City area. Itâ€™s always a lot of fun when they bring their show to Garrison! Hope to see you there!https://www.

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Betterton Family Chiropractic Celebrates 25th Anniversary

VALERIE CLOSE, EDITOR - April 26th 2026 10:09 pm

After 25 years of caring for patients and building relationships in the community, Betterton Family Chiropractic is marking a milestone anniversary and inviting the public to join the celebration.Dr. Matt and Jodie Betterton will host an open house at their office from Monday through Thursday, April 27â€“30, welcoming friends, patients, and community members to stop in and help commemorate a quarter-century of service in Vinton.

Sexton VSCSD Positive Change Maker

VINTON SHELLSBURG COMMUNITY SCHOOLS - April 26th 2026 4:46 pm

Emily Sexton, 4th grade teacher, was recognized as a Positive Difference Maker for her outstanding contributions to the district. She was honored for her leadership in organizing student and staff activities that promote engagement, including reading initiatives, math challenges, student store management, and staff culture building events.

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