News Headlines

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.

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.

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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.

Friday starts with a fender bender

VALERIE CLOSE, EDITOR - April 24th 2026 11:40 am

An accident occurred in the 1300 block of C Ave. around the time that school was starting. The Vinton Police Department, Vinton Fire Department, the North, and Benton Ambulance arrived on the scene to assist. The crew from the Vinton Fire Department could be seen removing debris from the roadway. It appears that a car traveling north hit a motorcycle/moped-ist.

V-S FFA Attends Iowa Youth Institute

FFA - April 23rd 2026 6:41 pm

Article Thumbnail. Madeline Pingenot, Nora Grovert, Cole Birker, Jenna Grovert, and Kirsten Pettit at the Iowa Youth Institute.

By: Co-Reporter, Bri DulinOn April 8, five students from the Vinton-Shellsburg FFA Chapter traveled to Ames to participate in the Iowa Youth Institute, a prestigious event focused on addressing global challenges related to food security, agriculture, and sustainability. The institute brought together students from across the state to share ideas, present research, and engage with industry professionals.

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Vinton Today crosses the 9.000 mark on Facebook!

VALERIE CLOSE, EDITOR - April 23rd 2026 10:48 am

This website and its reach continue to absolutely amaze me! Just a few months ago, I noted that we had reached 8,500 followers on the Facebook page...Today, I noticed that we had quietly passed that 9,000 mark!I'm incredibly grateful to all of you who follow there, or subscribe to the daily email with the latest news updates and to those who send in news, photos, share events, or say, "Hey, did you know.

Successful District Convention Highlights Leadership, Awards, and State Qualifie

FFA - April 22nd 2026 1:25 pm

PicturedFront row; Will McKenna, Levi Lutz, Ali Lutz, Abby McKenna, Jenna Grovert, Nora Grovert, and Madeline Pingenot. Second row; Andrew Allsup, Jackson Lloyd, Bridgette Castle, Bri Dulin, Kenzie Rhinehart, Zane Helter, Jameson Demuth, and Cole Birker. Third row; Zoey Dods, Katelyn Fleming, Aiden Lukaszka, Presley Waters, Kirsten Pettit, Kassidi Brunssen, Kendalyn Appleby, Will Kreutner, and Leif Allen.

Part 2: Fighting to Save the Nation, One Farm at a Time

VALERIE CLOSE, EDITOR - April 21st 2026 12:06 pm

Article Thumbnail. Lance and Heidi Lillibridge, local Vinton farmers share what farming is really like.

Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Lance Lillibridge, a Vinton farmer, stood at Columbia College in the heart of New York City in front of a room full of those with a PhD. He joked that he had a PhD too, only his stood for Piled High and Deep. Farming his whole life has taken him to farms around the world, put him at the table with NASA, and this past week, he hosted a Japanese delegation on his farm.

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Part 1: Meeting the Lillibridges

VALERIE CLOSE, EDITOR - April 20th 2026 11:48 am

In October of 2025, local farmer Lance Lillibridge shared a post that got the attention of many. It started with the words, "I am a pissed off farmer - like most in the U.S." The full text will be at the end of this article.---I first noticed posts from Heidi on my Facebook feed several years ago. There were many of her calling the cattle, then feeding them or just scratching their noses.

Making Room for the Next Generation

VALERIE CLOSE, EDITOR - April 20th 2026 10:14 am

Will McKenna, son of Nichole and John, shared a speech he gave as part of a FFA Public Speaking project. As required, it addressed several agricultural topics entitled, "Making Room for the Next Generation." He addressed the challenges faced by farmers and those who want to step into the community. (His speech in full, is at the end of this article.

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