News Headlines

Tequilero Reopens on Monday!

VALERIE CLOSE, EDITOR - February 15th 2026 1:48 pm

Tequilero has completed all of the updates in their building, their staff has changed a little and they promise, the music will be a little bit quieter...but the great authentic Mexican food will be served!The business has completed some updates to the building, fixing a drain issue, and while they were down, they did a bit of remodeling. The staff was busy on Saturday getting things put back together and can't wait to see everyone again!Highlighting their buffet, serving will begin at 11:00 a.

David Zollo & Brian Cooper February 15th

FARMERS MERCANTILE HALL - February 13th 2026 3:12 am

David Zollo has long been producing some of the finest roots music to come out of the state of Iowa. Brian Cooper will be joining him on drums for this show. This description of his newest release, “For Hire,” says it all:“The long-awaited new release from Iowa City singer/songwriter/bandleader, features 9 new tracks that use gospel, soul, blues and rock and roll to explore how his personal demons took the artist to the edge, and how he fought his way back.

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VSCSD thanks Community Pizza Makers for Making a Difference

VINTON SHELLSBURG COMMUNITY SCHOOLS - February 12th 2026 5:29 pm

The Vinton Shellsburg School Board began the evening by recognizing Cranky Hanks and H2 Pizza as Community Difference Makers for their partnership in supporting elementary literacy through the Pages for Pizza program. Through the initiative, students at Tilford and Shellsburg elementaries are challenged to read 20 minutes a day for 20 days each month from October through March.

American Legion Post 57 honors members with 60 years of service

LUTHERAN LIVING COMMUNITIES - February 11th 2026 7:43 pm

On February 3rd, the members of Post 57 of the Vinton American Legion met at the Lutheran Living Communities Chapel to honor Marlyn Mayhew and Darrell Kenney for 60 years of consecutive membership in the American Legion. The Post 57 members attending were, Back Row-L to R: Denny Hummel-Sergeant at Arms, Otto Bush, Ron Albright-Finance Officer, Fri

Chloe Sanders First Ever State Girls Wrestling Champion to reach 200 Wins!

VINTON SHELLSBURG COMMUNITY SCHOOLS - February 9th 2026 7:02 pm

Chloe Sanders earned her 150th high school career pin last Thursday, and went on to become the first girl in the state of Iowa to reach 200 high school career wins!History was made for Vinton-Shellsburg Girls Wrestling with this very first state champion, Chloe Sanders! Chloe becomes Vinton-Shellsburg’s first-ever female wrestling state champion, and only the second state wrestling champion in school history, joining her brother, Gabe Sanders.

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Blooming Bee Boutique Welcomed to Downtown Vinton

VALERIE CLOSE, EDITOR - February 8th 2026 1:23 pm

Article Thumbnail. Vinton Unlimited welcomes Blooming Bee Boutique to Vinton!

The Blooming Bee Boutique was welcomed by members of Vinton Unlimited with a ribbon cutting. The new business is operated by Brooklyn Conrad and her sister Gracelyn Alstat. The business held its grand opening, welcoming customers to shop the vintage finds and consignment offerings. She also offers flower arrangements. for any occasion and are taking orders for Valentine's Day, delivering within a 50-mile radius.

Gino Retires from Vinton Police Department

VALERIE CLOSE, EDITOR - February 5th 2026 3:38 pm

Article Thumbnail. Vinton Police Department Captain Ben Parmater with his now retired partner, Gino. Photo circa 2020.

At the last Vinton City Council meeting, the city approved the retirement of the Vinton Police Department's K-9 Officer, Gino. In December 2016, the German Shepherd, along with his partner Officer Ben Parmater, completed their training together in Indiana. Gino was Vinton's very first K-9 to serve with the department.When the possibility of the program first came to the community's attention, Vinton rallied together to bring the dog to the Vinton Police Department.

Virginia Gay Hospital Welcomes Fellowship-Trained Orthopedic Surgeon Dr. Haben

VIRGINIA GAY HOSPITAL - February 2nd 2026 12:37 pm

Virginia Gay Hospital is pleased to welcome Dr. Collin Haben, a fellowship-trained orthopedic surgeon specializing in total joint replacement, to its outpatient orthopedic clinic. Dr. Haben brings advanced surgical training and a patient-first approach to joint care, helping individuals return to the activities they enjoy with less pain and greater confidence.

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Join the Winter Olympics at the Vinton Public Library!

VINTON PUBLIC LIBRARY - February 1st 2026 7:43 pm

Sign up for our next Beanstack reading challenge on the app or stop by for a paper reading log for the chance to win prizes! Log into Beanstack or pick up your paper reading log at the library today! The fun runs through the whole month of February, but remember it's a short month with only 28 days!

Sometimes officers needed for Paw Patrol

BENTON COUNTY SHERIFF'S OFFICE - January 29th 2026 9:11 pm

No two days look the same in the life of a deputy. Today was a reminder of that reality, and of how quickly situations can turn critical. After a passerby called 911 to report a dog that had fallen through the ice and was struggling to stay afloat, Deputy Fairbanks responded without hesitation.Deputy Fairbanks quickly obtained an ice rescue suit and safely entered the icy pond to reach the dog.

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