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News Headlines

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
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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
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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
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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.

Former Vintonian Celebrated 110th Birthday making her the oldest Iowan

VALERIE CLOSE, EDITOR - January 28th 2026 9:14 pm
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On January 26, 2026, Alice Hootman, formerly of Vinton, celebrated her 110th birthday! It is being reported that she is now the oldest living person in Iowa, making her a supercentenarian, someone who has reached 110. This age is achieved by about one in 1,000 centenarians. Her daughter Nancy Kerr, shared a picture of her on her special day. Alice currently lives at Manor House in Sigourney.
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Fundraiser for Braxtyn Steele & Family

BLESSED DUO - January 28th 2026 9:07 pm
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Let's all come together to support Braxtyn Steele who is courageously battling Hodgkin's Lymphoma. To help his family during this difficult time, we are hosting an apparel fundraiser. Every purchase will support his family by helping with medical expenses, travel costs, and daily needs—while also spreading awareness and encouragement wherever you go.

Koeppen announces plans to move to Pella Community School District

VINTON TODAY - January 28th 2026 5:53 pm
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I am writing to share a personal update with our school community. I have accepted the position of Superintendent of Schools for the Pella Community School District, with a start date of July 1. I will continue to serve as Superintendent of Vinton Shellsburg through the end of June and remain fully committed to our district and its work during this transition period.

Vinton Unlimited Supports Youth Leadership with Donation to Key Club

VINTON UNLIMITED - January 28th 2026 3:08 pm
Article Thumbnail. William McKenna, Wren Ahrenholz, Calli Torres, Athena Aragon, Sierra Marzen, Taryn Martin, and Melody Snow
Vinton Unlimited (VU) is proud to announce a donation of $1,750 to the newly established Key Club, providing seed funding to help the student organization launch its mission of service and leadership within the school and community.The donation will assist with initial expenses as students begin planning volunteer efforts that benefit both the school and the local community.
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Knights of Columbus Freethrow winners Announced

KNIGHTS OF COLUMBUS - January 27th 2026 2:03 pm
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Since 1972, the Knights of Columbus Free Throw Championship has been held for boys and girls from the ages of 9 to 14 to provide an athletic outlet and encourage the values of sportsmanship and healthy competition. Kids compete within their own gender and age and progress from local level to district, regional and state/province competitions. The Knights of Columbus, Marion Council 3893, held a free throw contest at Vinton Shellsburg.

Calling all Veterans

VINTON PUBLIC LIBRARY - January 26th 2026 4:09 pm
Calling all veterans! You are invited to share your stories as part of a community oral history project. Our library is pleased to partner with Vinton Shellsburg Community Schools; email kellysteffen@govikes.org between now and February 15th, 2026, to be a part of this project. Your stories will be added to the local archives at the Vinton Public Library.
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