News

It looks like we'll have some significant snow for the first time this winter. Here's a reminder of the city ordinances relating to snow removal. -Snow is NOT to be put on the city streets from driveways or business parking lots. In other words, if it lands on your driveway, you own it and it can only be placed on your property until it melts. -Remember not to leave your car on the streets during snow storms or until the roads have been plowed.

We want to announce the winners of the gift card drawings. Those individuals who rang the bell 3 or more hours were eligible. Thank you to the area businesses who donated the gift cards! All of you, businesses and ringers alike, helped us reach our goal of $20,000 (Total--$21,139.49.) Pizza Ranch - 2 Free Buffets - Myla Mefford Subway- 2 Free 6” inch subs - Roger Beau, Katie Zavadil, Isla Newbrough LaGrange Pharmacy- $25 Gift Card - Doug Yenser Theisen's- $50 Gift Card - Dianna Wiese, Lisa Boffeli, Karla Guastaferro Ehlinger's Express $25 Gift Card - Ann Schmelzer,  Lee Schwenker, Barb Beau, Deb McFarland Kwik Star- $50 Gift Card - Pat Floyd, Chante OhrPictured: Valerie and Eric Struves, along with their children, Waylon and Willow enjoy the day ringing as a family.

When the 4th Street Diner closes for inclement/winter weather we send the information to KCRG to post on their website and on television. We will also send a notice to everyone who has signed up to receive the menu via email. If you have not signed up for menu emails you can do so by sending an email to llough@hacap.org. Put menu in the subject line.

Benton County Conservation is partnering with Iowa Natural Heritage Foundation to more than double the size of the Wildcat Bluff Recreation Area near Urbana. With beautiful woodland, upland and lowland habitat, and the chance to protect even more of the Cedar River's bank, the addition allows Benton County to add unique outdoor recreation as well as increase important wildlife habitat.

Edited-The Iowa Lottery announced on their Facebook page that Ed Sass of Shellsburg had bought a winning lottery ticket. Sass said that on Monday morning he bought the ticket at the Quick Stop in Shellsburg. It wasn't until Tuesday night that he had time to look at the ticket. He had purchased two and the first ticket and it was a loser. When he scratched off the second, he thought his big winner was $50.

By: Izzie Birker, Co-Reporter  On December 22nd, it was the very first day of winter vacation for the Vinton Shellsburg school district and time for the yearly FFA Holiday Lock-In. The lock-in is one of the most fun things that the VS FFA does. It is really just a chance for the members to bond, get to know each other better, and to have some holiday fun.

LIFESERVE BLOOD CENTER HAS SENT ADDITIONAL BLOOD PRODUCTS TO AREA HOSPITALS FOR PATIENTS IMPACTED BY PERRY HIGH SCHOOL SHOOTING On the morning of Thursday, January 4, 2024, LifeServe Blood Center received requests from area hospitals asking for additional blood products to treat victims impacted by the Perry High School shooting. “Our hearts are with our neighbors in Perry impacted by the horrific situation that continues to develop this morning,” shared Stacy Sime, LifeServe Blood Center CEO/President.

On Saturday December 30th, 2023, at approximately 10:28 p.m. Benton County Sheriff Deputies, along with the Iowa State Patrol, responded to a call at 2484 63rd Street, Vinton. Upon their arrival they found 87 year old Harvey W. Weiss suffering from a gunshot wound. He was taken to Virginia Gay Hospital and subsequently transferred to the University of Iowa Hospital where he died the next day.

Submitted by Dana JumperIn the fall of 1869, on the campus of Iowa Wesleyan University, 7 young women banded together to become “sisters”. This society has since been called P.E.O. This philanthropic and educational organization is comprised of women whose aim is to help women reach their potential through educational opportunities. To do so, the 5500 chapters in the United States alone, has awarded over $416 million dollars to women through grants, awards, scholarships, loans, leadership development.

Vinton Unlimited announced the Grand Prize winner of their Holiday Lights Punch Card drawing. For the 2023 holiday shopping season, the Grand Prize winner is Andrew Noe! The punch card with Andrew’s name on it was drawn from a total of 9,749 punch cards! The 2023 Holiday Lights Punch Card Grand Prize is valued at almost $1,400! The Grand Prize contained many items, a few of those items are tools, artwork, home décor, and many, many gift cards and certificates! (Photos to be released on Thursday.