News

There are so many things about America that are wonderful but oftentimes we can find ourselves losing sight of these reasons in the hustle and bustle of everyday life. It is important to recognize the opportunities we have, the traditions that shape our families, the people we interact with and exposure to places around the country. Cub Scout Pack 47 would like our community to join together in remembering the freedoms we have as Americans and how this came to be.

At Tuesday morning's Supervisor meeting, the Benton County Board of Supervisors moved to appoint a new Board of Health. Supervisor Rick Primmer read off the names for the appointments as the following: Lori Mott, Tai Burkhart, Carl Holmes, Jessica Fairbanks, and Mike Barnes. Considering that the former Board of Health is still in the appeal process for their unceremoniously firing, it was suggested to the board that they table the appointments.

The Vinton Public Library has announced that they will be closed for inventory on November 14 & 15.The library will also be closed on Thanksgiving and the Friday after Thanksgiving, but will reopen on Saturday, November 25th from 9 a.m. until noon. 

Each Veterans Day, or the day closest to Veterans Day, the Vinton Shellsburg Community School District holds the most amazing event. The Veterans Assembly is the highlight of the year for many reasons. One is of course the chance for all of the children in the district to pause and thank our local veterans. They prepare their songs and a program to honor the veterans.

Every year I try to come up with some way to thank our Veterans enough for all of their service, and as usual, there really are no words to say enough thank yous. It's kind of cool when Veterans Day lands on a Friday because it feels like we then have a weekend to celebrate you for all that you've done. I'd be good with a week or a month of appreciation for all of you!To our Veterans and their families, thank you for your service and for your sacrifices.

The Annual Holiday Parade will be held on November 16 beginning at 6:00 p.m.This year there will be a $100 prize awarded to the best lighted display. That prize will be given to the charity of the winner's choice.The Parade route will be as follows: E. 6th St. to 2nd Ave. to E. 5th St. to B Ave. to East 4th St. with line up on E. 6th St.The event is sponsored by all of the VFW, Legion and AMVETS.

Salvation Army - Active In Serving Benton CountyOur local Salvation Army team at times work along side Benton County Social Services, HACAP, Rural Access, Foundation 2, Police, and Sheriffs Dept, and Dispatch to resolve an unfortunate situations, or at least make them better.Here are some of the activities this last year.Firstly, Pastor Brian Reeves, a member of the local Unit, received his full credentials for becoming a Salvation Army Chaplain in October this year.

The City of Shellsburg invites the public to join community leaders for the grand opening of the new Smith Street Bridge. The dedication and ribbon cutting ceremony will take place at 3:30 p.m., Thursday, November 16th. City officials and guests will present information about the bridge; the program will last about 30 minutes and will end with a ceremonial parade of vehicles signifying the decades of service provided by the old bridge and a transition to the future.

All Charges are subject to review by the Benton County Attorney’s Office. An arrest or criminal charge is merely an accusation, and the Defendant is presumed innocent, unless proven guilty. Intrastate Warrants are issued by Law Enforcement Agencies for crimes happening in their jurisdictions.Six Adult Arrests the week of October 30 – November 5, 2023October 31 John Richard Wagner 52 Vinton, IATrespassingNovember 1 John Richard Wagner 52 Vinton, IATrespassingNovember 1 Michael Alan Floyd 24 Shellsburg, IAOperating While Under the Influence 3rd OffenseNovember 3 Clayton Michael Hook 19 Vinton, IADisorderly Conduct-Fighting/Violent BehaviorNovember 3 Braden Edward Mabe 19 Vinton, IADisorderly Conduct-Fighting/Violent BehaviorNovember 5 John Richard Wagner 52 Vinton, IATrespassingTwo Juvenile Referrals for the week of October 30 – November 5, 2023Six Code Enforcement ViolationsZoning Violations x 2Junk x 2Working Without a Permit x 1 Property Maintenance x 1 Two Traffic Citations for Offenses were issued the week of October 30 – November 5, 2023Three Traffic Warnings for Offenses were issued the week of October 30 – November 5, 2023Zero Reported Motor Vehicle Accidents for the week of October 30 – November 5, 2023For the Week of October 30 – November 5, 2023– 66 complaints/calls for service were handled by the Vinton Police Department.

Sometimes I hear news and file it away, forgetting that I should maybe mention it to you, For example...Thanksgiving DinnerUnfortunately, the Baptist Church that has been preparing Thanksgiving Dinner for hundreds of people each year here in Vinton, will NOT be able to do that this year. We do want to thank them for all the years that they have done this for the community.