News

This past summer, seven Vinton-Shellsburg students donated over 80 hours of their time with the AMVET Food Trailer. Alan Fleming, Andrew Pingenot, Grace Schminke, Ryan Calous, Kaetlyn Pettyjohn, Gunner Schminke and Riley Kress all donated their time and effort. The AMVETS received many compliments for their work. Each student received a donation check for a school organization in their name.

Every Christmas some of our area businesses chip in to make the season merry and bright for a special group of citizens. Koop's Sales and Service and Arnold Motor Supply have been lending Santa a hand for several years. Their goal is to help area children have a brighter Christmas.If you're out shopping for Christmas gifts and can afford to add some extra toys for children up to age 16, you are invited to drop these gifts off at these area businesses.

On Thanksgiving night (11/24) around 8:10 pm, the Iowa County Sheriff’s Office was made aware of a police pursuit southbound from Watkins. A black Chevrolet pickup was being pursued by the Benton County Sheriff’s Office related to a criminal incident that had occurred in their county.The police chase entered Iowa County and led into downtown Main Amana on 220th Trail.

Caption for This Year's Greenhand Recipients:This year's Greenhand Recipients after putting on the Blue Jacket for the first time. Pictured from left to right are William McKenna, Wesley McKenna, Tayton Schminke, Rylee Manning, Macie Enos, Kelcie Applebee, Kaelyn Pettyjohn, Kaden Kerkman, Jaice Tuttle, Dallas Fairbanks, Cooper McClintock, Christine Kurt, Chloe Sanders, Calhen Christenson, Braedon Hepker, Ben McGowan, Ben Buhr, Andrew Allsup, and Alexa Henkle.

 Be sure your generosity doesn't feed someone else's greed.'Tis the season for giving. As the holiday months approach, many Iowans choose to show their gratitude for another year by donating to help others.  Giving Tuesday, designated as the Tuesday after Thanksgiving, is a popular time for many to make charitable contributions to local and national organizations, charities, and causes.

The Salvation Army's Red Kettle bell ringing campaign kicked off on Monday, November 21st this year and run through December 24th. It will be at our usual location: Vinton's Fareway Grocery Store.Please call Julie at 319-329-7119 to sign up for time to ring the bell, whether as a group or as an individual.Ringing the bell, as well as donating, is an opportunity to help a person or family through a rough time, when finances are often in short supply.

Vinton Unlimited selected the following Vinton residents for November's Good Neighbor Recognition Nominees.Barb Rego was nominated for assisting in her church, as well as helping so many in the community with the time and effort she puts into volunteering with the local food bank.Bob and Phyllis Simnacher were nominated for helping others in the community and for specifically being a good neighbor to a 99-year-old Vinton resident who would not be able to remain in her home but would need to be in an assisted living facility if it were not for all their assistance around the home.

Vinton Unlimited is offering a 'Holiday Lights' punch card to be used during the holiday shopping season! For every $10 spent, receive one punch. Completed cards will be entered to win weekly prizes of Vinton Value Dollars and one grand prize.DOUBLE PUNCHES will be available on Small Business Saturday, November 26th.Cards are valid thru December 24, 2022.

By: Co-Reporter, Alana FlemingOn November 12th, 2022, individuals from Vinton-Shellsburg FFA attended the IAT Leadership Conference. They were separated by grade level into three different groups. The freshmen who attended were taken to the Ignite part of the conference. The Sophomores and Juniors that attended the conference were taken to the Amplify portion.

Angel Tree 2022 has begun accepting applications for Christmas assistance and will continue accepting names through December 9. There are two ways to apply:IN PERSON AT:First Christian Church1209 W. 13th St. (next to Theisen’s on Hwy. 218)Monday – Friday, 9am-11:30amCALLING:LaNette 319-521-1496 or Sarah Parker 319-202-2786Benton County Angel Tree is always looking for businesses and/or organizations to make donations to help our children have a better Christmas this year.