News

Community steps up to lend a hand to the Sam and Cliff McKinley Family

Last summer Sam McKinley was in an accident that left her paralyzed. Sam and Cliff are parents of 3 little children and also farm in the Walker area. Recently the community held a fundraising benefit for the family at the Brandon Community Center. The center was packed with community members who arrived to help the family.  The event was held to help make their home more accessible to Sam.

Salvation Army Has Successful Red Kettle Campaign Again in 2021

Back of the 1897 Silver Dollar Salvation Army Has Successful Red Kettle Campaign Again in 2021.We appreciate the generosity of our community, and the daily donations of coins, $1, or $5 and even $10's and $20's that make up the bulk of our Red Kettle donations. Even the coins add up to about $50 plus dollars on most days. We are also blessed with some checks anywhere from $100 to $1,000 from a family or an organization,” Salvation Army member Julie Hansen noted.

If you need help with energy bills, apply through April 30

 If you are currently eligible for the LIHEAP (Low-Income Home Energy Assistance) Program, you are automatically eligible for Weatherization Program services.Iowa received more than double its usual federal allocation for the Low Income Home Energy Assistance Program, the White House announced Friday.“These resources are already allowing states across the country to provide more home energy relief to low-income Americans than ever before,” a White House news release read.

Humiston participates in Voice of Democracy Scholarship Essay Contest

Victoria Humiston first VSCSD student to compete at VFW District Competition Victoria Humiston, daughter of Steph and Darrin Humiston, of the Vinton-Shellsburg Community School District, won the district competition as part of the VFW (Veterans of Foreign Wars). Vinton-Shellsburg is located in District 2. According to local VFW commander Dale Henry, this district contains small towns from Vinton to the Mississippi River and large cities like Cedar Rapids and Davenport.

2nd Break-in at John's Qwik Stop in 2 Days

January 22, 2022, at around 04:38AM, John’s Qwik Stop called the Benton County Sheriff’s Office to report that the business had been broken into again and no one was inside at the time of the report.Vinton Police Officers responded to the burglary at John’s Qwik Stop at 804 C Avenue. Officers determined that entry was gained again through the drive through window located on the north side of the building after damaging the back door, in an attempt to gain entry.

Vinton Police Department makes arrests in Burglary at Area Business

January 21, 2022, at around 3:38AM a delivery person called the Benton County Sheriff’s Office to report that a business had been broken into and people were still inside or on the property. Vinton Police Officers responded to a burglary in progress at John’s Qwik Stop at 804 C Avenue. After arriving on scene, Officers determined that entry was gained through the drive through window located on the north side of the building.

Vinton Parks and Rec to use HOT Grant for Esports

HOT Grant will go toward renovations of the Esports room at the VPD Rec Center.  Vinton Parks and Recreation Department will be using their $2,500 grant to renovate the Esports room at the Rec Center. The Esports room hosts the high school Esports team as they compete against other schools. Esports is like every other high school sport competing against other schools in the Fall, Winter and Spring. Each season features a different game for students to compete in.

Attorney General Tom Miller addresses Fentanyl and Opiod use

On Thursday morning, Iowa's Attorney General addressed the opioid and fentanyl use in the last year. "The deaths have been heartbreaking to see, as well as the pain and suffering of those addicted as well as their family and friends," Miller said. Miller said his office has worked really hard on the issues surrounding the crisis over the last 5 years.

Vinton County Club received grant toward Golf Simulator

The Vinton Country Club will be using a grant from the Hotel Occupancy Tax fund to purchase a golf simulator "Get ready for a golf simulator to be added at VCC for the public to enjoy!" said Melody Snow of Vinton Unlimited. The Vinton Country Club received a $3,000 grant to purchase the golf simulator which will be used not only by the public, but will be in use by the  high school golf team.The following people were on hand to accept the HOT Grant toward the project: Mark Wilburg, John Mossman,  Chad Shmadke, Dave Redlinger, Sarah Meinders and Christine Turner.

Vinton-Shellsburg FFA Learns About Their Purpose

Members started each session yelling as loud as they could “Connect, Care, Creaet” By: Co-Reporter, Grace Schminke On Saturday, January 8th, 8 members of the Vinton-Shellsburg FFA Chapter traveled to Ankeny for the IAT conference. In this conference there are three different conferences including the Ignite Conference for Freshmen, Amplify for Sophomores and Juniors, and Transform for Seniors. In each of these conferences, members learn different skills that they can bring back to their chapter.