News

Vinton Parks & Recreation released their 2021 Turkey Coloring Contest Winners.  The Vinton Parks & Recreation Dept held their annual Turkey Coloring Contest for 3rd grade and under. We would like to thank everyone who participated. The following is a list of the contest winners. Preschool & Under Division 1st – William Svoboda 2nd – Harper Sojka 3rd – Brynn Oberhoffer Kindergarten & 1st Grade Division 1st – Robyn Terc 2nd – Alayna Hatfield 3rd – Juniper Kelly 2nd & 3rd Grade Division 1st – Addilyn Nesbitt 2nd– Karsyn Llaneza 3rd– Eli Reeve Staff PickAimsley Van ReeThe top three winners in each division will be awarded prizes, presented with their laminated contest entry and ride the fire truck with Santa.

Marian Fuehrer – Paula Happel (Daughter) Marian Fuehrer exemplified what it means to be committed to quality healthcare in a rural setting. Marian has been highlighted in our Tree of Lights annual campaign brochure this year and her story provided by her daughter, Paula Happel, is compelling. She was hired by Nettie Burke and during George Garwood’s administration became Director of Nursing.

Kenneth Feller in conjunction with Karl Fischer co-chaired a capital campaign in June of 1961 to raise $483,000 in funds for the construction of a long-term care facility in Vinton. At the time the facility became known as the “Annex”. Currently, the facility goes by Virginia Gay Nursing and Rehab. Director of Nursing and Rehab, Jessica Henkle and her staff have received the highest accolades of care for long-term care facilities, most recently the Telligen Community Quality Champion Award after demonstrating a high level of commitment towards the overall health of the Vinton and surrounding communities during the COVID pandemic.

Dr. D. C. Weideman served as VGH Board of Directors from 1966 to 1991, holding the position of President from 1975 to 1991. A tremendous amount of activity happened during these years. In 1965, the need arose for the care of geriatric patients and an addition was approved for the Virginia Gay Nursing and Rehab long-term care facility. In 1973, the board approved the building of a clinic using funds from the Herger Trust.

Our next recipient is the Rodgers and Herger, families. The Rodgers had four kids… Maude, Della, Warren and Hazel. They had a deep commitment to the welfare of the community with values of living frugally, thriftiness, generosity, and giving of their energy and money to insure the existence of Virginia Gay Hospital. Those who knew them did not describe them as stingy, but charming and perhaps slightly eccentric.

Saturday morning, two cars were involved in an accident on the corner of C Ave. and 4th St., in downtown Vinton. Responding to the accident were the Vinton Police Department, Benton County Ambulance, Benton County Sheriff's Office, and the Vinton Fire Department.It is unclear if there were any injuries. Photos courtesy of Charlie Frazier

To continue our efforts to promote shopping in Vinton, we are again offing the 0% Holiday Loan Program. This program allows shoppers to borrow money from Farmers Savings Bank & Trust at 0% interest until May 1, 2022, to make purchases at participating businesses. The process is easy as 1 - 2 - 3!1. Stop into Farmers Savings Bank and fill out the paperwork.

Dr. G. R. & Coral Belle Woodhouse Dr. G. R. Woodhouse was a Physician and Surgeon in Vinton for over 46 years. He was Treasurer of the Benton County Medical Association. Dr. Woodhouse moved to Vinton and began practice in August of 1913. He will never forget his first month in Vinton, stating …”I remember it was August of 1913, because my total receipts for the month were fifty cents.

Dr. “Tony” Anthony was 27 years old in 1962 when he and his wife Dottie moved to Vinton to set up his medical practice, salary being $600 per month. The other doctors he worked with were: Dr. Blumgren, Dr. Weideman and Dr. Fry. From an article in 2015, Dottie stated Tony was on call every third night and every other weekend. If they had an event planned, they would take 2 cars in case he had to leave.

La Teresa Music began her 47-year career with Virginia Gay Hospital in 1963. Over the years she wore many hats, as a nurse, fundraiser, historian, and retirement association manager. She earned her nursing degree from Allen Hospital in Waterloo. Worked as an LPN in both the hospital and surgery. In 1983, she brought in "Guardian of Very Good Bear," being active in hospital promotion and community activities.