News

Wesley United Methodist Church is  thrilled to announce a silent auction as part of their upcoming fundraising event which started on February 9 at Wesley UMC (the church by the library). Guests will have the opportunity to bid on a wide array of unique items such as a beautiful brass chandelier, P.Buckey Moss pictures (Prairie Creek Church , General Store, Erin’s Doll, Iowa Governor Mansion, General Store) some framed, posters and plates, two gorgeous stained glass windows from the church, a pretty tulip designed stained glass window, a pie a month, a certificate for a decorated cake, uniquely designed floral porch pots, gift baskets , an evening out at an outdoor concert, a handmade name quilt with ties to Vinton from the 1930’s and more, with all proceeds directly benefiting future building projects and missions to help the community of Vinton.

The Van Horne Fire Department recognized some of their staff this week for their service. Chief Jeremy Hlas presented Kim Koehler Rayman with a certificate for 5 years of service, as well as Training Officer Jason Rayman for 5 years of service. Secretary Matt Matheny retired from the Van Horne First Responders with 16 years in EMS and was recognized for his service.

The Vinton-Shellsburg High School Girls' Basketball program, hosted a memorable Pink Night, celebrating the strength of local breast cancer survivors while raising awareness about the importance of early detection. The event also served as a fundraiser for Gifts of Hope, an initiative through Virginia Gay Hospital in Vinton, Iowa, that provides crucial support to individuals facing breast cancer.

NOTICE: The Benton County Conservation Board approved Rules and Regulations on February 10, 2025.es/Camping/Rental PoliciesGo camping! It's in your nature!Online reservations are taken for shelters and cabins only. No campsite reservations are taken - campsites are first come first served.Click Here to Make a Cabin or Shelter ReservationReservations must be made a minimum of 7 days in advance for shelters and cabins.

In the case of Jeffrey Diveley, 64 of Shellsburg, sentencing was issued on Friday, February 7, 2025.  The judge sentenced Diveley to 40 years in prison, but said that it is possible that Diveley will only serve 25-30 years. Diveley is currently being held at the Iowa Classification Center in Coralville. Four of the charges, 9-11 and 13 made the defendant unbailable at the time of the verdict.

From noon on Wednesday to noon on Friday, the City of Vinton has declared a snow emergency which requires the removal of vehicles from the public streets within the city limits. City Code of Ordinances 69.13

 The 2025 Iowa Pork Congress saw a record-breaking fundraising effort for student scholarships in the pork industry. This year’s Dollars for Swine Scholars Auction raised an impressive $62,511, surpassing the previous record of $61,525 set in 2023.Held in January at the Iowa Events Center in Des Moines, the auction was a highlight of the Iowa Pork Congress festivities.

The Iowa Department of Natural Resources (DNR) is hosting a series of town hall-style meetings where local staff will provide updates on recently completed hunting and trapping seasons, discuss possible changes to hunting and trapping rules and regulations, and address other topics as requested.“We want people to come out to these meetings, listen to the seasons reviews, ask questions and hear directly from our staff,” said Todd Bishop, chief of the Iowa DNR’s Wildlife Bureau.