News
Hy-Vee Partners with Variety–the Children’s Charity for Annual Round-Up Campaign
Customers can make a difference by rounding up their purchases to the next dollar, now through Feb. 28, to support children in need across the Midwest. Hy-Vee is once again joining forces with Variety – the Children’s Charity for its annual Round Up campaign, giving customers the chance to support children who are critically ill, at-risk, underprivileged, or living with special needs.
Kiwanis Club Delivers Dictionaries to 3rd Graders, Inspiring Young Minds
The Kiwanis Club of Vinton continued its mission of serving the community by delivering dictionaries to all third-grade students in the Vinton-Shellsburg School District. This annual tradition aims to spark curiosity and a love for learning in young minds while also introducing them to the importance of service and community involvement.Kiwanis Club President Craig Ollinger and member Lexa Speidel visited the classrooms, engaging students in an interactive discussion about the wealth of knowledge contained in the books. Vinton-Shellsburg FFA Spaghetti Dinner: A Night of Food & Fellowship
By: Co-Reporter Sophia NewtonThe Vinton-Shellsburg FFA Chapter hosted its annual free-will donation spaghetti dinner on Tuesday, January 21st. This event provided a delicious homemade meal for 225 community members either as a dine-in option during the home basketball game or as a convenient to-go meal. FFA members worked together to prepare and serve a well-rounded meal, including spaghetti with sauce, garlic bread, fresh salad, and a variety of cookies for dessert. Belle Plaine to consider four-day school week
Belle Plaine Community School District is considering something a little out of the box. They are considering a four day school week after community support was shown for the idea. Last year the school conducted a survey that sought feedback on the idea and it received a positive response to the idea. The idea came from parents, teachers and community members.
Auditor: More than $400K in public money misspent through state-run program
By Clark KauffmanIowa Auditor of State Rob Sand issued a report Thursday that says more than $400,000 in taxpayer money was improperly spent through a program run by Iowa Workforce Development.At a press conference Thursday, Sand characterized the matter as a case of “embezzlement” that involves programs funded by the U.S. Department of Labor and administered by Iowa Workforce Development. Rep. Gerhold Welcomes Benton Community, Vinton-Shellsburg, Marengo FFA Chapters
On Wednesday, Rep. Tom Gerhold (R-Atkins) welcomed members of the Benton Community, Vinton-Shellsburg and Marengo FFA chapters to the Iowa House during the FFA Legislative Symposium. Birthday Wishes make the day of former Vinton Woman
Celebrating 109 birthdays is a pretty big deal. Receiving birthday cards over more than a century has evolved from a handwritten wish to an online source of well wishes. However, when Alice Hootman's daughter requested that we put out a call for birthday cards to celebrate her 109th birthday, she didn't expect to receive two special letters of recognition from the leaders in the state. Wesley United Methodist Church has received a $10,000 grant from the BCCF
Wesley United Methodist Church has received a $10,000 grant from the Benton County Community Foundation. It was presented to many deserving community organizations totaling $149,000! Ours will be used to make restrooms ADA compliant for the many folks who use our building. This will allow all families equal access. Among them our monthly food pantry, AA, WIC, Boy Scouts Troop 47, LSI, exercise groups and our church members. Vinton-Shellsburg Fine Arts Century Club receives Donation
The Vinton-Shellsburg Fine Arts Century Club has received a gift of $1,000.00 from the estate of Esther Ann Hite. This gift has been directed through the Bethlehem Evandgelical Lutheran Church Congregation. We thank them for this gift. The Fine Arts Century Club is a community-based organization whose mission is to provide primarily financial support to the fine arts programs at Vinton-Shellsburg high school and middle school. Senate panel passes latest attempt to ban hand-held phones for drivers
By Robin OpsahlAdvocates and senators at a Statehouse meeting Wednesday said they were hopeful that 2025 will be the year the Legislature can finally pass a hands-free cellphone bill for drivers.Senate File 22 passed unanimously out of subcommittee Wednesday. It’s the latest attempt by Iowa lawmakers to establish fines for drivers handling cellphones when they’re behind the wheel except in hands-free or voice-activated modes.