News

Dear Vinton-Shellsburg Staff and Community,I am writing to provide an update on our ongoing facilities planning process, which has been a significant focus for our district as we strive to support the success of all students and staff through improved infrastructure.As part of our continuous improvement plan, we have made notable progress. We recently completed the Tiny Vikes Early Learning Center and are finishing up essential building system updates at the Middle School.

A second set of arrests were carried out by the Benton County Sheriff's Department for a married couple from Shellsburg. Stacy Diveley was arrested on the same charge that brought her a prison term just a week earlier. She was arrested for one count of Child Endangerment, an aggravated misdemeanor. She was tried in June for her original crimes, found guilty and sentenced to no more than 7 years in prison on July 1, 2024.

July 30 is World Day Against Trafficking, a day dedicated to raising awareness and taking action against the scourge of human trafficking. At the Iowa Secretary of State’s Office, we are passionate about addressing this issue that often goes unnoticed, with survivors too often falling through the cracks of our society.Human trafficking is a modern-day slavery that affects countless lives globally, including within our own communities.

All Charges are subject to review by the Benton County Attorney’s Office. An arrest or criminal charge is merely an accusation, and the Defendant is presumed innocent, unless proven guilty. Intrastate Warrants are issued by Law Enforcement Agencies for crimes happening in their jurisdictions.Five Adult Arrests the week of July 1-7, 2024June 26 Joshua James Gordon, 47, Vinton, IA Theft 3rd Degree-ShopliftingJune 26 Adriane Sophia Gordon, 45, Vinton, IA Theft 5th Degree-Shoplifting July 3 Austin Tyler Wroblewski,27, Vinton, IA Intrastate Warrant Arrest-Revocation of ProbationJuly 6 Breanna Michelle Uthoff, 25, Vinton, IA Driving While BarredJuly 7 Mackinsie Kay Richey, 27, Vinton, IA Domestic Abuse Assault-2nd OffenseOne Juvenile Referral for the week of June 24-30, 2024Zero Code Enforcement Violations for the week of July 1-7, 2024Sixteen Traffic Citations for Offenses were issued the week of July 1-7, 2024Twenty-Eight Traffic Warnings for Offenses were issued the week of July 1-7, 2024Zero Reported Motor Vehicle Accidents for the week of July 1-7, 2024For the Week of July 1-7, 2024– 110 complaints/calls for service were handled by the Vinton Police Department.

 The Iowa Department of Revenue has a new website, which merges tax.iowa.gov and abd.iowa.gov into the new revenue.iowa.gov. As the state’s revenue agency, the Department supports businesses across all sectors and has the operational  infrastructure to do so efficiently and effectively. As part of the State’s government alignment initiative, The Governor directed the Iowa Department of Revenue to align with the Iowa Alcoholic Beverage Division and the Iowa Lottery Authority to become one agency.

Recently 88 Veterans flew out on the 51st Eastern Iowa Honor Flight. Leaving Cedar Rapids early in the morning, the Iowa Veterans arrived to the applause and cheers of hundreds of travelers who were waiting at the Reagan National Airport in Arlington, Virginia. The Sun Country jet filled with the veterans and their guardians had been spotted by those waiting for flights in the Reagan terminal building.

The Board of Supervisors met on Tuesday, July 9, 2024 at 9:00 a.m. Supervisors Rick Primmer, Tracy Seeman and Gary Bierschenk were present.The meeting began at 9:00 a.m. The agenda and minutes were approved. With a correction of claims concerning paint for the HR department, the claims were also approved. ARPA Claims concerning Public Health with a total of $12,588.

We are working to spread the word about these new affordable duplex units in town. I just walked through one with Jeff Ralston this morning and I was very impressed!As part of the federal government's response to the 2020 derecho, The City of Atkins was awarded a CDBG-DR grant to build affordable housing units.In partnership with Ralston Eco Homes and Todd Richardson Construction, 3 duplexes (consisting of two units each) are being constructed on Driftwood Lane.

Please note the following menu changes for July.The V-S Summer Meal Program and the Benton County Cattleman's Association will be providing Grilled Hamburgers on July 22nd. Free for all Kids, $3.00 for 19 years and older.Garrison Public Library 11:30-12:15 (Please notify on Thursday 7/18 if interested in a meal)Shellsburg Elementary 11:30-12:1

By: Co-Reporter, Sophia NewtonVinton's Party in the Park took place Thursday the 27th through Saturday the 29th of June. Many of the Vinton-Shellsburg FFA members helped set up and volunteer at the local celebration. Members volunteered in the petting zoo, Community Supper, Alumni Beverage Booth, distributing trash cans, and even had some fun by running the Party in Pink 5K.