News Headlines

VGH Parking Lot Construction

VIRGINIA GAY HOSPITAL - March 25th 2026 5:06 pm

VGH Parking Lot Construction Notice Virginia Gay Hospital will begin parking lot improvements on Tuesday, March 31st.This project is expected to last approximately two weeks and will enhance our handicapped parking accommodations. During construction:The handicapped parking area and EXIT east of the water fountain will be closed.A portion of the parking lot will be unavailableThe construction zone is highlighted in yellow on the attached map For patient and visitor access:The main parking lot (north of the water fountain) will remain open.

FFA Lock-In Brings Members Together for a Night of Fun

FFA - March 25th 2026 4:50 pm

Article Thumbnail. Members Will Kreutner and Carter Smith making Tie Blankets for the Children’s hospital.

By: Co-Reporter, Bri DulinOn February 27, the Vinton-Shellsburg FFA chapter hosted a fun and exciting lock-in for members to spend time together and build stronger friendships within the chapter. The event gave members a chance to relax, have fun, and enjoy time with each other outside of regular meetings and activities. Throughout the night, members participated in a variety of activities, including games, volleyball, tie blanket making, zorb balls, and plenty of conversations.

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From VGH to El Salvador: Tracey Herink’s Journey to Serve Others

VIRGINIA GAY HOSPITAL - March 24th 2026 1:04 pm

Article Thumbnail. Tracey Herink went to El Salvador as part of a medical mission team and shares her experience

Watch Tracey’s Mission ExperienceAt Virginia Gay Hospital, our team members often extend their compassion far beyond the walls of our hospital. Recently, that spirit of service took Tracey Herink to El Salvador as part of a medical mission team through her church, Celebration Church, Waterloo.The team partnered with King’s Castle Ministries, a nearly 30-year-old training center along Lake Coatepeque near Santa Ana Volcano.

Garrison Emergency Services Spaghetti Dinner and Auction Fundraiser April 18

GARRISON EMERGENCY SERVICES - March 23rd 2026 2:27 pm

On Saturday, April 18th the Garrison Emergency Services and the Garrison First Responders is asking for the community's support. Join us for a delicious Spaghetti Dinner and have some fun at the Auction!Enjoy spaghetti, alfredo, breadsticks, salad bar, and dessert while bidding on great items in our silent and live auctions.Adults $10 | Kids (12 & under) $5 Doors open 5 PM | Dinner 5:30 PM | Live Auction 7 PM Join us at 205 N.

Vinton-Shellsburg Board of Education Names Superintendent Finalist

VINTON SHELLSBURG COMMUNITY SCHOOLS - March 23rd 2026 11:48 am

Article Thumbnail. Darin Jones and Jon Mendoza

The Vinton-Shellsburg Community School District Board of Education has selected two finalists for the district’s next superintendent. The finalists are Darin Jones and Jon Mendoza.The board partnered with Grundmeyer Leader Services to assist with conducting the search and reviewing all qualified candidates.Jones is the current superintendent of the AHSTW Community School District, where he led the development and voter approval of a $12.

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Honoring Agriculture: V-S FFA Drive Your Tractor to School Day

FFA - March 22nd 2026 2:06 pm

Article Thumbnail. Drive your tractor to school day

By: Co-Reporter, Bri DulinOn Wednesday March 18, students participated in the Drive Your Tractor to School Day. 13 tractors took part in this unique tradition. After school, the participants drove their tractors, escorted safely by the Vinton Police Department, through town to TJ Gas where they showed their tractors and shared a glimpse of local agricultural life.

Schwab, 2nd Place at Regional National Geography Bee, Internationals Bound!

VALERIE CLOSE, EDITOR - March 19th 2026 7:24 pm

Keegan Schwab, has always had a passion for learning about the world. As a result, he placed second in a regional National Geography Bee, which is an incredible achievement for someone in the 6th grade. Because of his hard work and dedication, Keegan now qualifies for both the national and international competitions! This is a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity for him to represent the Vinton community and pursue his dreams on a much larger stage.

Wesley United Methodist Church provides food to area families each month

VALERIE CLOSE, EDITOR - March 19th 2026 7:04 pm

On the third Saturday, Wesley's Mobile Food Pantry provides food to area families. Last month, approximately 70 area families benefited from the generousity of the organization. The group had help from area scouts and several volunteers to pull off the event. (Hint: The pantry noted that help provided by area youth is appreciated...) Last month, they were able to provide tie blankets and quilts, generously made by the Scouts and others to those who needed one.

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Welcome Our New North Unit Park Ranger!

BENTON COUNTY CONSERVATION - March 19th 2026 12:53 pm

Article Thumbnail. Ranger Wille and with a giraffe at Cheyenne Mountain Zoo

By Austin Wille, North Unit Park RangerHello! My name is Austin Wille, the North Unit Park Ranger for Benton County Conservation. I will be stationed at Rodger’s Park in Vinton, but work at all the parks and recreation areas all across the county as needed. If you see me, stop and say hello!I grew up in the Cedar Rapids area, with family ties to Benton County.

80th Baby Girl saved through Iowa's Safe Haven Act in March

IOWA HEALTH & HUMAN SERVICES - March 18th 2026 4:44 pm

Through the Safe Haven Law, a baby girl, born March 6 is now in the care and custody of the Iowa Department of Health and Human Services (HHS) and will be placed with a foster family until permanent placement is determined. This brings the overall total to 80 infants since the law went into effect more than two decades ago.Iowa’s Safe Haven Act is an option for parents in crisis who determine they cannot care for an infant up to 90 days old.

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