News -

Vinton's Downtown still recovering a Year after 2018 Fire

By Valerie Close · February 8th, 2019

February 8th, 2018 was a day that I remember holding my breath as we followed what was happening in our downtown.At about 7:30 that night a fire could be seen at the Michael and Dowd building, which looked like it might be small enough to contain. We watched as the fire department arrived and began battling the blaze.

Catman Caught: Cat Torture Case suspect Arrested

By Valerie Close, Editor · February 7th, 2019

The Benton County Sheriff’s Office has received a report of Animal Torture, regarding allegations of torture to a cat. An investigation has been opened and is ongoing into these allegations. The Benton County Sheriff’s Office had identified a person of interest, Chad Toney, in this case. Sheriff Ronald Tippett reports the involved cat has been recovered by the owner, and that Chad Toney has surrendered to the Benton County Sheriff and has been charged with Driving While Barred (Aggravated Misdemeanor), Burglary in the 3rd Degree (Cl...

VMEU holds last meeting before the final vote concerning Broadband

By Valerie Close, Editor · February 6th, 2019

Vinton's Municipal Electric Utilities Board called a meeting for Tuesday evening. The board requested a written recommendation from the subcommittee, led by Kim Meyer. The committee suggested strongly that the Board give a yes vote and to move on with the project. There was no discussion among the board following this advice.

Vinton Veterinary Clinic Catches Fire Early Tuesday Morning

By Valerie Close · February 5th, 2019

The Vinton Veterinary Clinic, located at 305 B Ave. caught fire at about 3:00 a.m. on Tuesday morning. A statement released by the clinic said, "We were called by the Vinton Police at 4:00 this morning, notifying us of a fire in the building behind the clinic. A neighbor noticed the fire and contacted officials.

Sheriff's Office seeking your help to find the Location of a Person of Interest

By Valerie Close · February 5th, 2019

The Benton County Sheriff's Department released the following press release this afternoon:The Benton County Sheriff's Office has received a report of Animal Torture, involving allegations of torture to a cat.An investigation has been opened and is ongoing into these allegations. The Benton County Sheriff's Office has identified a person of interest, in this case, and is actively attempting to locate this person.

AARP Foundation Tax-Aide Available Now Through April 15 at Vinton Library

By Valerie Close · February 4th, 2019

Beginning February 1 and continuing through April 15, AARP Foundation is providing free tax assistance and preparation through its Tax-Aide program, with more than 20 locations across Iowa. AARP Foundation Tax-Aide is the nation's largest free tax assistance and preparation service. Since its inception, the program has served more than 68 million taxpayers.

Fundraiser for Lainey a Success

By Valerie Close · February 4th, 2019

The Benefit for Lainey was held on Saturday at the Oak Grove Church in Shellsburg. The event had multiple activities for everyone of all ages. Face painting, arts and crafts, a silent auction, and menus for each part of the day, breakfast through supper. Various groups entertained with music throughout the day.

Maxine Vrba fundraiser raises over $6,000 for Iowa Stead Children's Hospital

By Valerie Close · January 31st, 2019

The family of Maxine Vrba, the 18-year old that recently passed away, held a carnival in her honor. The carnival raised $6,480 which will be donated to the Iowa Stead Children's Hospital.The family appreciated so much all that the hospital had done for Maxine from the time of her birth that they wanted to do something special to thank the hospital.

Celebrating 150 Years of the Vinton Community with 150 Women

By Melissa Schwan, Director, VU · January 31st, 2019

Names still being accepted as part of the 150 Women project. As we prepare to celebrate Vinton’s 150 years, plans have been made to celebrate and honor 150 women making a difference in the Vinton area. We are asking for your help in identifying these special women of our past and present day.

Thank You Snow Removal and Emergency Workers

By Valerie Close · January 30th, 2019

'I wanted to let the city workers know how much we appreciate them getting out in this weather to plow and snow blow the streets. The drifts are gone and all roads are fully opened again. I watched as they came down the street with the snowblower, They were careful, putting the snow on the yards and not on the driveways!" -An Appreciative Reader I saw the guys out cleaning the streets this week as well and had forgotten that I stopped to take pictures.