News Headlines

The Vinton Shellsburg Board recognized longtime golf coach Janet Woodhouse as this month’s Difference Maker. Janet stepped down after 32 years as head golf coach and was honored for her deep commitment, mentorship, and positive impact on generations of Vinton-Shellsburg student-athletes.Thank you, Janet, for your years of dedication.

The HOT Grant Award is open!What is it?This grant is funded through Vinton’s hotel/motel tax and is designed to: Support community events Promote the City of Vinton Attract visitors to our amazing town! Who can apply?Non-profit organizations (501c or equivalent) and government entities looking to enhance tourism and conventions in Vinton. Key Dates: Deadline to apply: December 31, 2025 Grant recipients announced: February 2026 How can the funds be used?From marketing events to developing attractions that draw visitors, the possibilities are endless — as long as the project promotes tourism and community engagement per Iowa Code.

🎄 Our Annual Koop’s Toy Drive Has Begun! ❤️This time of year always reminds us just how generous and amazing our community truly is. Every single December, you all show up in a BIG way to help local kids have a Christmas full of joy, and it means more to us than we can ever fully express.We’re officially collecting toys now through December 19th, and we’d love your help again this year.

Pictured left to right:Clay McBride - Vinton Unlimited TreasurerKellie Roberts - Children's LibrarianKelly Henkle - Library DirectorMelody Snow - Vinton Unlimited Executive DirectorVinton Unlimited, the local chamber of commerce, recently presented a meaningful donation to the Vinton Public Library, made possible through funds received from Happy Time Child Development Center.

Join Wesley United Methodist Church as they host a Live Nativity on Saturday, December 13, from 5:30 p.m. to 7:00 p.m.To visit, drive by or park and visit! There is no cost for this event. The church is located at 516 2nd Ave. in Vinton. 

Former Urbana Police Chief, Joshua Baker, has dropped his lawsuit against the City of Urbana, the Mayor and City Clerk. Baker was put on paid leave back in April of 2024.The Urbana City Council voted 3 to 2 to end the police chief’s contract in May of 2025, firing Baker without cause.In June of 2024, he filed a lawsuit against City of Urbana, Mayor Gary Benson, and Urbana City Clerk Jennifer Burkhar.

Virginia Gay Hospital (VGH) extends heartfelt gratitude to our community for the incredible support shown during our recent food collection initiative. Thanks to your generosity, 1,161.5 pounds of food were collected over the past four weeks and distributed to the Benton County Food Bank and Showers of Blessings to support local families in need.We offer special appreciation to Koops and The Niche for serving as convenient community drop-off locations throughout the campaign.

The Belle Plaine Fire Department was paged Sunday evening for mutual aid with Chelsea Fire Department for a structure fire in Chelsea. Crews arrived on scene as smoke was showing from the roof. Ladders were deployed to ventilate and locate the flames and hot spots, and the flames were extinguished. Crews spent approximately 4 hours on the scene. Responding to the call were BPFD and CFD, along with Belle Plaine Area Ambulance Service, and Tama County Sheriff's Office.

You are invited to attend the Izaak Walton Red Cedar Chapter Christmas Party on Tuesday, December 2, 2025 from 7 to 9 PM.Bring a potluck dish to share! There will be games, cookies, bingo, prizes and rumor has it, that Santa may appear!The chapter is located at 5667 24th Ave., Drive, Vinton, IA/highway 150, north of Vinton.Follow their Facebook pag

For the City of Vinton:Snow Emergency: From 9PM on Friday (11/28) until 7AM on Monday (12/1).This requires the removal of all vehicles from public streets within the City limits.City Code of Ordinances 69.13