News Headlines

Join Santa for Cookies and Cocoa this Saturday at the Depot

BENTON COUNTY HISTORICAL SOCIETY - November 13th 2025 1:55 pm

Santa will be in town on Saturday, November 15 from 10:00 a.m. until 2:00 p.m. at the train depot in Vinton (612 2nd Ave.).Join us and share some free cookies and cocoa with Santa!There will be some photo opportunities available and professional photos will be available with Contessa Photography for a fee.

Great Bluegrass Herons & Friends Acoustic Christmas Program!

FARMERS MERCANTILE HALL - November 13th 2025 1:55 pm

The Great Bluegrass Herons & Friends Acoustic Christmas Program is the perfect way to celebrate the Christmas season! Join us for a Sunday afternoon of songs and stories of the season. Performers will include the Great Bluegrass Herons, Straightback Chair and Meg Merckens. These shows are wonderful! See you there!The fun will be on Sunday, December 7th from 2:00 pm to 4:30 pm.

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Sergeant Smothers and Edo complete K9 Certification Training

VINTON POLICE DEPARTMENT - November 13th 2025 1:55 pm

The Vinton Police Department is pleased to announce that Sergeant Darien Smothers and K9 Officer Edo, successfully completed their K9 certification training last month.Sergeant Smothers and K9 Edo are now a fully certified K9 team, trained and equipped to assist in a variety of law enforcement functions, including tracking, detection, and community safety operations.

Support Virginia Gay Hospital by Adopting a Snowman

VIRGINIA GAY HOSPITAL - November 13th 2025 1:54 pm

Kick off your holiday season with our Annual Tree Walk Celebration! Join us for treats and beverages, and enjoy a festive visit to the exhibit. Place your bids on stunning pieces for a chance to bring home a special gift, all while supporting a cause that enhances local healthcare services. Adopt-a-Snowman Mystery Draw! Adopt your snowman during our holiday Tree Walk and bring a little extra sparkle home for the holidays! Meet our family of over 35 hand-knitted snowmen.

Theisen's Awards Grants to area Organizations

VALERIE CLOSE, EDITOR - November 13th 2025 1:54 pm

Through its corporate giving program, Theisen's awarded a total of $400,000 to nonprofits in 24 store communities.Among the local recipients were:-Benton County Disaster Recovery Coalition-Benton County Food Pantry-Hawkeye Area Community Action Program, Inc. (HACAP) -Hiawatha-House of Hope-Shellsburg Public Library-Van Horne Firemen's Association-Vinton Public Library-Wesley United Methodist Church Theisen’s Home•Farm•Auto invites nonprofits in its Iowa and Wisconsin store communities – including Vinton – to apply for its 2025 More For Your Community grants now through July 31.

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Virginia Gay Hospital's Tree of Lights tradition Recognizing those who Serve

VIRGINIA GAY HOSPITAL - November 12th 2025 9:22 pm

Scan the code to access online giving or use the form enclosed to return donations by mail or drop-off (see form for details). VIRGINIA WALCUTT GAYVirginia Gay Hospital began with a gift. Virginia Walcutt Gay gifted $50,000 to the City of Vinton in the early 1900s with the wish of establishing a community hospital. She gave back to a community she loved and cherished in honor of the health and well-being of the individuals living there.

Benton County Board of Supervisor Minutes 11/4/25

HAYLEY RIPPEL, BENTON COUNTY AUDITOR - November 12th 2025 12:05 pm

November 4, 2025The Benton County Board of Supervisors met in regular session with Supervisors Seeman, Tippett and Volz present. Chairman Seeman called the meeting to order at 9:00 a.m. at the Benton County Service Center. Members of the public are invited to join in during open session or watch the livestream at https://www.youtube.com/bentoncountyiowa.

Help us welcome Leah Isaacson, SLP, to Virginia Gay Hospital

VIRGINIA GAY HOSPITAL - November 12th 2025 12:04 pm

We’re excited to introduce Leah Isaacson, Speech Language Pathology Clinical Fellow, as the newest member of our rehab team at Virginia Gay Hospital (VGH).Leah recently completed her Master of Arts in Speech-Language Pathology at the University of Iowa. She’s passionate about helping people gain confidence in their communication skills and loves working one-on-one with patients to make a difference in their daily lives.

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It's time for the VGH Tree of Lights Annual Fundraiser

VINTON TODAY - November 12th 2025 10:50 am

Take part in local tradition. The Tree of Lights is our major annual fundraising campaign and has been for over 30 years. Funds raised from the Tree of Lights support the healthcare needs of the people who utilize the services of Virginia Gay Hospital and our clinics in Atkins, Van Horne, Vinton, and Urbana. People have the opportunity to purchase various lights or ornaments in memory of or in honor of anyone of their choosing.

Psalm 19:1

VALERIE CLOSE, EDITOR - November 12th 2025 10:28 am

Psalm 19:1The heavens declare the glory of God; the skies proclaim the work of his hands.On Tuesday night many saw and took pictures of the beautiful art display in the sky courtesy of the northern lights. You'll be able to see them again on Wednesday night. To see them best you'll need to get away from the street lights in town.These photos seen h

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