News Headlines

Vinton Kiwanis bring Santa and Christmas to Area Children

VALERIE CLOSE, EDITOR - December 16th 2025 11:52 pm

The magic of Christmas made a special stop in Vinton on Tuesday when the Vinton Kiwanis Club welcomed a very important visitor to Pizza Ranch — Santa Claus himself.Thanks to the Kiwanis’ well-known “inside connections” at the North Pole, Santa was able to squeeze Vinton into his busy holiday schedule once again. Using a trusted network of helpful elves, the Kiwanis made sure everything was in place for a safe and joyful visit.

Crisis Response K9 Provides Support to VGH Staff Following Difficult Trauma

VIRGINIA GAY HOSPITAL - December 15th 2025 1:03 pm

Virginia Gay Hospital (VGH) recently welcomed Shakespear, a Crisis Response K9 trained through Crisis Canines of the Midlands, to support hospital staff during a trauma debriefing following a challenging patient event.The visit was coordinated by VGH Trauma Coordinator Lisa Rule, who requested a K9 response to provide comfort and emotional support to staff during and after the debriefing process.

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In honor and remembrance of Iowa National Guard soldiers, flags at half staff

IOWA GOVERNOR'S OFFICE - December 15th 2025 11:12 am

Today, Governor Kim Reynolds has ordered all flags in Iowa to fly at half-staff effectively immediately until sunset on the final day of interment in honor and remembrance of Sgt. William Nathaniel Howard, 29, of Marshalltown, Iowa, and Sgt. Edgar Brian Torrestovar, 25, of Grimes, Iowa. Both were members of the 1st Squadron, 113th Cavalry Regiment.

The Yundt Charitable Foundation Now Accepting Scholarship Applications

VINTON TODAY - December 13th 2025 1:13 pm

The Charles and Helen Yundt Charitable Foundation is accepting applications for the 2026 Traditional and Non-Traditional scholarship program. Recipients will receive a minimum scholarship of $1,000.00. There may be several scholarships awarded. The qualifications for the scholarship are:1. Attends or attended the Vinton-Shellsburg High School 2.

Santa Arrives at the Vinton Skate Center to hear the Christmas Wish Lists

VALERIE CLOSE, EDITOR - December 13th 2025 11:46 am

Breakfast with Santa was enjoyed by several area children this year. From teeny tiny babies to the children old enough to roll their eyes at mom and say, "Really?" Of course, there were several children enchanted by the bearded fellow, and some brought Santa a picture that they had colored for him. Santa knew most of the children and their parents and greeted them with a hearty ho, ho, ho.

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7th Annual Deck the House Contest runs thrrough this Weekend

VALERIE CLOSE, EDITOR - December 11th 2025 12:34 pm

Vinton Parks & Recreation Department will be conducting their Deck The House contest through Sunday evening. Take the kids on a tour of the entries and see which ones you think should be the winners! The 7th Annual "Deck the House" contest includes houses within the Vinton City limits. A map of all the locations can be seen in the photo. A Deck the House Committee will be picking the winners! They will be judged in two categories, Griswold and Elegant.

Christmas Programs and Services in the Area

VINTON TODAY - December 11th 2025 12:23 pm

Wesley United Methodist Church, 516 2nd Ave., VintonSunday, December 14th- Children's Christmas Program 9 amSunday, December 21st- Blue Christmas Service 5 pmWednesday, December 24th - Candlelight Christmas Eve Service 5 pmTrinity Lutheran Church, 1002 E. 13th St., VintonSunday, December 21, 4:00 p.m. Our children will be presenting their Christmas Program with Soup Supper to follow.

Santa Assists with the Salvation Army

SALVATION ARMY OF BENTON COUNTY - December 11th 2025 12:17 pm

Article Thumbnail. Santa welcomed shoppers at Fareway on Tuesday as he rang the bell for the Salvation Army

Santa stopped by on Tuesday to ring the bell at Fareway. He's a great supporter of the Salvation Army's effort to raise money during the Christmas season! He greeted shoppers, young and old with his jolly ho, ho, ho!On Wednesday, the Sheriff's Department took a turn ringing the bell and greeting shoppers as well. The Benton County Salvation Army would like to thank them not only for rining the bell but for their efforts in serving and protecting our county!Through the wet and the wind, the snow and the cold, the bell ringing goes on ! We appreciate you, our volunteers.

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Notice: Board Taking Applications for Boards and Commission Appointments

HAYLEY RIPPEL, BENTON COUNTY AUDITOR - December 10th 2025 4:33 pm

The Benton County Board of Supervisors is taking applications for various county board and commission appointments for the following year. Benton County appreciates diversity in these appointments and welcomes all applicants at least 18 years of age. Terms and dates of appointments vary and these are unpaid positions. Not all boards are listed and not all have openings at this time, but if you are interested in serving on any board or commission you are encouraged to apply and submit application.

Vinton-Shellsburg FFA Hosts Annual Pork BBQ and Degree Ceremony

FFA - December 9th 2025 5:12 pm

Article Thumbnail. FFA members enjoying dinner together before the Degree Ceremony.

By: Co-Reporter, Abby McKenna On Wednesday, November 13th, the Vinton-Shellsburg FFA Chapter held its annual Pork BBQ and Degree Ceremony in the Vinton-Shellsburg High School Auditorium. The evening celebrated member achievements, community support, and the dedication of students involved in agricultural education. Guests enjoyed a dinner prepared by the Merchant Family and side dishes from chapter members before the ceremony began.

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