News Headlines

Kelly Steffen – Iowa Social Studies Teacher of the Year!

VINTON SHELLSBURG COMMUNITY SCHOOLS - October 22nd 2025 2:36 pm

I’m excited to share some great news. Vinton-Shellsburg High School teacher Kelly Steffen has been selected as the Iowa Council for the Social Studies Teacher of the Year!This is a statewide honor that recognizes Kelly’s exceptional work in bringing history, government, and civic engagement to life for her students. Her passion for connecting classroom learning to the real world and inspiring students to think critically about their role in society truly stands out.

Fall Leaf Cleanup Schedule

CITY OF VINTON - October 22nd 2025 7:27 am

Fall Leaf Information The Street Department has begun curbside leaf pickup for the season. Pickup will continue as long as leaves are plentiful and weather permits. Please place leaves 12 inches from the curb. No vines, sticks or other plant matter. Leaves only! Check the map for the pickup day in your neighborhood. https://www.cityofvinton.org/street/leaf-cleanup-scheduleOpen burning of landscape waste (leaves) is permitted on the last Thursday, Friday, and Saturday in October (excluding October 31) and the first Thursday, Friday and Saturday in November.

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Grow Smart, Stay Safe: V-S FFA helps out at Ag Safety Day

FFA - October 21st 2025 11:48 am

Article Thumbnail. Kirsten Pettit, Jenna Grovert and the kids are learning about the tools found in an Ambulance.

By: Co-Reporter, Bri DulinOn a Saturday in September Vinton-Shellsburg FFA members helped to teach younger kids the importance of safety in agriculture. The day was filled with hands-on activities, interactive lessons, and real-life scenarios to help kids learn how to stay safe. The kids rotated through multiple stations, each one focusing on a different safety lesson.

GoFundMe page set up to cover Funeral expenses of Offerman Family

VALERIE CLOSE, EDITOR - October 21st 2025 9:44 am

Following the accident on Friday involving a Vinton woman, 37-year-old Crystal Offerman, a GoFundMe page has been set up to help cover her funeral expenses. Offerman's Jeep was rear-ended by a Vinton-Shellsburg school bus as she waited to make a turn, and was pushed into the path of oncoming traffic. Offerman, a mother of five, died from her injuries.

16th Annual VWC Steve Johnson Memorial Tournament

VINTON TODAY - October 20th 2025 2:12 pm

Date Nov. 15th Pre-Registration Deadline: Friday, November 14th at 5:00pm CST, or until max capacity of 400 kids is met. Cost Wrestler Entry Fee: $30.00 – Pre-registration NO WALK-INS NO REFUNDS General Admission: Adults: $5.00 Students:$2.00 6 & Under: Free Register https://www.trackwrestling.com /registration/TW_Register.jsp? tournamentGroupId=268940132 until full - max 400 kids.

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VSU Special Olympics Team heads to State

VALERIE CLOSE, EDITOR - October 20th 2025 11:50 am

Regionals for the VSU Special Olympics Team was held on Saturday. The four man team is off to state with a 1st place win along with many others who will be competing. Competitions were held on throughout the week.The VSU team is dependent on the community to support their efforts. Recently the Canton-Benton-Shellsburg Volunteer Fire Department held a fundraising fill the boot for the team raising $1,481 to help the team with equipment and uniforms for the team.

Virginia Gay Hospital Shines a Light on Breast Cancer Awareness this October

VIRGINIA GAY HOSPITAL - October 20th 2025 12:07 am

October is Breast Cancer Awareness Month, a time to honor survivors, support those currently battling the disease, and remind our community that early detection saves lives. With breast cancer affecting 1 in 8 women during their lifetime, regular screenings and awareness can make a lifesaving difference. Virginia Gay Hospital (VGH) is proud to join the national effort to raise awareness and encourage proactive steps toward women’s health through education, screenings, and local events.

Online Public meeting to discuss cancer in Benton County, Monday, October 20

VIRGINIA GAY HOSPITAL - October 20th 2025 12:06 am

Did you know that Iowa has the 2nd highest rate of new cancer diagnosis in the United States and rates are rising?-On average, 182 in Benton County are diagnosed with cancer each year.-On average, 52 people in Benton County die each year-Benton County ranks 29th for new cancer rates in Iowa (1st is highest, 99th is the lowest)Join experts from the Iowa Cancer Registry to learn about cancer trends, statistics, and risk factors in the county.

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The Cedar County Cobras in Garrison Sunday, November 9th

FARMERS MERCANTILE HALL - October 19th 2025 11:19 pm

The Cedar County Cobras will be in Garrison for a Sunday afternoon of boot-stompin blues, American roots and acoustic rockabilly. If you like old-time country blues, you will love the Cobras! Their music is contagious.The fun will be on Sunday, November 9th from 2:00 pm to 4:30 pm at the Farmers Mercantile Hall located at 100 W Main St., in Garrison.

Opal and Hazel to hold Final Pizza Event this Friday

OPAL AND HAZEL'S - October 19th 2025 7:52 pm

After six seasons in the “Food Truck” world, we will have one LAST fire Friday October 24th at Rooster Auto starting at 4:30pm and will roll while supplies last. While building a small wood-fired pizza oven on our patio, we never imagined scaling into a pizza business on wheels. With a lot of encouragement from family and friends, we jumped in.

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