News Headlines

VPRD Community Recreation Facility Survey

VINTON PARKS & RECREATION - January 15th 2026 4:14 pm

Vinton Parks & Recreation is gathering community feedback to help guide future planning for recreation facilities, including a potential new public pool or community recreation center.This short survey is voluntary and will be used for planning and feasibility purposes only. It does not represent a final proposal or funding decision. Take the survey here:https://blocksurvey.

Steffen Named as a Teaching America250 Award Recipient

VINTON TODAY - January 15th 2026 3:38 pm

Nationwide teaching program awards 51 teachers with $5,000 each in celebration of the Semiquincentennial anniversary of the signing of the Declaration of IndependenceThe Jack Miller Center (JMC), an educational non-profit committed to civic education, today announced the winners of the Teaching America250 Awards thanks to the generous support of the Carnegie Corporation of New York.

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Murray puts in retirement request at Humbolt School District

VALERIE CLOSE, EDITOR - January 15th 2026 2:57 pm

The former principal at Tilford Elementary moved on to be the superintendent at the Humbolt Community School District. However, the Humbolt Independent reported, "The Humboldt Community School District Board of Directors officially approved the retirement request of long-time Superintendent Jim Murray at their meeting on Dec. 15.He said, “I’m looking forward to it.

Shellsburg Public Library receives Artwork

SHELLSBURG PUBLIC LIBRARY - January 14th 2026 6:23 pm

Shellsburg Public Library recently received a beautiful Diamond Dots artwork created by Gerry Ries of Vinton, formerly of the Shellsburg area.Diamond Dots art is created by placing tiny, faceted resin “diamonds” onto a pre-printed, adhesive canvas, forming a shimmering mosaic image. The process is similar to paint-by-number, but with added sparkle and dimension.

Benton County Settles Lawsuit for $125,000 with former Deputy

VALERIE CLOSE, EDITOR - January 13th 2026 6:16 pm

Following the 2024 election, Benton County selected a new Benton County Sheriff, David Upah. As is customary, the new Sheriff also selects his own First Deputy. Upah replaced First Deputy, John Lindaman, who served under former Sheriff Ronald Tippett, with his own selection of First Deputy, Josh Karsten.Following the transition, Lindaman filed a complaint against the county on October 10, 2025, with the Iowa Civil Rights Commission CP# 10-25-84472 and it is cross-filed with the Equal Employment Opportunity Commission case No.

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VGH Dietitian, Sara Wattnem, Earns Specialized Eating Disorder Certification

VIRGINIA GAY HOSPITAL - January 13th 2026 5:44 pm

Virginia Gay Hospital is proud to announce that Sara Wattnem, Registered Dietitian, has officially earned her Inclusive Eating Disorder Specialist (IEDS) Certification, expanding access to specialized eating disorder nutrition care for patients in the region.The IEDS certification recognizes advanced training in the nutritional treatment of eating disorders across the full spectrum, including Avoidant/Restrictive Food Intake Disorder (ARFID), anorexia, bulimia, body dysmorphia, and related conditions.

Applications Open for $700,000+ from Community Foundation of NE Iowa

COMMUNITY FOUNDATION OF NORTHEAST IOWA - January 12th 2026 8:32 pm

The Community Foundation of Northeast Iowa (CFNEIA) is excited to announce the opening of its 2026 scholarship application process, offering students the opportunity to receive a share of over $700,000 in scholarships. The deadline to apply is 8 p.m. on March 11. The CFNEIA scholarship program supports high school, college, and adult students in pursuing higher education.

The Charles & Helen Yundt Charitable Foundation Now Accepting Grant Applications

CHARLES & HELEN YUNDT FOUNDATION - January 9th 2026 9:03 pm

The Charles and Helen Yundt Charitable Foundation is accepting grant applications for year2026 from non-profit organizations serving the Vinton, Iowa community. Each grant awardedshall be for a specific purpose or project, with the intent to benefit the greater VintonCommunity, with particular attention to education, health and human services.Grant applications are available through the Farmers Savings Bank & Trust website atfsb-vinton.

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Walston Retirement Celebration January 22

VINTON TODAY - January 9th 2026 4:18 am

Greg Walson, has served with the Benton County Extension and Outreach as the County Director will be celebrated at a Retirement Celebration. On Thursday, January 22, (Snow date January 29th) from 4-6:00 p.m. at the Van Horne Community Center located at 508 1st Ave. in Van Horne. Greg has been a staple in our community over the years. You may have seen him in the community gardens organizing, teaching others, planting, weeding, harvesting at the old West School.

Just Like Ever Other Year, We Say Thank You Benton County!

SALVATION ARMY - January 9th 2026 4:15 am

Pictured: Santa showed up to ring the bell at Fareway this season, as he often does. Joining in the Red Kettle Fundraising for the Salvation Army of Benton County, were Greg Walston and Fareway leaders who stopped by.I say and write it every year. Thank you.Try saying the same sentiment annually, to the same folks, for the last 5 or so years. How can I do it differently? It's supposed to be fresh and exciting, right? However, much gratitude is best simply stated.

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