News Headlines
VALERIE CLOSE, EDITOR - February 18th 2026 12:24 pm
Nick Fisher shared with the Local Kiwanis a bit about the Farmers Mercantile Hall that he owns in Garrison. If you'll notice, each month you can find both his ad and a article concerning the shows that are scheduled for the month. Here is a link to his Facebook page. He said that he is unclear of the date of construction of the building and even the courthouse records disagree with what he's discovered.
VALERIE CLOSE, EDITOR - February 17th 2026 11:57 am
According to arrest records from the Vinton Police Department, Nicholas Newbrough, a Vinton Post Office employee and his wife Kendra Newbrough were arrested on October 10, 2025. The two were later released on a $5,000 bond each. The couple faced multiple charges concerning a theft that occurred at a residence on September 1, 2025.Court filings show that the couple faced a total of four charges.
VALERIE CLOSE, EDITOR - February 17th 2026 1:00 am
One sentence in a courts ruling, takes away the settlement of a family in the loss of a Garrison man. "Decision of Court of Appeals Vacated; District Court
Judgment Reversed and Case Remanded."In summation, the document reads, "Michael Griffith died on the job after falling through an open catwalk gate
into machinery owned by his employer, Wendling Quarries.
VALERIE CLOSE, EDITOR - February 15th 2026 1:48 pm
Tequilero has completed all of the updates in their building, their staff has changed a little and they promise, the music will be a little bit quieter...but the great authentic Mexican food will be served!The business has completed some updates to the building, fixing a drain issue, and while they were down, they did a bit of remodeling. The staff was busy on Saturday getting things put back together and they can't wait to see everyone again!The business is highlighting their buffet which will begin serving at 11:00 a.
FARMERS MERCANTILE HALL - February 13th 2026 3:12 am
David Zollo has long been producing some of the finest roots music to come out of the state of Iowa. Brian Cooper will be joining him on drums for this show. This description of his newest release, “For Hire,” says it all:“The long-awaited new release from Iowa City singer/songwriter/bandleader, features 9 new tracks that use gospel, soul, blues and rock and roll to explore how his personal demons took the artist to the edge, and how he fought his way back.
VINTON SHELLSBURG COMMUNITY SCHOOLS - February 12th 2026 5:29 pm
The Vinton Shellsburg School Board began the evening by recognizing Cranky Hanks and H2 Pizza as Community Difference Makers for their partnership in supporting elementary literacy through the Pages for Pizza program. Through the initiative, students at Tilford and Shellsburg elementaries are challenged to read 20 minutes a day for 20 days each month from October through March.
LUTHERAN LIVING COMMUNITIES - February 11th 2026 7:43 pm
On February 3rd, the members of Post 57 of the Vinton American Legion met at the Lutheran Living Communities Chapel to honor Marlyn Mayhew and Darrell Kenney for 60 years of consecutive membership in the American Legion. The Post 57 members attending were, Back Row-L to R: Denny Hummel-Sergeant at Arms, Otto Bush, Ron Albright-Finance Officer, Fri
VINTON SHELLSBURG COMMUNITY SCHOOLS - February 9th 2026 7:02 pm
Chloe Sanders earned her 150th high school career pin last Thursday, and went on to become the first girl in the state of Iowa to reach 200 high school career wins!History was made for Vinton-Shellsburg Girls Wrestling with this very first state champion, Chloe Sanders! Chloe becomes Vinton-Shellsburg’s first-ever female wrestling state champion, and only the second state wrestling champion in school history, joining her brother, Gabe Sanders.
VALERIE CLOSE, EDITOR - February 8th 2026 1:23 pm
The Blooming Bee Boutique was welcomed by members of Vinton Unlimited with a ribbon cutting. The new business is operated by Brooklyn Conrad and her sister Gracelyn Alstat. The business held its grand opening, welcoming customers to shop the vintage finds and consignment offerings. She also offers flower arrangements. for any occasion and are taking orders for Valentine's Day, delivering within a 50-mile radius.
VALERIE CLOSE, EDITOR - February 5th 2026 3:38 pm
At the last Vinton City Council meeting, the city approved the retirement of the Vinton Police Department's K-9 Officer, Gino. In December 2016, the German Shepherd, along with his partner Officer Ben Parmater, completed their training together in Indiana. Gino was Vinton's very first K-9 to serve with the department.When the possibility of the program first came to the community's attention, Vinton rallied together to bring the dog to the Vinton Police Department.