Et Cetera
Shellsburg writer earns 2nd in Statewide VFW essay contest
Shellsburg 4th-grader Clayton Johnson received a special gift on Friday, in honor of his 2nd place in the Iowa VFW essay class.
A student in Mrs. Walker's class, Johnson had his essay chosen as the best among fourth grade entries in the V-S contest, and later in the District judging. His essay advanced to state, where he brought home the silver medal, and a few prizes from the VFW. Foul weather friends: The story of Doris Becker's 'Blizzard of '73' reunions
Today, when the family and friends of the late Doris Becker gather for her funeral, I hope someone remembers this story – the story that introduced me to Doris shortly after I arrived in Vinton in the spring of 2003.
Mid-April, 1973. A sudden, historical snowstorm. An accident on Highway 218, not far from the corner where Doris and her husband, Vince, lived and ran a saw mill for a half-century.
Pine Wood Derby: Scouts receive trophies for fastest, most creative racers
Pack 47 Cub Scouts held their annual Pine Wood Derby on Saturday. Winners were: Keyan Cook, Tigers; Miles Neblung, Wolf; Travis Bender, Bear; and Ian Vrba, Webelo 1. Scouts were also honored for creativity in decorating their vehicles. Miles Neblung also won Judge’s Choice. Dakota Slager was honored for the best paint and Travis Bender for best design. V-S FFA receives Superior Chapter Award at District Convention
On March 14th, 2015, fourteen Vinton-Shellsburg FFA Chapter members attended District Convention at the Benton Community High School.
While at Districts, the chapter was recognized with a Superior National Chapter Award along with 3 Academic Achievement Awards for senior members that have over a 3.5 GPA and have been a FFA member for at least three years. Bistline's to celebrate 61st Anniversary
Don and Virginia Bistline, of rural Brandon, will be celebrating their 61st Anniversary on March 21st.
The family is asking that family and friends please consider sending them a card with your well wishes to help them celebrate!
Please address the cards to: Mr. & Mrs. Don Bistline, 5086 26th Ave., Brandon, IA 52210.
Statons celebrate 50th Anniversary
Norval and Helen (McNeal) Staton were united in Holy Matrimony on March 27, 1965 at the Assemlby of God church in Vinton.
Their friends and family would like to honor them with a Golden 50th Anniversary Card shower.
Cards may be sent to Norval and Helen at 415 W 12th St. Vinton, Iowa 52349.
Caitlin Kruckenberg earns King Scholarship from Cornell College
Caitlin Kruckenberg of Garrison, Iowa (52229), was presented Cornell College's most prestigious scholarship, the King Scholarship, on Wednesday, March 11.
The King Scholarship is a four-year, full-tuition scholarship given to students who show exceptional academic promise. One King Scholarship each year is set aside for an Iowa student.
Kruckenberg, who will graduate first in her class this spring from Vinton-Shellsbug High School with a 4.
FEMA Corps Continues to Help New Jersey Recover from Sandy
By: Kelsey Nunn
Spruce 1 was sent to Colts Neck, New Jersey to assist FEMA Region 2’s Closeout Processing Center (CPC) back in December 2014. They have spent the last 14 weeks helping FEMA closeout projects from Hurricane Sandy and other declared disasters.
FEMA Corps member, Matthew Atteberry states, “Similar to our first round, Spruce 1 has been aiding FEMA Region 2 with the closeout process. NCCC-FEMA Corps team reflects back on latest project
By: Christina Wilbert & Katherine Radam
Hickory 3 has spent the last few months serving with FEMA in Arlington, Virginia. As they are wrapping up their project the team has begun to reflect on what they have accomplished. One highlight was their Martin Luther King Day of service on January 19. On this day Hickory 3 distributed emergency preparedness kits to a neighborhood in Arlington. VINTON GARDEN CLUB NEWS FOR FEBRUARY 2015
March 2, 2015
The Vinton Garden Club, member of National Garden Clubs, Inc., District II and Central Region met at 1:00 pm at the home of Sharen Stueck for the February 25, 2015 meeting, which was postponed to March 2 due to snowstorm. The program was on “Saving Our Wildlife and Native Wild Flowers,” speaker was Jason Gritsch, a Benton County DNR Private Lands Technician.