"She was smiling the whole time! She wouldn't stop saying, 'This is awesome!'" That is how one area Girl Scout described another Girl Scout's reaction on Saturday, when Scouts from the area gathered at the Vinton Airport for a Fly Iowa and Young Eagles event.

  The Iowa Braille swimming and forensics teams traveled to Faribault, Minnesota, April 27-29 to compete in the North Central Association of the Blind’s conference meet.

  There is a new application for smart phones which will help those who want to volunteer to find places that need help. The ap, which is believed to be the first of its kind in the United States, is free to download and allows users to map volunteer opportunities in Cedar Rapids.

  The Vinton area Girls Scouts will continue their 100th anniversary celebration on Saturday, May 5, at the Vinton airport. "As long as the weather cooperates with us , there will be a gathering of Young Eagles sponsored by EEA Chapter 33 with experienced pilots bringing in their crew of planes to give introductory flights to boys & girls, age 8-17, provided a parent or guardian is available to sign the registration giving them permission for take-off," says Scout leader Judi Scheiner.

  There is a new Vinton organization dedicated to supporting area veterans as well as the community. The Veterans of Foreign Wars (VFW) Smith-Geater Post 8884 now has its own Auxiliary.

40 Total Years of Service             During the week of May 7th – 11th, 2012, Virginia Gay Hospital & Clinics will celebrate Hospital Week.

  Iowa Baseball Museum of Norway’s new book “NORWAY BASEBALL – GONE BUT NOT FORGOTTEN” is now for sale for $15 at the museum in Norway or at BANKIOWA in Norway.

  By English Tong   Oak Six has been serving in Oxford, Mich. for their first round project. In five weeks, Oak Six moved 32,000 lbs.

The Vinton-Shellsburg Post Prom included a variety of activities throughout the night, from midnight to 6 a.m. on Saturday. Hypnotist Jim Wand returned to Vinton to another performance; several students wrote in their Prom introductions that his show was what they were most looking forward to at Post Prom.

The latest in formal wear, from the brightest colors of dresses and tuxedos, to the novelty items like camouflage and sneakers, were on display during the Grand March before Vinton-Shellsburg High School students and their dates went to Prom Saturday evening.