News

Iowa pork producers are stepping up once again this year to fight food insecurity with the return of Pork in the Pantry. In 2024, pork producers across the state donated more than $45,000 worth of pork to local food pantries, providing an estimated 60,000 servings of protein to Iowans in need.Organized by the Iowa Pork Producers Association (IPPA), Pork in the Pantry offers up to $1,000 in funding per county pork producer organization to purchase and donate pork to local food pantries.

Iowa Secretary of State Paul Pate today unveiled a new display case to house Iowa’s original 1857 Iowa Constitution. As a demonstration of the state’s commitment to transparency and accessibility, Iowa’s Constitution is on display for the public to view in the Iowa Secretary of State’s Office during normal business hours.This new protective case replaces the previous 1980s-era display and adds room for three more historic documents while offering enhanced preservation measures.

The Vinton Police Department has partnered with the Iowa Department of Revenue (IDR), Alcohol & Tax Compliance Division, to conduct underage alcohol compliance checks to reduce and deter illegal alcohol sales to minors. This initiative is part of the Iowa Underage Alcohol Enforcement Program.Under this program, compliance checks will be conducted at businesses licensed to sell alcohol.

The trial for Luke Truesdell, Marion, who was charged in the beating death of four people in Linn County last June has been postponed.  Truesdell was charged with four couts of first degree murder in the deaths of Amanda Parker of Vinton, Romondus Cooper and Keonna Ryan of Cedar Rapids and Brent Brown of Marion.Truesdell’s lawyers are asking the judge to throw out his confession made to detectives.

Meeting to focus on college’s workforce and training efforts in Benton County Kirkwood Community College will hold the next meeting of the institution’s Benton County Leadership Council on March 5, from 1-2:30 p.m., at Kirkwood's Benton County Center in Vinton. Kirkwood President Kristie Fisher, college officials, local community leaders and members of the general public are all expected to be in attendance.

Wesley United Methodist Church is  thrilled to announce a silent auction as part of their upcoming fundraising event which started on February 9 at Wesley UMC (the church by the library). Guests will have the opportunity to bid on a wide array of unique items such as a beautiful brass chandelier, P.Buckey Moss pictures (Prairie Creek Church , General Store, Erin’s Doll, Iowa Governor Mansion, General Store) some framed, posters and plates, two gorgeous stained glass windows from the church, a pretty tulip designed stained glass window, a pie a month, a certificate for a decorated cake, uniquely designed floral porch pots, gift baskets , an evening out at an outdoor concert, a handmade name quilt with ties to Vinton from the 1930’s and more, with all proceeds directly benefiting future building projects and missions to help the community of Vinton.

The Van Horne Fire Department recognized some of their staff this week for their service. Chief Jeremy Hlas presented Kim Koehler Rayman with a certificate for 5 years of service, as well as Training Officer Jason Rayman for 5 years of service. Secretary Matt Matheny retired from the Van Horne First Responders with 16 years in EMS and was recognized for his service.

The Vinton-Shellsburg High School Girls' Basketball program, hosted a memorable Pink Night, celebrating the strength of local breast cancer survivors while raising awareness about the importance of early detection. The event also served as a fundraiser for Gifts of Hope, an initiative through Virginia Gay Hospital in Vinton, Iowa, that provides crucial support to individuals facing breast cancer.