News

Haunted houses, gobs of candy, costumes, and parties. Halloween, with its fun and spooky traditions is in full swing, and no celebration playlist is complete without “The Monster Mash.” This classic 1962 Bobby "Boris" Pickett tune features Frankenstein and his ghouls and zombies grooving to the graveyard smash.The same adrenalin pump and communal spirit that brings us together to kick up our heels can contribute to the aggressive driving behavior of tailgating.

Saturday morning started out with very nippy temperatures for the planned Halloween activities by the Vinton Parks and Recreation Department. By the time the Costume Parade kicked off, Mother Nature had pity on the little trick or treaters that made their trip through the downtown. Over 300 children went through the parade route collecting treats from the area businesses.

Iowa's State Auditor Rob Stand made a stop in Vinton to discuss his job as Auditor. Before beginning the meeting, he spotted an old friend that he had met while working with Americorp, Jimmy Kelly.  The two men had worked together making home repairs  while they were serving together in the corps. Sand spoke of the challenges he faces at the state level in his attempts to audit several of the state offices.

This week, Benton County Auditor Hayley Rippel made an appearance in Benton County with Iowa Congresswoman Ashley Hinson, The two discussed voting and the requirements and misconceptions surrounding elections.Here's the link to watch the live stream on Facebook

Vinton Unlimited, in conjunction with our local veteran organizations, is excited to kick off the holiday season with the 17th Annual Lighted Parade! Let’s make this the brightest year yet! Date: November 21st Time: 6 PM Location: Downtown Vinton Santa will be visiting all the way from the North Pole! (We kindly ask that no other Santas attend.) Theme: Christmas or Patriotic – let your creativity shine! Free hot cocoa will be served to keep you warm!This event is FREE, no registration is required, and everyone is welcome! Join us IN the parade or as a spectator.

Difference Maker Presentation4. We are proud to recognize Maddy Svoboda as a Positive Difference Maker in our school district. Maddy serves as our athletic trainer, offering invaluable support to both student-athletes and coaches. She has gone above and beyond her role by organizing response training with local emergency responders, ensuring that our teams are prepared for any situation.

 Iowans who received sheltering through the State of Iowa Disaster Recovery Temporary Housing Program (DRTHP) due to the severe storms, tornadoes, and flooding that occurred in April, May, and June 2024 will continue to have access to the program as winter weather approaches. "As we head into the fall and winter seasons, it's important that Iowa survivors continue to have access to safe shelter as they work towards rebuilding,” said John Benson, Director of the Iowa Department of Homeland Security and Emergency Management.

 The Iowa Department of Public Safety's Office of Drug Control Policy (ODCP) is encouraging all Iowans to participate in National Prescription Drug Take Back Day scheduled for October 26, 2024. This biannual event is an opportunity for Iowans to dispose of unused or expired prescription medications safely and anonymously. Local law enforcement agencies and pharmacies are teaming up to collect leftover prescription and over-the-counter medication during this one-day event held each spring and fall.

By Robin OpsahlThe Iowa Secretary of State’s office says it has found 87 noncitizens who voted in the state’s elections, as well as 67 noncitizens who have registered to vote but have not yet cast a ballot.Secretary of State Paul Pate reported Tuesday the office found these instances through an auditing process of voter registration lists. The people who are not citizens and participated in the state’s election process “self-reported” as non-citizens after voting or registering to vote, Pate said in a news release.

The recent collaboration between Virginia Gay Hospital and Allen College created an exciting opportunity for high school students from Center Point-Urbana, Vinton-Shellsburg, Belle Plaine, and Benton Community to explore careers in healthcare. Held on October 22, the event was part of the Health Careers Club initiative, designed to give students hands-on experiences in various healthcare fields.