News
Buckle Up, Vinton – Your Life Depends On It!
The Vinton Police Department has a special Thanksgiving message for all our residents: Be thankful for your seatbelt!While we gather to celebrate all we’re grateful for, let’s not overlook one of the simplest ways to protect ourselves and our loved ones. Last Thanksgiving weekend, 326 people tragically lost their lives in traffic crashes, and shockingly, 43% of them weren’t wearing a seatbelt. Vinton-Shellsburg Schools Shine in U.S. News 2025 Rankings
We are thrilled to announce that Vinton-Shellsburg Community School District has earned top rankings in the 2025 U.S. News Best Schools Report. Two of our elementary schools have earned Best Elementary Schools badges, and our middle school and high school has earned a Best Middle/High Schools badge, placing them among the top 40% in the state.Notable Rankings and AchievementsShellsburg Elementary School has been ranked #74 out of 951 elementary schools in Iowa.
2024 Virginia Gay Hospital Legacy Award Recipient: Terri Buelow
Virginia Gay Hospital is proud to announce Terri Buelow as one of the esteemed recipients of the 2024 Legacy Honors. Terri devoted an incredible 26 years to Virginia Gay Hospital. Much of her career was spent working nights and second shifts, where she quickly became a trusted leader, advocate for both staff and patients, and a source of innovation and dedication. Vinton-Shellsburg Community School District School Performance
Profile UpdateThe Vinton-Shellsburg Community School District is pleased to present the 2024 Iowa School Performance Profiles. This profile provides insight into each school's performance based on the unified accountability system under the federal Every Student Succeeds Act (ESSA). Iowa’s system sets consistent academic expectations for all students, uses evidence-based practices, and provides support for schools needing improvement. A Toast to Thanksgiving Safety – Hold the Buzz
Thanksgiving is a time for turkey, traditions, and togetherness. It’s also a holiday famous for its travel and festivities – and let’s be honest, maybe a little too much “cheer.” But here’s the deal, folks: the saying isn’t “Buzzed driving is a suggestion.” It’s “Buzzed driving is drunk driving.” And it’s worth repeating this holiday season. Attempted ATM robbery at Chelsea Savings Bank Foiled
On November 17th, 2024 at 4:04 AM a report was received of an alarm at Chelsea Savings Bank, Van Horne.At 3:55 AM the ATM at this location was pulled off its supports by means of a pickup truck. The suspects were unsuccessful at gaining entry to the ATM. The suspects fled the scene prior to the arrival of law enforcement.The truck was later recovered, abandoned nearby and was discovered to have been stolen from Iowa City.
2024 Virginia Gay Hospital Legacy Award Recipient: Jan Roth
Virginia Gay Hospital is proud to announce Jan Roth as the 2024 Legacy Honoree, recognizing her remarkable dedication and impactful contributions to our community and to the advancement of quality healthcare. Jan’s steadfast support, both through her philanthropy and her personal dedication, has been instrumental in sustaining accessible healthcare close to home. It's time for the "beware of scammers" reminder
Let's talk about the aftershock of election season. You might think things would settle down a bit, but no—our good pals, the scammers, are just getting started. Now that political texts and calls are out of the way, these folks have an open path right to your phone. And believe me, they’re pulling every trick in the book to grab your attention.
2024 Virginia Gay Hospital Legacy Award Recipient: Michele Schoonover
Virginia Gay Hospital is proud to recognize Michele Schoonover for over four decades of remarkable dedication, passion, and leadership. As an influential leader in healthcare, Michele’s 44-year journey has shaped the hospital’s growth and strengthened healthcare services for the Vinton community and beyond.Michele joined Virginia Gay Hospital in 1980 as a radiology technologist and quickly rose through the ranks, pursuing further education while working full-time. Growing Tomorrow's Leaders with the Vinton-Shellsburg FFA Pork BBQ
By: Co-Reporter, Izzie BirkerOn Monday, November 4th, the Vinton-Shellsburg FFA Chapter held its annual Pork BBQ meeting at Tilford Elementary. A total of 190 people attended the event, including 58 FFA members and 132 friends, family members, and guests who came to support the chapter. Before the ceremony, everyone enjoyed an amazing spread of food provided by Merchant’s Grilling and all of the FFA members' families.