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By JAY WAAGMEESTER AND KATHIE OBRADOVICHThe Republican-controlled Iowa Legislature, in a daylong special legislative session, passed legislation late Tuesday to outlaw most abortions in Iowa after six weeks of gestation.The House adjourned just after 9 p.m. Tuesday after sending House File 732 to the Senate with a vote of 56-34.

Director of the Vinton Parks and Recreation Department, Matt Boggess has had a project on the back burner of his mind for a long time. He said for the last four or five years he's been tossing around ideas for ways that he could improve the Veterans Park in Vinton.Using some of those ideas, the department has begun to renovate the park. There will be a new bridge replacing the old one, as well as new displays holding the names of area veterans.

(Note: This agency assists Seniors in Benton County.)Help seniors experiencing abuse and neglect stay alive and learn to thrive with the dignity and independence they deserve. Your donation supports the work of our Elder Rights Specialists, who provide 1-on-1 help to almost 150 older adults experiencing abuse every year. They coordinate life-changing in-home care, connect seniors with reliable nutrition programs and more - even testifying in court when needed - from the senior's lowest point until complete recovery.

The Vinton Washington High School Class of 1978 celebrated the 45th anniversary of their graduation with a reunion at the Vinton Country Club this past Saturday, July 8th.Present left to right:Jon Duncan, Steve Haefner, Sondra Jacobson-Dyer, Tracy Sellers, Scott and Julie Hanson, Brian White, Renee Haefner-Stein, Wes Renken, Rhonda Flickinger-Happel, Diane Hyde, Don Boddicker, Kim Kleckner, Doug Milroy, Steve Mahurin, Lee Inman, Becky Lutz, Jeff Harrison, Wanda Barkdoll, Dan Heineman, Angie Merchant-Stueck, Susan Christy-Fuls, Craig Schmidt, Karen Hesson Helms, Brian Knudsvig, Al Meyer, Cindy Mahr Lower, Ed Landgrebe, John Wiese, Jeff Hogan, Marty Ternus, John Olson, Steve Geiger, Scott Holiday, Mike Martin, Joe Kearns.

The Vinton Public Library would like to add you to their digital newsletter email list. If you would like to have information about all of the events that will be happening at the library sent directly to your inbox, simply send a note to: library@vintonia.gov and ask to be added!

Pictured (L to R): Dennis Lausar, Director, Lynn Montgomery, Secretary, Teri Wehage, 3rd Vice President, Tanner Davis, Vice President, Phil Borleske, Lion Tamer, Charlie Garwood, Tail Twister, Bethany Gates, 2nd Vice President, Scott Barron, Director, Alan Woodhouse, Treasurer, Dan McCann, Director, Larry Andreesen, Director, Matt Johnson, President.

The Vinton-Shellsburg Community School District was honored by the National School Public Relations Association for its exceptional community outreach efforts through social media. The recognition was announced as part of the 2023 Golden Achievement Awards held by the organization.Superintendent Kyle Koeppen of Vinton-Shellsburg (VS) highlighted the dedication required to keep the public well-informed.

Belle Plaine is celebrating area Stars Over 70, individuals who are helping to make the world a better place through volunteering, working, and serving as role models.The 2023 honorees are Cindy Ehlen, Dave Hrabak, Jane Hrabak, and Phillip Schwarzkopf. Each Star was interviewed by a student in Susan Mattmiller’s creative writing class at Belle Plaine High School.

By: Co-Reporter, Juliana LuisJazmyn Dods described her time educating youth at the bucket-bottle calf station while at the Vinton-Shellsburg Petting Zoo, held during Party in The Park. “The feeling of being able to see all of the people’s faces and reactions to Pedro was a feeling I couldn’t describe. Just getting to be able to be around everyone and spending that quality time with the animals is an experience I will never forget.

With July 4th just around the corner, we thought it would be an excellent time to review the City of Vinton Ordinance regarding fireworks.41.14 FIREWORKS.(Code of Iowa, Sec. 727.2)1. Definitions. For purposes of this section: A. “Consumer fireworks” means the following fireworks, as described in Chapter 3 of the American Pyrotechnics Association (“APA”) Standard 87-1: (1) First-class consumer fireworks: a.