News
Gualtier becomes member of the Military Order of the Purple Heart
John Gualtier a recipient of the Purple Heart in 2020, received his Life Member Certificate of the Military Order of the Purple Heart. The Purple Heart Medal is awarded to members of the armed forces of the U.S. who are wounded by an instrument of war in the hands of the enemy and posthumously to the next of kin in the name of those who are killed in action or die of wounds received in action. Veteran of the Month Program to begin in 2023
Please take a moment to show your appreciation to a favorite Veteran (or two, or three) in your life by nominating them for our new VETERAN OF THE MONTH!! I’m ecstatic to get this new Benton County VA program up and running for 2023! A monthly winner will be selected at random from the nomination forms received. They’ll be contacted so I can come and proudly display the very large yard sign for all to admire and we’ll have a good chat so I can write nice bio and take a lovely photo to be published. Holiday with a Cop spreads Joy to area Children
The Vinton Police Department with the help of the Vinton community were able to bring Christmas cheer to 85 local children. Vinton-Shellsburg and Benton Community Schools teachers chose the children who would participate in the program this year.Vinton Police Chief Ted Paxton said the department was able to raise enough funds to provide for the families because of “the tremendous support of the Vinton businesses and community. Vinton-Shellsburg van involved in Cedar Rapids Accident
Two were injured in a crash that involved a vehicle belonging to Vinton-Shellsburg Schools on Thursday morning.The Linn County Sheriff’s Office reported that there were no children in the van when it happened, but both drivers were taken to the hospital for non-life-threatening injuries.The crash occurred around 8:30 a.m. at the intersection of Feather Ridge Road and Blairs Ferry Road. Vinton Leaders consider ideas for the City
Monday night the city council, and department heads of the library, water and sewer, streets, parks and rec, and safety all met to make suggestions for the direction Vinton should be taking. The meeting was directed by Pat Callahan a Municipal Consultant. Each of the department heads and council members was asked for their input on goals to improve Vinton and submitted their suggestions to Callahan. Local Pastor Prepares for Serving as a Salvation Army Chaplain
A heartfelt passion to serve others. Many people might lay claim to that phrase. But for Pastor Brian Reeves, it set him on a path to further his skills as a pastor and chaplain. He states, "I have always had a desire to serve people. I enjoy working with folks to strengthen their emotional, spiritual and mental health, especially during a crisis."Reeves has been a pastor for 36 years and currently serves 2 congregations in Shellsburg. Benton Community FFA Members Earn Degree Advancements
Breck Coffland, ReporterOn November 20, the Benton Community FFA Chapter held their annual Degree Ceremonies and Family Night. This night is to recognize members earning their degrees through the National FFA Organization, and give thanks to the families of FFA members. There were 49 members that received their greenhand degree, and 10 members that earned their chapter degrees. Shellsburg Man Claims Big Prize In ‘The Perfect Gift’ Game
A Benton County man said he verified his win several times before he finally believed that he had won a $10,000 lottery prize. “I scanned it three more times, then I went back into the gas station just to make sure,” Louis Janecek II said on Tuesday as he claimed his prize at the Iowa Lottery’s Cedar Rapids regional office.Janecek, 42, of Shellsburg, won the eighth prize of $10,000 in “The Perfect Gift” scratch game. VS National Honor Society holds food drive
The Vinton-Shellsburg National Honor Society is holding a food drive from December 14th through the 21st. Food is a human right There will be boxes in Lagrange's, Ehlinger's and the Vinton Public Library as well as a bin at the home basketball games for spectators to bring cans in for donations there as well! Please bring nonperishable foods in cans and jars.
HOLIDAY DONATIONS DOWN NEARLY 30%
Santa Claus made a stop at the local Fareway this week to help raise money for the Salvation Army. He encourages those who can to make a donation to help those in need. Holiday donations to area Salvation Army fundraising efforts are down nearly 30% year over year, putting the future of critical services needed by those most vulnerable in our community in jeopardy.