News

Sunday found the downtown stores bustling with customers. At The Niche/Brickside Brew-N-Chew/3D Kitchens there was live music to entertain shoppers while they shopped for treasures or enjoyed a relaxing beverage and snack at Brickside Brew-B-Chew. Jay Cherry was among the singers joining in the fun downtown. He is from Batavia, Illinois a suburb of Chicago.

This past weekend downtown Vinton was decorated with garland, wreaths, and flower pots sporting Christmas decorations. The hard work of Vinton Shellsburg students and staff makes the town look festive and cheerful for the upcoming holidays!Thank you to all of those who spent hours making the town merry and bright! We all appreciate your hard work!

It's officially time to celebrate the Christmas season!  The 15th Annual Christmas parade arrived with temperatures appropriate for the season.Organized by our area veteran organizations, Santa arrived in town last night courtesy of the Vinton Fire Department to kick off the Vinton celebrations of the season. A special thanks to all who participated in the parade this year, making it a time of fun for the children to enjoy! For more pictures of the parade click HERE This weekend the annual open house events will take place on Sunday from noon until 4:00 p.

The regular Wednesday meeting of the Vinton Lions Club was held at the LaReyna. There were 37 members and two guest present. Deb Kacena and daughter Alyce Lynch shared information on Kacena Farms and the progression of success. They are committed to memorable and joyful family experiences with a wide array of wedding event options, holiday crafting activities, pumpkins and Christmas trees.

The local VFW Post #8884 presented a $2,000 donation to Veterans Affairs in Benton County. The organization presented the check to the director, Cara Martin to be placed directly into the Donations fund. This fund is set aside to be used to support area Veterans by providing additional emergency assistance. The Donation fund is a much-needed asset to Benton County Veterans.

Virginia Gay Hospital Home Health Agency is pleased to resume the annual “Angel Tree” for their clients this year. We are excited to help our clients have a joyful Christmas! Many of our clients, who all live in Benton County are low income, lack the support of close family/friends, and have unfulfilled needs. Here is how you can help make a difference:In Person: Our “Angel Tree” is located at Virginia Gay Hospital on the main floor, behind the front registration desk, near the elevator.

Joseph Wax, Mass Communication Specialist 1st Class (E6) was presented with a Quilt of Valor on Saturday, November 12 at the VFW. Wax joined the Navy in 2004 and was on active duty for 13 years and has now been in the reserves for five. When he first joined the Navy, he joined as a Navy journalist, but his title has changed to Mass Communication Specialist.

 By: Co-Reporter, Grace Schminke From October 26th to October 29th, 20 members of the Vinton-Shellsburg FFA Chapter traveled to the 95th Annual National FFA Convention in Indianapolis, Indiana. Senior member Josh Wiley was also selected to travel on behalf of Iowa FFA as a delegate and Junior member Rachel Rollinger was selected to participate in the National FFA Band.

Mary Barkdoll and Jessica Davis of Clipper Corner donated $2030 to Gifts of Hope through their annual fundraiser. VGH is grateful for their support and continued support in raising awareness for breast cancer awareness and early detection. VGH is honored to show appreciation at our recent Legacy Awards event in her efforts and raising thousands of dollars over the years.

Hands down the Veteran's Assembly is the best event put together by the Vinton-Shellburg Schools each November 11. Held in the Washington Middle School the school pulls out all of the stops for area veterans. Each student in the district attends as well as their teachers. Area veterans that want to attend, along with their families, are all welcome to join the schoolchildren in the middle school gymnasium.