News

The Vinton Public Library is starting an exciting new season of strategic planning.  Strategic Planning is an essential part of the delivery of library services in our community and is one of the many standards of accreditation required of us through the State Library of Iowa.  Please take a moment to complete the following questionnaire, which helps us assess the success of our VPL 2020-2024 plan; watch for another survey this summer which will kick off the data collection portion of developing our VPL 2024-2028 plan.

On May 1 the Webster County Recorder's Office assisted a resident with questions about a confusing letter they received, which was quickly identified as a scam and reported to local law enforcement.The letter claimed to be from “County Deed Records” with false information about the recipient’s home warranty expiration date. The letter also contained a “renewal fee voucher” for $199, which resembles a check and requests immediate action to call or be left vulnerable to repair costs.

Volunteers are needed Thursday afternoon to unload the HACAP truck, Friday to set up for the Wesley Mobile Food Pantry Vinton, and on Saturday morning for the food distribution. Thanks to the many volunteers that help make our food pantry successful.For neighbors who are needing food, the doors open up at 10:00.

While Mother Nature has been the most unforgiving thing this season for the races at the Benton County Speedway the ladies behind the Candy Dash have been hard at it again. What once was a small event has turned into breaking records and bringing smiles to the kids at the local speedway.This year's Candy Dash event will be held June 4th and the plan is to toss over 1500 pounds of candy this year.

 “One thing becomes clearer as one gets older and one’s fishing experience increases, and that is the paramount importance of one’s fishing companions.” – John Ashley CooperIf you're a small child and your dad wants to go fishing with you, the request might bring an eye roll or a "do we HAVE to?" But when dad is older and he really wants to go fishing just one more time, you move heaven and earth to bring that wish.

The Quilt of Valor program is one of those programs that I always look forward to attending. This week, I had the opportunity to meet a new circle of Qult of Valor presenters in the area, out of Garrison. The group met to honor Roger Midthun. Teresa Bednar-Schadle was responsible for creating the quilt, getting the paperwork to the Quilt of Valor program and also presenting the quilt.

Shelby Williams the Benton County Conservation Director, spoke to the Vinton Kiwanis at their Tuesday meeting. She shared with the group that plans are underway to purchase 180 acres of land next to the Wildcat Bluff Recreation Area located 2 miles south of Urbana running along the Cedar River. This would bring the total size of the park to nearly 300 acres.

For the week of Monday, May 15th through Saturday, 20th, you have the opportunity to support your local Salvation Army Service Extension Unit.Please say “Yes” to rounding up at the check-out at Fareway. This will help provide resources to fulfil requests for assistance with rent, utilities, etc. We appreciate and say a heartfelt “thank you” in advance for your compassion and generosity!Things We DoIn 2022 we assisted nearly 100 families in Benton County with* rent, utility bills, medical bills, repairs, etc* donated just under $2,000 to our 3 local school districts --calculators, zipper binders, clothing and gym shoes for students in need.

As I watched the families and the members of the Class of 2023, and the generous members of our community come together to honor this Vinton-Shellsburg class, I couldn't help but feel proud of our community. I have no idea how other towns celebrate their graduates, but it feels like Vinton tries to step it up every year. Principal Matt Kingsley opened the Scholarship and Awards Ceremony for the class of 2023 in the high school auditorium It was estimated that there would be $120,000 in scholarships awarded to the graduates.

Celebrating VGH Employee Years of Service! Hospital Week is a great time to honor our amazing, compassionate and dedicated staff. In addition, VGH is also celebrating 100 Years in the community.Michele shared a note of appreciation:“Today’s date holds some special significance for me. We will celebrate 35 employees receiving awards for varying years of service to Virginia Gay Hospital.