News
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. Santa visits with children during Breakfast
The annual Breakfast with Santa was held on Saturday with area families. The highlight wasn't the pancakes necessarily, although they were tasty, but the big event was the arrival of Santa. Each year Santa makes a stop at the invitation of Vinton Parks and Recreation Department. Santa visits with the children to make sure that he has their wish list correct and then takes time to have his picture taken with the children. Week 3 Punch Card Winner
Vinton Unlimited announced the third winner of the Holiday Lights Punch Card drawings. This week’s winner is Brandi Meyer. Brandi receives $50 in Vinton Value Dollars! Every week until Christmas, when people shop local at participating businesses, they can receive one punch on their punch card for every $10 spent. Once the card is filled (10 punches), they can be turned in to participate in the weekly drawing of $50 in Vinton Value Dollars.
Benton County Food Pantry Schedules
The Vinton Pantry is open on Tuesdays from 10 a.m. to 3 p.m. The pantry is located on the west side of 811 D Ave. Vinton.On the third Saturday of each month from 10 to 11 a.m. bring your bags to the pantry at Wesley United Methodist Church located at 516 2nd Ave. Vinton (The church next to the library.)The Belle Plaine Pantry is open on Tuesday and Friday from 1:30 to 4 p.
Koop's and Arnold Motor Supply Toy Drives Continue
Koop's Sales and Service and Arnold Motor Supply continue to collect Christmas gifts to make Christmas better for boys and girls, here in Benton County.Take some time to grab a gift & drop it off to add to the toy drives happening in Vinton. If you cannot get out to shop, both businesses will also take donations and do the shopping for you!Koop's Vinton Food Pantry's Linda Wood Retires
The Vinton Food Pantry will mark a significant milestone, effective Monday, December 12.One of our long-time leaders, Linda Wood, is retiring from her pantry work after 14 years. Our pantry has grown and evolved greatly over that time, thanks to a terrific crew of volunteers, Linda, Vickie Holst and Elaine Bearbower.Our food pantry has been serving Vinton and surrounding communities since it was incorporated in 1985.