Benton County employees adopted a couple of families in need this Christmas season. The county employees donated gifts to brighten the season for these families.

If you happened to visit Fareway last week you saw jolly St. Nick helping the local Salvation Army to ring the bell. Answering questions from the little visitors, who asked, "Are you the real Santa one or the one with the stretchy beard?" He assured those in question that he is 1700 years old so of COURSE he's the real one!The Salvation Army of Benton County says "Thank You!" to those who have already committed to help ring the bell.

Once again, Santa made his stop at the Vinton Skate Center. He was invited by the elves who work for the Vinton Parks and Rec to meet with area children after a breakfast prepared by the kitchen elves.

Wesley Mobile Food Pantry Vinton will have its distribution this Saturday. Notice the time change: 9:00-10:30 a.m. We will set up on Friday at 3:00, at the church.

Dr. Brian Meeker, of Virginia Gay Hospital was awarded the University of Iowa PA Program Lifetime Achievement and Service Award for his years of service to PA education.

The Vinton Lions Club has continually supported the Eastern Iowa Honor Flight since 2010 by serving a chili supper at the Vinton Fire Station. They hold the distinguished honor of being the longest-serving support group of the Eastern Iowa Honor Flight.

By: Co-Reporter, Izzie BirkerThe first annual IAT Conference took place on the 11th of November. The Vinton-Shellsburg FFA got the chance to take fourteen members to the FFA Enrichment Center for a fun day full of games, dancing, music, making new friends, and great messages on how to be a strong leader from the state officers.

In 1925 Helen Keller spoke to the Lions Club International Convention asking them to become involved with supporting the blind and visually impaired.

It will be the 12th year for Raegan Junge's annual Christmas party just for veterans. The now 17-year-old will host "Raegan's Relief Veterans Christmas" welcoming veterans to a time of celebrating not only the season, but each veteran.

It's that time of the year. The lights are pulled from the attic, the Christmas tree is up and the sibling rivalry kicks off. Well, not for everyone, but in Vinton it is! In a Facebook post, Kord Sellers poked at his brother Dakoda in a bit of Christmas fun.