News
Angel Tree assists 300 area children
It's another year in the books for the Angel Tree program. The small contingent of elves behind Angel Tree was able to assist around 300 area children. The event is organized specifically for Benton County. This year they also lent a hand to a couple of families outside the county who needed some help this Christmas.The generous donations from area businesses and their customers filled the office space of the Angel Tree headquarters. Santa makes an early stop to the Vinton Kiwanis
Santa Claus stopped in to visit with area children at Pizza Ranch during the Tuesday Kiwanis meeting. Apparently, he was in the neighborhood when he heard children singing, "Jingle Bells," and that's Santa's favorite song, so he stopped by and had presents for all of the children.Once a year the Vinton Kiwanis club provides lunch to several area children and teachers as part of their Christmas Party. Two LaPorte men injured in Minnesota Accident
Three local men were injured after their car collided with a semi in Minnesota just north of Zumbrota at 8:23 p.m. on Thursday, December 15, 2022.A southbound 2018 Toyota Avalon was traveling on Goodhue County Road 7 and a 2023 Kenworth semi headed northbound on U.S. Highway 52. According to the Minnesota State Patrol crash report, the Toyota failed to stop at the stop sign and the vehicles collided.
Vinton Snow Removal Reminder
It looks like we'll have snow for Christmas this year...along with the first official snowfall with any accumulation. Here's a reminder of the city ordinances relating to snow removal. A reminder for snow removal during the upcoming storm, snow is NOT to be put on the city streets from driveways or business parking lots. In other words, if it lands on your driveway, you own it and it can only be placed on your property until it melts.
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.