News

Memorial Day is not complete without work from George G. Luckey Post 57 members and helpers. The Legion would like to thank the Vinton-Shellsburg Home Schoolers and others who help put up flags and take down flags.  Pictured from left to right are Riggen Hamling, Nash Arbuckle, Colton Doty, Mili Arbuckle, Zayli Libbert, Carol Arbuckle, Tenli Libbert, Allison Doty, Cora Doty, Sandi Doty, Maria Doty, Shane Doty,  other helpers not pictured ar Joan Frank, Ashley Frank, Joshua Frank, Kevin Hamling, Brekken Hamling, Kelly Stephen, and a special thank you to Larry Eckhart and Pam Pardun who have helped many times without recognition.

Across Iowa, Memorial Day is still observed with traditional Memorial Day services. The various Legion Posts across Benton County continue the custom of pausing to remember their fallen brothers and sisters during war times and those that they've lost following their service.Each of the services includes what is called a three-volley salute, which is done with an odd number of riffles usually a minimum of 3, and a maximum of 7.

Work at the B.L. Anderson Park started earlier than the expected May 23 start day. Starting work a full week before expected, the crews were able to get the old concrete removed and the ground ready for the new courts. The basketball court will be replaced and pickleball courts added. The new courts will include glass backboards and new lighting. Logan Avenarius of Tschiggfrie Excavating out of Dubuque, Iowa said that once the courts have been poured they will need to cure for close to a month before they can be used.

Hi, I’m Caitlin Atwood. I’m the daughter of Scott and Cheryl Atwood and we live in Van Horne. I recently graduated from Benton Community High School in May and I am going to be attending Coe College in the fall to double major in music education and clarinet performance. In high school, I was involved in band, jazz band, show choir, concert choir, large group speech, football cheerleading, boys track and field manager, National Honor Society, and silver cord.

My name is Kaitlyn Ballard my parents are Martin and Missy Ballard.  I have three brothers, Kohl, Drew, and Bryce. I have lived outside of Marengo for my whole life on an acreage. On our acreage, we raise rabbits, chickens, ducks, and cattle. I attend Benton Community and I will graduate next year. I am not sure what I want to do after graduation yet.

My name is Harlyn Heitshusen, the 17-year-old daughter of Willis and Cindy Heitshusen. I live outside of Urbana, Iowa on my family’s horse and cattle ranch. This following school year I will be a senior at Center Point-Urbana Highschool. Once I graduate I plan to attend Iowa State University, to study Biomedical Engineering, with a minor in Criminal Justice.

Emily Ingalls is the daughter of Loren and Patricia Ingalls. She has two older brothers, Aaron and Tristan and her older sister Machaela. She lives outside of Van Horne and attends Benton Community. Emily is 18 and in the fall she will be attending Iowa State University, majoring in early childhood education to become a preschool teacher. Emily is actively involved in 4-H and FFA.

My name is Annabelle Newton, daughter of Chad and Kim Newton. I have one sister, Sophia, that is 13. My family and I live outside of Vinton on a small family farm. I am a junior at Vinton-Shellsburg High School. While my plans for after graduation are still undecided, I hope to attend a university to study business or physical therapy.   Within the community, I have been a part of the Jackson Better Farmers 4-H Club for 8 years, and have exhibited swine, rabbit, and static projects during this time as well as holding several offices.

The Class of 2022 held their graduation ceremony on Sunday, May 29, 2022, at the Garrison Fieldhouse (Vinton-Shellsburg High School Gym).Jozee White began the graduation ceremony with a welcome. She talked to her fellow graduates and encouraged them that as they write their life stories, to always choose, happiness, peace, and kindness over everything else.

The construction of a roundabout on Iowa 150 near the 31st Avenue and 55th Street intersection is expected to begin May 31, weather permitting, according to the Iowa Department of Transportation’s New Hampton construction office. During construction, access from Iowa 150 to 31st Avenue and 55th Street will be closed. A marked detour will be in place using Interstate 380 and Iowa 150.