News
Nathan's Smiles Trail Makes the #4 slot of 9 of the Best places to visit in Iowa
I can picture it now, the guy that Nathan's Smiles Trail is named after grinning and being a little embarrassed that his trail is bringing all the attention to Vinton, but being pretty proud of his little town. In an article entitled, The Best Adventures You Can Experience In Iowa (onlyinyourstate.com) Nathan's Smiles Trail was number 4 on the list. Vinton-Shellsburg Schools Rank in Top 50 Best Iowa Schools
Vinton-Shellsburg’s two elementary schools were named to the top 50 elementary schools in Iowa by U.S. News and World Report. Shellsburg’s five grades, Pre-Kindergarten through 4th grade, ranked 50th among Iowa’s 614 elementary schools. Tilford, with grades Kindergarten through 4th grade, ranked #23.The U.S. News and World Report rankings focused on scores for reading and math and shared other important data points.
Urbana man set to plead guilty in death of woman in Center Point
Back in January of 2020, 30-year-old Bret Daniel Klima, of Urbana, was charged with vehicular homicide. In December of 2019 he left the scene of a fatal accident and was charged with other crimes following a hit-and-run in the parking lot of a bar in Center Point.The crash happened around 1:30 a.m. Dec. 1 in the parking lot of Bully's North in Center Point. Hanson's Hollow hit by fire on Saturday
Pumpkins, gourds, squash, and all your fall decorating needs are possible because of farmers like those at Hanson's Hollow of LaPorte City and other farmers in the area. The La Porte City Fire and Rescue received mutual aid from Gilbertville to contain the fire. The two departments were able to protect nearby buildings in the freezing weather. The barn was a total loss, three nearby buildings located very close to the barn however, were spared. FUN AND LOVE AT THE LIBRARY FROM CENTER POINT FRIENDS
The Center Point community continues to show the love, donating to the Friends of the Library giving trees. Kind contributions to the Socktober tree and the November and December winter warmers tree at the Center Point Library piled up more than 400 items of socks, hats, gloves, booties, scarves, and masks for all ages. Friends forwarded this love to Waypoint (Kids Pointe), the Willis Dady Shelter and the Young Parents Network’s We Care shop in Cedar Rapids. Vinton Librarian recognized by the American Library Association
Renee Greenley, Vinton's Public Librarian, was recognized for her work as the Children and Family Services Librarian while working at the Marion Public Library. During her time at MPL, Renee facilitated and created an abundance of dynamic programming for the Marion community, from engaging toddlers and preschoolers with music and movement and evening “Pajama Story Time” for families to a sensory browsing hour designed to welcome patrons with sensory or behavioral needs. Phippen Becomes New Director for RAGBRAI
In a statement released by RAGBRAI, the organization has announced the appointment of Matt Phippen, from Vinton, as the new Director of Operations. "RAGBRAI®, Register’s Annual Great Bicycle Ride Across Iowa, hires Matt Phippen, Iowa native and longtime friend of RAGBRAI, as the director of operations.Phippen, formerly a sales leader at Scheel’s Iowa City, has participated in RAGBRAI indirectly and directly since 1990 when his family hosted riders in his front yard. Improve Yourself and Your Community in 2022
Have you decided on a New Year’s resolution yet? Regardless of if you have or not, you should choose a New Year’s resolution that makes a difference in your life and the lives of others. Choose to share your time and talents in 2022 to make it a better year for yourself and our community.Volunteering benefits those who volunteer, the clients who are served, and builds a sense of community.
Iowa DNR in search of Gray Fox
We're asking for your help in reporting sightings of Iowa's secretive gray fox!Gray foxes are different than the more common red fox (check the ID guide below). Gray fox were listed as a Species of Greatest Conservation Need in Iowa in 2015 based on a decline in the gray fox population observed over the past 25 years. Similar trends have been noted in several other Midwestern states. Vinton-Shellsburg Hosts a Holiday Lock-In
By: Co-Reporter, Grace Schminke On Thursday, December 23rd, Vinton-Shellsburg hosted their holiday lock-in party. The chapter started with hosting their monthly meeting in the barn at 7:00 P.M. and then a gingerbread bread house-making contest out of pop tarts immediately following. After the meeting, there was a chance for students that were going to stay to go and get supper if they wanted to.