As 2023 begins, Human Trafficking Prevention and Awareness Month is in full swing. During this time, I'm encouraging all Iowans to take a moment to educate themselves on the signs of trafficking so we can help prevent this terrible crime and support survivors as they work through the healing process.

We've wrapped up December, we've wrapped up 2022, and we've wrapped up another year of the Holiday Lights Punch Card event! THANK YOU to everyone for proving once again what a great community we live in! You stayed local, shopped local, and supported businesses that do all they can to support you! And through it, you helped keep $237,600 in Vinton just over the holiday alone with the punch cards! But that's just one side of the equation! A huge THANK YOU also goes out to all those businesses that saw us coming, offered a helping hand as we shopped, extended their business hours, came in on Sundays, and even opened their doors during a blizzard to make sure we had the things we needed .

In a Facebook post this weekend, John's Kwik Stop said, "Our time is coming to an end at JQS. We want to thank each and everyone one of you for supporting us and making our job enjoyable.

Kyle Koeppen, Superintendent for Vinton-Shellsburg Community School District, announced that Kent Ryan, a recently retired educator with more than thirty years experience in education and more than a decade in administration, has been selected to serve as the interim principal at Tilford Elementary School for the second semester of this school year.

Remember the old movie, "You've got mail?" The Vinton post office found out last week that they had a ton of mail. Delivery of more than 2,300 packages arrived at the local post office from Amazon.

Just when you thought Highway 150 was finally finished...it may not be. In a news release the IDOT said, "The Iowa Department of Transportation will hold a virtual public information meeting to discuss a planning study on Iowa 150.

Deputies in Merrick County Nebraska, served a warrant in Clarks, Nebraska, over the New Year's weekend. Herbert G. Eddards, 44, who was residing in Clarks, is facing multiple charges which include sexual abuse of a child in the second degree, assault with intent to commit sexual abuse, and lascivious.

-There is a form of slavery taking place in Iowa right now. It’s called human trafficking, and it occurs when men, women, or children are forced to perform labor services or sexual acts.

By: Co-Reporter, Grace Schminke On December 8th, the Vinton-Shellsburg FFA Chapter wrapped up the yearly FFA Fruit Sales. The members arrived eager to unload and sort fruit throughout the day.

 Governor Kim Reynolds will deliver her annual Condition of the State Address on Tuesday, January 10,  2023  at 6:00 p.m.    from the  House Chambers  in the  Iowa State Capitol  in  Des Moines.