Pictured in the Group Photo:Back Row - Left to Right: Rachel Rollinger, Paul Herger, Grace Schminke, Evan Lopata, Gunnar Schminke, Andrew Pingenot, Austin Noe, Josh Wiley, Kail Evans, Ben McGowan, andRyan ShipleyFront Row - Left to Right: Sam Lundvall, Carley Clark, Megan Schlitter, Izzie Birker, Jade Pohlmann, Madeline Pingenot, Brody Waters, and Jerry LeeBy: Co-Reporter, Grace SchminkeOn Wednesday, July 6th, the Vinton-Shellsburg Chapter took 18 members to spend the day at the Lost Island Waterpark.

For the last several years, the "old steam plant" located on West 8th St. a block north of the former Braille Sight Savings School property, has become an eye sore, at best.

In less than a year, 22-year-old Nathaniel James Taylor of Vinton was charged a second time for the following three charges as the result of acts of a sexual nature:-dissemination and exhibition of obscene material to minors, a serious misdemeanor (September 12, 2021 and July 13, 2022)-Sex abuse 3rd Degree - Child Victim - Person 4 or more years older 1st offense a Class C Felony (September 13, 2021 and July 13, 2022)-minor - cause to engage in act Class C Felony  (September 22, 2021 and July 13, 2022)The latest charges were filed by the Vinton Police Department with Taylor being arrested on July 13, 2022.

Following the accident of a 13-year-old member of the Lil Race Car Club there is an effort to collect bicycle helmets for the membership this Sunday night, July 24.

Vinton Unlimited held their Annual 2-Person Best-Shot Golf Tournament last Friday at the Vinton Country Club. The event was open to anyone who wanted to participate.

The Benton County Speedway Bullring Lil Racer Car Club is seeking donations of new school supplies and filled or unfilled school-themed backpacks that we will hand out to kids 14 and under who pick up a ticket from the Lil Racer Clubhouse on the night of August 7.

Summer is in full swing and there are many things that make Iowa summers so great. From hitting the trails to cooling off at the public pool to attending farmers markets, county fairs and other events — there is no shortage of things to do.

By Brian LarkinNearly 40 Special Olympians and their Unified partners competed at the Vinton Skate and Activity Center as part of the 2022 Special Olympics Iowa Unified Golf Tour.

Shellsburg's Big Day events are happening all today Saturday, July 16. Starting with a 5K race through town, the residents were all smiles as the day kicked off.

Whitetail deer, well, we've all seen those. But I've never before seen a white-tail squirrel! Maybe they aren't new in the area, but I don't ever recall seeing or hearing about one.