News

There is so much information streaming in here, that just sorting through it all is mentally exhausting. Trying to figure out all of the government releases and if they apply to Vinton, or if it's some branch of government that doesn't apply to most of us. Then there's the continual "You need to write about THIS!" Okay let me address all of those topics:This will be news that I COULD drag out into lengthy stories, but this is how I will get caught up here.

Last year snow in October brought the iVinton project to a screeching halt. The installation of conduit and fiber to homes had to stop because the ground had frozen. The crews COULD have continued, but that would have torn up lawns and equipment. As we waited anxiously through the winter, spring came early this year and the crews have rolled back into town.

The Vinton Public Library is offering several books online now.  "Our patrons are now able to access TumbleBooks through our website for free until the end of August," said Amy Noe who works with the children at the library.    There are several options to entertain, add to the education of your children and resources for adults. Look to the lower right side of the page in the blue tabs.

When Vinton hears of a need, Vinton steps up. The side effects of this pandemic have created a shortage of masks for hospitals. As soon as the news hit, a group of nearly 30 area residents began to make plans to help. Viking Sewing Center has been assisting the group with patterns and directing people to supplies in the effort to meet a potential need in Vinton.

In the Governor's statements made on Tuesday, she gave a bit of good news. Iowans really are listening. Traffic according to the IDOT is down by 50% however trucking has not slowed compared to a year ago! That means we are staying home, while supplies are still rolling in!There is a brand new website up to keep all the current information available to the public.

The Sanders Family has been known in our community for decades. In 2014 Dwight and Bonnie Sanders were honored as the Grand Marshalls kicking off Party in the Park that year. The couple has one child, Jason and he and his wife Angie have four children. Jason was the first Jr. Grand Marshal back in 1999 when the tradition started.For years Dwight would grow produce and enter it in the State Fair, often placing, and Bonnie hosted school children each year at the farm for tours visiting Big Bird, the family's ostrich and other animals.

There is an effort to get a movement going at this time of social distancing. The movement is called Heart Hunters. The idea is to place hearts in the windows of your house so that people driving by can see them. There is a Facebook page dedicated to the activity. We've had Minions and hidden rocks in the past, I bet Vinton can come up with some creative heart displays knowing that we have a lot of artists in our adults and kids of the area.

The Iowa Department of Public Health (IDPH) learned late today of the first death associated with novel coronavirus (COVID-19). The individual was an older adult, 61-80 years of age, and a resident of Dubuque County. "Our hearts are heavy with the first loss of an Iowan to COVID-19. The thoughts and prayers of our state are with the family during this difficult time," said Gov.

Two cases of novel coronavirus (COVID-19) have been confirmed in Benton County. These cases were not tested through Virginia Gay Hospital or Clinics. According to the Iowa Department of Public Health (IDPH), the individuals are self-isolating at home.“While these are Benton County’s first cases, they may not be the last, and that’s why we encourage all residents to continue to make prevention a priority,” said Benton County Public Health Director Katie Cox.

For those affected by layoffs or closures during the closures in the state, the link for Iowa Workforce Development is located in blue. You can click on the link above to submit your information to apply for unemployment. Scroll down the page the box you need is to the left side of the page. Feel free to contact Vinton Today if you feel that there is more information that can help at this time.