News

AmeriCorps Iowa Members Respond during COVID-19 Crisis

Volunteer Iowa, and the AmeriCorps Iowa programs it oversees, has been deeply engaged in the COVID-19 response effort since Iowa had its first positive cases in March. With over 38% of Iowa volunteers being 55+ and the most common volunteer area for older volunteers being food collection and distribution, we focused our response on filling gaps left in those areas experiencing increased need.

National Garden Week Recognized

Last week June 7-13, 2020 was proclaimed National Garden week by National Garden Clubs, Inc. This is a special week in which garden clubs are in the spotlight with activities focusing on public attention of the role which garden club members play in all phases of gardening. The Vinton Garden Club, one of the first charter members of the National Garden Clubs Inc.

Mayor Thanks Area Police Officers for their Service

Chief Paxton, As I watch the events surrounding the death of Mr. Floyd go from peaceful to violent and now into an all-out attack on Law Enforcement everywhere, I feel you need to know that as Mayor I thank you and the entire department for your dedication. I know it’s extremely difficult to be in Law Enforcement with the current state of affairs, yet the entire Vinton Police Department has shown great fortitude and resolve throughout these times.

Reopening and operating behind plexiglass

When the Benton County Courthouse reopens, there will be a new look on the counters of the offices. As part of the COVID-19 response, in an effort to protect county workers, new stands containing plexiglass have been added to the areas where the public stands to do business. The dividers will allow the public to once again conduct business but put a barrier between the public and the worker in an effort to reduce any spread of the virus.

Reminder to drain water from the basement into the yard, not the street

Every time we get a lot of rain a friendly reminder is probably needed to NOT drain sump pumps back into the sewer. Run the drainage hose as far away from your house. If it's possible a place as far away from the neighbor's house too.When it rains as it has been, the sewers are already struggling to handle the water in the system already. So don’t drain water you are pumping.

V-S 2020 Graduation plans finalized

At last night's school board meeting plans for graduation were discussed. Because of COVID restrictions, plans for a modified ceremony are in the works. Plan A is for Graduation to be held at the Karr Complex aka the football field. There is more room for social distancing and to meet any other requirements due to COVID-19. Plan B will go into effect in case of inclement weather.

Top Ten Prom King and Queen Candidates

Click to view Candidates (Photo not available for Anthony Hilton)The Vinton-Shellsburg Junior Prom Committee, led by Junior Kyla Jeffery, is pleased to announce the top tep nominations for Prom 2020 King and Queen. The top ten seniors nominated for Prom King are:Sam Moen, Wes Mott, Cameron Karr, Charles Dudley, Anthony Hilton, Zach Kramer, Jose Wilson, Broc Shaw, Cyrus Elwick and Blake WitzelThe top ten seniors nominated for Prom Queen are:Franki Evans, Chelsee Tharp, Taryn Sutton, Kaitlyn Meyer, Raelyn Murray, Lillie Lamont, Davia Herger, Amanda Cardenas, Alyssa Reynolds and Cynlea Adams.

Primary Election officially in the box, again

Benton County Auditor Hayley Rippel and Deputy Auditor Gina Edler conduct the Post Election Audit The Primary Election is officially over, and the post-election audit of the Eldorado-Newhall precinct completed. Following the election, one precinct is randomly [sel]ed by the Secretary of State to verify that the ballots are being correctly read by the ballot machines. The Auditor first swears in the audit board members before following procedures to open the sealed box of ballots.

Help kids in the community by donating books for babies to teens

On Saturday, June 13, 2020 from 9:00 AM to 12:00 PM. Bring new or gently used books to the Virginia Gay Hospital or any community library in the county.  Simply drive up to the drop off location and hand your books to the volunteers. There’s no need to get out of your vehicle.If you have no books to donate or would like to buy books for your children at home go to www.

Vinton-Shellsburg Continues to offer meal service to children

The Vinton-Shellsburg Community School District remains committed to doing all we can to meet the needs of our students and their families. One way we can do that is to offer FREE meals for children up to age 18.We will follow best practices for food distribution as outlined by the CDC. Please follow social distancing recommendations when picking up your mealsCurrent times and locations: We do our best to be punctual.