Deck the House Winners Announced

VINTON PARKS & RECREATION
December 18, 2025 12:12 pm

Thank you to everyone who participated in the 2025 Deck the House Holiday Lights Contest and to the committee members who volunteered their time to vote.

Possible slick weather and high winds headed our way today

BENTON COUNTY EMERGENCY MANAGEMENT
December 18, 2025 10:47 am

A band of moderate rain with embedded brief heavy downpours is expected this morning. â— Strong winds gusting up to 45 mph. There could be some south/west gusts near 40 mph this morning.

Schwenker recognized by VSCSD Board as December's Positive Difference Maker

VINTON SHELLSBURG COMMUNITY SCHOOLS
December 17, 2025 4:50 pm

The Vinton-Shellsburg Board of Directors met on December 15th for its regular monthly meeting.The meeting opened with recognition of Leon Schwenker as the district’s December Positive Difference Maker.

Vinton Kiwanis bring Santa and Christmas to Area Children

VALERIE CLOSE, EDITOR
December 16, 2025 11:52 pm

The magic of Christmas made a special stop in Vinton on Tuesday when the Vinton Kiwanis Club welcomed a very important visitor to Pizza Ranch — Santa Claus himself.

Skijoring - a Winter Sport to Enjoy with Equines or Canines

BENTON COUNTY CONSERVATION
December 16, 2025 5:09 pm

By Cecilia Dirks, Office CoordinatorWith winter setting in and predictions for more snow (maybe) this year, I have been looking for different winter activities to get me outside enjoying the outdoors.

Attorney General Brenna Bird Sues Roblox for Endangering Iowa Children

IOWA ATTORNEY GENERAL
December 16, 2025 1:36 pm

Attorney General Brenna Bird announced today she has sued the online gaming company Roblox  for failing to take necessary steps to protect Iowa kids from sexual exploitation, facilitating distribution of child sex abuse material, and failing to warn Iowa parents of the ongoing sexual exploitation of children occurring on Roblox.

Celebrate 12 Days of Christmas with a Great Iowa Treasure Hunt

STATE TREASURER
December 15, 2025 5:08 pm

Great Iowa Treasure Hunt and State Treasurer Roby Smith are making the cost of ‘true love’ from the “The Twelve Days of Christmas” less daunting, by reminding Iowans they may have unclaimed property waiting for them.

In honor and remembrance of Iowa National Guard soldiers, flags at half staff

IOWA GOVERNOR'S OFFICE
December 15, 2025 11:12 am

Today, Governor Kim Reynolds has ordered all flags in  Iowa  to fly at half-staff effectively immediately until sunset on the final day of interment in honor and remembrance of Sgt.

Santa Arrives at the Vinton Skate Center to hear the Christmas Wish Lists

VALERIE CLOSE, EDITOR
December 13, 2025 11:46 am

Breakfast with Santa was enjoyed by several area children this year. From teeny tiny babies to the children old enough to roll their eyes at mom and say, "Really?" Of course, there were several children enchanted by the bearded fellow, and some brought Santa a picture that they had colored for him.

7th Annual Deck the House Contest runs through this Weekend

VALERIE CLOSE, EDITOR
December 11, 2025 12:34 pm

Vinton Parks & Recreation Department will be conducting their Deck The House contest through Sunday evening. Take the kids on a tour of the entries and see which ones you think should be the winners! The 7th Annual "Deck the House" contest includes houses within the Vinton City limits.