-NewsitorialI should have known, I mean it WAS obvious. Plans for an outdoor graduation ceremony would, of COURSE, be rained out this year. A couple of hours before the ceremony was supposed to begin thunder began followed by rain.

Vinton-Shellsburg’s Prom King Zach Kramer and Queen Alyssa Reynolds were crowned for the 2020 Senior Class. There was a three way tie for the runner ups in the running for the King with Sam Moen, Cameron Karr and Anthony Hilton who did not attend.

Mayor Bud Maynard signed a declaration at Thursday night's City Council Meeting which read:"WHEREAS, Vinton resident John Gualtier was a combat medic, serving in World War II 75 years ago, and WHEREAS, Gualtier was injured in the line of duty, was treated and continued to tend to others more seriously wounded, and WHEREAS, Gualtier helped to liberate prisoners from Gunskirchen Concentration Camp, and WHEREAS, Gualtier also served in the Korean War, andWHEREAS, Gualtier has volunteered many hours at the Veteran's Administration, and WHEREAS John Gualtier has finally been awarded a Purple Heart.

By: Angela Sarrels Two AmeriCorps NCCC teams are partnering with the State of Iowa, Volunteer Iowa, and Northeast Iowa Food Bank to address food insecurity in Iowa resulting from the impact of COVID-19.

The Benton County Community Foundation announced $107,095 in grant funding to 22 projects of organizations serving Benton County as part of its 2020 grant cycle.

A few weeks ago, I received an email that said, "I am turning 50 on June 15th and have decided to shave my head and donate my hair to someone in need. I was wondering if this would be something you would be interested in covering? I’m doing it In honor of my late grandmother who passed away of cancer," she explained, "it was one of the hardest things for her to accept, losing her hair," said Cindi Stueck.

Details for this year's graduation ceremony honoring our Class of 2020 grads are available on our website. Though plans include a limited attendance by ticket only, we look forward to a great day of celebrating our seniors and their accomplishments on Sunday, June 21.

The Vinton-Shellsburg Prom Committee is pleased to announce the top 5 candidates for Prom 2020 King and Queen.The top 5 girls are Franki Evans, Lillie Lamont, Alyssa Reynolds, Chelsee Tharp and Amanda Cardenas.

At last week’s council meeting, the mayor made the proclamation of June 17 as Alzheimer's Day. As part of the day people are encouraged to wear and display the color purple in recognition of the day.

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.