Kindness Rocks: Renee Gram, left and Caroline Erickson have been painting inspirational messages to share with all of Garrison. A sample of some of the inspirational messages that Garrison residents will soon receive.

Newt and Sid Boyles and Nora and Jenna Grovert represented Benton County in the 2017 State Fair Twins, Triplets and More Contest on Aug. 10 Newt, left, and Sid Boyles won 2nd Place in the Most Alike (age 12-17) category in the State Fair Twins, Triplets and More contest on Aug.

The Vinton City Council has received the official Iowa Braille School Task Force recommendation for the future of the campus. Nearly a year after the city received the startling offer from the Iowa Board of Regents to assume the entire campus for $1, Vinton Unlimited Director Melissa Schwanvisited Thursday's council meeting to present and discuss the recommendation the committee has been working on for several months.

Is your child at risk of backpack pain? Prevention is easy as 1, 2, 3 when you follow these guidelines. byElizabeth Bonorden, OTR/L | Virginia Gay Hospital Therapy Services It's that time of year again.

ByTami Stark After spending Friday worrying about the weather and getting all of the supplies ready, the R.A.T.S. started off early on Saturday, August 5th, with beautiful skies and lots of smiles.

This Belle Plaine car-train wreck led to an OWI charge for the driver of the car. Devin Stephan, 20, survived a car-train wreck without injury, but ended up in jail this morning, charged by the Belle Plaine PD with drunk driving.

Join Iowa State Extension and Outreach specialists foran informative evening. Gabbi Edwards, urban forestryspecialist, will discuss Emerald Ash Borer spread,symptoms of infestation, treatment options, and futureoutlook.

Flag corps members join the VSHS musicians in learning their steps during Band Camp. Long before the community sees them in their black and gold uniforms, playing their instruments and marching in formation, the members of the Vinton-Shellsburg High School Marching Band have been working together in shorts or jeans and tennis shoes, marching sometimes without instruments, as they learn the footwork required for a Division 1-rated performance.

Just a reminder to you that it is Registration Day at the High School from 12-7 pm. You can register online and come in and pay or take advantage of the no convenience fee when using RevTrak through midnight tonight.

Viking football players gathered around a campfire Friday. Viking QB Blake Bohnsack was among seniors helping to dig carrots at the Viking camp-out Friday.