News
AMVETS name McDonald member of the year; honor the late Brian Robinson
The Vinton AMVETS Post 218 gathered recently to honor its new Member of the Year, as well as last year's honoree, who recently passed away.
Lonnie McDonald is the AMVETS Member of the Year. The club honored him for his service to the community and the organization while fighting cancer. McDonald also made a flag box to present to Susan Robinson, whose husband Brian died earlier this year. VMEU and iVinton progress update
With a lot of help from Vinton Municipal Electric Utility’s General Manager Tom Richtsmeier, iVinton is making progress toward establishing a local telecommunications system.
At a recent meeting the VMEU board unanimously agreed to have Tom begin scheduling phone interviews with companies interested in completing the next phase, which is a feasibility study. New Fairgrounds patio dedicated to memory of Bill and Earlene McKenna
On Saturday night at the 2016 Benton County Fair, the descendants of Bill and Earlene McKenna gathered with friends and relatives to officially dedicate the Bill and Earlene McKenna patio.
Bill was a lifelong farmer; Earlene had been a Jackson 4-Leaf Clover 4-H Club leader. They loved farming, 4-H and the Fair.
Now, the memorial patio that honors many other people has been named in their honor. Family celebrating 'miracle:' Lost dog found after 18 months
A Vinton family – and especially their young daughter – is celebrating the unexpected return of a dog who went missing a year and a half ago.
Jasmine (Jazzy), showed up at the home of Dwight and Bonnie Sanders, a few miles south of Vinton and 6.6 miles from her family home west of town. Those who know about the story are calling it a miracle. Red Cross shelter to close Wednesday
The American Red Cross will close the emergency shelter at Vinton-Shellsburg Community High School in Vinton at noon on Wednesday, July 20.
Red Cross caseworkers are continuing to meet one-on-one with residents, impacted by the Sunday tornados - offering them comfort and assessing their emergency needs. Individuals may continue to visit with Red Cross workers Wednesday, Thursday, and Friday from 8 a.
Benton Co. Disaster Recovery Coalition seeks donations to aid area residents
The Benton County Disaster Recovery Coalition is asking for the public’s help so it can assist local families impacted by the EF2 tornado on July 17th. The Coalition is asking for monetary donations to help affected families in Benton County meet any unmet needs they have after other assistance is gone.
Individuals and organizations can make monetary donations to the Benton County Disaster Recovery Coalition by mailing donations to P.
Virginia Gay Hospital, IDPH warn parents of water dangers to children
The Benton County Public Health Department at Virginia Gay Hospital, the Iowa Office of the State Medical Examiner (IOSME) and the Iowa Department of Public Health (IDPH) want to remind parents and caregivers to keep a close eye on children playing in or around water. According to IOSME, three children have died from drowning in the past few weeks. 'Disaster' proclamation makes more resources available to tornado victims
In addition to help from their neighbors, families, the Red Cross and Salvation Army, local residents most severely impacted by Sunday's tornado can receive some individual assistance from the State of Iowa.
Governor Terry Branstad's Disaster Proclamation which includes Benton County means that qualified individuals have until Aug. 31 to apply for up to $5,000 in assistance.
Volunteers needed for Clean up at Ball Field again on Thursday
Several members of the Vinton-Shellsburg High School softball team, along with the VS Voyagers Dance Team and several adult volunteers showed up to clean storm debris from the lawn south of Tilford Elementary on Tuesday.
The group removed wood, hardware and other items blown there by the storm. Debris damaged the middle school softball field and littered much of the grass.
BCVP members receive Governor's Volunteer Award
Several representatives of the Benton County Volunteer Program received a Governor’s Volunteer Award from Governor Terry E. Branstad during a special recognition ceremony held June 28 in Cedar Rapids.
SHARE Iowa nominated the BCVP for the award. The Program combines volunteering with bargain groceries through the SHARE program.
“I am pleased to honor those who have given the precious gift of their time to meet essential needs across Iowa,” stated Governor Terry E.