By: Co-Reporter, Abby McKennaThe Vinton-Shellsburg FFA Chapter had an outstanding showing at the 2025 Iowa State Fair, with members competing in a wide variety of events and earning recognition for their hard work.

A Waterloo man who smuggled fentanyl into the United States and distributed it in the Waterloo area was sentenced today to 37 years in federal prison.  Javoni Marcelius Butler, also known as “G Man,” age 44, from Waterloo, Iowa, received the prison term after a September 20, 2024 jury verdict finding him guilty of one count of conspiracy to distribute a controlled substance, one count of international money laundering, and one count of possession with intent to distribute controlled substances.

This week we were excited to welcome eight new teachers to the Vinton-Shellsburg Community School District. Over the past two days, they participated in training designed to help them get acquainted with our district, our students, and our community.

As students across Iowa prepare to return to the classroom, Attorney General Brenna Bird is issuing a warning to Iowa parents and schools about the dangers of deepfake artificial intelligence (AI) images being used for bullying and harassment.

Hey Vinton-Shellsburg fam! Want to show off your school spirit and support a great cause? We're selling VS Apparel to help raise funds for Post Prom 2026! Awesome gear.

The Blooming Vinton Hanging Basket Program was a project supported by the Cottage Garden Society, Vinton Parks and Recreation and the Flowerpot Committee.

Friday night found me driving into Vinton on the heels of the storm that had just gone through. In LaPorte City, trees had blown over or had been struck by lightning.

 Salvation Army of Benton County is offering vouchers to purchase school clothing. Call 319-560-1921 for a voucher.The voucher is only for use at the Salvation Army Clothing Store at 5824 Council St NE, Cedar Rapids, Iowa 52402.

Each year Benton County Suicide Prevention Coalition offers a new shirt design for sale to help support the efforts of the group.The online store will close in one week.

Last year, in the final four weeks of summer, 45 people died on roadways in Iowa; Nearly 30% of those fatalities were caused by impaired driving*. The Governor’s Traffic Safety Bureau (GTSB) is partnering with law enforcement statewide to support enforcement efforts aimed at decreasing impaired driving.