The following students are named to Mount Mercy University's Spring 2017 Dean's List. Students with a semester grade point average of 3.60 or better, and who are graded for six or more semester hours, are eligible for inclusion on the Dean's List.

The students listed below graduated from Mount Mercy University this June. A commencement ceremony was held Sunday, May 21, 2017, at the U.S. Cellular Center in Cedar Rapids, Iowa.

Better Tomorrows Early Childhood Iowa is announcing that applications are available for preschool tuition assistance for children who reside in Benton and Tama County.

A young Gualtier poses for a photo. The full-length documentary on John Gualtier, the Vinton World War II medic who was among the first Americans to witness the Holocaust, is coming closer to reality, thanks to grants and the success of local fund-raisers.

The Party in Pink 5K organizers have been busy preparing the bags for the participants. Those who have pre-registered and are free tonight may pick up their itemsfrom 5-7 p.

The following area students were named to the Dean's List at Clarke University for the Spring 2017 semester. The list recognizes full-time Clarke students who have earned a 3.

"There isn't anything to eat, Mom!" This is a phrase that parents hear all too often and even more so in the summer months when kids are on summer vacation.

Faith Gallo received her very first swim lessons this week at the Vinton pool. Here she is pictured with one of the instructors, Lily Horst. Swimming lessons continue this week at the Vinton pool, where some youngsters took their very first lessons this week.

The brain of the pit bull that was shot to death in rural Garrison on June 14 is at one of two labs in Iowa that tests for rabies, as Benton County authorities continue to investigate the owner of the dog.

VSMS students present Don Lyle the sign that will honor him at the school. By Brad Barker, VPRD Summer has begun and things are heating up as we enter Party in the Park week! The sights, sounds and taste of Vinton later this week is sure to conjure up images of a festive summer atmosphere as we celebrate our theme "Fiesta Fest!" With the wrap-up of another successful school year just barely in our rearview, we are pleased to announce the retirement of two incredible teachers that have spent their careers at the Vinton-Shellsburg Middle School and have positively impacted many student lives over this span.