News
$700 million jackpot: Powerball ticket sales keeping Vinton clerks busy
I stood in line today to do something for the very first time – something I always said I’d never do: Buy a Powerball ticket.
I thought the lines at convenience stores and the Express checkout lane at Fareway merited a story, and it occurred to me that someone who writes a story about something like this should participate at least once. Hesson, Parr to participate in first Vinton City Council meetings next week
When the Vinton City Council convenes for the first time of 2016 next Thursday, Jan. 14, it will welcome two new members.
First-time candidates Nathan Hesson and Brian Parr won in November and were sworn in last month, and will join the council and Mayor John Watson, who was re-elected in November.
Incumbents Tami Stark, Zach Parmater and Ron Elwick ran unopposed in the November 2015 election. The Runaway Hamster and Cat
Editor's Note: Mrs. Patterson's 3rd-graders are finalists in the national "Be A Famous Writer" contest with their story, "The Runaway Hamster and Cat," which they share below. (See the contest story HERE.)
The Runaway Hamster and Cat
by Mrs. Patterson’s 3rd Grade Class
Fall 2015
Once there was a hamster named Alfrid and a cat named Alvin.
Scholarship deadline approaching for VS seniors
This is scholarship season, and Vinton-Shellsburg seniors who plan to further their education are invited to apply for a variety of scholarships and awards.
One of the new scholarships this year is the Jill g. Lockard-Bopp Scholarship, a $500 award for a student who is seeking a career in the performing arts, or who has shown an interesting in performing.
Part of Cedar Valley Nature Trail to be closed near Center Point for 5 weeks
Linn County Conservation will be closing a segment of the Cedar Valley Nature Trail to the public from Schultz Road north to Ash Lane in Center Point on Monday, January 11 for an estimated five week period. Crews will be performing clearing and grubbing work in preparation for paving this 3.5 mile segment (phase 4) later this year.
Meet Mount Auburn's new Mayor, Jeffrey Whitson
If you notice a Jeep cruising the streets of Mount Auburn, with one buck's head and antlers mounted on the grill and a skull and antlers on the roof, be sure to wave.
The guy behind the wheel is Mount Auburn's new mayor.
Jeffrey Whitson celebrated his 35th birthday by attending his first meeting as the leader of the small town. Benton County Republicans announce February caucus locations
2016 Benton County, Iowa Republican Caucus Locations
The caucus begins at 7 p.m. with registration beginning at 6:00 p.m. You must be a registered Republican to participate in the Republican caucus.
Belle Plaine 1, 2, and 3:Longfellow Elementary-Cafeteria,707 7th St., Belle Plaine.
Benton-Canton-Shellsburg: Shellsburg Elementary School music room, 203 Cottage Street, Shellsburg.
Benton County Community Foundation grant applications available now
Grant applications can now be submitted to the Benton County Community Foundation for its 2016 grant cycle. The deadline to submit applications is midnight (CST) March 15, 2016. Grants are awarded to projects in the following areas: art and culture, community betterment, education, environment, health, historic preservation and human service.
Mobile Food Pantry set for Jan. 9 at HACAP office
The HACAP Mobile Market is scheduled for the 2nd Saturday of each month, 10:00 to 11:00 at the 4th Street Diner 202 East 4th Street, Vinton Iowa 52349. Eligibility guidelines apply. Distribution may be moved to inside building depending upon weather conditions. The next one is scheduled for this Saturday, January 9th, 2016.
Garrison FD welcomes arrival of 1994 pumper truck
On Dec. 31, the Garrison Fire Department gathered for a celebration at the Emergency Services Building, as Jake Isbell fired up the grill and members gathered as the sun set on 2015.
But it was more than the New Year the firefighters had come to celebrate. On that evening, the celebrated a success they had worked for years to achieve – the arrival of a new pumper truck.