News
Winter weather alert: Sleet, freezing rain and snow
Travel throughout the area, as well as much of Iowa, will be difficult on Monday.
The National Weather Service has issued the following alert for Benton County:
Significant winter storm through Monday night.
A strong storm system will track northward along the Mississippi River Valley today. Periods of sleet, freezing rain, and snow will occur across the region today, with light snow across the entire region tonight before the storm exits the area Tuesday morning.
Christmas break begins! Students end December with parties, talent show
Christmas break arrived for VS students on Wednesday afternoon, as classes dismissed until Monday, Jan. 4.
Elementary students enjoyed parties, including a pajama party in several classrooms, opened gifts and enjoyed Christmas cookies and other treats and games. The VS High School tradition of a talent show continued, with several students and a couple of teachers singing a variety of songs, from the serious to the silly. Food pantry thanks those who have been so generous
The smiles on the faces of Sherry Crawford and Linda Wood, two of the three co-directors of the Vinton Food Panty (the third is Vickie Holst), and the thumbs-up say it all.
All the food surrounding them – and there’s more you can’t even see behind them – came rolling in this week, along with other generous donations, as our community as always gave and gave to help us reach those in need. Open House to honor Jim Brown's retirement from USDA/NRCS office
Jim Brown, District Conservationist with the USDA-NRCS in the Vinton office, is retiring after 38 years of service. He has spent the last 33 years in Vinton, and his passion for protecting the soil and water resources clearly show on the landscape of Benton County.
Jim helped introduce and promote reduced and no-till systems through the Eastern Iowa Conservation Tillage Show. Vinton Native to lend voice to 'Guest Bonnie'
Vinton native Jessica Rundlett will serve as "Guest Bonnie" on "Van & Bonnie in the Morning" on Monday, December 28, 2015. Tune in to 1040AM WHO Radio from 4:59-9:00AM that morning for the program.
"It is the regular morning program on WHO. There is no special topic. I will be a guest co-host, filling in for Bonnie Lucas," Jessica explains. Koop's Automotive collects toys during 2nd annual toy Drive
In their 2nd annual toy drive, Koop's Automotive once again collected toys to assist families in the area. Koop's teamed up with Horizons to help those families in need. Koop's was able to collect over 200 toys this year.
Middle school, high school bands wrap up December with winter concert
The Vinton-Shellsburg Middle School and High School band members performed their annual winter concert on Monday in the VSMS gym. The 6th, 7th and 8th grade bands played, followed by the VSHS Symphonic Band. A VSHS percussion ensemble began the high school portion of the concert.
VSHS Band Director Nick Waymire and VSMS Band Director Jodi Bierschenk led the bands. 'In transit:' Post office getting calls from customers of competitor
Several local residents report that when they look at a Fed Ex packing tracking shipping status on their computer, the page seems to indicate that the package information has been sent to the United States Postal Service. However, the USPS does not yet have the package, or any information.
The Vinton post office has received several calls, but only from Fed Ex customers.
Clickstop pledges support toward VGH's New Clinic Construction
As Urbana-based Clickstop is undergoing its own building expansion, it’s also pledging support for its local hospital in the form of a $20,000 gift towards the construction of a new clinic building.
Virginia Gay Hospital (VGH) in Vinton, which serves residents from Urbana and other communities across Benton County, is set to break ground in April 2016 on a new 18,500 square foot facility.
Two Elementary teams earn place at First Lego League State competition
First Lego League History is repeating itself already in Vinton-Shellsburg.
A few weeks after two Vinton-Shellsburg Middle School teams earned a spot in the state competition, two 5th grade teams, the Fire-Breathing Rubber Duckies, and the Water Bottle Bombers, have heard a similar honor among elementary students.
VS Elementary ELP Teacher Alissa Mann explains the First Lego League Challenge:
In September each year, a new challenge is announced that focuses on a different real-world topic related to the sciences.