News

Looking for a great Christmas gift? How about Vinton Value Dollars! Not only are you keeping money local--you give the gift of choice! Vinton Value Dollars can be redeemed at over 100 local participating businesses. Locations include restaurants, retailers, services, gas stations, grocery stores and many more! To purchase Vinton Value Dollars, simply stop by the Vinton Unlimited office in City Hall.

As a soccer mom and ticket-taker, Kris Howes-Vonstein said saw two reasons to become a strong supporter of the Vinton-Shellsburg field turf project. As a mom, she was concerned about the safety of her two soccer-loving daughters on a field that is rough and often muddy. As the ticket-taker for home games, she heard comments from players, fans and even officials.

The Vinton Police Department is warning Vinton and surrounding retailers to double-check their paper currency for “counterfeit bills” especially during the coming holiday seasons. On November 14, 2014, Dollar General reported a male subject passed seven $50 bills and four $20 bills which were all counterfeit. Store surveillance cameras aided in identifying and the subject, Joshua Kedrick Penley, 32, of Mount Auburn.

Tomorrow is the deadline for bidding for the Virginia Gay Hospital Tree Walk. A few more new trees and wreaths have joined the display.  Those interested in bidding are welcome to stop by today or tomorrow before 5 p.m. 

The Vinton Parks & Recreation Department recently held their annual Turkey Coloring Contest for children in 3rd grade and younger. The top three winners in each division were awarded prizes, presented with their laminated contest entry and also got to ride the fire truck with Santa in the downtown parade for the Tree Lighting Ceremony. We had over 150 total entries this year and we would like to thank all of our judges and everyone who participated! The following is a list of the contest winners.

Virginia Gay Hospital and Clinics is pleased to announce Melissa Smith, RN as the new Director of Home Health and Public Health. Melissa has been interested in healthcare for many years. She said, “I’ve always been a caretaker since a young age. My grandmother was a labor and delivery nurse, and I always knew that’s what I wanted to do.

Two Vinton florists were among the Iowans who helped decorate the Governor’s Mansion for Christmas, 2014. Joanna Kalina and Emily Cashman, who work together with Cindy Elwick’s staff at Nature’s Corner, went separately to Terrace Hill. Joanna received an invitation from her friend, Iowa Florist Association Board member Shelly Sarver, a Pella wedding planner, to help decorate a guest bedroom.

Tonight's Special Board Meeting will be streamed LIVE - tonight. http://www.highschoolcube.com/event/v-s-csd-special-school-board-meeting-public-hearin-409729 STILL SCHEDULED 6:30 p.m.  Vinton-Shellsburg CSD  Special School Board Meeting Public Hearing on Karr Athletic Complex Monday, November 24, 2014 – 6:30 PM   \\Vinton-Shellsburg CSD   Special School Board Meeting  Public Hearing on Karr Athletic Complex      Monday, November 24, 2014 – 6:30 PM  (Published for 6:00 pm start, but will wait until  6:30 pm based on schedules)  Central Office Board Room  1502 C Ave.

On Wednesday, we passed on the news of the closing of the Alco store in Vinton.  On Thursday, the company issued the following press release about the liquidation sale that begins today: After 113 years, Alco Stores (OTC-PINK: ALCSQ), a discount retailer focused on serving consumers in smaller communities with limited access to other regional or national retail chains, is closing its doors forever.

The Washington County Riverboat Foundation awarded a $7,000 grant to Friends of the Center Point Library on Nov. 19, 2014. Attending the presentation ceremony at Riverside Casino were Friends president Christina Lahr, vice president Marj Pepin, secretary Sharon Hannen and Center Point head librarian Janine Walters. Marj Pepin had proposed the grant project and did the grant writing.