News
VALERIE CLOSE, EDITOR - September 25th, 2014 10:49 pm
A Few weeks ago we posted a link for our readers to go and help the community out by voting...WE DID IT!!!! Congratulations to those that work so tirelessly on this trail!
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Public votes helped to choose the winning $7,500 projects in Iowa and South Dakota
Wellmark Blue Cross and Blue Shield announced the 10 $7,500 award winners of its 75th Anniversary celebration today along with another surprise — the company has selected six additional projects to receive $7,500.
VINTON TODAY - September 25th, 2014 9:24 pm
![Justin Shaw and Ellie Lane pose for the first of many photos as VSHS Homecoming King & Queen.](https://www.vintontoday.com/images/pics/1kingqueen_cc44a5.jpg)
Justin Shaw and Ellie Lane were crowned the 2014 Vinton-Shellsburg Homecoming King and Queen during Thursday night's pep rally. The evening also included the parade and Powder Puff football game.
After high school, Ellie plans on joining the Marine Corps. In order to prepare, she is active in nightly workouts. In addition, she is involved in National Honor Society, soccer and Special Olympics coaching.
VINTON TODAY - September 24th, 2014 4:53 pm
![The Top 5 VSHS Homecoming King and Queen candidates were introduced Wednesday.](https://www.vintontoday.com/images/pics/top5_705eba.jpg)
The 2014 Vinton-Shellsburg Homecoming King and Queen will be crowned on Thursday, during the pep assembly at the football field.
The seniors will vote on their choice from among the Top 5, who were introduced Wednesday afternoon.
The King and Queen candidate pictured, from left, are:
King candidates: Justin Shaw, Riley Ries, Brandon Price, Aaron Henderson and John Eden.
VINTON TODAY - September 24th, 2014 3:16 pm
![Iowa Ag Sec. Bill Northey and Mike Elwick discuss the Old School Produce tomato-growing system.](https://www.vintontoday.com/images/pics/mikebill_5ec36b.jpg)
A few years ago, Mike Elwick vigorously opposed the decision by the Vinton-Shellsburg school district to sell the former West building. After the building had changed hands twice, Elwick said he realized it was time for him to buy it.
Still, he says, he had no idea of what he would do with that building and the surrounding grounds, until he looked up its zoning status.
JESSICA ALDERSON AND KATIE ISBELL - September 24th, 2014 5:27 am
![](https://www.vintontoday.com/images/pics/sam_4904_531575.jpg)
On September 20th, kids gathered at the Benton county fairgrounds to learn about farm safety and how to handle emergencies at the annual Farm Safety Day.
Farm Safety Day is when 4th-6th graders go to the fairgrounds to learn about how to be safe and what to do in emergencies. Members of the community helped along with members of the Vinton, Benton, and Belle Plain FFA Chapters.
VIRGINIA GAY HOSPITAL - September 23rd, 2014 12:48 pm
![](https://www.vintontoday.com/images/pics/ct1_868910.jpg)
The Virginia Gay Hospital’s Imaging Services Department (X-Ray) is installing a new CT (Computerized Tomography) machine this week. For the past couple of weeks technicians have removed the former machine, leveled floors and today the new machine is being installed. In the interim, patients needing CT scans are using a mobile system parked behind the hospital.
VINTON TODAY - September 22nd, 2014 9:02 pm
![These are the 2014 VSHS Homecoming King and Queen candidates.](https://www.vintontoday.com/images/pics/candidates_171472.jpg)
Eleven Vinton-Shellsburg High School guys and 10 gals were named as Homecoming King and Queen candidates Monday in an assembly at the school. After the assembly, the seniors went to continue the tradition of painting Homecoming messages on business windows throughout the town.
Candidates pictured with this story are, from left to right:
Queen candidates: Sydney Bartling, Brea Burroughs, Caitlin Kruckenberg, Ellie Lane, Payton Leonard, Kylie Miracle, Jessica Noren, Olivia Oltrogge, Sydney Robertson and Dawne Schminke.
TAMI STARK - September 22nd, 2014 11:56 am
![Fireworks will return in August of 2015 for the 9th annual Boomtown.](https://www.vintontoday.com/images/pics/fireworks_d3051b.jpg)
We asked for it, and the Iowa Pyrotechnic Association is kind enough to let us have it!
While we may not think it possible, the IPA knows no boundaries, and is ready to bring us a BIGGER, BADDER and BETTER Boomtown! Boomtown will return to Vinton for its 9th year in 2015! And because the IPA knows their Boomtown followers so well, they know we like to start our planning early, they have selected the dates for their 9th annual show.
VINTON TODAY - September 22nd, 2014 9:09 am
While Smith's Bell and Clock Service of Indiana continues to work on the mechanisms of the Benton County courthouse clock, leaders are preparing the area where the clock will soon return.
Supervisor Terry Hertle said leaders recently approved a contract for sanitizing and removing bird waste from the courthouse bell tower, clock area and dome, as well as strengthening the stand which will support the bell.
VINTON TODAY - September 22nd, 2014 8:53 am
![Safety Day lessons included farm equipment and animal lessons, as well as fire safety.](https://www.vintontoday.com/images/pics/fsfire_a16ab5.jpg)
Children received advice about the safe interaction with animals, how to properly behave around farm machinery and how to use fire extinguishers during the annual Safety Day sponsored by the Benton County Extension Service.
Calling it a "very successful day," Greg Walston listed the organizations who helped: Benton County Fair Board, Benton Co.