News
Founders Room ribbon cutting set for Aug. 5 at IBSSS
The IBSSS Mary Ingalls Society will be hosting a ribbon cutting to officially reopen the IBSSS Founder's Room. The ceremony will be at 10:00 a.m. on Tuesday August 5. Those involved will be someone from the Vinton's Mayor's Office, the new Superintendent of IBSSS and Iowa School for the Deaf as well as some other school administration staff and member of the Mary Ingalls Society Committee. Wall of Fire, trailer crashes delight 'Night of Destruction' spectators
Local stuntmen Steven Stinson and Shawn Fisher simultaneously crashed their vehicles through the Wall of Fire on Friday night at the Benton County Fair, as part of the Night of Destruction.
The popular new tradition at the Benton County Fair (and many other venues in the Midwest) filled the grandstands, as local drivers showed their daring and skill in a variety of events. Benton Development Groups seeks citizen input at July 30 meeting in Blairstown
While the Benton Development Group meetings are always open to the public, the BDG board hopes county residents will come to its next meeting to share input about the future of the economic development organization.
"The board is asking for help from the public to develop a new image of BDG and what comes to people's minds when they think of Benton County and particularly the Benton Development Group," said BDG Board President Marlyn Jorgensen.
Hang On! Children (and adults) enjoying variety of midway rides at Fair
A small roller coaster, and a similar ride that goes forward and backwards, along with the Ferris Wheel and spinning apples, offer a variety of ways for children (and adults) to enjoy themselves.
Many participated in the "four-hour special" wristband night on Thursday, paying $20 for four hours of unlimited rides. Look for more four-hour specials throughout the week from Sam's Amusement and Carnivals. Karley Kenney named 2014 Benton County Fair Queen
In a coronation ceremony shortened just a bit because of the threat of rain, 2014 Vinton- Shellsburg graduate Karley Kenney was crowned the 2014 Benton County Fair Queen. Dorothy Zaugg was crowned Princess.
Below is the biographical information the Queen and Princess submitted to the Benton County Fair Board:
Karley Kenney
Karley joined Clover Buds in 3rd grade and then officially joined her 4-H club in 4th grade where she showed her horse "Trigger" and has been showing horses ever since. VSHS 1:1 Computer roll-out set for Aug. 12
Vinton-Shellsburg High School is rolling out computers to all registered 9-12 students for our 1:1 Computer Initiative for the 2014-15 school year. On Tuesday, August 12, 6:00-8:30 p.m., students Last Names A-L, and Wednesday, August 13, 6:00-8:30 p.m., students with Last Names M-Z will have the opportunity to receive a MacBook Air computer, accessories, and bag.
New sign honors legacy of Mary Ingalls at IBSSS
A new sign is now present on the front lawn of the Iowa Braille and Sight Saving School (IBSSS). The IBSSS and the people of Vinton have long been proud of their connection to alumnus, Mary Ingalls. Ingalls is one of the starring characters in the “Little House” books by her sister, Laura Ingalls Wilder, based on their family’s experiences homesteading.
Fair begins with project judging
Hundreds of Benton County 4-H and Cloverbud members brought their projects to the Benton County Fair on Wednesday morning, where the traditional first day begins with judging of projects in a variety of categories.
Judging began at 8:30 and continues until the afternoon.
See more photos of many of the projects HERE.
'Little House' legacy continues: IBSSS hosts visitors from Japan, Australia
The legacy of Laura Ingalls Wilder and her "Little House on the Prairie" book series continues throughout the world.
And because Mary Ingalls, the sister of the famous author, attended the Iowa Braille and Sight-Saving School in the late 19th Century, many of the people who participate in "Little House" tours of places that were important in the life of the author also come to Vinton. Drivers bring vehicles, stories to Vinton for 30th Annual Cruise.
Vinton teenager Dallas Kramer brought his very first car – a Mustang – to the Vinton Cruise.
Carroll Schlemmer of Marion brought his 47th classic vehicle– a 1966 Morris Minor.
The 30th annual Vinton Cruise brought more than 450 cars from throughout Iowa and beyond, and included cars that owners have had in their families for decades, and those which they had recently acquired.