News
Campers evacuated from Rodgers park; flooding closes more county areas
On Wednesday night, a Benton County Park ranger helped campers evacuate from Rodgers Park because of the risks posed by flooding.
These are the following areas that are currently closed due to rising floods on the cedar river. Areas entering the parks maybe covered by water and are not advised for travel.
1. Wildcat Bluff Park
2.
Flash Flood watch continues, county included in Governor's Disaster declaration
Scott Hansen had two words of advice for Benton County residents Wednesday night: Stay home.
Hansen, the Benton County Emergency Management Agency director, along with his staff and volunteers, had received many reports of many roads, including both gravel and highways, with water over them.
The flash flood affected much of Benton County, said Hansen. Alternate Brush dump established due to flooding
Due to the flooding at the normal brush dump north of the Cedar River, the City of Vinton has established an alternate brush dump site between West 4th Street and West 3rd Street, between Hinkle Creek and the Iowa Northern Railroad. This is the site of the former Farmer Sales and Service. We asked that residents use this site conservatively and only drop off what they cannot keep at their residence.
Civil War lessons: 8th graders learn marching, other lessons
A highlight of the 8th grade history class is the May Civil War lessons with Mr. Vasquez.
On Friday, Mr. Vasquez took his students outside to show them how Civil War soldiers learned to march, and also fired his historic muzzle-loader.
See a previous Vinton Today story about Mr. Vasquez and his Civil War lessons on Iowa units at the Battle of Shiloh HERE. Flooding worry, uncertainty: Wet ground, daily rains make forecasting difficult
Yesterday, the National Weather Service predicted that the Cedar River would crest on Thursday at 17.8 feet. Today, that forecast is just 15.8 feet – two feet lower than yesterday’s prediction.
That kind of uncertainty is to be expected this week, said Benton County Emergency Management Agency (EMA) Director Scott Hansen.
Hansen explains that the National Weather Service (NWS) flood level predictions are based on current river levels (the Cedar in Vinton was at 13.
School Board to act on resignations of band director, wrestling coach
The Vinton-Shellsburg School Board will be asked to officially accept the resignation of VSHS Band Director Karl Smith and wrestling coach Steve Johnson during a special meeting tonight.
The board will meet at 5:30 p.m. at the central office.
"We will start with several resignations – Karl Smith, Steve Johnson (head wrestling) and Mindy McClintock (8th grade volleyball).
Graduation: VSHS Class of 2013 receive diplomas
The members of the Vinton-Shellsburg Class of 2013 received their diplomas during Sunday's Commencement.
Graduate Claire Andreesen gave the student address; the graduates chose journalism teacher Jason Gleiter to give the faculty address.
Superintendent Mary Jo Hainstock joined VS School Board President Sue Gates (who handed out diplomas) and VSHS Principal Matt Kingsbury in congratulating the graduates. Shellsburg American Legion Riders donate to Veterans Home
On May 16, 2013 @ IVH The Shellsburg American Legion Riders of Post 166 purchased and delivered 15 32" televisions for the Iowa Veterans Home residents personal use. The Veterans Home is the largest nursing home facility in Iowa and possibly the 4th largest in America.
This donation is possible through the annual Charity Ride held on the first Saturday in June. Missing Sheepdog
Missing- north of Vinton and Mt. Auburn, east of LaPorte City, on the south side of Cedar River. Last seen last night running north toward Cedar River just north of Mt. Auburn. She is an adult, female, old english sheepdog, approx, 70 lbs, spayed, pink and black zebra striped collar and leash. She has been injured by running through a barb-wire fence and is bleeding in the chest area. Park areas Closed for Memorial Day Due to Flooding
These are the following areas that are currently closed due to rising floods on the cedar river.
1. Wildcat Bluff Park, boat ramp
2. Benton City Park, boat ramp & bottom tent campground at Benton City Park.
3. Milroy’s Access
4.