News

  In the true spirit of St. Patrick's Day, State Treasurer Michael L. Fitzgerald is looking for lucky Iowans who may have the Luck O' the Irish. Treasurer Fitzgerald has a vault brimming full of unclaimed property to be reclaimed. A visit to the Great Iowa Treasure Hunt website at www.greatiowatreasurehunt.com may add some green in the form of unclaimed property to their wallets.

       The biggest difference between being a high school sports star in 2011 and 1984, says Roxanne (Wellner) Rolland, may be technology.      Roxanne, who now lives in Mount Vernon, led the Vinton girls to the Iowa High School Basketball State Championship in 1984, earning the title of Miss Iowa Basketball.

     Several Vinton-Shellsburg students were honored for special efforts at school by being named this weeks Vikes of the Week.      Sean Dulin (not pictured) and Gunner Tranel, were nominated by Mrs. Trafford.  They were a huge help to her as she was dealing with a medical condition.        Wes Lyons, Meghan Owens, Amy Andrews, Ben Stainbrook (nominated by Mrs.

   Iowans have a chance to brush up on money management skills during the fifth annual Money Smart Week taking place across the state April 2—9. Financial institutions, government agencies, not-for-profit organizations and community groups have teamed up to offer a full week of events designed to help Iowans of all ages better manage their finances.

  Students in second through sixth grade have the chance to win a $200 savings bond for showing Iowa bankers what they think about money.  As part of Money Smart Week 2011, elementary students can submit poster designs to banks and credit unions across Iowa. Posters should answer the question: “There’s a lot to learn about money.

  Students in sixth through eighth grade have the chance to enter the fifth annual Money Smart Kid Essay Contest and compete for $1,000 to help boost their college savings. The statewide essay contest is co-sponsored by the Iowa Bankers Association and Iowa Credit Union Foundation for Money Smart Week. Students in grades six through eight can enter the contest by writing an essay of 300 words or less that addresses the following question: “What are the financial risks and benefits of mortgaging a home from the perspective of both the potential homeowner and the bank (or lender)? Candidates must be a student in grades six to eight, should be able to “think on their feet” when responding to questions from business leaders and the media, and should be articulate and able to speak in front of large groups.

  Interstate Power and Light Company, an Alliant Energy company, is reminding qualified Iowa residents that they can apply for Low-Income Heating Energy Assistance Program (LIHEAP) funds now through April 30, 2011.  LIHEAP provides dollars to aid low-income households to help cover heating costs.   Alliant Energy reminds customers who are not current on their utility bills to take action prior to April 1, as the moratorium on disconnections in Iowa ends on April 1.

       There is right now, according to the National Weather Service, a 24 percent greater than normal chance for spring flooding on the Cedar River in Vinton. That figure is based on winter snowfall and recent precipitation.     But other parts of Iowa, especially along the Mississippi River, face flood risks of up to 66 percent higher flood risks.

   A Vinton man won the top prize of $30,000 playing the lottery’s “Crossword” instant-scratch game. Don Campbell claimed his prize Monday, March 7, at the Iowa Lottery’s regional office in Cedar Rapids. He purchased his winning ticket at John’s Qwik Stop, 814 C Ave. in Vinton.             Crossword is a $3 scratch game.

       It is with a lot of pride and at least a little apprehension that Mark and Lori Smith of Vinton heard the latest news from their son, Adam, a HN (Hospitalman) serving with the 13th MEU (Marine Expeditionary Unit).      The Smiths have good reason to be proud because Adam was named the Bluejacket of the Year for the 13th MEU.