News : Review 2010: Remembering December

Review 2010: The annual Pearl Harbor memorial service took place Dec. 7 at VSMS.

December began with some celebrations, but also concerns about the future of the V-S Tiny Vikes Preschool.

The Vinton-Shellsburg Marching Band began its winter holiday concert by discussing its plans for another holiday: The members will again travel to Washington, D.C., to play in the July 4 parade there in 2011.

The beginning of December is also when area residents and businesses begin collecting Christmas gifts for the less fortunate families of the area. The WMT “Stuff the Bus” campaign came to Ervin Motors, US Bank and Farmers Bank set up Angel Trees and G & G also had its Christmas toy drive. Many families and churches and other organizations also participated.

Jill Rector Cress, a 1989 Vinton graduate, won her 300th game as a college coach at William Jewell University. She had the privilege of having her former high school coach, Harold Shephard, work as her assistant for two seasons. See that story here: http://www.vintoniowa.org/articles/News/article102258.html

Harvest Valley Ministries also celebrated the changes it has been making, holding an open house.

Preschool concerns

The Tiny Vikes Preschool was one of the first to be funded by the State of Iowa. Local education leaders and advocates began meeting to discuss ways to advocate for the program after Governor-elect Terry Branstad said he favored cutting preschool funding. About 30 people attended the first meeting.

Remembering Pearl Harbor

Thanks to a teacher whose grandfather spent some time at Pearl Harbor in 1942, Vinton-Shellsburg students and area veterans have an opportunity to remember Pearl Harbor each year. Teacher Alex Vasquez and his 8th grade students again led the Pearl Harbor Memorial Service on Dec. 7, reciting the history of that “Day of Infamy.”

Tour DeLites

The annual VSHS cross country team’s Tour DeLites fund-raiser took place, despite the cold. Dozens of people braved the wind and freezing temperatures to run the annual race. See one story here: http://www.vintoniowa.org/articles/News/article102313.html.

House destroyed by fire

Lester and Donna Geiger of rural Brandon lost their home in a house fire Dec. 19. They and their dog escaped safely, but the couple lost everything. Community residents rallied to support them as they moved into an assisted living center.

BettertonBuilding

Chiropractors Matt Betterton and Scott Barron unveiled plans for their new building during a Vinton Unlimited After 5 event. The new chiropractic center will be located just west of the First Christian Church.

Conwayhonored for 51 years of service

Francis “Dick” Conway of Keystone was honored at the November meeting of the Benton County Emergency Management Commission for 51 years of service as a representative from the City of Keystoneon the Commission.

Life-Saving Commendation

Garrison Firefighter Eric Kakac has received a Certificate of Commendation for Lifesaving Actions honoring him for his quick response after a traffic accident near Garrison last year. See that story here: http://www.vintoniowa.org/articles/News/3