News : Ribbon cut at Martin Shelter House; will serve as picnic and tornado shelter

Vinton Mayor John Watson told a crowd of approximately 30 people that it was the idea of Vinton's previous city coordinator, the late Don Martin, to build a shelter that can be used year-round by Vinton residents for picnics and other happy occasions, as well as for shelter during tornadoes and other storms.

Watson spoke to the crowd during the ribbon cutting ceremony for the shelter.

"Don was a mentor. He was a friend of mine, and a friend of the community. Don was instrumental in getting this shelter started," said Watson.

Martin's widow, Donna, was present to cut the ribbon for the shelter that bears her husband's name.

The current Vinton city coordinator, Andy Lent, told the audience the shelter will be available for rental beginning May 15. The rental fee will be $25 with a $50 deposit.

After the ribbon cutting, Lent led a tour of the facility, explaining its safety features and history.

The shelter includes a community pavilion and tornado safe room that serves the residents in the immediate area. The building was the idea of Don Martin who passed away in February 2008. After spurring the city to create a new subdivision for low-to-moderate housing, Martin realized that many of the nearby residences, including the nearby mobile home park, did not have adequate shelter from tornados and large windstorm events. He wanted to create something that would protect residents from those types of storms, while also providing a place for the residents to enjoy. “While we hope the community shelter, which is the upper level, gets lots of use,” remarked Lent, “ we hope the lower level safe room doesn’t get used that much, but its here if it is needed. We know these types of storms occur in Iowa, so it is much better to be prepared.”