Reflecting on the last 13 years of Vinton Today always leaves me amazed. Every time. The idea was to have a central location where anyone so inclined to write, organizations wanting to share, and any bit of news could find its way to anyone anywhere. And it could happen from Vinton.

For three months before launch, I spent a lot of time contacting organizations, sending out the email address, asking for information, meeting notices, etc. The plan was to let everyone know that Vinton Today was here.

And much to my amazement everyone was as excited as I was about this new step.

Don't hesitate to continue to drop me a note bragging on yourself, the kids, the neighbor, a business, your organization, everything is welcome here! Yes, even the opinion pieces to the chagrin of some...and hey, it could be about something light and cheery too rather than political, everything is welcome! While sometimes I cock an eyebrow, I share whatever it is that you think. That's the thing about this great country. Say whatever you think, and if people disagree, apparently the readers will tell you exactly what they think... that's okay too!

In a traditional print publication, you don't get the same immediate feedback like you do online. I think hearing from the readers is my favorite thing about Vinton Today. Most of the time it's through opinion pieces, sometimes it's through email. And sometimes it's former residents who just want to zap and email and say, "Thank you for Vinton Today." Occasionally there's a note in the mailbox with a short thank you and that makes my day, nah, it makes my week!

This website has been brought to you by the faithful support of the advertisers. Several have been here since the beginning. I can't thank them enough for being the backbone and the ones who make this adventure possible. You are all the best. Again, if you'd like to join the advertising family, zap me an email at vintontoday@hotmaill and we'll find you a spot on the website.

If you have the choice between supporting an advertiser here or supporting a different business, support the ones that you see on this site first, they make this article possible. Beyond that, support our other local businesses also need your support. Pay attention to which ones support the community. We're starting to bring in some of the "big businesses" but in general, they don't support our local organizations. When you can, support those that support the community.

I am fortunate to have a local web designer that is a steady guy who keeps this website up and running. He designed the website and the intricacies of a functioning website,,,if you need a website that's been unhackable, I know a guy!

I'm happy to say that the internet service is also local, iVinton. For a small town, we do pretty good for ourselves!

When we take care of our own people, and our own businesses, we do well. If we forget to do that, we're sunk. Vinton buzzes with all kinds of local businesses. Shopping local isn't just an idea, it's a way of life! We're really fortunate to have all of the businesses that we do.

Even down to news, Vinton is one of the rare towns that have a locally owned news source, right here. Vinton Today. Vinton Today is unique in that it provides news for those who are seeing impaired. Several readers rely on Vinton Today to know what's happening in the community. Folks who have moved away over the years still follow what's happening here. (Another reason to send in your community news!)

Unlike a newspaper, Vinton Today isn't supported by your tax dollars through public notices. Nor is it supported on the backs of grieving families via obituaries. I will remember for a long time, telling a family that there is no charge and it being such a relief to them. It was one less expense after paying funeral expenses.

You know what else Vinton Today doesn't charge you for? You're using it right now. Free access to the complete site! How crazy is that???

However, Vinton Today can only operate because of local businesses, and you the readers. If you have a local business and need to get your name out there, you're welcome to join the Vinton Today family...trust me, you CAN afford to advertise here!

When you advertise in the newspaper part of that money goes to support an organization that is not located in Iowa. But Vinton Today, well, it doesn't get more local than being started by Vinton natives and continuing. The dollars spent on advertising rarely ever leave town.

Articles like this are ones I wish I didn't need to write to remind everyone about the details of supporting Vinton Today. But every few years, it's necessary to.

If you are a reader, and you are able to send in a donation today, or a small donation each month, it would go a long way to covering hosting expenses.

To do that, look for Venmo and find @VintonToday. To verify the account you might need the phone number 319-202-4125.

If you prefer, you can mail a donation to Vinton Today, P.O. Box 7, Vinton, Iowa 52349.

Again, thank you everyone for keeping this resource available for all of our readers.

Thank you especially to those who have already sent in a donation, it is very appreciated!


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