Author: Dean Close

Union teams defeat Oelwein on ‘Beat Cancer Night’

Union teams defeat Oelwein on ‘Beat Cancer Night’

Posted by | Sep 19, 2016 | , |

Union had a reason besides football to rally on Friday night, says Coach Joe Hadachek. “All community and family members fighting against cancer were honored as their names scrolled across the video board.   The game was dedicated to them,” said Hadachek, after the Knights’ 62-0 win.  “Two champions were honored at the pregame coin flip: Coach Adam Gassman, who has fought lymphoma in his past, and former Dysart-Geneseo quarterback Terry “Toro” Ewoldt, who fights the fight now with cancer.” Toro was the quarterback of Hadachek’s team 35 years ago. “We ran the shotgun before the shotgun was cool,”...

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St. Baldrick’s shaving event unites area residents to fight childhood cancer

St. Baldrick’s shaving event unites area residents to fight childhood cancer

Posted by | Sep 19, 2016 | , |

Stephanie King organized her third annual St. Baldrick’s shave event, where about a dozen volunteers agreed to have their heads shaved to help raise funds for St. Baldrick’s, a childhood cancer research organization. Such events also show solidarity for childhood cancer patients, many of whom lose their hair as a side effect of chemotherapy. Amillianna helped the hair professionals with the razor, aiding in shaving her mom and dad, as well as some of her childhood friends. Participants honored specific cancer patients whom they know, or the memory of children who have died of cancer. Among the shavees were...

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‘Only shoe in the world:’ Testimony in Miller trial focuses on prints, DNA

‘Only shoe in the world:’ Testimony in Miller trial focuses on prints, DNA

Posted by | Sep 18, 2016 | , |

Only one shoe in the world could have left the bloody footprint found in a soft-side lunch bag on the floor of the mobile home where Sabrina Hustad Janish was murdered, according to an Iowa DCI criminalist. That shoe, a size 11 Survivor work shoe, and its mate, were found in a muddy lake bed a few miles southeast of the crime scene the day after the murder. Another DCI criminalist testified that the blood of Janish and her boyfriend, David Miller, was on those boots. Miller was charged in March for the Oct. 25. 2015, killing of Janish....

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In Depth: Pete’s Dragon

Posted by | Sep 16, 2016 | |

By Marcy Horst “Pete’s Dragon” opens tonight, Friday, September 16, and plays the Palace every night at 7 pm through Thursday, September 22. You may also catch this family-friendly classic at 4 pm on Saturday, and in our regular 2 pm matinee on Monday. This live action 3D remake of the 1977 Walt Disney animated classic is scoring high with both critics and audience members. In fact, “Pete’s Dragon” comes highly recommended by more than one regular Palace patron who enjoyed this film on vacation. Pete and his best friend, Elliott the dragon, who can make himself invisible, will hold great appeal for audience members of all ages. Mom and Dad, Grandma and Grandpa, and all those who love to share magical movie experiences with kids won’t want to miss this delightful PG-rated adventure. Pete is portrayed by Oakes Fegley, with excellent supporting performances by Ron Howard’s daughter, Bryce Dallas Howard playing Grace, and Robert Redford, her father. Tickets are already selling, so plan accordingly. As always, you may reserve your seats in advance at www.vintonpalace.org or at the box office. OCTOBER Following “Pete” we have another remake of the 1959 Charlton Heston classic, “Ben Hur.” October opens with the animated Robinson Crusoe story, “The Wild Life,” Tom Hanks in “Sully,” another animated offering, “Storks,” the story of a football walk-on, “Greater,” and based on the book series, “Mrs....

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Soil & Water Conservation Achievements in Benton County

Posted by | Sep 16, 2016 | , |

Larry and Randy Luze receive award from Commissioner Jeremy Sills as Commissioner Hank Wehrman introduces them. Mr. & Mrs. Randy Vogeler receiving award from Commissioner Jerey Sills as Commissioner Hank Wehrman introduces them. The Benton Soil & Water Conservation District Commissioners are proud to participate in Iowa Conservation Program each year. This program recognize outstanding producers who incorporate various and innovative conserving practices in their farming operations. The Benton SWCD also is happy to select a District winner for the Izaak Walton Windbreak Award Program each year. The Commissioners develop a group of nominees, tour the county viewing their farms in June, and make their winning selections. Awards were presented to the winners at the Field Day sponsored by the Tall Grass Prairie Center and Iowa Practical Farmers held September 14. Benton SWCD Izaak Walton Windbreak Award Winner Randy & Deb Vogeler – In 1990, Randy and Deb contacted the Benton SWCD office wanting to renovate their old “grove”. Working with the office staff and the District Forester, a design for a new windbreak was completed for the farmstead in the north central part of the county. This design included the use of the new Hybrid Willows, and was one of the first to use these trees as the outside row of the windbreak, which also included other conifers . It has now grown wonderfully and provides protection and...

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John’s Qwik Stop celebrates Grand Opening with ribbon cutting

John’s Qwik Stop celebrates Grand Opening with ribbon cutting

Posted by | Sep 16, 2016 | |

Scores of local residents, business leaders, school officials and even many members of the Vinton-Shellsburg Marching Band, gathered at John’s Qwik Stop on Thursday morning for a ribbon cutting to celebrate the new building and the new A & W / Godfather’s Pizza restaurant area. Owner John Ketchen briefly spoke to the crowd, thanking the local contractors for their work on the project. He also thanked former owner John Anderson for giving him the opportunity to purchase the business 20 years ago. Ketchen then led the crowd in a root beer toast to the community. Mayor John Watson cut...

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Traveling Challenge Cup: VS ranked 17th among Iowa schools, 7th in Class 3A, for 2015-16

Posted by | Sep 16, 2016 | |

A program designed to honor Iowa high schools for all-around success in academics, athletics and fine arts has ranked Vinton-Shellsburg 7th in Class 3A and 17th among all Iowa schools for the 2015-16 school year. The Bank Iowa Traveling Challenge Cup determines the highest-scoring schools based on a variety of criteria, awarding points for academic success, post-season athletic accomplishments, and for achieving success in band, choir and speech events. Under this point system, VSHS scored 905 points, which earned the school a spot in the Top 10 list in Class 3A. Only 16 other schools throughout Iowa had a higher point total.  The boys bowling and track teams led VS with 70 points each. The school also earned a total of 425 points for academic success. Challenge Cup schools are divided into four classes. The winning schools this year each received a $2,000  stipend provided by Bank Iowa to be used towards enhancing the academic learning components that are now available within the entire school system for all students. Those four winners are: 1A: St. Albert (Council Bluffs) 2A: Kuemper Catholic (Carroll) 3A: Decorah 4A: Waukee VSHS was ranked 8th in Class 3A for the 2014-15 school year. See more information by clicking the links below: Scoring system List of all VS Challenge Cup points awarded 2016-17 standings (No points have yet been awarded, but this page will be...

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Patricia (Pat) Ann Roushar

Patricia (Pat) Ann Roushar

Posted by | Sep 14, 2016 | |

We invite you to attend a Celebration of Life ceremony for Patricia (Pat) Ann Roushar It has been four months since she passed and we’ve definitely felt an emptiness in her place. There have been birthdays and anniversaries celebrated without her joy and laughter, though we know she is forever in our hearts. Long-time family friend, Pastor Frederick will be leading the service as we say our goodbyes and celebrate not only Pat, but a life well lived. The event will take place on Saturday, September 24th at 11:00 a.m. at the Trinity Lutheran Church, located at 1002 E...

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After heart-breaking loss, Vikings travel to Waverly Friday

Posted by | Sep 14, 2016 | |

The Vinton-Shellsburg football team dominated Decorah in every way but on the scoreboard, said Coach Jim Womochil after the Vikings’ 7-6 loss at home on Friday. The black and gold Vikings out-gained the blue and white-wearing Vikings by a total of 222 to 153 total yards. VS had better field position throughout the contest, but the score remained tied at zero until late in the game. VS punter Colson Phelps had to chase down a snap that went over his head and through his fingertips, but he managed to scramble to the right sideline and get off a decent kick. A Decorah player attempted to return the punt but was hit by a couple of VS tacklers. The ball bounced behind him; several players followed it until Chase Dunber dived on it and tightly cradled it to his gut with both hands. He remained in that position until standing up and handing it to the official who was signaling that the ball belonged to VS on the Decorah 17 with 5:46 on the clock. The Vikings scored the game’s first touchdown with 4 minutes remaining, on a run by Wes Edwards. The PAT kick failed, leaving the Vikings with a 6-0 lead with 4 minutes to play. But long passes set up the Decorah Vikings with first and goal at the one, and they tied the game at six...

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3rd annual local St. Baldwick’s shaving event takes place Sunday

Posted by | Sep 14, 2016 | , , |

Two years after Amillianna King’s “No More Chemo” party, her mother continues to help other families who were touched by childhood cancer. Stephanie King is organizing her third annual St. Baldrick’s event, where she and other volunteers will submit to a head-shaving to show solidarity with children like her daughter who have experienced cancer and related side-effects such has hair loss. This year’s event will take place at Central Lutheran School in Newhall at 2 p.m. Sunday, Sept. 18. Stephanie is recruiting both volunteers to join her in shaving their heads as well as donors. The money raised will go toward the St. Baldrick’s Foundation, which helps research cures for childhood cancer. Amillianna was just a toddler when she was diagnosed with diagnosis acute lymphoblastic leukemia. She is now in remission and continues to live a normal, healthy life while her family continues to help other families who are experiencing a similar journey. Amillianna will have to have check ups for the rest of her life because either the leukemia can come back or she could develop another type of cancer, says Stephanie. “She does have side affects that we are working through but even with them she is always a happy, outgoing kid,” says Amillianna’s mom. See the event page...

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Flaughless 5K registration under way; last event to raise funds for Retrieving Freedom

Flaughless 5K registration under way; last event to raise funds for Retrieving Freedom

Posted by | Sep 14, 2016 | , |

Registration for the 5th and Final Flaughless 5K is under way. The annual run/walk in memory of Dan Flaugh will take place Saturday, Oct. 15. Organizer Georgia Meeker Sysouchanh has said this will be the last event. Funds raised will go toward Retrieving Freedom, th e organization that helps match veterans with dogs to help them deal with symptoms of PTSD. Vinton native and Marine Corps veteran Josh Mulder is among the participants in the Retrieving Freedom program. He and his dog, Traveler, have been invited, along with others from the organization. Sysouchanh has said that it was learning...

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Area men sought for AHA fund-raising ‘Dudoir’ calendar

Posted by | Sep 14, 2016 | |

Kendra Spencer, owner of Kendra Lee photography, is inviting area men to participate in a “Dudoir” calendar fund-raiser for the American Heart Association. Seven men have already agreed to be models for the project, says Kendra. Kendra appeals to “all farmers, electricians, doctors, firefighters, railroad workers, construction workers, lawyers, truckers, plumbers, hunters, and any others.” She also invites wives contact her on behalf of their husbands. “This is going to be a lot of fun,” says Kendra, whose daughter, Olivia was born with a serious heart defect. “And it’s not costing us anything but time. Help us raise money for a cause so dear to our hearts.” All proceeds of calendar sales will go toward the AHA. October 9th is the tentative date for the photo shoot. For more information on how to participate (or to nominate your man) click...

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