News Headlines

Fareway’s Bret Nelson Retires After 40 Years with the company

VALERIE CLOSE, EDITOR - November 6th 2025 7:17 pm

For the last 40 years, Bret Nelson has served with Fareway. For 22 1/2 of those years, Bret has been the friendly face behind the meat counter in Vinton. Whether you needed advice on how many pounds of roast to buy or the best way to cut a chicken, Bret was the man to ask. Over the years, he’s likely taught hundreds of young employees the fine art of slicing lunch meat—a skill their future spouses no doubt appreciate.

Truesdell Trial - Day 2

VINTON TODAY - November 6th 2025 5:00 pm

On Wednesday, the state presented its opening statement in the trial of Luke Truesdell in the deaths of Amanda Parker of Vinton, Romondus "Ro" Cooper and Keonna Ryan of Cedar Rapids, and Brent Brown of Marion. As is common, the defense team followed with their opening statement. The court adjourned for the day as it was late in the afternoon. The court gathered at 9:00 a.

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Local Businesses Directory for Holiday Open House Participants November 23

VALERIE CLOSE, EDITOR - November 5th 2025 11:42 pm

If you'd like to share a little blurb about events happening during the Holiday Open House for your business, feel free to zap me a note, or comment below! I'll compile all of the information into a directory of events for the day. Include your business name, address, hours and anything special that you'd like to share! Why pay for an ad when

Murder Trial begins in Linn County for Luke Truesdell

VINTON TODAY - November 5th 2025 4:10 pm

The trial began on Wednesday afternoon for Luke Truesdell of Marion. Truesdell was arrested and charged with the beating deaths of four people in Linn County on June 5, 2024, Amanda Parker of Vinton, Romondus Cooper and Keonna Ryan of Cedar Rapids and Brent Brown of Marion. Truesdell was charged with four counts of first-degree murder and held on a $4 million bond.

HOT Grant Award Hotel Occupancy Tax Applications being Accepted

VINTON UNLIMITED - November 5th 2025 11:51 am

HOT Grant Award Hotel Occupancy Tax Vinton Unlimited is pleased to announce applications are now being accepted for the HOT Grant Award. This grant fund is made possible through the collection of the hotel/motel tax within the City of Vinton. Groups that hold community events, work to promote the City of Vinton or encourage people to visit Vinton are encouraged to apply.

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The Wizard of Oz to perform at the VSHS Auditorium this Weekend

VINTON SHELLSBURG COMMUNITY SCHOOLS - November 5th 2025 11:47 am

All fall, VSHS Drama has been working to prepare The Wizard of Oz for the stage, just in time to complete your Wicked timeline! We're excited to invite you all to the show on November 7th & 8th at 7:00 p.m., and November 9th at 2:00 p.m. in the Vinton Shellsburg High School Auditorium. Tickets are $10 per person - all proceeds to go to support VSHS Drama and help support future shows.

Election Day Unofficial Results

VALERIE CLOSE, EDITOR - November 4th 2025 10:51 pm

In what was a low response for candidates in this year's elections, there will be few surprises in the election results. Voter turnout was also low this year as is usual for local elections.Listed below are the unofficial results as follows:CityPosition to fillCandidates, number of votes receivedWrite in total number of votes*If it does not say (Vote for #) this indicates that there are just enough candidates on the ballot to fill the open seats.

Virginia Gay Hospital Foundation’s Annual Tree Walk Begins November 1

VIRGINIA GAY HOSPITAL - November 4th 2025 11:55 am

Click here to see photos of all the trees included!The holiday season is just around the corner, and with it comes one of Virginia Gay Hospital’s most anticipated traditions — the Annual Tree Walk, beginning Saturday, November 1, in the Virginia Gay Hospital Clinic Conference Room.The Tree Walk will feature dozens of beautifully decorated trees, wreaths, and holiday displays, each created and donated by generous community members, local businesses, and hospital departments.

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VSHS senior portfolio class create a work of art: Voting Nov. 3-7

VINTON SHELLSBURG COMMUNITY SCHOOLS - November 3rd 2025 11:46 am

Mrs. Otto's senior portfolio class won the chance to enter a design contest for the Crosley company, a record player company out of Kentucky. The class had the opportunity to design their own classroom record player to enter into the contest. The class needs our help to continue. There are a few stages of the contest and social media exposure and votes are one of them.

VGH and Clinics Hosting Food Drive to Support Community During Gov. Shutdown

VIRGINIA GAY HOSPITAL - October 31st 2025 9:58 pm

Virginia Gay Hospital and Clinics are stepping up to support our community members facing food insecurity during the ongoing government shutdown. Food collection containers are available in the hospital and clinic lobbies for those wishing to donate non-perishable items. Grocery gift cards are also welcome and can be left with registration staff.

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