News Headlines

7th Annual Deck the House Contest runs thrrough this Weekend

VALERIE CLOSE, EDITOR - December 11th 2025 12:34 pm

Vinton Parks & Recreation Department will be conducting their Deck The House contest through Sunday evening. Take the kids on a tour of the entries and see which ones you think should be the winners! The 7th Annual "Deck the House" contest includes houses within the Vinton City limits. A map of all the locations can be seen in the photo. A Deck the House Committee will be picking the winners! They will be judged in two categories, Griswold and Elegant.

Christmas Programs and Services in the Area

VINTON TODAY - December 11th 2025 12:23 pm

Wesley United Methodist Church, 516 2nd Ave., VintonSunday, December 14th- Children's Christmas Program 9 amSunday, December 21st- Blue Christmas Service 5 pmWednesday, December 24th - Candlelight Christmas Eve Service 5 pmTrinity Lutheran Church, 1002 E. 13th St., VintonSunday, December 21, 4:00 p.m. Our children will be presenting their Christmas Program with Soup Supper to follow.

advertiser content

Santa Assists with the Salvation Army

SALVATION ARMY OF BENTON COUNTY - December 11th 2025 12:17 pm

Article Thumbnail. Santa welcomed shoppers at Fareway on Tuesday as he rang the bell for the Salvation Army

Santa stopped by on Tuesday to ring the bell at Fareway. He's a great supporter of the Salvation Army's effort to raise money during the Christmas season! He greeted shoppers, young and old with his jolly ho, ho, ho!On Wednesday, the Sheriff's Department took a turn ringing the bell and greeting shoppers as well. The Benton County Salvation Army would like to thank them not only for rining the bell but for their efforts in serving and protecting our county!Through the wet and the wind, the snow and the cold, the bell ringing goes on ! We appreciate you, our volunteers.

Notice: Board Taking Applications for Boards and Commission Appointments

HAYLEY RIPPEL, BENTON COUNTY AUDITOR - December 10th 2025 4:33 pm

The Benton County Board of Supervisors is taking applications for various county board and commission appointments for the following year. Benton County appreciates diversity in these appointments and welcomes all applicants at least 18 years of age. Terms and dates of appointments vary and these are unpaid positions. Not all boards are listed and not all have openings at this time, but if you are interested in serving on any board or commission you are encouraged to apply and submit application.

Vinton-Shellsburg FFA Hosts Annual Pork BBQ and Degree Ceremony

FFA - December 9th 2025 5:12 pm

Article Thumbnail. FFA members enjoying dinner together before the Degree Ceremony.

By: Co-Reporter, Abby McKenna On Wednesday, November 13th, the Vinton-Shellsburg FFA Chapter held its annual Pork BBQ and Degree Ceremony in the Vinton-Shellsburg High School Auditorium. The evening celebrated member achievements, community support, and the dedication of students involved in agricultural education. Guests enjoyed a dinner prepared by the Merchant Family and side dishes from chapter members before the ceremony began.

advertiser content

Light Freezing Rain Tonight Then Turning Windy - Tie down the Christmas Displays

BENTON COUNTY EMERGENCY MANAGEMENT - December 9th 2025 11:18 am

Winter Weather Advisory in effect for Freezing Rain.Key Messages ●A Winter Weather Advisory has been issued for parts of eastern Iowa and northwest Illinois from 6 PM today until Midnight Wednesday ●Light freezing rain is possible this evening along and north of a line from Cedar Rapids to Maquoketa to Mt Carroll IL. A glaze of ice is possible.

Spend Christmas Eve at Vinton First Baptist Church

FIRST BAPTIST CHURCH - December 8th 2025 11:57 am

No place to go on Christmas Eve? Visit Vinton First Baptist Church on December 24 at 5:30 PM.Come share in a night of joy, beauty and meaning as we celebrate the birth of Christ.Experience a heartfelt Christmas Play that brings the story to life. Enjoy traditional Christmas songs alongside original music created for this special night.Celebrate with candlelight, community, and the warmth of fellowship.

H2 Pizza hosts event to Support Local Veterans

VALERIE CLOSE, EDITOR - December 8th 2025 11:46 am

As part of Veterans Day, three area businesses honored our local heroes and raised funds for the George G. Luckey American Legion Post 57! H2 Pizza offered a 10% discount to veterans as a way of thanking them for their service, but they didn't stop there! They also donated 50% of the proceeds from the night to the Legion from the products sold that night.

advertiser content

Navigating Grief and Loss During the Holidays

VINTON PUBLIC LIBRARY - December 7th 2025 10:07 pm

The holidays can be a challenging time for grievers. Join Laura Yeats, grief team lead at Cedar Valley Hospice, for the 'Navigating Grief and Loss During the Holidays' program. We will discuss grief, give tips to help navigate the holiday season and provide a safe space to share your own experience.Join us on Tuesday, December 9, 2025 at 6:00 PM. at the Vinton Iowa Public Library, 510 2nd Avenue in Vinton.

You can now take the "Deck the House" Tour in Vinton!

VINTON PARKS & RECREATION - December 7th 2025 10:03 pm

Looking for something to do this weekend?! Take a tour of the homes participating in this year's Deck the House Holiday Lights Competition! Area homes have decorated for the Christmas season and have signed up to compete for the honor of being the most decked out house in town.Voting is being done by a committee and the winners will be announced on

advertiser content