News Headlines

Former Vintonian Celebrated 110th Birthday making her the oldest Iowan

VALERIE CLOSE, EDITOR - January 28th 2026 9:14 pm

On January 26, 2026, Alice Hootman, formerly of Vinton, celebrated her 110th birthday! It is being reported that she is now the oldest living person in Iowa, making her a supercentenarian, someone who has reached 110. This age is achieved by about one in 1,000 centenarians. Her daughter Nancy Kerr, shared a picture of her on her special day. Alice currently lives at Manor House in Sigourney.

Fundraiser for Braxtyn Steele & Family

BLESSED DUO - January 28th 2026 9:07 pm

Let's all come together to support Braxtyn Steele who is courageously battling Hodgkin's Lymphoma. To help his family during this difficult time, we are hosting an apparel fundraiser. Every purchase will support his family by helping with medical expenses, travel costs, and daily needs—while also spreading awareness and encouragement wherever you go.

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Koeppen announces plans to move to Pella Community School District

VINTON TODAY - January 28th 2026 5:53 pm

I am writing to share a personal update with our school community. I have accepted the position of Superintendent of Schools for the Pella Community School District, with a start date of July 1. I will continue to serve as Superintendent of Vinton Shellsburg through the end of June and remain fully committed to our district and its work during this transition period.

Vinton Unlimited Supports Youth Leadership with Donation to Key Club

VINTON UNLIMITED - January 28th 2026 3:08 pm

Article Thumbnail. William McKenna, Wren Ahrenholz, Calli Torres, Athena Aragon, Sierra Marzen, Taryn Martin, and Melody Snow

Vinton Unlimited (VU) is proud to announce a donation of $1,750 to the newly established Key Club, providing seed funding to help the student organization launch its mission of service and leadership within the school and community.The donation will assist with initial expenses as students begin planning volunteer efforts that benefit both the school and the local community.

Knights of Columbus Freethrow winners Announced

KNIGHTS OF COLUMBUS - January 27th 2026 2:03 pm

Since 1972, the Knights of Columbus Free Throw Championship has been held for boys and girls from the ages of 9 to 14 to provide an athletic outlet and encourage the values of sportsmanship and healthy competition. Kids compete within their own gender and age and progress from local level to district, regional and state/province competitions. The Knights of Columbus, Marion Council 3893, held a free throw contest at Vinton Shellsburg.

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Calling all Veterans

VINTON PUBLIC LIBRARY - January 26th 2026 4:09 pm

Calling all veterans! You are invited to share your stories as part of a community oral history project. Our library is pleased to partner with Vinton Shellsburg Community Schools; email kellysteffen@govikes.org between now and February 15th, 2026, to be a part of this project. Your stories will be added to the local archives at the Vinton Public Library.

NOTICE OF COUNTY ACCEPTING SEALED BIDS FOR SALE OF PROPERY

HAYLEY RIPPEL, BENTON COUNTY AUDITOR - January 26th 2026 11:46 am

The Benton County Board of Supervisors will be accepting sealed bids for the sale of county-owned property located in Benton County, Iowa, referred to as the “Animal Shelter” and is described as follows:One acre in the Southeast corner of the Southwest Quarter (SW¼) of the Southeast Quarter (SE¼), all in the West Half (W½) of the Southeast Quarter (SE¼) of Section Twenty-Two (22), Township Eighty-Five (85) North, Range Ten (10) West of the 5th P.

Farmer input sought for FFA project

VINTON TODAY - January 26th 2026 6:01 am

Hello everyone! I'm Raine Wheeler from the Vinton-Shellsburg FFA Chapter. I'm currently working on an agriscience fair project that is focused on farmers' mental health. This will be presented at the State Science Technology Fair of Iowa in late March.As a part of this project, I have created a short questionnaire to better understand the challenges that farmers face and what support or resources may be the most helpful.

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Below average temperatures through the end of the month

NATIONAL WEATHER SERVICE - January 25th 2026 6:08 pm

[3:30 P.M. Sunday, January 25, 2026]The cold pattern will continue through this week and that means through the end of the month. The coldest over the next few days is tonight through Monday morning, when a Cold Weather Advisory is in effect. Take this cold seriously, and bundle up, as frostbite in short amounts of time (10-30 minutes) is a potential impact.

Brandon Fire Department responds to Friday Night Fire

BRANDON FIRE DEPARTMENT - January 25th 2026 4:36 pm

On Friday night at approximately 8:45 pm, the Brandon Fire Department was dispatched to the 1000 block of 325th St. for a report of a power outage out and smoke filling a home. Upon arrival, flames were visible coming from the roof of a rural residential structure. Mutual aid was requested from surrounding departments and an interior crew was sent in for initial knockdown.

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