News Headlines

It's official, Santa has arrived!

VALERIE CLOSE, EDITOR - November 20th 2025 10:19 pm

Article Thumbnail. Santa with Harper Jean Houtchens

Santa arrived in downtown Vinton last night via the Veteran's Holiday Parade. He rode in on one of the Vinton Fire Department's trucks to the joy of all of the children. Santa's youngest customer didn't say a word to Santa, nor give him her list of toys. She was a mere 6 weeks old and perfectly content to sleep in Santa's arms. It's always fun to see the children, from the itty bitty babies, to the older ones as they tell Santa what they have on their wish list.

Iowa Celebrates as Governor Declares Rural Health Day

VIRGINIA GAY HOSPITAL - November 20th 2025 4:19 pm

Iowa HHS is proud to join communities across the country in celebrating National Rural Health Day (NRHD) on Thursday, November 20, 2025. Since 2011, this annual observance — founded and coordinated by the National Organization of State Offices of Rural Health (NOSORH) has been held on the third Thursday of November to spotlight the unique healthcare challenges and remarkable strength of the nearly 61 million people living in rural America.

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VGH Awarded Grant to Enhance Campus Security from Yundt Foundation

VIRGINIA GAY HOSPITAL - November 20th 2025 2:26 pm

Virginia Gay Hospital (VGH) is pleased to announce that it has been awarded a grant from the Charles & Helen Yundt Charitable Foundation supporting the installation of three high-definition security cameras on the hospital campus. This investment strengthens the safety of patients, families, visitors, and staff, and reinforces the hospital’s longstanding commitment to secure, compassionate healthcare close to home.

4th St. Diner Thanksgiving Meal Reservations needed

4TH ST. DINER - November 20th 2025 2:26 pm

This is a reminder that our annual Thanksgiving Dinner is scheduled for this Friday. If you have not already made your reservation, there is no time like the present to do so. Our menu is: Roast Turkey/DressingMashed Potatoes/GravyGreen Bean CasseroleCranberry Jello SaladPieDinner Roll/MilkJust call 319-472-4761 and press 1 for the Dinng Room. Reservations can be made anytime, day or night.

Light Up Your Holidays with ACT I’s GENEVIEVE’S NUTCRACKER

ACT I OF BENTON COUNTY - November 20th 2025 11:47 am

Article Thumbnail. The Green Cast performs November 18-21st.

Area Community Theatre, Inc. (ACT I) of Benton County is once again thrilled to support the Vinton downtown holiday season as we present this year’s all-new production of GENEVIEVE’S NUTCRACKER November 17th through November 23rd at the Palace Theatre.Join Grandma and Grandpa Baxter (Sue and Dave Gates) as they share the timeless story of the Nutcracker with Granddaughter Genevieve, who is played alternately by Ava Sackett (Red Cast) and Savannah Grieder (Green Cast.

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VS FFA Travel to Indianapolis for FFA National Convention & Expo

FFA - November 20th 2025 11:29 am

Group photo: Kassidi Brunssen, Will McKenna, Andrew Allsup, Levi Lutz, Jonah Meyer, Jameson Demuth, Zane Helter, Cole Birker, Braedon Hepker, Kirsten Pettit, Ciara Dods, Ali Lutz, Bri Dulin, Abby McKenna, Sophia Newton, Bridgette Castle, Zoey McClintock, Katelyn Fleming and Raine Wheeler outside of Lucas Oil Stadium.By: Co-Reporter, Bri DulinFrom October 28th to November 1st, 19 Vinton-Shellsburg FFA members traveled to Indianapolis, Indiana, for the 98th National FFA Convention & Expo, joining thousands of students from across the country to celebrate leadership, agriculture, and the FFA spirit.

Chili Supper to Support Veterans on Thursday night

VINTON LIONS CLUB - November 20th 2025 11:28 am

Join us this Thursday, November 20, from 4:30-7:30 p.m. and let the Vinton Lions Club serve up a hot bowl of chili at the Vinton Fire Station. For a freewill donation you can support out veterans!Your generosity will help to support the Eastern Iowa Honor Flight who sends veterans to Washington D.C. on the trip of a lifetime. The tour through the c

Vinton Holiday Lighted Parade - November 20, 6:00 p.m.

VINTON UNLIMITED - November 20th 2025 11:28 am

Bring the family for this wonderful hometown experience!Come out and enjoy a wonderful, nostalgic holiday parade in downtown Vinton! The parade will be on Thursday night, November 20, beginning at 6:00 p.m. The main path will be along 4th St. in downtown Vinton. Don't forget that the Lions are holding a chili supper from 5-8:00 p.m. at the fire station to raise funds for Eastern Iowa Honor Flights.

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Art Contest Entry Deadline is December 1st

VINTON GUILD OF FINE ARTS - November 18th 2025 11:48 pm

The Big Read Community Art Contest is underway and entries are due by December 1, 2025! VGFA is inviting submissions of original artwork related to the themes in the book, Bewilderment, by Richard Powers, the focus of the Vinton Public Library's Big Read program this year. Cash prizes of up to $200 and gift baskets will be awarded to the 1st, 2nd, and 3rd place contest winners, as well as the winner of a “Popular Vote” by those who stop down at the library to view the contest artwork in January.

Attorney General Bird Warns Iowans “Tis the Season” for Scams

IOWA ATTORNEY GENERAL - November 17th 2025 2:28 pm

Attorney General Brenna Bird is giving Iowans tips for a scam-free holiday season. As many Iowans are preparing for the holidays, scammers are working hard to take advantage of them. It’s now common for Black Friday sales to run all month long, Cyber Monday has become one of the top shopping days of the year, and Giving Tuesday participation is steadily increasing.

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