News Headlines

Virginia Gay Hospital Celebrates Amanda Lovell’s NCLEX Success

VIRGINIA GAY HOSPITAL - December 19th 2025 10:28 am

Virginia Gay Hospital is proud to announce that Amanda Lovell, a valued team member in VG Nursing & Rehab, has successfully passed the NCLEX examination and is now a Registered Nurse (RN).Amanda’s achievement reflects her dedication, resilience, and commitment to professional growth. While balancing the demands of work and school, Amanda credits Virginia Gay Hospital for providing unwavering support throughout her educational journey.

Christmas Programs and Services in the Area

VINTON TODAY - December 19th 2025 10:15 am

Vinton Presbyterian Church, 608 1st Ave., VintonChildren's Christmas Program will be during our regular service this Sunday, December 14th at 10:30 AM. Christmas Eve Service at 7:00 PM Dec. 24th. PLEASE NOTE:Our Free Christmas Dinner on Dec. 25th from 11:30 AM to 1:00 PM. We have both Dine in and carry out options available. Reservations must be made by Monday, December 22nd by calling 319-472-3766 Tuesday thru Friday, 9:00 AM until Noon.

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Deck the House Winners Announced

VINTON PARKS & RECREATION - December 18th 2025 12:12 pm

Thank you to everyone who participated in the 2025 Deck the House Holiday Lights Contest and to the committee members who volunteered their time to vote.Griswold Category• 1st Place: Kaylee Ryan• 2nd Place: Josh Gordon• 3rd Place: Taneasha EarleElegant Category• 1st Place: The Svoboda Family• 2nd Place: Amber Holder• 3rd Place: Justin CookCongratulations to our winners and thank you to all who took part.

Possible slick weather and high winds headed our way today

BENTON COUNTY EMERGENCY MANAGEMENT - December 18th 2025 10:47 am

A band of moderate rain with embedded brief heavy downpours is expected this morning. ● Strong winds gusting up to 45 mph. There could be some south/west gusts near 40 mph this morning. Peak wind gusts from the northwest likely late afternoon and evening. ● Temperatures plummeting this afternoon and evening may lead to slick & hazardous travel conditions impacting the evening commute, as lingering wet pavement refreezes.

Schwenker recognized by VSCSD Board as December's Positive Difference Maker

VINTON SHELLSBURG COMMUNITY SCHOOLS - December 17th 2025 4:50 pm

The Vinton-Shellsburg Board of Directors met on December 15th for its regular monthly meeting.The meeting opened with recognition of Leon Schwenker as the district’s December Positive Difference Maker. Leon was honored for his extraordinary dedication and professionalism during a demanding weekend of student travel that included late-night returns, early-morning departures, mechanical challenges, and severe winter weather.

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Vinton Kiwanis bring Santa and Christmas to Area Children

VALERIE CLOSE, EDITOR - December 16th 2025 11:52 pm

The magic of Christmas made a special stop in Vinton on Tuesday when the Vinton Kiwanis Club welcomed a very important visitor to Pizza Ranch — Santa Claus himself.Thanks to the Kiwanis’ well-known “inside connections” at the North Pole, Santa was able to squeeze Vinton into his busy holiday schedule once again. Using a trusted network of helpful elves, the Kiwanis made sure everything was in place for a safe and joyful visit.

Crisis Response K9 Provides Support to VGH Staff Following Difficult Trauma

VIRGINIA GAY HOSPITAL - December 15th 2025 1:03 pm

Virginia Gay Hospital (VGH) recently welcomed Shakespear, a Crisis Response K9 trained through Crisis Canines of the Midlands, to support hospital staff during a trauma debriefing following a challenging patient event.The visit was coordinated by VGH Trauma Coordinator Lisa Rule, who requested a K9 response to provide comfort and emotional support to staff during and after the debriefing process.

In honor and remembrance of Iowa National Guard soldiers, flags at half staff

IOWA GOVERNOR'S OFFICE - December 15th 2025 11:12 am

Today, Governor Kim Reynolds has ordered all flags in Iowa to fly at half-staff effectively immediately until sunset on the final day of interment in honor and remembrance of Sgt. William Nathaniel Howard, 29, of Marshalltown, Iowa, and Sgt. Edgar Brian Torrestovar, 25, of Grimes, Iowa. Both were members of the 1st Squadron, 113th Cavalry Regiment.

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The Yundt Charitable Foundation Now Accepting Scholarship Applications

VINTON TODAY - December 13th 2025 1:13 pm

The Charles and Helen Yundt Charitable Foundation is accepting applications for the 2026 Traditional and Non-Traditional scholarship program. Recipients will receive a minimum scholarship of $1,000.00. There may be several scholarships awarded. The qualifications for the scholarship are:1. Attends or attended the Vinton-Shellsburg High School 2.

Santa Arrives at the Vinton Skate Center to hear the Christmas Wish Lists

VALERIE CLOSE, EDITOR - December 13th 2025 11:46 am

Breakfast with Santa was enjoyed by several area children this year. From teeny tiny babies to the children old enough to roll their eyes at mom and say, "Really?" Of course, there were several children enchanted by the bearded fellow, and some brought Santa a picture that they had colored for him. Santa knew most of the children and their parents and greeted them with a hearty ho, ho, ho.

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