News Headlines

Vinton Scout Pack 47 Brings Holiday Cheer to VG Nursing & Rehab Residents

VIRGINIA GAY HOSPITAL - December 22nd 2025 2:54 pm

Residents at VG Nursing & Rehab were treated to a heartwarming holiday performance as Vinton Scout Pack 47 shared festive music to celebrate the season and spread Christmas cheer.The Scouts’ performance reflected the core values of Scouting—service, kindness, leadership, and community involvement. Through their music and willingness to give back, the Scouts demonstrated how small acts of service can have a meaningful impact on others.

Benton County Angel Tree helps 284 Families this Christmas

VALERIE CLOSE, EDITOR - December 22nd 2025 7:04 am

Article Thumbnail. Pictured are the wonderful folks who helped to make the Christmas season cheery and bright for area families

Another year is in the books for the Benton County Angel Tree program. The small contingent of elves behind Angel Tree was able to assist 284 area families this year, and 381 children! The event is organized specifically for Benton County children each year and staffed by the kindhearted people in the community. The generous donations from area residents and businesses filled the Michael & Dowd building in downtown Vinton.

advertiser content

Sue Gates retires after 22 years with Grant Wood

VINTON SHELLSBURG COMMUNITY SCHOOLS - December 21st 2025 1:03 pm

After 22 years of dedicated service, Sue Gates has officially retired from the Grant Wood AEA Board of Directors. She faithfully represented Vinton-Shellsburg and our broader AEA region.Sue’s commitment to students, educators, and communities has made a lasting impact, and her leadership and steady voice will be greatly missed. We are incredibly

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.

advertiser content

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.

advertiser content

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.

advertiser content