News Headlines

Virginia Gay Hospital Annual Tree Walk Shines with Community Support

VIRGINIA GAY HOSPITAL - November 25th 2025 1:43 am

Virginia Gay Hospital Foundation Thanks Donors and Community for 2025 Tree Walk SuccessThe Virginia Gay Hospital Health Care Foundation extends its sincere appreciation to the businesses, organizations, individuals, and community members who made the 2025 Annual Tree Walk a festive celebration of generosity and holiday spirit. This signature event continues to raise funds for local healthcare initiatives while bringing families together to enjoy beautifully decorated trees and holiday displays.

A Magical Tradition: Santa’s Mailbox Brings Joy to Vinton Children

VINTON UNLIMITED - November 24th 2025 5:38 pm

As the holiday season approaches, Vinton Unlimited is once again helping bring magic to life with the cherished tradition of Santa’s Mailbox. Set up in the heart of downtown Vinton, a bright white mailbox with a big red and white bow invites children to drop off their letters to Santa Claus—along with all their hopes, wishes, and holiday dreams.

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V-S FFA Sparks Leadership at IAT

FFA - November 24th 2025 3:12 pm

Article Thumbnail. Will McKenna, Cole Birker, Jameson Demuth, Braedon Hepker, Jackson Lloyd, Bri Dulin, Jenna Grovert, Nora Grovert, Raine Wheeler, and Madeline Pingenot traveled to Ankeny for the IAT Conference.

By: Co-Reporter, Bri DulinOn November 8, 2025, Vinton-Shellsburg FFA members participated in the annual Ignite, Amplify, and Transform (IAT) Leadership Conference. This is a statewide leadership development program designed specifically for Iowa FFA members. Throughout the day, members attended workshops centered on teamwork, communication, problem-solving, and personal growth.

Thank You for Supporting Eastern Iowa Honor Flight

VINTON TODAY - November 24th 2025 7:47 am

On behalf of Eastern Iowa Honor Flight, we want to express our sincerest gratitude to everyone who joined us for our annual Chili Supper at the Fire Station, November 20. Sponsored by the Vinton Lions Club. The Vinton Lions Club has been providing this delicious Chili for the last 15yrs. A big THANK YOU for their support. Thanks to your generosity and support, the event was a success.

Tom Lane recognized with Bud Freeman Fellow Award by the Garrison Lions Club

GARRISON LIONS CLUB - November 23rd 2025 7:11 pm

We were honored today to present the Bud Freeman Fellow Award to longtime Lion and all-around great guy, Tom Lane. There is no one who better represents the spirit of this award than Tom. Over the course of a few decades, he has served multiple clubs with lots of energy. He always has a smile on his face and seeks ways to help others. He’s the first person to volunteer for any project.

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Belle Plaine Man Accused of Indecent Exposure on Two Interstates

VALERIE CLOSE, EDITOR - November 21st 2025 9:21 pm

A Belle Plaine man has been charged after authorities say he exposed himself to passing motorists on two eastern Iowa interstates on consecutive days.Danan Ary, 30, faces two counts of indecent exposure following reports from drivers who told law enforcement they saw a man standing behind his vehicle and exposing his genitals to oncoming traffic.According to a criminal complaint, the first incident occurred around 7:30 a.

VGH Angel Tree now ready to bless area residents this Christmas

VIRGINIA GAY HOSPITAL - November 21st 2025 9:21 pm

It began with a gift, but it is so much more!Virginia Gay Hospital Home Health Agency is pleased to host the annual “Angel Tree” for their clients. We were overwhelmed by the outpouring of giving by members of our community last year and we are excited to help our clients have another joyful, meaningful Christmas again this year! Many of our clients, who all live in Benton County are low income, lack the support of close family/friends, and have unfulfilled needs.

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.

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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.

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.

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