News Headlines

Holy Week Services - 2026 - Ecumenical Services: (Click through photos to see flyer)Thursday, April 27 – 7:30 a.m. Thursday, April 2: Maundy Thursday ServiceFirst Christian Church, Continental Breakfast AfterTrinity Lutheran Church, 1002 E 13th St, Vinton, IA 52349Thursday, April 2nd, 6:30 p.m.  Maundy Thursday Divine Worship / Strip the AltarFriday, April 312:00 – 12:30 p.

A former Vinton-Shellsburg preschool teacher is charged after police say she left bruises on a 4-year-old boy after an incident at the school.Kimberly Murray, 51 of Manchester, was charged after leaving bruises on a 4 year old boy after an incident at school  She was charged on December 15, 2025, with child endangerment, an aggravated misdemeanor and assault causing bodily injury or mental illness a serious misdemeanor.

The Vinton-Shellsburg Community School District Board of Education has selected Jon Mendoza as the district’s next superintendent, pending board finalization. Mendoza is currently the principal of Stilwell Junior High School in West Des Moines. Mendoza has also served as the principal at Crestview School of Inquiry Elementary School in West Des Moines.

🚧 Parking Lot Construction Notice 🚧Update - Delayed to April 6th due to weather!As we all know, the weather doesn’t always cooperate with our plans. Due to recent conditions, the parking lot construction project has been delayed.We appreciate your patience and understanding as we work to improve our facilities. Thank you!During construction:The handicapped parking area and EXIT north of the water fountain will be closedA portion of the parking lot will be unavailableThe construction zone is highlighted in yellow on the attached mapFor patient and visitor access:The main parking lot (south of the water fountain) will remain openTemporary handicapped parking spaces will be available in designated areas (marked in blue on the map)We appreciate your patience and understanding as we make these important improvements.

If you have a question about basically anything that happens in the great outdoors, Pat Jorgensen of Vinton is probably the guy with the answers for you. Last week, he was recognized as MercyOne's Hero Among Us in the Environmental category. Pat has been a staple in the Vinton community for more than a quarter of a century. He recently retired after a career working for the Iowa Department of Natural Resources.

Virginia Gay Hospital proudly announces it has achieved accreditation through the Accreditation Commission for Health Care (ACHC) for its Sleep Program, earning this distinction with zero deficiencies.Accreditation is a rigorous process through which healthcare organizations demonstrate compliance with national standards. Achieving accreditation with zero deficiencies reflects Virginia Gay Hospital’s unwavering dedication to excellence, patient safety, and high-quality care.

Community Input Requested: Therapy & Wellness ServicesVirginia Gay Hospital is gathering community feedback to explore expanding rehabilitation services in the Atkins area. Potential services include Physical Therapy, Occupational Therapy, Speech Therapy, and possible wellness or fitness options.Residents are invited to complete a brief, confidential survey to share their thoughts and needs.

A Youth-Focused Tree Planting Initiative Announced by Iowa Dept. of Agriculture and Vinton Tree NurseryIn honor of America’s 250th anniversary, the Iowa Department of Agriculture and Land Stewardship (IDALS) has partnered with Frazier Nursery on a statewide, youth-focused tree planting initiative.With additional collaboration from Iowa FFA, Iowa 4-H and the Coalition to Support Iowa’s Farmers (CSIF), IDALS is encouraging youth groups across Iowa to join the initiative by planting trees on Arbor Day, April 24, 2026.

By: Co-Reporter, Bri DulinOn February 27, the Vinton-Shellsburg FFA chapter hosted a fun and exciting lock-in for members to spend time together and build stronger friendships within the chapter. The event gave members a chance to relax, have fun, and enjoy time with each other outside of regular meetings and activities. Throughout the night, members participated in a variety of activities, including games, volleyball, tie blanket making, zorb balls, and plenty of conversations.

Watch Tracey’s Mission ExperienceAt Virginia Gay Hospital, our team members often extend their compassion far beyond the walls of our hospital. Recently, that spirit of service took Tracey Herink to El Salvador as part of a medical mission team through her church, Celebration Church, Waterloo.The team partnered with King’s Castle Ministries, a nearly 30-year-old training center along Lake Coatepeque near Santa Ana Volcano.