News Headlines

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.

Chili Supper to Support Veterans on Thursday night

VINTON LIONS CLUB - November 18th 2025 2:05 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

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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.

Luke Truesdell found Guilty of Murder in all Four Cases

VALERIE CLOSE, EDITOR - November 17th 2025 11:57 am

On Monday morning, following less than a full day of deliberation, the jury returned with a verdict in the trial of Luke Truesdell. Truesdell was charged with first-degree murder in the deaths of Amanda Parker of Vinton, Keonna Ryan of Cedar Rapids, and Brent Brown of Marion. In the case of Romondus "Ro" Cooper he was charged with second-degree murder.

Vinton Unlimited Donates Funds to Benton County Conservation

VINTON UNLIMITED - November 16th 2025 10:40 pm

Article Thumbnail. Melody Snow, Director of Vinton Unlimited, Cecilia Dirks, BCC Office Coordinator, and Cara Harrill, BCC Construction Technician

Benton County Conservation and the Old Creamery Nature Trail are working to develop the newest trailhead located in Vinton. The new location of the OCNT Trailhead is located off of 13th Street past Kwik Star and just west of the FS plant.Seeing the benefits the trail brings to the community, Vinton Unlimited has donated just under $8,400 to Benton County Conservation for the placement of an informative trailhead sign.

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Jury begins deliberation in the Luke Truesdell murder trial

VALERIE CLOSE, EDITOR - November 14th 2025 11:43 am

Article Thumbnail. Truesdell being handcuffed and arrested at the scene of the murders.

After nearly two weeks of witness testimony, evidence presentation, and security-camera video, the state delivered its closing arguments Thursday in the trial of Luke Truesdell, who is charged with four counts of first-degree murder. Truesdell was arrested in connection with the June 5, 2024, beating deaths of four individuals in Linn County. Security footage shows that Romondus Cooper was in the outbuilding where Truesdell followed and Amanda Parker of Vinton entered secondly.

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

ACT I OF BENTON COUNTY - November 14th 2025 11:28 am

Article Thumbnail. The Nutcracker's Red Cast is half of the team performing this weekend at the Palace Theatre

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.

Sergeant Smothers and Edo complete K9 Certification Training

VINTON POLICE DEPARTMENT - November 14th 2025 3:52 am

The Vinton Police Department is pleased to announce that Sergeant Darien Smothers and K9 Officer Edo, successfully completed their K9 certification training last month.Sergeant Smothers and K9 Edo are now a fully certified K9 team, trained and equipped to assist in a variety of law enforcement functions, including tracking, detection, and community safety operations.

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Theisen's Awards Grants to area Organizations

VALERIE CLOSE, EDITOR - November 14th 2025 3:51 am

Through its corporate giving program, Theisen's awarded a total of $400,000 to nonprofits in 24 store communities.Among the local recipients were:-Benton County Disaster Recovery Coalition-Benton County Food Pantry-Hawkeye Area Community Action Program, Inc. (HACAP) -Hiawatha-House of Hope-Shellsburg Public Library-Van Horne Firemen's Association-Vinton Public Library-Wesley United Methodist Church Theisen’s Home•Farm•Auto invites nonprofits in its Iowa and Wisconsin store communities – including Vinton – to apply for its 2025 More For Your Community grants now through July 31.

Support Virginia Gay Hospital by Adopting a Snowman

VIRGINIA GAY HOSPITAL - November 14th 2025 3:51 am

Kick off your holiday season with our Annual Tree Walk Celebration! Join us for treats and beverages, and enjoy a festive visit to the exhibit. Place your bids on stunning pieces for a chance to bring home a special gift, all while supporting a cause that enhances local healthcare services. Adopt-a-Snowman Mystery Draw! Adopt your snowman during our holiday Tree Walk and bring a little extra sparkle home for the holidays! Meet our family of over 35 hand-knitted snowmen.

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