News Headlines

American Legion Post 57 honors members with 60 years of service

LUTHERAN LIVING COMMUNITIES - February 11th 2026 7:43 pm

On February 3rd, the members of Post 57 of the Vinton American Legion met at the Lutheran Living Communities Chapel to honor Marlyn Mayhew and Darrell Kenney for 60 years of consecutive membership in the American Legion. The Post 57 members attending were, Back Row-L to R: Denny Hummel-Sergeant at Arms, Otto Bush, Ron Albright-Finance Officer, Fri

Chloe Sanders First Ever State Girls Wrestling Champion to reach 200 Wins!

VINTON SHELLSBURG COMMUNITY SCHOOLS - February 9th 2026 7:02 pm

Chloe Sanders earned her 150th high school career pin last Thursday, and went on to become the first girl in the state of Iowa to reach 200 high school career wins!History was made for Vinton-Shellsburg Girls Wrestling with this very first state champion, Chloe Sanders! Chloe becomes Vinton-Shellsburg’s first-ever female wrestling state champion, and only the second state wrestling champion in school history, joining her brother, Gabe Sanders.

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Blooming Bee Boutique Welcomed to Downtown Vinton

VALERIE CLOSE, EDITOR - February 8th 2026 1:23 pm

Article Thumbnail. Vinton Unlimited welcomes Blooming Bee Boutique to Vinton!

The Blooming Bee Boutique was welcomed by members of Vinton Unlimited with a ribbon cutting. The new business is operated by Brooklyn Conrad and her sister Gracelyn Alstat. The business held its grand opening, welcoming customers to shop the vintage finds and consignment offerings. She also offers flower arrangements. for any occasion and are taking orders for Valentine's Day, delivering within a 50-mile radius.

Gino Retires from Vinton Police Department

VALERIE CLOSE, EDITOR - February 5th 2026 3:38 pm

Article Thumbnail. Vinton Police Department Captain Ben Parmater with his now retired partner, Gino. Photo circa 2020.

At the last Vinton City Council meeting, the city approved the retirement of the Vinton Police Department's K-9 Officer, Gino. In December 2016, the German Shepherd, along with his partner Officer Ben Parmater, completed their training together in Indiana. Gino was Vinton's very first K-9 to serve with the department.When the possibility of the program first came to the community's attention, Vinton rallied together to bring the dog to the Vinton Police Department.

Virginia Gay Hospital Welcomes Fellowship-Trained Orthopedic Surgeon Dr. Haben

VIRGINIA GAY HOSPITAL - February 2nd 2026 12:37 pm

Virginia Gay Hospital is pleased to welcome Dr. Collin Haben, a fellowship-trained orthopedic surgeon specializing in total joint replacement, to its outpatient orthopedic clinic. Dr. Haben brings advanced surgical training and a patient-first approach to joint care, helping individuals return to the activities they enjoy with less pain and greater confidence.

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Join the Winter Olympics at the Vinton Public Library!

VINTON PUBLIC LIBRARY - February 1st 2026 7:43 pm

Sign up for our next Beanstack reading challenge on the app or stop by for a paper reading log for the chance to win prizes! Log into Beanstack or pick up your paper reading log at the library today! The fun runs through the whole month of February, but remember it's a short month with only 28 days!

Sometimes officers needed for Paw Patrol

BENTON COUNTY SHERIFF'S OFFICE - January 29th 2026 9:11 pm

No two days look the same in the life of a deputy. Today was a reminder of that reality, and of how quickly situations can turn critical. After a passerby called 911 to report a dog that had fallen through the ice and was struggling to stay afloat, Deputy Fairbanks responded without hesitation.Deputy Fairbanks quickly obtained an ice rescue suit and safely entered the icy pond to reach the dog.

Former Vintonian Celebrated 110th Birthday making her the oldest Iowan

VALERIE CLOSE, EDITOR - January 28th 2026 9:14 pm

On January 26, 2026, Alice Hootman, formerly of Vinton, celebrated her 110th birthday! It is being reported that she is now the oldest living person in Iowa, making her a supercentenarian, someone who has reached 110. This age is achieved by about one in 1,000 centenarians. Her daughter Nancy Kerr, shared a picture of her on her special day. Alice currently lives at Manor House in Sigourney.

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Fundraiser for Braxtyn Steele & Family

BLESSED DUO - January 28th 2026 9:07 pm

Let's all come together to support Braxtyn Steele who is courageously battling Hodgkin's Lymphoma. To help his family during this difficult time, we are hosting an apparel fundraiser. Every purchase will support his family by helping with medical expenses, travel costs, and daily needs—while also spreading awareness and encouragement wherever you go.

Koeppen announces plans to move to Pella Community School District

VINTON TODAY - January 28th 2026 5:53 pm

I am writing to share a personal update with our school community. I have accepted the position of Superintendent of Schools for the Pella Community School District, with a start date of July 1. I will continue to serve as Superintendent of Vinton Shellsburg through the end of June and remain fully committed to our district and its work during this transition period.

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