News Headlines

V-S FFA Members Shine at State Convention

FFA - April 27th 2026 6:48 pm

Article Thumbnail. Ag Communications: Bri Dulin, Kirsten Pettit, Nora Grovert, and Jenna Grovert received 8th place Gold.

By: Co-Reporter, Bri DulinApril 19th to 21st, 2026, The Vinton-Shellsburg FFA Chapter proudly attended the State Leadership conference. A total of 35 members were given the opportunity to attend leadership workshops, career exploration shows, business sessions, and compete in various competitions. Members also had the honor of taking stage to be recognized with multiple awards, highlighting their dedication and success.

Vinton Parks and Rec shares plans for the Summer

VALERIE CLOSE, EDITOR - April 27th 2026 1:35 pm

Article Thumbnail. This new mural can be found at the Vinton Pool, courtesy of the Vinton Guild of Fine Arts

Scott Wirth, director at the Vinton Parks and Rec Department, shared plans for the department with the local Kiwanis.Â Broc Shaw kicked off the presentation, sharing that he had just finished classes at Kirkwood with a degree in Horticulture. He had joined the team while finishing up and was grateful for the flexibility. Before starting with VPRD he'd worked in Center Point and Cedar Rapids where he gained a little bit of experience in the field.

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The Bucktown Americana Music Show Returns to Garrison!

FARMERS MERCANTILE HALL - April 26th 2026 10:15 pm

The Bucktown Americana Music Show will be in Garrison, Sunday, May 17th, with special guests Rivertown, a bluegrass trio that enjoys singing in harmony. Come join us for an afternoon of Old Time, Bluegrass and Americana music. Bucktown Americana hosts a delightful series of shows each year in the Quad City area. Itâ€™s always a lot of fun when they bring their show to Garrison! Hope to see you there!https://www.

Betterton Family Chiropractic Celebrates 25th Anniversary

VALERIE CLOSE, EDITOR - April 26th 2026 10:09 pm

After 25 years of caring for patients and building relationships in the community, Betterton Family Chiropractic is marking a milestone anniversary and inviting the public to join the celebration.Dr. Matt and Jodie Betterton will host an open house at their office from Monday through Thursday, April 27â€“30, welcoming friends, patients, and community members to stop in and help commemorate a quarter-century of service in Vinton.

Sexton VSCSD Positive Change Maker

VINTON SHELLSBURG COMMUNITY SCHOOLS - April 26th 2026 4:46 pm

Emily Sexton, 4th grade teacher, was recognized as a Positive Difference Maker for her outstanding contributions to the district. She was honored for her leadership in organizing student and staff activities that promote engagement, including reading initiatives, math challenges, student store management, and staff culture building events.

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Friday starts with a fender bender

VALERIE CLOSE, EDITOR - April 24th 2026 11:40 am

An accident occurred in the 1300 block of C Ave. around the time that school was starting. The Vinton Police Department, Vinton Fire Department, the North, and Benton Ambulance arrived on the scene to assist. The crew from the Vinton Fire Department could be seen removing debris from the roadway. It appears that a car traveling north hit a motorcycle/moped-ist.

V-S FFA Attends Iowa Youth Institute

FFA - April 23rd 2026 6:41 pm

Article Thumbnail. Madeline Pingenot, Nora Grovert, Cole Birker, Jenna Grovert, and Kirsten Pettit at the Iowa Youth Institute.

By: Co-Reporter, Bri DulinOn April 8, five students from the Vinton-Shellsburg FFA Chapter traveled to Ames to participate in the Iowa Youth Institute, a prestigious event focused on addressing global challenges related to food security, agriculture, and sustainability. The institute brought together students from across the state to share ideas, present research, and engage with industry professionals.

Vinton Today crosses the 9.000 mark on Facebook!

VALERIE CLOSE, EDITOR - April 23rd 2026 10:48 am

This website and its reach continue to absolutely amaze me! Just a few months ago, I noted that we had reached 8,500 followers on the Facebook page...Today, I noticed that we had quietly passed that 9,000 mark!I'm incredibly grateful to all of you who follow there, or subscribe to the daily email with the latest news updates and to those who send in news, photos, share events, or say, "Hey, did you know.

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Successful District Convention Highlights Leadership, Awards, and State Qualifie

FFA - April 22nd 2026 1:25 pm

PicturedFront row; Will McKenna, Levi Lutz, Ali Lutz, Abby McKenna, Jenna Grovert, Nora Grovert, and Madeline Pingenot. Second row; Andrew Allsup, Jackson Lloyd, Bridgette Castle, Bri Dulin, Kenzie Rhinehart, Zane Helter, Jameson Demuth, and Cole Birker. Third row; Zoey Dods, Katelyn Fleming, Aiden Lukaszka, Presley Waters, Kirsten Pettit, Kassidi Brunssen, Kendalyn Appleby, Will Kreutner, and Leif Allen.

Part 2: Fighting to Save the Nation, One Farm at a Time

VALERIE CLOSE, EDITOR - April 21st 2026 12:06 pm

Article Thumbnail. Lance and Heidi Lillibridge, local Vinton farmers share what farming is really like.

Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Lance Lillibridge, a Vinton farmer, stood at Columbia College in the heart of New York City in front of a room full of those with a PhD. He joked that he had a PhD too, only his stood for Piled High and Deep. Farming his whole life has taken him to farms around the world, put him at the table with NASA, and this past week, he hosted a Japanese delegation on his farm.

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