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News Headlines

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
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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
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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.
                  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.

Part 1: Meeting the Lillibridges

VALERIE CLOSE, EDITOR - April 20th 2026 11:48 am
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In October of 2025, local farmer Lance Lillibridge shared a post that got the attention of many. It started with the words, "I am a pissed off farmer - like most in the U.S." The full text will be at the end of this article.---I first noticed posts from Heidi on my Facebook feed several years ago. There were many of her calling the cattle, then feeding them or just scratching their noses.
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Making Room for the Next Generation

VALERIE CLOSE, EDITOR - April 20th 2026 10:14 am
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Will McKenna, son of Nichole and John, shared a speech he gave as part of a FFA Public Speaking project. As required, it addressed several agricultural topics entitled, "Making Room for the Next Generation." He addressed the challenges faced by farmers and those who want to step into the community. (His speech in full, is at the end of this article.

Vinton Lions Club 2nd Annual "Battle for the Paddle," May 9

VINTON LIONS CLUB - April 18th 2026 4:35 pm
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Vinton Lions Club Foundation Second Annual “Battle for the Paddle” Pickleball Tournament – May 9 with Expanded Family-Friendly Events and Music! T-Shirt Deadline – April 24th!The date is quickly approaching for a full day of fun, competition, and community spirit as the Vinton Lions Club Foundation (VLCF) hosts the Second Annual “Battle for the Paddle” Pickleball Tournament on Saturday, May 9, beginning at 8:00 a.

Serving for Success: FFA Members Raise $14,665 in Volunteer Auction

FFA - April 17th 2026 9:22 am
Article Thumbnail. Auctioneer John Winkelpleck presenting the students that are attending the Washington Leadership Conference.
By: Co-Reporter, Abby McKennaOn March 31, 2026, the Vinton-Shellsburg FFA Chapter hosted its annual Volunteer Auction, bringing together students and community members for one of the chapter’s biggest fundraisers of the year. Each FFA member donated eight hours of labor, which were auctioned off to local buyers. Community members could bid on a variety of services, including yard work, farm labor, babysitting, cleaning, and other household tasks.
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BCHPC Announces K–12 Art Contest Honoring the Nation's Birthday

VINTON TODAY - April 17th 2026 9:13 am
The Benton County Historic Preservation Commission is pleased to announce the launch of its 2026 K-12 Art Contest, inviting students across Benton County to celebrate the nation's birthday through original artwork. The contest encourages young people to explore themes of history, heritage, and community while expressing what the nation's birthday means to them.

Keep an Eye on the Sky

BENTON COUNTY EMERGENCY MANAGEMENT - April 17th 2026 9:06 am
Be sure to pay attention to the weather from lunchtime until bedtime tonight. Watch for alerts that are sent and take them seriously. There is an enhanced risk (level 3 of 5) for severe storms this afternoon and evening. The primary threats will be damaging winds (possibly significant) and tornadoes.● Initial afternoon storms to bring highest risk for tornadoes; coverage of storms to increase through the evening with damaging winds becoming primary risk.
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