News Headlines

Pat Jorgensen Recognized as an Environmental Hero Among Us

VALERIE CLOSE, EDITOR - March 29th 2026 12:12 pm

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 Achieves ACHC Accreditation with Zero Deficiencies

VIRGINIA GAY HOSPITAL - March 27th 2026 11:50 am

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.

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Easter Week happenings

VINTON TODAY - March 27th 2026 12:42 am

Easter Egg HuntSaturdayShellsburg - March 28Join the Shellsburg Area Community Group for the Easter Egg Hunt on Saturday, March 28 at 10:00 a.m. at the Shellsburg City Park. Any kid through 5th Grade is welcome...don't forget to bring a bag or basket!Watch this page for weather cancellations. SundayVinton - March 29Lunch at 12:00 pm - free will donation - Izaak Walton League.

Vinton-Shellsburg School Board Holds Budget Hearing and Regular March Meeting

VINTON SHELLSBURG COMMUNITY SCHOOLS - March 26th 2026 7:30 pm

Article Thumbnail. Sonia Schminke was honored with the district's Positive Difference Maker Award

The Vinton-Shellsburg Community School District Board of Education met Monday evening, beginning with the required public hearing on the proposed Fiscal Year 2027 budget, as mandated by Iowa Code 24.2A.Superintendent Dr. Kyle Koeppen provided an overview of the proposed budget, highlighting a continued effort to balance fiscal responsibility with meeting district needs.

Community Input Requested: Therapy & Wellness Services

VIRGINIA GAY HOSPITAL - March 26th 2026 6:36 pm

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.

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Youth-Focused Tree Planting Initiative Announced

VINTON TODAY - March 26th 2026 5:48 pm

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.

VGH Parking Lot Construction

VIRGINIA GAY HOSPITAL - March 25th 2026 5:06 pm

VGH Parking Lot Construction Notice Virginia Gay Hospital will begin parking lot improvements on Tuesday, March 31st.This project is expected to last approximately two weeks and will enhance our handicapped parking accommodations. During construction:The handicapped parking area and EXIT east of the water fountain will be closed.A portion of the parking lot will be unavailableThe construction zone is highlighted in yellow on the attached map For patient and visitor access:The main parking lot (north of the water fountain) will remain open.

FFA Lock-In Brings Members Together for a Night of Fun

FFA - March 25th 2026 4:50 pm

Article Thumbnail. Members Will Kreutner and Carter Smith making Tie Blankets for the Children’s hospital.

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.

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From VGH to El Salvador: Tracey Herink’s Journey to Serve Others

VIRGINIA GAY HOSPITAL - March 24th 2026 1:04 pm

Article Thumbnail. Tracey Herink went to El Salvador as part of a medical mission team and shares her experience

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.

Garrison Emergency Services Spaghetti Dinner and Auction Fundraiser April 18

GARRISON EMERGENCY SERVICES - March 23rd 2026 2:27 pm

On Saturday, April 18th the Garrison Emergency Services and the Garrison First Responders is asking for the community's support. Join us for a delicious Spaghetti Dinner and have some fun at the Auction!Enjoy spaghetti, alfredo, breadsticks, salad bar, and dessert while bidding on great items in our silent and live auctions.Adults $10 | Kids (12 & under) $5 Doors open 5 PM | Dinner 5:30 PM | Live Auction 7 PM Join us at 205 N.

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