News

Well, the silly republicans in Des Moines have finally started to realize that for the most part, newspapers are sooo last century. I remember a conversation with a gal who had been in the newspaper business longer than I've been around. She declared that "newspapers will never go away!" In one sense, she's right. There will always be a newspaper in one sense or another.

The family of Evelyn Mather would like your help to celebrate her birthday. Evelyn will be turning 100 this year. If you can send her a birthday card, it would mean so much to her!To help her celebrate her special day, send a card to Evelyn Mather, 3203 59th St. Tr., Vinton, IA 52349

A very important point of business came before the council at the top of the meeting Thursday night, the appointment of a 3rd Ward Council Member to replace Valerie Bearbower who resigned last month. The council made a motion to appoint Zach Parmater to fill the 3rd Ward Council seat, and the motion passed with the approval of the full council.  Parmater had previously served on the council around 2014 or 15.

For the first time I chuckeled when I read through the information for Thursday night's council meeting. There was a page that said, "Water Loss Report." Well, I just had to ask, how does THAT happen?Last year, Vinton pumped 184,700,000 gallons of water, billing out 129,775,000 gallons. Water that is not billed included:Hydrant flushing 1,500,000Water main breaks 605,000Fire Department 270,000Cleaning Sewer Mains 500,0003 Dead Ends Flushings 660,000Automatic Flusher @County Home 12,960,000Automatic Flusher @Anderson Creek 3,240,000Main leak at 8th St.

Three teams of Iowa 4-H members received honors from the Western National Roundup held Jan. 4-7 in Denver, Colorado. These members, ages 14 through 19, earned the opportunity to compete nationally through state competitions and events held throughout the year.The Western National Roundup provides a place for youth to compete nationally while encouraging teamwork, self-confidence and leadership through participation  in animal science educational events.

On National Slam the Scam Day and throughout the year, we give you the tools to recognize Social Security-related scams and stop scammers from stealing your money and personal information. Share scam information with your loved ones. Slam the Scam!Recognize the four basic signs of a scam:Scammers pretend to be from a familiar organization or agency, like the Social Security Administration.

In the unofficial voting results, the Benton Community School District Public Measures were defeated. The Measure BE, with 2,099 votes, 1,349 voters said no while 750 said yes. A whopping 64.27% to 35.73%.In the second measure BF, the same happened with 2,117 votes. 1,372 voted no,  while 745 voted yes. 64.81% to 35.19%.Registered Voters 7,608 - Total Ballots 2,175 : 28.

Bringing along their dads, uncles, grandpa's or family friend, the Vinton Skate Center was the place to be last week. Several little girls arrived in their pretty dresses, and their hair all in curls, and several were just going with the casual attire. Both groups bore the same look on their face, pure happiness. With a sundae bar and concessions along with table activities, a photo booth and dancing of course, the girls and their dates were entertained by the staff of the Vinton Parks and Rec Department.

Cindy Briggs always knew she would join the military; a girl wanting to follow in her father’s footsteps.  She accomplished that sense of fulfillment and joined the US Navy in 1972. Stationed at Great Lakes, Illinois, she was responsible for the oversight and tracking of the necessity for repairs within various naval buildings and housing units on base.

By: Co-Reporter, Alana FlemingOn Monday, February 20th the Vinton-Shellsburg FFA chapter sent several contests to the Southwest Sub-District Competitions at AEA 267 in Cedar Falls. They sent members in multiple contests including Conduct of Chapter Meetings, Parliamentary Procedure, Chapter Program of Activities, Creed Speaking, Extemporaneous Speaking, Ag Sales, Ag Broadcasting, Prepared Public Speaking, and Job Interview.