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Who better to tell this mostly true tale from 400 years ago of military daring by a "lady" than retired United States Air Force Colonel, Linda Sindt? An early trailblazer in toppling barriers to upward mobility for today's military women, Sindt says, "Lady Mary's voice demands to be heard. While her husband was away trying to talk sense into England's King 400 years ago, she boldy defended her home, Corfe Castle.

The November 8th election activities are already underway in Benton County. Both the Democrat and Republican parties have set up shop in downtown Vinton. Each are located in storefronts in downtown Vinton. The Democrat office can be found on the corner of 1st Ave. and 5th St. and the Republican office is across from the Palace Theatre on 4th St.On the ballot in November will be the following candidates:*Incumbent (R) Republican(D) Democratic(L) Libertarian(NP) No PartyBenton County SupervisorTracy Seeman* (R)Benton County TreasurerMelinda Schoettmer* (R)Benton County RecorderLexa Spiedel* (R)Benton County AttorneyRay Lough (R)Dave Thompson* (D)U.

By: Co-Reporter, Alana FlemingOn Thursday, September 1st, the Vinton-Shellsburg FFA chapter held their local Greenhand Fire Up. They invited new faces to FFA to the greenhand night to gain knowledge about what FFA really is, what it means to be in FFA and some things they’ll get to experience during their membership. 14 students attended the leadership workshop to further their abilities.

A bit of Vinton can be found at the Jackson County Courthouse. Bobbi Alpers, a former Vinton resident, was honored with her portrait being added to the wall in the main courtroom. Alpers was the first female chief judge named to the Iowa Courts. "Judge Alpers broke new ground for women in the Iowa judiciary. She will forever be known as the first female appointed chief judge in the state of Iowa,"  Mark Cleve an Iowa Judicial District 7 Senior District Court Judge said.

The Vinton Guild of Fine Arts is at it again! In addition to the butterfly that can be seen across the alley from City Hall, the Guild has added a new piece of interactive art to the alleyways in Vinton with the Back Alley Art program. If you look to the east, off of 1st Ave. on the wall of the iVinton office, (in the alley of course) there is a brand new picture.

Sometimes residents send in photos that are interesting and something they'd like to share the photo with Vinton Today readers. Samantha Kluppelberg captured a photo of her sunflower in mid-bloom. If you notice, some of the petals have started to open, but not all of them have at this point. 

The Vinton-Shellsburg Homecoming Week will be September 18th – 24th.  If you are a Vinton  area business and would like the windows of your business painted for the week, please contact Sandy Hamilton, VSHS Student Senate Sponsor, at ph. 436-5708 or email sandy.hamilton@vscsd.org by Wed., Sept. 14th. If any business, organization, past class or individuals would like to be a part of the Homecoming parade, which will be Thursday, September 22nd starting at 6 PM, please also contact Sandy Hamilton by Tuesday, Sept.

Vinton Public Library is excited to announce the winners of the Summer Reading Program, "Read Beyond the Beaten Path", which was held from May 23 to August 12. The program was open to all ages and consisted of 3 categories. In the 5-11 years old group, the winners were: Max Ollinger, Snap Circuits SetAimslee Van Ree, Crazy Forts SetKellen Mann, Metal DetectorIn the 12-18 years old group: Logan Wendell, Burrito Blanket Brooke Martin, Gumball Machine Liana Gates, Marshmallow Pillow Pictured with Liana is Bethany Gates, winner of the Portable Corn Hole Game.

The Vinton Fire Department was called to a fire at 1093 2nd Ave. on Tuesday morning around 11:40 a.m. Vinton Fire Department, Vinton Police Department, Benton County Sheriff, Urbana-Polk Township, Shellsburg-Canton Township, Garrison Fire and North Benton Ambulance responded to the fire.No injuries were reported. 

Easton Lindeman was only 3 years old when he lost his fight against High-Risk Neuroblastoma. This is a form of cancer that attacks the adrenal glands, spinal column, and bone marrow. While his family continues to heal from this devastating loss, they have turned it into an opportunity to remember him on his birthday. The family decided that they wanted to help other children who are now being treated at the University of Iowa Stead Family Children's Hospital where Easton received his care.