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The traditional "after the Christmas parade but before Thanksgiving" Christmas Open House was held Sunday afternoon in downtown Vinton. Area shoppers enjoyed treats, deals, and specials rolled out especially for the event. Don't forget that Santa's mailbox is available at LaGrange Pharmacy for those who would like to pen a letter to Jolly Old

Thursday evening brought excited children to downtown Vinton to welcome Santa Claus to town. Santa along with the winners of the Turkey Coloring Contest rode atop one of the fire trucks from the Vinton Fire Department.The events kicked off with the chili supper at the Vinton Fire Department held by the Vinton Lions Club who donated the proceeds to the Eastern Iowa Honor Flights, The annual Christmas Parade began a bit later kicking off promptly at 6:00 p.

Vinton Unlimited is offering a 'holiday lights' punch card to be used during the holiday shopping season! For every $10 spent, receive one punch. Completed cards will be entered to win weekly prizes of Vinton Value Dollars and one grand prize. DOUBLE PUNCHES will be available at the Holiday Open House on November 21st and on Small Business Saturday, November 27th.

By: Co-Reporter, Grace Schminke On October 27th, 16 members of the Vinton-Shellsburg FFA Chapter traveled to Indianapolis, Indiana. On their way there, the chapter stopped at Hardy’s Reindeer Ranch. While there the members were able to pet, feed, and even kiss the Reindeer. They also got to learn about practices used on the ranch to raise the unique species.

On Tuesday evening the Garrison Fire Department responded to a house fire at 100 East Maple Street, which destroyed the former Emma Crossley house. The house is located at the corner of Maple and Sycamore streets across from the Methodist Church. The Department was assisted by the Vinton Fire Department. Photos sent in by Linda Waterman and Timothy Houtchens.

Ruth Mayhew served as Administrative Assistant for 18 years prior to her retirement in 1999. Mike Riege stated “she was a tireless worker, filling roles of secretary, Board Secretary, Human Resources, Payroll Clerk and Benefits Administrator. Ruth was the one who brought in the idea of the Tree of Lights to Virginia Gay Hospital back in 1992. Since then, over $1.

Vinton Parks & Recreation released their 2021 Turkey Coloring Contest Winners.  The Vinton Parks & Recreation Dept held their annual Turkey Coloring Contest for 3rd grade and under. We would like to thank everyone who participated. The following is a list of the contest winners. Preschool & Under Division 1st – William Svoboda 2nd – Harper Sojka 3rd – Brynn Oberhoffer Kindergarten & 1st Grade Division 1st – Robyn Terc 2nd – Alayna Hatfield 3rd – Juniper Kelly 2nd & 3rd Grade Division 1st – Addilyn Nesbitt 2nd– Karsyn Llaneza 3rd– Eli Reeve Staff PickAimsley Van ReeThe top three winners in each division will be awarded prizes, presented with their laminated contest entry and ride the fire truck with Santa.

Marian Fuehrer – Paula Happel (Daughter) Marian Fuehrer exemplified what it means to be committed to quality healthcare in a rural setting. Marian has been highlighted in our Tree of Lights annual campaign brochure this year and her story provided by her daughter, Paula Happel, is compelling. She was hired by Nettie Burke and during George Garwood’s administration became Director of Nursing.

Kenneth Feller in conjunction with Karl Fischer co-chaired a capital campaign in June of 1961 to raise $483,000 in funds for the construction of a long-term care facility in Vinton. At the time the facility became known as the “Annex”. Currently, the facility goes by Virginia Gay Nursing and Rehab. Director of Nursing and Rehab, Jessica Henkle and her staff have received the highest accolades of care for long-term care facilities, most recently the Telligen Community Quality Champion Award after demonstrating a high level of commitment towards the overall health of the Vinton and surrounding communities during the COVID pandemic.

Dr. D. C. Weideman served as VGH Board of Directors from 1966 to 1991, holding the position of President from 1975 to 1991. A tremendous amount of activity happened during these years. In 1965, the need arose for the care of geriatric patients and an addition was approved for the Virginia Gay Nursing and Rehab long-term care facility. In 1973, the board approved the building of a clinic using funds from the Herger Trust.