News

On Saturday, the Vinton Fire Department held a controlled burn at a house located on the end of East 8th St, in Vinton. The department uses the opportunity to practice extinguishing fires and to train firefighters. The house had become a safety concern to the owner and had requested the department to burn it down. Photos Charlie Fraizer

The annual Veterans Assembly was held at the Vinton-Shellsburg High School gymnasium on Thursday, November 11. The high school students escorted each veteran to their seat where a handwritten note waited for them from children in the district. Each veteran had an opportunity to introduce themselves, share their rank and branch and along with that share a bit about themselves if they would like to.

Denice Stephenson, Licensed Practical Nurse, has served 40 years with Virginia Gay Hospital. Denice has been highlighted in this year's Tree of Lights Annual Campaign booklet. Early in high school, Denice obtained her C.N.A. certification through the hospital and began working in the Annex (now known as Virginia Gay Nursing & Rehab). Once she finished high school, Denice worked weekends and holidays while continuing her education at Hawkeye Community College receiving her degree as a LPN.

Helen and Chuck Yundt have been instrumental in their service and philanthropy through a lifetime. Chuck Yundt served on the VGH Board of Directors from 1995 to 2001. During his tenure, new clinics were purchased, constructed and established. Nursing and Rehab was expanded and remodeled and new hospital services were added and expanded. Helen and Chuck have been consistent and kindhearted in their charitable giving to Virginia Gay Hospital and Clinics which have enabled VGH to elevate and advance the quality of care for our community.

Mike Riege served as VGH Administrator for over 26 years from 1992 to Jan. 2019. Virginia Gay Hospital was in terrible financial condition when Mike became the Administrator. His leadership turned the hospital around during a very difficult time. Mike transformed Virginia Gay into an excellent healthcare institution focused on family medicine that serves the entire county.

Dean Luze understands what is meant by community. Who would have guessed a pandemic would occur and everyday resources would come to a halt. The hospital and all of the community all of a sudden was in great need of numerous personal protection supplies that required coordination and skill. Dean Luze was immediately aware and working to fill the gap, becoming the centralized contact person for the sewing of personal protection supplies.

Katherine Ervin served as VGH Board of Director from 1985 to 2003. Kathie’s tenure dealt with numerous major decisions that significantly paved the road to success. Previous to Kathie coming onto the board, VGH was in a management agreement with St. Luke’s Hospital in Cedar Rapids. A radiology suite and emergency trauma areas were enhanced. But within the 10 years of St.

John and Beverly Anderson’s generosity of spirit is unrivaled. Helping provide the community with access to excellent healthcare has long been at the top of John and Bev’s list of community involvement. John served on the Health Care Foundation Board for 12 years from 2006 to 2018. He co-chaired the “Commitment for Caring” Capital Campaign with Keith Mossman renovating Virginia Gay and upgrading much of the equipment and has provided leadership in numerous other campaigns.

Keith and Janet Elwick/Kvastad Farms Keith and Janet Elwick from early in their lives have had an appreciation for rural healthcare and the ability of access in the community. They had been blessed over the years with grateful patient experiences. Dr. Koontz and Dr. Woodhouse are two of those doctors who made a difference. Keith served on the VGH Board of Directors from 1971 to 1985 providing leadership and guidance.

To our Veterans and their families,Thank you for your service and for your sacrifices. That seems like such a tiny phrase for the monumental service that you've given to our country. As we take today to recognize you, we hope that you know just how much your service has been appreciated by all of us.Cara Martin, of Benton County Veteran's Affair, located at 811 D Ave, Suite 34 is available to assist all veterans.