News

On Tuesday, September 28th at approximately 7:06 am. the Benton County Sheriff's Office and Van Horne Fire Department responded to a report of round hay bales on fire at a farm south east of Van Horne. Upon investigation of the scene it was apparent that the fire was a case of arson and the hay bales had been intentionally set on fire. The Van Horne and Newhall Fire Departments worked to extinguish the fire before it spread to nearby buildings and farm fields.

Vinton-Shellsburg's Top 10 Queen and King candidates were announced this afternoon!Front row (L-R) Queen Candidates: Emma McDaniel,Grace Sutton, Zena Aragon, Jozee White, Carly Bendull, Hannah Crane, Addy Maynard, Abby Bartz and Kate Hyland Absent for picture: Morgan Lang.Back row: King Candidates: Kaden Kingsbury, Logan Zearley, Brady Ortner, Gun

The Benton County Extension presented a Progressive Agriculture Safety Day Camp to help children learn how to prevent injuries. With the highest rate of farm injuries occurring in children ages 5 - 14, the event addresses issues relevant to farm environments. This free event featured 10 safety stations covering the following topics: ATV Safety, First Aid, Combine Safety, Lawn Mower Safety, 911 Emergency, Grain Safety, Pinch Point/PTO Safety, Chemical Safety, Sun Safety and Accident Survivor.

For decades, Vinton and later Vinton-Shellsburg students celebrated homecoming by painting streets near the high school. The tradition continues but is now carried on in the high school parking lot each year. Instead of paint, the students use a limestone-based material. The effect is the same: Lots of art. Lots of expressions of school spirit. Lots of fun.

The 2021 Homecoming Week for Vinton-Shellsburg High School is from September 26th through October 2nd. The activities scheduled for the week will be as follows:Monday, September 27th: 2:50 PM - Announcement of Top 10 Candidates for Homecoming Court;students and staff in the auditorium3:05 PM - Sr. Advisor Groups will paint business windows7:30 PM - Powder Puff Volleyball in the Garrison Fieldhouse at VSHSWednesday, September 29th: 1:20 PM - Announcement of the Top 5 Candidates for the HomecomingCourt; students and staff in the auditoriumThursday, September 30th: 6:00 PM - Homecoming Parade starts at 4th Street & B Ave.

Several area veterans were able to take part in the Eastern Iowa Honor Flight #39 this week. Some shared their photos and a bit about their trip. Darrell Williams, a Vietnam Veteran said, "I had not flown since I came home from Vietnam which has been 52 years." He said that his day in Washington D.C. was the most unforgettable experience. "Thank you all for the wonderful letters I received on my Honor Flight I enjoyed them all so much and all the messages on Facebook.

The Vinton-Shellsburg Elementary Schools are seeking donations of new or gently used and clean winter coats and snow pants. Your donation will help provide a coat and/or snow pants for a student who may not be able to purchase these on their own. If you are donating a gently used coat or snow pants, you can bring them to Tilford Elementary. If you would like to make a monetary donation, we will do the shopping for you.

The National VFW Auxilary President Jean Hamil came to tour Iowa on September 15 and 16. As the National VFW President, she will visit al 50 states. On Wednesday the 15th, she came to visit in Vinton at the VFW Post 8884 for supper. She stopped in Shellsburg to visit the Freedom Rock and then made her way to Vinton. On Thursday the group took a trip to the Amana Colonies for breakfast and then on to the Tipton VFW Post for lunch.

By: Anabelle Hernandez, MemberOn Wednesday, September 22nd, members of the Vinton-Shellsburg FFA Chapter went to Hawkeye Community College to participate in the District Soil Judging Contest. To prepare for the contest, program supporter Scott Fleming dug sample pits for students to practice in. Other supporters Lance Lillibridge and Mark Pingenot also shared their expertise and referenced the contest materials to help students understand the expectations for the day.

The Vinton Lutheran Home Assisted Living residents donated a tree to Vinton Parks and Recreation to be placed at Kiwanis Park. The residents wrote on leaves saying what they love about living in our community or shared a childhood memory. The leaves were then hung on the tree. Celebrating this year's theme: "Compassion, Community and Caring" the residents were happy to contribute to the community.