News

At approximately 8:31 PM on December 15, 2020 the Benton County Sheriff’s Office initiated a vehicle pursuit in the 3300 Block of 66th Street, Benton County IA. The initial reason for the pursuit was a registration violation. The vehicle was black 2013 Nissan Altima. The pursuit continued northbound on 30th Avenue Drive and then eastbound on 61st Street Lane at speeds over 100 mile-per-hour.

Each year the Vinton Kiwanis Club sends a special request to the North Pole and requests Santa to make a visit to some of the children in Vinton-Shellsburg School District. Usually, Santa treats the students with special needs and their parents to lunch and a Christmas party. Traditionally the children get to sit on Santa's lap and tell him their requests.

I had to chuckle as I visited the Christmas display at Kersten's this year. There used to be a new display each year, but that hasn't been the case since the original Kersten passed away. However, I think that this display might be 2020. For our seeing impaired, it's a photo of Santa's sleigh crashed, Santa has his arm in a sling and he's trying to hitchhike a ride.

The Lions Club president Robin Martin presents to the Scouts and leaders of Boy Scout Troop 47 a check for $1851 to cover the costs associated with chartering the troop for the upcoming year. Troop 47 serves boys from Vinton, Shellsburg, Garrison and Mount Auburn. The Lions Club has been the chartering organization for the Troop since 1934 during which time thousands of boys and young men have participated with 82 becoming Eagle Scouts – and two more being awarded this week.

VFW Post 8884 & Auxiliary presented Vinton-Shellsburg High Students with their Voice of Democracy Essay Awards on Monday at the High School.The top 4 winners included a three-way tie for 2nd place. The 2nd Place Winners are:Molly Haisman and Katelyn Humiston, from Vinton Shellsburg High School. The 3rd-second place winning student is Cierra Michael from Independence High School.

Santa is in need of several elves to fulfill the needs of area children. Located at Farmers Savings Bank & Trust as well as the First Christian Church there are Angel Trees that still have several tags available. Monetary donations can be dropped or mailed to First Christian Church to help fulfill the remaining tags if you prefer to help this way.

The usual Christmas Breakfast with Santa looked a little bit different than it has in years past. Each year children and their families would fill the skate center for a chance to share breakfast with Santa Claus. Pancakes and syrup are followed by sitting on Santa's lap and telling him all of the things the children wished for through the year.

Congratulations Laurie Hyland!She was the 1st lucky winner for the Holiday Lights Punch Card drawing! Laurie won $50 in Vinton Value Dollars! The Holiday Lights Punch card winner for Week 2 was Toodie Hunt! Toodie also won $50 in Vinton Value Dollars.We will continue to draw a winner every week until Christmas .