By Randy Scheel, PresidentBlue Creek Springtime MonarchsThe Blue Creek Springtime Monarchs and the Red Cedar Chapter of the Izaak Walton League hosted their annual event on Saturday May 16 at the Ike's facility north of Vinton.

By Co-Reporter, Raine WheelerOn Tuesday, May 5, 2026, the Vinton-Shellsburg FFA Chapter hosted a community fundraiser at Kacena Farms, located outside of Vinton.

By Robin OpsahlTorturing a companion animal will be charged as a felony in Iowa under a measure signed into law Monday by Gov. Kim Reynolds.Reynolds, joined by lawmakers and advocates, signed House File 2348into law at the Animal Rescue League of Iowa shelter in Des Moines.

Story Updated 5/18/26 with new information packet from the NWS.---Below is the weather packet from the National Weather Service concerning tonight's possible weather.

Students in grades 3–12 invited to submit artwork inspired by important figures in American historyTo mark this year’s U.S. Semiquincentennial, the National Endowment for the Humanities (NEH) has committed $730,000 to sponsor a Freedom 250 national student art competition honoring important figures of American history.

The Vinton-Shellsburg Community School District proudly recognized its 2026 retirees and annual award recipients during a special Awards Ceremony and Public Open House held on Wednesday, May 13, 2026, at 4:00 p.

Vinton-Shellsburg Community School District is participating in the Summer Food Service Program. Meals will be provided to all children at no charge and will be the same for all participants, regardless of race, color, national origin, sex (including gender identity and sexual orientation), age, or disability.

It’s time for our library’s annual community input survey! Please take a moment and help the library with your input!   https://www.surveymonkey.

There are going to be strong to severe thunderstorms possible at times throughout the weekend.Key Messages● Occasional rounds of showers and thunderstorms are expected tonight through Monday (5/15 - 5/18), but with prolonged dry periods as well.

The Vinton-Shellsburg High School Senior Awards Night brought approximately $175,250 in scholarships and grants to the graduating class of 2026.Below is a list of the scholarships and award winners:Local ScholarshipsBenton County American Legion (Fritz Noren)……Aly Erickson, Olivia McDaniel, Gracyn KingsburyBenton County American Legion Auxiliary Merit (Ed Schaffer)………Teagan Salter and Gracie WhelanVinton American Legion (George G.