News
Football on the Womochil farm: Vikings continue camp-out tradition
Ten miles north of Vinton, near where the Cedar River intersects the invisible straight lines that divide Benton, Black Hawk and Buchanan Counties, and another invisible, more wiggly line divides the Vinton-Shellsburg and Union school districts, is the farm that has for decades grown sweet corn that feeds people in those counties, under the watchful eyes of Gene and Ann Womochil. Farmers Market patrons enjoyed salsa, banana splits
Thursday was a night for Farmers Market patrons who like their food both hot and cold. On the north side of the Depot, the annual Salsa contest took place while several area farmers offered the latest fresh produce from their garden.
On the south side, more than 50 volunteers from Blessed Hope Church made and served a 50-foot-long banana split. Vinton Feeds the World: Volunteers needed Sept. 7
It all started with an announcement that a couple from Union, IA were the 5,000th recipient of the Daily Point of Light Award. I was fascinated that a couple from Iowa was being recognized nationally for their volunteer service. I researched their non-profit, Outreach, Inc. and I knew I wanted to get involved. I signed up for a food packaging event last September in Marshalltown.
Volunteers needed to move books into Shellsburg Elementary library, Aug. 11
The Shellsburg Elementary library is looking great after its revamp this summer, but it's still missing one important part...books! We are looking for volunteers of all ages to help us move back our collection of approximately 15,000 books on Monday, August 11th. Volunteers may arrive any time after 9:00am, and we will wrap up the day no later than 4 p.
Cargill donates again to Old Creamery Nature Trail
In its continuing efforts to support local communities, Cargill recently announced an additional $2500 donation from their corporate office to be included with $7500 already given to the Old Creamery Nature Trail. This raises their total contribution to $10,000 in the past few months. This money is made available through the Global Partnership Fund program to support Cargill business units and Care Councils giving to local charities. 'Boys of Summer:' VS Band prepares baseball-themed show at camp
The traditional band season starts for virtually all VSHS Marching Band members with the two-week camp, where they learn the music and marching steps in the gym and band room before marching on the practice field during the last few days of camp.
This year's theme is "The Boys of Summer," a collection of baseball favorites including "Take Me Out to the Ball Game. Founder's Room officially opens at Iowa Braille School
During its early history, when hundreds of families from all over Iowa would walk into the main entrance of the Iowa College for the Blind, later renamed the Iowa Braille and Sight-Saving School, the first thing they would see in the lobby was the large Founder's Room.
That room contained a place to rest, as well as artifacts and information about the school. Extension Office accepting Master Gardener applications
Are you an avid gardener, but would like to know more about gardening, plants and horticulture? Would you like to meet people who share your interest in gardening? If so, you may be interested in becoming a MASTER GARDENER.
What is a MASTER GARDENER? Master Gardeners are individuals who have an interest in horticulture, have taken the Master Gardener training offered by the extension service and share their time and expertise with other gardeners.
Hesson to resign from VU; Board seeks new director
After nearly five years as Vinton Unlimited Director, Nate Hesson has announced his intention to resign at the end of the month.
Hesson will continue with VU through August, helping to arrange the annual Boomfest weekend activities. In the future, he plans to spend his time working with Hesson Properties. He and his brother, Blake, own more than 60 housing units (including apartments ahd single-family dwellings). Jennifer Parr's drawing of her mom places 1st at State Fair
Jennifer Parr isn't new to the world of art, or winning State Fair ribbons
This year, she won another first place honor, this time in the drawing category with a portrait of her mom, Nancy Blank.
"It was fun to have Mom at the awards ceremony," said Jennifer. "The gal running it asked my Mom to stand up and she did and waved at everyone.