News

Local artists, enthusiasts seeking to create Art Guild

These paintings are on display at US Bank in Vinton. Approximately 25 local artists and art lovers gathered at Creartivity Tuesday evening for the first of what hey hope will be several events to help area artists display their work.. The purpose, said Don Eells, is to encourage area artists and find ways to help them display their work publicly. A second meeting is planned next Tuesday, April 15, at 6:30 p.

IBSSS roof work resumes

Spring weather has allowed rebuilding of the IBSSS roof to resume. The long winter was another factor in the completion of the roof on the Iowa Braille and Sight-Saving School. The roof, virtually destroyed by the July 11, 2011 wind storm, has been under construction for the past year. Workers recently resumed work, framing the structure and placing metal in preparation of installing the slate-style composite roofing tiles.

VS has several openings for teachers, support staff

In addition to seeking an assistant high school principal for the next school year, the Vinton-Shellsburg school district has many other openings, both for teaching and support staff positions. See the complete list on the school web site HERE. The web site includes information about each position, and applications.

VS changes: Davis recommended as Shellsburg principal

Ryan Davis: Recommended for Shellsburg principal. Ryan Davis, the 2013 Iowa Assistant Principal of the Year, will become the Shellsburg Elementary principal for the 2014-15 school year if the Vinton-Shellsburg School Board approves the recommendation from Superintendent Mary Jo Hainstock.  Davis began his career as a grades 7-12 science teacher at Belgrade-Brooten-Elrosa (Minn.) Community School District.

'Emperor's New Clothes:' VSHS Drama Dept. prepares spring musical

Jacob Bunge, Wren Ahrenholz and Athena Aragon rehears a commercial for 'Emperor's New Clothes.' The Vinton-Shellsburg High School Drama Dept., with the help of five fourth grade girls and a few younger children, is preparing to perform "The Emperor's New Clothes" this weekend. In this version, the cast tells the story via a radio broadcast. Show times are 7 p.m. Saturday, April 12, and 2 p.m. Sunday, April 13. Admission is $5.

2nd grade concert includes Dan Tucker, patriotic favorites and fun music

From "Grand Old Flag" to "Old Dan Tucker," the Tilford Elementary second-grade students performed a variety of favorite songs during their concert on Tuesday evening Other upcoming concerts include: Kindergarten, Thursday April 10; Third grade, Tuesday, April 15; and first grade, May 5 See more photos HERE.

Vinton natives join celebration for Borlaug statue unveiling

Josie Beecher & Jessica Rundlett joined State Sen. Tim Kapucian for a photo with the Borlaug statue. A year ago, Vinton native Jess Rundlett helped unload a statue of Norman Borlaug, and witnessed its completion in her job at the Iowa Department of Cultural Affairs. Late in March, Rundlett traveled to Washington DC for the unveiling of the Borlaug tribute as the State of Iowa’s new statue in National Statuary Hall at the US Capitol.

Vehicle found in Hannen Lake after theft reported

The Benton County Sheriff’s Office received a report of a vehicle taken from a residence in Blairstown on Sunday April 6, 2014 at 8:00 a.m. The vehicle a 1995 Pontiac had been parked in the driveway at the residence. At approximately 4:40 p.m. fisherman at Hannen Lake SE of Blairstown reported a submerged vehicle near the beach area.

FFA receives $10,500 donation from Cargill for Ag Learning Lab

FFA advisor Louise Fleming receives the $10,500 check from Cargill rep Tom Stueck. In February of 2014, the international organization Cargill made a $10,500 donation to the Vinton-Shellsburg Agriculture Department to go towards the building of our Animal Learning Lab this spring and summer. The Cargill company has been financially supportive in our community and school district throughout our past and is continuing this as we enter into exciting new opportunities.

The white hat and other VS FFA Labor Auction traditions

For nearly 40 years, Duane Johnson and his iconic hat have been at the center of FFA Labor Auction. The annual Vinton-Shellsburg FFA labor auction is one of the main income sources for the organization each year; the 2014 event Thursday evening brought in  $12,670 to help cover the cost of FFA activities, including sending 47 members to the Iowa State FFA Convention later this month. But the decades-long tradition is more than just a fund-raiser.