News
Fog now, cold later
The weather is dull and grey but at least for today is warmer (around 40 degrees) than most recent days
That is expected to change soon; by Sunday evening, the time of the annual Tour de Lights race. Lows by Friday are predicted below zero; the forecasters say it will be slightly less cold on Sunday, with a race-time temperature around 10 degrees. VSMS choirs sing about Christmas, Flanders Field
The Vinton-Shellsburg Middle School seventh and eighth grade choirs performed their winter concert on Monday evening. The seventh graders began with a variety of Christmas songs. The 7-8th boys ensemble sang "We Shall Not Sleep," a tribute to those soldiers buried in the famous Flanders Field cemetery. The 8th grade boys sang "Soldier's Alleluia. VSMS winter band concert features variety of music
The Vinton-Shellsburg Middle School band members, including the 7-8th grade jazz band, performed a variety of songs during its concert last week.
"I thought the concert went well. The kids played better than any rehearsal we had. We are already looking forward to our next concert," said band director Jodi Bierschenk.
One student who made a special effort was tuba player Clint Hill, who played his large horn despite a shoulder injury. V-S December Newsletter
Starting with the VS Middle School 7th and 8th grade winter vocal concert tonight, there are several activities planned until Christmas for Vinton-Shellsburg students.
Click HERE to see the December newsletter and calendar.
Christmas giving begins with 'Stuff the Bus' and Angel Tree
LaNette Parker began Monday morning on the radio, where she spoke with Randy Lee of WMT about the Angel Tree program and the annual effort to collect gifts for the less fortunate children of the area.
The WMT 'Stuff the Bus' promotion made its annual trek to Vinton, where Lee met with Parker and manager Bethany Clemenson at Windsor Manor. Memorial Saturday honors VSMS library associate Jeannine Slezak
For years, Jeannine Slezak has been known as the library associate who decorates the VSMS Media Center for Christmas (as well as other seasons throughout the year).
But now, the school is facing its first Christmas without her.
Jeanine Slezak died Monday, Nov. 25, after a short illness.
The media center is "where Jeannine spent so much of her life doing her favorite things," said Superintendent Mary Jo Hainstock. Benton County Conservation 2013 project update
The year the Benton County Conservation Department has been busy working on the following items:
- Fixing our extensive FEMA damage from the spring of 2013.
- Construction of a new conservation shop at Rodgers Park and removal of the old moldy ranger residence and garage that was damaged in the 2011 FEMA incident.
Red kettles return: Salvation Army accepting donations at Vinton area businesses
A familiar Christmas sight and sound has returned to Vinton.
The bell ringers and red kettles of the Salvation Army have been put in place to help raise funds for the organization.
Rev. Bob Gaston of Harvest Christian Fellowship has long been involved in the Salvation Army in Bremer County. He hopes to see the organization renew its outreach in Benton County. It's beginning to look ... well you know
Although some people protested that it is too early to put up Christmas decorations before Thanksgiving, several area residents have done so.
Even the City of Vinton got involved, with crews placing the wreaths on lamp posts a couple days before Thanksgiving.
The VU lighting effort continues. See that story HERE.
Vinton Lions Club chili dinner raises $2,125 for Honor Flight program
The Vinton Lions Club served 259 patrons before and after this year’s Lighted Veterans Holiday Parade on Thursday, Nov. 21. That number is about 50 more than last year, in spite of the damp, cold weather for this year's event.
Club President Alan Woodhouse said the donations from the chili supper allow the club to give the Eastern Iowa Honor Flight organization a total of $2125.