News

     The Wesley United Methodist Church Bell Choir accompanied the Vinton-Shellsburg High School Concert Choir during their first number of the Fall Preview Choral Concert Tuesday evening in the VSHS auditorium. Retired VSMS band director Judy Trygstad accompanied the Women's Chorale and Concert Choir with her flute.      The event also included performances by the Chamber Singers, and Alex Springer performing a solo with the Concert Choir  .

     U.S. Bank in Vinton donated $2,500 to the Benton County Disaster Recovery Coalition. Market President Jon Kremer presented the check to Scott Hansen (Benton County EMA Director) and coalition leaders Greg Walston and Karen Larson.        The Coalition is a non-profit organization that provides assistance to Benton County residents facing the challenges caused by floods, storms and other disasters.

The Vinton Parks & Recreation Department is in the process of making some major improvements to Lions Field that should make the facility a top quality facility for many years to come. The major part of the renovation is a complete new infield that should be done by November 4th as long as the weather cooperates. This work is being done by Pace Supply from Fairfax, who is one of the leaders in ball field maintenance.

     There was a report of a couple cases that appeared to be mumps in our district this week. Because this would be highly unusual, the case was refered to the Iowa Department Public Health for further analyzes. Upon further testing, they determined it was not mumps, but rather a form of parotitis that mimics mumps.      The district has been working very closely with the Benton County Health Department along with the Iowa Department of Public Health to make sure we give accurate and up to date information.

       Duane and Marilyn Johnson are pleased to announce the sale of Johnson Auction Sales & Real Estate to Alan and Cindy Michael.           "We feel that this new venture will be a 'win-win' for everyone," said Duane Johnson. "We've been a mainstay in the local real estate market for over 30 years, and the opportunity to see it continue to grow and thrive was the driving force behind our decision.

     In the card file of death notices in the Benton County Recorder's Office, the card that comes immediately after that of Lindsey Edgar "Ed" Huelsenbeck is right in front of the cards for the people name Huff.       It’s only a coincidence, an alphabetical anomaly.      But when you are researching a cold case with very limited information, you start looking for any connection between the pieces of information about the person who died.

Caleb Svoboda and Tim Haerther nomintated by Mr. Kingsbury for helping a salesman at Ehlingers to the high school.  They asked him to follow them here too.  

  Vinton-Shellsburg Middle School Abby Scheel and Caleb Kruckenberg were recently selected for participation in the twenty-fifth annual Opus Honor Choir Festival.  Over 3400 students were nominated by their directors for 720 positions in the four Opus Honor Choirs.  Selections were made by means of a recorded audition.    Guest conductors of the choirs include Sheila Monson (Center-Point Urbana Middle School Instructor), 5th & 6th Grade Elementary Honor Choir; Steve Woodin, 7th & 8th Grade Boys Honor Choir; Kay Fast, 7th & 8th Grade Girls Honor Choir; and Dr.

     Vinton-Shellsburg High School Choir Director Eric Mohlis and his choral students have been preparing for their first concert of the season. The Fall Preview Choral Concert takes place at 7 p.m. tonight in the VSHS auditorium. 

Applications will be taken starting November 1, 2011 for the 2011-12 Low-income Home Energy Assistance Program (LiHEAP). This program is funded by the Department of Health and Human Services through the Iowa Department of Human Rights/Department of Community Action Agencies, and has been established to help qualifying low-income Iowa homeowners and renters pay for a portion of their primary heating costs.