News
Storms, High Wind Cause Power Outages
A strong line of thunder storms with extremely high winds resulted in significant damage to the electrical distribution system of East-Central Iowa Rural Electric Cooperative early this morning in Benton County. As of 7:00 a.m. 3,300 services were without power. Nine substations were not operating due to damage to the transmission lines serving them.
Vinton & Garrison traffic limited to emergency response
The cities of Vinton and Garrison have sustained major wind damage. These cities are currently attempting to conduct clean up and provide for the immmediate needs of the local population. Until further notice, only emergency response traffic is being permitted into Vinton and Garrison.
Castle Ridge to perform in Vinton Friday
The popular eastern Iowa band Castle Ridge will be performing Friday evening from 7-9 p.m. at the Cobblestone Inn & Suites in Vinton.
Castle Ridge is a three piece acoustic ensemble performing bluegrass, old-time country and swing. Castle Ridge has been performing in Iowa, Minnesota, Illinois and Missouri since 2005, and has one CD to its credit. Iowa's famous Hillbilly Bob visited Garrison Fun Day
Gov. Terry Branstad rode in it in a parade. Nebraska Governor and Senator Ben Nelson, too. And Toby Keith. And Jeff Foxworthy.
The people who went to the Garrison Fun Day and saw “Ruthie,” the rusty 1929 Model A that is decked out in a variety of humorous hillbilly decorations may not have guessed that they were looking at a celebrity act that has entertained thousands at county fairs, parades and other events in 41 states. Alumni Football a success; V-S and CPU players plan rematch next year
Before the Vinton-Shellsburg and Center Point-Urbana Alumni Football players took off their pads Friday night in Center Point, they decided that the inaugural Alumni Football event in Benton County was so successful -- and so fun -- that they want to do it again next year, in Vinton.
The scoreboard indicates that CPU players had a bit more fun; they won 12-0. Vinton Police Department Log for June 2011
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'Upward departure:' Federal prosecutors seek more jail time for Duong, Long
A two-word legal phrase in federal court documents filed recently has an ominous meaning for Phung Ca (Polly) Long and Chan Duong, the owners of the Peony restaurants in Vinton and Toledo.
That phrase is "upward departure." In short, it means that something has happened in a criminal case that has prompted a prosecutor to seek (or a judge to order) a prison sentence longer than the sentence previously recommended.
V-S Board ponders future of its IASB involvement
The recent scandals involving the Iowa Association of School Boards (IASB) has left many school districts pondering whether to continue their membership in the organization.
The board had planned to discuss its IASB membership in June, but tabled the issue until July.
Superintendent Mary Jo Hainstock said that there have been significant financial benefits for the district because of its IASB membership, although the future of those benefits is uncertain.
VSHS Band celebrates July 4 in DC; marches in annual parade
With crowds lining both sides of Constitution Avenue ahead of them, and a giant Fred Flinstone balloon behind them, the members of the Vinton-Shellsburg Marching Band celebrated Independence Day by marching in the July 4 parade in Washington, D.C.
The band members will continue their visit to the Nation's Capital today and return to Vinton tomorrow. VSHS Band visits Arlington Cemetery
The Vinton Shellsburg High School Band was honored to be chosen to lay a wreath at the Tomb of the Unknown Soldier. Those representing the band by laying the wreath were Wes Lyons, John Levis, Nick Gardner and Ashley Mckenna. The wreath placed near the famous tombstone had Vinton-Shellsburg High School Band written on the ribbon.