News
Hard-work at the Hummel Shelter
By: Gaby Nieves and Phil Schaefer
AmeriCorps NCCC team Maple 4 is currently working at the local Hummel shelter with the Vinton Parks and Recreation Department. The shelter is a popular location for family reunions, parties and summer camp activities. Maple 4 is completely giving this shelter a brand new look for the summer. The team started off with power washing the interior and exterior before painting the inside. Preschool, other VS programs still uncertain; funding debate continues
Calling them the "Victims" of the stalemate in Des Moines, Vinton-Shellsburg Superintendent Mary Jo Hainstock announced at the recent school board meeting that a handful of teachers were being issued RIF(Reduction in Force) notices.
The Tiny Vikes preschool and the Home School Assistance Program were the two areas most affected by the cuts.
Civil War display to be in Vinton during Party in the Park
VINTON—The Benton County Historical Society is sponsoring a Civil War display honoring the Iowa soldiers who served and died in the Civil War.
“The Fiery Trial: Iowa and the Civil War,” hits the road in a 32-foot trailer and is part of the State Historical Museum’s educational outreach program to serve Iowans in their communities. Governor's property tax plan could mean $2 levy hike for Vinton homeowners
Vinton City Coordinator Andy Lent estimates that the plan by Iowa Gov. Terry Branstad to reduce commercial property taxes will require the city to raise residential property taxes by $2 per thousand to make up for the lost revenue.
"Originally, I estimated that a drop in 40% of the commercial valuation for Vinton would result in a loss of $192,000 in our general fund and raise our tax levy by $2 per thousand to meet the needs for debt service and employee benefit levies," said Lent.
NBA Crew Foundation helps raise money for ambulance equipment
Several months ago, an elderly man lost control of his minivan and ended up in a steep ditch south of Shellsburg. He was not seriously injured, but the emergency workers who responded to the scene faced the challenge of how to safely carry the man up the steep incline to the ambulance.
A new organization, the North Benton Ambulance Crew Foundation, has been formed to help the Vinton-based ambulance service purchase two Stryker Pro-Stair Chairs. June: A time for new flowers (and for learning their names)
For years, my ancestors allowed a small piece of family pasture to be used as cattle grazing land. But I am trying something different; I am hoping to restore some of the natural grasses and flowers that have been growing in Iowa for thousands of years.
Everyone once in a while, I am pleasantly surprised to see something new. Pictures from Memorial day of Veteran's Park
These pictures were sent in by Pastor Zach Zajicek. We can never have too many snap shots! Thanks! Fireworks enthusiasts find something new every Memorial Day at Yedlik farm
Mitchell Anderson, 14, knows he must do well in his classes and finish his homework regularly, or else he will not be allowed to go to Vinton and build fireworks.
That's the law in the Anderson house in Waterloo, where Chris Anderson, an Iowa Pyrotechnic Association member, makes sure that Mitchell puts school first. VSHS graduates hear final words of advice from principal, classmates
The first time that members of the Vinton-Shellsburg Class of 2011 stood on the campus of the high school where they received their diplomas on Sunday, it was still just a corn field.
Now, six years after helping to celebrate the ground-breaking of the new high school, the 114 members of the Class of 2011 are the first students to graduate after attending all four years of high school in the new building. High School Band helps in Memorial Day Ceremony
Vinton Shellsburg's band, came to the ceremonies this morning to help with the events. They marched in the short parade to the river, and band members Megan Jorgensen and Matt Lash played taps at cemeteries and the ceremonies throughout the morning.
Special thanks to Jan Andreesen for snapping these pictu