• Article Photo. Paul Schellhase, shown in a March training exercise, marked his 50th year as a firefighter in 2013.
    Paul Schellhase, shown in a March training exercise, marked his 50th year as a firefighter in 2013.
  • Article Photo. Flood fears: VSHS students help set up the Hesco flood barriers in late May of 2013.
    Flood fears: VSHS students help set up the Hesco flood barriers in late May of 2013.
  • Article Photo. Remembering 2013: Van Zimmer donated his 1972 RAGBRAI bike to a historical display.
    Remembering 2013: Van Zimmer donated his 1972 RAGBRAI bike to a historical display.

Van Zimmer of Vinton donated a bike he rode in RAGBRAI decades ago to a "Riding Through History" display in Des Moines. 

Garrison firefighter (and former mayor of that town) Paul Schellhase marked a major milestone in May of 2013: 50 years as a fireman. Iowa Firefighter's Association leaders came to Garrison in May to present him that 50-year honor. 

Trees for Kids: Tilford and Middle School students planted trees in front of their schools in May, with the help of the Iowa DNR.

Flood fears: Almost exactly five years after the historic flood of 2008, Vinton leaders received a warning of a forecast rising of the Cedar River to levels near those of 2008. Sand-bagging and the construction of the sand barriers around the Vinton Municipal Electric Utility buildings kept many volunteers busy. But the river prediction turned out to be a flawed reading and no major damage was reported in Vinton. Several residents did evacuate their homes.