Fluffy, an 18-year-old cat, has been missing from First Avenue in Vinton since Saturday. If you see Fluffy, please call the owners at 319-981-5532

For years, Karl Smith and Dave Lang -- although their bands have been competing against each other for years -- have been the best of friends. They have congratulated each other several times when the two bands finished first and second in contests. And they stood side-by-side directing combined VS-Independence Pep Bands twice during this year's basketball season.

Music by the Schmidt Family Band (and dancing!). Getting soaked from the nozzle of the Vinton Fire Department's large truck. Refreshments. Face painting. Animal balloons. All this and much more was part of the TIlford PTO End of Year Party Thursday evening at the school.

Stroke is the third leading cause of death in the United States and a leading cause of serious, long-term disability in adults. About 600,000 new strokes are reported in the U.S. each year. The good news is that treatments are available that can greatly reduce the damage caused by a stroke. However, you need to recognize the symptoms of a stroke and get to a hospital quickly.

Leadership of Virginia Gay Hospital (VGH) Laboratory Services will be transferred today when current Lab. Supervisor, Carolyn Gavalas, retires after 36 years. Since 1977 a lot of changes have taken place in the laboratory, says Carolyn, for example, back then laboratory staff weren’t required to wear gloves, masks, and smoking in the lab was allowed.

The eight Vinton-Shellsburg athletes who qualified for the State Track Meet loaded into school vans this morning after a pep assembly. They will compete tonight and/or tomorrow in Des Moines. Parents along with a busload of VSHS seniors are traveling to Des Moines to support the Vikings and Vikettes.