| | Another step
The older I get, the more I dislike stairs. I am beginning to understand the attraction many older people have to ranch-style homes. I never thought that day would come. Then again, I said the same thing about mini-vans, bland foods and hearing aids.
Stairs provided an incredible playground in my childhood home. Our basement was unfinished; even the back part of each step was open. They were just wide enough for me to crawl through, so I did — dozens of times each day. Of course, I grew, and the inevitable day came when my skull became stuck between the steps. I yelled for my brother, Steve, for help. He was upstairs, and I didn't think about the added pressure that would be applied to my head when he ran down the steps. He apologized — kind of — and then laughed repeatedly as he pried the steps apart and set me free. That was the last time I tried crawling through the steps.
Meanwhile, the fun on the steps continued. As kids, we learned to play with whatever was available. As such, tire inner tubes were objects of immense fun. I had a small inner tube with a white canvas cover strapped around it. I think the intent of the cover was to create a mini-trampoline of sorts, but Steve and I discovered other uses. That inner tube was narrow enough to fit between the aforementioned basement stairwell walls, and Steve thought it would be fun to slide down the steps on it. Of course, he wanted me to go first. I quickly learned that leaning forward would create a result of somersault … face plant … somersault … face plant. Steve assured me I would do better on the second attempt, so I tried again, this time leaning back. This result was spectacular: a spill-free, bumpy slide down the stairs. We did this over and over and over — until the next challenge surfaced.
This contest was a standing long jump of sorts, except down the stairs with that trusty canvas-covered inner tube at the bottom for safety purposes. It started simply enough, with a jump from the bottom step to the base. We then increased by one step each time and allowed the other to match it. I became quite good at this, outjumping my big brother, who had the added challenge of trying not to hit his head on the ceiling. I am not sure how many steps there were, but I know I safely and successfully made my way to the top one. This final jump was an intimidating one, as I couldn’t get Evel Knievel out of my mind. My brother encouraged me to accept the challenge, so I did. I sailed through the air, eyes wide open, in cannonball position, prepared for another successful landing. And land I did — right on my tailbone on the bottom step.
That bruising marked the end of the stairwell games, and those memories may also explain my newfound attraction to ranch homes.
Have a fantastic Friday, and thanks for reading.
Shane Goodman
Editor and Publisher
Times Vedette digital newsletter
shane@gctimesnews.com
641-332-2707 | |
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 | | | Students celebrate last day of school | | | | | | | | By Rich Wicks | Times Vedette
Today is the last school day for students at Panorama and ACGC. Pictured here, Shelby Lewis drops off her daughters, Ella and Ava, at Guthrie Center Elementary.
PICTURED: Shelby Lewis drops off her daughters, Ella and Ava, at Guthrie Center Elementary. | | | | | | | | See more photos | |
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 | | | Guthrie Center Elementary students participate in track day | | | | | | | | By Rich Wicks | Times Vedette
The annual Guthrie Center Elementary track day fun was moved indoors on May 21 due to cool and windy conditions. In the high school gym, the elementary students gave it their best in races with and without hurdles.
The annual event is a popular time for the kids and an outlet for some end-of-school-year energy. | | | | | | | | See more photos and video | |
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 | | | 94-year-old enjoys Lake Panorama pontoon ride | | | | | | | | Special to the Times Vedette
Bill and Sue Jesse of Lake Panorama were honored to have Darlys Leicht, who will soon be 94, riding on their pontoon. Leicht set a new record for a rider’s age on their pontoon, which they purchased in 2005 after buying their property in 2004. The youngest rider was their 4-month-old granddaughter on her first ride.
Leicht had moved to Iowa from Olympia, Washington, six days prior to this ride. She said she wanted to live closer to her daughter and her husband. Lake Panorama was the first Iowa water Leicht had ever been on. She said she enjoyed the lake tour — a sunny spring day with 75 degrees and no wind — and viewing the beautiful homes and properties. | |
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 | | | Chamber celebrates The Captain’s Pick | | | | | | | | Special to the Times Vedette
The Panora Chamber of Commerce held the official ribbon cutting for The Captain’s Pick, 5071 Clover Ridge Road, on May 19. | |
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 | | | Help protect Iowa’s forests by leaving firewood at home | | | | | | | | From the Iowa Department of Natural Resources
Thousands of Iowans will be camping and building campfires this Memorial Day weekend and throughout the summer. The Iowa Department of Natural Resources (DNR) encourages campers to buy firewood from where they will burn it instead of bringing it from home.
“Moving unseasoned firewood around the state can threaten the health of our forests by spreading insects like emerald ash borer (EAB), oak wilt, and other pests that live in firewood,” Tivon Feeley, DNR Forest Health Forester, explains.
[...] | | | | | | | | Read the full story | |
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| | Guthrie County Hospital preps for visit from Gov. Reynolds | | | | | | | | By Rich Wicks | Times Vedette
During the May 22 meeting of the Guthrie County Hospital Board of Trustees, CEO Chris Stipe talked about the upcoming visit from Gov. Kim Reynolds.
“We do have quite an event planned here Wednesday. Invitation only,” Stipe said. “The governor will be signing a couple of bills that impact healthcare positively, and she wanted to do that at one of the hospitals, and we were lucky to be asked to participate.”
[...] | | | | | | | | Read the full story | |
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| | Memorial Day Services
By Rich Wicks | Times Vedette
On Monday, May 26, Memorial Day services are scheduled as follows in Panora and Guthrie Center:
Panora’s Veterans Auditorium (at the Panora Square)
Hosted by VFW Post 5510 and American Legion Post 372, services will begin at 10 a.m. with an invocation by Father Ray Higgins, guest speaker U.S. Rep. Zach Nunn, benediction by Father Higgins, and Taps played by Alex Olson. Refreshments will follow.
Guthrie County Courthouse, Guthrie Center
At 10:30 a.m., the Veterans Memorial outside the courthouse will be the setting for services hosted by American Legion Post 124. A free lunch will follow. | |
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| | St. Cecilia’s adds additional Mass time
Special to the Times Vedette
St. Cecilia’s Catholic Church in Panora is adding an additional Mass time for the summer. Starting Saturday, May 31, a 6:30 p.m. Mass will be included in the schedule. Father Ray Higgins said the extra service is a “test” to see how popular it might be, especially with the addition of the summer crowd at Lake Panorama. The 8 a.m. Mass will also continue. St. Cecilia’s is located at 220 N. First St. in Panora. More information on St. Cecilia’s can be found at https://st-mary-patrick-cecilia.com/st-cecilias. | |
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| | ACGC School Boards discuss consolidation, potential loss of $400,000 in revenue
By Rich Wicks | Times Vedette
During the May 21 meeting of the Adair-Casey and Guthrie Center school boards, lengthy discussion was held about the status regarding potential consolidation of the two districts. Board members discussed that if consolidation were to happen now, the districts would lose out on approximately $400,000 in “Whole Grade Sharing” revenue.
Guthrie Center Board Member Brian Sheeder shared his opinion.
“I know we’re concentrating on the operational sharing dollars, and that is a consideration, but our future moving forward, being tied to our inability to act because we’re two separate districts, will come at a greater cost, in my personal opinion,” Sheeder said.
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| | Visitors expected to fill parks over Memorial Day weekend
From the Iowa Department of Natural Resources
Iowa state parks and forests are gearing up for a busy Memorial Day weekend, the traditional start of the outdoor summer recreation season.
“Park visitors are excited to get outside and enjoy the beautiful weather,” Sherry Arntzen, chief of the DNR’s State Parks, Forests and Preserves Bureau, said. “Our parks offer a variety of activities for all enthusiasts from hiking the trails to picnicking, fishing and swimming. There’s something for everyone while enjoying the outdoors.”
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| | Cribbage results from May 21
Special to the Times Vedette
On May 21, a total of 11 players participated. Mark Humphreys got two 17s, Dan Webb and Dennis Betts each got a 16 and a 17, and Wayne Nickel had a 16.
The Guthrie Center cribbage players generally meet at Guthrie Center Library on Mondays at 8 a.m. and at the New Homestead independent living dining hall at 8 a.m. on Wednesdays and at 1 p.m. on Fridays. Organizers say there is always room for more, and they will be glad to teach you how to play. They play for quarters on Wednesday and Friday. | |
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| | Crawford selected to MVC Scholar Athlete Team | | | | | | | | Special to the Times Vedette
Kate Crawford of Guthrie Center, a redshirt senior distance runner at the University of Northern Iowa, was selected to the Missouri Valley Conference Scholar Athlete Team for the third year in a row. Crawford was one of a conference-high 24 members of the UNI track and field team who were selected.
[...] | | | | | | | | Read the full story | |
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| | Meacham graduates from Coe College
Special to the Times Vedette
Congratulations to Hailey Meacham, who was among a group of graduates this past year at Coe College. Meacham, of Panora, was awarded a bachelor of arts, majoring in biology, psychology and neuroscience. Meacham was among more than 200 students who received degrees. | |
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| | Fett recognized for spring 2025 term honors
Special to the Times Vedette
Concordia University, Nebraska recently named 241 students to its honors list for the spring 2025 semester. Students who earn a 3.90 GPA or higher while also completing at least 12 credit hours during the semester qualify for this list. Students earning spring 2025 honors included Leah Fett, senior, of Panora. | |
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| | BVU’s spring 2025 Dean's List
Special to the Times Vedette
Buena Vista University congratulates more than 545 students who were named to the Spring 2025 Dean's List. The Dean's List recognizes full-time students achieving a 3.5-grade point average or higher for the semester. Local students include:
- Lacie Davis of Coon Rapids
- Audrey Franzeen of Guthrie Center
- Easton Hays of Coon Rapids
[...] | |
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| | Central College Student Scholarship Recognition
Special to the Times Vedette
Central College students were recognized during the annual Scholarship Dinner for scholarships earned and applied to the 2024-25 academic year.
- Alaina Bunde of Guthrie Center received the Geisler Penquite Scholarship 2019B, Journey Scholarship Fund and Lillian Waalkes Music Scholarship. Bunde is a member of the Class of 2026.
- Lance Bunde of Guthrie Center received the John and Helen Diehl Endowed Scholarship, Journey Scholarship Fund and Robert W. Van Hal Endowed Scholarship in Music. Bunde is a member of the Class of 2028.
[...] | |
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| | Explorer rolls over on Maple Avenue
Special to the Times Vedette
Guthrie County Deputy Sheriff Taylor Wheatley reported a single-vehicle accident occurring on May 17 at 2:08 p.m. on Maple Avenue. According to the accident report, Joan Lyla Anderson, 69, of Guthrie Center, was driving a 2015 Ford Explorer XLT northbound on Maple Avenue near the intersection of 245th Street and took the corner too sharp and dipped the passenger side front tire in a deep wash-out. The vehicle then slowly rolled over into the ditch. Estimated damage to the Explorer is $15,000. | |
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| | Summer Day Camps
- June 5, 9 a.m. to noon, Up, Down, Spin Around, kindergarten-third, $20.
- June 12, 9 a.m. to noon, Science of BBQ, fourth-eighth, $25.
- June 19, 9 a.m. to noon, Fun With Bots, kindergarten-third, $20.
- June 26, 9 a.m. to noon, AG Everyday, fourth-eighth, $20.
[...] | |
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| | ACGC and Panorama compete at state; Kunkle and Sellers remembered | | | | | | | | By Cyote Williams | Times Vedette
Panthers and Chargers compete at state track and field
The Iowa High School boys and girls state track meet started yesterday, Thursday, May 22, and will run (literally) today, May 23, and tomorrow, May 24. I have not yet had the pleasure of attending the state track tournament. That’s not the case for several Panorama and ACGC athletes this week. If you are unable to attend, a free live stream of the events is available HERE.
[...] | | | | | | | | Read the full story | |
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 | | | Rochholz places 6th, breaks school record at state; distance medley team places 5th | | | | | | | | By Cyote Williams | Times Vedette
The Panorama girls track and field team is competing at the IHSAA boys and girls state track and field championships at Drake Stadium in Des Moines. Yesterday, Thursday, May 22, Kylie Rochholz placed sixth in the 3,000-meter run in 10:29.47, breaking her own school record. The girls distance medley team of Faith Recker, Gracie Recker, Maddy Lutz and Rochholz placed fifth in 4:13.21.
Rochholz will run again tomorrow, Saturday, May 24, in the 1,500-meter run. You can watch the live feed of the competition HERE.
PICTURED: Maddy Lutz and the Panorama distance medley relay team placed sixth at the Iowa girls and boys state track and field championships on Friday, May 23. Photo by Betty Cooper | |
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 | | | Shaffer competes in 400-meter hurdles at state today | | | | | | | | By Cyote Williams | Times Vedette
Panorama’s Syler Shaffer will compete in the 400-meter hurdles at the IHSAA boys and girls state track and field championships today, Friday, May 23, at Drake Stadium in Des Moines. Shaffer is running in heat two, which is expected to start at 12:20 p.m. You can watch the live feed of the competition HERE.
PICTURED: Syler Shaffer competes in the 400-meter hurdles at the Iowa high school boys and girls track meet today, May 23. Photo by Mark Reno | |
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 | | | Panther girls fall to Underwood in first round, 3-1 | | | | | | | | By Cyote Williams | Times Vedette
The Panorama girls soccer team (12-5-1) season came to a close against Underwood (10-2-2) in the first round of the Class 1A Region 6 playoffs at home on Wednesday, May 21. Morgan Crees scored Panorama’s lone goal, assisted by Jessica Randol. Goalkeeper Bridgete White recorded 13 saves.
PICTURED: Panorama's No. 15 Faith Recker strikes the ball in a previous game. Photo by Mark Reno | |
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| | Panorama boys lose to PCM in first round, 9-2
By Cyote Williams | Times Vedette
The Panorama boys soccer team (2-14-1) fell to PCM (5-9-1) in the 1A-7 first round of substate. Panorama’s season comes to a close while PCM goes on to face West Central Valley (14-0-1) in the semifinal. | |
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| | Panthers baseball hosts Ankeny Christian tonight
By Cyote Williams | Times Vedette
The Panorama boys baseball team (0-1) host Ankeny Christian (1-0) today, Friday, May 23. Panorama lost its first game of the season to Martensdale-St Marys on Wednesday, May 21. Panorama will look to bounce back after an early-season loss against the Eagles. Ankeny Christian won last year’s contest, 4-1. | |
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 | | | Fuller and Madsen bring home medals; shuttle hurdle qualifies for final | | | | | | | | By Cyote Williams | Times Vedette
The ACGC boys track and field team is competing at the IHSAA girls and boys state track and field championships at Drake Stadium in Des Moines. The Chargers experienced success on day one, Thursday, May 22. Eli Madsen placed sixth in the 400-meter run in 50.80; Mike Fuller placed fifth in the shot put, throwing 50-09.50; and the shuttle hurdle relay team of Morgun Nolte, Tate Fever, Tommy Skram and Brexton Schneider ran the fastest qualifying time in 1A, breaking a school record in 1:00.37. ACGC has several more athletes competing today and tomorrow. You can watch the live feed of the competition HERE.
PICTURED: ACGC's Joe Crawford competes in the sprint medley, 4x100 and 200-meter relays at the Iowa boys and girls state track and field championships from May 22-24. Photo by Mark Reno | | | | | | | | Read the full schedule | |
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 | | | Charger girls compete at state track Friday and Saturday | | | | | | | | By Cyote Williams | Times Vedette
The ACGC girls track and field team will compete in four events at the Iowa boys and girls state track and field championships at Drake Stadium in Des Moines from May 22-24. You can watch the live feed of the competition HERE. ACGC athletes at the meet will be:
- Ava Campbell in the 800- and 1,500-meter runs
- Cadence Petersen in the 400-meter hurdles
- The distance medley team of Nora Langgaard, Meranda Gruber, Cadence Petersen and Ava Campbell
PICTURED: ACGC's Cadence Petersen competes in the 400-meter hurdles at the Iowa boys and girls state track and field meet on Friday, May 23. Photo by Mark Reno | | | | | | | | Read the full schedule | |
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| | Guthrie County: Congregate Meals are served at Sneakers Café, Monday through Friday, in the Guthrie County Hospital, 710 N. 12th St., Guthrie Center. No meals are available on major holidays or during inclement weather. This service is available for seniors ages 60 and older. No reservation is needed. All menus follow Elderbridge-approved menus and provide at least one-third of the nutritional needs of individuals 60 and older. Menus are subject to change. For more information on these services, call 641-332-3818. | |
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| | Adair County: Congregate Meals are served at Adair Senior Center, 410 Audubon St., Adair. Days and hours are: Tuesdays, 10 a.m. - 1 p.m.; Thursdays, 10 a.m. - 1 p.m.; Fridays, 10 a.m. - 1 p.m. Suggested contribution for meals is $5.25. If younger than age 60, fee is $12. More information can be found on the Adair County Connections Facebook page. | |
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| | I can relate
“I could relate to your column (Then, Tuesday, May 20, 2025). I used to love that song until I was married and had kids. And like you said, it seems like we always found excuses not to do things with our parents or do more things with our kids. I guess that’s why you become a grandparent, to make up for times that you didn’t get to do those things with your own kids. Enjoy life while you have them. They are gone way too soon. Have a wonderful day.” - Kris | |
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| | Guthrie Center and the atomic bomb
“I was born and raised in Guthrie Center and graduated in 1980 and have lived in Des Moines since 1987. I have very much enjoyed what you have done with the GC Times since taking over. You have converted it back to a true hometown paper. Have you read the book ‘Wilhelm’s Way?’ It is about an Iowa-born scientist, Dr. Harley Wilhelm, who was able to revolutionize the way uranium was produced for the Manhattan Project while working at Iowa State University (go Cyclones). The reason I bring this up is, according to the book, Wilhelm spent a year in Guthrie Center coaching and teaching. Turned out his wife was not happy living in GC, so they left. Likely the best thing that ever came about someone not wanting to stay in GC as it allowed the U.S. to develop the atomic bomb before our enemies. Might make for an interesting ‘From the Publisher’ article regarding the GC connection.” - Doug | |
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 | | | 30 years ago | | | | | | | | From the archives of The Guthrie Center Times, May 24, 1995
A SHORT HOP. Dr. David Ahrens was at the open house for the Regional Airport Authority and decided to take the plane up despite a low ceiling and rain. It was just a short hop for Ahrens, who is emerging at the right. Dennis Flanery hops out the other side while David Bruner awaits in the plane. | | | | | | | | See more Yester Years | |
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 | | | Lehman and his Chevelle rebound from setbacks | | | | | | | | By Rich Wicks | Guthrie Center Times, May 2025
Often, the things we appreciate the most are the things for which we work the hardest or wait the longest. That is certainly true of Dennis Lehman and his 1970 Chevelle. Lehman and his car have been through a lot of challenges — together and separately.
“In 1968, my friend, Bob Tunink, and I decided to go into the service together. But the summer before we left, we decided to drive around, and we went to Nebraska, South Dakota, Wyoming and came back through Colorado and Missouri, and we came across a brand new Chevelle on a car transport. We both decided we wanted one when we got out of the service.”
[...] | | | | | | | | Read the full story | |
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Submit your answers at the bottom of our website at gctimesnews.com | |
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Vote in the 2025 Best of Guthrie County Poll | | | | | | | | Vote in up to 82 different categories to help us to recognize the people, places, businesses and events that make Guthrie County so great. | | | | | | | | Vote Here | |
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