| It’s long johns season
It’s cold again outside, and that means one thing — it’s time to break out the long johns.
I recall being a child and staying with family friends on their farm for a few days. The woman of the household was a wonderful lady named Marge, and she told me we would be making long johns. The brain of this 5-year-old envisioned some sort of sweatshop with sewing machines humming away. I was pleasantly surprised to find out she and I would be in the kitchen making long donuts with a maple glaze of incredibly sugary frosting. Not too many years later, I learned to also appreciate thermal underwear and its waffle weave texture just as much. Long johns were — and continue to be — necessary clothing in the winter weather of Iowa.
Even in my suit-and-tie days out of college, I was known to wear long johns. While in a meeting at The Des Moines Register where we were all seated in chairs in a circle, I could see my coworker Shannon laughing at me from across the room. With my legs crossed at the knee, I leaned forward and tried mouthing, “What’s so funny?” She kept laughing. Shannon could see I was becoming irritated with her, and she finally blurted out, “Quit being such a jerk. I am just laughing at your long underwear that I can see from your suit pant leg.” Laugh all you want, Shannon. I was toasty warm.
Maybe you wonder where the term “long johns” came from. Some say it began with soldiers in World War II who donned the thermal underwear, but the words appeared many years prior. According to a story in the Summit (Colorado) Daily, the invention of long johns is credited to John Smedley in the English town of Matlock in Derbyshire. Smedley manufactured the clothing on the premises of his Lea Mills in the late 18th century, the story says. The name “long johns” supposedly refers to American boxer John L. Sullivan, who reigned as the heavyweight champion from 1882-1892.
So now you know. The next time you slip into some long johns, you can think of John Smedley and John L. Sullivan. And the next time you eat a delicious maple-glazed long john donut, you can think of all the wonderful bakers like Marge.
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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| Guthrie County Supervisors approve pay changes
By Rich Wicks | Times Vedette
The Guthrie County Board of Supervisors discussed three proposed payroll change notices during the regular meeting on Jan. 9.
A payroll change notice for Jenny Jessen (Social Worker, Public Health) was approved unanimously. Jessen’s pay will increase from $25.71 to $30 hourly.
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 | | Armstrong honored for term as economic development president | | | | | | Special to the Times Vedette
Maggie Armstrong received an award from the Panora and Lake Panorama Economic Development at Wednesday’s meeting for serving as the 2024 president of the group. Julie Dent-Zajicek, who presented the award, is the 2025 president. | |
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| Iowa State Bar Association announces Dinkla’s retirement, introduces new executive director | | | | | | Special to the Times Vedette
The Iowa State Bar Association (ISBA) announced a significant leadership transition. Dwight Dinkla, executive director of the ISBA, announced his retirement as executive director effective July 1, 2025, following nearly three decades of distinguished service and dedication to the association.
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| Woman dies in Menlo fire
Special to the Times Vedette
Adair/Guthrie County Emergency Management Coordinator Jeremy Cooper shared information on a house fire on the 400 block of Third Street in Menlo that occurred around 9:20 a.m. on Jan. 7.
When a search team entered the house, they found a 73-year old woman, later identified as Denise K. Miller. An air ambulance was requested, and the victim was pronounced deceased on the scene.
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| DNR investigating lactic acid spill near Adair
Special to the Times Vedette
The Iowa Department of Natural Resources is investigating a lactic acid spill near Adair in Adair County.
On Jan. 7, the DNR Field Office in Atlantic was notified of a semi-trailer on fire at the I-80 eastbound rest area, approximately three miles east of the city of Adair.
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| Legion Chicken and Bingo
By Rich Wicks | Times Vedette
On Sunday, Jan. 12, a pan-fried chicken dinner is being held at the Guthrie Center American Legion Hall (entrance between Post Office and doctors’ office) from 10:30 a.m. to 1 p.m. The meal includes potato, vegetable and veggie bar. The cost is $12 per person, which includes 10 free games of bingo following the meal. Carryouts are available. Call 641-757-1378 to order. | |
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| Iowa PBS presents the 2025 Iowa State Dance Team Championships
Special to the Times Vedette
For nearly 50 years, the Iowa State Dance Team Championships have showcased the talents of Iowa's young athletes. Iowa PBS will once again provide exclusive coverage of the event, featuring highlights of all the winning routines and busy backstage action. The 2025 Iowa State Dance Team Championships will premiere on the statewide network Monday, Jan. 20 at 8 p.m. and be rebroadcast Sunday, Jan. 26 at 1 p.m.
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| Iowa farmland values show stability with some deviations
Special to the Times Vedette
Farmland values in Iowa remain stable according to the latest Benchmark Farm Value Trends Report issued by Farm Credit Services of America (FCSAmerica). While sales activity has slowed, cropland is showing pockets of strength.
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| Sunshine Club meets Jan. 8
Special to the Times Vedette
On Wednesday, Jan. 8, six Sunshine Club members met with Janine Frettim at her home for a 1 p.m. meeting. New President Janine Frettim opened the meeting asking everyone to recite The Lord’s Prayer. Roll call was “What are you looking forward to in 2025?” Many interesting answers were given. The minutes of the December meeting were read with no corrections, and the Treasurer’s Report was given. Several members paid their dues. Next month’s meeting will be held at the Morrisburg Church with Trudy Woolman and Pat Trent hosting. Meeting adjourned with delicious snacks served. Cards completed the afternoon. | |
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| Buena Vista University announces Fall 2024 Dean's List
Special to the Times Vedette
Buena Vista University congratulates more than 560 students who were named to the Fall 2024 Dean's List. The Dean's List recognizes full-time students achieving a 3.5 grade point average or higher for the semester.
- Lacie Davis of Coon Rapids
- Audrey Franzeen of Guthrie Center
- Easton Hays of Coon Rapids
- Erin Hunsaker of Stuart
- Halley Joel of Stuart
- Gabriel Obert of Coon Rapids
- Drew Taylor of Redfield
- Evan Taylor of Redfield
- Claire Woodworth of Panora
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| Grubbs named to Coe College Dean's List
Special to the Times Vedette
Coe College is recognizing its highest performing students as members of the Dean's List, including Quinn Grubbs, who is currently among this elite group.
Grubbs, of Casey, has been named to the Fall 2024 Dean's List at Coe in Cedar Rapids.
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 | | Panthers host Ogden tonight | | | | | | By Cyote Williams | Times Vedette
Panorama girls basketball (6-3) will host Ogden (1-9) tonight, Friday, Jan. 10. Panorama is currently on a two-game losing streak after dropping games to ACGC and Pleasantville. They will look to get back on track against Ogden. Offensive forces will clash in this one. Morgan Crees is averaging 19.9 points per game. Ogden’s Jordyn Crosman is averaging 19.7 points per game. Expect those two to battle it out.
PICTURED: No. 12 Morgan Crees drops the shoulder to get past the defender in a game earlier this season. Photo by Betty Cooper | |
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 | | Panorama aims to bounce back against Ogden tonight | | | | | | By Cyote Williams | Times Vedette
Panorama boys basketball (1-8) plays against Ogden (2-6) at home tonight, Jan. 10. Panorama has had a rough start to this season, but it has the chance to get back into the win column against a struggling Ogden team. The two teams faced off twice last season, with Panorama winning both, 59-45, and 68-66.
PICTURED: No. 44 Brayden Galvan eludes the double team against Madrid earlier this season. Photo by Betty Cooper | |
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 | | Panther wrestlers compete at Mustang Invitational on Saturday | | | | | | By Cyote Williams | Times Vedette
Panorama boys wrestling will travel to PCM High School on Saturday, Jan. 11 to compete in the Mustang Invitational. This will be the boys’ first return to competition since winter break. Other teams at the tournament will be Central Decatur, Chariton, Des Moines East, Gilbert, Indianola, Iowa Falls-Alden, Nevada, Panorama, PCM, Pleasantville, South Tama, Southeast Polk and Southeast Warren.
PICTURED: Joel Cooper (285) and his opponent tie up during the SE Valley, Ogden, Panorama, ACGC Quad on Dec. 19. photo by Betty Cooper | |
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 | | Panthers compete in home tournament | | | | | | By Cyote Williams | Times Vedette
Panorama girls wrestling competed and hosted a wrestling tournament on Tuesday, Jan. 7. Several Panthers competed for first place, with several others placing third. Their next competition will be this Saturday, Jan. 11, at the Cedar Falls Invite.
Panorama results:
- Ella Carico, third place
- Natalie Waltz, third place
- Emma Brown, fifth place
- Cadence Petersen, fifth place
- Jeslyn Ortega, fourth place
- Miley Nolan, sixth place
- Piper Downing, fourth place
- Dafne Hernandez, third place
- Gracie Recker, second place
- Emma Walker, second place
- Hali Klingenberg, third place
PICTURED: Cadence Petersen lifts her opponent during the tournament on Jan. 7. Photo by Betty Cooper | | | | | | See more photos | |
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 | | Panther Esports sweeps Sioux Central in Overwatch | | | | | | By Cyote Williams | Times Vedette
Panorama’s Esports team (2-1), currently competing in Overwatch, swept Sioux Central on Wednesday, Jan. 8. The competition was a best of five match, with Panorama winning three straight games to earn the sweep. Game one was Control, game two was Push and game three was Hybrid. According to head coach Cameron Little, the PHS Esports team made quick work of their opponents during each game. For those interested in watching the gameplay, replays are available HERE for seven to 10 days after the competition. | | | | | | See more photos | |
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 | | No. 7 Chargers take down No. 8 Des Moines Christian, 63-50; South scores 35 | | | | | | By Cyote Williams | Times Vedette
No. 7 ACGC boys basketball (6-0) earned a ranked win over No. 8 Des Moines Christian (7-2) during their home game on Tuesday, Jan. 7. The Chargers’ victory was spearheaded by Jathan South who scored more than half of ACGC’s points. His 35-point game came on 10/15 shooting from the field and 14/20 from the free throw line. South made more free throws than Des Moines Christian attempted the entire game. Payton Policky also had his fingerprints on this one. Policky had 10 points and 13 rebounds to complete the double-double. ACGC will have its toughest test yet tonight, Jan. 10, when it hosts No. 2 Madrid (10-0). Madrid has dominated its opponents so far this season, winning games on average by 38 points. Something will have to give when these two undefeated teams meet on Friday night. ACGC will play in back-to-back nights, hosting Exira-EHK (2-5) on Saturday, Jan. 11.
PICTURED: ACGC's No. 34 Payton Policky has a double double in four of their six games this season. Photo by Mark Reno | |
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 | | ACGC undefeated run ends against Des Moines Christian, 46-33 | | | | | | By Cyote Williams | Times Vedette
ACGC girls basketball (6-1) had its undefeated start to the season stop at the hands of Des Moines Christian (8-3) on Tuesday, Jan. 7. Camdyn Richter scored 15 points while gathering five rebounds. Stella Largent nearly earned a double-double with nine points and a game-high 13 rebounds. The Chargers will have back-to-back games to rebound from the loss. They host Madrid (3-7) tonight, Jan. 10. Then, on Saturday, Jan. 11, ACGC will host Exira-EHK (5-2).
PICTURED: ACGC's No. 10 Karli Kautzky is chased by two Panorama defenders on Dec. 20. Photo by Mark Reno | |
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 | | Chargers win both duals at triangular meet | | | | | | By Cyote Williams | Times Vedette
ACGC boys wrestling competed in a triangular meet at Van Meter on Thursday, Jan. 9. ACGC won both of its duals, defeating East Union, 52-24, and Van Meter, 39-33. ACGC will return to action at the Tri-Center Tournament this Saturday, Jan. 11. ACGC will compete against 16 other schools.
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PICTURED: ACGC’s Michael Fuller pins the Panorama wrestler at the Ogden quad meet on Dec. 19. Photo by Mark Reno | | | | | | Read the full results | |
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| Congregate Meals are served at Sneakers Café, Monday through Friday, in the Guthrie County Hospital. 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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 | | 30 years ago | | | | | | From the archives of The Guthrie Center Times, Jan. 11, 1995
SCHOOL'S OUT FOR THE DAY. Brothers Andy (top) and Ryan Richter race down a hill behind the Plowman Trenching building in Adair. Andy, a third grader, and Ryan, a seventh grader, spent part of the day sledding, as Adair-Casey canceled school Friday to fix a water problem. | | | | | | See more Yester Years | |
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 | | Lake weddings | | | | | | Lake Panorama provides a beautiful backdrop for celebrations of marriage.
By Susan Thompson | Lake Panorama Times, January 2025
The era when most weddings were held in church sanctuaries has given way to most weddings being held in special event venues. Those with ties to Lake Panorama have another option — using the lake as a backdrop for outdoor weddings. This is the story of two recent weddings held at Lake Panorama. Jamie and Ellen Pollard of Ames bought a house on Lake Panorama’s Jones Cove in 2015.
[...] | | | | | | Read the full story | |
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