| | Don’t call it a comeback
Whatever happened to conversion vans? If you are smiling right now, you probably owned one. If anything ever needed to come back, these are it.
I never owned a conversion van. I’m a bit too young for those, but my older brother had one. He also had a moustache, silk shirts and a belt with his name on it.
If you don’t recall what a conversion van was, let me help you out. They were essentially cargo vans that were decked out, typically by a third-party company but also by a generation of do-it-yourselfers. Popular full-sized models that were used for the base included the Chevrolet Van, the Dodge Ram Van, the Ford E-Series and my personal favorite, the GMC Vandura.
Trendy features included shag carpet, captain’s seats, luxury lighting, 8-track players and lots of oak trim. The cool ones had fold-down beds, fiberglass bubble tops and gas stoves.
Conversion vans started to become popular in the 1960s with the hippies, and those Volkswagen models really were groovy. But the ones I recall were in the 1970s — and the more custom paint they had, the better. Think nature scenes, flames and lots of Americana. Those were the days of Evel Knievel, after all. The side windows were also a signature feature, often in small circles, rectangles or diamonds — and almost always tinted.
Few things are as identifiable with the 1970s era as conversion vans. Unfortunately, they went by the wayside along with dark wood paneling, crochet throws and mood rings.
Some say the demise of conversion vans was due to the federal government and vehicle manufacturers demanding new safety guidelines be adhered to. Others say the vans priced themselves out of the market with extravagant features. In reality, the rising cost of fuel made these gas-hogs less attractive for the average American.
Regardless, conversion vans were the ultimate vehicle for road trips, and they looked really cool in the driveway. You know the saying, what goes around, comes around. Well, don’t call it a comeback, but you, too, may be driving one soon.
Have a terrific Tuesday, 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 hear update on early voting
By Rich Wicks | Times Vedette
During the regular Oct. 22 meeting of the Guthrie County Board of Supervisors, a light agenda led to a short meeting. The supervisors heard a quarterly departmental report on Veterans Affairs from department head Beth Watson.
“We held a veterans’ mobile clinic. VA of Des Moines’ health care system comes out,” Watson said.
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 | | | EMS tax levy put to a vote on Nov. 5 | | | | | | | | By Luann Waldo | Special to the Times Vedette
Voters in the Nov. 5 Guthrie County General Election will decide the fate of a new proposal that is to provide funding for Emergency Medical Services. Public Measure IU asks voters to approve a 75-cent per $1,000 of taxable value on their property with the funding to be shared by the ambulances serving Guthrie County residents. A 60% approval is needed for the measure to pass.
Recognizing the need for a more unified and efficient EMS system, Guthrie County is proposing the establishment of a county-wide EMS framework. The revenue generated from this levy would be used to contract with the existing EMS services and enhance their capabilities, ensuring that high-quality emergency medical care is accessible throughout the entire county.
[...] | | | | | | | | Read the full story | |
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 | | | Guthrie County mural dedication draws a crowd | | | | | | | | By Rich Wicks | Times Vedette
On a beautiful sunny afternoon on Oct. 12, a crowd estimated at 60 showed up for the dedication of the new Guthrie County mural, which was installed on the side of the Guthrie Center Fire Station. The dedication was hosted by Art on State, which brings awareness of artistic endeavors to the community at large by presenting performing and visual arts programs.
Flyers for the dedication included artist Chad Elliott’s explanation for the visual imagery in the mural.
[...] | | | | | | | | Read the full story | |
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| | Iowa Cattlemen’s Association names new director of government relations and public policy | | | | | | | | Special to the Times Vedette
Iowa Cattlemen’s Association (ICA) announced Kelli Wicks as its new director of government relations and public policy.
[...] | | | | | | | | Read the full story | |
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| | A record-breaking day for the cribbage buddies | | | | | | | | Special to the Times Vedette
Friday, Oct 18 was a record-breaking day for the cribbage buddies of Guthrie Center. First off, there were 15 “19 count'” (no points) in Dealer's Crib. Second, Kathy Feilmeyer of Panora had a hand count of 29. The odds of a 29 are one in 216,580. On average, 20 hands are dealt in a game of cribbage, so the chances of both hands appearing in the same game are about one in 9 million.
[...] | | | | | | | | Read the full story | |
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| | Robert White | | | | | | | | 1929-2024
Robert Wesley White, 95, passed away Saturday, Oct. 19, 2024, in Des Moines. He was born April 22, 1929, in Guthrie Center to Lawrence and Estella Vaughan White.
Bob was a graduate of Winterset High School and attended Simpson College in Indianola and was a stellar athlete for both schools. He met the love of his life, Betty Ann Jorgensen, while in high school, and they were married on Sept. 10, 1948, in Winterset. To that union, three children were born, Dennis, Noel and Michele.
[...] | | | | | | | | Read the full obituary | |
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 | | | Stowe chosen as homecoming queen at Mizzou | | | | | | | | Special to the Times Vedette
Audrey Stowe of Guthrie Center was chosen as homecoming queen at the University of Missouri on Oct. 19. She is majoring in both marketing and strategic communications and is also the president of Mizzou’s Panhellenic Association, which encourages and facilitates community relations, membership development and social awareness for the sorority community. | |
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| | Arber graduates from Mercy College of Health Sciences
Special to the Times Vedette
Jotham Arber of Panora was conferred a Certificate in Emergency Medical Services by Mercy College of Health Sciences, 928 Sixth Ave., Des Moines, on Aug. 17.
To learn more about the health science programs offered at Mercy College visit our website at www.mchs.edu. Mercy College is the only Catholic college in Central Iowa and is accredited by the Higher Learning Commission of the North Central Association of Colleges and Schools. | |
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| | Reminder
Record Books and Award Applications need to be turned in to the Guthrie County Extension Office by Nov. 1 at 4:30 p.m.
Clover Kids After School Meeting Dates
Panora - All meetings to be held at Panora Public Library
- Nov. 5, 3:30-5 p.m.
- Jan. 7, 3:30-5 p.m.
- March 4, 3:30-5 p.m.
- May 6, 3:30-5 p.m.
Adair
- Nov. 6, 3:15-4-45 p.m.
- Jan. 8, 3:15-4:45 p.m.
- March 5, 3:15-4:45 p.m.
- May 7, 3:15-4:45 p.m.
Guthrie Center
- Nov. 7, 3:45-5:15 p.m.
- Jan. 9, 3:45-5:15 p.m.
- March 6, 3:45-5:15 p.m.
- May 8, 3:45-5:15 p.m.
The Guthrie County Extension Office is located at 212 State St. in Guthrie Center, IA 50115. Office hours are Monday through Thursday, 8 a.m. to 4:30 p.m.; Friday: 8 a.m. to noon. Email xguthrie@iastate.edu or call 641-747-2276. | |
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 | | | Iowa Crop Progress and Condition Report | | | | | | | | Released by the USDA National Agricultural Statistics Service
Iowa Secretary of Agriculture Mike Naig commented on the Iowa Crop Progress and Condition Report released by the USDA National Agricultural Statistics Service. The report is released weekly April through November. Additionally, the Iowa Department of Agriculture and Land Stewardship provides a weather summary each week during this time.
“After another dry week, Iowa’s harvest took another sizable step toward the finish line,” Secretary Naig said. “Heading into the last stretch of October, temperatures are expected to remain warmer than average with more chances of precipitation, which could slow or temporarily pause harvest in areas. With drought conditions continuing to spread, we would welcome a shot of rain to reduce fire risks, get cover crops established and begin to replenish our soils, streams and pastures.”
[...] | | | | | | | | Read the full report | |
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| | More than 80 calls this week including Stuart Police and Guthrie County Deputy responding to a report of a fight in rural tuart; Guthrie County Deputy responding to a report of a missing person in Yale; and Panora Ambulance, Guthrie Center Fire Department, and Guthrie County Deputies responding to a report of a tractor rollover in Guthrie Center.
10-14-2024
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2:52 a.m. Guthrie County Deputy and Adair Fire Department responded to a report of a single-evehicle accident in rural Adair
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3:15 a.m. Panora Ambulance responded to a medical call in Yale
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9:08 a.m. Panora Ambulance transported a patient from Guthrie County Hospital to Des Moines
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10:20 a.m. Stuart Police responded to a harassment complaint
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11:55 a.m. responded to a report of an abandoned vehicle
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 | | | Panthers pass first hurdle, win 2A first-round matchup against Pocahontas Area, 3-2 | | | | | | | | By Cyote Williams | Times Vedette
On Monday, Oct. 21, Panorama volleyball (11-11) scraped and clawed its way to a 3-2 comeback win over Pocahontas Area (12-17) in the Class 2A first-round playoffs. Panorama took an extended set, 28-26, then, dropped the next two sets, 25-21, giving Pocahontas Area a 2-1 edge. With their backs against the wall, Panorama won the fourth set, 25-21, and the decisive fifth set, 15-9, to advance to the second round. Panorama will face Grundy Center (23-15) in round two, at Grundy Center on Wednesday, Oct. 23.
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PICTURED: No. 15 Faith Recker sets up one of her teammates against Pocahontas Area last night. Photo by Betty Cooper | | | | | | | | See more photos | |
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 | | | Panorama falters in final game of season against Riverside, 44-6 | | | | | | | | By Cyote Williams | Times Vedette
Panorama football’s (1-7) regular season ended against Riverside (6-2) on Friday, Oct. 18, losing 44-6. Cruz Crandall was under center for the Panthers. He went 16/27 through the air with 141 yards, one TD and one interception. The TD went to Reed Draper, who led Panorama with 75 receiving yards on five catches. Brayden Meinecke led in receptions with six for 45 yards. Ian Schnathorst led Panorama in rushing yards with 29 on five carries.
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PICTURED: Panorama sophomore No. 21 Cruz Crandall drops back to pass against Riverside last Friday. Photo by Betty Cooper | | | | | | | | Read the full story | |
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| | Panther runners to take on 1A state-qualifying meet this Thursday
By Cyote Williams | Times Vedette
Panorama boys and girls cross country will compete at the 1A state-qualifying meet at ACGC on Thursday, Oct. 24. Hundreds of runners will be in attendance, vying for a spot at the state meet at Kennedy Park in Fort Dodge on Nov. 2. The Panorama girls missed out on a trip to state last season, finishing fourth at the qualifying meet in 2023. The boys have only placed in two meets this season, but they can still send individuals to Fort Dodge depending on their placement. | |
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 | | | ACGC defeats Southwest Valley, 40-7 | | | | | | | | By Cyote Williams | Times Vedette
No. 2 ACGC football (8-0) went undefeated in the regular season for the second year in a row after its 40-7 win at home over Southwest Valley (1-7) on Friday, Oct. 18. Jathan South went 5/6 passing for 104 yards and one touchdown, thrown to Joe Crawford. Crawford had four catches for 69 yards. The team’s main bulk of offense, as per usual, came on the ground. Crawford also led the team in rushing yards with six carries for 120 yards and one score. Mike Fuller was close behind with 11 carries for 108 yards and two TDs.
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PICTURED: Head Coach Cody Matthewson and his ACGC Chargers have won 16 straight regular season games. Photo by Mark Reno | | | | | | | | Read the full story | |
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| | ACGC wins Woodward-Granger tournament Saturday
By Cyote Williams | Times Vedette
The Charger volleyball team (20-10) traveled to Woodward-Granger High School for a tournament on Saturday, Oct. 19. ACGC had a monster slate of six games on the day, going 5-1. The Chargers defeated hosts Woodward-Granger (14-18) in the final, 2-0.
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| | Chargers host 1A state-qualifying cross country meet this Thursday
By Cyote Williams | Times Vedette
ACGC boys and girls cross country will host a 1A state qualifying meet on Thursday, Oct. 24. Runners in attendance will be competing for a spot in the state meet at Kennedy Park in Fort Dodge on Nov. 2. The Charger boys placed second at the state meet last season, while the girls placed fifth. | |
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| | Essential skills for high schoolers
By Jemma Meacham, junior
High school students should learn multiple skills to help them become successful in their futures, but three specific skills are more important than others. One of the skills that is essential for students to be successful is to learn time management. Time management is important for everyday life. If students have poor time management, then it can start to negatively affect them in many ways.
Another important skill for high school students to learn is organization because it will make their lives easier.
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| | More than just books | | | | | | | | By Karen Kelly | Special to the Times Vedette
As the year unfolds, many of us set out to read a specific number of books, whether at the start of the year or with daily reading targets. How's your reading journey for 2024 going? Have you explored any new authors? Which titles have you enjoyed or not liked as much?
I’m pleased to say I’m on track to meet my yearly goal.
[...] | | | | | | | | Read the full story | |
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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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 | | | 10 years ago | | | | | | | | From the archives of The Guthrie County Vedette, Oct. 23, 2014
TOUCHDOWN! Gabe Richey makes the touchdown on Panorama’s first possession and celebrates with teammate Jeramy Randol. Panorama won the Class 1A District 8 game 46-0 over I-35 of Truro. | | | | | | | | See more Yester Years | |
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 | | | 1958 Chevy has been a dream for Klever | | | | | | | | Guthrie Center man has spent many days enjoying the car on the open road rather than keeping it in his garage.
By Rich Wicks | Guthrie Center Times, October 2024
Robert Klever of Guthrie Center has a car he has enjoyed for more than 20 years, and he has a good story to go along with it. He told of discovering the car for sale and said he was immediately interested. “I bought it in 2003, after seeing it advertised in the Des Moines paper. It was in north central Missouri, so I went down and got it,” Klever said.
“I bought it from a sheriff down there. It was pretty plain, but I’ve added a few extras to it. I had power steering put on it, and that made it a much better driving car.”
[...] | | | | | | | | Read the full story | |
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| | FOR RENT: Newly Renovated! 2/1 Apartment for Rent. Newly renovated 2-bed, 1-bath apartment at 502 W Market St, Panora, IA 50216. Enjoy 700 sq ft of modern living with LVP flooring, new cabinets, counter tops, fresh paint, and updated trim and doors. Under new management, this bright and stylish unit offers comfort and convenience in a welcoming community near local amenities. $800/month. Call 712-469-4033.
CHILD CARE PROVIDERS WANTED: If you’re passionate about working with children, we want to hear from you! Little Smiles is a state licensed daycare in Adair. Benefits include no nights, weekends, or holidays, paid time off, discounted child care, and matching retirement plan available. Must be 18+ years of age and pass a background check. $500 hiring bonus available! Contact littlesmilesadair@gmail.com or 641-742-3031. | |
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