| Otzi the Iceman and shoelaces
I have written several columns through the years about my being late to the game in learning how to tie my shoes. To avoid the embarrassment, I wore cowboy boots to kindergarten. I know how to tie my shoes now, but I prefer to continue to avoid the process. I no longer wear cowboy boots, but I do slip on plenty of loafers.
Of course, I wear laced shoes as well. When tying a pair the other day, I noticed how the shoes were wearing out, but the shoelaces were in great shape. In fact, I could not recall the last time I broke a shoelace. Is it because laces are made of better quality materials today? Is it because I don’t pull on them as hard when tightening them up? Or is it simply because I don’t wear laced shoes every day?
I am not sure, but I do know that I snapped a lot of shoelaces as a child. I can still feel my body reeling backwards with the broken lace gripped tightly in my hand. Then I would try to tie the pieces of lace together, which never seemed to work. We had plenty of extra shoelaces around our house growing up, but the breaks often happened when I was in a hurry or not at home. I don’t know if we even have any replacement shoelaces at home now. If we do, I don’t know where they are.
Do you ever wonder who invented shoelaces? Well, it was Otzi the Iceman, of course. Otzi died in 3300 BC, and his frozen mummy was found wearing bearskin shoes with lime bark shoelaces.
Generations later, some shoemakers stopped making laces and focused instead on buttons or buckles, but shoelaces lived on. The first patent was filed in 1790, and soldiers during the American Civil War even wore ankle-high boots with leather laces.
In the 20th-century, shoemakers started using synthetic materials. Puma created the first Velcro sneakers in 1968, and elderly men everywhere rejoiced.
How about a “shoestring budget”? The origin of this phrase seems to have multiple roots. Many believe it is connected to a shoestring gambler or a gambling game. Others say the term denotes a limited budget because bootlaces or straps are close to the ground. Shoestrings are also quite inexpensive to buy, so the concept of having only enough money to purchase strings may also be reflected in the term.
If Otzi the Iceman knew it would become this complicated, he would have worn cowboy boots, too.
Have 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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 | | Panora Garden Club holds Lake Panorama Boat Tour | | | | | | By Shane Goodman | Times Vedette
The Panora Garden Club held its annual Lake Panorama Boat Tour on Wednesday, June 18 shortly after rainstorms hit the area. As the clouds departed, the weather cooperated for a beautiful evening tour on the lake. A total of 13 pontoons provided transportation for the 130 registered participants.
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PICTURED: The Audubon group: Gary Keller, Linda Keller, Dan Lowe, Vicki Lowe, Roxanne Hansen, Marcia Huey and Gaylin Huey | | | | | | See more photos | |
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 | | Citywide cleanup in Guthrie Center held | | | | | | By Rich Wicks | Times Vedette
On Wednesday, Guthrie Center held its annual citywide cleanup day for citizens who had paid and registered beforehand. As usual, the ACGC baseball team provided most of the manpower to load curbside items into trucks. Scrap metal items were turned in to help raise money.
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PICTURED: Baseball team members return to city hall for a lunch break. | | | | | | Read the full story | |
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 | | Learning about lambs | | | | | | Special to the Times Vedette
Brookelyn, Gracelyn and Stetson Dorsett joined other kids at the Guthrie County Extension Office on Wednesday and learned about the traits of sheep. A two-day-old lamb was brought in for the kids to see up close. | |
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| ACGC School Boards discuss electronics policy
By Rich Wicks | Times Vedette
During the June 18 meeting of the Adair-Casey and Guthrie Center school boards, Superintendent Josh Rasmussen summarized the first reading of the proposed Student Use of Personal Electronic Device Policy. He explained that the policy closely follows the new state law.
“As many of you are aware, we have a law that we have to follow now,” Rasmussen said. “What it’s going to outline is basically what the law states, that it’s going to look at instructional time as defined by periods of classroom instruction from the beginning-of-class bell until the end-of-class bell. That’s what the law states.”
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| Chuckwagon Days start today
By Rich Wicks | Times Vedette
Ashley Smith, president of the Adair Chamber of Commerce, shared details on the Chuckwagon Days celebration in Adair, set for today through Sunday, June 22.
The celebration offers something for everyone, including food and drink, parades, contests, games, live music, 5K and one-mile races, vendors, a tractor show, kids’ activities and bingo. Details on the schedule can be found on the Facebook page of the Adair Chamber of Commerce at www.facebook.com/adairiachamber.
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| Guthrie Center Presbyterian celebrates 150 years
By Rich Wicks | Times Vedette
On Sunday, June 22, Guthrie Center’s First Presbyterian Church will celebrate its 150th anniversary, and the public is invited to attend.
The celebration will begin at 10 a.m. with a church service including special music and the confirmation of a new church member. After the service, a light lunch will be served. A public reception will be held from 1-3 p.m.
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| Panora Farmers market is Saturday
By Rich Wicks | Times Vedette
The Panora farmers market will be held this Saturday from June 21 at the Guthrie County Historical Village, 206 W. South St. Hours will be 9 a.m. to noon. | |
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| Lakeside Village car show Saturday
By Rich Wicks | Times Vedette
If you enjoy classic cars, trucks and motorcycles, this weekend has an event you should not miss. On Saturday, June 21, from 11 a.m. to 2 p.m., the annual Lakeside Village car show will be held at 2067 Highway 4 in Panora. | |
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| Tori’s Angels Annual Breakfast Benefit Fundraiser is Sunday
Special to the Times Vedette
Tori’s Angels Foundation invites the community to enjoy breakfast and support a cause on Sunday, June 22 at the Panora Community Center from 8 a.m. to 1 p.m. The organization will have eggs, bacon, pancakes and drinks at its annual Tori’s Angels free-will offering breakfast benefit and silent auction.
The annual breakfast celebrates the foundation’s first breakfast in 2010 for then-5-year-old Tori Heckman who needed heart surgery in Boston. The subsequent foundation was named for the 800 attendees who so generously donated money for Tori’s surgery and proved themselves to be “Tori’s Angels.” The breakfast has been held annually since that time, except during the pandemic.
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| What to know about ATV and UTV/ORV driving on public roads and streets
Supplied by the Guthrie County Sheriff’s Office
The following information was compiled by the Iowa DNR, Iowa DOT and the Iowa State Patrol regarding usage of ATVs, UTVs or ORVs on public roads and streets.
How do drive on public roads
- Do not exceed 35 MPH.
- Driver must be age 18 or older with a valid driver's license.
- Do not drive while impaired or with open alcohol container.
- Headlight(s) must be on at all times.
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| Cribbage results from June 18
Special to the Times Vedette
On June 18, a total of 10 players participated with nobody scoring a high hand.
The Guthrie Center cribbage players generally meet at Guthrie Center Library, 400 Grand St., on Mondays at 8 a.m. and at the New Homestead independent living dining hall, 2306 State St., 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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| Iowa 2025 spring semester dean's list honorees announced
Special to the Times Vedette
More than 8,000 students at the University of Iowa were named to the dean's list for the 2025 spring semester including the following:
- Grant Caltrider of Stuart (50250)
- Brix Carstens of Bagley (50026)
- Hayden Coffman of Guthrie Center (50115)
- Zoey Hambleton of Guthrie Center (50115)
- Kaitlin Kent of Panora (50216)
- Kiersten Knobbe of Guthrie Center (50115)
- Anna Lauritsen of Guthrie Center (50115)
- Beverly McKenna of Redfield (50233)
- Avery Norman of Stuart (50250)
- Tanner Oswald of Coon Rapids (50058)
- Angel Poldberg of Panora (50216)
- Justin Reinhart of Guthrie Center (50115)
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| Wartburg College students receive diplomas
Special to the Times Vedette
Wartburg College awarded diplomas to 318 students during Spring Commencement on Saturday, May 24. Those recognized include:
- Josephine Arganbright, of Panora, who graduated with a Bachelor of Music in music therapy.
- Kaylea Gosnell, of Jesup, who graduated with a Bachelor of Arts in sociology and psychology.
- Tatum Grubbs, of Casey, who graduated Magna Cum Laude with a Bachelor of Arts in physical education.
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| Offseason workouts and the College World Series | | | | | | By Cyote Williams | Times Vedette
Offseason workouts
I often check up on the social media accounts of ACGC and Panorama to see what the schools are up to. One thing I have noticed lately are the sports camps and offseason workouts the programs have been hosting. I have many incredible memories from attending similar summer camps while I was in middle school and high school.
One instance that I remember well, which is also forever documented, was an offseason soccer workout I did while attending Lincoln High School. ACGC basketball fans likely made the trip to the school’s Roundhouse two years ago for a substate game. These workouts took place on the tennis courts nearby.
[...] | | | | | | Read the full story | |
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| 2025 Summer Sports Guide | | | | | | The Summer Sports Guide covers Panorama baseball and softball and ACGC baseball and softball. Complete with team photos and schedules.
Read the full issue online now! | | | | | | Read the full issue | |
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| Dahlhauser quiets Western Iowa Conference move for Panorama
By Cyote Williams | Times Vedette
Panorama activities director Bruce Dahlhauser responded to a Times Vedette inquiry on a recent report saying the school had been invited to join the Western Iowa Conference.
“We love being part of the WCAC and don’t see ourselves heading in a different direction. That said, anytime we get an invite, we think it’s important to take a look and make sure we’re doing what’s best for our students and our community and giving everyone the best shot at success. We have until Aug. 1 to provide our reply,” Dahlhauser said.
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| Panorama announces Prussing as new head boys wrestling coach
By Cyote Williams | Times Vedette
Panorama announced the hire of Tyler Prussing as its new head coach for the boys wrestling program. Prussing shared these comments with the school:
“For me, it’s about the opportunity to not only just coach in the sport I love; it’s also about the opportunity to watch young men grow… I’m just so blessed that I get to join a great district with great people all over it.”
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 | | Panther baseball falls to Woodward-Granger, 2-0 | | | | | | By Cyote Williams | Times Vedette
The Panorama baseball team (3-11) lost at Woodward-Granger (6-9), 2-0, on Wednesday, June 18. Pitching and defense were the names of the game in this contest. There were only eight total hits, split evenly between the two teams, all of them singles. Bryce Dawes spent all six innings on the mound for Panorama. He struck out four and allowed one earned run.
PICTURED: Panorama's No. 12 Nolan Sheehy makes the play at second base against Woodward-Granger. Photo by Betty Cooper | | | | | | See more photos | |
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 | | Panorama baseball loses both games in double header with Des Moines Christian, 16-6, 21-5 | | | | | | By Cyote Williams | Times Vedette
The Panorama baseball team (3-13) lost both of its games against Des Moines Christian (14-3) at home on Thursday, June 19. Panorama lost the first game, 16-6, and the second game, 21-5. The Panthers are back in WCAC action at home on Monday, June 23, against Madrid (5-10). Panorama will look to end its six game skid. The Panthers last win came against Madrid, 14-4.
PICTURED: Panorama's No. 27 Joel Cooper attempts to cut off the runner at first against Des Moines Christian. Photo by Betty Cooper | | | | | | See more photos | |
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 | | Panorama softball drops game to Woodward-Granger, 11-0 | | | | | | By Cyote Williams | Times Vedette
The Panorama softball team (4-12) lost at Woodward-Granger (12-4-1), 11-0 on Wednesday, June 18.
“We had a good first inning again, only holding them to one run after going scoreless but could not get things going against a good pitcher in Lantz. They got some key hits in the next couple innings, putting us in a tough hole to climb out of, and it just wasn’t our night. Hats off to them, and we are moving on to DMC on Thursday,” Head Coach Ismael Galvan said.
Galvan’s praise for Lantz is well founded. The sophomore pitcher held Panorama hitless. Panorama was able to reach base on three errors and one walk.
PICTURED: Panorama's No. 17 Emma Walker is batting .364, has 20 hits and scored 17 runs so far this season. Photo by Betty Cooper | |
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| Panthers fall to Des Moines Christian, 13-0
By Cyote Williams | Times Vedette
The Panorama softball team (4-13) lost its home game against Des Moines Christian (11-7) on Thursday, June 19, 13-0. The Panthers next game is against Madrid (6-11) at home on Monday, June 23. Madrid came away with a narrow, 5-4 win, over Panorama earlier this season. The Panthers will aim to do as they did last year and split the season series with the Tigers. Then, on Saturday, June 21, the Panthers compete in the Nodaway Valley Invitational Softball Tournament. There is a heat advisory in effect for most of the weekend that could postpone the games. Lenox, Melcher-Dallas, Murray, Nodaway Valley and Riverside are set to attend. | |
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| ACGC softball falls to Ogden, 8-0
By Cyote Williams | Times Vedette
The ACGC softball team (1-13) lost at home to Ogden (9-9) on Tuesday, June 17. The Chargers were held to two hits in the contest — singles by Jayla Hoover and Jacie Baker. Camdyn Richter and Hoover split time on the mound. Richter struck out one in her three innings. Hoover struck out one and allowed no walks or earned runs in her two innings pitched. | |
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| ACGC softball hosts double header against Pleasantville, loses both 8-0, 10-4
By Cyote Williams | Times Vedette
The ACGC softball team (1-15) lost both games of a home double header against Pleasantville (10-6) on Thursday, June 19, 8-0 and 10-4. The Chargers attempt to get back into the win column at West Central Valley (9-7) on Monday, June 23. ACGC won four games against the Wildcats last season but lost both games of a double header earlier this season. | |
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 | | Charger baseball loses to late Ogden rally, 6-4 | | | | | | By Cyote Williams | Times Vedette
After its own late-game heroics against Panorama on Monday, the ACGC baseball team (6-7-1) was on the wrong end of a late rally at home against Ogden (8-11-1) on Tuesday, June 17, losing 6-4. ACGC took a 3-2 lead in the third inning after being down two runs early. Ogden tied the game, 3-3, in the fifth, took the lead, 4-3 in the sixth, and gave itself extra breathing room in the seventh, up 6-3 heading into the final half inning. ACGC scored one run but failed to complete the comeback.
Chase Slaybaugh had two RBIs to go along with his game-high two hits for ACGC. Ben Franzeen had the teams other RBI. Noah Kading pitched all seven innings. He struck out six batters and only walked two.
PICTURED: ACGC's No. 4 Noah Kading is batting .245 and is second on the team in RBIs with 11. Photo by Betty Cooper from a game earlier this season. | |
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| Charger baseball loses both against No. 2 Pleasantville, 13-3, 12-1
By Cyote Williams | Times Vedette
The ACGC baseball team (6-9-1) hosted undefeated No. 2 Pleasantville (19-0) on Thursday, June 19. ACGC was able to score some run against a dominate Trojan side. Jackson Pfrang and Xander Harwood had one RBI apiece in game one. ACGC’s one run was scored by William Skram, giving ACGC a 1-0 lead before Pleasantville took control of the contest. ACGC will look to get back to its winning ways at West Central Valley (5-11-1) on Monday, June 23. These teams tied, 4-4, earlier this season after the game was suspended due to the lights going out. | |
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| 2025 ACGC Boys State Track Commemorative Issue | | | | | | Congratulations to the 2025 ACGC boys track and field program for its state runner-up performance at the 2025 IHSAA State Track and Field Championships.
Read the full issue online now! | | | | | | Read the full issue | |
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| Panorama Women’s Golf League results from June 17
Special to the Times Vedette
A total of 58 women played in the Panorama Women’s Golf League on June 17.
In the A group, Coop Rickert was the low scratch winner with a 35. The second low scratch winners were Amy Block and Emily Spradling with a 36. Coop Rickert was the HDCP winner with a 23. The special event was closest to No. 2 pin on second shot, and Debbie Rockwell was the winner. Sharon Wedemeyer had the fewest putts with 14.
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| Brewster has low score of 27
Special to the Times Vedette
On Tuesday, June 17, a total of 33 men played league at Panorama West Golf Course. Paul Brewster scored low with even par 27. Robert Carr was closest to the pin. The longest putt was made by John Muenzenberger. Jay Ganske needed only 13 putts. The scramble was rained out, so the prize money will carry over to next week. | |
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| The ‘ice box’ and ‘ring up’ | | | | | | “Shane, I have a couple closely related phrases (Turning, dialing, cranking and rolling, June 17, 2025). I am not as old with personal experience as these stories may make you think I am.
Ice box — I grew up in Dayton, Ohio. Dayton was a GM (General Motors) as well as a NCR (National Cash Register) town. My dad’s only job I remember was with Frigidaire back when GM owned them. He wasn’t a production worker but in management and worked at Morine City just on the edge of Dayton. That plant was enormous (maybe 3-4 miles long) making all kinds of Frigidaire appliances — stoves, refrigerators, air conditioning, etc. Our household was always GM-dominated with the discounts afforded employees for their products including cars. Needless to say, our wedding presents were Frigidaire. Back then, we always, and I still do today, call refrigerators “the ice box.”
Ring up — With the NCR connection, this phrase is still in my vocabulary. I can remember the hardware stores, Five & Dime stores and the butcher all having manual cash registers that the clerk would “ring up” your purchase with the cash register that would “ring’” when they pushed down on the keys and drawer would open.” – Mike Simpson
The real question is, what was in the ice box? – Shane | |
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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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| FOR SALE: Malibu 2013 Wakesetter VLX. Ebony - Solid Exterior. Low hours. Loaded options: 350 HP cat engine, Power Wedge, wake surf technology, complete ballast system, Rockford 400W sound system. Asking $69,000. Call 515-669-8300.
To place a classied click HERE. | |
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 | | 10 years ago | | | | | | From the archives of The Guthrie County Vedette, June 26, 2015
SHE’S A BEAUTY. Kim Lubeck of Panora takes a look at a 1973 Hurst Olds owned by Tom and Bonnie Snyder during a Car Show Saturday. | | | | | | See more Yester Years | |
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 | | Merrill’s trains collection brings joy to kids | | | | | | By Rich Wicks | Guthrie Center Times, June 2025
About 20 years ago, Kieth Merrill of rural Guthrie Center had an old hog barn that needed to be repaired or torn down. Because Merrill is a lifelong woodworker, he took on the task of repairing the building. That led to a hobby that continues to this day.
“The old hog barn was falling down, so I repaired it,” Merrill said. “Then, I had a train in my basement that I moved up here, and everything just kind of snowballed along from there.”
[...] | | | | | | Read the full story | |
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| How often did you typically water your lawn?
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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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