Guthrie County Times Vedette

TUESDAY, APRIL 29, 2025

Well, I love a rainy night

The recent rainfall has many of us smiling. At least it does me. A little water from the sky does wonders not only for our Iowa crops but for our yards, our plants, our wildlife and our attitudes. Some people say rain makes them sad. Not me. In fact, I happened to notice how many of my favorite songs are about rain. See if any of these ring a bell:

Of course, there is the classic, “Singin’ In The Rain” by Gene Kelly. The clip from the iconic movie is a cool video of sorts in a time before videos were cool. Check it out. You will smile, too.

The late 1980s brought us “Blame it on the Rain” by Milli Vanilli. OK, they didn’t actually sing the song, but the guys could dance — not like Gene Kelly, but they could dance. I have not admitted this publicly for a few decades, but I do have this CD… somewhere.

One of my favorite sing-along rain songs is “I Love A Rainy Night” by Eddie Rabbitt. I will forgive him for the misspelling of his last name, because “the windshield wipers slapping out a tempo” can make you forget about anything and start tapping your feet along with this snappy tune — with or without rain.

I remember being a child and hearing “Raindrops Keep Falling on my Head” by B.J. Thomas on the AM radio in our kitchen. The song was written by Burt Bacharach and Hal David for the 1969 film “Butch Cassidy and the Sundance Kid,” and it was played by nearly every radio station on nearly every rainy day for a decade.

Those who know me well recognize that one of my favorite songs is “Purple Rain” — not the Prince version but rather the twangy 2016 tribute by Dwight Yoakam. It’s a bluegrass masterpiece. Check it out.

Creedence Clearwater Survival had several hit songs about rain including “Who’ll Stop the Rain” and “Have You Ever Seen The Rain?” John Fogerty and the band couldn’t seem to make up their minds as to when to use a question mark or not in their song titles, but they did play incredible music. And with the word “water” in the band’s name, they had to write at least a few songs about rain.

OK, rain makes me happy, but a few songs about rain can be depressing. Even so, they are some of the best songs of any era. “Fire and Rain” by James Taylor defines that, which is clear in this 1970 live version.

In recent years, I have come to appreciate the music of Gordon Lightfoot and came across this wonderful song about “Rainy Day People.” It’s not “Sundown,” but it works.

In middle school, our chorus teacher, Mrs. Mawdsley, had us sing “Smoky Mountain Rain” by Ronnie Milsap. Even though I flunked chorus, I still like the song, including this live version with commentary from Milsap about working with Elvis Presley and playing piano in “Kentucky Rain,” which, maybe not ironically, was co-written by Eddie Rabbitt.

What songs about rain did I miss? Shoot me a note and let me know.

Have a terrific Tuesday, and thanks for reading.

Shane Goodman
Editor and Publisher
Times Vedette digital newsletter
shane@gctimesnews.com
641-332-2707

Guthrie County Supervisors discuss plans for bridge and road projects

By Rich Wicks | Times Vedette

The Guthrie County Board of Supervisors met April 28 in regular session. As part of the consent agenda, the supervisors approved liquor licenses for Twin Vines and Winetime LLC.

County Engineer Josh Sebern summarized proposed funding agreements for three federal-aid bridge projects in the county. The supervisors approved each of the three.

Sebern and the supervisors also discussed the Roads Department’s five-year plan for road projects. Discussion centered around funding and the prioritizing of roads most in need of repair. No formal action was taken.

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	Panora City Council changes brush facility policy

	By Rich Wicks \| Times Vedette During the April 28 meeting of the Panora City Council, discussion was held about the city’s “brush facility,” where citizens may bring branches and similar brush. City Administrator Lisa Grossman explained the need to consider a change in policy. “The brush facility has been an ongoing issue for us. Within the last year or two, we put in the $20 deposit fee, and that worked for a little bit,” Grossman said. But the problem, according to Grossman, is that many times the key has not been returned. [...]

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Guthrie Center City Council discusses grass clipping problems on streets

By Rich Wicks | Times Vedette

During the April 28 meeting of the Guthrie Center City Council, councilmember Carolyn Masters said she has been hearing complaints about citizens blowing grass clippings into the street. The clippings create a traffic hazard due to slipperiness and can cause partial or complete clogging of storm sewers. The council asks citizens to either not blow grass clippings into streets or to sweep them up after mowing.

Darin Sloss (Street Department) shared a price quote of $5,550 from Sunshine Designs to replace the canopy above the slide at the Aquatic Center. Sloss explained that the current canopy is damaged.

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	A puzzling time at Casey Library

	By Rich Wicks \| Times Vedette Sunday, April 27 was a puzzling day at the Casey Public Library, as teams competed to see which would be fastest at putting together a 500-piece jigsaw puzzle. Snacks were provided, but during the competition, teams of four were laser-focused on their task. Team M&M’s was the winner, finishing the puzzle in 52 minutes, more than 30 minutes ahead of the next team.

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	Guthrie County track and field fans attend Drake Relays

	Special to the Times Vedette A group of local residents made their annual trek to Des Moines for the Drake Relays last week, cheering on an assortment of athletes and teams at the high school, college and world levels. Billed as America's Athletic Classic, the Drake Relays is regarded as one of the top track and field events in the United States.

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	Take a Slow Sunday Drive at Whiterock Conservancy on May 11

	Special to the Times Vedette On Sunday, May 11, Whiterock Conservancy will host its first Slow Sunday Drive of 2025. Starting at the Historic Garst Farmhouse (1390 Highway 141, Coon Rapids) at 1 p.m., this two- to three-hour ride along the scenic trails of Whiterock Conservancy is a can’t miss opportunity. Parking is available for trailers in the overflow lot of the Bur Oak Visitors Center (1436 Highway 141, Coon Rapids). Price per vehicle is $30 (cash) that participants pay at registration along with providing proof of insurance and a valid driver’s license. [...]

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	Painting tulips

	Special to the Times Vedette A watercolor class was held at Art on State on April 27 with Mary Johnson painting tulips. Art on State is an art gallery created by the Guthrie County Arts Council as an opportunity to bring together the artists of the county, encouraging them in their talents by providing means to display and sell their work and to bring awareness of artistic endeavors to the community at large by presenting performing and visual arts programs. Art on State is located at 320 State St. in Guthrie Center. Learn more at www.guthriecountyartscouncil.org or call 641-332-2267.

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	Piano recital held April 27

	Special to the Times Vedette Piano students under the instruction of Janna Nelson performed in recital Sunday evening April 27 at the Stuart-Mt Vernon United Methodist Church. Solos, duets with Mrs. Nelson, and a brother-sister duet comprised the program with an ending organ piece by Mrs. Nelson. Certificates were presented to the students. Zoey Van Donselaar received her first trophy for three years of I ratings. Cherubim and Michidel each earned a second trophy for six years of I ratings. [...]

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Grove qualifies for Edward Jones recognition conference

Special to the Times Vedette

Edward Jones Financial Advisor Dave Grove of Panora recently qualified for the firm's Impact conference, which celebrates the contributions and achievements of 489 top financial advisors from among the firm's more than 20,000. The conference, which includes financial advisors from both the U.S. and Canada, will be held May 12-15 in Scottsdale, Arizona.

The Impact recognition conference brings together some of the top financial advisors, thought leaders and change makers to sharpen each other's acumen. Through presentations, small group sessions and networking, attendees will have opportunities to learn, share and explore in ways that can inspire and redefine their practices.

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Casey Fun Days set for July 18-19

By Rich Wicks | Times Vedette

The annual Casey Fun Days was rescheduled to July 18-19 to avoid conflicting with the Adair County Fair, which runs July 9-13. More details on Casey Fun Days will be published this summer.

School of Instruction, Order of the Eastern Star held April 12

Special to the Times Vedette

Lady Washington-Rhinehart Chapter and Linden Chapter members attended the School of Instruction, Order of the Eastern Star on Saturday, April 12 in Adel. The business portion of the day began at 9:30 a.m. and, following the lunch, the School of Instruction was held.

Members present were Marilyn and Larry Culver, Jane Beeman, Virginia Armstrong, Joyce and Frank Keeran, Carol and Jack Nelson, Janelle Hammarstedt, Barbara and Gene Croft, Gary Stevens, Terry Grover, Luann Waldo, Cindy Slaybaugh, Gary Rees and Mary Jo Laughery.

Cribbage results from April 25 and April 28

Special to the Times Vedette

A total of nine players participated on April 25. Kathy Feilmeier got a 16, Dennis Betts got two 16s, and Jane Barcus beat everyone with a 21.

A total of 12 players participated on April 28. Cliff Wendell and Dave Kading each got a 16, Joanne Zieser got a 16 and an 18, and Wayne Nickel got a 16 and a 21.

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Head-on collision occurs on Highway 4

Special to the Times Vedette

Guthrie County Deputy Sheriff Kent Gries reported a two-vehicle accident occurring on April 25 at 2:44 p.m. on Highway 4. Tessa Kay Steimel, 22, of Churdan, was driving a 2019 Ford Fusion northbound on Highway 4 and stopped at a posted stop sign where Highway 4 and Highway 141 meet. Steimel proceeded onto Highway 141 and took evasive action to avoid being struck by a 2021 Chevy Equinox driven by Danny Ray Richardson, 71, of Coon Rapids.

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	Iowa Crop Progress and Condition Report

	From the Iowa Department of Agriculture and Land Stewardship 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. “Widespread rainfall across the state delayed planting last week, but provided much-needed moisture, easing drought conditions across portions of Iowa,” Secretary Naig said. “Outlooks for the next few weeks show unseasonably warm temperatures and perhaps a break in the wet weather, which would give farmers a window to get in the field. Weather models are showing much of Iowa has an elevated risk of experiencing varying types and strength of severe weather this afternoon and evening. This is a good reminder to Iowans to be vigilant, have safety plans in place and be ready to take shelter if needed.” [...]

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More than 105 calls this week including Guthrie County Deputy responding to a report of harassment in Bayard; Panora Police responding to a request for assistance at the high school; and Guthrie County Deputy responding to a trespass complaint in rural Casey.

4-21-25

7 a.m. Bayard Fire Department and Panora Ambulance responded to a report of a fire in Bayard
8:35 a.m. Stuart Police responded to a report of suspicious activity at the high school
8:45 a.m. Panora Ambulance and Panora Police responded to a medical call in Panora
9:25 a.m. Guthrie County Deputy followed up on an investigation in rural Guthrie Center
11:30 a.m. Stuart Police responded to a report of a theft
11:45 a.m. Guthrie County Deputy responded to a report of suspicious activity in Guthrie Center

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