Guthrie County Times Vedette

TUESDAY, MAY 5, 2026

You are about to graduate. Now what?

As graduation season rolls around again, advice is everywhere. It’s handed out like free cake — and just as eagerly avoided by the people it is meant for. Most new graduates don’t want to hear it. Not yet, anyway.

But, eventually, things don’t go exactly as planned. At that point, every graduate faces a choice to blame everyone else or ask for advice. If we are being honest, most of us tried both — usually in that order. Sometimes the difficult way is the only way that sticks.

Graduation matters for a lot of reasons, but one of the biggest is that it proves you can finish something. That turns out to be a pretty useful skill. With that in mind, here are a few tips:

Get a full-time job. Yes, an actual one. The kind with a schedule, responsibilities and, ideally, benefits. Jobs are out there, and many are paying more than ever. Take advantage. Part-time gigs and “figuring things out” are not long-term financial strategies. And once you land a job, try not to treat it like a trial subscription. Staying put for a few years won’t hurt you. It might even help.

Learn to adapt. You have been told to stand out, be different and embrace what makes you unique. That’s great — sometimes. But the workplace is not a talent show. Being able to adapt, fit in and work with others (even when it feels unnatural) is a skill that pays off far more often than standing out for the wrong reasons.

Don’t announce generational differences. Yes, they exist. And, yes, at some point you will be absolutely certain that older people just don’t get it. Even so, saying, “My generation doesn’t…” rarely improves the situation. It mostly guarantees eye rolls — and not in your favor.

Be on time. This one sounds simple because it is. Deadlines, meetings and responsibilities don’t adjust themselves around your schedule. If you are consistently late, people will notice — and not in a good way. Show up on time. Better yet, show up early. It is one of the easiest ways to look like you have your act together, even if you are still working on that part.

Dress for success. You don’t need a runway wardrobe, but you do need to look like you understand where you are. A good rule is to dress like the successful people around you. Early in my career, a very honest customer told me I was an adult and needed to start dressing like one. He also meant I should start acting like one. It was annoying advice at the time but proved to be accurate advice in hindsight.

Soon-to-be graduates, you will make mistakes. Plenty of them. That is expected. Just try not to make the same ones over and over — and maybe listen to a little advice along the way. Even if you pretend you are not.

Have a terrific Tuesday, and thanks for reading.

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

Supervisors approve $600,000 bridge replacement project

By Rich Wicks | Times Vedette

During the May 5 meeting of the Guthrie County Board of Supervisors, County Engineer Josh Sebern summarized the bids received on the bridge replacement project BROS-C039 (103)-8J-39.

“This is for the bridge near Sutcliff Woodland in Bear Grove Township. It is currently closed. We received three bids with the low bid of $599,652,” Sebern said. He noted that the three bids were similar, and he recommended approving the low bid from Herberger Construction (Indianola, Iowa).

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	Temporary closure of Wagon Road

	By Rich Wicks \| Times Vedette The Guthrie County Road Department issued a statement that a temporary closure is planned for P28/Wagon Road between 310th Street and 315th Road, south of Nation’s Bridge Park. The closure will start Tuesday, May 5, and the road is expected to remain closed through the weekend, weather permitting. A marked detour will be in place using adjacent gravel roads. If you travel this route regularly, plan ahead and give yourself a little extra time. [...] PICTURED: The map shows the suggested detour around the temporary road closure.

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Team Panthers partakes in Panora Chamber Golf Tournament

Special to the Times Vedette

Team Panthers traded the classroom and sidelines for the fairways on Sunday at the Panora Chamber of Commerce Annual Golf Tournament at Lake Panorama National Golf Course. Here, they pose on the green with a cardboard cutout of current Masters champion Rory McIlroy.

Panorama High School Principal Thad Stanley, Scott Stanley, Superintendent Kasey Huebner (and his green jacket) and Activities Director Bruce Dahlhauser took a few swings while supporting the business community.

Photo courtesy of Panorama Community Schools.

Guthrie Center water tower gets a spring cleaning

By Rich Wicks | Times Vedette

Over the weekend, people in Guthrie Center may have noticed the city’s water tower undergoing a cleaning. The tower will also get a fresh paint job in time for thousands of visitors during RAGBRAI’s stop in the city in July.

Shredding in Panora

By Rich Wicks | Times Vedette

On Saturday, May 2, the Panora Public Library Foundation and Friends of the Library offered a free service to the community. Documents brought in were safely shredded to protect confidential information. A shredding truck was brought in to shred and dispose of the materials collected.

PICTURED: Attendees at the shred event included (kneeling): Olivia Beaudet and Libby Miller. (standing): Molly Allen, Kristie Reynolds, unidentified driver of the truck, Chris Hastings, Tina Thornberry and Trudy Hastings.

Hunter Education Field Day May 28 at Panorama High School

Special to the Times Vedette

On May 28, a Hunter Education Field Day class will be offered from 5-8 p.m. at Panorama High School. Those signing up for the Field Day must have first completed the entire online Hunter Education course and must bring a printed course completion certificate.

There are three options for taking online hunter education. All courses include images and videos that enhance the students' learning. All courses are officially approved by the Iowa Department of Natural Resources. Course experience and prices vary.

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Iowa Cattlemen’s Association grateful for legislative progress

Special to the Times Vedette

On May 3, the Iowa Legislature finished its work for the year, passing multiple bills directly tied to ICA priorities: protecting private property rights, supporting the long-term viability of Iowa’s beef industry through fair tax policy and funding for foreign animal disease preparedness and response. The ICA is encouraged by the progress made and looks forward to working with Gov. Reynolds to see key legislation signed into law.

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Cribbage results from May 1 and May 4

Special to the Times Vedette

On May 1, a total of 14 players participated. Bill Sheeder, Paul McCool and Rhonda Titus each got one 16; Dave Richter got two 16s; Dan Webb got two 17s; and Dick Ellis got a 22.

On May 4, a total of 10 players participated. Rhonda Titus, Roy Carl and Dan Webb each got a 16; and Robert Klever got a 21.

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Trailer unhooks from truck, hits overhead door

Special to the Times Vedette

Guthrie County Deputy Sheriff Taylor Wheatley reported a boat trailer accident occurring on May 1 at 5:29 p.m. near the intersection of State Street and North First Street in Guthrie Center. Rodney Lee Tatro, 39, of Cedar Rapids, was driving a 2000 Chevrolet K2500 pickup eastbound on State Street with a boat and trailer in tow. The trailer came unhitched from the truck and struck a building overhead door owned by Tristen Mary Richard, causing an estimated $2,000 in damage. Damage to the trailer is estimated at $500. Tatro admitted to not having safety chains hooked up to the pickup due to the chains being too short.

More than 105 calls this week including a Guthrie County deputy conducting a traffic stop and arresting one individual in rural Jamaica; Panora Police responding to a hit-and-run accident; and Stuart Police responding to a report of a burglary in progress.

4-27-26

10:47 a.m. Stuart Ambulance and Police responded to a medical call in Stuart
11:05 a.m. Panora Police responded to a complaint
11:50 a.m. Stuart Police directed traffic for a funeral
1:47 p.m. Stuart Police responded to a complaint
4:01 p.m. Panora Ambulance and Police responded to a medical call in Panora
4:52 p.m. Stuart Police responded to a property dispute

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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.

“April will go down as one of the wettest on record, and that moisture has helped ease drought conditions for the majority of the state,” Secretary Naig said. “Looking ahead, the forecast trends a bit cooler and drier through the first few weeks of May, which should give farmers a longer window to keep the planters running.”

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By Rich Wicks | Times Vedette

Lace Painting at Jamaica May 7
The Jamaica Public Library invites everyone to a free event from 3-5 p.m. on Thursday, May 7. Attendees will create lace paintings, which could be a unique Mother’s Day gift.

Mothers’ Day Tea at Art on State May 9
On Saturday, May 9, Art on State (320 State St., Guthrie Center) will host its annual Mothers’ Day Tea, beginning at 2 p.m. For $20 per person, attendees will enjoy refreshments, storytelling and music. Reservations are required. To make a reservation, call 641-332-2267.

Fin and Feather Banquet May 9
Lake Panorama Fin and Feather banquet will be Saturday, May 9 at the Lake Panorama National Clubhouse with social hour beginning at 5 p.m. A dinner plus silent and live auctions will follow at 6 p.m. All ages are welcome. Funds raised are used to stock fish in Lake Panorama. The group also helps improve fish habitat and sponsors an annual fishing derby for children during Panorama Days. Dinner tickets are $50 each, or $25 for children 12 and younger. Another option is to join the Big Skipper Club for $150. This covers two dinner tickets, Big Skipper raffle ticket and an annual family membership. The cost of an annual family membership is $50. Supporters can mail a check or register online with a credit card or PayPal at the group’s website.

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