| | Scoop it, pack it, block it
With some snow on the ground this year, I can’t help but think of the countless hours I spent as a child playing in the white stuff. Sledding down hills. Having snowball fights. Making snowmen. But, there was one snow activity I could never seem to master — igloo making.
Sure, like many of you, I could dig long tunnels into snow piles. I could create makeshift forts that would last… for a while. I could even create really good snow walls. But a domed igloo? Forget it. My many efforts resulted in the same disappointing collapses.
As a child who watched way too much television, I was intrigued by a commercial for the Sno Bloc Maker by K-tel. “Scoop it, pack it, block it.” Sounded easy. And the igloos on TV looked absolutely amazing.
“Big kids. Little kids. Moms and dads. Everyone is having fun in the snow.” They sure looked like it. The advertised price was only $2.99, and it even came with an aluminum shaping shovel. What a deal!
I wanted some of this “healthy outdoor fun” and to turn our yard into a “winter wonderland.” Who wouldn’t? So I begged Mom for one, and, lo and behold, it was under the tree on one of those Christmas mornings. My brother Steve and I bundled up and prepared for the snow-building task. We were going to create the biggest, fanciest igloo this side of the East Fork of the Des Moines River. What we were not prepared for was the variance in snow. The light stuff would not pack well in the Sno Bloc Maker. The wet snow would stick to the plastic. The slushy snow would fall out like potato soup. This was not the winter wonderland I saw on TV.
We were patient, and, one day, we had perfect packing snow. One by one, we produced those snow blocks factory-style and stacked them up, carefully tilting each layer inward so we could properly form the dome until… you guessed it, another collapse.
“Scoop it, pack it, block it.” Right. More like “Scoop it, pack it, crack it,” as that’s exactly what happened to my Sno Bloc Maker by New Year’s Day.
All has not been lost, though. Decades later when playing in the snow with my kids, we came up with the idea of using big plastic storage bins to create snow blocks — and they worked quite well, at least for the first row or two. The weight was a bit much for the upper layers, and the attempts at doming still resulted in the same collapses. It was still a lot of fun and another simple reminder that, despite the generational differences, some things never change.
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 discuss EMS as essential service
By Rich Wicks | Times Vedette
During the Dec. 9 meeting of the Guthrie County Board of Supervisors, the supervisors held a discussion about the path ahead regarding the possibility of declaring EMS as an essential service. There was discussion that for the matter to be decided by voters, the best options for when to hold such an election would be September or November of 2026 or March of 2027. The September and March options would be a special election, which would likely see lighter voter turnout.
Supervisor Steve Smith voiced his opinion that the September 2026 option is too soon and would not allow time for everything that would need to be done before the matter went to voters.
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| | Guthrie Center City Council sets wage increase at 4%
By Rich Wicks | Times Vedette
During the Dec. 8 regular meeting of the Guthrie Center City Council, possible wage increases for city employees were discussed. Suggestions included a flat rate increase of $1.25 hourly, or a 4% increase.
Street Department Director Darrin Sloss asked the council to also consider a 25-cent hourly increase for two staff members who recently achieved an additional certification.
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| | Panora City Council revisits issue of hunting within city limits
By Rich Wicks | Times Vedette
During the regular meeting of the Panora City Council on Dec. 8, the council returned to a previously discussed issue of citizens being allowed to goose hunt on a private property within city limits.
“A number of things have been brought up. I don’t know that anybody’s against it, but I think everybody’s just trying to understand how it works,” Mayor Curt Thornberry said.
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| | Fire fatality in rural Guthrie Center
By Rich Wicks | Times Vedette
On the morning of Saturday, Dec. 6, the Guthrie Center Fire Department and Panora EMS responded to a secondary building fire at 2094 Hickory Ave. Firefighters stopped the fire from spreading to the house. Upon extinguishing the fire, firefighters discovered the remains of a person and dog inside the shed.
The State Fire Marshal and Guthrie County Sheriff’s Office are investigating.
As of press time, no further details have been released. | |
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 | | | More than 180 attend Breakfast with Santa in Panora | | | | | | | | By Shane Goodman | Times Vedette
The Breakfast with Santa and Camp Candycane craft events were held on Saturday, Dec. 6 from 8:30-11 a.m. at the Panora Community Center. More than 180 people came out to see Santa Claus and enjoy some cakes on the griddle.
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PICTURED: Athena Thompson, Delilah Thompson, Josia Baumgartner and Josie Baumgartner participate in the Camp Candycane craft event. | | | | | | | | See more photos | |
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 | | | Rep. Nordman honored with Gold Star Award from Iowa State Sheriffs' and Deputies' Association | | | | | | | | Special to the Times Vedette
State Representative Carter Nordman (R-Dallas Center) has been awarded the Iowa State Sheriffs' and Deputies' Association (ISSDA) 2025 Gold Star Award in recognition of his public service and commitment to protecting the safety of all Iowans. This honor highlights Rep. Nordman's efforts to support Iowa law enforcement and advance public safety initiatives across the state. The ISSDA Gold Star Award is one of the most prestigious recognitions in Iowa for public servants dedicated to law enforcement and community protection.
[...] | | | | | | | | Read the full story and see more photos | |
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| | Free holiday movies at Fremont Theatre in Stuart
By Rich Wicks | Times Vedette
Through Dec. 30, the Fremont Theatre in Stuart (124 N. Fremont St.) is showing free movies. Upcoming free showings include:
- “Elf” (Dec. 9)
- “Arthur Christmas” (Dec. 13, 14 and 16)
- “National Lampoon’s Christmas Vacation” (Dec. 20, 21 and 23)
- “Rudolph the Red-Nosed Reindeer” and “The Year Without a Santa Claus” (Dec. 24)
- “The Grinch” (Dec. 27, 28 and 30)
Showtimes are available at www.fremonttheatre.com or by calling 515-523-1225. | |
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| | Celebrate the New Year with a First Day Hike at Springbrook State Park
Special to the Times Vedette
Join the staff of Springbrook State Park on a free, guided hike on New Year’s Day. Hikers can meet at 1 p.m. outside the park office, for a 2-mile hike led by park staff.
“First Day Hikes have become a tradition for Iowans to experience the quiet, wintry beauty of our state parks and forests,” Sherry Arntzen, chief of the DNR State Parks, Forests and Preserves Bureau, says. “These hikes are a great way to get outside, exercise, enjoy nature and welcome the New Year with friends and family.”
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| | Cribbage results from Dec. 5 and Dec. 8
Special to the Times Vedette
On Dec. 5, a total of nine players participated. Rhonda Titus got a 16; Dan Webb got a 17, 16 and 17; Sandy Rumelhart got an 18; Bill Sheeder got a 20, and Dave Richter got a 24.
On Dec. 8, a total of 10 players participated. Bill Sheeder, Rhonda Titus and Dennis Betts each go a 16; Dan Webb got a 17; and Robert Klever got a 20 and a 24.
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| | Karla Caltrider | | | | | | | | 1938-2025
Karla Caltrider, 87, of Casey, died Friday, Dec. 5, 2025, at Heritage House in Atlantic.
Karla Jane was born on May 7, 1938, at the Larson Hospital in Adair, the daughter of Raymond Michael William and Lucille Marie (Hammond) Wesack. She grew up with her sister, Pat, and they shared a close bond as kids and into adulthood. On June 21, 1938, she received the sacrament of baptism, and on May 29, 1953, was confirmed, both at the Immanuel Lutheran Church in Adair.
[...] | | | | | | | | Read the full obituary | |
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| | Donald L. Hamilton | | | | | | | | 1939-2025
Donald L. Hamilton, 86, son of Charles and Ruby (Jensen) Hamilton, was born at home on March 13, 1939, in Hampton. He passed away Friday, Dec. 5, 2025, at the Guthrie County Hospital, Guthrie Center.
The family moved to Des Moines in 1951, and Don graduated from East High School in 1957. Following high school, he served in the Iowa National Guard. On Sept. 20, 1959, he married Mary Kay Keating, whom he met on a blind date.
[...] | | | | | | | | Read the full obituary | |
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| | Nearly 90 calls this week including Guthrie County Deputy responding to a harassment complaint in rural Dexter; Guthrie County Deputy providing traffic control for a disabled vehicle in rural Bayard; and Guthrie County Deputy responding to a theft call in Jamaica.
12-1-25
- 8:15 a.m. Panora Ambulance responded to a medical call in rural Panora
- 10:55 a.m. Guthrie County Deputy assisted a motorist in rural Dexter
- 10:55 a.m. Guthrie County Deputy and Sheriff provided traffic control for a funeral in Guthrie Center
- 11:38 a.m. Guthrie County Deputy responded to a harassment complaint in rural Yale
- 11:45 a.m. Guthrie County Deputy assisted an individual in Guthrie Center
- 11:46 a.m. Panora Police performed a welfare check
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| | By Rich Wicks | Times Vedette
Many local churches are holding special services for Advent, Christmas and New Year’s. Below is a partial listing. Additional services or updates can be sent to rich@gctimesnews.com.
- Wednesday, Dec. 10 and 17
Advent services at 7 p.m. on Wednesday, Dec. 10 and Wednesday, Dec. 17 at Immanuel Lutheran Church, 713 North 12th St., Guthrie Center.
- Sunday, Dec. 14
• On Sundy, Dec. 14 at 2 p.m., the public is invited to the Annual Sounds of Christmas event, featuring local church musicians, at Guthrie Center United Methodist Church, 405 Prairie St.
• There will be a Christmas program at First Baptist Church, 113 N. Fifth St., Guthrie Center, at 6 p.m. on Sunday, Dec. 14.
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| | By Rich Wicks | Times Vedette
Panora Business Open House events Friday, Dec. 12
Many businesses in Panora will welcome everyone for holiday fun and treats on Friday, Dec. 12. Participating businesses include the following:
- 9-11 a.m., The Renew Room will have cookies, drinks, and a drawing for a giveaway.
- 9 a.m. to 3 p.m., Guthrie County State Bank will have cookies and coffee, along with a chance to win a turkey or ham.
- 9 a.m. to 3 p.m., Dallas County Medical Clinic will offer holiday treats (while they last) and a prize drawing.
- 9:30 a.m. to 3 p.m., Bryton Insurance will offer 2026 calendars, measuring tapes, snack mix and cider (while supplies last).
- 9:30 a.m. to 3 p.m., Panora Fiber will have snacks and drinks, along with a drawing for a 65-inch TV, a gaming system and other prizes.
- 10 a.m. to 3 p.m., Iowa Trust Bank will have cookies, candy and drinks.
- 10 a.m. to 3 p.m., Insight Wealth & CPA will have homemade treats and hot chocolate, plus drawings for Chamber bucks.
- 10 a.m. to 3 p.m., Sunset Realty will offer cookies and drinks.
- 10 a.m. to 3 p.m., Lake Panorama Realty will have soup and snacks.
- 2-5 p.m., Off Course Golf Carts & E-Bikes will have drinks, snacks and drawings for giveaways.
- 3-6 p.m., Restore Wellness Studio and Reshape Fitness Studio will offer snacks, drinks and drawings for prizes totaling more than $700 in value from the businesses in the building.
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| | Check out the Guthrie County 2025 Winter Sports Guide | | | | | | | | Check out the Guthrie County 2025 Winter Sports Guide for photos and information on ACGC and Panorama basketball and wrestling. | | | | | | | | Read the full issue | |
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 | | | Charger boys win 3 championships at Dennis Field Invitational | | | | | | | | By Cyote Williams | Times Vedette
The ACGC boys wrestling team competed at the Dennis Field Invitational at Woodward-Granger on Saturday, Dec. 6. The Chargers won three championships, courtesy of Ty Ganzer (138), Ryder Cline (150) and Carter Richter (215). Angel Martinez (175) came close to making it four titles for ACGC, placing second.
ACGC’s next meet is a quadrangular at home on Thursday, Dec. 11 at home. The Chargers face Coon Rapids-Bayard, Interstate 35 and Lenox.
[...]
PICTURED: Lane Stringer (157) gets his opponnent upside down at the Dennis Field Invitational. Photo by Abby Davis | | | | | | | | Read the full results and see more photos | |
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| | No. 8 ACGC defeats Woodward-Granger, 62-48
By Cyote Williams | Times Vedette
The No. 8 ACGC girls basketball team (3-0) continued its undefeated start to the season over Woodward-Granger (2-2) at home on Friday, Dec. 5. Olivia Mahaffey led the game in scoring with 22 points on an efficient 7/8 from the field and 8/10 from the free throw line. Mahaffey also led the team in rebounds with eight. Joining her in double figure scoring were Camdyn Richter with 14 and Stella Largent with 11. Richter stuffed the stat sheet with eight rebounds, three assists and a team-high four steals. Karli Kautzky led the team in assists with five.
ACGC is back in action tonight, Tuesday, Dec. 9, at Van Meter (2-0). ACGC won the last time these teams competed, 50-42 in December last season. | |
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| | Chargers fall to Woodward-Granger, 61-53
By Cyote Williams | Times Vedette
The ACGC boys basketball team (0-2) lost its home game to Woodward-Granger (2-1) on Friday, Dec. 5. It was an up-and-down game for ACGC. The Chargers ended the first quarter down 11 but came back to head into half-time up, 27-26. Unfortunately, ACGC could not hang on to the lead. Thomas Skram starred on offense with a game-high 29 points. Skram also led the team in rebounds with six and assists with four. Also reaching double-figure scoring were Joe Crawford with 12 and Reece Emgarten with 11. Crawford had active hands on defense with a team-high four steals.
ACGC looks to stop its early season skid at Van Meter (1-0), tonight, Tuesday, Dec. 9. ACGC secured a win over Van Meter last season (68-57) for the first time since 2013. | |
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| | Recker and Walker win championships at Woodward-Granger Girls Wrestling Invite
By Cyote Williams | Times Vedette
The Panorama girls wrestling team competed at the Woodward-Granger Girls Wrestling Invite on Friday, Dec. 5 and left with some hardware. Two Panthers won championships at the tournament: Gracie Recker (155) and Emma Walker (170). Natalie Waltz (105) placed third, and Cadence Petersen (115) and Ava Johnson (235) both placed fourth.
Panorama competes at West Central Valley tonight, Tuesday, Dec. 9 in a quadrangular against Van Meter, Earlham and WCV.
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| | Late Madrid comeback fuels win over Panthers, 40-32
By Cyote Williams | Times Vedette
The Panorama girls basketball team (0-3) fell at Madrid (4-0) on Friday, Dec. 5. The Panthers held a 30-22 lead over the Tigers heading into the fourth quarter, but the offense went cold. Panorama would only score two points in the final quarter, allowing Madrid to take the lead and the contest. Panorama spread the wealth on offense with all but one playing scoring. Nerea Gimeno-Perez led the team with eight points. Ruth Fett led the team in rebounds with nine. Morgan Crees led the team in assists with three.
Panorama faces another tough test at home tonight, Tuesday, Dec. 9, against No. 13 Earlham (3-0). Panorama lost the most recent battle between these programs, 46-40, last season. | |
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 | | | Panther boys compete at Dan Hill Invitational | | | | | | | | By Cyote Williams | Times Vedette
The Panorama boys wrestling team battled at the Dan Hill Invitational on Saturday, Dec. 5. Five Panthers earned spots on the podium at the tournament. Blake Schwartz (175) came closest to a championship, placing second. Austin Wagner (150) also performed well, earning third place. Other Panthers who placed were Syler Shaffer (126) earning fifth place, Collin Lestina (126) earning sixth place, and Sam Scanlan (190) also earning sixth.
The Panthers’ next competition is a quadrangular tonight, Tuesday, Dec. 9 at West Central Valley. Panorama will face Van Meter, Earlham and WCV.
PICTURED: A pair of Panthers, Syler Shaffer and Collin Lestina, face off in the fifth-place match at 126. Photo by Betty Cooper | | | | | | | | See more photos | |
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| | Panorama drops game due to late comeback by Madrid, 58-50
By Cyote Williams | Times Vedette
The Panorama boys basketball team (0-3) lost its game at Madrid (3-0) on Friday, Dec. 5. Panorama went into halftime with a lead, 31-28. The Panthers were able to keep that lead heading into the fourth quarter, ahead by one point, 47-46. The Panther offense would run dry, only scoring three points in the final quarter, allowing Madrid to take the game. Three Panthers reached double-figure scoring with Jaxson Stauffer leading the way with 17 points. Reed Draper and Cruz Crandall both scored 10. Brayden Galvan nearly recorded a triple double with eight points, nine rebounds and nine assists.
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| | More than just books | | | | | | | | By Karen Kelly | Special to the Times Vedette
On Monday, Dec. 1, the Taylor Meeting Room at the MJB Library received a delivery of new tables and chairs. The sturdy nesting tables are on wheels for easy movement. The new chairs have good lumbar support, a sturdy base and arms, which will allow patrons with mobility problems safer and more comfortable seating in the meeting room.
The new seating and tables were made possible by the ALA LTC round 3 grant the library received. The library staff and board have made accessibility a priority, and the ALA LTC grants have helped make this happen.
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PICTURED: Cass Pioneers 4-H Club decorated a tree for the Festival of Trees. The club members created many of the ornaments featured on the tree. | | | | | | | | Read the full story and see more photos | |
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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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| | Can't unsee the images in her mind
“Good day, Shane. My husband and I moved to a home at Lake Panorama in 2001. I have thoroughly enjoyed reading the Panora Times. However, I was furious when I read your commentary in the November 2025 issue. I have been an animal lover since I was born. My dad and I rescued many animals over the years. We've helped turtles, dogs, cats, bunnies, ducks, chickens, mice, a rat, and a wide variety of birds, to include a gorgeous indigo.
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 | | | 50 years ago | | | | | | | | From the archives of The Guthrie Center Times, Dec. 10, 1975
DEAR SANTA. Second-grader Troy (Bob) Christensen is in a pensive mood as he prepares his Christmas list in a letter to Santa. | | | | | | | | See more Yester Years | |
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 | | | Friend's apples create a perfect fall treat | | | | | | | | By Jolene Goodman | Guthrie Center Times, November 2025
When Cheryl Castile shared a bag of freshly picked apples with me, I knew exactly what to do — turn them into something warm, comforting and perfect for sharing. I love to bake, and these apple cinnamon muffins are the result: soft, fragrant and filled with cozy autumn flavor in every bite. There is something special about baking with fruit that comes straight from someone’s tree.
[...] | | | | | | | | Read the full story | |
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| | Female seeks a ride from G.C. to Panora Al-Anon meeting: Tuesdays at 6:45 p.m. and returning at 8:10 p.m. Must be careful, female driver. Call 641-332-2778.
’58 Chevy Biscayne for sale: Power steering. Car has been very well kept up. Call Robert for more info or leave message at 641-747-3015. | |
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| | How many snow shovels do you own?
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Submit your answers at the bottom of our website at gctimesnews.com | |
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