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FRIDAY, APRIL 11, 2025

 
 
 

5 steps to create organizational growth

I was talking with a friend the other day about implementing change to create growth, and I was reminded of a five-step process that has been cemented in my mind as a result of my experiences. Each of us has our own way of doing things, but there are a few common, underlying principles that seem to work in the various aspects of our lives, whether those be at work, with various organizations, in our family lives, or with our hobbies. Whether you are the leader or a team member, you can help by seeing that these five steps happen. See if you agree.

1. Create a vision. If you are leading the charge, you better have a plan you can clearly communicate to everyone involved. If you are not leading the charge, you have every right to ask what the vision is. Plans do change, but we all need to know the overall mission in a way we can understand — and the simpler that vision is, the better.

2. Clearly define expectations. Each of us plays a role, and each role is equally important. A football team may have a linebacker who dominates every defensive play, but that doesn’t mean the team is going to win. Every player must do his or her part to be victorious. If you are the leader, clearly define everyone’s role and the expectations you have — in writing. If you are another part of the team, ask what is expected of you, and then make sure you do it.

3. Hold everyone accountable. The first two steps are useless unless this step is implemented. Criticizing those in charge is easy, and most all of us have done it. This criticism is often a result of us responding to being called out when we don’t do what we were supposed to do. But if what is expected of us is clearly defined and agreed upon, then we have no right to criticize — and we don’t need to make excuses. We simply need to face up to our shortfalls and regroup so we succeed on the next step.

4. Celebrate the victories. Taking time to enjoy our successes and applaud each other’s work are vital. Studies show that most all of us appreciate bonuses and perks, but the No. 1 thing we want is a thank you. As a boss, an employee, a co-worker, a parent, a child, a sibling or a friend, we want to know we are appreciated. That’s why we need to make time to celebrate the victories and thank each other publicly and in meaningful ways.

5. Rinse and repeat. A guy I used to work with on our company outings would often tell me, “You are only as good as your last event.” His point was that nobody cares about your prior successes; they only care about what you are doing right now. So we celebrate our successes, and then we get back to work and figure out how to do it again… and again… and again.

Does all this ring a bell? Do you do something similar in your work or personal lives? Drop me a note and share your experiences.

Have a fantastic Friday, and thanks for reading.

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

 
 
 
 Gov. Reynolds announces she will not run for reelection 
   
 

Special to the Times Vedette

Gov. Kim Reynolds announced this morning that she will not be seeking reelection. She made the announcement in a video on her campaign's YouTube page, saying, “Serving as your governor has been the greatest honor of my life — an opportunity that, not so long ago, I never could have imagined.”

 
   
 
Watch the video
 
 
 Iowa’s spring turkey season is here 
   
 

From the Iowa Department of Natural Resources

A mild winter followed by timely spring rains has Iowa forests and woodlots leafing out ahead of spring turkey season, possibly tipping the playing field in favor of the gobblers, after a record harvest of more than 16,000 birds in 2024.

The first of Iowa’s four regular spring turkey seasons opens on April 14.

“We are greening up ahead of schedule,” Jim Coffey, forest wildlife research biologist with the Iowa Department of Natural Resources (DNR), said. “For anyone hunting second season or later, it could be a jungle out there.”

[..]

 
   
 
Read the full story
 
 
 Improve paddling skills with DNR canoe and kayak schools 
   
 

From the Iowa Department of Natural Resources

Naturalists, youth group leaders and others who take people out on the water in canoes and kayaks are encouraged to attend one of the Iowa Department of Natural Resources (DNR) paddling schools.

Participants will learn paddling skills, how to identify hazard and river features, tips for teaching different learning styles, and risk management strategies. Instruction time will be one-third classroom and two-thirds on-water in both lake and river environments, solo and tandem.

[...]

 
   
 
Read the full story
 
 
 
 

Panorama prom is this weekend

Special to the Times Vedette

The 2025 Panorama Junior/Senior High School Prom will be Saturday, April 12 with the following events scheduled:

  • 2 p.m. — optional professional photos, Betty Cooper Photography at The Port. Sign-up is encouraged in the office.
  • 4:30 p.m. — Grand March, Panorama High School Auditorium
  • 5:30 p.m. — All Class Picture, Panorama High School Auditorium
  • 6 p.m. — Dinner, Panorama High School Atrium
  • 6-10 p.m. — Dance, The Port
  • 11 p.m. – 2 a.m. — After Prom, Panorama High School. Doors open at
  • 10:45 p.m. and locked at 11:15 p.m.
 
 
 

Easter egg hunts in area

By Rich Wicks | Times Vedette

Rose Acre Farms will sponsor an Easter egg hunt at the Guthrie Center Elementary School grounds, 900 Fourth St. The event will be held at 10 a.m. on Saturday, April 19.

The Casey Fire Department is hosting an Easter egg hunt (with the Easter Bunny) on Saturday, April 19 at 1 p.m. at Rutt Park (Casey City Park, 300 E. Second St.).

The Panora Chamber of Commerce’s Easter activities will be held on Saturday, April 19 at Veterans Auditorium and the Panora Square rather than at the Guthrie County Historical Village. Everyone is welcome. The fun begins with crafts and games in Vet’s Auditorium from 9-10 a.m. At 10, the fun moves outside onto the Square, with kids participating in the annual Easter Egg Hunt.

Have others to add? Send information to rich@gctimesnews.com.

 
 
 

Palm Sunday events at First Christian Church

By Rich Wicks | Times Vedette

The public is invited to Palm Sunday (April 13) events at First Christian Church, 105 N. Fourth St. in Guthrie Center. Beginning at 2 p.m., there will be an agape feast, a mini concert and readings of Christ’s journey to the cross.

 
 
 

Holy Week services

Special to the Times Vedette

The Holy Week service schedule at Panora churches will be as follows. Weeknight services will be from April 14-18 with a light meal served at 6:30 p.m. and services beginning at 7 p.m.

  • Monday, April 14: St. Cecilia Catholic Church
  • Tuesday, April 15: Panora Christian Church
  • Wednesday, April 16: Panora United Methodist Church
  • Thursday, April 17: Panora Church of the Brethren and Hope Lutheran Church
  • Friday, April 18: Faith Bible Church (no meal)
 
 
 

Upcoming events at The New Homestead

By Rich Wicks | Times Vedette

The public is invited to join upcoming events at The New Homestead in Guthrie Center.

On Saturday, April 12, Lela Schwartz will be celebrating her 90th birthday at the Independent Living campus at The New Homestead. All are welcome.

Monday, April 14, tenants from Independent Living will be having lunch at Café on the Hill at noon. All are welcome.

[...]

 
 
 

Panora Chamber golf tournament is May 4

By Rich Wicks | Times Vedette

The Panora Chamber of Commerce’s 10th annual golf tournament will be held on Sunday, May 4. Teams of four will compete at the Lake Panorama National Golf Course (5071 Clover Ridge Road, Panora). More information is available on the Facebook page of the Panora Chamber of Commerce.

 
 
 

GCH Auxiliary to hold baked potato bar April 17

By Rich Wicks | Times Vedette

On Thursday, April 17, the Guthrie County Hospital Auxiliary will offer a baked potato bar event from 10:30 a.m. to 1 p.m. at the Guthrie Center Community Center, 209 State St. Carry-outs are available.

 
 
 

Panorama PTO Hosts first Father/Daughter and Mother/Son Night

Special to the Times Vedette

The Panorama PTO hosted its first Father/Daughter and Mother/Son Night on Saturday, April 5, drawing a strong turnout from families across the district. Held at the middle school gymnasium, the event brought together 56 dads and their daughters and 42 moms and their sons for an afternoon of fun, laughter and connection.

[...]

 
 
 

Go back to the 1980s in Panora on May 23

Special to the Times Vedette

The Panora Chamber of Commerce retail committee announced an upcoming “Back to the 80s” event that will be held on Friday, May 23 from 4-7 p.m.

Participating stores will be offering small prize drawings. Customers can receive one entry by wearing a 1980s costume and two entries with any purchase.

The chamber encourages customers to post pictures from the event on the Panora Chamber page, as well as any participating business pages.

Businesses may enhance the experience by serving their favorite nostalgic 1980s drinks or candies and playing 1980s music in their businesses.

 
 
 

Sunshine Club meets April 9

Special to the Times Vedette

On Wednesday, April 9, Sunshine Club members met with 10 members and two guests attending at the Panora Public Library for a 1 p.m. meeting.

Vice President Charlotte Jackson opened the meeting with roll call being a favorite spring or Easter memory. Many nice answers were given. The minutes were read, and the treasurer’s report was given. Discussion was about the April 14 bingo at the Stuart Care Center that the club volunteered for.

[...]

 
 
 

Cribbage results from April 9

Special to the Times Vedette

A total of 12 players participated on April 2. Dick Ellis had a 16, Jim Carico got a 21, and Wayne Nickel had a 20, 16 and a 24.

The Guthrie Center cribbage players generally meet at Guthrie Center Library on Mondays at 8 a.m., at the New Homestead independent living rec room at 8 a.m. on Wednesdays, and at the Guthrie Center Activity Center 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.

 
 
 Beverly Jean Sheeder 
   
 

1953-2025

Beverly Jean (Benton) Sheeder was born on April 27, 1953, to Donald and Delia (Rasmussen) Benton in Guthrie Center. She passed away Wednesday, April 9, 2025, at her home.

She attended Guthrie Center Schools and graduated in 1971. After high school, she attended the University of Iowa for three years then settled back in the Guthrie Center-Panora area.  

[...]

 
   
 
Read the full obituary
 
 
 
 

2024-25 Panorama Secondary School Honor Roll, Grades 6-12: Fall Terms 1, 2, 3

Special to the Times Vedette

Honor Roll students have a 3.0 grade point average, and students with all A’s have an asterisk.

Grade 6

  • Mya Baudler 1
  • Emerson Bendickson 1,2*,3*
  • Bradley Brittain 1,2
  • Neal Buckner 1,2,3
  • Braydin Cooper 1
  • Mason Crees 1,2,3
  • Lexi Ford 1,2,3

[...]

 
 
 Historic baseball DH against Central College for Evan and Drew Taylor 
   
 

Special to the Times Vedette

It turned out to be an historic night for the Taylor twins (Evan and Drew) during the Buena Vista baseball doubleheader at home on April 8 against Central College as both players reached or set career milestones on the night.

Evan led off game one in record-breaking fashion as he laced a double to the gap in right center that broke the program's career record for doubles at 51. The previous record of 50 was held by Mike Hoffman, who played for BVU from 2008-11. Taylor would then come around to score a few pitches later on a 2-run home run to give the Beavers an early 2-0 lead. He finished the game at 2-for-4 with a hit-by-pitch.

[...]

 
   
 
Read the full story
 
 
 

Kading engaged in service learning with Central College

Special to the Times Vedette

Central College announced the students who are participating in a service-learning opportunity during the spring 2025 semester. Eli Kading, from Casey, is helping Imagine the Possibilities in Oskaloosa. Kading is an accounting major in the class of 2025.

 
 
 
 Girls rout East Sac County, 6-1; Crees scores 100th goal 
   
 

By Cyote Williams | Times Vedette

The Panorama girls soccer team (2-2) defeated East Sac County (1-2) in dominating fashion away from home on Thursday, April 10. Final stats for the game not yet available, but it was confirmed that Morgan Crees scored the 100th goal of her Panther career. Panorama’s next game is at Greene County (0-3) on Monday, April 14. Panorama has not lost to Greene County in all seven of their matchups, with six wins and one tie. Panorama has won the last five in a row by a combined score of 48-0.

PICTURED: Morgan Crees scored her 100th goal of her career against East Sac County on April 10 in a 6-1 victory for Panorama. Graphic by Betty Cooper

 
   
 
See more photos
 
 
 Panthers win close game against East Sac County, 1-0 
   
 

By Cyote Williams | Times Vedette

The Panorama boys soccer team (2-2) won its away game against East Sac County (2-1) on Thursday, April 10. Reed Draper scored the winning goal for Panorama, assisted by AJ Draper. The win brings Panorama back to .500 ahead of their game tonight, April 11, at Underwood (2-2). The last time these teams matched up was in 2022, resulting in a 7-5 Underwood win.

PICTURED: No. 17 Landon Kirtley keeps his eye on the ball in a game earlier this season. Photo by Betty Cooper

 
   
 
See more photos
 
 
 Panther girls place fourth at Kip Janvrin Invitational 
   
 

By Cyote Williams | Times Vedette

Panorama girls track hosted 13 other teams for the Kip Janvrin Invitational on Tuesday, April 8. Panorama placed fourth, scoring 73 points. Central Decatur won the meet with 101 points, narrowly outscoring Madrid by one point. According to Head Coach Greg Thompson, Panorama had 10 athletes set a total of 15 personal bests and set season bests in six events. Thompson named Malia Jacobsen the MVP, as she set four personal bests in her four events. The girls earned several gold medals: Maddy Lutz in the 400-meter dash; Kylie Rochholz in the 800-meter run; Maddy Lutz, Rochholz, Gracie Recker and Faith Recker in the 4x400-meter relay; and Mary Fett, Laicey Lutz, Maddy Lutz and Rochholz in the 4x800-meter relay. Gracie Recker earned bronze in the shot put. Panorama’s next event is today, Friday, April 11, at Greene County. Panorama will compete against six other teams.

PICTURED: Panorama's Kylie Rochholz won the 800-meter run at the Kip Janvrin Invitational on April 8. Photo by Betty Cooper

 
   
 
Read the full results and see more photos
 
 
 Panther boys place 10th at Kip Janvrin Invitational 
   
 

By Cyote Williams | Times Vedette

The Panorama boys track and field team hosted the Kip Janvrin Invitational on Tuesday, April 8. Panorama scored 41 points against 13 other teams. ACGC won the meet with 129. Noah Poldberg earned Panorama’s two medals of the day with gold in the 1600-meter run and silver in the 3200-meter run. Panorama travels to Greene County today, Friday, April 11 for its next competition.

PICTURED: Noah Poldberg towers over the other distance runners. Poldberg won the 1600-meter run at the Kip Janvrin Invitational on April 8. Photo by Betty Cooper

 
   
 
Read the full results and see more photos
 
 
 

Boys golf tees off for first time today

By Cyote Williams | Times Vedette

The Panorama boys golf season debuts today, Friday, April 11, at the Webster City Triangular hosted by Kuemper Catholic. Panorama will compete against Kuemper Catholic and Webster City. Temperatures are expected to be in the low 50s with little to no wind projected.

 
 
 

ADM bests Panorama in dual, 212-235

By Cyote Williams | Times Vedette

Panorama girls golf had its first action this season against ADM at Lake Panorama National on Thursday, April 25, losing the dual. Panorama’s next meet will be a quadrangular against West Central Valley, Interstate 35 and Des Moines Christian on Monday, April 14 at Jester Park Golf Course.

 
 
 Chargers win at Kip Janvrin Invitational 
   
 

By Cyote Williams | Times Vedette

The ACGC boys track and field team picked up another meet win on Tuesday, April 8 at the Kip Janvrin Invitational in Panorama. The Chargers scored 129 points, and with that came a lot of medals. Those who earned gold were Tate Fever in the 110-meter hurdles, Dean Vela in the 200-meter dash, Fever in the 400-meter hurdles, Jathan South in the high jump, and the 4x100-meter and 4x110-meter hurdle relay teams. The 800-meter sprint medley team earned silver. Bronze medals went to Kade Sorensen in the 100-meter dash, Brexton Schneider in the 110-meter hurdles, Talon Noland in the 200-meter dash, Luke Brincks in the 400-meter dash, Jonny Kading in the 800-meter run, and the 4x200-meter and 4x400-meter relay teams.

PICTURED: Jathan South flies over the hurdles as part of the gold medal 4x110 shuttle hurdle relay team of Luke Brincks, Joe Crawford, South and Dean Vela. Photo by Mark Reno

 
   
 
Read the full results and see more photos
 
 
 

Chargers place third at Van Meter Early Bird

By Cyote Williams | Times Vedette

ACGC boys track and field doubled up on track meets this week. The team competed at the Van Meter Early Bird on Thursday, April 10, competing against nine other schools. ACGC scored 103.5 points to earn third. ADM won the meet with 127.

Individual medalists at the meet were Brexton Schneider with silver in the 110-meter hurdles and bronze in the 100-meter dash, Luke Brincks with silver in the 200-meter dash, Mike Fuller with gold in discus and silver in the shot put. Relay team medals for ACGC were gold in the 4x100-meter relay, silver in the 4x200 relay, gold in the 4x400-meter relay, bronze in the 800 medley relay and gold in the 4x100-meter shuttle hurdle relay. ACGC’s next competition will be at Earlham on Tuesday, April 15. The Chargers will compete against nine other schools.

 
 
 Charger girls place seventh at Kip Janvrin Invitational, set school record in 4x400 relay 
   
 

By Cyote Williams | Times Vedette

The ACGC girls track team made the short trip to compete in the Kip Janvrin Invitational at Panorama on Tuesday, April 8. The Chargers placed seventh, scoring 60 points. Central Decatur won the meet with 101, narrowly defeating Madrid, which scored 100. The girls had two gold medalists: Cadence Petersen in the 400-meter hurdles and Ava Campbell in the 1500-meter run. The 4x400-relay squad earned a silver medal and broke a school record. The previous record was 4:29.12, set in 2017. The team of Campbell, Nora Langgaard, Lillie Lauzon and Savannah Akers beat it, running a 4:27.92. Becca Littler in discus and the 800-meter sprint medley teams earned bronze.

PICTURED: ACGC's Cadence Petersen won the 400-meter hurdles at the Kip Janvrin Invitational at Panorama on April 8. Photo by Mark Reno

 
   
 
Read the full results and see more photos
 
 
 

Charger girls place sixth at Van Meter Early Bird

By Cyote Williams | Times Vedette

The ACGC girls track and field team competed at the Van Meter Early Bird on Thursday, April 10. The Chargers scored 65 points against seven other teams. Host Van Meter won the meet with 144. Medalists at the meet were Ava Campbell, who earned gold in the 800-meter run and silver in the 1500-meter run; ACGC’s 1600 medley relay team earned gold. The girls next meet will be at Earlham on Tuesday, April 15 against 10 other teams.

 
 
 

ACGC golf teams compete on Monday

By Cyote Williams | Times Vedette

The ACGC boys and girls golf teams compete at the Don Williams Golf Course on Monday, April 14 against Van Meter and Ogden. Ogden is the host of this meet.

 
 
 
 

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.

 
 
 

Assistant Librarian at Redfield Public Library: Part-time. Saturday availability 9 a.m. to noon and some afternoon/evening availability. The ability to fill in occasionally when director needs to take time off would be desirable, but no required. Click HERE.

Church Secretary at Stuart-Mt. Vernon United Methodist Church: Part-time. Flexible Daytime Hours (10 hours/week).$15.00 per hour (negotiable). Click HERE.

Cooks, Kitchen Staff, Bartenders, Servers, Events at The Captain's Pick: Full-time. Cooks Starting at $17 per hour. Click HERE.

See more job listings at https://gctimesnews.com/job-board.

 
 
 
 20 years ago 
   
 

From the archives of The Guthrie Center Times, April 13, 2005

YOUTH SOCCER. Xristos (Chris) Giannopoulos of Guthrie Center is coaching a soccer team this spring. Jim Wickland, assistant coach, is also from Guthrie Center. Four Guthrie Center youth are participants on the team along with three Panora youth and one from Yale. The team played its first game April 1. Front row, Cale Crowder and Landon Walker of Guthrie Center, Madison Fisher of Panora, Jessica Headley of Guthrie Center, Ethan Tromp of Panora, and T.J.
Wickland, Guthrie Center. Back row, coaches Jim Wickland and Xristos Giannopoulos. Not pictured: Zach Troutman, Yale, and Cheyenne Hester, Panora.

 
   
 
See more Yester Years
 
 
 Pedal-In serves up customer favorites 
   
 

Nicole Kidney’s road to owning a restaurant was a winding one.

By Susan Thompson | Lake Panorama Times, April 2025

Nicole Kidney is entering her third summer season as owner and operator of the Pedal-In, located on Highway 44 in Panora, adjacent to the Raccoon River Valley Trail. Formerly known as PJ’s, Kidney bought the restaurant in August 2022 and opened to customers Nov. 22, 2022.

Kidney’s road to owning a restaurant was a winding one.

[...]

 
   
 
Read the full story
 
 
 
 
 

How would you judge the amount of snowfall we received this year?

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Submit your answers at the bottom of our website at gctimesnews.com

 
 
 
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