The Guthrie County Times Vedette Oct. 11: Wait, is that a hearse?

FRIDAY, OCT. 11, 2024

Wait, is that a hearse?

Guthrie County residents have an important vote to cast on Nov. 5 — and not just for the president of the United States. Those of you concerned about emergency medical services (which should mean everyone) need to decide whether or not to approve a measure for a countywide EMS framework, which would be funded through a levy of 75 cents per $1,000 of taxable valuation for properties.

The revenue generated from this levy would be used to contract with Panora EMS, Stuart Rescue and Adair Fire and Rescue to ensure emergency medical care is accessible throughout the entire county. This is to include the addition of a fully staffed ambulance in Guthrie Center to improve response times.

Why do we need this countywide EMS framework? Proponents of the levy say the existing structure presents challenges in terms of coordination, resource allocation and comprehensive coverage. In particular, significant gaps in coverage exist when it comes to serving the western and northwestern portions of the county.

I am not writing this column to convince you to vote for this tax levy or vote against it. As with all elections, you have to make a decision based on your personal situation and needs — and, hopefully, a consideration for others’ situations and needs, too. What I do want to share with you is something I learned after reading newspaper clippings from Dave Beidelman, who, along with family members before him, owned and operated funeral homes in Panora and Guthrie Center. According to a 1955 newspaper advertisement he showed me, the O.J. Beidelman Funeral Home had “the ONLY car in Guthrie County, used only for moving the sick or injured. Trained Attendants. Oxygen Equipment. Portable Stretchers. Arm and Leg Splints.” The ad also stated that the company’s “Universal Car” was used as second ambulance. Yes, the funeral homes provided ambulance service.

A newspaper story from the same year also detailed the purchase of the new ambulance, stating, “The new vehicle is the largest Ford made and is built to provide the utmost in patient comfort and safety. It is painted a light blue with the interior a matching light blue. This is to differentiate it from the regular hearse used for funerals.”

The article also stated that the ambulance was to be used solely for the transportation of sick and injured patients, that it was on call 24 hours a day, and that it could carry two patients at one time.

Now, before you suggest this to current funeral home owners and operators Curtis Twigg and Craig Twigg (and before those guys strangle me), you should know that modern requirements would prevent this from happening today, and that’s not a bad thing, especially when minutes matter. Meanwhile, it is entertaining and informative to look back at how important needs like these were dealt with in years gone by. I can’t help but imagine the look on the faces of the folks who called for an ambulance and saw the funeral director show up in a hearse.

To learn more about the upcoming vote on EMS, visit www.guthriecountyems.org or attend the two remaining public informational meetings: Oct. 14, Yale Community Building, 7 p.m.; Oct. 16: Panorama High School Auditorium, Panora, 7 p.m.

Have a fantastic Friday, and thanks for reading.

Shane Goodman
Editor and Publisher
Times Vedette digital newsletter
shane@gctimesnews.com
641-755-2115

	Northern lights

	Special to the Times Vedette The Northern lights were in view on Thursday evening near Bagley. Photographer Betty Cooper captured these images of the lights glowing over rows of corn yet to be harvested. Northern lights, or aurora borealis, are a natural light display in the sky. The dynamic patterns of brilliant lights can appear as curtains, rays, spirals or dynamic flickers.

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Jamaica Library hosts RSVP event

By Rich Wicks | Times Vedette

On Oct. 10, the Jamaica Public Library hosted a “meet and greet” led by Mary Porter, Guthrie County RSVP 55-plus Volunteer Program Coordinator. Porter’s co-presenter was her puppet, Suzi Q.

Porter and Suzi Q discussed the free services available through RSVP to citizens 55 or older or to citizens who experience a disability. RSVP is funded by Americorps through Boone County Hospital. RSVP offers respite companionship, in-home visits, grocery shopping and other supports.

Porter can be reached at Lakeside Village or by calling 641-431-0132. She summarized the purpose of her visit to Jamaica.

“We recruit volunteers, but we also seek people in your community who could benefit from our services,” Porter said.

Trunk or Treat in Casey Oct. 27

Special to the Times Vedette

The Casey Service Club will be holding a Trunk or Treat event on Sunday, Oct. 27 on McPherson Street. Trunk set-up is from 3-4 p.m., and Trunk or Treating will be from 4-5 p.m. Hot dogs will be served until they are gone.

Hotel and Lodging Association honors Rep. Nordman with Legislator of the Year Award

Special to the Times Vedette

Representative Carter Nordman of District 47 has been named the 2024 Legislator of the Year by the Iowa Hotel and Lodging Association (IHLA). Nordman was recognized for his strong support of Iowa’s hospitality industry at the Iowa Legislature during the IHLA's annual awards luncheon on Oct. 2 in Johnston. He was honored alongside recipients in seven additional categories: Hotelier, General Manager, Employee, Champion, Philanthropist, Innovator, and Sustainability Property of the Year.

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Sunshine Club meets Oct. 8

Special to the Times Vedette

On Tuesday, Oct. 8, eight members of the Sunshine Club gathered at the home of Chari Heldenbrand for an 11 a.m. meeting followed by a delicious luncheon. Vice President Gina Lloyd opened the meeting in the absence of President Trudy. Roll call was “a fall memory.” Many memorable answers were given. The minutes from last month’s meeting were read, and the treasurer’s report was given. Several birthdays and anniversaries were mentioned. Discussion was about our annual Christmas party with Gina contacting a local restaurant to see if it is available.

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Cribbage results from Oct. 9

Special to the Times Vedette

On Oct. 9, a total of 14 players participated. Chet Vaughnan got a 16, Dick Ellis captured a 20, Dave Kading hung on to a 16 and a 20, Dennis Betts got the same 16 and 20. Kathy Evans, Allen Pierce and Wayne Nickel each got a 16, and Jane Barcus got a 17 and a 20. Gary Evans got a 14.

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More than 100 calls this week including Guthrie County Deputy attempting to locate a wanted individual in Guthrie Center; Yale, Jamaica, Bagley, and Panora Fire Departments and Panora Ambulance responding to a report of a ditch fire in rural Yale; and Guthrie County Deputy responding to a harassment complaint in rural Panora.

9-30-24

6:08 a.m. Panora Ambulance transported a patient from Guthrie County Hospital to Mercy
7:08 a.m. Panora Ambulance Unit 2 responded to a medical call in Guthrie Center
9 a.m. Panora Ambulance transported a patient from Guthrie County Hospital to Des Moines
9:05 a.m. Stuart Fire Department conducted a fire drill at the elementary school
10:48 a.m. Stuart Police followed up on an investigation
10:48 a.m. Guthrie County Deputy responded to a report of a theft in Jamaica

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	Panthers survive Ogden’s comeback attempt, win 3-1

	By Cyote Williams \| Times Vedette Panorama volleyball (9-9) came out of its Senior Night victorious on Tuesday, Oct. 8 against Ogden (6-12), 3-1. Panorama won the first and second sets, 25-19 and 25-22. Ogden won the third, 25-19. Panorama won a close fourth set, 25-22, to get to .500. With the win, Panorama climbs into fourth place in the WCAC. Faith Recker’s 20 assists led Panorama on the night, with Nerea Gimeno Perez’s 14 close behind. Two Panthers, Cayden Iredale and Jessica Randol, tied for a team-high 10 kills, Iredale also had 11 kill errors. Dig contributions were spread throughout the team, with 10 players contributing at least two. Elizabeth Snyder led with 12. Madison Mincy was effective from behind the line with a team-high four aces. Next week, starting Monday, Oct. 13, Panorama will travel to Des Moines Christian to compete in the WCAC tournament, where the entire conference will compete. PICTURED: Panorama's No. 11 Cayden Iredale meets Ogden's No. 20 Camryn Askelsen at the net during the team's 3-1 win on Tuesday, Oct. 8. Photo by Betty Cooper

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