| | A thank you to Mrs. Kalar — and all the substitute teachers
When Mrs. Marguerite Kalar would show up at school, we knew we were in for an entertaining and educational class period… if we listened carefully enough.
This wonderful woman was born in 1904 and spent many years teaching in the school system in my hometown of Algona. In her later years, she served as a substitute school teacher. Mrs. Kahler was long retired by the time my friends and I knew her, or at least it seemed that way. She was also understandably forgetful. My friend Dave wasn’t.
During one of our first classes with Mrs. Kalar as a sub, she mentioned how her favorite age is 16 because that’s when most kids are introduced to driving, and she went on for the remainder of the class talking about her experiences in great detail. So, to get her off track — and to avoid any prepared classroom instruction — my friend Dave would ask her, “Mrs. Kalar, what was your favorite age?” or “Mrs. Kalar, what kind of vehicle did you drive as a teenager?” or “Mrs. Kalar, at what age did you learn to drive?” The next 45 minutes were another rendition of the same history lesson about Mrs. Kalar’s youth driving experiences.
Our regular teachers caught on to this ploy, as only a few of the lesson plans were ever used. I remember this being frustrating for some of the teachers, and it probably also was for our principal, as finding last-minute substitute teachers was no easy task then, and it certainly isn’t today either.
Even so, an education isn’t all about what we read in books. If we miss a class or two about prepositional phrases, linear equations or photosynthesis, then so be it. Life experiences can be great lessons, too… if we listen carefully enough. This is a great reminder for teachers, principals, superintendents, school board members and legislators who continue to work toward solutions for the shortage of classroom instructors.
Mrs. Kalar died in 1992 and, like many other substitute teachers, impacted a tremendous number of youth in a positive way throughout her lifetime. Thank you, Mrs. Kalar, and thank you to all the substitute teachers.
Have a fantastic Friday, 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 begin budget discussions
By Rich Wicks | Times Vedette
At the regular meeting of the Guthrie County Board of Supervisors on Jan. 16, the supervisors began discussion on the fiscal year 2026 budget. Auditor Dani Fink shared data on usual amounts that are built into the budget but can be changed as needed. She said she will bring additional data next Thursday, Jan. 23.
“I also am working right now with the township clerks to schedule a budget workshop with them,” Fink said.
Brenda Dudley, on behalf of Midwest Partnership, addressed the supervisors and discussed her Fiscal Year 2025-2026 funding request. She discussed Midwest Partnership’s ongoing programs and upcoming events. No board action was taken at this time.
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| | Impala enters ditch on Frontier Road
Special to the Times Vedette
Guthrie County Deputy Sheriff Taylor Wheatley reported a single-vehicle accident occurring on Jan. 11 at 1 a.m. on Frontier Road.
Korben Wayne Brunt, 19, of Anita, was driving a 2013 Chevrolet Impala southbound on Frontier Road and lost control of the vehicle and entered the west ditch. Damage to the vehicle is estimated at $3,000. Brunt was charged with leaving the scene of accident (property damage only) and failure to maintain control. | |
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 | | | Monster walleye | | | | | | | | Special to the Times Vedette
Jerry Patterson III, who resides in Helen’s Cove at Lake Panorama, pulled this monster walleye through the ice by the marina this past weekend. | |
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| | GCH welcomes
Dr. Hallie Hahn | | | | | | | | Special to the Times Vedette
Guthrie County Hospital welcomes Hallie Hahn, MD, who will be providing ophthalmology services and cataract procedures starting in February.
[...] | | | | | | | | Read the full story | |
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| | Apply for funding from Guthrie County Community Foundation by Jan. 31
Special to the Times Vedette
The Guthrie County Community Foundation is inviting local nonprofits, government entities and educational organizations to apply for grant funding. Applications are now open and must be submitted by midnight on Jan. 31, 2025.
These funds are available to support projects that benefit the community and enhance the quality of life in Guthrie County. Grants can be used for a wide range of initiatives, including educational programs, children activities, health and wellness services, public infrastructure projects, and more. In 2024, the community foundation awarded more than $210,000 to organizations that serve Guthrie County residents.
Organizations interested in applying are encouraged to visit www.GuthrieCountyCommunityFoundation.org. For questions or assistance with the application process, contact the Foundation at GCCFoundation@gmail.com.
Don't miss this opportunity to make a lasting impact on residents of Guthrie County. | |
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| | Keep pets away from sick or deceased wild birds
Special to the Times Vedette
The Iowa Department of Agriculture and Land Stewardship is advising Iowa pet owners to keep their cats and dogs away from sick or deceased wild birds and animals. Pet owners should also discourage indoor/outdoor cats from hunting wildlife because of the ongoing threat posed by Highly Pathogenic Avian Influenza (H5N1 HPAI) circulating within wild and migratory birds.
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| | Monteith ‘City Council Meeting’ minutes from Jan. 14 | | | | | | | | Submitted by Barb Rees Bachman, secretary/treasurer, Monteith City Council
Editor’s note: Monteith is an unincorporated community in Guthrie County. Residents in or around the area gather monthly to share updates on projects and celebrate milestones. Following are the “minutes” from the affectionally named “Monteith City Council Meeting.” We are pleased to publish these as submitted.
The Jan. 14, 2025, meeting was held at Monteith Event Center. Eleven were in attendance (short due to some snowbirds and sickness).
Mayor JD Kuster brought the meeting to order. We said the pledge of allegiance. Birthdays in January were Kathy Kuster and Jim Smith. No anniversaries. Prayers are going out to Bob Derry and family. And with so much sickness going around, we hope everyone stays healthy.
[...] | | | | | | | | Read the full story | |
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| | Guthrie County Cattlemen’s Banquet is Jan. 25 | | | | | | | | By Rich Wicks | Times Vedette
The annual Guthrie County Cattlemen’s banquet is set for Saturday, Jan. 25 at the Guthrie County Fairgrounds. Social hour will kick off at 5:30 p.m. with dinner served at 6:30 p.m. | |
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| | Trivia Contest is Feb. 8 | | | | | | | | Special to the Times Vedette
Join the fun Saturday, Feb. 8, as the Friends of the MJB Library is once again holding a Trivia Night at the Guthrie Center Activity Center with dinner at 6 p.m. followed by the trivia contest at 7 p.m. Teams of up to eight will compete to answer trivia questions from a variety of categories. Winners will receive a cash prize.
The cost is $35 per person, and adult beverages will be available for a freewill donation. Individuals in need of a team can leave their names and contact information at the library. | |
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| | Panorama School District receives apprenticeship grant
Special to the Times Vedette
During the Jan. 13 meeting of the Panorama School Board, Superintendent Kasey Huebner shared information about the Teacher and Paraeducator Registered Apprenticeship (TPRA) Grant. The TPRA grant allows current interested paraeducators to earn their bachelor’s degree in teaching. In this second round of funding, a total of 11 K-12 districts were chosen to receive grants to develop 68 new teacher apprentices and 26 new paraeducator apprentices.
“We are excited to offer a few of our paraeducators an opportunity to obtain a teaching license without the financial burden. This initiative allows us to invest in our staff and build our talent pipeline. Our goal has always been to hire exceptional individuals, and now we can invest in them with the hope that they will someday teach in our district and enhance the experiences of Panorama students,” Huebner said.
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| | Adair-Casey and Guthrie Center school boards discuss how to merge following consolidation | | | | | | | | By Rich Wicks | Times Vedette
At the joint meetings of the Adair-Casey and Guthrie Center school boards on Jan. 15, one of the main discussion topics was how to merge the two boards into one, if/when consolidation of the two districts occurs. Currently, each board has five members. Superintendent Josh Rasmussen suggested the new board could be either five or seven members.
After discussion, the consensus was that the potential new board would include two members from each current district and one at-large member.
The next steps regarding possible consolidation include petitions from each district and a ballot measure for voters to determine if consolidation will happen. Adair-Casey board member Randy Carney pointed out that since many in the community believe the districts are already consolidated, it may be a challenge to have a strong voter turnout percentage.
[...] | | | | | | | | Read the full story | |
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| | Volunteers needed to take down holiday lights
Special to the Times Vedette
The Panora Chamber of Commerce is asking for volunteers who can help take down the holiday lights on the town square on Friday, Jan. 17 at 2 p.m. If you can help, simply show up then. | |
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 | | | Panorama completes comeback against Nodaway Valley, wins 60-55 | | | | | | | | By Cyote Williams | Times Vedette
The Panorama girls basketball team (8-3) won its home matchup with Nodaway Valley (5-8) on Thursday, Jan. 16. Panorama was trailing at the end of every quarter, except for the last. A stunning 15-3 quarter in Panorama’s favor swung the tide for the Panthers. Morgan Crees’ 27-point, 11-rebound double double helped Panorama complete the comeback. Ruth Fett with 12 points and Nerea Gimeno Perez with 11 points joined Crees in double figures. It will be a quick turnaround for Panorama. The girls travel to face Van Meter (5-5) today, Friday, Jan. 17.
PICTURED: No. 30 Kelsey Laabs, No. 13 Faith Recker and No. 3 Lydia Lleshi trap the Ogden player in a previous game. Photo by Betty Cooper | |
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 | | | Panthers snap losing streak, defeat Nodaway Valley, 62-41 | | | | | | | | By Cyote Williams | Times Vedette
Panorama boys basketball (2-9) snapped its nine-game losing streak with a win at home against Nodaway Valley (1-11) on Thursday, Jan. 16. Panorama won’t have too much time to celebrate the victory, as they play again tonight, Friday, Jan. 17 at Van Meter (6-4).
PICTURED: No. 44 Brayden Galvan rises up for the jump shot in a previous game. Photo by Betty Cooper | |
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 | | | Panorama wins two duals at Southwest Valley | | | | | | | | By Cyote Williams | Times Vedette
Panorama boys wrestling competed in three duals on Thursday, Jan. 16 at Southwest Valley High School. Panorama beat East Union, 36-36, with the tiebreaker in Panorama’s favor, and Martensdale-St. Marys, 40-28. The Panthers lost to host Southwest Valley 39-31. Panorama will travel for the West Central Activities Conference tournament, hosted by Interstate 35 on Saturday, Jan. 18. Other WCAC schools in attendance will be host I-35, West Central Valley, Woodward-Granger, ACGC, Earlham, Ogden, Pleasantville and Van Meter.
[...]
PICTURED: Panorama's Nathaniel Spencer cradles his opponent during the Southwest Valley duals. Photo by Betty Cooper | | | | | | | | See results and more photos | |
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 | | | Panthers win 3 duals at Pleasantville | | | | | | | | Panorama girls wrestling traveled to Pleasantville High School on Tuesday, Jan. 14 for a quadrangular meet. The Panthers went 3-1 in their duals, with wins over I-35, 48-15, Pleasantville, 42-24, West Central Valley, 37-36, and their one loss coming against Carlisle, 45-22. Panorama’s next competition will be the Perry Girls Wrestling Invite tonight, Friday, Jan. 17.
[...]
PICTURED: Hali Klingenberg works for the fall during a previous competition. Photo by Betty Cooper | | | | | | | | See results | |
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 | | | Panther Esports win streak continues, sweeps Kingsley-Pierson, 3-0 | | | | | | | | By Cyote Williams | Times Vedette
Panorama Esports improved to 3-1 with a sweep over Kingsley-Pierson (0-4). Panorama Esports has won nine straight games during this win streak.
“The team came together to work very well in a true "team" function utilizing a strategy I developed called "Orbit Yo-Yo" and pulled out another dominant win,” Head Coach Cameron Little said.
Panorama’s next matchup will be against Woodward-Granger (2-2) on Tuesday, Jan. 22.
PICTURED: Overwatch 2. Photo courtesy of Cameron Little | |
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 | | | Panorama dance team performs in Show of Shows Jan. 12 | | | | | | | | Special to the Times Vedette
The Panorama High School dance team performed in the annual Show of Shows featuring their state routines, state solos and more on Jan. 12.
The dance team also performed at halftime during the Jan. 10 home basketball games.
PICTURED: The Dance Team at Show of Shows. Photo by Betty Cooper | | | | | | | | See more photos | |
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 | | | No. 6 ACGC survives scare, beats Woodward-Granger, 68-64 | | | | | | | | By Cyote Williams | Times Vedette
No. 6 ACGC boys basketball (8-1) defeated Woodward-Granger (5-8) at Wells Fargo Arena in Des Moines on Tuesday, Jan. 14. Woodward-Granger held a three-point lead at the end of the first quarter, 17-14. ACGC quickly turned the tide, taking a three-point lead of its own into halftime, 29-26. ACGC extended its lead in the third and survived a Woodward-Granger comeback attempt in the fourth to earn its eighth win of the season. Noah Kading shined in this one. The senior guard had 21 points, six assists and four rebounds. Jathan South with 19 points and Payton Policky with 12 points joined him in double figures. The Chargers travel to Earlham (8-3) tonight, Friday, Jan. 17 for a tough WCAC matchup.
PICTURED: No. 4 Joe Crawford skies for the layup at Wells Fargo Arena against Woodward-Granger on Tuesday, Jan. 14. Photo by Mark Reno | | | | | | | | See more photos | |
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 | | | Chargers handle Woodward-Granger, 52-35 | | | | | | | | By Cyote Williams | Times Vedette
ACGC girls basketball (9-1) defeated Woodward-Granger (7-6) at Wells Fargo Arena on Tuesday, Jan. 14. The Chargers took an early seven-point lead at the end of the first quarter and never looked back. Stella Largent led the Chargers in scoring with 16 points on 6/11 shooting. Her 11 rebounds completed the double-double. Shay Lemke had a double-double of her own with 12 points and 10 assists. Camdyn Richter nearly joined them with 12 points and nine rebounds. ACGC’s next game will be at Earlham (5-6) tonight, Friday, Jan. 17.
PICTURED: No. 14 Shay Lemke steps through the Woodward-Granger double team during her double-double performance at Wells Fargo Arena on Tuesday, Jan. 14. Photo by Mark Reno | | | | | | | | See more photos | |
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 | | | ACGC competes at Riverside quadrangular | | | | | | | | By Cyote Williams | Times Vedette
ACGC boys wrestling competed in three duals at Riverside High School on Thursday, Jan. 16. ACGC won one dual against Tri-Center, Neola, 48-28. The Chargers lost duals against Riverside, 58-24, and Woodbine, 51-30. ACGC will return to the mat quickly when the team travels to Interstate 35 High School for the West Central Activities Conference meet on Saturday, Jan. 18. Other WCAC schools in attendance will be host I-35, West Central Valley, Woodward-Granger, ACGC, Earlham, Ogden, Pleasantville and Van Meter.
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PICTURED: ACGC’s Ryder Cline in a previous match. Photo by Mark Reno | | | | | | | | Read the full results | |
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| | 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. | |
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 | | | 50 years ago | | | | | | | | From the archives of The Guthrie Center Times, Jan. 15, 1975
25 WINNERS. Skip Cline, right, was one of 25 REC cooperative members receiving door prizes at the 35th annual meeting in Guthrie Center last week. Handing out the gift is REC employee Jim Terwilliger. | | | | | | | | See more Yester Years | |
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 | | | Business feature | | | | | | | | Springbrook Family Dentistry aims for complete patient service
By Rich Wicks | Guthrie Center Times, January 2025
As you walk into Springbrook Family Dentistry at 214 State St. in Guthrie Center, don’t be surprised if you get very little conversation from the first staff member to greet you. That’s because Ollie, the office dog, likes to greet everyone who comes in, but he’s not much of a talker.
Luckily, Dr. Daniel Nelson, who owns and operates Springbrook Family Dentistry, was willing to talk about the business.
[...] | | | | | | | | Read the full story | |
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