| | Building a life you don’t need a vacation from
When I was a younger man working at The Des Moines Register, I was planning a vacation and told a customer I would be off work and explained how I planned to cover the bases. He looked at me with a stern face and said, “Vacation? You don’t work Sundays, do you? That’s 52 days of vacation a year.” He continued, “Wait, you don’t work Saturdays either, do you? That’s another 52 days. That’s 104 days of vacation per year. How much vacation do you need?”
I was without words. This customer was having fun with me, but there was also some truth to what he was saying. Some people I know seem to be continually talking about their next vacation, even though they just got back from one. That time off is supposed to make them happy, recharge them, and have them ready to take on the tasks of life again — but it doesn’t seem to do that. They just want more vacation time.
As a teenager, I worked at a local gas station that was open 24/7. Even in the 1980s, staffing was a challenge, especially on Thanksgiving, Christmas and New Year’s Day. But when the opportunity came to earn time-and-a-half for holiday pay, I was the first to sign up. I enjoyed working those days, as the store traffic was lighter, the customers who stopped in were quite cheery, and I liked the extra dollars in my paycheck.
When I worked at the Register, we were told in no uncertain terms that we would not be allowed to take vacation between Thanksgiving and Christmas. Those were the newspaper’s busiest times with advertising, and we were to be there to make sure of it. We are not as strict today in our company, but a holiday does mean that we have to complete five days of work in four days. The presses keep running.
Author Rob Hill, Sr. said, “My goal is to build a life I don’t need a vacation from.” That makes sense to me. But, like most things in life, I have learned there truly are different strokes for different folks. Some people love to travel and spend time on a beach; I get horribly sunburned and have two days of diarrhea. Others want to take a week off and ride a bicycle 468 miles across the state in 90-degree weather; that’s not my idea of a vacation. And a select few enjoy time at home working on a list of projects and relaxing with friends and family; that’s more my style. But, again, to each his (or her) own.
With holiday vacations approaching, I hope you have plans to enjoy the time off and can then return with enthusiasm, vigor and gusto. The world needs you.
Have a fantastic Friday, and thanks for reading.
Shane Goodman
Editor and Publisher
Times Vedette digital newsletter
shane@gctimesnews.com
641-755-2115
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 | | | Feeding a multitude | | | | | | | | By Rich Wicks | Times Vedette
Guthrie Center First United Methodist Church held a free-will donation harvest supper on Oct. 16. The meal included roast pork, dressing, mashed potatoes, green beans, homemade salads and a variety of homemade pies. Meals were available for dine-in or carry-out. Attendance was strong, but the large crew of helpers was ready for the task. Donna Bentell, Sandy Mortensen, Hilaree Stringham and Teri Petersen are pictured dishing up carryout meals. | |
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 | | | Springbrook State Park to host information session about friends group | | | | | | | | Special to the Times Vedette
Local residents who have a passion for Springbrook State Park and may be interested in helping to establish a friends group are invited to attend an informational session on Nov. 6 from 6-8 p.m. at the park office.
Friends groups are nonprofit entities that support individual state parks in a variety of ways, including leading local outreach and fundraising efforts, coordinating improvement projects for natural areas and buildings, hosting special events and more.
[...] | | | | | | | | Read the full story | |
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 | | | Fall color will be at or near its peak across Iowa this weekend | | | | | | | | From the Iowa Department of Natural Resources
The fall color season is near its peak in northeast Iowa. Leaf color is becoming more vibrant with our recent cooler nights. Aspens are turning bright yellow along with the bright reds and oranges on sugar maple.
Fall color is at peak in north central and northwest Iowa. Many species are in full yellow, including green ash, ironwood, hackberry, hickory, cottonwood, elms, and walnut. Maples are looking vibrant with orange and red colors. Poison ivy and Virginia creeper are showing red along with sumac and dogwoods.
[...] | | | | | | | | Read the full story | |
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 | | | Iowa’s pheasant season opens Oct. 26 | | | | | | | | From the Iowa Department of Natural Resources
Success during the 2023 pheasant season has Iowa hunters eagerly awaiting this year’s opening day and with bird population estimates similar to two years ago, hunters are expecting another great fall afield.
Pheasant hunting has been an Iowa tradition spanning generations. This year, it starts with the resident youth-only pheasant season Oct. 19-20 that is only open to Iowa youths aged 15 and younger. Iowa’s regular pheasant season is Oct. 26 through Jan. 10, 2025.
[...] | | | | | | | | Read the full story | |
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 | | | Iowa deer hunting off to a good start | | | | | | | | From the Iowa Department of Natural Resources
Despite warm weather persisting in much of the state, roughly 6,000 deer have been registered so far through the youth and disabled hunter seasons, and the opening of the archery and early muzzleloader seasons, which is slightly higher than both last year and the five-year average.
The crop harvest, cooling temperatures and approaching rut, should increase deer activity leading to greater harvest success.
[...] | | | | | | | | Read the full story | |
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 | | | Emerald ash borer now confirmed in all 99 counties | | | | | | | | From the Iowa Department of Agriculture and Land Stewardship
Emerald ash borer (EAB), an ash tree-killing insect, has now been confirmed in all of Iowa’s 99 counties. Insect samples were collected from a declining ash tree in Armstrong earlier this month by staff from the Iowa Department of Agriculture and Land Stewardship. The sample was then sent to the United States Department of Agriculture (USDA) Animal and Plant Health Inspection Service (APHIS) for confirmation. With positive confirmation now in Emmet County, there are no remaining counties in Iowa without a detection.
[...] | | | | | | | | Read the full story | |
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| | ACGC school boards hear about ‘excellent’ attendance and enrollment increases
By Rich Wicks | Times Vedette
The Adair-Casey and Guthrie Center school boards held a joint meeting at Adair-Casey Junior High on Oct. 16.
Brian Sauser, principal for grades 9-12, provided an update on how things are going at the high school. In particular, he said attendance is “excellent” with the new guidelines in place.
“Attendance-wise, it’s completely systematic now. We don’t have a day where we have an unexcused absence, hardly ever,” Sauser said. “In the event that we have a tardy, then we’re meeting with those kids on the spot.”
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| | Panorama School Board approves special education deficit for spending authority
By Rich Wicks | Times Vedette
Immediately prior to the regular meeting of the Panorama school board on Oct. 14, a public hearing was held regarding the Flexibility Fund Transfer. There were no written nor oral comments, so the public hearing was promptly closed.
During the regular school board meeting, the board opted to postpone the Makerspace presentation until the November meeting.
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| | Sheriff’s Department estimates $242,972 in profit for housing out-of-county inmates
By Rich Wicks | Times Vedette
Since the opening of Guthrie County’s new Law Enforcement Center, the county has been housing a significant number of inmates from other counties. This was expected and has been a subject of frequent discussion during weekly meetings of the Guthrie County Board of Supervisors.
The county began housing out-of-county inmates on Aug. 3, 2023, and averages approximately 15 out-of-county inmates at any given time. Although the percentages vary, overall, approximately 42% of the inmates are from Guthrie County while the remaining 58% are from outside the county.
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| | Iowa’s unemployment rate remains at 2.9% in September
From Iowa Workforce Development
Iowa’s seasonally adjusted unemployment rate remained at 2.9% in September amid a labor force that remained largely static despite job reductions. The state’s labor force participation rate held steady at 66.3%. The U.S. unemployment rate decreased to 4.1% in September.
“The September report is evidence that many Iowa businesses remain reluctant to hire due to uncertainty about the direction of the national economy,” Beth Townsend, Executive Director of Iowa Workforce Development, said.
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| | Panorama Elementary Book Fair Oct. 22 and Oct. 24
Special to the Times Vedette
The Panorama Elementary Scholastic Book Fair will be held Tuesday, Oct. 22 and Thursday, Oct. 24 during Parent-Teacher Conferences from 3-7:30 p.m. at the Panorama Elementary Library.
The Panorama Elementary staff is getting a sneak peek at books this week. Students will preview the book fair, fill out wish lists and participate in a guessing jar over the next few days. This will be an in-person event, but those interested can also shop online from Oct. 21 to Nov. 3 at www.scholastic.com/bf/panoramaelementaryschool.
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| | Cribbage results from Oct. 16
Special to the Times Vedette
On Oct. 16, a total of 12 players participated. Sandy Rumelhart got a 17. Roger Esbeck dropped got a 16 along with Robert Klever and Dennis Betts. Ronda Titus got a 16 and a 20. Dave Kading got a 20. Allen Pierce got the prize with a 21.
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. | |
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| | Charlotte Thorp | | | | | | | | 1937-2024
Charlotte Belle Thorp, 87, daughter of Glen and Edna (Putnam) Thorp, was born March 3, 1937, near Panora. She passed away Friday, Oct. 11, 2024, at the Community Care Center in Stuart.
Charlotte was raised around Panora and graduated from Panora High School. She went on to Drake University and earned her master’s degree in education. She was a teacher for 41 years, 37 of those years teaching third grade at S.E. Polk.
[...] | | | | | | | | Read the full obituary | |
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 | | | Weekly Crop Progress and Condition Report | | | | | | | | 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.
“Warm and dry conditions continued across much of the state last week, providing a window for significant harvest progress. Despite cooler temperatures, mostly dry conditions are expected to persist in the week ahead, allowing harvest activity to steadily roll on. However, outlooks into the second half of October show rainfall potential,” Secretary Naig said.
[...] | | | | | | | | Read the full report | |
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 | | | Panthers finish 6th at WCAC tournament | | | | | | | | By Cyote Williams | Times Vedette
Panorama volleyball (10-11) played in two games at the WCAC tournament on Tuesday, Oct. 15, against Ogden (7-15) and Pleasantville (23-11). After dropping its first game of the WCAC tournament on Monday, Oct. 14 to Woodward-Granger, 2-0, Panorama was sent into the consolation bracket, sweeping Ogden in the semis, 2-0, then, losing to Pleasantville in the consolation finals, 2-0, resulting in its sixth-place finish. Host Des Moines Christian won the tournament.
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PICTURED: Panorama's No. 14 Gracie Recker rises up for the kill attempt in a game earlier this season. Photo by Betty Cooper | | | | | | | | Read the full story | |
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| | Poldberg takes 8th at WCAC invite | | | | | | | | By Cyote Williams | Times Vedette
Panorama boys cross country competed at the West Central Activities Conference meet hosted by ACGC on Thursday, Oct. 17. The Panthers did not place, and Des Moines Christian won the meet with 16 points in a dominant performance, taking places 1-4. Noah Poldberg had the best finish for Panorama, placing eighth in 17:36.10. Bladyn Wearmouth finished 79th in 21:06.10. Zach Hayden was just behind him in 81st in 21:11.40. Bennett Allen rounded out the team’s performance, finishing 97th in 22:28.50. Next for Panorama is the 1A state-qualifying meet held at ACGC on Thursday, Oct. 24. | |
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| | Panorama places 6th, Rochholz takes 5th at WCAC meet | | | | | | | | By Cyote Williams | Times Vedette
The Panorama girls cross country team competed against the WCAC in its conference meet on Thursday, Oct. 17 at ACGC. Panorama finished in sixth place with 146 points. Van Meter won the meet with 56. Kylie Rochholz ran the best time for Panorama, taking fifth place in 19:56.10. Laicey Lutz finished 13th in 21:00.40. Almiranda Burnett placed 42nd in 23:05.30. Mary Fett was close behind in 45th in 23:19.00. Nella Rivas followed, placing 47th in 23:46.40. Maddy Lutz took 59th in 24:28.90. Corrie Knapp rounded out the team’s performance finishing 63rd in 24:39.30. The girls’ next, and potentially final, test of the season will be the 1A state-qualifying meet at ACGC on Thursday, Oct. 24. | |
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| | Panthers to go pink in regular season finale against No. 9 Riverside
By Cyote Williams | Times Vedette
Panorama football (1-6) is hosting No. 9 Riverside (5-2) for its Pink Out on Friday, Oct. 18. Riverside is coming off a 41-6 drubbing of Earlham, while Panorama looks to improve after its 41-12 loss against South Central Calhoun. The Panthers will have to figure out how to slow down Riverside’s Jaxon Gordon if they want a chance to win. The junior has dominated this season with 1,434 rushing yards and 22 touchdowns. | |
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 | | | Chargers place 3rd at WCAC tournament | | | | | | | | By Cyote Williams | Times Vedette
After winning its first-round matchup with Pleasantville (23-11), 2-0, ACGC volleyball (15-9) faced Van Meter (20-6) and Woodward-Granger (12-17) on Tuesday, Oct. 15 at the WCAC tournament, hosted by Des Moines Christian. ACGC was swept by Van Meter, 2-0, in 25-17 and 25-19 sets. Van Meter would eventually lose the title game against Des Moines Christian. ACGC ended the tournament by beating Woodward-Granger, 2-0, in 25-12 and 25-21 sets to secure third place. ACGC still has one more tournament to play before entering the postseason. On Saturday, Oct. 19, the Chargers travel to Woodward-Granger High School where they will face Perry (11-14), Colfax Mingo (8-12), Boone (6-19) and Woodward-Granger (12-17).
PICTURED: In a game earlier this season, ACGC leader in assists (472), No. 13 Shay Lemke, aims for team leader in kills (339), No. 7 Stella Largent, while No. 18 Nora Langgard watches on. Photo by Mark Reno | |
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| | Chargers take 4th at WCAC meet, Sloss lands in top 10
By Cyote Williams | Times Vedette
On Thursday, Oct. 17, ACGC boys cross country hosted the WCAC meet. ACGC placed fourth with 99 points. Des Moines Christian won the meet in dominant fashion with 16 points and the top four finishers overall. Gavin Sloss had the best Charger performance, placing ninth in 17:36.80. Preston Kent narrowly missed out on the top 10, finishing 13th in 17:50.80. Noah Kading placed 26th in 18:22.60. Tate Fever was just behind him in 27th in 18:28.70. Jonny Kading placed 35th in 19:05.80. Jameson Pfrang finished 56th in 20:16.40. Brody Beeler placed 59th in 20:22.60. Cameron Mozingo placed 86th in 21:28.20. Stetson Ellis placed 116th in 23:50.20. Tai Riordan placed 121st in 24:08.70. Ryne Noland finished 131st in 28:02.20. ACGC will host again next week, Thursday, Oct. 24, for the 1A state-qualifying meet. | |
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| | ACGC places 5th, Campbell finishes 3rd at WCAC meet
By Cyote Williams | Times Vedette
ACGC girls cross country hosted the WCAC meet on Thursday, Oct. 24. The Chargers finished in fifth place with 123 points. Van Meter won the meet with 56. Ava Campbell continued her string of impressive performances with a third-place finish in 19:49.30. Cadence Petersen had the next best Charger time, finishing in 17th in 21:20.90. Jayla Hoover placed 23rd in 21:54.80. Adalyn Benson placed 34th in 22:48.40. Emmarae Ellis placed 49th in 23:53.30. Lillie Lauzon finished 52nd in 24:05.00. Paige Van Meter was just behind her in 54th in 24:11.00. Elizabeth Drake finished in 72nd in 26:05.40. Hannah Muller rounded out the team’s performance placing 73rd in 26:05.50. Next week, the Chargers will host the 1A state-qualifying meet on Thursday, Oct. 24. | |
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| | No. 2 Chargers’ undefeated season on the line against Southwest Valley tonight
By Cyote Williams | Times Vedette
No. 2 ACGC football (7-0) can achieve back-to-back undefeated regular seasons with a win over Southwest Valley (1-6) at home on Friday, Oct. 18. The Chargers blanked Southwest Valley last season, 41-0, and hope to repeat that result tonight. If Mike Fuller (894) and Jathan South (846) have solid performances, they could both eclipse the 1,000 rushing yard mark before heading into the postseason. | |
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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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 | | | 20 years ago | | | | | | | | From the archives of The Guthrie Center Times, Oct. 13, 2004
ROYAL COURT. Members of Guthrie Center High School’s homecoming court were selected by the student body. Queen candidates are Dania Bolton, McKenzie Benton, Paige Johnson, Becky Secoy and Cerissa Rhoades. King hopefuls are Eddie Brock, Kody Nielsen, Matt Booth, Matt Pearey and Ben Smith. | | | | | | | | See more Yester Years | |
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 | | | Orchard Family Restaurant opens in Guthrie Center | | | | | | | | Owner Luis Huerta says the restaurant’s menu features Mexican and American cuisine.
By Rich Wicks | Guthrie Center Times, October 2024
A new restaurant recently opened in Guthrie Center, and it is attracting attention for its extensive menu. The Orchard Family Restaurant, located at 104 Third St., is owned by Luis Huerta, who recently sat down to share information about the business. The location had previously been La Villa Mexican Restaurant and Teo’s Mexican Grill. Huerta explained that he has worked in the restaurant business since 2013, running restaurants in Greenfield, Stuart and Coon Rapids, along with several Los Altos locations, as well as operating food trucks. Huerta explained that he sold his interest in the Los Altos locations in Story City, Greenfield and Bondurant.
[...] | | | | | | | | Read the full story | |
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| | FOR RENT: Newly Renovated! 2/1 Apartment for Rent. Newly renovated 2-bed, 1-bath apartment at 502 W Market St, Panora, IA 50216. Enjoy 700 sq ft of modern living with LVP flooring, new cabinets, counter tops, fresh paint, and updated trim and doors. Under new management, this bright and stylish unit offers comfort and convenience in a welcoming community near local amenities. $800/month. Call 712-469-4033.
CHILD CARE PROVIDERS WANTED: If you’re passionate about working with children, we want to hear from you! Little Smiles is a state licensed daycare in Adair. Benefits include no nights, weekends, or holidays, paid time off, discounted child care, and matching retirement plan available. Must be 18+ years of age and pass a background check. $500 hiring bonus available! Contact littlesmilesadair@gmail.com or 641-742-3031. | |
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| | Why does Humpty Dumpty love autumn?
Because he always has a great fall! | |
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| | Have you ever bobbed for apples?
Submit your answers at the bottom of our website at gctimesnews.com | |
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