| | Bouillon cubes, bubble wrap and peanut butter
If you don’t know by now, today is April Fool’s Day, and it’s not too late to still pull off a good April Fool’s prank. Just remember, as the old saying goes, it is better to give than to receive.
Our oldest daughter, Sara, enjoyed April Fool’s day in her youth, as she would put green food coloring in our milk jugs at home and set all the clocks in the house at different times. Her favorite prank, though, was to brush oral numbing gel on pieces of stick gum and wrap them back up, waiting for a friend to ask for a piece.
If you appreciate this type of humor, here are a few more to make your April 1 a bit more exciting.
Have coffee drinkers at your place of work? Swap out the sugar supply with salt and watch the looks on their faces after the first sip — then get ready to pour more cups of coffee.
If you work at an office and have a co-worker who uses a computer, cut out a small piece of paper with the message “GOTCHA” and tape it on the bottom side of the mouse, covering the sensor that makes it work.
I have read about this one in the past but haven’t tried it. It is worth repeating, as it is incredibly clever. Unscrew your friend’s showerhead and pop in a bouillon cube. Who doesn’t like the smell of hot chicken broth in the shower’s streaming water?
Do you have rugs in your home? If so, place bubble wrap underneath one and get ready to laugh.
You may remember the “kick me” signs that you taped to each other’s backs in middle school. Here is an adult version. Write the words “HONK AT ME” on a large piece of paper and tape it to the back of your friend’s car.
And while you are at it — and if you just happen to have a harmonica laying around — secure one to the front of a friend’s car bumper. As the car goes down the road and the wind blows in the instrument, the driver will be baffled by the newfound noise, even with the windows rolled up.
Like Oreo cookies? Carefully unscrew a few and replace the filling with white toothpaste.
This one is especially good. Take a pair of a family member’s socks and sew them shut about halfway through.
Do you have a bottle of clear nail polish? Take a bar of soap from the shower and coat the entire bar with the polish. The victim of this prank will work up a sweat while trying to lather up.
And here’s my all-time favorite April Fool’s prank. Smear a glob of peanut butter on a person’s shoe. Enough said.
Have a thoughtful — and cautious — Tuesday, and thanks for reading.
Shane Goodman
Editor and Publisher
Times Vedette digital newsletter
shane@gctimesnews.com
641-332-2707 | |
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| | Supervisors discuss health insurance, employee handbook changes
By Rich Wicks | Times Vedette
The Guthrie County Board of Supervisors met on April 1 with Supervisor Mike Dickson absent. Denise Ballard (representing Iowa Governmental Health Care) discussed the county’s Fiscal Year 2026 Health Insurance Renewal. She shared options for the supervisors to consider. No action was taken at this time.
Human Resources Coordinator Jamie Lindsay updated the supervisors on possible changes to the county’s employee handbook in the areas of call out/overtime pay, bereavement pay, sick leave, and personal leave.
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 | | | Pelicans at Lake Panorama | | | | | | | | Video by Kerry Jacobsen | Times Vedette
This group of American white pelicans was seen taking a break in the waters of Lake Panorama on Monday. They can be found year-round in Iowa, but their numbers increase during migration from March to April and August to November.
According to birdadvisors.com, American white pelicans have several molting changes, known as eclipse. In the spring, they have a visible yellowish patch on their breast and chest. In the summer, blackish feathers appear on their heads.
[...] | | | | | | | | Read the full story and see video | |
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 | | | Painting with Inktense and an alcohol wash | | | | | | | | Special to the Times Vedette
Gnome paintings by Troy Michaels, Cathy Ballard, Suzanne Michaels (including her display picture) and Chris Eighmy. The artists tried new techniques on March 30, using different paints and Inktense with an alcohol wash.
Art on State is an art gallery created by the Guthrie County Arts Council as an opportunity to bring together the artists of the county, encouraging them in their talents by providing means to display and sell their work and to bring awareness of artistic endeavors to the community at large by presenting performing and visual arts programs. Art on State is located at 320 State St. in Guthrie Center. Learn more at www.guthriecountyartscouncil.org or call 641-332-2267. | |
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| | Source of murky water near North Raccoon River in Jefferson identified | | | | | | | | From the Iowa Department of Natural Resources
The source of the dark and murky water in a stormwater drainage ditch near the North Raccoon River in Jefferson has been identified.
On March 26, the DNR Field Office in Atlantic was notified of dark colored water observed in a stormwater ditch in Daubendiek Park on the southwest side of Jefferson, which drains to the North Raccoon River.
[...] | | | | | | | | Read the full story | |
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| | Cribbage results from March 28 and March 31
Special to the Times Vedette
A total of 13 players participated on March 31. Sandy Rumelhart got a 17, Dave Kading got a 20, Robert Klever got two 16s, Allen Pierce got a 17 and a 22, Sue Mozingo got a 16, Jim Carico got a 16, Dennis Betts got a 17 and an 18, and Flo Ferris got a 16.
On March 28, Sandy Rumelhart got a 16 and a 17, Dick Ellis got two 16s, Allen Pierce got a 16, Robert Klever got an 18 and a 20, and Lela Schwartz got a 22.
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| | Alan Lynn Elgin | | | | | | | | 1951-2025
Mr. Alan Lynn Elgin, age 73, of Adair, passed away on Sunday, March 30, 2025, at Unity Point Iowa Methodist Hospital in Des Moines.
Alan Lynn Elgin was born on Nov. 13, 1951, in New Haven, Connecticut, to A Lynn and Alice (Winn) Elgin. Alan graduated from Adair-Casey High School with the class of 1969. He then continued his education at Iowa Lakes Community College, where he earned an associate degree in vocational technology in 1971.
[...] | | | | | | | | Read the full obituary | |
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| | More than 135 calls this week including Guthrie County Deputy responding to a report of an assault in Bagley; Guthrie County Deputy responding to a report of a scam in Guthrie Center; and Guthrie County Deputy responding to a report of trespassers in rural Bayard.
3-24-25
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6:37 a.m. Guthrie County Deputy assisted a motorist in rural Guthrie Center
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6:55 a.m. Stuart Rescue responded to a medical call in Stuart
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7:40 a.m. Guthrie County Sheriff and Deputies, Panora Fire Department, and Panora Ambulance responded to a report of a two-vehicle accident in rural Guthrie Center
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9:50 a.m. Guthrie County Deputy picked up evidence in Des Moines and brought it back to Guthrie Center
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11 a.m. Guthrie County Deputy assisted an individual in Guthrie Center
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11:20 a.m. Guthrie County Sheriff responded to a complaint in Yale
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 | | | Panther girls comeback falls short against Harlan Community, 4-3 | | | | | | | | By Cyote Williams | Times Vedette
The Panorama girls soccer team (0-1) nearly completed an impressive comeback against Harlan Community (1-0) away from home on Monday, March 31. Panorama was down 4-0 by the end of the first half. Three goals in the second half made it a close game, but the Panthers ultimately fell short in their season opener. The Panthers look to right the ship against Kuemper Catholic (0-0) at home tonight, April 1.
PICTURED: The Panther girls soccer team huddles up before their game against Harlan Community on March 31. Photo by Matt Fronapfel. | |
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 | | | Panorama boys falter in season debut against Harlan Community, 6-1 | | | | | | | | By Cyote Williams | Times Vedette
The Panorama boys soccer team (0-1) played in its first game of the season on Monday, March 31 at Harlan Community (1-0) The game was tied 1-1 at the end of the first half but got away from the Panthers in the second half. Panorama will have a chance to get back to .500 right away as they host Kuemper Catholic (0-0) tonight, April 1.
PICTURED: The Panorama boys soccer team before their game against Harlan Community on March 31. Photo by Matt Fronapfel | |
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 | | | Guthrie County Swim Club competes at Midwest Regionals | | | | | | | | Information courtesy of Kerry Jacobsen and Dana Stein
Guthrie County Swim Club had many swimmers participate in the Midwest Regional Swim Meet in Minneapolis at the University of Minnesota this past weekend with the Perry Area Winter Swim Team. The team placed fifth in the large team category and seventh overall out of 45 teams from around the Midwest. Coach Stein stated there were many personal records that were broken this past weekend. Lyla Martinson was seventh for the 8 and under girls' top points for the meet.
PICTURED:Coach Dana Stein helps the Regional swimmers warm-up prior to the Saturday, March 29th meet at the University of Minnesota Aquatic Center. Photo by Kerry Jacobsen | | | | | | | | Read the full story | |
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| | Earlham Early Bird canceled due to weather
By Cyote Williams | Times Vedette
The Panorama boys and girls track teams were set to compete at the Earlham Early Bird later today, Tuesday, April 1, but the event was canceled due to adverse weather. The boys and girls next meet will be at Ogden High School on Thursday, April 3. | |
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| | Chargers will not travel for Earlham track meet, canceled due to weather
By Cyote Williams | Times Vedette
The ACGC boys and girls track teams were prepared to hit the blocks at the Earlham Early Bird later today, Tuesday, April 1, but the event was canceled due to adverse weather. The boys and girls next meet will be at Griswold High School on Thursday, April 3. | |
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| | April Library Program — Dirt-N-Worms
Participants will learn about worms and their four main parts. Join us at one of these five libraries in April to have a fun time.
- Casey Library, April 9, 3-4 p.m.
- Stuart Library, April 14, 4-5 p.m.
- Panora Library, April 15, 4-5 p.m.
- Jamaica Library, April 24, 4-5 p.m.
- Bayard Library, April 30, 2:30-3:30 p.m.
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 | | | More than just books | | | | | | | | By Karen Kelly | Special to the Times Vedette
What draws people to the library? Everything! From books to digital resources to job assistance and creative programming, libraries are essential to thriving communities.
National Library Week, April 6-12, is a time to celebrate the many ways libraries bring people together, spark imagination and support lifelong learning.
Whatever draws you in, the library has something for everyone. Whether you’re a lifelong patron or haven’t visited in a while, now is the perfect time to explore all the library has to offer.
[...] | | | | | | | | Read the full story | |
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| | 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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 | | | 30 years ago | | | | | | | | From the archives of The Guthrie Center Times, March 29, 1995
TWO SELECTED FOR BOYS STATE. Juniors Luke Wells and Jason Carroll were chosen by the Guthrie Center American Legion Post No. 124 to attend Boys State June 9-15 at Camp Dodge in Johnston. Wells and Carroll are pictured with Post No. 124 Legion Commander John Garrett. | | | | | | | | See more Yester Years | |
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 | | | Losees find a niche with their creations | | | | | | | | What started as experiments quickly became popular products.
By Rich Wicks | Panora Times, March 2025
Angella and Matt Losee of Panora are creators. When they see products that catch their eyes, they immediately think about how the products are made, and that has led to a fun hobby and side gig for them.
Angella told of the couple’s foray into creating wooden flags, drink tumblers and related items.
“We started making the wood flags a couple years ago. Matt had seen something similar on Facebook and thought it was interesting and that we could make them,” Losee said. “So, we decided to give it a shot. My dad had given us a table saw years ago, so we had all the tools needed.”
[...] | | | | | | | | Read the full story | |
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| | Boulder Cove Condos is currently taking proposals for a Landscape/Maintenance contractor. This is a full-time position taking care of landscaping, snow removal and general maintenance of the 46-unit subdivision. This position starting April 16 would require the contractor to provide all equipment needed to maintain grounds. For more information, please contact Duane Baedke at 515-570-6774. | |
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| | Jailer at the Guthrie County Sheriff's Office
Primary duties include booking prisoners, data entry, record keeping, overseeing the general health and welfare of prisoners, and any other duties assigned to maintain the operation of the Guthrie County jail. Applicants must have a high school diploma or equivalency. Applicant must be currently certified or the ability to become a certified Jailer by the Iowa Law Enforcement Academy. Click HERE.
Cooks, Kitchen Staff, Bartenders, Servers, Events at the Captain's Pick, Lake Panorama
Full Time. Cooks Starting at $17.00/hr. Click HERE.
SWITA Drivers in Cass County for Swipco
Must be willing to obtain Class C CDL and Passenger Endorsement Driver's License. Must be able to pass a DOT medical exam and a pre-employment drug screening. Click HERE.
See more job listings at https://gctimesnews.com/job-board. | |
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| | When do you shower?
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Submit your answers at the bottom of our website at gctimesnews.com | |
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