| | You get what you pay for
A few decades ago, I participated in a continuous quality improvement training class, an in-depth study of the statistical control principles promoted by W. Edwards Deming. One of the many lessons I learned in these training sessions was the definition of “quality.” Our instructor, Bob Gelina, said this one word can be defined in just two words: low variation.
In the world of process improvement, this is certainly true. The more we can do to avoid the spikes of change, the more consistent and predictable our output will be. Makes sense.
On the consumer end, quality may have a different definition, and it varies by each person’s expectation.
My first luggage was an inexpensive set that was quickly trashed after a few visits to the airport. When Jolene and I were married, we received a high-end set as a gift. It was also quickly trashed after a few visits to the airport. As a result, I now only buy inexpensive sets of luggage and plan on replacing them as needed. Quality doesn’t seem to matter much with luggage, at least in my air travel experiences.
Shoes are another story. A few decades ago, I worked with Jeff Watts, the owner of a Des Moines clothing store called Bond’s of Beaverdale. As a young man in the business world, I needed to dress more professionally, and Jeff was a great help with suits, shirts and ties, which were standard wear of the time. The store also had a selection of high-end dress shoes that I wasn’t ready to step up to, despite Jeff’s encouragement. As my income increased, and Jeff’s sales pitch continued, I finally decided to ante up and buy a pair of shoes that cost three times as much as I had ever spent prior. “It’s an investment you won’t regret,” Jeff told me. And he was right. I had those shoes re-soled twice, and they lasted for more than a decade. I eventually tossed them only after a piece of sharp metal cut through the top of one. Quality, in this case, did prove to matter.
Our throw-away society is troublesome, and I am certainly part of the problem. In our efforts to pay the least amount we can, we often settle for lower quality. Sometimes that makes sense, but more often it results in rapidly expanding landfills full of broken stuff.
Unfortunately, the mass production of these throw-away items has become standard. The variation is low, and the outcome is predictable. With that in mind, the process may be quality, but the products created typically are not. We live and learn, hopefully. Meanwhile, this dilemma may be defined best in six words: You get what you pay for.
Have a terrific Tuesday, and thanks for reading.
Shane Goodman
Editor and Publisher
Times Vedette digital newsletter
shane@gctimesnews.com
641-332-2707 | |
|
|
| | Supervisors grapple with budgetary issues
By Rich Wicks | Times Vedette
During the March 18 regular meeting of the Guthrie County Board of Supervisors, significant discussion was held about the upcoming fiscal year’s budget.
Matters still need to be decided by the State Legislature that will impact county budgets statewide, but those decisions will likely not be made until after budgets are due. Supervisor Chair Maggie Armstrong described the work she did in finding ways to alleviate some expenses out of the General Basic category.
[...] | |
|
|
 | | | Roof blows off in Guthrie Center | | | | | | | | By Rich Wicks | Times Vedette
On Friday evening, March 14, a strong storm brought powerful straight-line winds through Guthrie County and much of Iowa. In Guthrie Center, the strong winds blew a roof off the building at 111 S. Third Street and left it on a neighboring building and power lines.
Firefighters worked to remove the roof in sections. Fortunately, no injuries were reported.
Agencies at the scene included Guthrie Center Fire Department, Panora Fire Department, Guthrie County Emergency Management, Panora EMS, Guthrie Center Utilities Department, Guthrie Center Streets Department, Guthrie County Sheriff Department, and Alliant Energy. | | | | | | | | See more photos and video | |
|
|
 | | | Hospice of the Midwest Guthrie Center recognized for compassionate care | | | | | | | | Special to the Times Vedette
Hospice of the Midwest announced that its Guthrie Center location has been awarded the 2025 Quality Award for Small Branches. This recognition highlights the company’s continued commitment to providing exceptional, personalized end of life care to Iowa families. Guthrie Center Hospice of the Midwest serves Adair, Guthrie, Cass, Audubon, Carroll, Greene and Dallas counties.
[...] | | | | | | | | Read the full story | |
|
|
 | | | Fish fry held Friday | | | | | | | | By Shane Goodman | Times Vedette
The St. Cecilia’s Knights of Columbus held a fish fry on Friday, March 14 in the church basement. Turnout was strong, despite severe weather in the area. | | | | | | | | See more photos | |
|
|
 | | | Emoji string art | | | | | | | | Special to the Times Vedette
On Sunday March 16, Cathy Ballard worked with five 4H students to do an emoji string art at Art on State. The students hammered nails in their boards, painted them and put string on their projects. Hopefully they can use them for fair projects.
[...] | | | | | | | | Read the full story | |
|
|
 | | | Decorating glass containers using mod podge | | | | | | | | Special to the Times Vedette
Students at Art on State decorated glass containers with paint and napkins using mod podge on Saturday.
[...] | | | | | | | | Read the full story | |
|
|
| | Make bunnies | | | | | | | | Special to the Times Vedette
A free art class will be on April 5 starting at 10 a.m. where participants can make a bunny out of a coffee cup. Carol will be the teacher, and treats will be provided.
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. | |
|
|
| | Painting gnomes | | | | | | | | Special to the Times Vedette
New artist Suzanne Michaels will instruct students on painting this gnome using different paints and mediums. Watercolor at 11 inches by 14 inches for $25. Call the store at 641-332-2267 to reserve your place for March 30 starting at 2 p.m.
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. | |
|
|
| | Randol joins Farmers State Bank | | | | | | | | Special to the Times Vedette
Jeramy Randol was hired by Farmers State Bank (FSB) as their newest loan officer. Randol joined the FSB team on Feb. 26, bringing a strong background in banking, a passion for customer service, and deep local roots in the community.
Randol is a 2017 graduate of Panorama High School, making his return to Guthrie County even more special. After high school, he pursued his education at Simpson College in Indianola,
[...] | | | | | | | | Read the full story | |
|
|
| | Local blood drives in April
By Rich Wicks | Times Vedette
Winter storms in February and March resulted in significantly fewer blood donations statewide. Consequently, LifeServe Blood Center encourages citizens to donate blood now and help save lives.
On Thursday, April 24, a blood drive will be held 2:30-6 p.m. at First Christian Church, 105 N. Fourth St. in Guthrie Center.
On Wednesday, April 30, a blood drive will be held from noon to 5 p.m. at the Panorama Middle School gym, 701 W. Main Street in Panora.
To sign up for either of these, or any other blood drives offered, visit www.lifeservebloodcenter.org or call 800-287-4903. | |
|
|
| | Cribbage results from March 14 and March 17
Special to the Times Vedette
A total of eight players participated on March 14. Larry Gardiner and Robert Klever got a 16, Dick Ellis got a 20, Rhonda Titus and Lela Schwartz got two 16s and a 21.
Eight players also participated on March 17. Rhonda Titus, Joanne Zieser and Robert Klever all got a 16, Cliff Wendell got a 16 and an 18.
[...] | |
|
|
| | Delbert (Tobe) Gene Benton | | | | | | | | 1932-2025
Delbert (Tobe) Gene Benton, son of Clarence (Rich) and Opal (Sheeder) Benton, was born on the family farm in Guthrie County on Jan. 7, 1932. He passed away peacefully on March 13, 2025, at the Guthrie County Hospital surrounded by his loving family. He spent his early life in Grant Township attending country school. Tobe graduated from Guthrie Center High School in 1950.
[...] | | | | | | | | Read the full obituary | |
|
|
| | Derry Hick | | | | | | | | 1959-2025
With love and remembrance, we announce the passing of Derry Gene Hick, born on Oct. 14, 1959, who peacefully passed away on Feb. 19, 2025, in Honolulu, Hawaii, with his wife, Elizabeth, and their two daughters, Melissa and Erika, by his side. He was 65 years old.
Born in Guthrie Center, Derry joined the U.S. Air Force after high school, serving his country with honor. After leaving the service, he lived a life defined by acts of service and generosity to others.
[...] | | | | | | | | Read the full obituary | |
|
|
| | More than 115 calls this week including Guthrie County Sheriff and Deputy responding to an alarm at the Guthrie County Courthouse, arresting one individual, and escorting him to the Guthrie County Jail; Stuart Police responding to a report of a fight at the elementary school; and Guthrie County Deputy conducting a traffic stop in rural Bayard and arrested one individual.
3-10-25
-
1:37 a.m. Stuart Police transported one female to Adair County Jail
-
5:25 a.m. Guthrie County Deputy and Stuart Police responded to a report of a disturbance in Guthrie Center
-
7:14 a.m. Stuart Rescue responded to a medical call in Stuart
-
7:28 a.m. Guthrie County Deputy responded to a report of an injured deer in the roadway in rural Guthrie Center
-
9:07 a.m. Guthrie County Sheriff and Deputy responded to an alarm at the Guthrie County Courthouse, arrested one individual, and escorted him to the Guthrie County Jail
-
9:15 a.m. Guthrie County Deputy responded to a report of an injured deer in rural Guthrie Center
[...] | |
|
|
| | State championships are coming to PBS
By Cyote Williams | Times Vedette
The IHSAA announced that football, wrestling and basketball state championship games will be televised on Iowa PBS starting in fall 2025-2026. Dates for the championship games are: football, Nov. 20-21, 2025 – UNI-Dome, Cedar Falls; wrestling, Feb. 21, 2026 – Wells Fargo Arena, Des Moines; basketball, March 13, 2026 – Wells Fargo Arena, Des Moines. | |
|
|
| | Boys state basketball championships moving to Ames in 2027
By Cyote Williams | Times Vedette
The IHSAA announced this morning, March 18, that the high school boys basketball state tournament will be moving from Wells Fargo Arena in Des Moines to James H. Hilton Coliseum in Ames, come 2027. Hilton is known for being one of the best places to play in college basketball and has a capacity of 14,267. With Iowa State University’s CyTown expected to be up and running by Fall 2027, this will be the first major event held in the entertainment district. The area is expected to have retail, food, beverage, common areas and a 200-room Marriott hotel.
[...] | |
|
|
 | | | Panorama football moves back to 1A | | | | | | | | By Cyote Williams | Times Vedette
Panorama football has been moved back up to 1A for football for the upcoming season. Their district opponents will also change slightly. Class 1A District 7 will consist of Interstate 35, Ogden, Pleasantville, West Central Valley and West Marshall. | |
|
|
| | Panorama starts season on Thursday at 2025 Central College Boys Indoor meet
By Cyote Williams | Times Vedette
After deciding against competing last week at the A.D. Dickson Relays, the Panorama boys track and field team will hit the ground running on Thursday, March 20 at H.S. Kuyper Fieldhouse in Pella. The Panthers will compete against 39 other schools across several classes. | |
|
|
 | | | Panther girls compete at IATC Indoor Championships | | | | | | | | By Cyote Williams | Times Vedette
The Panorama girls track and field team started its season at the IATC Indoor Championships in Ames on Friday, March 14. Out of the 62 2A teams at the meet, Panorama finished 26th with six team points. Mid-Prairie Wellman won the meet with 52 points. Kylie Rochholz had the best individual performance for the girls. She placed fourth in the girls 1,500-meter run. The relay team of Mary Fett, Laicey Lutz, Maddy Lutz and Kylie Rochholz placed eighth in 10:43.00. The next competition will be the 2025 Central College Girls Indoor meet on Friday, March 21. Panorama will compete against 40 other schools.
[...]
PICTURED: Almiranda Burnett, Gracie Recker, Addie Astley, Laicey Lutz, Kylie Rochholz, Maddy Lutz, Mary Fett and Head Coach Greg Thompson at the IATC Girls Indoor Championships on Friday, March 14 in Ames. Photo courtesy of Greg Thompson. | | | | | | | | Read the full results | |
|
|
 | | | ACGC football remains in Class A District 7, several schools join | | | | | | | | By Cyote Williams | Times Vedette
ACGC football will remain in Class A District 7 for the upcoming football season. However, AHSTW, Avoca, Central Decatur, Nodaway Valley and Mount Ayr will join the district. | |
|
|
| | Chargers start season at IATC Indoor Girls Championships
By Cyote Williams | Times Vedette
The ACGC girls track and field team placed 28th out of 56 1A teams at the IATC Indoor Girls Championships on Friday, March 14 in Ames. St. Albert Council Bluffs placed first with 44 points. Ava Campbell had the best individual performance for the girls. She placed third in the 800-meter run in 2:24.14. Two relay teams had top-10 finishes. The 4x400-meter relay team of Savannah Akers, Nora Langgaard, Cadence Petersen and Ava Campbell placed eighth in 4:29.88. The 4x100-meter relay team of Meranda Gruber, Savannah Akers, Lillie Lauzon and Nora Langgaard placed 10th in 54.41 The Chargers’ next meet will be the 2025 Central College Girls Indoor meet on Friday, March 21. ACGC will compete against 40 other schools.
[...] | |
|
|
| |
Stem Fest
- Guthrie County Extension and Outreach presents Guthrie County STEM FEST 2025 Saturday, March 29, 9-11 a.m.
- Guthrie Elementary School, 900 North Fourth St., Guthrie Center
- Open to all youth and families grades K-sixth
Seed Starting Workshop
- Wednesday, March 19, 6 p.m.
- Panorama High School Greenhouse
- Participants will learn how to start vegetables from seed and plant seeds to grow bedding plants for your garden. Seed and planting materials provided. Cost $10.
[...]
| |
|
|
 | | | More than just books | | | | | | | | By Karen Kelly | Special to the Times Vedette
On Monday, March 10, Library Director Jerri Hawkins and Library Aide Karen Kelly headed to Avoca for some exciting STEM Fair training with the State Library of Iowa. They enjoyed a morning filled with inspiring ideas and activities from presenters representing the State Library, local libraries, and Iowa Public Television — all aimed at bringing STEM (Science, Technology, Engineering and Math) to life for our young library patrons. Jerri and Karen came back buzzing with new ideas to make our library programs even more engaging.
[...]
PICTURED: Nancy Smith and her granddaughters enjoy drawing the face on a leprechaun color sheet for the story hour craft. | | | | | | | | Read the full story | |
|
|
| | 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. | |
|
|
 | | | 20 years ago | | | | | | | | From the archives of The Guthrie Center Times, March 16, 2005
FULL HOUSE FOR ADAIR TOY FAIR. Roger Richter, superintendent of the 16th annual Adair Toy Fair, said 23 vendors were on hand to display their wares of new, antique toys and treasures along with parts and antique mementos. Vendors were from four states, and buyers and visitors also came from all over Iowa and surrounding states. Richter described this year’s displays as larger than in the past. | | | | | | | | See more Yester Years | |
|
|
 | | | Panorama Marine in new location for 2025 | | | | | | | | The new building includes six service bays on the north end.
By Susan Thompson | Lake Panorama Times, March 2025
The Panorama Marine sales and service building is stocked with boat supplies and water sports accessories.
The new Panorama Marine building is now open on Highway 4 north of Panora. Phil Watson Jr. and his wife, Cindy, purchased the business from Lyn Coulter in the fall of 2023. Shortly after the purchase, the Lake Panorama Association (LPA) board of directors approved a 2024-2028 lease between LPA and the Watsons for operation of the LPA-owned marina.
[...] | | | | | | | | Read the full story | |
|
|
| | 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. | |
|
|
| | How many rounds of golf do you play in a year?
- 100 or more
- 50-99
- 25-49
- 10-26
- 1-9
- none
Submit your answers at the bottom of our website at gctimesnews.com | |
|
|
| Look for your print Times publication in your mailbox each month! |
|
|
 | | | Guthrie Center Times
Mailed to all residential and business addresses in Guthrie Center, Adair and Casey. | | | | | | | | Read Now | |
|
 | | | Lake Panorama Times
Mailed to all Lake Panorama property owners at their permanent addresses. | | | | | | | | Read Now | |
|
 | | | Panora Times
Mailed to all residential and business addresses in Panora, Linden, Yale, Jamaica and Bagley. | | | | | | | | Read Now | |
|
|
|
| | To advertise in the Times Vedette email or any of our printed Guthrie County publications, contact Kerry Jacobsen at kerry@gctimesnews.com, or call 515-619-2788.
©Big Green Umbrella Media, Inc., all rights reserved.
Add webmaster@dmcityview.com to your address book to ensure delivery.
Did someone forward you this newsletter? Click here to get it delivered to your inbox for FREE! | |
|
|
This email was sent to:
beckhammiller1@icloud.com
Big Green Umbrella Media, Inc.
8101 Birchwood Ct Suite D
Johnston, Iowa 50131
|
|
|
|
