| | Coin snatching
You may have read recently that the cost to produce a penny is now nearly 4 cents. With that in mind, pennies no longer make much sense. I sorted through a bunch the other day and contemplated what to do with them. A handful of pennies won’t even buy a Tootsie Roll today. For the most part, pennies are a useless coin. But, if you are looking for cheap entertainment — and a bit of nostalgia — read on.
I clearly remember learning alongside my elementary school classmates about the art of “coin snatching” in the 1970s. We were inspired by a 1977 episode of “Happy Days,” the must-see TV sitcom of the generation, seen every Tuesday evening at 7 p.m. central on ABC. Most all of us tuned in to learn what Richie Cunningham, Ralph Malph, Potsie Weber and the Fonz were up to. In season four, we were introduced to Fonzie’s cousin, Angelo Fonzarelli. Angie, as he was called, had an incredible skill to catch coins stacked on his elbow with his hand.
After this episode aired, kids across America were practicing “coin snatching” in an effort to see if they could break the world record. For those of you not familiar with how this works, here is a quick description: Coins are placed on the elbow, the hand of the same arm is placed on the arm’s shoulder, and the hand is swung forward to catch the coins. Easy enough, right? Check out the YouTube clip and see how Angie fared.
Well, like most things in life, the devil is in the details. While the Fonz’s cousin was attempting the world record of 40 coins on TV, those in the real world learned to do many more.
Chris Redford snatched 39 coins in 1973, only to be out-snatched by Dennis Cole with 60 in 1976, and then Andrew Gleed with 62 in 1978. Then it got complicated. Dean Gould set the world record of 328 coins in 1993 in accordance with British rules specifying that the coins must be 10 grams or heavier, that they can be arranged in multiple stacks, and that the catcher is allowed to drop some of the coins, counting only those remaining in the hand.
Well, that’s cheating. In my third-grade class, we used pennies, as none of us had that many quarters. We also required that the coins be placed in one stack on the elbow. The contestant also had to catch them all for it to count. My pal Johnny set our record at 26. But those were our rules. The official rules for coin snatching — and the world records — can be found here for those of you who wish to explore this further. In the meantime, hang on to those pennies and give it a try. Just be ready to pick up some coins.
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 set 3% wage increase for the county
By Rich Wicks | Times Vedette
At the March 13 meeting of the Guthrie County Board of Supervisors, discussion was held regarding possible wage increases for county employees for the upcoming fiscal year. Supervisor Steve Smith suggested a 3% increase.
Supervisor JD Kuster brought up the recommendation from the Compensation Board, which suggested a 7% wage increase. Kuster said he has heard from the Compensation Board in years past, voicing frustration when the recommended number isn’t used.
Supervisor Mike Dickson acknowledged that but pointed out that the county needs to budget for several large projects as well.
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 | | | Meals program helps seniors in Panora, Guthrie Center | | | | | | | | By Susan Thompson | Times Vedette
It has been several years since congregate meals for senior citizens were available in Panora. The program was managed by volunteers with meals prepared in the Panora Community Center kitchen and served in the dining room. Meals were delivered to those who couldn’t come to the community building.
As long-time volunteers stepped away for a variety of reasons, participation in the program declined, which led to onsite meals coming to an end. For a time, volunteers from a congregate meal site in Stuart delivered to a few Panora residents, but, eventually, that ended, too.
[...] | | | | | | | | Read the full story | |
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 | | | Ring-necked pheasants’ unlikely journey to becoming an Iowa icon | | | | | | | | From the Iowa Department of Natural Resources
It was still an hour before the 2024 pheasant season would open, but the birds were there and they were ready. Cackles and crowing were coming from all across the Kossuth County prairie as hunters whispered with anticipation — today would be one for the memories was the consensus.
Judging by the parking lots at the public hunting areas across north Iowa, that opinion was a popular one.
[...] | | | | | | | | Read the full story | |
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| | Guthrie County burn ban put into effect
Special to the Times Vedette
On March 12, a burn ban went into effect for all of Guthrie County. All open burning is prohibited at this time. | |
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| | Lake Panorama road embargo continues
Special to the Times Vedette
The five-ton vehicle weight limit on Lake Panorama roads that began on March 10 will continue until roadbeds dry out enough to support heavy loads. The Lake Panorama Association (LPA) stated that the seal-coat expense for repair is more than $40,000 per mile.
According to the LPA, both UPS and FedEx have reviewed their compliance strategies and are utilizing acceptable vehicles. R and S Waste is continuing to collect trash and recycling with compliant vehicles. LPA members receiving routine deliveries from UPS and FedEx do NOT need to make special arrangements Panorama schools should be contacted directly with any questions regarding pick-up and drop-off locations. | |
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| | Monteith ‘City Council Meeting’ minutes from March 11
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.
A total of 15 members were in attendance.
The meeting was called to order by Mayor J.D. Kuster, followed by the pledge of allegiance.
There were no March birthdays or anniversaries. We will all keep Jack Stringer in our prayers.
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| | Holy Week services announced
Special to the Times Vedette
Panora churches have announced the Holy Week service schedule. Weeknight services will be from April 14-18 with a light meal served at 6:30 p.m. and services beginning at 7 p.m.
- Monday, April 14: St. Cecilia Catholic Church
- Tuesday, April 15: Panora Christian Church
- Wednesday, April 16: Panora United Methodist Church
- Thursday, April 17: Panora Church of the Brethren and Hope Lutheran Church
- Friday, April 18: Faith Bible Church (no meal)
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| | Fish fry, anyone?
By Rich Wicks | Times Vedette
Spring brings robins, and Lent brings fish fry events. For those interested, here are some of the fish dinners in the area.
- Saint John’s Catholic Church (804 Fifth St., Adair) Fish Fry, 5-7 p.m. on March 14 and March 28. $15 per meal, which includes freshly fried breaded fish and shrimp, scalloped potatoes, coleslaw, dessert and a drink. Dine in or drive-through. Enter the alley behind the church from the west.
- Saint Cecelia Catholic Church (220 N. First St., Panora) Fish Dinner, 5-7 p.m. on March 14. Adults, $12; kids 8 and younger, $6. Dine-in or take out. Menu includes hand-breaded fish, baked potato or tater tots, coleslaw, lemonade/tea/water, dessert.
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| | Springbrook Lake voted Iowa's top spot for cold-water plunging
Special to the Times Vedette
As spring peeks around the corner, many are turning to an invigorating ritual to shake off the seasonal slump: cold-water plunging. Bracing yourself against the icy sting of a lake or ocean, feeling the rush of adrenaline, and emerging with a renewed sense of energy — it’s a practice that’s surged in popularity for good reason.
Enthusiasts swear by benefits like reduced stress, better sleep and an overall lift in quality of life, and new research suggests they might be onto something. A quick dip in frigid waters could be just the tonic to combat the late-winter blues and welcome the warmer months ahead.
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| | Sunshine Club meets March 12
Special to the Times Vedette
On Wednesday, March 12, Sunshine Club members met with Jeanie Haines and Sandy Trent as hostesses at the Panora Public Library for a noon meeting.
Vice President Charlotte Jackson opened the meeting with roll call being, “What are you anxious to do this spring?” Lots of good answers were mentioned.
Eleven members and one guest attended. The minutes were read, and the treasurer’s report was given with several paying their dues. Birthdays and anniversaries were mentioned.
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| | Cribbage results from March 12
Special to the Times Vedette
A total of 12 players participated on March 12. Kathy Evans, Rhonda Titus, Dick Ellis, Robert Klever and Sandy Rumelhart all got a 16. Wayne Nickel got a 16 and a 17. Gary Evans and Dennis Betts got the 24s.
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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| | Nordquist named to Washington University dean’s list
Special to the Times Vedette
Daniel Nordquist of Panora was named to the dean’s list for the fall 2024 semester at Washington University in St. Louis, Missouri. Nordquist is enrolled in the university’s McKelvey School of Engineering. To qualify for the Dean's List in the McKelvey School of Engineering, students must earn a semester grade point average of 3.6 or above and be enrolled in at least 12 graded units. | |
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 | | | Cooper signs with Buena Vista University for football | | | | | | | | By Cyote Williams | Times Vedette
Panorama football’s Joel Cooper signed with Buena Vista University on Thursday, March 13, to continue his education and football career. As a defensive tackle, Cooper finished last season ranked third on the team in total tackles with 32.5. | |
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| | Panther girls compete today at IATC Indoor Championships
Special to the Times Vedette
The Panorama girls track and field team will hit the track early this season when the team competes at the 2025 2A Girls IATC Indoor Championships today, Friday, March 14, in Ames. Panorama will compete against 59 other teams at the event. | |
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| | Charger boys start season with win at IATC Indoor Championships
By Cyote Williams | Times Vedette
The ACGC boys track team placed first at the 1A IATC Indoor Championships in Ames on Thursday, March 13. ACGC scored 59.5 points. The next closest school to the Chargers was Riverside, Oakland with 44. ACGC won the 4x100 meter relay and shuttle hurdle. The boys did not have an individual first-place winner but had two top-three finishes. Brexton Schneider placed second in the 60-meter hurdles. Eli Madsen placed second in the 400 meter.
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| | Charger girls track and field team starts season in Ames at IATC Indoor Championship
By Cyote Williams | Times Vedette
The ACGC girls track and field team hits the blocks for the first time this year at the 2025 1A Girls IATC Indoor Championships today, Friday, March 14, in Ames. ACGC will compete against 56 other teams at the event. | |
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 | | | Kading, South, Policky named to All-Substate 8 Tournament Team | | | | | | | | By Cyote Williams | Times Vedette
ACGC boys basketball had three players earn All-Substate 8 honors: Noah Kading, Jathan South and Payton Policky. ACGC made it to the substate final this season, defeating Exira-EHK, 78-45; Audubon, 57-32; IKM-Manning, 83-56; and eventually falling to Remsen St. Mary’s, 57-49 in the final. The trio of seniors were integral to the team’s success this season. In each of those four games, South led the team in points, Policky led the team in rebounds, and in all but the final, Kading led the team in assists.
Graphic courtesy ACGC schools | |
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 | | | Lemke named IGCA Third Team All-State, IPSWA Second Team All-State, selected to Larry Niemeyer All Star game | | | | | | | | By Cyote Williams | Times Vedette
ACGC girls basketball senior Shay Lemke continues to rack up awards this offseason. Lemke was named to the Iowa Girls Coaches Association 2A Third Team and the Iowa Print Sports Writers Association 2A Second Team. Lemke will also compete this weekend in the Larry Niemeyer All Star Game with the 2A Grey Team on Saturday, March 15.
PICTURED: Shay Lemke averaged 10.8 points per game and 2.7 rebounds while averaging a team-high 5.6 assists and 5.4 steals. Lemke’s 5.6 assists were fifth highest in all of 2A and her 5.4 steals second highest. Photo by Mark Reno | |
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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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| | 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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 | | | 40 years ago | | | | | | | | From the archives of The Guthrie County Vedette, March 21, 1985
TIME CAPSULE? Dave Arganbright, who is remodeling the Panora Cooperative Telephone Office, holds in his right hand an Anacin tablet box he found while demolishing the store front. In his left hand is a band-aid box telephone manager Dale Grotjohn prepared for him to place in a new brick front. Information from the Anacin box indicated it was placed in the brick wall Sept. 13, 1951, when it was remodeled for Robinson's Produce by Noble Vandeventer and Charlie Royer. It listed employees of Emory Robinson as Donald Richey, Art Long, Kenneth Canady and Helen Bates. Egg graders were Mabel Morgan, Pearl Clayton, Maxine Wells, Joe Kolbe, and Ethel Roseneau. | | | | | | | | See more Yester Years | |
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 | | | Special bonds | | | | | | | | Lake Panorama grandparents share relationship stories about their grandchildren.
By Susan Thompson | Lake PanoramaTimes, February 2025
“If I had known how wonderful it would be to have grandchildren, I’d have had them first.” That was written by author Lois Wyse and is often repeated, presumably in jest, by grandparents who cherish their grandchildren.
In this month’s cover story, we explore the stories of Lake Panorama grandparents who say they benefit by being involved in the lives of their grandchildren.
[...] | | | | | | | | Read the full story | |
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| | 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 | |
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