| | School bus advice cemented in my brain
As a teenager, I worked after school at a concrete statuary in my hometown of Algona. My boss was Dennis Meyer, who now owns and operates a statuary on Merle Hay Road in Johnston.
On my way to work after school one day, while running late, I passed a school bus that was slowing down for a stop. The school bus driver finished his route and then stopped by the statuary to talk with Dennis’ father and business partner, Amos, who, as I learned later, had also driven a school bus at one point in his life. The conversation Amos and I soon had was not pleasant, but it was a life-changer for me. Amos made it clear, in no uncertain terms, that I would no longer be employed there if he ever heard of me passing a school bus again. I tried to awkwardly explain that the bus had not stopped yet, but that didn’t matter. The conversation was stern and short.
After Amos left, Dennis softened the blow a bit, but he was also firm in his delivery. He told me he didn’t expect me to ever be late and that I should plan my time better. But if I am running late, he said, I should never pass a school bus that is slowing down or stopped. Ever.
I don’t know who that school bus driver was, but I appreciate how he handled the situation. He could have reported me to the police. He could have called my parents. He could have personally chewed me out. But he knew the wrath of the Meyers would be penalty enough. And it was.
I grew up in town, so I didn’t ride the school bus. As a result, I didn’t understand the issues and hazards bus drivers had to deal with. Now, as a father of three who all rode the bus, I know what kind of an impact a driver can have on an anxious and apprehensive youngster.
I shared this memory with Dennis in recent years, and he offered his trademark ear-to-ear smile and said, “I hope you learned something.” I did. Ever since that day as a teenager, when I see a school bus, I slow down way sooner than I need to, and I stop and patiently wait, offering a friendly wave and a smile to the driver and the kids.
Driving a school bus is not easy work, and drivers are getting more and more difficult to find. The last thing they need are impatient drivers of any age zipping by them. The Meyers — the concrete statuary owners — made that clear. Their words are cemented in my brain forever.
Have a terrific Tuesday, 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 approve bridge payment and safety manual
By Rich Wicks | Times Vedette
During the Feb. 4 meeting of the Guthrie County Board of Supervisors, the final pay voucher for bridge replacement project BRS-CHBP-C039(95) was reviewed. The project is on Redwood Avenue, south of White Pole Road. The supervisors approved the voucher unanimously.
The supervisors also discussed the Safety Manual. Supervisor Mike Dickson suggested having it reviewed again by legal counsel, Ahlers & Cooney. The supervisors approved the Safety Manual by a 4-1 vote with Dickson opposed.
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 | | | Panora Chamber holds community gala event | | | | | | | | By Shane Goodman | Times Vedette
The Panora Chamber of Commerce held its first chamber dinner and community gala event on Saturday, Feb. 1 at The Port.
“Our goal for our inaugural gala was 100 tickets sold,” Panora Chamber Coordinator Erica Matthies said. “We reached that goal and sold 101 tickets."
Music for the event was provided by Paul Hart and Jackie Johnson, known as the Riverside Drive Acoustic Duo.
[...] | | | | | | | | Read the full story | |
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 | | | Panthers on the Prowl For a Cure hold events | | | | | | | | Special to the Times Vedette
Panthers on the Prowl For a Cure's team held their annual Pink Out Fundraiser during the home Panorama basketball games on Jan. 24. The team had a bake sale, free will lasagna supper, chuck a duck contest, silent auction and bucket pass. Funds collected were divided between Tori's Angels in memory of Liberty Ashworth and Timber Creek Therapies in memory of Krista Gafkjen. | |
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 | | | Casino night fun for Guthrie Center Fire Department | | | | | | | | By Rich Wicks | Times Vedette
On Saturday, Feb. 1, a large crowd showed up to support the Guthrie Center Fire Department at the annual casino night event at the Guthrie County Fairgrounds Event Center. Treats were prepared by Café on the Hill, many locally donated prizes were given out, and some special items were auctioned off.
The fire department also honored firefighters with length of services awards. Included were Derek Betts and Kolby Burns (5 years), Brady Langgaard (10 years), Mike Kenyon and Justin Downing (20 years), Mike Peterson (30 years) and Thomas Reil (35 years). | | | | | | | | See more photos | |
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 | | | Making greeting cards and Valentine cards at Art on State | | | | | | | | Special to the Times Vedette
On Feb. 1, Judi Zimmerline instructed a class at Art on State on how to make greeting cards.
On Feb. 2, participants made an assortment of Valentine cards using watercolor, stickers and painted hearts. Becky Carrico, Ruth Owen, Bernice Rowlette, Cathy Ballard and Chris Eighmy were all students.
[...] | | | | | | | | Read the full story | |
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 | | | Guthrie County unveils new website | | | | | | | | By Rich Wicks | Times Vedette
Guthrie County announced the launch of its newly designed website aimed at improving communication, engagement and accessibility. The revamped site, which can continue to be found at www.guthriecounty.gov, offers an updated look and feel, enhanced navigation, access to important services, and allows those interested to stay informed about county events and priorities.
[...] | | | | | | | | Read the full story | |
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| | Submit projects for Community Impact Day
Special to the Times Vedette
Community Impact Day is an annual initiative designed to bring businesses and residents together for a day of giving back, support and transformation. It will be held in Panora Wednesday, April 30 with a rain date of Wednesday, May 7.
“Community Impact Day is more than just a day of service. It’s our Chamber’s way of physically showing our commitment to making Panora a better place to live, work, play and stay,” Panora Chamber Coordinator Erica Matthies said.
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| | Panorama Speech Showcase is Feb. 6
Special to the Times Vedette
The Panorama Speech Showcase will be held Thursday, Feb. 6 at 6 p.m. at the Panorama High School Auditorium. A $3 donation is suggested. | |
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| | Cribbage results from Jan. 31
Special to the Times Vedette
A total of 11 players participated on Jan. 31. Rhonda Titus got a 16 and a 17. Jim Carico got an 18. Dan Webb and Kay Phippen shared a 16. Robert Klever got a 16 and a 24.
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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| | Randal Dean Rogers
1959-2025
Randal Dean Rogers, 65, son of Everett and Dorothy (Searl) Rogers, was born July 12, 1959, at the Guthrie County Hospital in Guthrie Center. He passed away Friday, Jan. 24, 2025, at his home.
Randal graduated from Yale-Jamaica-Bagley High School in 1977. During high school, he worked at the foundry in Perry. He then became the town police officer in Bayard his last two years of high school. In May of 1977, the city of Coon Rapids hired him as their town police officer. In June of 1977, he and two other officers were in a vehicle accident after responding to a call. Randal was in the back seat of the patrol car when they were hit by a drunk driver. The two officers in the front were killed. Randal spent the next year and a half recovering at the hospital in Omaha. After his recovery, he returned home and started working as a janitor for Greene County Hospital.
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| | UNI releases Fall 2024 graduation and dean’s lists
Special to the Times Vedette
The University of Northern Iowa recognizes the academic accomplishments of students each semester by announcing the graduation and dean’s lists. These lists highlight the work and dedication of students who have excelled in their studies.
To qualify for the dean’s list, students must have achieved a grade point average of 3.50 or higher while completing at least 12 semester hours with at least one semester hour of graded credit.
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| | Upper Iowa University announces fall 2024 dean's list
Special to the Times Vedette
Upper Iowa University has announced the dean's list for the 2024 fall semester. To be honored, a student must have earned a minimum 3.50 grade point average and be enrolled as a full-time student.
- Michelle Gremler of Panora
- Brittney Henson of Stuart
- Deana Solorzano of Yale
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| | More than 115 calls this week including Guthrie County Sheriff responding to a complaint of animal neglect in Menlo; Stuart Fire and Police responding to a report of the smell of smoke in a business; Guthrie County Deputy assisting the city of Bayard with an animal complaint
1-27-25
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7:45 a.m. Guthrie County Deputy checked on a parking issue in Guthrie Center
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8:52 a.m. Guthrie County Sheriff and Deputy responded to a report of threats in Guthrie Center
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9:21 a.m. Guthrie County Sheriff responded to a complaint of animal neglect in Menlo
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10:27 a.m. Stuart Police responded to a verbal argument in Stuart
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10:20 a.m. Guthrie County Deputy responded to a harassment complaint in rural Bagley
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10:52 a.m. Panora Ambulance responded to an ambulance call in Guthrie Center
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| | 2025 AG Markets and Beyond
- Feb. 14, 9:30-11 a.m.
- Mike Witt, ISU Extension Field Agronomist
- Join us for the annual AG coffee series at the Guthrie County Extension office. All events are free to attend, with no registration required.
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 | | | Recker, Walker qualify for girls state wrestling tournament | | | | | | | | By Cyote Williams | Times Vedette
On Friday, Jan. 31, Panorama girls wrestling traveled to Red Oak High School for the 1A Regional tournament. Competing against 17 other teams, two Panorama wrestlers, Gracie Recker and Emma Walker, qualified for the state tournament,. Recker (155) won the second-place match over Paige Baier of Red Oak by fall. Walker (170) won the second-place match over Jalon Olson of Clarinda by fall. Ella Carico also placed fourth at the tournament. The state tournament is Feb. 6-7 at the Xtream Arena in Coralville. A tentative bracket released by the IGHSAU has Recker as the No. 14 seed in the 1A-155 bracket. She will compete against No. 3-seed Lizzy Wolf of Benton Community School District. The bracket has Emma Walker as the No. 15 seed in the 1A-170 bracket. She will compete against No. 2-seed Layna DeMoss of Benton Community School District. There will be a livestream of the event on the IGHSAU website, HERE.
PICTURED: Gracie Recker and Emma Walker punched their tickets to the state wrestling tournament on Friday, Jan. 31. Photo courtesy of Panorama. | |
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 | | | Panorama boys lose close game to Woodward Academy, 79-77 | | | | | | | | By Cyote Williams | Times Vedette
Panorama hosted Woodward Academy (3-9) for senior night on Friday, Jan. 31. Panorama would lose a close game to the Knights, falling by just two points. The Panthers have two matchups against WCAC foes this week. Panorama travels to Woodward-Granger (6-12) tonight, Tuesday, Feb. 4. On Friday, Feb. 7, Panorama travels to Des Moines Christian (12-5).
PICTURED: No. 44 Brayden Galvan and No. 40 Noah Poldberg crash into the Woodward Academy player on Friday, Jan. 31. Photo by Betty Cooper | | | | | | | | See more photos | |
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 | | | Panther girls offense struggles against Martensdale-St Marys, lose 45-35 | | | | | | | | By Cyote Williams | Times Vedette
Panorama girls basketball (10-8) lost its away matchup with Martensdale-St Marys on Monday, Feb. 3. Morgan Crees led Panorama in scoring with 15 points. Kelsey Laabs joined her in double figures with 11 points. Ruth Fett led Panorama with nine rebounds. Panorama has two more games this week against WCAC opponents. The Panthers will face Woodward-Granger (10-8) away from home tonight, Tuesday, Feb. 4. On Friday, Feb. 7, Panorama travels to No. 10 Des Moines Christian (15-3).
PICTURED: No. 11 Ruth Fett looks for a teammate in a game earlier this year. Photo by Betty Cooper | |
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 | | | Christe places 4th, Knapp 6th at Charger Invitational | | | | | | | | By Cyote Williams | Times Vedette
Panorama boys wrestling made the short trip to ACGC High School on Saturday, Feb. 1 for the Charger Invitational. Competing against 22 other schools, two Panorama athletes made the podium. Laine Christe (113) placed fourth by defeating Tanner Booth of Pleasantville by fall. Will Knapp (150) placed sixth after being defeated by Austin Henderson of Wayne, Corydon in the fifth-place match. Panorama’s next meet will be the Audubon quadrangular on Thursday, Feb. 6. Panorama will have duals against host Audubon, Coon Rapids-Bayard and Southeast Polk.
PICTURED: Lane Christe (113) placed fourth at Charger Invitational on Saturday, Feb. 1. Photo by Betty Cooper | | | | | | | | See more photos | |
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| | Panorama Esports match moved to Tuesday, Feb. 11
By Cyote Williams | Times Vedette
Panorama was scheduled to face Woodbine (4-2) tonight, but the competition had to be moved due to a scheduling conflict. The game will be made up on Tuesday, Feb. 11. | |
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 | | | No. 5 ACGC hosts West Central Valley tonight | | | | | | | | By Cyote Williams | Times Vedette
No. 5 ACGC boys basketball (15-1) hosts WCAC foe West Central Valley (5-14) tonight, Tuesday, Feb. 4. The two teams crossed paths once this season with ACGC coming away victorious, 82-57. On Thursday, Feb. 6, ACGC will have one of its toughest tests of the season when the team hosts Coon Rapids-Bayard (16-1). Heading into Tuesday night’s games, these two teams are both on long win streaks. Coon Rapids-Bayard has won 11 straight, while ACGC has won nine straight.
PICTURED:No. 14 Noah Kading skies for the layup in heavy traffic against Interstate 35 on Thursday, Jan. 30. Photo by Mark Reno | |
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 | | | No. 14 Chargers welcome West Central Valley tonight | | | | | | | | By Cyote Williams | Times Vedette
The No. 14 Charger girls basketball team (16-1) hosts West Central Valley (13-6) tonight, Tuesday, Feb. 4, in a battle between two of the WCAC’s best teams. ACGC defeated West Central Valley earlier this season, 48-27. After that, ACGC will host Coon Rapids-Bayard (13-3) on Thursday, Feb. 6. Two of Coon Rapids-Bayard’s three losses have come in their last five games. Meanwhile, ACGC has won 10 straight games and could extend that streak depending on the performance against West Central Valley tonight.
PICTURED: No. 14 Shay Lemke beats the full court press against Interstate 35 on Thursday, Jan. 30. Photo by Mark Reno | |
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 | | | Cline places 2nd, Sloss, Ganzer and Richter 5th at Charger Invitational | | | | | | | | By Cyote Williams | Times Vedette
ACGC hosted the Charger Invitational wrestling tournament on Saturday, Feb. 1. ACGC welcomed 22 other schools into its doors and onto the mats. Five Chargers earned spots at the podium at the competition. Ryder Cline (150) lost in the first-place match to Jaxon Gordon of Riverside by fall. Gavin Sloss (126) won the fifth-place match against Ryder Eklund of Ogden by fall. Ty Ganzer (132) won the fifth-place match over Thad Stewart of Perry by fall. Carter Richter won the fifth-place match over Oscar Potter of Woodward-Granger by decision. Based on the Chargers schedule on Bound, the next tournament for ACGC will be the Class 1A District 9 meet at South Hamilton High School on Saturday, Feb. 15. The Chargers will compete against AGWSR, Manson-NW Webster, Ogden, St. Edmund, South Central Calhoun, Don Bosco, North Tama, Pocahontas Area and South Hamilton.
PICTURED: Ryder Cline (150) lost in the first place match against Jaxon Gordon of Riverside. He is pictured here at a competition earlier this season. Photo by Mark Reno | |
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 | | | So much more than books | | | | | | | | By Karen Kelly | Special to the Times Vedette
February isn’t just about Groundhog Day, Valentine’s Day and Presidents’ Day; it’s also National Library Lovers’ Month. This month presents countless opportunities to celebrate the invaluable services and resources our library offers to the community.
Why not take time this February to read a book set in or about a library? During National Library Lovers’ Month, immerse yourself in one of our diverse programs designed for patrons of all ages. Set aside a day to explore the library — admire our curated displays, engage with our community jigsaw puzzles, cozy up by the fire with a newspaper, or lose yourself in our extensive book collection.
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PICTURED: Craft time is a popular part of story hour. Last week, each person painted and decorated a pair of mittens. | | | | | | | | Read the full story | |
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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, Feb. 2, 2005
YOUNG FRIENDS at Guthrie Center Elementary don’t mind at all having their photo taken for the newspaper. The group of second graders are Shelby Brusman, Elizabeth Woods, Claire Thompson, Jazlyn Nelson, Dylan Black and Cheinie Case. It would be nice if adults would be so anxious for a fun photo op! | | | | | | | | See more Yester Years | |
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 | | | Lake weddings | | | | | | | | Lake Panorama provides a beautiful backdrop for celebrations of marriage.
By Susan Thompson | Lake Panorama Times, January 2025
The era when most weddings were held in church sanctuaries has given way to most weddings being held in special event venues. Those with ties to Lake Panorama have another option — using the lake as a backdrop for outdoor weddings. This is the story of two recent weddings held at Lake Panorama.
Jamie and Ellen Pollard of Ames bought a house on Lake Panorama’s Jones Cove in 2015.
[...] | | | | | | | | Read the full story | |
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| | How many eggs, on average, do you eat per week?
- None
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- 6-10
- More than 10
Submit your answers at the bottom of our website at gctimesnews.com | |
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