| | Stuff
In an effort to downsize and simplify, I have been moving a lot of “stuff” lately. You know. Stuff. We all have it, at least the noun definition: a group or scattering of miscellaneous objects or articles. “Stuff,” ironically, is also a verb, meaning: to fill by packing things in.
Both seem appropriate.
George Carlin offered a great interpretation of “stuff” in his comedy routine from a few decades ago. If you are up for a laugh, and aren’t offended by a bit of graphic language, check it out here.
When my wife and I made our first move, I asked her about the need for so much stuff, including the really heavy bag of rocks she wanted me to load up. “It’s for the bottom of flower pots,” Jolene told me. I didn’t know that flower pots required special rocks, so I let it slide. In our next move a few years later, I came across that bag of rocks again. Of course, I had to ask, “Do we really need this bag of rocks?” She yelled, “Yes!” I didn’t argue. On our third move, when I eyeballed the bag of rocks that we hadn’t used in more than a decade, I put my foot down. “I am not moving this bag of rocks another time,” I firmly stated. “If and when you want rocks, I will find you rocks.” She reluctantly agreed. It was a small victory on stuff.
Do you rent a storage unit for your extra stuff? You are not alone, according to sparefoot.com. Self-storage units are a nearly $44.3 billion industry with 52,000-plus facilities using 2.1 billion square feet. About 11.1% of households rent a self-storage unit, spending $85.30 per month, on average. And all this while 65% of us have a garage, 47% have an attic, and 33% have a basement, according to boxbee.com. Meanwhile, most of our grandparents and their parents lived in much smaller homes, often without garages. Where did they keep all their “stuff”? The answer is that they simply didn’t have as much of it. What a concept.
I was reminded of all this stuff when moving a roof box cargo carrier for our SUV. Yes, I had to find room to store something that sometimes stores other things. And, yes, it did come in handy a few times on family vacations, but I would rather move a dozen heavy bags of rocks than carry this buffalo again. Just don’t tell my wife.
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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 | | | The Port restaurant and hotel listed for sale | | | | | | | | By Rich Wicks | Times Vedette
The Port, located at 5404 Chimra Road on Lake Panorama, has been listed for sale at a price of $2,950,000. The property includes a 22-room hotel with pool, restaurant, bar and event/meeting space. The assessed value is listed at $2,479,100.
General Manager Kayla Valentine reports that, for now, no changes are planned regarding hours of operation, and a re-opening date of March 20 is still planned. The listing can be viewed at www.loopnet.com/Listing/5405-Chimra-Rd-Panora-IA/34542748. | |
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 | | | Midwest Partnership holds annual dinner | | | | | | | | By Shane Goodman | Times Vedette
Midwest Partnership, an economic development group for Adair and Guthrie counties, held its annual meeting and dinner on Thursday, Jan. 30 at the Community Building in Casey. The theme was “Sharing the Vision.” Dinner was provided by Café on the Hill.
Director Brenda Dudley shared a report highlighting the efforts of the organization over the past year and recognized current board members, as well as outgoing board members, Julie Dent-Zajicek and Mike Underwood.
[...] | | | | | | | | Read the full story | |
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 | | | Use caution on the ice | | | | | | | | From the Iowa Department of Natural Resources
Ice conditions at many Iowa lakes have been changing quickly over the past few days. Those changes are only likely to accelerate with the warm weather forecast for the next week.
This past weekend, nine OHV/ATVs broke through the ice — seven at the Iowa Great Lakes on the Minnesota border, and two at Lake Rathbun, on the Missouri border. The vehicles have all been removed, and no injuries were reported.
[...] | | | | | | | | Read the full story | |
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 | | | Osprey nesting report released | | | | | | | | From the Iowa Department of Natural Resources
Ospreys are a migratory raptor species that breed in Iowa. Osprey experienced population declines in the mid-20th Century. The Iowa DNR began the Osprey restoration program in 1997, which involved translocating young birds from Minnesota and Wisconsin to strategic locations across Iowa. The last year that birds were released was 2016 and, currently, the objective is to monitor nesting activity. There are three main areas in the state where Osprey have become well established: the Iowa City to Waterloo corridor, Des Moines and vicinity, and Spirit Lake and vicinity (though this area is least stable). There are also two nesting pairs on the western border of Iowa south of Sioux City.
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PICTURED: Osprey on nest, photo by Courtney Celley USFWS Midwest Region. | | | | | | | | Read the full story | |
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| | Become a volunteer bald eagle nest monitor | | | | | | | | From the Iowa Department of Natural Resources
The Iowa DNR will be holding one training opportunity for people interested in becoming volunteer bald eagle nest monitors. The workshop will be held via Zoom on Sunday, Feb. 9 from 1-4 p.m., and seats are limited. Participants are welcomed statewide but be aware that most known nests in Polk, Johnson, Linn and Story counties are covered so volunteers in these counties may need to travel some distance to monitor a nest.
Community science volunteers have been helping to monitor Iowa’s eagle population since 2006.
[...] | | | | | | | | Read the full story | |
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| | Legislative coffee on Saturday
Special to the Times Vedette
Dates for legislative coffees with Sen. Jesse Green and Rep. Carter Nordman have been announced. The Guthrie County Republicans coordinate this, but it is an open event to all who are interested. Coffee and rolls are provided by the host site (Panora Fiber and Guthrie County Farm Bureau). The events take place from 8-9 a.m. on the first Saturday of each February, March and April. Locations are as follows:
- Feb. 1: Panora Fiber, 114 E. Main St., Panora
- March 1: Guthrie County Farm Bureau, 203 N. Fourth St., Guthrie Center
- April 5: Guthrie County Farm Bureau, 203 N. Fourth St., Guthrie Center
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| | Ham balls for baseball
By Rich Wicks | Times Vedette
On Thursday, Feb. 6, the New Homestead and the ACGC High School baseball team are partnering to offer a fundraiser meal from 4:45-6 p.m. at the Guthrie Center Activity Center, 209 State St. All proceeds will benefit the baseball team.
The menu includes ham balls, green bean casserole, cheesy potatoes, dinner roll, dessert and drink. Cost is $15 per meal, and to-go orders are also available. Following the meal, the Guthrie County Hospital Auxiliary will offer bingo. | |
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| | ‘Grab and Go’ lasagna for the Super Bowl
By Rich Wicks | Times Vedette
On Super Bowl Sunday, Feb. 9, football fans and non-fans alike will be busy organizing meals and snacks to enjoy during the big game that evening. For lunchtime, here’s an easy option. Casey United Methodist Church is offering a “Grab and Go” lasagna meal that includes bread stick, side salad, dessert and a bottle of water. The cost is $12 with $1 from each meal going to the Adair Casey Food Pantry. Call or text Chelsi at 641-740-1302 to reserve your meals. Pickup will be from 11:30 a.m. to 1 p.m. | |
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| | DNR to recap hunting seasons, discuss possible rule changes
From the Iowa Department of Natural Resources
The Iowa Department of Natural Resources (DNR) is hosting a series of town hall-style meetings where local staff provide updates on recently completed hunting seasons, discuss possible changes to hunting rules and regulations, and address other topics as requested.
Locally, the Iowa DNR will be at the Forest Park Museum administration building, 14581 K Ave., near Perry, on Feb. 19. The meeting begins at 6:30 p.m.
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| | February events at Panora Library
By Rich Wicks | Times Vedette
February is the shortest month, but there are plenty of events upcoming at the Panora Library.
- Wednesday, Feb. 12 at 4 p.m. is Kids Bingo
- Thursday, Feb. 13 at 2 p.m. is Card making class with Judi Zimmerline
- Friday, Feb. 14 at 10 a.m. is story time with a Valentine’s Day theme
- Monday, Feb. 17 at 6:30 p.m. is the meeting of the library board
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| | 10-week grief workshop starts March 5
By Rich Wicks | Times Vedette
For anyone mourning the loss of a loved one, an upcoming class/workshop is available at First Presbyterian Church in Jefferson.
“Understanding Your Grief - Ten Essential Touchstones for Finding Hope and Healing Your Heart” will be facilitated by Carla Kem of LBSW Hospice of the Midwest and Bill Kem and Wendy Pittman, pastors at First Presbyterian Church in Jefferson.
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| | Cribbage results from Jan. 29
Special to the Times Vedette
Allen Pierce and Sandt Rumelhart each got two 16s, Dick Ellis got a 16, and Jane Barcus was all smiles with a 20
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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| | Hammerstrom makes Northwestern College Dean’s List
Special to the Times Vedette
Maddox Hammerstrom, a student at Northwestern College in Orange City, earned a spot on the Academic Dean’s List for the fall 2024 semester.
The Dean’s List is comprised of students who have achieved a semester grade point average of 3.50 or above while carrying a minimum of 12 graded hours. This semester, 524 students qualified for the Dean’s List. Of them, 322 students earned a GPA of 3.75 or higher and are considered Collegiate Scholars, designated with an asterisk.
Hammerstrom is a junior majoring in business administration/finance from Panora. | |
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 | | | Panther girls fall on senior night to Exira-EHK, 66-46 | | | | | | | | By Cyote Williams | Times Vedette
Panorama girls basketball (10-7) hosted Exira-EHK (14-3) on senior night on Thursday, Jan. 30. The Panthers brought the game to within six points at halftime but were unable to complete the comeback. Morgan Crees led Panorama in scoring with 19 points and added a team-high five assists. Faith Recker nearly reached double digits with nine points. Kelsey Laabs led Panorama in rebounds with five. The Panthers’ next game will be at Martensdale-St Marys High School (12-5) on Monday, Feb. 3. Panorama won last year’s game, 54-42.
PICTURED: No. 12 Morgan Crees shoots a three-pointer in a previous game. Photo by Mark Reno | |
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 | | | Panorama boys beat Exira-EHK, 56-51 | | | | | | | | By Cyote Williams | Times Vedette
Panorama boys basketball (3-14) hosted Exira-EHK (2-15) on Thursday, Jan. 30. The win gives Panorama some momentum heading into senior night, tonight, Friday, Jan. 31. The Panthers will compete against Woodward Academy (2-9).
PICTURED: No. 12 Latyn Ashworth gets around the ACGC defender in a game earlier this season. Photo by Mark Reno | |
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 | | | Panther wrestlers win 2 duals, lose 1 at Pleasantville quadrangular | | | | | | | | By Cyote Williams | Times Vedette
Panorama boys wrestling traveled to Pleasantville High School on Thursday, Jan. 30 to compete in three duals. Panorama won duals against Lynnville-Sully, 46-21, and East Union, 47-20, and lost against host Pleasantville, 56-23. Panorama’s next competition will be the Charger Invitational at ACGC on Saturday, Feb. 1. Panorama will compete against 22 other teams.
PICTURED: Panorama's Blake Schwartz attempts to lift his opponent during the Pleasantville quadrangular on Jan. 30. Photo by Betty Cooper | | | | | | | | Read the full results | |
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 | | | Panther girls travel to Red Oak for 1A Regionals today | | | | | | | | By Cyote Williams | Times Vedette
Panorama girls wrestling will make the trip to Red Oak High School today, Friday, Jan. 31, to compete in the IGHSAU 1A Regional competition. Panorama will battle with 17 other schools.
According to the IGHSAU, “The top 16 qualifiers from each weight class will qualify for the 2025 Girls State Wrestling Tournament, which will be held Feb. 6-7 in Xtream Arena in Coralville.”
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PICTURED: ACGC Senior Hali Klingenberg in a match earlier this season. Photo by Mark Reno | | | | | | | | Read the full story | |
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| | Panorama Esports falters against Westwood, 3-1
By Cyote Williams | Times Vedette
Panorama Esports (3-3) competed against Westwood (6-0) on Tuesday, Jan. 28. “Panorama lost the Control game mode and the map Llios in two very close games, then turned it around to win the second round in Push: Esperanca. The final two games in the match went to Westwood in the modes and maps of Hybrid: Shambali Monastery and Flashpoint: New Junk City,” Head Coach Cameron Little tells the GCTV. Panorama will play its final regular season game on Tuesday, Feb. 4 against Woodbine. Little expects it to be a tough match. | |
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 | | | No. 5 ACGC wins against Ogden, 76-65, and against Interstate 35, 81-53 | | | | | | | | By Cyote Williams | Times Vedette
No. 5 ACGC boys basketball (15-1) continued to roll through its competition late into the regular season with wins against Ogden (6-10) on Tuesday, Jan. 28, and against Interstate 35 (8-8) on Thursday, Jan. 30. Against Ogden, Joe Crawford led the scoring for ACGC. Crawford scored 19 points while shooting 7/19 from the field. His 17 attempts from three-point land were more than Ogden attempted in total. All five ACGC starters reached double figures in scoring: Mason Wahl with 13, Payton Policky with 12, Jathan South with 12 and Noah Kading with 11. Policky extended his double-double streak with a game-high 19 rebounds. He is averaging 14.3 rebounds per game, ranking him fifth in the state, just 0.6 away from first place. The Chargers have three games scheduled next week: hosting West Central Valley (4-13) on Tuesday, Feb. 4, hosting Coon Rapids-Bayard (15-1) on Thursday, Feb. 6 and traveling to Pleasantville (6-8) on Friday, Feb. 7.
PICTURED: No. 14 Noah Kading protects the ball in a game earlier this season. Kading leads ACGC in assists per game with 5.9. Photo by Mark Reno | |
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 | | | No. 14 Chargers sneak into rankings after wins against Ogden, 78-14, and Interstate 35, 54-25 | | | | | | | | By Cyote Williams | Times Vedette
No. 14 ACGC girls basketball (16-1) reappeared in the IGHSAU rankings on Thursday, Jan. 30.
ACGC vs. Ogden
On Tuesday, Jan. 28, ACGC hosted Ogden (1-16). The Chargers jumped out to a 31-0 lead by the end of the first quarter. All but one Charger scored at least two points in the game. Leading in scoring was Camdyn Richter with 17 points. Becca Littler with 16 points and Shay Lemke with 12 joined her in double-figure scoring. Richter, Lemke, Karli Kautzky and Stella Largent were pestering the Ogden offense, each grabbing three steals. Nora Langgaard led in rebounds with seven.
PICTURED: ACGC Head Coach Brad Baudler draws up a play in the huddle in a previous game. Photo by Mark Reno | | | | | | | | Read the full story | |
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 | | | Chargers win dual at Perry | | | | | | | | By Cyote Williams | Times Vedette
ACGC boys wrestling traveled to Perry High School on Tuesday, Jan. 28 to compete in a dual. ACGC came away with the win, 46-33. ACGC will host the Charger Invitational this Saturday, Feb. 1. Twenty-two other schools will descend into ACGC’s gym for the tournament.
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PICTURED: ACGC's Blaise Tallman at a previous competition. Photo by Mark Reno | | | | | | | | Read the full results | |
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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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 | | | 10 years ago | | | | | | | | From the archives of The Guthrie County Vedette, Feb. 5, 2015
BOOK FAIR. The Panorama Elementary P.T.O. will host a Scholastic Book Fair on Wednesday, Feb. 11 and Thursday, Feb. 12 from 3 to 6:30 p.m. Funds raised will help purchase books for the library, classroom libraries and other children's programs. Helping promote the Book Fair are (from left) Dane Kemble, Kiera Simmons, Timothy Putney and Ethan Olsen. | | | | | | | | See more Yester Years | |
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 | | | A hobby for every interest | | | | | | | | Jan Henderson reads books at a rate few can equal.
By Rich Wicks | Panora Times, January 2025
Jan Henderson of Panora discovered a hobby that she can do year-round, day or night, in any weather. It requires no special equipment, and it is 100% free. Henderson reads books at a rate few can equal. In 2024, she read more than 100 books, and she plans to keep that pace going.
Henderson recalled her mother and grandmother each reading quite a bit, but she didn’t catch the bug in her younger days. Although Henderson hasn’t always been a voracious reader, her life history helps to explain why she only became a bookworm in recent years.
[...] | | | | | | | | Read the full story | |
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| | How many eggs, on average, do you eat per week?
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- 1-2
- 3-5
- 6-10
- More than 10
Submit your answers at the bottom of our website at gctimesnews.com | |
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