Guthrie County Times Vedette

FRIDAY, APRIL 10, 2026

A magical phrase with very real confusion

“Open sesame” is one of those phrases that lives rent-free in your brain. You have heard it. You have probably said it. Maybe you have even whispered it dramatically at an automatic door, hoping for a little extra flair.

At first glance, it sounds like something you would say to an Amazon Alexa when you want to hear the theme song from “Sesame Street.” I tried it. Alexa did not open anything. Not even emotionally.

It could also pass as a polite request to a box of Keebler Toasted Sesame crackers. “Open sesame,” you say, preparing for a sophisticated cheese-and-cracker moment. The crackers, however, remain sealed. Cold. Unmoved.

But if your brain goes straight to “magic words that open a secret door,” congratulations — you are on the right track and possibly ready for a career in treasure hunting.

The phrase is most famously tied to “Ali Baba and the Forty Thieves,” part of “One Thousand and One Nights.” In the story, Ali Baba unlocks a cave full of stolen treasure with the phrase “Open, O simsim.” And just like that — boom — instant wealth.

Naturally, things go sideways. His brother tries the same trick, blanks on the phrase and starts guessing like he is on some ancient version of a game show. Nope. Still trapped.

There is a theory that “open sesame” came from “open, says me,” which sounds reasonable until you remember that magic phrases are rarely that grammatically cooperative.

Another idea is that sesame seeds — which pop open when they are ripe — inspired the phrase. Tiny plant. Big dramatic energy.

There is even talk of sesame being tied to ancient Babylonian magic. Because, apparently, sesame seeds weren’t content just being bagel toppings.

The truth? No one really knows where the phrase came from. Scholars debate it. Historians circle it. Meanwhile, the rest of us are out here testing it on garage doors and snack packaging.

So go ahead — say “open sesame” a few times today. Best case: You unlock hidden treasure. Worst case: You confuse everyone within earshot. Honestly, both feel like a win.

Have a fantastic Friday, and thanks for reading.

Shane Goodman
Editor and Publisher
Times Vedette digital newsletter
shane@gctimesnews.com
641-332-2707

	Brewster recognized by Iowa Communications Alliance

	By Morgan Sheeder \| Times Vedette The Iowa Communications Alliance (ICA) held its Annual Meeting and Expo in Des Moines March 23-25. More than 10 members of the ICA were recognized for their successful completion of the 2025-2026 ICA Leadership Academy, including Paul Brewster of Panora Fiber. CEO/GM of Panora Fiber Andy Randol said, “Panora Fiber is incredibly proud that Paul was selected for the 2025-2026 Leadership Academy hosted by the Iowa Communications Alliance. For the last six months, Paul was engaged with top broadband leaders across the state, sharing his knowledge and developing new skills.” [...]

	Read the full story and see more photos

Whiterock Conservancy offers Historic Farm Tours

Special to Times Vedette

Spring is here, and so are Whiterock’s Historic Farmhouse Tours. On the first Saturday of each month, step back in time and experience a free, open-house tour of the Roswell and Elizabeth Garst homestead listed on the National Register of Historic Places in Iowa. Tours will be held through October.

Call the Whiterock Conservancy office at 712-790-8221 or email guestinfo@whiterockconservancy.org for more information or questions.

Senator Grassley speaks at Iowa Trenchless

By Rich Wicks | Times Vedette

On April 9, Senator Chuck Grassley held a question-and-answer talk with employees of Iowa Trenchless and others in Panora. Approximately 40 people were on hand. Questions covered a range of subjects including infrastructure, water quality, health insurance, the Iran war situation, partisanship in politics, affordability and the outlook heading into the November 2026 midterm election.

PICTURED: Senator Grassley addresses citizens’ questions in Panora.

ACGC and Panorama proms are this weekend

By Rich Wicks | Times Vedette

This year, the Panorama and ACGC Proms will both be held on the evening of Saturday, April 11.

Panorama

The Panorama Prom will begin with pictures at 2 p.m. at The Captain’s Pick by Betty Cooper. The Grand March will be 5 p.m. at the Panorama High School auditorium. At 5:30 p.m., Photo Opportunity Hour begins at The Captain’s Pick, 5071 Cover Ridge Road. Dinner follows at 6:30 p.m. with the dance from 7:30-10:30 p.m.

Beginning at 10:45 p.m., events move back to the high school with the After Prom Party scheduled until 3 a.m., hosted by the junior class parents.

ACGC

The theme of this year’s ACGC prom is “New York, New York.” The Grand March will be at 6:30 p.m. in the high school gym. Dinner will be at 7:30 p.m., followed by the dance from 8:30-10:30 p.m. The After Prom event will be 11 p.m. to 1 a.m. at the school.

‘Elevate Adair’ forms as new economic development committee

By Rich Wicks | Times Vedette

A group has formed in Adair known as Elevate Adair, an economic development committee within RIADA (Residents Interested in Agriculture and Development in Adair).

Megan Richter, co-chair of Elevate Adair, shared background information about RIADA.

[...]

Read the full story

Student art competition kicks off

By Rich Wicks | Times Vedette

A local art competition kicks off April 11 at Art on State in Guthrie Center (320 State St.). The Guthrie County Arts Council/Art on State, in collaboration with the art instructors at Panorama and ACGC Schools, are holding a first-ever high school art competition April 11-25.

Students earning the top three spots in the two-dimensional and three-dimensional art categories will receive monetary prizes, ribbons and a year’s membership to Art on State. Submissions will be judged by visitors to Art on State through April 24 with an awards reception on April 25. Entries are anticipated from 16 ACGC and 12 Panorama high school artists.

That Iowa Girl awarded Choose Iowa Grant

By Morgan Sheeder | Times Vedette

Iowa Secretary of Agriculture Mike Naig announced in late March that the Department of Agriculture and Land Stewardship awarded 30 Iowa farmers, small businesses and organizations Choose Iowa Value-Added Grants. Grant recipients, like That Iowa Girl in Panora, were eligible to receive up to $25,000 in cost-sharing funds, with hopes to increase the production of Iowa grown and produced items.

This year, $500,000 of value-added grants were awarded, leveraging the $1.7 million requested by grant recipients. The Department of Agriculture and Land Stewardship received more than 120 applications this year.

[...]

Read the full story

Sunshine Club News

Special to the Times Vedette

On Wednesday, April 8, eight Sunshine Club members and one guest met at the Panora Public Library with Sandy Mortensen as hostess. Sandy called the meeting to order with the roll call, “Since we are so close to Easter, what woman in the Bible would you like to invite to Easter dinner?” Many good answers were given. The minutes were read and the treasurer’s report was given.

[...]

Read the full story

By Rich Wicks | Times Vedette

Handbags and Bingo April 10
The Guthrie County Hospital Foundation’s annual “Handbags and Bingo” event will be held Friday, April 10 at the Fairgrounds Event Center. Social hour begins at 4:45 p.m., and dinner is at 5:45 p.m., followed by bingo and games. Tickets can be purchased on the hospital’s website.

Legislative coffee April 11
State Sen. Jesse Green and State Rep. Carter Nordman welcome the public to their upcoming legislative coffee event to voice concerns and hear legislative updates. The event will be April 11 from 9-10 a.m. at Guthrie County Farm Bureau, 203 N. Fourth St. in Guthrie Center.

[...]

Read the full list of events