YOUR NOON-TIME NEWS | TUESDAY, MAY 21, 2024

Guthrie County Supervisors approve budget amendment

By Rich Wicks | Times Vedette

During the May 21 regular meeting of the Guthrie County Board of Supervisors, a public hearing was held regarding the county’s fiscal year 2023/2024 proposed budget amendment. County Auditor Dani Fink provided updated budgetary data. No members of the general public spoke during the hearing.

Supervisor Steve Smith said departments may have to tighten their belts to get through the current fiscal year without exceeding the budgeted expenditures.

“Some things are needs. Some things are ‘I wish I could,’ ” Smith said.

[...]

By Shane Goodman | Times Vedette

On Saturday, May 18, hundreds of riders participated in the second annual Red, White & Blue Cruise through Guthrie County, many in side-by-side utility vehicles and Jeeps. The event was a fundraiser and honored all veterans and active members of military service. Attendees gathered at the Guthrie County Fairgrounds Saturday morning and started off with breakfast. They then drove to various stops on the day’s agenda, which included Shootout Saloon in Dexter, Ruby’s Pub & Grill in Stuart, Short’s Place in Menlo, Casey Creamery and Tin Lizzies Sports Bar in Casey, and Blue Goose Tavern in Adair. A poker run was added this year. After the ride, the band Ghost Riderz played at the fairgrounds.

Special to the Times Vedette

Guthrie Center Mayor Mike Herbert is shown above giving a donation to Guthrie Center Lions Club President Joe Hanner. The local Lions Club has been actively raising funds for the Little Charger Early Learning Center’s kitchen facility, successfully raising $21,000 so far. They now hope that the Guthrie Center community will match this amount to reach their $50,000 goal.

In celebration of their 100-year anniversary, the Guthrie Center Lions Club will host a special event on Monday, June 10 at the Guthrie County Fairgrounds Event Center. This milestone celebration will also serve as a fundraising opportunity to further support the Little Charger Early Learning Center’s kitchen facility.

[...]

Special to the Times Vedette

Sheila and Alan Kearney, 605 North St. in Guthrie Center, are the winners of $100 in chamber bucks from the Guthrie Center Lions Club and the Guthrie Center Chamber of Commerce for the Yard of the Month contest for May. These two organizations have teamed up to award citizens who maintain and take pride in their yard with this monthly contest that runs through October.

Photos by Mark Reno

The ACGC High School commencement ceremony was held on Sunday, May 19 at 1 p.m. with 46 graduating students.

Memorial Day services

By Rich Wicks | Times Vedette

On Monday, May 27, the Memorial Day Services in Panora will take place at Veterans Auditorium, beginning at 10 a.m. Master of Ceremonies will be Andy Harrelson, while Deb Rockwell and Deb Moylan will serve as hostesses. Patriotic music, wreaths and flags will be included in the ceremonies.

Senator Joni Ernst will give an address and will dedicate a flag that was flown at the Capitol. Pastor Jeremy Poland will give the Invocation and Benediction. Following the services, refreshments will be served in the Community Center, provided by the Panora WFPF and American Legion Auxiliary groups.

In Guthrie Center, the Memorial Day ceremony will begin at 10 a.m. at the Veterans Memorial on the courthouse lawn. A meal including pork sandwiches, baked beans and cole slaw will be available for a freewill donation. Carryouts are available by calling 641-757-1378.

Boil advisory issued for City of Bayard

From the Iowa Department of Natural Resources

A boil advisory has been issued for the City of Bayard in Guthrie County due to depressurization of the entire system.

More than 200 connections are affected. Operators were unable to isolate a leaking valve while conducting repairs to the system, and had to take the water tower offline, resulting in pressure loss. Once repairs are completed the affected area will be disinfected and flushed.

[...]

Blood donation dates, locations

By Rich Wicks | Times Vedette

LifeServe Blood Center offers mobile blood drives that provide rural citizens the opportunity to donate blood without having to drive to a larger city. Several mobile blood drives are scheduled in the coming weeks:

• Friday, May 24, 8 a.m. - 5 p.m. at the Dallas County Hospital in Perry. This is a special event, offering a free meal and a special “Perry Blood Donor” T-shirt to all donors (while supplies last).
• Monday, May 27 (Memorial Day) 7 a.m. - noon at the Iowa Gold Star Museum, 7105 N.W. 70th Avenue in Johnston. Free military style breakfast 6-9 a.m. and those who donate blood receive a complimentary blood donor “dog tag” tailored to the donor’s specific blood type.

Local veterans to take Honor Flight to Washington, D.C. on May 22

By Rich Wicks | Times Vedette

Brushy Creek Area Honor Flight is about to embark on its 25th flight, leaving Fort Dodge on May 22 and taking area veterans to our nation’s capital to visit the memorials.

Local veterans scheduled to participate include Marshall Burgess and Kass Duis, along with Lynn Zajicek, who is going as an aide.

[...]

Races and music at Guthrie County Fairgrounds for Memorial Weekend

Special to the Times Vedette

The Guthrie County Fair Board with Joe Vais Promotions are planning a weekend of activities for families on the Memorial Day weekend. With plenty of camping spots available on the south end of the fairgrounds, attendees are urged to bring their family and friends to enjoy the weekend together in Guthrie Center.

The Western Iowa Shootout features Figure 8 Racing, karaoke, music by the Jesse Wilson Band and more.

[...]

No outdoor ballot drop boxes in Guthrie County

By Shane Goodman | Times Vedette

Guthrie County will continue with its practice of not having outdoor ballot drop boxes for absentee ballots, according to Guthrie County Auditor Dani Fink.

“Iowa code on ballot drop boxes is very specific, and I do not feel a drop box is necessary for the amount of absentee ballots we process,” Fink told the Times Vedette.

[...]

Guthrie County Arts Council announces 2024 Jennifer Hewitt Memorial Scholarship winners

Special to the Times Vedette

The Guthrie County Arts Council has announced the 2024 Jennifer Hewitt Memorial Scholarship winners. The $350 scholarships are presented annually by the Arts Council to an outstanding senior art student in each of Guthrie County’s four school districts in memory of Jennifer Hewitt, who supported the vision and mission of the Guthrie County Arts Council as a member, artist, volunteer, president, event coordinator, teacher, mentor and friend. The organization thanks all who donated to the scholarship fund, which is mainly supported by Thursday morning coffees at Art on State, Guthrie Center.

[...]

Grove qualifies for Edward Jones recognition conference

Special to the Times Vedette

Edward Jones Financial Advisor Dave Grove recently qualified for the Edward Jones recognition conference, Momentum, which celebrates the contributions and achievements of 819 successful financial advisors from the firm's more than 19,000. The event will be held May 20-23 in Orlando, Florida, and includes financial advisors from both the U.S. and Canada.

[...]

Survey for affordable housing needs

Special to the Times Vedette

Residents from Dallas, Guthrie, Jasper, Madison, Polk and Warren counties are urged to participate in a survey aimed at gathering input on affordable housing needs, community development ideas and barriers to finding or remaining in housing. The feedback collected will be used to assess affordable housing needs, identify community development goals, and prioritize decisions for federally funded programs, according to a news release from the Polk County Board of Supervisors. Deadline is Aug. 15.

Survey link is www.research.net/r/DesMoines-Community

Upcoming events in Panora

Special to the Times Vedette

• Thursday, May 23, 6-9 p.m.: Art on the Fly - "Golf/Lake Wood Signs" - Twin Vines, 2821 Highway 44, Panora. www.twinvinesvineyard.com
• Friday, May 24: Live Music: Hillbilly Air Show with Jesse & the Medicine Men - Twin Vines, 2821 Highway 44, Panora. www.twinvinesvineyard.com
• Sunday, May 26, 7-9 p.m. (and each week through Sept. 8): Wine and Yoga, hosted by Reshape Fitness Studio, at Twin Vines, 2821 Highway 44, Panora. www.twinvinesvineyard.com
• Saturday, June 1: Classic Car Show, grilled hamburgers and hotdogs, proceeds Alzheimer’s Association - Lakeside Village, 2067 Highway 4, Panora. www.jaybirdseniorliving.com/senior-living/ia/panora/the-lakeside-village

WHO-TV 13 to broadcast in Panora Friday morning

Special to the Times Vedette

WHO-TV 13’s Today in Iowa morning show will broadcast live from Panora starting at 5:30 a.m. on Friday, May 24. Panora and Lake Panorama will be featured on the program.

Cribbage results from May 20

Special to the Times Vedette

On May 20, a total of 13 players participated. Allen Pierce got two 16s. Dave Richter and Bill Sheeder each got a 16, and Wayne Nickel pulled in an 18.

[...]

Hyundai totaled on Poplar Avenue

Special to the Times Vedette

Guthrie County Deputy Sheriff Matt Losee reported a single-vehicle accident occurring on May 18 at 4:10 p.m. on Poplar Avenue. Ashton Johnston Zekucia, 17, of Guthrie Center, was driving a 2019 Hyundai Santa Fe Limited SUV northbound on Poplar Avenue and looked down at this phone and over-corrected when his vehicle entered the east ditch. Zekucia tried to regain control when he hit a culvert, which deployed the driver’s airbag. Zekucia was cited for failure to maintain control. The Hyundai was reportedly totaled with an estimated $10,000 in damage. No injuries were reported.

Chrysler collides with deer on Wagon Road 

Special to the Times Vedette

Guthrie County Deputy Sheriff Todd Thorn reported a vehicle/deer accident occurring on May 18 at 5:30 a.m. on Wagon Road. Heather Leann Norell, 31, of Stuart, was driving a 2016 Chrysler 300C AWD northbound on Wagon Road and collided with a deer in the roadway. The Chrysler has an estimated $15,000 in damage. No charges or injuries were reported.

Motorcycle rear-ends GMC truck on Highway 25

Special to the Times Vedette

Guthrie County Deputy Sheriff Todd Thorn reported a truck/motorcycle accident occurring on May 18 at 4:30 p.m. on Division Street and Highway 25 North. Thomas Lee Semke, 43, of Jefferson was driving a 2020 GMC Sierra K3500 northbound on Highway 25 and stopped quickly to avoid hitting a dog that was running across the highway. Seth Stephen Ashby, 26, of Guthrie Center, was driving a 2013 Harley Davidson FLHR Road King and was unable to stop in time and collided with Semke, partially ejecting him from the motorcycle seat into the rear of the GMC truck. Damage to the GMC truck is estimated at $5,000, and damage to the Harley Davidson is also estimated at $5,000. Semke was charged with no valid driver’s license.

Deer runs into truck on Highway 25 

Special to the Times Vedette

Guthrie County Deputy Sheriff Todd Thorn reported a truck/deer accident occurring on May 20 at 9:45 p.m. on Highway 25. Cynthia Kay Bettis, 69, of Webster City, was driving a 2022 Ford Maverick XL pickup southbound on Highway 25 and a deer ran into the side of the vehicle, causing an estimated $7,000 in damage. No citations or injuries were reported.

Dorhout earns University of Nebraska-Lincoln degree

Special to the Times Vedette

Johanna Judith Dorhout of Panora was among 3,484 graduates who received degrees from the University of Nebraska-Lincoln during commencement exercises May 3, 17 and 18. Dorhout earned a bachelor of science in education and human sciences with distinction from the College of Education and Human Sciences. The graduates are from 64 countries; 46 U.S. states and Puerto Rico; and about 230 Nebraska communities. For the full list of May graduates, visit https://go.unl.edu/grads-may24.

Lee graduates from Iowa Connections Academy

Special to the Times Vedette

Iowa Connections Academy, a tuition-free online public school serving students in grades K-12 across the state, celebrated the graduation of more than 235 high school seniors during an in-person commencement ceremony on May 18 at CAM High School in Anita, alongside their school administrators, teachers and family members. Graduation speakers included valedictorian, Cecilia Baldwin.

The graduating class from Iowa Connections Academy collectively received more than $400,000 in scholarships. The Class of 2024 local graduates include Hailey Lee.

[...]

Weekly Crop Progress and Condition Report 

From the Iowa Department of Agriculture and Land Stewardship

Iowa Secretary of Agriculture Mike Naig commented on the Iowa Crop Progress and Condition Report released by the USDA National Agricultural Statistics Service. The report is released weekly April through November. Additionally, the Iowa Department of Agriculture and Land Stewardship provides a weather summary each week during this time.

“In pockets around the state, some farmers were able to resume or even finish planting as fields dried out from warmer and windier conditions,” said Secretary Naig. “However, showers and thunderstorms prevented many from making much progress. An active weather pattern, along with stronger thunderstorms, is expected to continue this week and may bring more frustrating planting delays.”

[...]

Special to the Times Vedette

Guthrie County Dog Practices

Begins May 28 at 7 p.m. 10 weeks long. Guthrie County Fairgrounds. Call the office at 641-747-2276 to get on the list. Cost is $30 for adults and kids are free.

Springbrook Camp

• June 3, 9 a.m. - 4 p.m. Grades K-3. Cost is $10.
• June 4, 9 a.m. - 4 p.m. Grades 4-12. Cost is $10.
• June 5, 9 a.m. - 4 p.m. Grades K-12. Cost is $10

Bring your own sack lunches and drinks. This camp is designed for children who want to know more about nature, be interactive with others, and be filled with learning from conservationist and naturalists.

[...]

By Cyote Williams | Times Vedette

In the final two days of the Iowa High School Track and Field State Championships, the Panorama girls track and field team competed in five events, at Drake Stadium on Friday, May 17 and Saturday, May 18.

On Friday, Arilyan Steenblock threw a personal best in the discus of 105-01, finishing 19th. Jaidyn Sellers competed in the high jump, finishing third with a jump of 5-05.00.

Saturday’s events saw Sellers compete in the 100- and 200-meter dashes. She won both of the events, taking her total career number of state titles to 10. After setting the state record in the 100-meter prelims on Thursday, Sellers won the event in 12.41. Sellers also won the 200-meter finals, running a time of 25.09. Kylie Rochholz was the final Panther girl to compete on the day, clocking a personal best in the 1500-meter run at 5:03.93, placing ninth.

PICTURED: Jaidyn Sellers won both the 100- and 200- meter dash. Photo by Betty Cooper

By Cyote Williams | Times Vedette

The Panorama boys track and field team competed in two events on Saturday, May 18 at the Iowa State High School Track and Field State Championships. The 800-meter sprint medley team consisting of Hunter Kempf, Ryan Cogil, Ashton Hutchins and Braylon Dawes placed 17th with a time of 1:38.11. Noah Poldberg was the final individual performer for the Panthers at the meet. He set a personal record in the 1600-meter run in 4:38.00, finishing 17th.

PICTURED: Braylon Dawes competes in the 800-meter relay. Photo by Betty Cooper

By Cyote Williams | Times Vedette

The Panorama Panthers boys baseball team (0-1) started its season against the South Hamilton Hawks (1-0) at home on Friday, May 17, losing 22-5. South Hamilton’s pitching made it difficult for the Panthers to get their offense going, and Panorama was resigned to just two hits on the afternoon, from Mason Carstens and Hunter Dishman.

PICTURED: Jaysen Stagg. Photo by Betty Cooper

By Cyote Williams | Times Vedette

The Panorama Panthers boys baseball team (0-2) lost its second straight game to start the season against West Central Valley (3-1), 14-2. Individual stats were not available for Panorama as of press time. The Panthers’ next game will be against Woodward-Granger (1-0), weather permitting.

PICTURED: Hunter Dishman in the game against West Central Valley. Photo by Betty Cooper

By Cyote Williams | Times Vedette

The Panorama softball team (0-1) lost its season opener against West Central Valley (1-0) on Monday, May 20, 12-10. This was the closest the Panthers have come to defeating a tough West Central Valley program since early 2022. Weather permitting, Panorama will be back in action today, May 21, against Woodward-Granger (0-0).

PICTURED: Ava Thompson in the game against West Central Valley. Photo by Betty Cooper

Panthers host Knoxville in regional semi-final today

By Cyote Williams | Times Vedette

Panorama (13-2) was to host Knoxville (9-4) in the Class 1A region 5 semi-finals today, May 21. Game has been rescheduled for Wednesday. The winner of this matchup will face either Nevada (12-5) or Pella Christian (9-8) on Thursday with a chance to go to the state tournament.

2A golf state championship cancelled

By Cyote Williams | Times Vedette

With severe weather predicted for today, Tuesday, May 21, the 2A boys golf state championship at the Coldwater Golf Links in Ames has been cancelled, per IHSAA. The results will be based off of day one scores. Meaning, Panorama placed sixth with a round 1 score of 319. Beckman Catholic placed first, with a 306.

PANORAMA INDIVIDUAL PERFORMANCES

• T-12 – Evan Powell, 76
• T-16 – Maddox Hammerstrom, 78
• T-22 – Parker Cary, 79
• T-44 – Alexander Hammerstrom, 86
• T-44 – Trey Boettcher, 86
• T-62 – Brayden Galvan, 95

By Cyote Williams | Times Vedette

The ACGC boys track and field team competed in eight events over the weekend in the Iowa High School Track and Field State Championships on Friday, May 17 and Saturday, May 18.

Lance Bunde was the first one out that day for the Chargers and brought home a state title. Bunde set a personal record in the high jump at 6-06.00.

The distance medley team of Joel Crawford, Anthony Solorzano, Lance Brincks and Jarrett McClain finished 19th in a time of 3:44.23.

[...]

PICTURED: Lance Bunde set a personal record in the high jump at 6-06.00. Photo by Mark Reno

By Cyote Williams | Times Vedette

Ava Campbell and the sprint and distance medley teams competed in the Iowa State High School Track and Field State Championships on Friday, May 17 and Saturday, May 18.

The distance medley team consisting of Nora Langgaard, Meranda Gruber, Savannah Akers and Campbell finished in sixth in 4:20.89.
Langgaard, Hannah Muller, Akers and Campbell made up the Chargers’ sprint medley team, which finished 22nd in 1:56.19.

Campbell competed in the 800- and 1500-meter runs on Saturday. Campbell set a personal record in the 800-meter with a time of 2:21.27, placing sixth. In the 1500-meter, Campbell placed fourth with a time of 4:57.06.

PICTURED: Ava Campbell competed in multiple events including the 800- and 1500-meter runs. In the 800-meter she placed sixth and in the 1500-meter, she placed fourth. Photo by Betty Cooper

Chargers fall short in season opener to Exira-EHK, 7-6

By Cyote Williams | Times Vedette

The ACGC boys baseball team (0-1) hit the field for the first time this season yesterday, May 20, at Exira-EHK (1-0), losing 7-6. The Chargers almost completed a fantastic comeback, tying the game in the fifth inning with a six-run burst. However, Exira-EHK’s run in the seventh inning sealed ACGC’s defeat. Individual stats were not available for ACGC at press time.

ACGC will play again today against Madrid, weather permitting.

ACGC softball season opener today, weather permitting

By Cyote Williams | Times Vedette

As of now, the ACGC softball team will get its season underway today, May 21, against Madrid away from home. Madrid and ACGC hit the field against each other twice last season, splitting the season series. ACGC won the first matchup 13-2 early in the season but lost the away matchup, 9-7.

Panorama West Tuesday Men’s Golf League results

Special to the Times Vedette

After two rainouts, the league started May 14 with 35 players. Paul Brewster and Trent Crawmer tied for a low score at 2 over par 29. Brewster needed only 14 putts. Curt Anderson was closest to the pin. The longest putt was made by Dan Hagan.

Panorama Women’s Golf League results

Special to the Times Vedette

A total of 45 women played in the Panorama Women’s Golf League on May 14. In the A group, Carla Fitzgerald was the low scratch winner with a 37. The second low scratch winner was Sharon Wedemeyer with a 38. Beth Muenzenberger and Jen Olson tied as the HDCP winners, each with a 28. The special event was most 5’s, and Janice Vandevanter was the winner with 5. Sharon Wedemeyer had the fewest putts with 14. Beth Muenzenberger had one chip-in.

In the B group, Sheila Houston was the low scratch winner with a 43. The second low scratch winner was Shelli Larsen with a 45. The HDCP winner was Sheila Houston, who also had the fewest putts with 17. The special event of most 5’s had nine golfers with three each including Cheryl Corbett, Lori Hammer, Sheila Houston, Amy Johnson, Shelli Larsen, Joann Sandage, Jan Tallman, Lori VanKirk and Toni Wright.

So Much More Than Books

By Karen Kelly | Special to the Times Vedette

In an effort to encourage our patrons to participate in sustainable development, to help with food insufficiency, and for those of you who want some pretty flowers, fresh herbs or veggies from your garden, MJB Library is working to establish a seed library. Patrons are encouraged to take home some seeds to plant. Ask us for details when you stop in. Our goal is for this to be an ongoing service we offer to patrons. We believe through donations of both saved seeds and commercial seed donations, we can maintain the seed library.

[...]

More than 100 calls this week including a report of harassment in Bayard, a report of a lawn mower accident in Jamaica and a theft in Bayard.

5-13-24

• 12:08 a.m. Guthrie County Deputy responded to a complaint in Adair

• 8:05 a.m. Stuart Ambulance responded to a medical call in Menlo

• 9:15 a.m. Stuart Ambulance and Police responded to a medical call in Stuart

• 12:06 p.m. Panora Ambulance responded to a medical call in Guthrie Center

• 1:05 p.m. Stuart Ambulance responded to a medical call in Stuart

[...]

By Maddy Carstens, junior, staff writer

The Panorama varsity boys golf team has made quite an impact on Panorama. By putting the hours and work into the sport, boys golf has been doing well during their season. Last week, they competed in the determining factor of going to state, state qualifying. These boys had nothing to fear, though. The team won the state qualifying meet on their very own home course.

The boys varsity team consists of Evan Powell, Parker Cary, Maddox Hammerstrom, Trey Boettcher, Brayden Galvan and Zander Hammerstrom, along with their head coach, Connor Osbahr. They will be competing on Monday and Tuesday, May 20 and 21. The state meet is at Cold Water Golf Links in Ames. We wish them all the best as they compete. Congratulations to these boys.

[...]

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.

See what’s being served for hot lunch in the area schools:

PANORAMA SCHOOL DISTRICT AND PRESCHOOL

ADAIR-CASEY AND GUTHRIE CENTER JUNIOR HIGH

ACGC HIGH SCHOOL

From the archives of The Guthrie Center Times, May 12, 2004

PARENTS OF THE YEAR. The recipients of the first annual G.C. Chamber of Commerce “Parent of the Year” contest are Sandy and John Eivins of Guthrie Center. Their son, Garrett, a fifth grader, submitted the winning entry for his parents. Pictured with the happy family is Becky Larson, committee head, who presented the prizes worth $350. There were more than 100 entries.

By Michael C. Woody | Times Vedette

I needed to see a movie to round out my radio show, and the pickings were slim. So I headed to the Fleur Theatre on the south side of Des Moines. For years, the Fleur has offered excellent arthouse and independent movies. I had no idea what this movie was or who was in it. Sometimes you stumble into greatness and have a fun time. Based on a true story, set in the olden days, this one tells the tale of an English woman accused of sending vile and vulgar notes to people in her small village. It is a mystery to the townspeople who is behind this. “Wicked Little Letters” is both shocking and laugh-out-loud funny. It’s probably already out of the theaters by the time you read this but look for it on the streaming services. You’ll be glad you did. Grade: A

Local residents share their passion for cooking on grills, smokers and flat-tops.

By Rich Wicks | Guthrie Center Times

Few things in life are more American than grilling burgers or steaks on a beautiful spring or summer day. Most who are in charge of the grilling wouldn’t want to be doing anything else, and those who are the recipients of the offerings appreciate it even more. Learn about area residents who are often seen cooking delicious foods on their smokers or grills.

[...]

SERVICES: Do you need any Sewing, Alterations or Mending done? I have lots of experience. Call Bernice 641-740-1146.

FREE: Free wood desk. 24" x 54" with center drawer, 4 other drawers and file drawer. Sturdy. See at 111 E. Main St. in Panora. Call 641-755-2115 to schedule a viewing.

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