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YOUR NOON-TIME NEWS | FRIDAY, MAY 24, 2024

 
 
 

Figures lie, and liars figure

A boss of mine from years back would often say, “Figures lie, and liars figure” when others would present data to him. His words stuck with me through the years, as I don’t think he was alone in his mistrust of numbers, especially in today’s barrage of information from so many unreliable sources. Meanwhile, saying something is one thing. Proving it is quite another.

Our business philosophy is simple: We need to reach a continually growing number of readers so we can provide the best advertising results for our customers. We do this by publishing relevant news and information about local people, places and events.

I just pulled our numbers to see how we are doing. The total number of monthly readers we now have from all our efforts is 14,257. Do the figures lie? No, but some explanation is necessary.

Of our 14,257 monthly readers, 9,005 of them (63%) are from our print publications — Lake Panorama Times, Panora Times and Guthrie Center Times. Those 9,005 readers are estimated based on our total distribution of 7,277 with a 96.8% household receivership, a 79.9% household readership, and a pass-along of 1.6 readers per copy.

Of our 14,257 monthly readers, our websites have a total of 3,173 unique visitors per month (22%) with 2,020 of those from gctimesnews.com.

Of our 14,257 monthly readers, our Facebook followers now total 1,123 (8%).

Of our 14,257 monthly readers, we now have 956 email and text subscribers (7%) to our Times Vedette digital editions. We look forward to cracking 1,000 soon.

With our reader count more than the population of the county, one might question how this is possible. To be fair, there is certainly some duplication in these numbers, as many folks gather news and information from our multiple sources. Some of our readers are also from outside the area. And, although they are as accurate as Google Analytics can offer, one must question the validity of digital numbers, as the misinformation in that industry is rampant.

As you can see, our print publications continue to be the primary way that people read what we do, and the other efforts are great ways to complement that.

Can we do better? Absolutely, and we will. Meanwhile, I appreciate your support of our efforts, and I look forward to continuing to serve you.

Have a fantastic Friday, and thanks for reading.

Shane Goodman
Editor and Publisher
Times Vedette digital newsletter
shane@dmcityview.com
641-755-2115

 

 
 
 
 Thousands of starts, but Gonzales hasn’t finished yet 
   
 

By Rich Wicks | Times Vedette

Some people have a reputation of “always starting things,” and that description can rightly be attributed to Scott Gonzales. For more than 50 years, Gonzales has been a fixture at local track and cross country meets, often as the official whose starting pistol gives competitors the signal to begin their race.

To mark this milestone, Gonzales was recently honored with a 50-year award from the Iowa Association of Track Coaches and Officials (IATC/IATO). Besides Gonzales, the other 50-year honorees included Timm Lamb (Fort Madison), Paul Lorber (New London), Dale Sandquist (Urbandale), Joe Toot (Nevada), Robert Witzenburg (Fairfield) and Ron Werling (Indianola).

[...]

 
   
 
Read the full story
 
 
 Ten Squared Plus Men’s group donates $20,800 to Summer Kids Meals Program 
   
 

Special to the Times Vedette

The Ten Squared Plus Men’s group made its largest donation to date to Bayard Church of Christ for its Summer Kids Meals Program. This $20,800 brings total funds given to $375,150. Pictured are Kirby Klinge, who nominated and presented for the group, Barry Monaghan and Bob Rogers, who heads up the program for young people in Bayard, Bagley, Jamaica and Linden. More than 200 meals are given out five days a week throughout the summer months.

The next Ten Squared Plus Men for Guthrie County meeting will be July 25. To learn more about Ten Squared Plus Men, contact Barry Monaghan at B.Monaghan@gcsbank.com.

 
 
 Elementary Track Day held in Guthrie Center 
   
 

By Rich Wicks | Times Vedette

On May 22, an annual tradition was observed as students from Guthrie Center Elementary participated in Track Day. Perfect weather greeted the competitors, who gave their all in front of many parents and grandparents in the bleachers.

Elementary Principal Diane Flanery took a moment from her duties at the track to share her thoughts as she heads into retirement.

[...]

 
   
 
Read the full story
 
 
 Hambleton and Van Meter honored for academic achievement 
   
 

By Rich Wicks | Times Vedette

Two area students, Zoey Hambleton of Panorama Schools and Emerson Van Meter of ACGC, were honored by Gov. Kim Reynolds during the April 28 Governor’s Scholar Recognition ceremony at the Iowa Events Center in Des Moines. The event is sponsored by the Iowa Farm Bureau Foundation and honored 424 high school seniors from across the state.

Each high school was asked to designate the senior with the highest academic ranking through the first seven semesters of seniors’ high school years. Each of the 424 seniors were asked to name a “most influential teacher.” Hambleton named Anne Masters, while Van Meter named Jennifer Hartwig.

 
 
 AIBW meets on May 21, recognizes scholarship recipients 
   
 

Special to the Times Vedette

The American Independent Business Women's (AIBW) meeting took place on Tuesday, May 21 at Restore Wellness Studio. The organization welcomed its 2024 scholarship recipients: Mia Waddle (Panora) and Reagan Carney (Guthrie Center).

During the meeting, three founding AIBW members (Mary Jane Carothers, JoAnn Alumbaugh and Luann Waldo) participated on a Q&A panel. Questions ranged from building relationships, having professional workplace experiences, and sharing advice to be successful.

[...]

 
   
 
Read the full story
 
 
 LPA large dog park closed 
   
 

Special to the Times Vedette

The Lake Panorama Association announced that a tree fell on the large dog park fence on May 21. Significant damage occurred, and that portion of the park will be closed until further notice. The small dog park is still open.

 
 
 

GCH takes steps to prevent falls

By Rich Wicks | Times Vedette

During the monthly meeting of the Guthrie County Hospital Board of Trustees, the trustees heard an update on a fall prevention project from Danielle Lauzon, Clinical Safety and Quality Coordinator. She explained that each clinical department has been working on a goal to help with fall prevention, and that, overall, falls are down from 15 the previous fiscal year, to four so far this fiscal year.

“Even dietary had a project,” Lauzon said. “They put on the trays of patients identified as a fall risk, and it’s a little sticker that says ‘Call, don’t fall.’ ”

[...]

 
 
 

Adair County Health System sustains tornado damage; staff continue care in Greenfield

Special to the Times Vedette

Adair County Health System (ACHS), managed by MercyOne, sustained substantial damage from Wednesday’s tornadic storms requiring evacuation of staff and patients and a temporary facility closure.

Staff and patients at ACHS were evacuated to area hospitals. There were no injuries to staff or patients inside the hospital during the storm. The hospital was closed immediately after the tornado passed through that devastated the town of Greenfield. It will remain closed until further assessments can be completed. It is likely to take weeks, if not months, to fully repair the damage.

[...]

 
 
 

Polling places named for June 4 Primary

By Rich Wicks | Times Vedette

Polling locations for the upcoming June 4 Primary elections are as follows, according to information provided by Guthrie County Auditor Dani Fink.

Bayard Precinct
Bayard Community Center – 400 Main St., Bayard
Highland, Orange, Seely (part of) and Union Townships and Cities of Bayard and Coon Rapids

Casey Precinct
Casey Community Building – 502 Antique Drive, Casey
Baker, Bear Grove, Beaver (part of), Grant and Thompson Townships and Cities of Adair and Casey

[...]

 
 
 

Adair County Health Foundation announces Go Fund Me page to assist those affected by tornado

Special to the Times Vedette

In the wake of the recent tornado in Adair County, Adair County Health Foundation is organizing a fund drive to help assist the hospital, employees and the community to recover from this disaster. The Greenfield community has a long road to recovery, and any funds donated will help in this process. The Adair County Health Foundation has launched a GoFundMe campaign to raise funds for the reconstruction and restoration of Adair County and residents. Every donation, no matter how small, will make a difference in helping residents get back on their feet.

To donate, visit https://gofund.me/6dc306a7.

 
 
 

Storm damage and flooding impact some Iowa state parks for Memorial Day weekend

From the Iowa Department of Natural Resources

Several Iowa state parks have been impacted by recent heavy rains and storms, causing closures in some areas. Visitors are urged to plan in advance heading into the holiday weekend in case a park activity or location is affected.

Impacted parks include:

Backbone State Park (Delaware County) - The north gate entrance is currently closed. Mud and sand are on the road in the flats area. Debris and logs are along the trout stream road. Staff will reopen the north entrance once roadway cleanup is complete.

[...]

 
 
 

Expect heavy boat traffic on Iowa waters for Memorial Day Weekend

From the Iowa Department of Natural Resources

The Memorial Day weekend marking the unofficial beginning to Iowa’s boating season is days away and boaters across the state are busy preparing their watercraft for the holiday.

Susan Stocker, boating law administrator and education coordinator for the Iowa Department of Natural Resources, said Memorial Day weekend is often the first time on the water for many boaters and they should take time to review Iowa boating laws and plan to have patience at the ramp and on the water.

[...]

 
 
 

Heavy rainfall leads to discharges at multiple wastewater treatment facilities; public advised to avoid floodwaters

From the Iowa Department of Natural Resources

Following days of heavy rainfall, flash flooding and Tuesday’s severe storms, multiple Iowa wastewater treatment plants have reported discharging untreated or partially treated wastewater.

These discharges can result from heavy precipitation, power outages and storm damage, among other things.

[...]

 
 
 

Cribbage results from May 22

Special to the Times Vedette

On May 22, a total of 12 players participated. Larry Gardiner got the first 20, Richard Ellis got a 16 and a 24, and Dan Webb raked in a 20. Kathy Evans had two 16s, and Roger Esbeck, Lela Schwartz, Wayne Nickel, Jim Carico each had a 16.

No game at the library this Monday due to Memorial Day.

[...]

 
 
 
 Darcy Jo Gliem 
   
 

1971-2024

Darcy Jo Gliem, 52, daughter of Norman and Diane (Elliott) Downing, was born June 24, 1971, in Guthrie Center. She passed away Monday, May 20, 2024, at UnityPoint Iowa Methodist Medical Center, Des Moines.

Darcy was raised in the Panora area and graduated from Panora-Linden High School in 1989. She went on to graduate from the University of Northern Iowa in Cedar Falls, being the first in her family to graduate from college.

[...]

 
   
 
Read more
 
 
 

Peasley makes Dean’s List at Trinity Christian College

Special to the Times Vedette

In recognition of outstanding academic achievement, Trinity Christian College, Palos Heights, Illinois, released the college's Dean's List for spring 2024. The Dean’s List is Trinity Christian College’s highest academic honor. It is recognized for traditional undergraduate students who achieve a semester GPA of 3.5 or better in 12 or more credits with grade points. Malachi Peasley of Panora is included on the Dean’s List

 
 
 

Carrick graduates from Kirkwood

Special to the Times Vedette

The 2024 Kirkwood Community College Commencement Ceremony was held on Saturday, May 11 at 10 a.m. at the Alliant Energy PowerHouse in downtown Cedar Rapids. Local graduates include Jadeyn Carrick of Guthrie Center with an Associate of Applied Science degree.

 
 
 

Central College students named to Dean's List for spring 2024

Special to the Times Vedette

More than 390 students were named to the Central College dean's list for spring 2024. The honor is awarded to full-time students who achieve a 3.5 GPA or higher on a 4.0 scale while taking 12 or more graded credit hours for the semester. Local students include:

  • Alaina Bunde, Class of 2026 from Guthrie Center
  • Eli Kading, Class of 2025 from Casey
  • Kylie Young, Class of 2025 from Guthrie Center
 
 
 

Fett named to spring 2024 term Honors List at Concordia

Special to the Times Vedette

Concordia University, Nebraska recently named 205 students to its honors list for the spring 2024 semester. Students who earn a 3.90 GPA or higher while also completing at least 12 credit hours during the semester qualify for this list. Leah Fett of Guthrie Center was named to the spring 2024 Term Honors List.

 
 
 
 Panthers lose both legs of double header against Pleasantville, 13-2 
   
 

By Cyote Williams | Times Vedette

The Panorama softball team (0-3) lost both of its games against Pleasantville (3-0) on Thursday, May 23. Both games finished 13-2. Individual stats were not available as of press time.

[...]

PICTURED: Hannah Dishman at the game against Pleasantville May 23. Photo by Betty Cooper

 
   
 
See more photos
 
 
 Pleasantville beats Panorama, 12-0, 7-2 in double header 
   
 

By Cyote Williams | Times Vedette

The Panorama baseball team (0-4) lost both of its games against Pleasantville (3-2) on Thursday, May 23. Box scores and individual stats were not available as of press time.

[...]

PICTURED: Brayden Meinecke at the game against Pleasantville May 23. Photo by Betty Cooper

 
   
 
See more photos
 
 
 

Panorama hires new football and basketball head coaches

By Cyote Williams | Times Vedette

Boys basketball

On May 23, Panorama officials announced the hiring of two new head coaches. Panorama alumnus Josh Beardsley will head up the boys basketball team, leaving his post as an assistant on Truman State’s basketball program.

“We are excited to see Josh’s impact on our boys basketball program and school district. Welcome home, Josh,” Panorama officials said in the announcement.

[...]

 
 
 

Panthers make regional final, topple Knoxville, 9-0

By Cyote Williams | Times Vedette

It’s another dominant result for the Panorama girls soccer team (14-2). It defeated Knoxville (9-5), 9-0, in the Class 1A region 5 semi-finals on Wednesday, May 22. While Panorama did have the benefit of playing its first two regional playoff games at home, it had to travel to Nevada high school for the final on Thursday, May 23.

 
 
 

Panorama post-season run ends against Nevada, 2-1

By Cyote Williams | Times Vedette

After successful regular season, the Panorama girls soccer team (14-3) had its season end in the Class 1A Region 5 finals against Nevada (14-5) on Thursday, May 23. All three goals in the contest were scored in the second half. Individual stats were not available as of press time.

 
 
 

Panther anglers setting their hooks in National Championships in June

By Cyote Williams | Times Vedette

On April 27, the SAF/TBF High School Bass Fishing Iowa State Championships were held at the Okoboji Chain of Lakes. As we had reported previously, several Panorama athletes were competing with the Central Iowa Student Anglers team against 45 other high schools. Nolan Ponstein and Cole Carstens teamed up and earned a first-place finish with a five-fish weight of 20.60 pounds, with a 5.7 pound kicker fish. The other Panorama team of Gavin Lindstrom and Blake Schwartz finished fourth with a five-fish weight of 16.69 pounds. That means that both Panorama teams qualified for the National Championships at South Carolina’s Lake Hartwell on June 19-22.

[...]

 
 
 
 

ACGC loses to Coon Rapids-Bayard after late rally, 12-5

By Cyote Williams | Times Vedette

The Charger baseball team (0-2) lost its second game of the season against Coon Rapids-Bayard on Wednesday, May 22. The Chargers had a 3-1 lead right out of the gates, but a strong second inning from the Crusaders tied it up at 4-4. ACGC took the lead in the fourth just for Coon Rapids-Bayard to tie it up again in the fifth. A seven-run inning in the bottom of the sixth by CRB proved to be the difference maker.

[...]

 
 
 

Chargers win season opener against Glidden-Ralston, 9-2

By Cyote Williams | Times Vedette

The ACGC softball team (1-0) got off to a hot start in its first game of the season against Glidden-Ralston on Thursday, May 23. The Chargers did a solid job of creating offense all game long, scoring in every inning except for the fifth and seventh. Individual stats were not available as of press time.

 
 
 
 

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.

 
 
 
 50 years ago 
   
 

From the archives of The Guthrian, May 13, 1974

POSTER WINNERS. Fourth, fifth and sixth grade winners in the clean-up week poster contest, sponsored by the Chamber of Commerce, were recognized. Front, from left, fourth grade winner Sherry Hansen, Connie Nickel (third), Cindy Bohlender (second) and Bill Krakau, third place fifth grade. Back are sixth graders Bill Troshynski (second), Mike Tearney (third), Candy Hunt (first) and fifth graders Cindy Luckinbill (first) and Susan Van Gordon (second).

 
   
 
See more Yester Years
 
 
 Planting the petunia trees 
   
 

Members of the Panora Garden Club were planting the petunia “trees” on May 3 on the square in Panora. Paulette Chambers and Rhoda Williams are pictured in the midst of the process.

 
   
 
See the full issue
 
 
 
 

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.

 
 
 
 

What do you get when you combine a rhetorical question and a joke?

 
 
 

Have you ever personally seen a tornado funnel cloud?

  • Yes
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Submit your answers at the bottom of our website at gctimesnews.com

 
 
 Vote now in the 2024 Best of Guthrie County Poll! 
   
 

Vote in up to 82 different categories to help us to recognize the people, places, businesses and events that make Guthrie County so great.

 
   
 
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