Panther Print — March 12, 2024

Mar 12, 2024 | School News

SENIOR SPOTLIGHT: HANIA BOBLETT

By Brayden Meinecke, sophomore, staff writer

Hania Boblett is a junior at Panorama High School, graduating early. She participated in many sports such as football cheer, wrestling cheer, golf, power tumbling and trampoline. In school, her favorite teacher was Mrs. Kastner because she was pushing her to be her best. After high school, Hania plans to go to Iowa Western and then become an EMT afterward.

When Hania has free time, she likes to sleep or watch TV. Her favorite show is “Ginny and Georgia.” Hania is busy doing sports such as tumbling. She competed in the Junior Olympics this year for the sport. Hania’s coach, Rona Crook, is her biggest inspiration because she taught her many life lessons. Hania looks up to Simone Biles the most because whenever she fails, she gets right back up and tries again. Hania said all she wanted to be remembered for was always being positive.

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SENIOR SPOTLIGHT: GABRIELLE MORTENSEN

By Jadyn Lawrence, freshman, staff writer

Gabrielle Mortensen said her last four years have been “overwhelming, exciting and beautiful.” During Gabrielle’s high school years, she has been involved in basketball cheer. One huge challenge she faced during high school was trying not to get stressed about little things. When those tough times came around, she knew she could go to Mr. Little for encouragement and help. Her current plan after high school is to go to DMACC to become a kindergarten teacher.

Gabrielle grew up in Carroll. She has looked up to her mom because she has been there for her. A fun fact about Gabi is her right arm is shorter than her left because she broke it. If she could give any advice to underclassmen, it would be to not be a bump on a log, and if something interests you, for example, a class or club, don’t be afraid and join. Overall, when the day comes for Gabrielle to walk out the doors of Panorama High School, her smart, kind and hardworking self will be deeply missed.

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SENIOR SPOTLIGHT: RILEIGH PIERCE

By Hailey Hellman, freshman, staff writer

Rileigh Pierce is a senior at Panorama Secondary School. She plans to get an adult job and move out. Rileigh does wrestling and enjoys it. Therefore, the person she looks up to is her wrestling coach Dan Wagner. He helped her improve her skills and was a mentor for her. Rileigh grew up in Panora, but when she gets farther in life, she wishes to leave Iowa.

Her advice to underclassmen is to ask for help when you need it. Rileigh’s most challenging part of high school was passing math class. She believes in 10 years she will be living with three dogs and no children. Rileigh says her biggest accomplishment was being one of the girls in the first girls wrestling program at Panorama. After Rileigh graduates, her determined and persistent energy will be missed.

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GREENE COUNTY CAREER ACADEMY CULINARY STUDENTS

By Bjoërg Skovgaard, sophomore, staff writer 

Chef D’s culinary student Michael Martinez created his own rice dish recently. Michael is a senior from Panorama High School and comes to the Career Academy every morning to make new and exciting dishes. He made the rice dish by starting with jasmine rice and adding regular tomatoes, a celery stick and shallot onions. He also created his own herb oil by using olive oil, fresh garlic, thyme, rosemary and cilantro. Michael shared it with his class. They all loved it and enjoyed the food together.

Michael also recently prepared chicken marsala with Chef D in the class. He started by prepping the fresh herbs including garlic, parsley and rosemary. He then prepared the sauce with white wine and chicken broth. He cooked the seasoned chicken in a separate pan with olive oil, butter and mushrooms, which were cooked until they were golden and smaller in size. Just before plating the food, Michael added the chicken back to the pan to combine it with the sauce. Everything was so good. We hope Michael will keep on making these delicious dishes.

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OUTLOOK ON THE 2024 GIRLS TRACK SEASON

By Maddy Carstens, junior, staff writer

Track season is officially off to a start this 2024 school year. Coaches Greg Thompson and Rachel Osbahr were asked about their outlook on the season. Coach Thompson says so far, the track season is going well. He says the weather has been good, and the athletes have been working hard. Thompson says the track team should have about 20 girls competing, along with three managers. He hopes the track girls goal this year is to finish in the top three on the state podium. Both coaches express that the girls can compete in maybe all of the competitions at meets this year and head to state.

Coach Osbahr says her goal this season is not only to have multiple events qualify for state but also to have all athletes achieve a personal goal of getting their personal best in their events by the end of the season. Osbahr says the girls team has strong talent returning this year. She says there are also newcomers filling in for the team members who are no longer in track. Coach Osbahr says even though she might not always be at practices or meets with her new-coming baby, she will try to be at all of the meets and practices that she can, cheering the girls on every step of the way. Meets are starting to come up in later dates of March, and practices have already begun. Let track season commence!

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SPREAD THE WORD

By Miranda Laabs, sophomore, and Marlee Herring, eighth grader, staff writers

On March 6, middle and high school students at Panorama Community Schools attended an assembly for “Spread the Word to End the Word.” This assembly went over why we don’t say and do things that negatively impact people around us because of their intellectual or physical abilities. There were three speakers, Buffy Louk, Riley Gibson and Vanessa Phillips. Each one of them shared information and experiences.

During this assembly, Buffy Louk shared why spreading the word to end the “R” word is so important to her and her family. Mrs. Louk has a daughter, Katelyn, who was born with a disability. When Katelyn was born, she was not given a long life expectancy, but she is happy and now 27 and living in a group home. Every time she hears a student or peer say the word, it cuts at her feelings.

Riley Gibson, senior, read the poem “Hi there” by Matty Angel. This poem was written by a girl who had been diagnosed with autism at a young age. She wrote this poem to spread awareness of the struggles people with disabilities face.

Hi there.

Hi there…

Yes… You

I know you probably don’t want to hear this… But…

However… I have to say it anyway.

Raising me won’t be easy…

It may never stop also…

Loving me at times might be hard,

Yes… people will probably be mean and nasty…

Sometimes you and I may hear things rather harsh,

Especially when I do things you and others won’t understand…

BUT! I will do things you will understand too! …

Though… possibly at times unexpected and strange.

There will be tears also,

Also screams, anger and fear.

I may even get violent for unexplained reasons…

And you may wish to see into my head.

Also… I’m sorry if I’m unable to communicate…

In a way that you may understand

But I promise with all my heart… I am here.

It may seem I am locked in my own world,

But I’m in yours too, believe me it’s true.

And… yes, I will get older.

Yes. I will age and grow up too…

A lot of what was hard before this time may still be hard in the future.

Please… If it becomes too much, please… please seek help.

Don’t abandon me, give up on me, or leave me to the dark.

After reading the poem, Vanessa Phillips first shared the definition of a disability. Having dealt with a disability for 50 years, with nobody knowing. She shared how anyone can have disabilities that we don’t know about. So treat everyone with respect, kindness and compassion. Kindness has many benefits that can greatly impact our world.                           

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SENATOR JONI ERNST VISITS PANORAMA HIGH SCHOOL

By Bjoërg Skovgaard, sophomore, staff writer 

Last week at Panorama High School, Iowa Senator Joni Ernst visited to talk about her military experience and how she became a senator. She is a member of the Senate Agriculture Committee. She talked about what she did in the military (both the good and bad parts), why she decided to become a senator, and what she does for Iowa. She taught the students a little about agriculture and how it’s important to her and her family. Joni also honored our veterans at the school — Tim Ashworth and Dan Wagner. All of the students listened carefully and were excited to ask questions after her speech.

Some students asked her about her favorite color while others asked more political questions like what she thought about different social groups. She gave some good and well-thought-out answers to all the questions and the students had fun learning more about her and her experiences and opinions.

Making pom-poms

Mar 12, 2024 | News

Shua and Alyssia Westphal and Chris E.

Special to the Times Vedette

Participants at Art on State made pom-poms out of yarn and bundled them together with ribbon on March 9 at 10 a.m. Next week, they will paint rocks.

Art on State is an art gallery created by the Guthrie County Arts Council as an opportunity to bring together the artists of the county, encouraging them in their talents by providing means to display and sell their work and to bring awareness of artistic endeavors to the community at large by presenting performing and visual arts programs.​ Art on State is located at 320 State St. in Guthrie Center. Learn more at www.guthriecountyartscouncil.org.

Zoey from Panora

Zoey’s mom and Zoey

Shua and Alyssia Westphal from Guthrie Center

Joan Ann Miller 

Mar 12, 2024 | Obituaries

1948-2024

Joan Ann Miller, 76, daughter of Folmer and Frances (Andersen) Walters, was born Feb. 28, 1948, in Carroll. She passed away Sunday, March 10, 2024, at MercyOne Des Moines Medical Center, Des Moines.

Joan was baptized June 27, 1948, at Immanuel Lutheran Church in Audubon. She attended rural school then when they moved into Audubon, attended high school there, graduating in 1966.

After graduating, she met her husband, Gary Lee Miller, and they were married Sept. 23, 1967, at Our Savior’s Lutheran Church in Audubon. They moved to Guthrie County, having Michelle in 1968, and in 1972 bought a farm and having Jill in 1973 and residing there until till their deaths.

Joan did various jobs throughout her married life, ending her last job for 21 years as being self-employed so as to be able to help her husband on the farm when needed. She loved farm life.

Joan was a member of the First Christian Church in Guthrie Center. She had a love for the outdoors, going camping, swimming and hiking, but her favorite was her horse riding and showing. She passed this on to her girls and grandchildren, spending good times with them showing at IASC and trail-riding as a great family sport. Her dogs and cats were also a big part of her family as anyone who knew her would agree. She was active in 4-H and taught dog obedience classes for 10 years and also announced for the 4-H Horse Show for many years. But her greatest love was for her family and friends.

She was preceded in death by her parents; husband, Gary; sister, Kathy Boust; brother-in-law, Bill Boust; and sister-in-law, Delores Walters.

Joan is survived by her daughters, Michelle Kay (Kevin) Heckman and Jill Mary (John) Thompson; grandchildren, Chris (Carly) Heckman, Colton Heckman, Clairissa Thompson, Katelyn Thompson, and Kaden Thompson; and great-granddaughter, Lainey Ann Heckman, all of Guthrie Center; brother, Gary (Sandy) Walters of Atlantic; sister, Judy (Gary) Duffield of Fort Dodge; and many nieces, nephews, family and friends.

Graveside services will be 10:30 a.m., Saturday, April 6, 2024, at Union Cemetery, Guthrie Center. Joan’s wishes were for those attending the graveside service to bring one of their favorite flowers to place on her grave, if you wish. Following the graveside services, a celebration of life and luncheon will be held at the First Christian Church Fellowship Hall, Guthrie Center.

Twigg Funeral Homes is entrusted with her services.

Jeanette R. Wetzel 

Mar 12, 2024 | Obituaries

1926-2024

Jeanette R. Wetzel, age 97, of Bayard, passed away on Sunday, March 3, 2024, at Thomas Rest Haven in Coon Rapids.

Funeral services will be held at 10:30 a.m. on Saturday, March 16, 2024, at the United Methodist Church in Bayard with Carolyn Schwartz officiating. Organist for the service will be Martha Wolf. Casket bearers will be Jennifer Maskel, Nisa Newgard, Erin Kossow, Julie Wilson, Laura Tesch and Molly Wetzel. Honorary casket bearers will be Matthew Wetzel, Eric Wetzel, Luke Wetzel, Brett Wetzel, Nicholas Wetzel and Paul Wetzel. Burial will be in the Highland Township Cemetery near Bayard.

Visitation will be held at the Dahn and Woodhouse Funeral Home in Coon Rapids from 5-7 p.m. on Friday.  The casket will be moved to the United Methodist Church in Bayard at 9:30 a.m. on Saturday where visitation will resume until 10:15 a.m. prior to the service.

Memorials are suggested to the Bayard United Methodist Church.

Funeral arrangements are under the direction of the Dahn and Woodhouse Funeral Home in Coon Rapids, and online condolences may be left for the family at www.dahnandwoodhouse.com  

Jeanette was born on May 16, 1926, near Bayard. After graduating from high school in 1943, she attended Iowa State Teachers College until certified to teach country school. She taught for two years until her marriage to Albert Wetzel on Sept. 22, 1946. She lived more than 77 years in the same home, raised four children and assisted in farming. Jeanette also lived her entire life within three miles of her birthplace. After retirement, she and Albert traveled, visited children and grandchildren, and continued to be active in the Bayard United Methodist Church, a church she attended all her life. She lived an independent life in her home, which was her desire and for which we are most grateful. Her farm legacy is a part of all of us.

Jeanette is survived by her two sons and their families: Jim Wetzel (Linda) of Olathe, Kansas, and Steve Wetzel (Ly Bibiana) of Bradenton, Florida; 12 grandchildren; 22 great-grandchildren; a son-in-law, Maurice Nielsen (Marylin) of Mukwonago, Wisconsin; two daughters-in-law, Bonnie Wetzel of Cedar Falls, and Sue Wetzel of Fleming, Florida; a brother, Philip Miller of Waterloo; and other extended family members.

Jeanette was preceded in death by her husband, Albert Wetzel; her daughter, Linda Nielsen; her son, David Wetzel; her parents, Clive and Jennie Miller; and a brother, Wayne Miller.

So much more than books

Mar 12, 2024 | MJB LIBRARY NEWS

Our March display at the MJB Library is a nod to March Madness and to the rich history of women’s basketball in Iowa. The display features memorabilia on loan from Guthrie Center native and Iowa High School Girls Athletic Union Hall of Fame Member, Debbie Menning. The display will be out through the end of the month.

By Karen Kelly | Special to the Times Vedette

March 2 was the birthday of Dr. Seuss, and it was also Read Across America Day, a day celebrated in many American schools to promote reading.  In conjunction with these celebrations, the Iowa State Extension is promoting READ across Iowa during March. 

The month-long READ across Iowa celebration is intended to motivate kids to read, to bring the joys of reading to students of all ages, and to make all children feel valued and welcomed. The 2024 theme is Food Science. Check with your local extension office for special virtual events including read-alouds. 

Why is reading so important that we devote a month to promoting it?  Did you know that reading to children and having books in the home is one of the strongest predictors of school success? Children who read and listen to books hear a greater variety of words — up to 50% more — leading to a better vocabulary than those who watch media. Children raised in homes with more than 500 books spent three years longer in school than children whose parents had only a few books. 

Not only is reading important for the development of children, it is vital for all ages. Were you aware that researchers estimate that reading can reduce stress by up to 68%? Adults with a reading habit are 2.5 times less likely to develop Alzheimer’s. 

This lovely spring diamond quilt is on loan from Robyn Corkins. The quilt, which will be on display in the library until the end of March, was made by Robyn’s cousin, Pam Baker.

March is also Women’s History Month.  Stop in the MJB Library to see the display of books celebrating Women’s History Month. The children’s section features a display of biographies about influential female leaders, business people, athletes, artists, writers and entertainers. For adults, there is a display of fiction and nonfiction books featuring strong women and important women’s issues. Coloring pages celebrating Women’s History Month are also available for patrons to pick up. 

Additionally, March is National Craft Month and National Quilting Month. Take a minute to look at the display featuring crafting and quilting books. 

While you’re at the library, take a look at our display of movies.  We have some new releases like “Wonka,” “Oppenheimer” and “Barbie” as well as some classic favorites like “Field of Dreams,” “Stand by Me” and “Little Miss Sunshine.” Be sure to look at the Taylor Meeting Room window display for some book suggestions as well. 

Lunch and Learn

Remember the March Lunch and Learn on Wednesday, March 13. Farm Bureau and Erin Swalwell from Advanced Markets are presenting Changing Hands: Practical Tips in Farm Estate and Succession Planning. This event will be from noon to 1 p.m.; a light lunch is provided. 

StoryHour

Miss Iowa, Alyssa Goethe, will be our guest for StoryHour on March 15. St. Patrick’s Day is the theme on March 22. On March 29, we will be celebrating Easter. Preschool StoryHour is each Friday at 10 a.m. 

STEM Program

Monday, March 18, the Guthrie County ISU Extension will present a STEM program from 3:30-4:30 p.m. in the Taylor Meeting room. Participants will be “springing” into STEM activities as well as a story and craft. 

History of the Farming in Iowa program

The Living History Farms will be presenting a program at the MJB Library about the History of Farming in Iowa on Tuesday, March 19 at 5:30 p.m. Learn how agriculture has evolved over the past several centuries in Iowa, from Native American farmers to 1850s settlers to the golden age of horse-powered farming. Photographs from the museum’s historic working farms will highlight the changes in what was grown on an Iowa farm, what tools and power were necessary, and the impact on farming families. Sign up online or by calling or emailing the library, as we have a 50-person limit for this special event. 

Cookbook Club

“Big Bites: Wholesome, Comforting Recipes that Are Big on Flavor, Nourishment, and Fun” by Kat Ashmore will be the source for the recipes to share at the cookbook club on Thursday, March 21 at 6:30 p.m. If you would like to participate, stop in the library to sign up for a recipe. Bring your dish and share your food and your opinions about this month’s cookbook. 

Calling all Bluegrass fans

Bluegrass music fans and history buffs, mark your calendar for a fun and informative program at 1 p.m. on Tuesday, April 2. Joan Wells and Kris Simon will be presenting “Up the Nebraska Cattle Trail and Songs of the West” as part of the Speakers Bureau Living History Program.  Wells and Simon will share the story of cattle drives on the Western Trail from Texas to Nebraska while sharing the origin of Western music and singing the songs of the early-day cowboys.