Ted Vigil chats with the audience before performing at Panora Specialty Care.

By Rich Wicks | Times Vedette

Nationally recognized tribute artist Ted Vigil performed concerts in Panora on April 21 and 22. The show on April 21 was at Panorama High School, while the April 22 performance was at Panora Specialty Care.

Performing alongside Vigil was Panora’s Kile Jackson, while his wife, Susan, handled the sound-mixing duties for the event. Vigil rose to fame as a tribute artist of the late John Denver. Vigil also performs other music from that era and genre, playing guitar and singing lead vocals.

The April 22 performance delighted a crowd that included residents of Panora Specialty Care, visitors from Lakeside Village, and others in the community. Vigil’s energetic style had the audience clapping and singing along.

Ted Vigil and Mary Beidelman

Ted Vigil wth Linda and Marshall Burgess

Paul Wendl and Sandi Lee with Ted Vigil

Ted Vigil with his support musicians, Kile Jackson and Steven Belknap

Dale and Leila Gardiner with Ted Vigil

By Rich Wicks | Times Vedette

During the regular weekly meeting of the Guthrie County Board of Supervisors on April 23, the supervisors met with Sheriff Marty Arganbright for a general update on his department and to discuss departmental policies. Supervisor Mike Dickson asked the status on the department’s SOPs (Standard Operating Procedures).

“Well, I guess the question’s coming up about your SOPs that you had. Where are they at, are you getting them updated?” Dickson asked.

“This SOP’s always been available, in my office…it’s always been that way,” Arganbright replied.

Arganbright updated the supervisors about the ongoing process of updating the SOPs.

“We’ve been working three months on it, and we’re about done with the updated one. This changes every year because of different rules and laws,” said Arganbright. “We called an assistant chief from West Des Moines. He’s willing to take a look at it and make sure it’s all done correctly.”

Supervisor Maggie Armstrong asked when the most recent revision of the department’s SOPs was, and Arganbright said it was most recently completed in 2017. Armstrong then asked the timeline for completion of the revised SOPs.

“It’s about done. I’ll let you know,” Arganbright replied.

Arganbright estimated the revisions are likely to be completed and reviewed within one month.

Dickson then asked about a concern regarding cameras in the jail. Arganbright explained that the dispatchers asked that they not be on camera while sitting at the desk for the duration of the eight-hour shift.

“They have it blacked out for their body. The rest is all seen. They asked me if I can do that, just for personal private reasons, and I said yes. So they don’t want upstairs jailers just watching everything they do,” said Arganbright. “It makes them feel uncomfortable.”

Arganbright explained that he made the change at the request of the dispatchers, but that, as now arranged, the cameras show the dispatchers anytime they move from the desk seat.

Dickson shared his opinion that the blacked-out portion should be visible.

“I don’t have a problem either way,” Arganbright said.

Arganbright welcomed the supervisors to speak directly with the dispatchers to hear their viewpoint. Supervisor Maggie Armstrong indicated she would like to check the applicable policy and hear from the dispatchers.

“There seems to be more to the story,” Armstrong said.

No board action was taken on the issue.

The supervisors and County Engineer Josh Sebern discussed possible budgetary amendments in his department. Supervisor Steve Smith pointed out that budget amendments are to be expected.

“A budget is a budget. You are never going to land squarely on exactly what it should be,” Smith said. “So you are going to have budget amendments.”

The next regular meeting of the supervisors will be Tuesday, April 30. The public is welcome. Attendees may participate in person or by calling 323-792-6123 and inputting conference ID 547029216#.

Special to the Times Vedette

The Lakeside Village, located at 2067 Highway 4 just north of Panora, invites you to discover the power of essential oils at their Make and Take Aromatherapy class on Wednesday, April 24 from 10-11 a.m. Unwind, create and take home your personalized blend of relaxation. Lite bites and refreshments will be served. Join Peg Fulton, RN and certified aromatherapist, who will be the guide in this workshop. RSVP by calling Sheri at 641-757-9800 or by emailing welcome@the lakesidevillage.com. Walk-ins are also welcome.

By Rich Wicks | Times Vedette

The April 22 Panora City Council meeting included a public hearing for citizens wishing to ask questions or make comments about the proposed budget for the upcoming fiscal year. No citizens were on hand to comment, and the city had received no comments in writing, so the hearing was promptly closed. The council then approved the budget as proposed.

Ismael Galvan (Public Works) addressed the council regarding outdated equipment and outlined his recommendations. He explained that the city’s 1997 Ford street sweeper is essentially obsolete, since the cost of expected repairs is prohibitive. He suggested posting the street sweeper for sale on the gov.deals website. He also suggested trying to trade in the city’s 1995 Bobcat skid loader toward the purchase of a new skid loader. If an acceptable trade-in allowance isn’t offered, Galvan suggested also selling the skid loader on gov.deals.

Galvan stated that the city’s street-sweeping needs could more cost effective by using attachments on a skid loader. He showed information on an attachment from John Deere.

“It’s a sweeper with a gutter brush on it. I think that’s kind of the direction we’d like to go, because it could be used for multiple things,” Galvan said.

The council approved the recommendations.

City Administrator Lisa Grossman informed the council that she received the RFP from the Guthrie County Board of Supervisors regarding EMS services.

“They are giving us until June 14 to send a reply, so we’re going through it…and we’ll probably meet together some time to talk through that,” Grossman said.

Grossman also updated the council on progress toward finishing up the Jackson Street project.

“They’ve begun repairs. They’re working through driveways and various things,” Grossman said. “I think over this week and part of next week, their goal is to get those wrapped up.”

Grossman said the city is looking into the issue of large storage containers that some citizens have brought into the city. She said the Planning and Zoning Board will discuss the topic and make recommendations.

The city council’s next regular meeting will be May 13 at 5:30 p.m. The public is welcome.

By Rich Wicks | Times Vedette

The Guthrie Center City Council met in regular session April 22. City Clerk Kris Arrasmith updated the council on preparations for the swimming pool in order for it to be ready for the summer season.

“Cleveland Mechanical came back with a quote on fixing the wall inlet, which had the leak… of $4,960. It’s got to be done, or we can’t open the pool,” Arrasmith said. “And he (Darrin Sloss) can’t start filling it until this is done.”

The council voted to approve the repair.

The council held a public hearing on the fiscal year 2024/2025 budget. No citizens were on hand to ask questions or make comments, and the city had not received written comments or questions, so the meeting was promptly adjourned. The council adopted the proposed budget.

Becky Benton (State Street Insurance) addressed the council on what she found regarding the proposed rates for the city’s Workers Comp coverage for fiscal year 2024/2025. The council voted to accept the coverage and rate as presented by Benton.

As part of the consent agenda, the council approved beer/liquor/tobacco permits for Casey’s General Store, Prime Time, and Lucky Wife Wine Slushies. Fence permits were approved for 1003 Grand St. (Sprague) and 2501 State St. (Morgan).

The city council’s next regular meeting will be May 13. Arrasmith reminded the council that the regularly scheduled meeting on May 27 will likely need to be rescheduled due to the Memorial Day holiday.