Donna Baker wins purse from Erika Willms (Pearls & Lace Boutique Store)

Special to the Times Vedette

The Guthrie County Hospital Foundation held its second annual Handbags and Bingo event last Friday at Lake Panorama National Conference Center. The event sold out with 290 attendees. Nearly 50 brand name handbags were part of the offerings of the fundraising event. Money raised will go toward nursing programs at Guthrie County Hospital and clinics that will assist with recruitment, retention, education and equipment. 

Courtney Hodges

Jennifer Thorn

Tricia Schreck

Special to the Times Vedette

ACGG and Panorama schools will be holding their annual prom celebrations on Saturday.

The theme for ACGC is “Roaring 20s.” The grand march will begin at 5 p.m. in the high school gymnasium.  After-prom will take place at Incredibowl in Guthrie Center. 

Panorama’s theme is “Euphoria.” The grand march will start at 5 p.m. at the high school. After-prom will be at the high school. 

Special to the Times Vedette

The Guthrie County Art Council met on April 9 with eight members present.

The council agreed to increase the four Jen Hewitt scholarships to $350 each.

Tammy Booth reported that she, Phyllis Wakefield, and Peggy Fett went to see Ali Priestley Coppola about making candles for the art store.  They decided on two scents and ordered 24 candles. The store will also sell cards made by Carter Coppola.

Cory Martinson provided an update on the Chad Elliott mural. The tentative location is east of the fire hall, but the city council will need to approve the location.

Phyllis reported that plans are being made for celebrating the 10^th anniversary of the Freedom Rock.

The store received a Community Foundation Grant for $5,000, which will be used to buy a new computer and make improvements in the store.

Ruth Owen and Bev Mills completed the 2023 audit, and the store’s liquor license has been renewed.

Cathy Ballard provided a report on art classes. She plans to schedule two adult classes each month.  Children’s classes will be on Saturdays during the school year and on Wednesday afternoons from 2-4 p.m. in the summer.

The next meeting will be May 14 at 5 p.m.

From the Iowa Department of Natural Resources

Iowa Department of Natural Resource (DNR) foresters are receiving reports of moderate to severe winter burn damage to arborvitae and white pine trees across Iowa.

“The ground remained frozen for a long time at the start of this year and the ambient temperatures were above freezing,” explains Tivon Feeley, DNR forest health forester.  “The tree is forced to use their water reserves in the needles, but can’t absorb new water from the frozen soil. The lack of water causes the trees to dry out.”

Winter burn is common on conifers planted in open, unprotected locations exposed to severe winter weather. Symptoms include browning or bleaching of the needles, trees losing needles, and tree death. These symptoms become more apparent as the day becomes warmer and tend to be worse on the side of the tree exposed to sunlight or wind during the winter months. 

If needles on the tree are dead but buds are alive, new plant foliage will regrow to replace the winter burned foliage. If both the buds and needles are dead, the tree will not recover. The tree will need to be removed.

There is no way to prevent winter burn.  You can reduce the risks by properly mulching around your conifers and making sure the tree is well-hydrated before it goes dormant in the fall. Watering is especially important in drought years.

The DNR cautions planting conifers in newly planted windbreaks.  Deciduous trees generally grow faster, have fewer disease and insect problems, and provide faster protection.  Contact your local district forester for further assistance.

From the Iowa Department of Natural Resources

Iowa’s early spring warm up followed by the return of below freezing evening temperatures were a shock to many trees. Some trees experienced frost damage to their newly emerging blooms or shoots.

Homeowners may see evidence of frost damage on trees that have started to bloom or leaf out.  The damage will likely not be severe and injuries won’t be lasting. Look for leaves or petals that are wilted, shriveling and crispy, often with brown or black blotches around the edges. Some leaves may turn completely brown. Damaged growth usually becomes limp. New growth will push out the dead, damaged leaves and they will fall off naturally.

“Frost damage affects all trees in some way,” explains Tivon Feeley, DNR forest health forester. “It’s only a small setback for most trees. Healthy trees will recover on their own and sprout again later in the season.”

Good care during the remainder of the year, such as watering during dry periods, should aid the recovery of damaged trees. Mulch around trees to help maintain moisture.