By Rich Wicks | Times Vedette

A fundraiser lasagna supper will be held for Art on State at the Guthrie Activity Center on Friday, June 7. Serving times will be 5 p.m. and 7 p.m. Tickets can be purchased at Art on State ($20 for adults, $10 for children ages 5-10, and children younger than 5 eat free). The meal will include lasagna, salad, breadstick and dessert. Wine and beer will be available for a suggested additional donation of $5. Music will be provided by Tommy Bates.

By Rich Wicks | Times Vedette

A celebration of the 10^th anniversary of Guthrie County’s Freedom Rock will be held on Sunday, June 2 at the Freedom Rock, just west of Guthrie Center on Highway 44.

Beginning at 1:30 p.m., music will be provided by Dale Menning and the Stardusters. Featured speaker Brick Imerman will speak at 2 p.m. Imerman is a retired Navy Strike Fighter commander and author of “Soldiers of the Freedom Rock.”

Free refreshments will be served, and the public is invited. Seating may be limited, so lawn chairs are suggested.

By Rich Wicks | Times Vedette

Guthrie Center’s Resurrection Cemetery Committee recently applied for and received two Patricia Shaw Memorial grants from the State Association for the Preservation of Iowa Cemeteries (SAPIC), a nonprofit organization that assists groups in the maintenance and restoration of cemeteries through grants, programs and educational assistance.

The grants received will provide materials and a hands-on training workshop session from Rod Stanley, who will provide on-site educational guidance in proper cleaning and repair techniques of tombstones.

The workshop will be held at Resurrection Cemetery on Sunday, June 23 at 12:30 p.m. The cemetery is located east of Guthrie Center on Pecan Ave, north of Highway 44. The cleaning chemicals are non-toxic, allowing all ages to lend their support. Anyone wishing to attend to gain knowledge and/or help out are welcome to participate. Text or call Cindy Ahrens at 641-740-1100 if you plan to attend.

By Shane Goodman | Times Vedette

The annual Memorial Day Services were held on Monday, May 27 at 10 a.m. at Veterans Auditorium in Panora. 

Lynn Zajicek was the master of ceremonies, while Deb Rockwell and Deb Moylan served as hostesses. Members of the Iowa National Guard, Reserves and Active Forces ushered in guests.  The Post Colors were provided by Color Guards, Scouts. The Pledge of Allegiance was led by the Scouts.

The United Methodist Church Choir sang the National Anthem and provided additional patriotic music. 

Cheryl Castile and Linda Burgess read the names of the more than 300 veterans whose flags have been dedicated, including Kenneth Cripe, Leroy Devibliss, Frank Grubb, James Herrick, Jr., James Iseminger, Billy Ray Johnston, Michael Mills, Joseph Rains, Verlin Renslow, Roland Reynolds and Earl Stoy, who each gave the ultimate sacrifice. 

Pastor Jeremy Poland provided the invocation and benediction. 

The Unknown Solder’s Grave Marker was in place, and wreaths were placed to honor WWI, WWII, Korean War, Vietnam War, Persian Gulf War and Operation Enduring Freedom/Iraqi Freedom. 

Panora Mayor Curtis Thornberry introduced U.S. Sen. Joni Ernst, who provided personal stories of her memories of fallen soldiers and the conversations with their family members.

Sen. Ernst presented the Purple Heart to Specialist Dustin D. Teays. The Purple Heart medal is presented to members of the military who were wounded or killed because of enemy action while serving. Teays joined the United States Army Reserve during his junior year of high school, serving from September 2011 to September 2019. He is currently a resident of Bayard. 

Additional recognition was presented to Lt. Colonel Mike Arganbright, who served in the Air Force including two tours in Vietnam. He was honored with a plaque by his son, Major Joe Arganbright, who is now a pilot with Delta Airlines, for his service and commitment to VFW Post 5510 and to the Avenue of the Flags Committee. In addition, Sen. Ernst presented a 50-year plaque to Thomas Richey for his years of service to the American Legion.

Sen. Ernst also assisted in the presentation of the flags and the address and dedication of a flag flown over Washington, D.C. New flags dedicated and raised included those of Hugh Teale, Jr., Norman Lair Ketelsen, Richard Koberg, Philip Hesseltine, William J. Knapp (Billy), Dale G. Grotjohn and Willard Rockwell. 

The Color Guard Salute and the playing of TAPS concluded the ceremonies with refreshments served by the Panora WFPF and American Legion Auxiliary. 

Photos by Shane Goodman

Sen. Joni Ernst presents a 50-year plaque to Thomas Richey for his years of service to the American Legion.

Lt. Colonel Mike Arganbright was honored with a plaque by his son, Major Joe Arganbright, for his service and commitment to VFW Post 5510 and to the Avenue of the Flags Committee.

Sen. Joni Ernst presents the Purple Heart award to Specialist Dustin D. Teays.

Sen. Joni Ernst was the special guest speaker.

Lynn Zajicek served as the master of ceremonies.

The stage in Veterans Auditorium provides a patriotic background for Memorial Day services.

Veterans prepare to place the wreaths recognizing soldiers from various wars.

The United Methodist Church Community Choir sang patriotic songs.

Sen. Ernst assists in the presentation of the new flags that were dedicated and raised including those of Hugh Teale, Jr., Norman Lair Ketelsen, Richard Koberg, Philip Hesseltine, William J. Knapp (Billy), Dale G. Grotjohn and Willard Rockwell.

Sen. Ernst assists in the presentation of the new flags that were dedicated and raised including those of Hugh Teale, Jr., Norman Lair Ketelsen, Richard Koberg, Philip Hesseltine, William J. Knapp (Billy), Dale G. Grotjohn and Willard Rockwell.

Sen. Ernst assists in the presentation of the new flags that were dedicated and raised including those of Hugh Teale, Jr., Norman Lair Ketelsen, Richard Koberg, Philip Hesseltine, William J. Knapp (Billy), Dale G. Grotjohn and Willard Rockwell.

Sen. Ernst assists in the presentation of the new flags that were dedicated and raised including those of Hugh Teale, Jr., Norman Lair Ketelsen, Richard Koberg, Philip Hesseltine, William J. Knapp (Billy), Dale G. Grotjohn and Willard Rockwell.

Sen. Ernst assists in the presentation of the new flags that were dedicated and raised including those of Hugh Teale, Jr., Norman Lair Ketelsen, Richard Koberg, Philip Hesseltine, William J. Knapp (Billy), Dale G. Grotjohn and Willard Rockwell.

Sen. Ernst assists in the presentation of the new flags that were dedicated and raised including those of Hugh Teale, Jr., Norman Lair Ketelsen, Richard Koberg, Philip Hesseltine, William J. Knapp (Billy), Dale G. Grotjohn and Willard Rockwell.

Sen. Ernst assists in the presentation of the new flags that were dedicated and raised including those of Hugh Teale, Jr., Norman Lair Ketelsen, Richard Koberg, Philip Hesseltine, William J. Knapp (Billy), Dale G. Grotjohn and Willard Rockwell.

Sen. Ernst assists in the presentation of the new flags that were dedicated and raised including those of Hugh Teale, Jr., Norman Lair Ketelsen, Richard Koberg, Philip Hesseltine, William J. Knapp (Billy), Dale G. Grotjohn and Willard Rockwell.

Sen. Ernst assists in the presentation of the new flags that were dedicated and raised including those of Hugh Teale, Jr., Norman Lair Ketelsen, Richard Koberg, Philip Hesseltine, William J. Knapp (Billy), Dale G. Grotjohn and Willard Rockwell.

Sen. Ernst assists in the presentation of the new flags that were dedicated and raised including those of Hugh Teale, Jr., Norman Lair Ketelsen, Richard Koberg, Philip Hesseltine, William J. Knapp (Billy), Dale G. Grotjohn and Willard Rockwell.

Emmett Rockwell holds the flag that was donated for his great grandfather, Willard Rockwell.

Panora Mayor Curtis Thornberry and Sen. Joni Ernst Sen. Ernst raise a flag flown over Washington, D.C.

Sen. Ernst assists in the presentation of the new flags that were dedicated and raised including those of Hugh Teale, Jr., Norman Lair Ketelsen, Richard Koberg, Philip Hesseltine, William J. Knapp (Billy), Dale G. Grotjohn and Willard Rockwell.

Sen. Ernst assists in the presentation of the new flags that were dedicated and raised including those of Hugh Teale, Jr., Norman Lair Ketelsen, Richard Koberg, Philip Hesseltine, William J. Knapp (Billy), Dale G. Grotjohn and Willard Rockwell.

Sen. Ernst assists in the presentation of the new flags that were dedicated and raised including those of Hugh Teale, Jr., Norman Lair Ketelsen, Richard Koberg, Philip Hesseltine, William J. Knapp (Billy), Dale G. Grotjohn and Willard Rockwell.

Sen. Ernst assists in the presentation of the new flags that were dedicated and raised including those of Hugh Teale, Jr., Norman Lair Ketelsen, Richard Koberg, Philip Hesseltine, William J. Knapp (Billy), Dale G. Grotjohn and Willard Rockwell.

Emmett Rockwell holds the flag that was donated for his great grandfather, Willard Rockwell.

By Rich Wicks | Times Vedette

The regular meeting of the Guthrie County Board of Supervisors was held on May 28. The main topic was the ongoing recovery efforts in Greenfield following the recent tornado that impacted the community. Public Health Director Jotham Arber provided an update on his department’s efforts in helping the Greenfield community.

“On Wednesday, we went down there and took our mental health counselor with us. We also helped with traffic control,” Arber said. “Our nursing staff has also gone down there to help as needed.”

Arber said the nursing staff gave numerous tetanus (TDAP) shots. He also stressed that, unlike what Hollywood movies may show, tornado recovery will take months rather than days. Arber and supervisors discussed ways Guthrie County can benefit from seeing the response and recovery happening in Greenfield. Arber said one of the challenges is simply the coordination of the various departments, agencies, volunteers, FEMA and law enforcement. He praised the way these are being coordinated in Greenfield.

Supervisor Maggie Armstrong agreed.

“I can tell you from just being down here a day and a half… this is an incredibly well-oiled machine. I’ve been nothing but impressed,” Armstrong said.

Because of the primary election day on June 4, the supervisors chose to cancel their regular June 4 meeting. The next regular meeting will be June 11. The public is welcome. Attendees may participate in person or by calling 323-792-6123 and inputting conference ID 547029216#.