The Stitch & Chatter group received a $250 donation from the Women’s Service Organization (WSO).

By Rich Wicks | Times Vedette

People often say they wish to do something to “make a difference.” A group in Panora has found a fun and sociable way to do just that.

The Stitch and Chatter group meets regularly on Tuesday and Wednesday from 9 a.m. to 2 p.m. at First Christian Church, 102 E. Church St. in Panora. Ellen Campbell is a member of the group, and she explained that the group sews and quilts items to donate to a variety of worthy causes in the area. An area in the church basement has the various projects that are in the works so that when members show up, they can pick up right where they left off.

The Stitch and Chatter group not only makes quilts but also wheelchair bags, baby blankets, stocking caps, doll dresses and other items. The group generally donates about 100 quilts annually to the local 3Cs organization.

Campbell said usually six or seven members show up on any particular day, but everyone is free to attend as often or as seldom as they choose. She also noted that the group is not limited to members of the church.

“I’m here at least two days a week, because it makes you get out of bed and be happy and get going,” Campbell said. “We have had fun with it, and it’s been very good therapy.”

Campbell talked of the high costs of fabric and other items needed to create and donate the many items the group creates. She said if anyone has extra or unneeded fabric or batting, the group would greatly appreciate any such donations.

“Sometimes a person’s mom or grandmother isn’t quilting anymore, and maybe they’d be willing to donate to our cause,” Campbell said. “A roll of batting costs us about $200 now, and you only get about 20 to 25 quilts out of that. Every little bit helps.”

Campbell said anyone interested in coming to see what Stitch and Chatter is all about is welcome to call the church or simply contact her at 641-431-0280.

“Anybody that wants to come sew with us. Or if someone wants to come have coffee with us at 10 o’clock on Tuesday and Wednesday,” Campbell said. “We do have a good time, and everyone is welcome. It’s a gathering.”

By Rich Wicks | Times Vedette

During the regular meeting of the Guthrie County Board of Supervisors on June 25, the supervisors considered contracting with a firm to support the county’s communications related to the efforts to develop a countywide EMS system.

Eileen Wixted of Wixted & Company gave a presentation about how her firm could support the county in developing a communication plan related to the expected EMS ballot measure that will be voted on in the November 2024 election.

Wixted explained that if the county agrees to contract with her firm, the basic timeline would be developing a plan in July and to have the communication plan fully active by late August or early September. Following Wixted’s presentation, she exited the meeting. The supervisors then discussed her proposal.

Supervisor Steve Smith said he heard what he was hoping to hear.

“It feels comprehensive,” Smith said.

Maggie Armstrong spoke in favor of the plan and acknowledged it will be a big job.

“It’s going to be a heavy lift for all of us,” she said.

Smith agreed.

“We’ve come this far. We need to move ahead with steam and vigor,” Smith said.

The supervisors voted unanimously to approve the agreement with Wixted & Company.

Other board of supervisor news

The supervisors discussed the RFP bids for EMS services.

Jotham Arber held a brief discussion with the supervisors about developing a plan for how the county would handle disposal of debris if/when the county experiences a disaster similar to the recent tornado in Greenfield. He suggested developing contingencies ahead of time for any future need. No formal action was taken at this time.

As part of the consent agenda, the supervisors approved a fireworks permit for Weston Grow of rural Guthrie Center, as well as the hiring of a new jailer, Kelcee Hodzic.

The next regular meeting of the supervisors will be Tuesday, July 2. The public is welcome. Attendees may participate in person or by calling 323-792-6123 and inputting conference ID 547029216#.

By Rich Wicks | Times Vedette

The weekend of June 29-30 will offer western family fun at the Guthrie County Fairgrounds.  Mutton busting will start at 6:30 p.m. on Saturday, followed by rodeo at 7:30 p.m. On Sunday, the rodeo begins at 2 p.m. Food vendors and a beer garden will be available.

Camping and live music will be offered at the fairgrounds on the weekend of July 27-28. Performers have not yet been announced.

Special to the Times Vedette

A golfing fundraiser was held on June 15 at the Lake Panorama Par 3 course and generated nearly $33,000 for Brushy Creek Honor Flights for veterans to Washington, D.C. A total of 26 flight sponsors were sold, as well as 69 hole sponsors. 

Flight sponsor banner shown. Front row kneeling: Patrick Moylan and Jerry Hoover. Middle row, standing: Chuck Rockwell, Dave Carstens, Lynn Zajicek and Ray Shelley. Back row: Chuck Avey, Chad Sheley and Dennis Hoover.

A total of $32,795 was raised for the Honor Flights. Front row, kneeling: Lynn Zajicek. Middle row: Chuck Rockwell, Patrick Moylan, Jerry Hoover and Ray Shelley. Back row: Dave Carstens, Chuck Avey, Chad Sheley and Dennis Hoover.

A summertime meal enjoyed by all.

By Rich Wicks | Times Vedette

Summertime is grilling season, but some days recently have been too hot and humid to sit outside for long. On June 24, tenants at New Homestead Independent Living enjoyed their grilled-out meal indoors in air-conditioned comfort. The meal of grilled burgers and hot dogs, along with beans, chips, watermelon and ice cream, seemed to hit the spot.