Wachholtz and Ballard honored by Governor for volunteerism

Jul 19, 2024 | News

Special to the Times Vedette

Paula Wachholtz of Panora and Cathy Ballard of Guthrie Center were honored June 25 during the annual Iowa 2024 Governor’s Volunteer Awards ceremony. The two were among more than 400 Iowans similarly honored. This was the 40thyear of the awards program. Individuals and groups were honored, and length of service awards were also given.

“Those being recognized are the people who invest in others without expecting anything in return,” Gov. Kim Reynolds said.

Lt. Governor Adam Gregg and Gov. Kim Reynolds present the award to Paula Wachholtz.

Lt. Governor Adam Gregg and Gov. Kim Reynolds with Cathy Ballard.

           

GCH Auxiliary donates to GCH Clinics in Guthrie Center

Jul 19, 2024 | News

Jacque Doyle, RN and Danielle Lauzon, GCH auxiliary president.

Special to the Times Vedette

Ophthalmoscope/Otoscope and Braun Thermometer

The Guthrie County Hospital Auxiliary recently donated funds to the GCH Clinic in Guthrie Center to purchase a new Ophthalmoscope/Otoscope and Braun Thermometer.

“We are appreciative of the support from the GCH Auxiliary for the purchase of needed equipment for the clinics,” Tina Nourse, chief clinic administrator, said. “The thermometer and ophthalmoscope/otoscope are essential in providing care for our patients and allow our providers to make more efficient, accurate diagnostic assessments. The GCH Auxiliary generosity makes a positive, meaningful impact not only for our patients but for our communities. We appreciate their continued support of GCH Clinics.”

“The GCH Auxiliary is excited to purchase an Ophthalmoscope/Otoscope and Braun Thermometer for GCH Clinics in Guthrie Center,” Danielle Lauzon, GCH auxiliary president, said. “Our goal is to support the hospital departments in a way that directly impacts patient experience and improves daily workflows for employees. The Auxiliary is thankful for the generous donations received during our annual fundraising events that make these purchases possible.”

Tie a yellow ribbon

Jul 19, 2024 | Publisher's Column

I was listening to the 70s on 7 channel on Sirius XM Radio on my drive to work a few days ago when I heard “Tie A Yellow Ribbon Round The Old Oak Tree” by Tony Orlando and Dawn. Of course, I sang along. And, of course, I could not get the song out of my head for the rest of the day.

The popular 1973 song, which sold 3 million records in just three weeks, depicts a man on a bus returning home from three years away and questioning whether he will be welcomed. Through a letter, he asks that a yellow ribbon be tied around the oak tree as a symbol that he should enter. If there is no ribbon, he will know to stay away. As the bus approaches his destination, the man can’t bear to look and asks the bus driver to tell him if a yellow ribbon can be seen. He then hears the busload of people start cheering as they see 100 yellow ribbons tied around the tree. 

For many of us, the origins of the yellow ribbon tie to that song, and the meaning carried on. When hostages were held in captive in Iran, Americans showed their support by tying yellow ribbons around their trees, with hopes and prayers of a safe return in 1981. The ribbons returned during the Gulf War in the 1990s when troops were sent to the Middle East. But the ribbon has a much deeper history. Here are three examples:

First, a young woman would often tie a ribbon in her hair as a pledge of faithfulness to the one she loves and to show that she was not available for courtship.

Second, when ships would prepare to pull away from docks, long lengths of ribbon were thrown to the people aboard the ship to say goodbye. As the ships pulled away, the ribbons would break, marking the beginning of long separations.

And third, today we continue to wrap presents with ribbons of yellow and all colors to celebrate with those we love.

So although Tony Orlando’s song deserves credit for making the tying of yellow ribbons mainstream, his music did not begin the tradition. John Wayne fans who remember the 1949 movie “She Wore A Yellow Ribbon” will certainly attest to this. 

These and dozens of other yellow ribbon historical ties can be found here, if you want to learn more. Or you can “just stay on the bus, forget about us, put the blame on me.”

Sing along, have a fantastic Friday, and thanks for reading.

Shane Goodman
Editor and Publisher
Times Vedette digital editions
shane@dmcityview.com
641-755-2115

Adair native dies following hit and run

Jul 16, 2024 | News

By Rich Wicks | Times Vedette

Adair native Matthew Carney died July 4 as a result of injuries sustained from of a hit-and-run incident on June 19 outside his restaurant in Nashville, Tennessee. Mathew was the son of Clifford Carney.

An investigation continues to identify the driver of the hit-and-run vehicle.

Guthrie County Supervisors seek input on EMS plan

Jul 16, 2024 | News

By Rich Wicks | Times Vedette

During the regular meeting of the Guthrie County Board of Supervisors on July 16, the supervisors discussed the next steps in the effort to design and implement countywide EMS services.

Supervisor Maggie Armstrong shared her efforts to reach out to additional stakeholders in the county who may wish to share their thoughts on the proposed plans. Supervisor Steve Smith made additional suggestions for possible stakeholders to contact, including physicians, city councilmembers, mayors, EMS personnel and others.

Board Chair JD Kuster said he had a phone call brainstorming additional stakeholders to contact. Smith suggested making sure to have contacts from Bear Grove and Jackson townships, and Kuster agreed.

“The more information they get, the better that we’re going to be able to put this forward to the voters,” Kuster said.

“Yes, and to have a well-rounded message,” Armstrong said.

One of the agenda items was canvassing the Guthrie County portion of the July 9 West Central Valley special school board election. County Auditor Dani Fink shared the results.

“It was for West Central Valley School Board for district six to fill a vacancy and for district seven to fill a vacancy. For district six, Laura Weber received 33 votes and Dustin Foster received 73 votes, and these are just for Guthrie County’s portion of the school district. For district seven, Jeff Dudley received 103 votes with 3 undervotes,” Fink said.

Armstrong shared progress on development of the county’s new website.

“We’re still on track for a September launch,” she said.

The supervisors also had scheduled a special closed meeting for 10 a.m. to discuss litigation matters.

The next regular meeting of the supervisors will be Tuesday, July 23 at 9 a.m. The public is welcome. Attendees may participate in person or by calling 323-792-6123 and inputting conference ID 547029216#.