By Rich Wicks | Times Vedette

Anyone in Panora or even passing through in the past couple of days undoubtedly noticed the American flags displayed around town square. Pat Moylan of Panora explained that a grant allowed the purchase of telescopic flagpoles, which are much lighter than the older ones.

Moylan shared that Panora flies the flags in town square in honor of Memorial Day, Flag Day, the Fourth of July, Lake Panorama Days, Labor Day and Veterans Day. The display is a joint effort of the Veterans of Foreign Wars (VFW) Post 5510, American Legion Post 372, and Sons of the American Legion Post 372. Moylan noted an important notation about the display on Memorial Day.

“On Memorial Day, the 12 flags honoring local veterans that were killed in action are flown,” Moylan said.

Moylan also noted that each flag is special, as it is dedicated to particular veteran.

“Now, the flags that we’re flying are ones that were dedicated here on Memorial Day over the last, close to 50 years,” Moylan said. “It’s a rotation. I rotate people’s flags. I think we’ve got in the neighborhood of 300.”

 

Tenderloins are popular because of Mickey Thompson’s extra touch.

By Rich Wicks | Panora Times

If you’ve spent any time in Yale, you are likely familiar with Mickey’s Bar and Grill. That also means you’re probably also familiar with Mickey Thompson, the owner. Mickey’s has become a well-known establishment in the area for food, drinks and fun. Thompson recently took a few moments to talk about her business as she gears up for one of her busiest weeks of the year.

“I bought it four years ago, in April,” Thompson said. “I had worked here before for the previous owner, and then I managed a restaurant in Perry. They sold, so then I came down here.”

Mickey’s is truly a bar and grill, with neither the food nor the drink dominating.

“I think they’re about 50/50. I do a really good lunch, and, at nighttime, I do a really good supper, but I’ve got a drinking crowd, too,” Thompson said.

Thompson prides herself on having more than the usual bar and grill menu, and her customer base has responded favorably. She has lunch specials each weekday.

“It’s just recently that I went to a steady menu. Mondays will either be fried chicken or meatloaf. Tuesdays are Taco Tuesday or breaded pork chop. Wednesdays are spaghetti or Wing Wednesday. Thursdays are chicken fried steak or liver and onions, and then Fridays are hot beef and fish fry,” Thompson said.

Mickey’s is open Mondays through Saturdays, usually beginning at 11 a.m. The grill generally closes at 8:45 p.m., and the bar’s closing time depends on the crowd.

Asked if she has a best-seller or signature item, Thompson had several answers.

“Well, the Friday night fish would be, and my lunch specials go really well,” Thompson said. “The tenderloins and the Phillies, they’re big ones.”

She explained that her tenderloin is popular because of the extra touch.

“You’re not going to find another one around here like it,” Thompson said. “I marinate them, and then I bread them.”

Mickey’s also offers desserts.

“Right now, we’re doing fried ice cream and cheesecake,” Thompson said.

Other items that aren’t seen at many local restaurants include liver and onions, a peanut butter and jelly burger, breaded calamari rings and a jalapeno popper burger. She also offers a variety of sandwiches, burgers, salads, sides and kids’ meals.

For the thirsty crowd, Mickey’s offers a full bar with beer, liquor and wine choices.

Mickey and her six part-time employees are well aware that midsummer is the busiest time around Yale.

“We do the Bacoon Ride, and then we have a band on July 3, and then the Fourth of July,” Thompson said. “Those are busy days here. On the Fourth of July, I do a limited menu. I have Rukkus from Perry coming to play on July 3. This will be their fourth year here. It’s a free band on the street.”

So, if you’re in the mood for good old-fashioned food, or just feel like watching a ballgame with a cold drink, Mickey’s in Yale is the place to be. Food offerings and events can be seen on Mickey’s page on Facebook. Orders can be called in at 641-439-2232.

Since opening four years ago, Thompson’s motto has been “If it ain’t broke, don’t fix it.” With that in mind, she only has one minor project in the works.

“I’m looking into buying new tables and chairs, that’s about it,” Thompson said.

 

By Rich Wicks | Times Vedette

On Monday, July 1, former Adair police chief Bradley Wendt was sentenced after being convicted of 11 charges related to gun purchases and possession. The sentence includes 60 months in federal prison followed by a three-year supervised release and a fine of $50,000.

Wendt was indicted in 2022 on charges including that he had falsely claimed to the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives (ATF) that guns he purchased would be sold for use by, or demonstrated to, the Adair Police Department. Wendt’s trial was held in February of 2024. Included in the 11 charges were conspiracy to make false statements to the ATF and illegal possession of a machine gun.

Federal guidelines had suggested a sentence of 78 to 97 months in federal prison. Wendt was taken into custody following the sentencing hearing.

By Rich Wicks | Times Vedette

In the aftermath of the tornado that devastated Greenfield, many things need to be stitched back together in the community. The Des Moines Area Quilters Guild recently made a large donation of handiwork to help toward that goal.

Several members of the Des Moines Guild delivered 397 quilts and 350 pillowcases to Jennifer Garside with Greater Greenfield Foundation for the tornado victims. Guild President Donita Fredricks explained that the group includes more than 400 members. One of those members is Gwen Blass of rural Casey.

“Community giving is an important part of our mission,” Fredricks said. “Shortly after the devastating Greenfield tornado, Gwen asked the guild if we could send an email out to our members asking for quilt donations for impacted residents. At our next meeting, which was less than a week later, over 300 quilts were donated. Our hearts go out to all persons affected and hope these quilts offer a bit of comfort during this difficult time.”

For more information about the guild, go to dmaqg.org.

 

Special to the Times Vedette