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Bouillon cubes, bubble wrap and peanut butter

If you don’t know by now, today is April Fool’s Day, and it’s not too late to still pull off a good April Fool’s prank. Just remember, as the old saying goes, it is better to give than to receive.

Our oldest daughter, Sara, enjoyed April Fool’s day in her youth, as she would put green food coloring in our milk jugs at home and set all the clocks in the house at different times. Her favorite prank, though, was to brush oral numbing gel on pieces of stick gum and wrap them back up, waiting for a friend to ask for a piece.

If you appreciate this type of humor, here are a few more to make your April 1 a bit more exciting. 

Have coffee drinkers at your place of work? Swap out the sugar supply with salt and watch the looks on their faces after the first sip — then get ready to pour more cups of coffee.

If you work at an office and have a co-worker who uses a computer, cut out a small piece of paper with the message “GOTCHA” and tape it on the bottom side of the mouse, covering the sensor that makes it work. 

I have read about this one in the past but haven’t tried it. It is worth repeating, as it is incredibly clever. Unscrew your friend’s showerhead and pop in a bouillon cube. Who doesn’t like the smell of hot chicken broth in the shower’s streaming water?

Do you have rugs in your home? If so, place bubble wrap underneath one and get ready to laugh. 

You may remember the “kick me” signs that you taped to each other’s backs in middle school. Here is an adult version. Write the words “HONK AT ME” on a large piece of paper and tape it to the back of your friend’s car. 

And while you are at it — and if you just happen to have a harmonica laying around — secure one to the front of a friend’s car bumper. As the car goes down the road and the wind blows in the instrument, the driver will be baffled by the newfound noise, even with the windows rolled up. 

Like Oreo cookies? Carefully unscrew a few and replace the filling with white toothpaste. 

This one is especially good. Take a pair of a family member’s socks and sew them shut about halfway through.

Do you have a bottle of clear nail polish? Take a bar of soap from the shower and coat the entire bar with the polish. The victim of this prank will work up a sweat while trying to lather up. 

And here’s my all-time favorite April Fool’s prank. Smear a glob of peanut butter on a person’s shoe. Enough said.

Have a thoughtful — and cautious — Tuesday, and thanks for reading.

Shane Goodman
Editor and Publisher
Times Vedette digital editions
shane@gctimesnews.com
641-332-2707

Losees find a niche with their creations

Angella Losee shows a few of the wooden flags she has made.

 

What started as experiments quickly became popular products.

 

The Losees make colorful drink coozies.

By Rich Wicks | Panora Times, March 2025

Angella and Matt Losee of Panora are creators. When they see products that catch their eyes, they immediately think about how the products are made, and that has led to a fun hobby and side gig for them.

Angella told of the couple’s foray into creating wooden flags, drink tumblers and related items.

“We started making the wood flags a couple years ago. Matt had seen something similar on Facebook and thought it was interesting and that we could make them,” Losee said. “So, we decided to give it a shot. My dad had given us a table saw years ago, so we had all the tools needed.”

What started as experiments quickly became popular products.

“We bought some wood and made a couple flags. We kept one for ourselves, and we’ve given a bunch away to family and friends,” Losee said. “Then I posted pictures of them on Facebook, and people started asking if they could buy them, so I sold a few that way.”

Tumblers made by Angella and Matt Losee.

Nowadays, Losee continues making the flags, with Matt’s help, and she sells them at area vendor markets. Losee generally partners with her friend, Danielle, who runs Sweet B’s Treats (based in Linden). They display their items together at craft shows, farmers markets and other events.

Losee explained the process in creating the wooden flags.

“We use our table saw to cut boards down into 13 stripes for the flag, and then we burn the wood, stain it whatever color, and glue and nail them together, and trim them to size,” she said.  

Losee makes flags in traditional American design but also customizes them to designate certain groups or services, such as police, fire, EMTs, conservation, etc.

“If we’re making them for police officers or firefighters or anyone in that type of work, we may put their badge number and last name on there in stencil. Then we seal them, so they can be displayed indoors or outdoors,” Losee said.

Wooden flags created by the Losees.

Besides the flags, Losee has also learned to make various drinkware products, including coffee mugs, tumblers and coozies.

“I started making them because I wanted a tumbler that said Panorama Panthers, and I couldn’t find anybody that made them. So, I watched a lot of videos to learn how to make them,” Losee said. “And, again, it started out just making a few for myself or for friends and coworkers, but then I started taking those to farmers markets and vendor fairs, and I’ve been selling quite a few.”

Losee has always enjoyed working with her hands to make things, and her offerings can be seen on her Facebook page titled, “Glitz & Dust Designs.”

“I’m not an artist. I consider myself to be more of a maker. I crochet, I embroider, I make wreaths, all sorts of different things. I’ve done that all my life,” she said. “I’ve recently come upon a lot of the supplies for stained glass, and I had briefly dabbled in that years ago, so I’m hoping to get back into that a little bit, too.”

More of the Losees’ unique tumblers.

One of the rewards of Losee’s hobby is seeing joy on the faces of those who appreciate her creations. She said kids, in particular, get excited upon discovering her items.

“A lot of the tumblers are very glittery, and some are Christmas-themed, where they look like they have cocoa running down the sides of them,” Losee said. “Those have made a lot of people really smile.”

More than just books

By Karen Kelly | Special to the Times Vedette

What draws people to the library? Everything! From books to digital resources to job assistance and creative programming, libraries are essential to thriving communities.

National Library Week, April 6-12, is a time to celebrate the many ways libraries bring people together, spark imagination and support lifelong learning.

Whatever draws you in, the library has something for everyone. Whether you’re a lifelong patron or haven’t visited in a while, now is the perfect time to explore all the library has to offer.

After School Programs

The library is planning a number of after-school programs for the next month. Because we only have room for 25 participants, pre-registration is required. Register by following the link on the library website or emailing or calling the library.

Wednesday, April 9, at 2 p.m. is LEGO Mania Day.  Sign up for an exciting LEGO activity. Youth Movie Day is Monday, April 21, at 12:30 p.m. We will be showing “Moana 2.” Following the movie, there will be some activity sheets and coloring sheets. Beginning at 3:30 p.m. that day, the Guthrie STEM lab will feature a STEM activity. On Wednesday, April 30, at 2 p.m., the library will host a creation corner, which will have arts/crafts activities.

Preschool Story Hour

Friday mornings at 10 a.m. are an exciting time at the MJB Library. This is the time that the library fills up with little people and their caregivers who are excited to see friends, play with the library toys, read some books, and do some craft and art projects. Bunnies will be the theme of story hour on April 4. The kids will learn about flowers on April 11 while focusing on Easter on April 18. On April 25, the children will study rainbows.

Friends of the Library

Friends of the Library will meet on Monday, May 5, at 6:15 p.m. at the library to plan their golf fundraiser and support the library. The annual Golf Tournament will be on Saturday, June 14. The sign-up on the library website is now open.

Book Clubs

Between the Covers Book Club will meet on Tuesday, April 8, at 3 p.m. to discuss the critically acclaimed book “James.” Copies are still available for check out. Reads Well With Others Book Club will meet on Tuesday, April 28 at 5 p.m. to discuss Kate Quinn’s historical fiction novel entitled “The Briar Club.” Anyone who would like to join may stop by the library to borrow a copy.

Adult Groups

Cribbage players are invited to join the Cribbage Club every Monday from 9-11 a.m. Bridge Club meets each Wednesday morning from 9-11 a.m. Players of all skill levels are welcome. The card-making class meets on Thursday, April 17 from 9-11 a.m. to create handmade greeting cards. The $5 covers all the needed supplies and equipment required to make the cards. Cookbook Club will be cooking recipes from Taste of Home’s Copycat Cookbook at 6:30 p.m. on Thursday, April 17. Anyone wishing to participate can stop at the library to choose a recipe to share with the group. All of these classes will meet in the Taylor Meeting Room.

Donations for STEM activities

The library is working to develop STEM activities for our young patrons. We are looking for LEGOs and Hot Wheels brand cars and tracks donations for these activities.

Seed Library

The MJB Library has started a seed library to help patrons who would like to exercise their green thumbs. Gardeners are welcome to stop in and take some of our vegetable, herb, fruit and flower seeds to plant this spring.

Once the seeds are growing and producing, please share photos by tagging the library on Facebook. After growing season is over, please consider saving and drying seeds from what you have grown. Because this is a sharing seed library, please bring any leftover or saved seeds to the library to add to our seed library.

Thank You

The MJB Library would like to express our thanks to 10 Squared Women for the generous donation to Friends of the Library to finish our youth area in our library. This furniture is suited to all of our young patrons and is especially geared to meet the needs of neurodivergent children. Thanks to this generous donation, we have added seating and three book bins just the right size for our little patrons. 

Library aide Ava Campbell sits on the new seating in the children’s area of the library. Behind her are two of the three book bins recently purchased. The new furnishings are made possible from a gift from the Friends of the Library who were awarded a grant from 10 Squared Women.

The Mary J. Barnett Memorial Library is located at 400 Grand St. in Guthrie Center. Contact us at 641-747-8110 or mjblib@guthriecenter.lib.ia.us. Visit us online at www.guthriecenter.lib.ia.us.

 

Guthrie County Extension Notes — Week of March 31, 2025

April Library Program – Dirt-N-Worms                                                                                      

  • Participants will learn about worms and their four main parts. Join us one of these five libraries in April to have a fun time.
  • Casey Library, April 9, 3-4 p.m.            
  • Stuart Library, April 14, 4-5 p.m.            
  • Panora Library, April 15, 4-5 p.m.            
  • Jamaica Library, April 24, 4-5 p.m.             
  • Bayard Library, April 30, 2:30-3:30 p.m. 

Macrame and Candle Workshop                                                                

  • April 16
  • Location:  Guthrie County Extension Office, 211 State St., Guthrie Center
  • Join us for an amazing candle making workshop where you learn candle making is much more than just melting wax. Learn how to pair fragrances to create your own signature scent. While candles are curing learn how to macrame knots to create a macramé coaster. Cost for this class is $40 for first candle and $20 for each additional candle. To register, visit www.jolenepeters.com or visit the Guthrie County Extension Facebook page and register through event.

The Guthrie County Extension Office is located at 212 State St. in Guthrie Center, IA 50115. Office hours are Monday through Thursday, 8 a.m. to 4:30 p.m.; Friday: 8 a.m. to noon. Email xguthrie@iastate.edu or call 641-747-2276.

Guthrie County Sheriff’s Office Weekly Report — March 24-30, 2025

3-24-25

  • 6:37 a.m. Guthrie County Deputy assisted a motorist in rural Guthrie Center
  • 6:55 a.m. Stuart Rescue responded to a medical call in Stuart
  • 7:40 a.m. Guthrie County Sheriff and Deputies, Panora Fire Department, and Panora Ambulance responded to a report of a two-vehicle accident in rural Guthrie Center
  • 9:50 a.m. Guthrie County Deputy picked up evidence in Des Moines and brought it back to Guthrie Center
  • 11 a.m. Guthrie County Deputy assisted an individual in Guthrie Center
  • 11:20 a.m. Guthrie County Sheriff responded to a complaint in Yale
  • 11:20 a.m. Guthrie County Deputy performed a welfare check in Guthrie Center
  • 11:45 a.m. Stuart Police responded to a report of debris in the roadway
  • 11:59 a.m. Stuart Police assisted a motorist 
  • 1:30 p.m. Stuart Police responded to an animal complaint
  • 3:45 p.m. Stuart Police checked on a disabled vehicle
  • 6:30 p.m. Guthrie County Deputy responded to a report of an assault in Bagley
  • 9:30 p.m. Panora Police responded to a report of an altercation
  • 10:15 p.m. Stuart Police and Guthrie County Deputy responded to a report of a smell of smoke in Stuart

 

3-25-25

  • 12:12 a.m. Guthrie County Deputy checked on a disabled vehicle in rural Yale
  • 12:24 p.m. Guthrie County Deputy checked on a suspicious individual in Yale
  • 1:03 a.m. Guthrie County Deputy checked on a disabled vehicle in rural Panora
  • 9:05 a.m. Guthrie County Deputy assisted a motorist in rural Panora
  • 9:15 a.m. Guthrie County Deputy and Stuart School Resource Officer responded to a report of an individual refusing to go to school in Menlo
  • 10:25 a.m. Guthrie County Deputy attempted to serve a civil paper in Stuart
  • 10:50 a.m. Guthrie County Deputy responded to a report of suspicious activity in Bagley
  • 10:50 a.m. Stuart Police responded to a report of a disturbance at the elementary school, and followed up at the Stuart and Dexter schools
  • 1:40 p.m. Guthrie County Deputy followed up on an assault investigation
  • 4 p.m. Guthrie County Deputy responded to a report of a scam in Guthrie Center
  • 4:10 p.m. Guthrie County Deputy responded to a report of an altercation in Menlo
  • 4:15 p.m. Stuart Police assisted an individual
  • 6:25 p.m. Guthrie County Deputy responded to a report of people burning in rural Stuart
  • 8:05 p.m. Panora Ambulance responded to a medical call in Guthrie Center
  • 9:50 p.m. Stuart Police and Guthrie County Deputy served an Adair County arrest warrant in Stuart
  • 10:05 p.m. Panora Ambulance responded to a medical call in rural Panora
  • 10:05 p.m. Stuart Police transported one individual to the Adair County Jail
  • 10:25 p.m. Guthrie County Deputy responded to a report of a two-vehicle accident in rural Bayard

 

3-26-25

  • 7:52 a.m. Stuart Ambulance responded to a medical call in Stuart 
  • 7:56 a.m. Stuart Ambulance and Fire responded to a single vehicle accident on I-80
  • 8:41 a.m. Guthrie County Deputy responded to an illegal dumping complaint in Guthrie Center 
  • 9 a.m. Guthrie County Deputy responded to a complaint in Guthrie Center 
  • 9:01 a.m. Panora Ambulance responded to a medical call in Panora 
  • 9:45 a.m. Guthrie County Deputy assisted a motorist in Guthrie Center 
  • 9:49 a.m. Panora Police responded to a family situation 
  • 9:51 p.m. Panora Ambulance responded to a medical call at Lake Panorama 
  • 10:22 a.m. Guthrie County Deputy took a theft report in rural Coon Rapids 
  • 12:15 p.m. Panora Ambulance transported a patient from Guthrie County Hospital to Methodist 
  • 12:34 p.m. Stuart Ambulance responded to a medical call in Menlo 
  • 1:09 p.m. Guthrie County Deputy took a complaint from Casey 
  • 1:30 p.m. Panora Police assisted a motorist 
  • 1:38 p.m. Guthrie County Deputy performed a case follow-up in Guthrie Center 
  • 1:50 p.m. Guthrie County Deputy responded to a report of a suspicious person in Guthrie Center
  • 2:21 p.m. Guthrie County Deputy responded to a two-vehicle accident in Guthrie Center 
  • 2:36 p.m. Guthrie County Deputy responded to a complaint in Guthrie Center 
  • 2:52 p.m. Guthrie County Deputy responded to a report of people trespassing 
  • 3:17 p.m. Guthrie County Deputy responded to a complaint in Guthrie Center
  • 4:01 p.m. Panora Ambulance responded to a medical call in Bayard
  • 4:26 p.m. Guthrie Center Fire Department responded to a fire in rural Guthrie Center
  • 5:35 p.m. Panora Fire, Panora Ambulance, and Guthrie County Deputy responded to a report of a fire in rural Panora
  • 7 p.m. Guthrie County Deputies attended storm spotter training in Casey
  • 7:13 p.m. Panora Police assisted a motorist
  • 7:35 p.m. Panora Ambulance responded to a medical call in Guthrie Center
  • 9:02 p.m. Panora Ambulance transported a patient from Guthrie County Hospital to Des Moines
  • 9:30 p.m. Guthrie County Deputy followed up on an investigation in Bayard
  • 9:35 p.m. Guthrie County Deputy checked on a disabled vehicle in rural Stuart
  • 11:25 p.m. Stuart Police responded to a report of a suspicious vehicle
  • 11:45 p.m. Stuart Rescue responded to a medical call in Stuart

 

3-27-25

  • 2:25 a.m. Stuart Police and Stuart Rescue responded to a disturbance at Kwik Star
  • 4:20 a.m. Stuart Police responded to a report of a two vehicle accident
  • 5:30 a.m. Guthrie County Sheriff and Deputy, Bayard Fire, and Panora Ambulance responded to a report of a vehicle fire in rural Bayard
  • 8:20 a.m. Panora Ambulance responded to a medical call in Panora
  • 9:54 a.m. Stuart Police assisted Dallas County with an investigation
  • 10:34 a.m. Panora Ambulance responded to a medical call in Panora
  • 10:45 a.m. Guthrie County Deputy responded to a report of identity theft in rural Guthrie Center
  • 11:35 a.m. Guthrie County Deputy assisted an individual in rural Panora
  • 1:30 p.m. Guthrie County Deputy responded to a complaint in Casey
  • 2:10 p.m. Guthrie County Deputy served a civil paper in Panora
  • 3:10 p.m. Stuart Police responded to a driving complaint 
  • 3:28 p.m. Guthrie County Deputy served civil papers in Bayard 
  • 6:01 p.m. Panora Ambulance transported a patient from Guthrie County Hospital to the VA
  • 6:12 p.m. Stuart Police responded to an animal complaint 
  • 6:53 p.m. Guthrie County Deputy performed a case follow-up in Yale 
  • 8:30 p.m. Panor Ambulance and Guthrie County Deputy responded to a medical call in Guthrie Center 
  • 8:30 p.m. Guthrie County Deputy performed a case follow-up in Coon Rapids 
  • 8:31 p.m. Stuart Police responded to an animal complaint 
  • 9:10 p.m. Stuart Ambulance responded to a medical call in Stuart 
  • 9:36 p.m. Guthrie County Deputy assisted a pedestrian in Guthrie Center 
  • 10:52 p.m. Panora Ambulance responded to a medical call in Panora 

 

3-28-25

  • 12:01 a.m. Stuart Police responded to a complaint 
  • 1:17 a.m. Stuart Police assisted Adair County with a report of a stolen vehicle 
  • 5:32 a.m. Guthrie County Sheriff picked up a wanted person from Dallas County 
  • 5:59 a.m. Guthrie County Deputy responded to a commercial burglar alarm in Guthrie Center 
  • 7:19 a.m. Panora Police responded to a complaint 
  • 8:08 a.m. Guthrie County Deputy assisted a pedestrian in Guthrie Center 
  • 11:03 a.m. Guthrie County Deputy served civil papers in Guthrie Center 
  • 11:15 a.m. Guthrie County Deputy responded to a report of trespassers in rural Bayard 
  • 11:40 a.m. Panora Ambulance responded to a medical call in Guthrie Center 
  • 1:40 p.m. Guthrie County Deputy followed up on an investigation in Yale
  • 2:41 p.m. Stuart Fire, Ambulance and Police responded to a report of a grass fire in rural Stuart
  • 2:44 p.m. Guthrie County Deputy attempted to serve civil papers in Guthrie Center 
  • 2:45 p.m. Guthrie County Deputy transported an inmate from the Dallas County Jail to the Guthrie County Jail on a Guthrie County arrest warrant
  • 3:05 p.m. Guthrie County Deputy responded to a report of trespassers in rural Bayard
  • 3:36 p.m. Stuart Police responded to a driving complaint 
  • 3:58 p.m. Stuart Police assisted an individual
  • 5:05 p.m. Guthrie County Deputies responded to a report of a stolen vehicle in rural Panora
  • 5:20 p.m. Guthrie County Deputy and Stuart Police served a court order in Stuart
  • 5:55 p.m. Stuart Police responded to an animal complaint
  • 6:50 p.m. Guthrie County Deputies, Panora Ambulance and YJB Fire responded to a report of an accident in rural Yale
  • 7:08 p.m. Guthrie County Deputy performed a case follow-up in Yale 
  • 7:20 p.m. Stuart Police, Adair County Deputy, and a Dallas County Deputy responded to a report of an assault in Stuart, and arrested two individuals, one transported to Dallas County Jail and one transported to Guthrie County Jail
  • 7:40 p.m. Guthrie County Deputy followed up on an investigation in Yale
  • 9:08 p.m. Panora Ambulance responded to a medical call in Bayard
  • 9:50 p.m. Guthrie County Deputies conducted a traffic stop in Jamaica and arrested one individual
  • 10:30 p.m. Guthrie County Deputy transported one individual from Jamaica to the Guthrie County Jail

3-29-25

  • 3:04 a.m. Panora Police transported one male to Guthrie County Jail 
  • 3:16 a.m. Guthrie County Deputy checked on a suspicious vehicle in Guthrie Center 
  • 8:30 a.m. Guthrie County Deputy assisted Iowa State Patrol on a traffic stop in Bayard
  • 8:48 a.m. Guthrie County Deputy responded to a complaint in rural Guthrie Center 
  • 9:21 a.m. Panora Ambulance responded to a medical call in Guthrie Center
  • 1:05 p.m. Stuart Police responded to a report of an assault
  • 1:10 p.m. Panora Police followed up on an investigation 
  • 1:15 p.m. Guthrie County Deputy served a court order in Guthrie Center
  • 1:30 p.m. Guthrie County Deputy assisted an individual in Guthrie Center
  • 4:05 p.m. Stuart Police assisted an individual at Casey’s
  • 4:40 p.m. Panora fire and Panora Ambulance responded to a report of a grass fire in rural Stuart
  • 4:45 p.m. Guthrie County Deputy assisted a motorist in Casey
  • 5:45 p.m. Guthrie County Deputy responded to a trespass complaint in Guthrie Center
  • 6:42 p.m. Guthrie County Deputy responded to a vandalism complaint in Guthrie Center
  • 6:55 p.m. Guthrie County Deputies responded to a residential alarm in rural Yale
  • 7:45 p.m. Stuart Police responded to a complaint
  • 7:55 p.m. Stuart Police performed a welfare check in Stuart
  • 8:05 p.m. Guthrie County Deputy responded to a complaint in Guthrie Center
  • 10:09 p.m. Panora Ambulance responded to a medical call in Bayard
  • 10:10 p.m. Stuart Police responded to a complaint 
  • 10:57 p.m. Guthrie County Deputy checked on a disabled vehicle in rural Bagley

 

3-30-25

  • 12:34 a.m. Guthrie County Deputy checked on a vehicle on Wagon Road
  • 3:56 a.m. Panora Ambulance responded to a medical call in Panora 
  • 10:24 a.m. Panora Ambulance and Guthrie County Deputy responded to a medical call in rural Panora 
  • 11:08 a.m. Panora Police responded to an animal complaint 
  • 11:54 a.m. Stuart Police took a theft report 
  • 7:20 p.m. Guthrie County Deputies responded to a report of a domestic dispute in Guthrie Center
  • 10:13 p.m. Guthrie County Deputy responded to a complaint in Jamaica