By Rich Wicks | Times Vedette
The Panora Public Library presents a free performance of “Kate,” an original solo musical performed by Jillann Gabrielle. The musical is based on the life of world-famous actress Katherine Hepburn and will be performed at the Panora Community Center at 6:30 p.m. on Thursday, April 3.
To reserve a spot, call 641-755-2529. The show is paid for by the Panora Library Foundation.
By Rich Wicks | Times Vedette
On Sunday, March 30, from 7-11 a.m., the Jamaica Lions Club will hold a benefit ham and eggs breakfast and bake sale. Proceeds from the event will benefit the Jamaica Community Building. Cost for the breakfast is $9 for adults, $5 for students kindergarten through eighth grade, and kids younger than 5 eat free.
By Rich Wicks | Times Vedette
At the March 24 meeting of the Panora City Council, the councilmembers discussed the proposed Resolution 25-11, approving a revised Electric Utility Inspection and Maintenance Plan.
“Nothing has really changed from last year; it just requires you to review it,” Electric Superintendent Doug Long said.
The council voted to approve the revised plan.
City Administrator Lisa Grossman reported that the city will receive a $5,000 grant from the Guthrie County Community Foundation to help with improvements at the community center.
The council discussed a request from Eric and Jenna Morris for the city to vacate some areas of alley adjacent to their property. Mayor Curt Thornberry explained the area in question is alleyway from when Panora was first laid out, and he said the request is reasonable. The council voted to have the Planning and Zoning Commission first consider the request.
A public hearing will be held on April 14 at 5:30 p.m. on the city’s proposed FY 2025-2026 budget.
The next regular meeting of the council will be Monday, April 14 at 5:30 p.m. The public is welcome. Interested persons may attend in person or electronically by visiting the website https://meet.goto.com/cityofpanora or by phone 1-312-757-3121 (Access Code 295-099-701, Audio PIN 220#).
By Rich Wicks | Times Vedette
During the March 24 meeting of the Guthrie Center City Council, discussion was held regarding “accessory buildings,” such as carports and similar structures. City Clerk Kris Arrasmith explained that many of these structures are in the city, and some have become an eyesore due to long-term exposure to wind. The council agreed that if the city addresses some, it will need to address all such structures. Arrasmith said she will collect more information for the next council meeting.
The council discussed the possibility of approving a letter of engagement for services from PFM Financial Advisors. Councilmember Fidel Hernandez said he is not comfortable signing the agreement since the city doesn’t know how much benefit would occur.
Councilmember Garold Thomas spoke in favor of the letter of engagement.
“My viewpoint is we can’t be experts on everything,” Thomas said.
The council voted 4-1 in favor of the letter of engagement, with Hernandez opposed.
Tony Young was approved as 2025 Nuisance Abatement Contractor.
A public hearing will be held at 6:30 p.m. on April 14 regarding the city’s FY 2025-2026 proposed budget. The next regular meeting will be Monday, April 14 at 6:30 p.m. The public is welcome.
Matt Sprague shows one of his creations.
By Rich Wicks | Guthrie Center Times
Matt Sprague puts the laser engraver to work to create artwork.
“It’s just something I started dabbling with,” Sprague said.
Sprague noted that the machine was not difficult to operate.
“It’s pretty user-friendly. You have to get whatever image you want to use and then convert the image,” Sprague said. “Then you set your parameters, depending how big you want it. Then you set your power levels, and then you let it go, and it does its own thing.”
The pieces Sprague has created so far have taken between 30 minutes and 2½ hours for the machine to engrave, depending on the size and complexity of the design. He explained that the machine moves very precisely, so fine detail is possible.
“If you remember back in the day, the old printers, on the reel where it went across really slow, that’s exactly what this process is,” Sprague said. “But it’s just millimeters that it is moving that laser each time.”
The fire and rescue logo was engraved on the Guthrie Center Fire Hall counter by fellow firefighter Matt Sprague.
“It’s just a toy to have fun with,” he said. “My idea was to sell things at the farmers market, but I haven’t gotten ready for that yet. I’m thinking of doing cutting boards and things like that.”
Sprague is also planning to create items to auction for fundraisers.
“I’m part of a peer support group for mental health awareness for First Responders. We have a conference and a gala, so I’ll probably make something to auction off there this fall.”
Sprague’s most notable creation yet is on display at the Guthrie Center Fire Hall. He joined the Guthrie Center Fire Department in the spring of 2024, and he realized his new hobby could be used in the fire hall. So, he laser-engraved several images into the counter in honor of firefighters. The engravings were then covered with varnish to protect them from damage.
Sprague expects to keep learning what he can create as he experiments with ideas that occur to him, or as people ask him to make specific items.
“It’s something for me to do to keep me busy and out of trouble,” Sprague said.
This patriotic work is a colorful example of Matt’s Sprague’s newfound hobby.