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St. Cecilia’s adds additional Mass time

May 23, 2025 | News

Special to the Times Vedette

St. Cecilia’s Catholic Church in Panora is adding an additional Mass time for the summer. Starting Saturday, May 31, a 6:30 p.m. Mass will be included in the schedule. Father Ray Higgins said the extra service is a “test” to see how popular it might be, especially with the addition of the summer crowd at Lake Panorama. The 8 a.m. Mass will also continue.  St. Cecilia’s is located at 220 N. First St. in Panora. More information on St. Cecilia’s can be found at https://st-mary-patrick-cecilia.com/st-cecilias. 

Memorial Day Services 

May 23, 2025 | News

By Rich Wicks | Times Vedette

On Monday, May 26, Memorial Day services are scheduled as follows in Panora and Guthrie Center:

Panora’s Veterans Auditorium (at the Panora Square)

Hosted by VFW Post 5510 and American Legion Post 372, services will begin at 10 a.m. with an invocation by Father Ray Higgins, guest speaker U.S. Rep. Zach Nunn, benediction by Father Higgins, and Taps played by Alex Olson. Refreshments will follow.

Guthrie County Courthouse, Guthrie Center

At 10:30 a.m., the Veterans Memorial outside the courthouse will be the setting for services hosted by American Legion Post 124. A free lunch will follow.

Guthrie Center and the atomic bomb

May 23, 2025 | Mailbag

“I was born and raised in Guthrie Cener and graduated in 1980 and have lived in Des Moines since 1987. I have very much enjoyed what you have done with the GC Times since taking over. You have converted it back to a true hometown paper. Have you read the book ‘Wilhelm’s Way?’ It is about an Iowa-born scientist, Dr. Harley Wilhelm, who was able to revolutionize the way uranium was produced for the Manhattan Project while working at Iowa State University (go Cyclones). The reason I bring this up is, according to the book, Wilhelm spent a year in Guthrie Center coaching and teaching. Turned out his wife was not happy living in GC, so they left. Likely the best thing that ever came about someone not wanting to stay in GC as it allowed the U.S. to develop the atomic bomb before our enemies. Might make for an interesting ‘From the Publisher’ article regarding the GC connection.” – Doug

I think you penned it quite well. Thank you, Doug. – Shane

I can relate

May 23, 2025 | Mailbag

“I could relate to your column (Then, Tuesday, May 20, 2025). I used to love that song until I was married and had kids. And like you said, it seems like we always found excuses not to do things with our parents or do more things with our kids. I guess that’s why you become a grandparent, to make up for times that you didn’t get to do those things with your own kids. Enjoy life while you have them. They are gone way too soon. Have a wonderful day.” – Kris 

How true, Kris. Thank you. – Shane

Central College Student Scholarship Recognition 

May 23, 2025 | News

Special to the Times Vedette

Central College students were recognized during the annual Scholarship Dinner for scholarships earned and applied to the 2024-25 academic year.

  • Alaina Bunde of Guthrie Center received the Geisler Penquite Scholarship 2019B, Journey Scholarship Fund and Lillian Waalkes Music Scholarship. Bunde is a member of the Class of 2026.
  • Lance Bunde of Guthrie Center received the John and Helen Diehl Endowed Scholarship, Journey Scholarship Fund and Robert W. Van Hal Endowed Scholarship in Music. Bunde is a member of the Class of 2028.
  • Eli Kading of Casey received the Journey Scholarship Fund and The Gaard Family Endowed Scholarship. Kading is a member of the Class of 2025.
  • Andrew Mahaffey of Guthrie Center received the Journey Scholarship Fund, Nicholas and Henrietta Gosselink Family Music Scholarship, The Bea and Eli Rosenman Charitable Scholarship Fund in honor of Peter, H. Kuyper, Stuart Kuyper, and Joan Kuyper Farver and The James A. and Beatrice H. Hoekstra Family Scholarship. Mahaffey is a member of the Class of 2028.
  • Kylie Young of Guthrie Center received the Alvin G. Huenink Scholarship in Sociology. Young is a member of the Class of 2025.