From the Iowa Department of Natural Resources

The first reports of pheasant chick broods have been coming in to the Iowa Department of Natural Resources (DNR) over the past two weeks, marking the beginning of the 2025 hatching season.

The mild winter and favorable April weather led to some early nesting across much of the state and while May is primarily an incubation month, June is when the peak hatch occurs.

“Hens are determined nesters and if they lose a nest, they will continue to re-nest into July, but the data shows that each attempt has fewer eggs than the previous effort,” Todd Bogenschutz, upland wildlife research biologist with the Iowa DNR, said.

“When we have early nesting years, we typically have the highest number of chicks and it is looking like 2025 will be an early nesting year.”

Hens will begin incubating after the last egg is laid and eggs hatch after 23 days of incubation. The warming temperatures in the forecast should be good heading in to the June 10-15 peak of the hatch, as rain and cold weather can be a fatal combination for the newly hatched chicks.

The young pheasants begin to make short flights — around five feet — at 10 days old and can keep up with the hen on longer flights after another five days. The Iowa DNR will release the results of its pheasant population survey — conducted in August as part of the August roadside survey — in early September, which is the best estimate of what hunters will find in the field this fall.

A century of pheasant hunting

The Iowa DNR and Pheasants Forever are celebrating 100 years of pheasant hunting in the Hawkeye State. The first season was held Oct. 20-22, 1925, when 13 counties in north central Iowa were opened to pheasant hunting. Hunters were allowed a three-rooster limit, for a half-day of hunting. An estimated 75,000 hunters participated.

Hunters can commemorate the 100^th anniversary by purchasing a hard card featuring Iowa Pheasants Forever Print of the Year when they purchase their 2025 hunting and fishing licenses.

Information on places to hunt, the August roadside survey results and more is available online by clicking the 100 Years of Pheasant Hunting graphic at www.iowadnr.gov/pheasantsurvey.

By Rich Wicks | Times Vedette

During the month of June, the Panora Public Library will kick off its Summer Reading program for kids of all ages, infant to 18. Interested readers can pick up a tracking sheet and earn prizes for summer reading.

On Friday, June 6 at 10 a.m., the library will host a “Zoo to You” event at the Panora Community Center in cooperation with the Blank Park Zoo.

On the other Fridays in June (June 13, 20 and 27) the library will hold “Stories, Crafts and Games” for kids of all ages beginning at 10 a.m. each day.

Special to the Times Vedette

The Guthrie County Arts Council announced its 2025 Jennifer Hewitt Memorial Art Awards, presented annually to an outstanding graduating senior art student in each of Guthrie County’s four school districts. The following student artists were recognized:

ACGC: Tessa Sheeder. Teacher comments: “Shows potential talent in visual arts, is a productive worker, and overall nice person.”

COON RAPIDS-BAYARD: Ava LaRue. Teacher comments: “Has a great attitude and works really hard.”

PANORAMA: Aubrey Lincoln. Teacher comments: “Aubrey has consistently demonstrated remarkable creativity and dedication to the arts. She has explored a wide range of artistic mediums — including graphic design, photography, drawing, painting and ceramics — with enthusiasm and a genuine passion for learning and growth. Aubrey approaches each project with thoughtfulness and determination, always putting forth her best effort. Her artistic journey has been inspiring to witness, particularly during her senior year, where her work has truly flourished. Her talent, work ethic and creative spirit make her an outstanding recipient of this award.

WEST CENTRAL VALLEY: Alison Egger. Teacher comments: “Alison is extremely creative and hard-working. You add this to being very talented and that makes for a great artist.  Alison is also pleasant to be around.  She is submitting a project to All-State Art.  Alison is very deserving of this honor.”

The Guthrie County Arts Council art awards are given in memory of Jennifer Hewitt (1957-2021), who faithfully supported the vision of the Arts Council as a member artist, volunteer, president, event coordinator, teacher, mentor and friend. These awards are funded by donations throughout the year, as well as funds raised on Thursday mornings from 10 a.m. to noon for coffee and treats provided by volunteer Jennine Maas at Art on State, 320 State St., Guthrie Center. 

By Rich Wicks | Times Vedette

During the May 27 meeting of the Panora City Council, the councilmembers approved Resolution 25-24, authorizing the closure of Iowa Highway 44 and other city streets at certain times during Panorama Days, Aug. 1-3.

City Administrator Lisa Grossman updated the council on the city’s plans to purchase a new skid loader.

“Our budget, we were looking around $60,000, and they are going to give us $15,200 for our trade-in,” Grossman said. “With everything, it came to about $64,500 with our trade-in.”

As part of the Consent Items, the council approved a retail liquor license renewal for Local Liquor.

Grossman reported that no citizens had preregistered to address the council on any matters during the Public Forum portion of the meeting.

Grossman explained that the city’s brush facility is now open, 7 a.m. to 3 p.m. daily, seven days a week. She reported that some violations of allowed usage have already been caught on camera.

The next regular meeting is set for Monday, June 9 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#).