Special to the Times Vedette

The Lake Panorama Association (LPA) reported the lake level is rising faster than expected after the LPA dam experienced a malfunction in its control system earlier this week that caused the dam gate to lower and discharge a substantial amount of water, resulting in the pool elevation dropping more than 18 inches.

According to a report from the LPA, as of 5 p.m. on June 26, the lake is less than 2 inches away from normal pool elevation.

The LPA says staff has met on-site with engineers, a hydraulic vendor and an electronic controls vendor to complete a full review of the dam control system. Initial repairs have been made with a handful of other upgrades being implemented late this week and early next week as a matter of due diligence.

By Rich Wicks | Times Vedette

Distracted driving has become a serious problem on American roads. According to the Iowa DOT, most traffic fatalities and serious accidents involve distracted driving. For this reason, Iowa law is changing regarding the use of electronic devices by drivers.

Effective July 1, Iowa’s updated hands-free driving law (Iowa Code 321.276) aims to improve safety on Iowa roadways by prohibiting most uses of electronic devices while driving.

One of the key components of the law states: “A person shall not use a hand-held electronic communication device to write, send, or view an electronic message while driving a motor vehicle unless the motor vehicle is at a complete stop off the traveled portion of the roadway.”

This means that even if a driver is stopped and sitting at a red light while holding and/or viewing a phone, that driver could be ticketed with a simple misdemeanor.

Also prohibited while on the roadway are:

• Drivers streaming videos or making video calls.
• Drivers reading messages or entering addresses into a GPS device.

By Rich Wicks | Times Vedette

The Guthrie Center farmers markets will be held Saturday, June 28 from 9-11 a.m. in downtown Guthrie Center.

Special to the Times Vedette

On June 23, Allen Pierce got a 21; Rex Schoonover got a 20,17 and 16; Roy Carl got a 21; Wayne Nickel got an 18 and a 23; and Kay Phippen got a 17.  

On June 25, a total of 12 players participated. Dave Kading got a 16; Rhonda Titus, Bruce Bailey, and Allen Pierce got 16s also. Sandy Rumelhart got a 20, and Dick Ellis got a 16 and a 24.

The Guthrie Center cribbage players generally meet at Guthrie Center Library, 400 Grand St., on Mondays at 8 a.m. and at the New Homestead independent living dining hall, 2306 State St., at 8 a.m. on Wednesdays and at 1 p.m. on Fridays. Organizers say there is always room for more, and they will be glad to teach you how to play. They play for quarters on Wednesday and Friday.

By Rich Wicks | Times Vedette

Guthrie Center’s 50115 Fest has a theme of “Where Good Times Grow,” and the day is growing ever closer. The Fest will be Saturday, July 12 from 9 a.m. to 4 p.m.

Scheduled events include Guthrie Center Fire Department water fights, farmers market, a car show, kids’ zone, food vendors and live entertainment. The Guthrie Center sidewalk sales will be held Friday and Saturday, July 11 and 12.