Special to the Times Vedette
Guthrie County Chief Deputy Todd Thorn reported a vehicle vs. cow accident occurring on Aug. 5 at 5 a.m. on Highway 25. William James Hounsom, 57, of Indianola, was driving a 2023 Freightliner semi northbound on Highway 25 and collided with a cow in the roadway owned by Austin Michael Wilms of Guthrie Center. Damage to the Freightliner is estimated at $2,500. Value of cow estimated at $750.
Special to the Times Vedette
Guthrie County Deputy Sheriff Kent Gries reported a single-vehicle accident occurring on Aug. 3 at 2:30 p.m. on 180thTrail. Sarah Matthias, 13, of Guthrie Center, was driving a 2008 Chevrolet Silverado K1500 pickup northbound in the 2500 block of 180th Trail and was operating too fast for the curve and left the roadway into the north ditch. She corrected across the roadway, entered the south ditch and struck a tree. Savannah Nicole Matthias, 17, of Guthrie Center was a passenger. Both were injured and transported to Blank Children’s Hospital by Panora EMS. Damage to the Chevrolet pickup is estimated at $5,000.
By Rich Wicks | Times Vedette
During the regular meeting of the Guthrie County Board of Supervisors on Aug. 5, the supervisors discussed the possibility of again declaring Emergency Medical Services (EMS) as an essential service in the county.
Board chair Maggie Armstrong summarized the current situation.
“Because the measure did not pass in the last election, we basically start from zero. So, the first step would be to, if this board so chose, to declare it an essential service,” Armstrong said. “This is just the very beginning of the very first step.”
Supervisor Mike Dickson suggested a different approach.
“The measure failed. We probably should be looking at other options,” Dickson said. “There is the option of Chapter 357F, which is the Emergency Medical Services districts. That’s another option there. We also have the first responders; I think we should give some time and see how that works out.”
Armstrong added that state legislative issues could also impact the county’s options.
“There was a lot of talk at the state capitol this past session about EMS, and from what I’ve heard, it’s going to be a topic of conversation again. Just from a planning perspective, I think it would be a good idea for us to start the essential service conversation. It’s not an essential service until a vote is passed. So, depending on what happens in the state legislature, we’re ready to go,” Armstrong said. “What I don’t want to happen is for us to just sit and wait through the legislative session and not be ready to go.”
Armstrong added that she does not see a March 2026 special election on EMS as a realistic option.
“That timeline is too accelerated,” she said.
The supervisors voted 4-1 in favor of publishing the initial public notice to begin the process of designating EMS as an essential service. Mike Dickson voted against.
Jamie Lindsay, Human Resources Coordinator, provided an update on the county’s hiring and training of employees.
Beth Watson, Veterans Affairs Administrator, shared a June quarterly report on her department.
County Engineer Josh Sebern told of the status of the P28 road project (Wagon Road) north of Stuart. He described the options of making the roadway slightly wider or keeping the width the same, which would allow for more distance to be improved. No formal action was taken.
The supervisors meet regularly on Tuesdays at 9 a.m. The public is welcome to attend in person or via remote technology. To join remotely, call 323-792-6123, then use meeting code 547029216#.
By Shane Goodman | Times Vedette
JoAnn Johnson was named the Panora/Lake Panorama 2025 Citizen of the Year during the Panorama Days celebration on Saturday morning after the parade.
Johnson received at least seven nomination letters from various members of the community for her numerous contributions including being a volunteer driver for the Guthrie County Hospital, a Rural Improvement Zone (RIZ) board member, a member of the Panora and Lake Panorama Economic Development group, a member of the the Guthrie County Foundation Board, a member of Women’s Ten Squared and a co-chair for the Panora Garden Club.
One nominator noted how JoAnn is one of the most influential people he has ever met.
“She has inspired so many people to make the most of what you have. Her talent has been shown throughout the Panora community. She is the first person to speak up, step up and follows through till the job is done.”
Another wrote how JoAnn is an outstanding leader who has contributed to the betterment of Panora, Lake Panorama and Guthrie County.
“I have had the privilege of knowing JoAnn for nearly two decades. Throughout the course of our friendship, I have always been impressed by how JoAnn inspires others to join her in her volunteer pursuits. … I appreciate how JoAnn encourages the next generation of leaders in our community. … JoAnn has always been someone who supported and encouraged me. She is someone who I knew would give me an honest opinion and offer me her support to navigate whatever challenge laid ahead.”
A third nomination letter stated how JoAnn’s love for Guthrie County is evident in every project she undertakes.
“Her tireless advocacy at both a state and local level, collaborative spirit and ability to inspire others make her a true role model. She approaches every challenge with compassion, determination and a genuine desire to uplift those around her, embodying the qualities of an exceptional citizen. … JoAnn has been a pillar of public service in our community for many years, consistently demonstrating her passion for improving the lives of those around her. She has tirelessly advocated for the people of Guthrie County with a deep sense of care and responsibility. Her contributions have left an indelible mark on our community, fostering growth, unity and pride. Additionally, JoAnn has taken a leadership role within the Panora Garden Club, where her vision and hard work has helped transformed Panora’s Main Street into a vibrant, beautiful space that residents and visitors cherish. Her efforts in beautifying the town reflect her commitment to creating a welcoming and aesthetically pleasing environment, boosting community pride and local business.”
Yet another nominator said, “Look at the pretty pink flowers around Panora! JoAnn was instrumental in getting that project rolling. The Panora Garden Club has many members and others have also played a vital role, but Joann’s leadership paved the way. This beautification project has enhanced Panora in such a beautiful, positive way. … JoAnn has volunteered her time in more ways than I know. Her proactive spirit, kindness and advocacy demonstrate why she is a deserving candidate for Panora’s 2025 Citizen of the Year, embodying the qualities of a true community leader and encourager.”
Another nominator noted how JoAnn leads by example.
“She does not seek the spotlight, yet her work shines throughout the Panora area — in the lives she touches, the policies she helps shape, and the landscapes she helps beautify. Her integrity, energy and compassion make her a pillar of our community.”
Panora Mayor Curtis Thornberry presents the 2025 Panora Citizen of the Year award to JoAnn Johnson on Saturday in the gazebo during Panorama Days.
Members of the Panora Garden Club congratulate JoAnn Johnson on her Citizen of the Year award.
JoAnn Johnson with members of her family.
By Rich Wicks | Times Vedette
The annual Panorama Days celebration saw a large crowd and beautiful weather over the weekend. The parade was even more popular than normal, as watchers gathered along Highway 44 and the side streets for nearly an hour to view the many floats and parade entries.
Hospice of the Midwest group pauses prior to the parade.
The Panora Garden Club was well represented in the Panorama Days parade.
Panora-Linden’s class of 1975 rode in the parade.
Guthrie County Hospital and Clinics staff was ready to roll.
Beads were popular along the parade route.
ISU mascot Cy and friends pose during the parade.
