By Rich Wicks | Times Vedette

At the Aug. 25 regular meeting of the Panora City Council, Councilmember Brian Dorsett led the meeting due to Mayor Curtis Thornberry’s absence. The council considered proposed changes to the city’s Ordinance 359, relating to park hours and camping. The proposed new wording states, “Camping is not allowed at city parks.” The council approved the first reading and waived the second and third readings and voted unanimously in favor of the amendment as proposed. The amended ordinance will be in effect once it has been published in the city’s official print publication.

On behalf of the Lions Club, Pat Subbert requested a reduced rental rate for the club’s occasional use of the Community Center for fundraiser events. She said the current rate of $175 is excessive. She told of the many ways the Lions Club has worked to better the community.

Councilmember Mark Sheeder agreed with the good performed by the Lions but objected to setting a precedent.

“There are a lot of good causes, so where do we draw the line?” Sheeder said.

The council discussed possibly creating a rate just for nonprofit organizations.

Councilmember Blake Michelsen pointed out that the council would then need to define “nonprofit,” since some groups consider themselves nonprofit but do not have any official verification of that status.

The council chose to address the issue individually for now and voted to approve a $90 rental fee for the Lions Club.

City Administrator Lisa Grossman said the concrete for the new basketball court has been poured, and lines will be painted when feasible.

The next regular meeting is set for Monday, Sept. 8 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

At the Aug. 25 regular meeting of the Guthrie Center City Council, citizens Dennis Ludwig Jr. and Renea Winkleblack voiced a complaint of arbitrary enforcement of the city’s “nuisance” ordinance regarding items and vehicles on their yard.

“I’ve always used the term that you’re harassing me. That is not the case. I’ve been incorrect on that. This is an arbitrary matter,” Ludwig said.

Ludwig said he has consulted legal counsel and has pictures of other properties within the city that are also in violation of the ordinance but have not been addressed. He said some of those properties belong to city council members.

Ludwig said he’s been working on addressing the violations on the property, and council members said it appears that 90% is completed. Ludwig said he would put a tarp over the trailer loaded with equipment. Councilmember Ian Steensen said the city will check to see that all applicable issues have been addressed to come into compliance with the ordinance.

Compliance Officer Wes Clark stated there are currently 16 other properties the city has notified of violations of the nuisance ordinance.

The council set a public hearing for Sept. 8 to consider renewing the current Urban-Revi District. City Administrator Kris Arrasmith said it is basically a formality but is required if the city wishes to continue the program.

Arrasmith said the city will need to purchase four new heaters for the pool at a cost of about $25,000. She also said the city’s lawn mowers have been used as much this year as in the previous three years combined due to the summer’s warm and wet conditions.

The council approved beer/liquor licenses for Nik’s Tipsy Trailers and Incredi-Bowl.

The next regular meeting of the council is set for 6:30 p.m. on Monday, Sept. 8. The public is welcome.

By Rich Wicks | Times Vedette

Authorities are investigating an apparent drowning that happened Saturday in southeastern Guthrie County. At approximately 4:40 p.m. on Saturday, Aug. 23, Stuart Fire and Stuart Rescue were called to Diamondhead Lake for a possible drowning of a 35-year-old male swimmer. The Midwest Regional Dive Team was also called to the scene. Fire crews secured the scene and used local boat owners and underwater sonar to locate the victim.

Witnesses stated they had seen a man swimming beyond the designated swimming area, and he appeared to be struggling. The witnesses saw the man go underwater and said he did not resurface. The witnesses called 911.

The Midwest Regional Dive team arrived on scene at 6:25 p.m., and, at 7:47 p.m., they located the body in the area where witnesses last spotted him. At 8:09 p.m., the victim’s body was recovered and transferred to the care of Stuart Rescue. The body was then transported to the State Medical Examiner’s Office.

The family of the deceased victim has been notified and has asked that his identity not be publicly released at this time.

Other agencies participating on the scene included the Stuart Police, the Adair and Guthrie County Emergency Management, the Audubon County Emergency Management, and the Iowa Department of Natural Resources.

Special to the Times Vedette

On Aug. 22, Rhonda Titus got two 16s; Lela Schwartz and Robert Klever each got a 16; and Dan Webb came in high with a 17.

On Aug. 25, a total of 13 players participated. Kathy Feilmeier had a 20; Rex Schoonover, Bill Sheeder and Robert Klever each got a 16; and Roy Carl got an 18.  

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.