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A Panorama Homecoming view from the sky

By Rich Wicks | Times Vedette

During the Panorama Homecoming festivities on Sept. 19, photographer Kent Brant captured images with some unique perspectives using a drone camera. Our thanks to Brant for allowing us to share the photos. 

A bird’s eye view of the Panther offense.

The football team rolls through in the parade.

Fans, the band and cheerleaders rev up the team.

Colorful clouds above Panorama Stadium.

The Panorama school campus with Lake Panorama in the background.

School kids await the homecoming parade.

GCH construction timeline shared with trustees 

By Rich Wicks | Times Vedette

During the Sept. 25 meeting of the Guthrie County Hospital Board of Trustees, Matt Leaders and Cory Bettis, representatives from Graham Construction, presented the tentative timeline for the hospital’s planned improvement project.

“We’re looking to start construction in early March,” Leaders said, adding that the construction period is tentatively expected to be from March 2026 to August 2028. He also said the tentative start date of March 2 is somewhat weather-dependent.

Chief Financial Officer Brandon Johnson provided a monthly report on finances.

It was noted that seasonal flu shots for staff have begun to be scheduled and administered.

Foundation Director Dennis Flanery said the 5K walk/run and health fair are set for Oct. 4. He added that the hospital auxiliary plans to hold a potato bar fundraiser on Nov. 20.

The trustees voted to approve opening a bank account for the improvement project and to set a date for a hearing on a proposal to issue bonds or notes and borrow funds related to the  project. CEO Chris Stipe noted that the hospital still could decide to shelve the project if unforeseen challenges arise.

“This is not a point of no return yet,” he said.

The trustees set the hearing for Oct. 23 (the date of the next regular board meeting).

The board went into a special closed session to discuss a personnel matter.  

The next regular meeting of the trustees is set for Oct. 23 at 4 p.m. The public is welcome.

How many games should a high school volleyball team play?

By Cyote Williams | Times Vedette

I was checking the most recent volleyball rankings posted by the IGHSAU earlier this week, mainly because I had a feeling the 13-4 ACGC team would have a chance to sneak into the top 15 soon. Then, I noticed something odd. It’s something I’ve seen before, but this one was too big to be ignored.

In 2A, at the top of the rankings, No. 1 Denver is 29-0. That’s impressive. The No. 2 team? Hinton, at 9-0. That’s a difference of 20 games. By this time of year, most teams have played 20-30 games. Then you have No. 13 Emmetsburg at 10-3. That’s closer to ACGC’s 17 games played. Why is there such a large gap between the number of games played between teams?

Looking here at home, Panorama’s schedule has also been on the lighter side, only playing 10 games thus far. Granted, the Panthers will play three more this week and have a tournament scheduled next week — but that’s still a big gap. In the metro area, Des Moines North has only played four games this season. Sure, they have six tournaments scheduled between now and the end of the season, but four games?

According to the IGHSAU website, “Teams may play 14 dates at each level of play (ninth grade, junior varsity, varsity). No junior varsity teams are allowed in varsity tournaments. No jamborees allowed. A maximum of six matches per team per day.”

I take that to mean there is a maximum number of games a team can play but not a minimum. I asked Panorama AD Bruce Dahlhauser, and he said that there is no minimum number of games a team must play and that teams can schedule as few games as they wish. On the flip side, if a team scheduled 14 tournament dates and played six games at each, that school could play 84 games in a season not counting the postseason. This also does not count the three scrimmages that are allowed each season.

Now, of course, that many games would be ridiculous, just as it would be ridiculous to play zero games in a season. But, it begs the question of which direction is better. Play more games and potentially gain more experience but risk the chance of wearing down and picking up injuries? Or play fewer games and stay fresh for the post season?

I decided to check out how many games each of the state championship teams in Iowa played last season to get an idea.

  • 1A: Ankeny Christian (40-5) 50 games
  • 2A: Denver (47-3) 50 games
  • 3A: Mount Vernon (45-4) 49 games
  • 4A: Bishop Heelan (44-3) 47 games
  • 5A: Pleasant Valley (35-2) 37 games

Even at the state championship level, there was a difference of 10 games played. Making a deep playoff run would lend itself to more games played, and that appears to be what the coaches prefer. I simply found it interesting and thought you might, too. Let’s all hope ACGC and Panorama hit those numbers this season as well.

Reach out with comments, complaints or story ideas to cyote@dmcityview.com.

Autumn events in the area

By Rich Wicks | Times Vedette

This time of year, many festive events including pumpkin patches, church suppers, hayrides and more are scheduled. Below are some of the upcoming events in the area.

Pie Auction in Guthrie Center Sept. 27

The Republicans of Guthrie County are hosting their 26th annual pie auction on Saturday, Sept. 27 at the Guthrie Center Activity Center, 209 State St. Doors will open at 4 p.m., and the social hour and silent auction will run from 4:30-5:30 p.m. with live music. At 5:30 p.m., a freewill donation supper will be served. After the meal, a live auction will be held.  

Bowman Chapel Harvest Dinner Sept. 28

On Sunday, Sept. 28, the Bowman Chapel (2397 Bowman Ave., Guthrie Center) will host its harvest dinner from 11 a.m. to 1 p.m. The meal includes roast beef, homegrown sweet corn, green beans, mashed potatoes and gravy, salads, pies and desserts. A freewill donation will be accepted. Drive-thru and carryout options are available.

Bob Dylan Tribute in Greenfield Oct. 3

Chrome Horse, the Bob Dylan Tribute, will play at the Warren Cultural Center (154 Public Square, Greenfield) at 7 p.m. on Friday, Oct. 3. Tickets are $25 each.

GCH Health Fair and 5K Oct. 4

Guthrie County Hospital (710 N. 12th St., Guthrie Center) will hold a 5K run/walk at 10:30 a.m., followed by a health fair and free lunch, 11 a.m. to 1 p.m., on Oct. 4.

Adair Brisket Dinner Oct. 4

Adair Fire and Rescue will hold a brisket dinner on Saturday, Oct. 4 from 5-8 p.m. at the fire hall (505 Fifth St., Adair). Tickets are $13 each. A raffle will also be held.

St. Cecelia’s Chicken Dinner Oct. 5

St. Cecelia’s Church (220 N. First St. in Panora) is holding a chicken dinner on Sunday, Oct. 5 from 11 a.m. to 1:30 p.m. Admission cost for adults is $15, kids $10, and kids younger than age 6 eat free.

Twin Vines Fall Festival Oct. 4

Twin Vines (2821 Iowa Highway 44, Panora) will host a fall festival from 11 a.m. to 3 p.m. on Saturday, Oct. 4. Zipp’s Pizzaria food truck will be on hand, along with live music. Approximately 20 vendors are expected.

First Christian Church Harvest Dinner Oct. 5

Sunday, Oct. 5, First Christian Church (105 North Fourth St., Guthrie Center) will hold a harvest dinner from 11 a.m. to 1 p.m. The meal includes beef and noodles or chicken and noodles, corn or green beans, salads and desserts for a freewill offering ($10 per meal is recommended). There will also be a gluten-free meal option.

Submit your upcoming event information to rich@gctimesnews.com. 

ACGC Homecoming events announced

By Rich Wicks | Times Vedette

The week of Sept. 28 through Oct. 4 will be filled with activities as ACGC Schools celebrate Homecoming week, with a theme of “Dancing through the Decades.”

Highlights and dress-up day details include:

  • Sunday, Sept. 28, hall decorating at the high school, 1-4 p.m.
  • Monday, Sept. 29 is “Pajama Day.” There will be a pep rally and announcement of the Homecoming Court at 3 p.m. and a JV home football game at 6 p.m.
  • Tuesday, Sept. 30 is “Anything but a Backpack Day.”
  • Wednesday, Oct. 1 is “Class Color Day” with Iron Man Games at 5:30 p.m.
  • Thursday, Oct. 2 is “Decades Day” with Powder Puff Games at 5:30 p.m.
  • Friday, Oct. 3 is “Charger Spirit Day.” A parade will be at 2:15 p.m., followed by a pep rally and tailgate event at the stadium. At 7 p.m., the Chargers host Central Decatur in varsity football.
  • Saturday, Oct. 4, the homecoming dance will be from 8-10 p.m. Admission is $5 per person.