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Upcoming events in the area

Oct 31, 2025 | Events

By Rich Wicks | Times Vedette

This time of year, fall and harvest events abound — and holiday events are approaching, too. Below are some upcoming events in or near Guthrie County.

Canceled: Haunted House in Guthrie Center Oct. 31

The haunted house, hosted by Main Street Guthrie Center, has been canceled.  

Soup Supper in Bagley Oct. 31

The Bagley Fire Association invites everyone to come enjoy a harvest meal from 4-7 p.m. on Friday, Oct. 31. The meal includes several types of soup, cornbread and desserts.

Adult costume contest in Greenfield Oct. 31

The Greenfield Lions Club will host an adult costume contest 4:30-6:30 p.m. on Oct. 31. First prize wins $50, $25 for second, and $10 for third. To enter, stop by the Lions booth during the trunk-or-treat event.

Omelet Brunch Nov. 1 in Panora

St. Thomas Lutheran Church (2106 Highway 4, Panora) will host a made-to-order omelet brunch on Saturday, Nov. 1, 8-11 a.m. The meal includes omelet, muffins, pastries, fruit and drinks. Cost is a freewill donation. Proceeds will fund church mission projects. Free breakfast is offered to all EMS, fire and law enforcements members.

Fall Supper in Stuart Nov. 1

Stuart-Mount Vernon United Methodist Church (219 N.W. Second St.) will host a meal of turkey, dressing, potatoes and gravy, green beans, salad bar, pies and desserts. The event will be Saturday, Nov. 1 from 5:30-7 p.m. Cost is $12 for adults, and $6 for kids younger than 10.

Live music at The Captain’s Pick Nov. 1

On Saturday, Nov. 1, 8-11 p.m., Four Shades of Grey will play classic rock and blues music at The Captain’s Pick (5071 Clover Ridge Road, Panora). There will be prizes for best costumes.

Holiday Showcase Nov. 6-8

The annual Holiday Showcase will be held in Panora, Casey and Guthrie Center to encourage residents and visitors to kick off their holiday shopping. Dates and hours are Thursday, Nov. 6 from 5-8 p.m.; Friday, Nov. 7 from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m.; and Saturday, Nov. 8 from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. Participating businesses will have specials and drawings for prizes.

Holiday Raffle and Dinner in Dexter Nov. 7

The Dexter Acts of Kindness 13th annual holiday raffle (in association with Post No. 419 Dexter American Legion) will be Friday, Nov. 7 at 727 Marshall St. Doors open at 4 p.m. with dinner 5-6:30 p.m. or until gone. Meal includes pulled pork and loose meat sandwiches, along with sides and dessert for sale by the Legion and Auxiliary. Raffle drawing will be at 7 p.m.

Little Charger “Ignite the Future” Fundraiser Nov. 8

On Saturday, Nov. 8, the Little Charger ELC will hold a fundraiser event at the Guthrie Activity Events Center (209 State St., Guthrie Center). Tickets cost $50 and can be purchased at Guthrie County State Bank or from any Little Charger board member (Bethany McCool, Becky Wahl, Samantha Rosenbeck or Erica Finster) or from the Little Charger Facebook page. The event will begin with happy hour 5-6 p.m. Live music by Burnin’ Sensations will play, and Café on the Hill will serve dinner at 7 p.m. There will be live and silent auctions of various gift baskets and items.

Dinner, Dessert Auction and Raffle in Stuart Nov. 8

The Veterans Memorial Fundraiser will be 5-8 p.m. at American Legion Post 146 Hall, 323 S.W. Second St. in Stuart. The freewill donation meal includes pork loin, pasta salad, cheesy hashbrowns, baked beans, roll and drink. Veterans eat free. The auction and raffle will begin at 6:30 p.m. Proceeds will help fund a granite veterans’ memorial.

Yale Craft Sale Nov. 8

On Saturday, Nov. 8, from 9 a.m. to 2 p.m., a craft and vendor sale will be held at the Yale Community Building. Thirty local crafters and vendors are expected.

Casey Methodist Church harvest dinner Nov. 9

On Sunday, Nov. 9, the Casey United Methodist Church (100 E. Second St.) will hold a harvest dinner 11 a.m. to 1 p.m. The meal will include a Windsor chop (thick-cut, bone-in pork chop), mashed potatoes, vegetables, salad, roll and pie. Cost is $12 for adults, $6 for kids 10 and younger, and free for preschoolers. Take-out orders will be from 9-10:30 a.m. For local deliveries, call 641-746-2210.

Panora Christmas Lighting Set-up Nov. 13

At 4 p.m. on Thursday, Nov. 13, helpers are needed to hang lights at the Panora town square.

Reshape Turkey Trot Nov. 27 in Panora

Reshape Fitness Studio’s sixth annual Turkey Trot 3-mile walk/run will be held on Thanksgiving morning at 7:30 a.m. The event will be held at Twin Vines (2821 Highway 44) and the all-terrain course offers panoramic views of Guthrie County. Registration costs $35 through Oct. 31. After that, registration costs $40 through Nov. 22. After that, registration will cost $45. Pre-registered entrants will receive turkey swag. To pre-register, go to getmeregistered.com and search for “Panora.”

 

Redfield Winterfest Dec. 6

Celebrate winter in Redfield on Dec. 6 at West Central Valley Middle School. A craft fair, silent auction and cookie walk run from 9 a.m. to 2 p.m. Kids shop for free from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m., and Santa visits at 1 p.m. Then head over to Legion Hall and City Park for the lighting. The chili competition drop-off is at 3:30 p.m. with the judging beginning at 4 p.m. The tree and holiday display and lighting of the park occurs at 5 p.m. The chili feed runs from 5-7 p.m. for a free will donation. At 6:30 p.m., the silent auction ends. And, at 7 p.m., the lighted parade begins. 

Submit your event information to rich@gctimesnews.com.

Panorama voters to decide fate of $19.6 bond issue

Oct 31, 2025 | News

Special to the Times Vedette

Voters in the Panorama Community School District will cast a yes or no vote on a $19.6 million school bond to help address needs in the District. A 60% approval of the voters in November is required for the bond issue to pass.

Superintendent Kasey Huebner explained this bond issue would support major improvements to both the elementary and secondary school buildings including:

  • New, secured entryways at both school facilities, ensuring visitors must check in through the main office.
  • An accessible playground surface for all children at the elementary.
  • Repairs to roofs, HVAC systems and restrooms at both buildings.
  • An expanded shop area to support career and technical education in the secondary facility.
  • Renovations to the commons, kitchen and other student spaces at the secondary school.
  • An expansion of the middle school gymnasium at the secondary school — offering more space for classes, athletics and community use.

“These updates are essential for improving safety, accessibility and educational opportunities for all students,” Huebner said.

The total projected debt service tax rate implication for this potential project would be $1.96 per $1,000 taxable property value. Panorama’s average total property tax rate over the last 18 years is $13.10. With an approved bond, the projected levy rate would be approximately $12.40.

A website provides information on the project: panoramabond.org. If you utilize Facebook, you can follow the Panorama YES! Page for real-time information: https://www.facebook.com/PanoramaYes.

Where to vote

Oct 31, 2025 | News

By Rich Wicks | Times Vedette

Election Day is Tuesday, Nov. 4. One of the most common questions leading up to Election Day is, “Where do I vote?” The answer is easily found by going to the website of Iowa’s Secretary of State (www.sos.iowa.gov) and then clicking on “Elections”, then on “Find my Polling Place.” Then put in your zip code and address, and the website will tell you where you should vote.

Another common question is, “How can I see election results?” That answer also is available on the same website (www.sos.iowa.gov) by clicking on “Election Results.”

The website also explains options for early voting and voting by mail. In addition, almost any other voting-related questions can be answered on the website. For example, curbside voting is an option if you are unable to enter the building where the polling place is located.

GCH promotes diabetes awareness this November

Oct 31, 2025 | News

Special to the Times Vedette

November is Diabetes Awareness Month, and Guthrie County Hospital (GCH) is joining organizations nationwide in raising awareness about the prevention, management and impact of diabetes.

Diabetes affects more than 38 million Americans, and many more are at risk of developing the disease. Early detection, lifestyle changes and proper management can make a significant difference in preventing serious complications.

“At Guthrie County Hospital, we’re committed to helping our community understand the importance of diabetes prevention and management,” Christine Drake BSN, RN, GCH Diabetes Education Coordinator, said. “With the right care and education, individuals can take control of their health and live full, active lives.”

Throughout November, Guthrie County Hospital will share helpful tips and resources on social media to increase awareness about diabetes and promote healthy living.

Patients can access telehealth endocrinology services with Dr. Huyam Awadalla, available the third Friday of every month through the GCH Specialty Clinic. These services focus on diabetes management and other hormone-related conditions.

Guthrie County Hospital also offers a Diabetes Support Group and a Diabetes Self-Management Education Program, providing ongoing education, encouragement, and tools to help individuals successfully manage their diabetes and improve their overall health.

Join the Diabetes Support Group on Thursday, Nov. 20 at 7 p.m. at Sneakers Café. This is facilitated by Christine Drake, RN, BSN, and is a great way to share experiences and expand knowledge about diabetes in a relaxed educational setting.

GCH encourages community members to talk with their primary care provider about their risk for diabetes and schedule regular screenings.

For more information about diabetes services, call 641-332-3802 or visit www.guthriecountyhospital.org.

For endocrinology, patients can be referred by their primary care provider or call GCH Specialty Clinic with any questions at 641-332-3900.