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Varley and Kearns Law Offices forms

Dec 15, 2025 | News

Special to the Times Vedette

Varley Law Office, PLC, and Kearns Law Firm, PLLC, announced their collaboration as Varley and Kearns Law Offices beginning Jan. 5.

Mitchell P. Kearns, who received his Law Degree (J.D.) from the University of Iowa College of Law in 2020, will move his law practice to Stuart, joining Warren Varley and Karen Varley at 201 N.E. Second St. This is a meaningful homecoming for Mitchell, who was raised in Dexter and graduated from West Central Valley High School in 2012.

In addition to his private practice experience in Des Moines and Perry, Mitchell has served as the technology and commercialization director at the Iowa Small Business Development Center in Ames. In that role, Mitchell advised technology-based startups and entrepreneurs, helping identify intellectual property opportunities that could turn innovative ideas into viable businesses.

Mitchell is a results-driven attorney with a strong background in business development, legal counseling, and intellectual property law. He is adept at estate planning, land transactions and litigation. Warren and Karen look forward to adding Mitchell’s skills, and commitment to the community, to the services they provide to the four-county area.

“I am honored and grateful to return and serve the West Central Valley community, the community that encouraged me to reach for the stars and gave me the confidence to do so,” Kearns said. “After meeting Karen and Warren, I knew immediately that this was the perfect fit and the right time to come back to the community that raised me. Karen and Warren are two of the kindest and most knowledgeable professionals in the legal field, and I am truly honored for the opportunity to work alongside them.”

Joseph Ray Brooks

Dec 15, 2025 | Obituaries

1973-2025

Joe was born on Nov. 30, 1973, to Danny and Debbie Brooks in Guthrie Center. He tragically passed away on Dec. 6, 2025, at his home in Guthrie Center. 

Joe spent about two years in the Army stationed in Fort Stuart, Georgia. After returning home, he worked road patch construction and worked as a welder. Most of his life was spent driving truck and doing mechanic work in his shop.

He had five children, Thomas Brooks and son Oliver Palmershiem of Sioux City, daughter Angela (Brooks) McMichael, and daughter Riley of Guthrie Center; Tyler Brooks of Council Bluffs; John Sherwood of Guthrie Center; and Danny Sherwood of Guthrie Center. He had a long-term relationship with Lisa Sherwood of Guthrie Center.

He was preceded in  death by his dad, Danny Brooks; twin sisters, Anne and Angela; and grandparents, Raymond and Nadine Mortensen and Frank and Irene Brooks. Whistler, Joe’s dog, also passed away in the fire.

Left to mourn are his mom, Debbie Brooks Wilson of Guthrie Center; lifelong companion, Lisa Sherwood of Guthrie Center; sister, Kris (Art) Hill of Carlisle; brother, Mike Brooks (and fiancé Kelly Ballantyne) of Logan; his five children; and two grandchildren

Darrell D Tallman 

Dec 15, 2025 | Obituaries

Darrell D Tallman was born in Guthrie Center to Charles Walter and Margaret (Vanderley) Tallman. He passed away peacefully Oct. 10, 2025, in Salem, Oregon, surrounded by family. 

Darrell grew up in a small farming community with his parents and nine siblings. He attended “Frog Pond,” a one-room schoolhouse, and worked on the family farm before pursuing studies at Iowa State University. He began his career in agriculture but soon discovered a natural talent for sales.

Darrell and Barbara were married in 1960 and together they raised three adopted children: Kris, Scott and Ken. The couple shared 62 years of marriage.

Darrell and Barbara lived in Denver, Colorado, where he advanced in the insurance industry. In 1974, they moved to Salem, Oregon, where he continued his successful career in insurance sales. Known for his dedication to clients, many remained with him for decades. Darrell earned numerous sales awards and built lasting relationships across generations. He retired at age 88.

Outside of work, Darrell enjoyed traveling, golfing, cribbage and spending time with friends and family. He was known for his warm smile, sense of humor and generous spirit. A trusted friend, colleague and mentor, Darrell left a lasting impression on those who knew him.

He is survived by his daughter, Kris (Mike) Powers; son, Ken Tallman; grandchildren, Samantha, Jackson and Austin; great-grandchild, Thaddeus; siblings, Jack (Jan) Tallman, Norman (Opal])Tallman, Marilyn (Roger) Hansen, Shirley Tallman and Bill (Dixie) Tallman.  

He was preceded in death by his parents; wife, Barbara; son, Scott; siblings, Henry, Jerrod, Charles, Don, Jim and Denny; and nephews, Chuck and Mark.

A celebration of life was held Dec. 6, 2025, at Westminster Presbyterian church in Salem, Oregon. 

C.W. Thomas reelected to Iowa State Fair Board

Dec 15, 2025 | News

Special to the Times Vedette

During the annual State Agricultural Convention, held Dec. 14, 2025, in conjunction with the Association of Iowa Fairs Conference, elections were held for positions on the Iowa State Fair Board of Directors.

One new board member was elected to serve a two-year term. Roger Iverson from Grinnell replaces retiring board member Randy Brown from Osceola (South Central).

Outlined in Iowa Code, county fair delegates representing six geographic districts elect two board members to serve two-year staggered terms on the Iowa State Fair Board. Directors re-elected by their districts were Alan Brown, Hampton (North Central); John Harms, Monticello (Northeast); C.W. Thomas, Guthrie Center (Southwest); Darwin Gaudian, Primghar (Northwest); and Curtis Claeys, Grand Mound (Southeast).

Board officers elected for 2026 are as follows: President Curtis Claeys, Grand Mound (Southeast); Vice President Deb Zumbach, Coggon (Northeast); and Treasurer Jo Reynolds, Indianola (South Central). Jeremy Parsons, Des Moines, was re-appointed as Board Secretary.

Other Iowa State Fair Board members include VerDon Schmidt, Everly (Northwest); Tennie Carlson, Stratford (North Central); Deb Zumbach, Coggon (Northeast); and Jo Reynolds, Indianola (South Central); Jarrod Horning, Ainsworth (Southeast); and Danny Olson, Red Oak (Southwest). Board members by office held are Iowa Governor Kim Reynolds (represented by Lieutenant Governor Chris Cournoyer); Iowa Secretary of Agriculture Mike Naig (represented by Grant Menke); and retiring Iowa State University President Wendy Wintersteen, Interim President David Spalding, and President-elect David Cook (represented by Andrea Welchans).

Cribbage results from Dec. 12 and Dec. 15

Dec 15, 2025 | News

Special to the Times Vedette

On Dec. 12, a total of eight players participated. Bill Sheeder and Lela Schwartz each got a 16; Sandy Rumelhart got a 16 and a 17; and Robert Klever won the kitty with a 20.

On Dec. 15, Roy Carl got a 16, Robert Klever got three 16s, and Dennis Betts tracked down a 20.

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.