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Sweet B’s Treats: Homemade and local

Danielle and Brooklyn enjoy baking together.

Danielle Evans’ home-based bakery in Linden is named after her daughter, Brooklynn.

By Rich Wicks | Panora Times, February 2026

A one-third-pound Smores cookie with marshmallow filling.

Danielle Evans of Linden has a side gig that she says fits her life perfectly. She operates Sweet B’s Treats and More, baking homemade bread and other goodies. The business is named after Evans’ daughter, Brooklynn, who is 10 years old.

“We opened in November of 2019. We are a home-based bakery, so I bake out of my kitchen. We started in Booneville, and then we bought our house 2½ years ago in Linden,” Evans said. “Brooklyn and I have always baked together since she was about 1½ years old. She helps me; she does a lot of packaging and things like that and gives me a lot of ideas of things to make.”

Evans recalled that when the family was looking to move to the Linden area, one of the selling points of the house they purchased was the large kitchen, which provides ample space for the cooking that Danielle and Brooklyn enjoy.

“I stay pretty busy. I also work fulltime from home. We do 30 to 35 events a year, and I take orders. Usually I’m booking one to two weeks out,” Evans said. “We do some farmers markets and bigger shows. The Covered Bridges Festival in Winterset is one of our biggest. We’ve done Guthrie and Panora farmers markets. For a lot of our events, we pair with Glitz and Dust Designs. They do wooden flag signs and tumblers.”

Cinnamon roll focaccia bread.

Evans explained that the warmer months are the busiest time for Sweet B’s because of the many local events she sets up at.

“Summer is usually the busiest. January is usually a little slower, with New Year’s resolutions, and I’m glad for the break,” Evans said. “My mom, Melody Thomas, comes and helps us when we’ve got a lot going on. She ran a bakery when I was growing up. She taught me how to bake.”

The tradition of delicious homemade baked goods has served the family well. Evans has begun adding new items occasionally, based on what sells. 

“Our best seller is probably the focaccia bread or cake cups,” Evans said. “We also have gourmet Rice Krispies treats and one-third-pound cookies. They’re huge; a lot of them are stuffed with something inside of them.”

However, the newest offering is not a product; it is home delivery.

Fresh homemade donuts ready for delivery.

“In the last few months, we’ve started doing local donut delivery,” Evans said. “They’re comparable to Casey’s but delivered to your door.”

For anyone looking to learn more about the offerings of Sweet B’s, Evans suggests Facebook as the first stop.

“Any way is fine. If they find us on Facebook, that’s the best way to get all of our contact information and see posts of what we have at the time,” she said.

When asked what makes Sweet B’s unique, Evans pointed to the care that goes into each item.

“Everything is done by hand. It’s a lot of physical labor,” Evans said. “I would say my focaccia breads are my favorite thing to make, just because they’re so versatile. You can dip it in soup or salad, you can just eat it, you can make it into grilled cheese sandwiches, you can make it into croutons. And, it’s affordable. A loaf is only $10.”

Looking ahead, Evans noted two plans in the works. 

“For Saint Patrick’s Day, I will be offering the do-it-yourself sugar cookie kits,” she said. “That’s something easy that people can do with their kids, and they get a treat after it,” she said. “And, my goal this year is to set up some type of loyalty program. So, if they buy so many focaccias, they get one free, or something like that.”

Evans appreciates feedback from customers. She recalled a special moment of enthusiastic feedback from a youngster who found something to his liking.

“One of my favorite reviews ever was a boy, probably 8 years old. We were at a small-town festival, and he wanted to buy something for breakfast. I had loaves of banana bread, but he wasn’t sure and said he’s really picky about banana bread,” Evans said. “Eventually, he decided to buy it, and he came back not 20 minutes later when it was really busy and announced to the whole place, ‘That’s the best banana bread I ever had in my whole life.’ That’s something I’ll never forget.” 

Upcoming events in the area

By Rich Wicks | Times Vedette

 

Membership drive for Friends of Guthrie Center Library

Friends of Guthrie Center Library encourages everyone to consider joining the organization to help support library programs and activities. Annual dues are $25. New and renewing members who pay dues by March 31 will be entered in a drawing for a prize bag worth $100.

Fish fry Fridays at Café on the Hill

Through Lent, Café on the Hill (2003 State St. in Guthrie Center) will have an all-you-can-eat fish fry every Friday from 5-8 p.m. Other options are available for those not interested in fish.

Pancakes and sausage in Yale March 7

Farmers State Bank is holding a pancake and sausage breakfast from 8-11 a.m. on Saturday, March 21 at the Yale Community Club.

Panora K of C Fish Dinner March 13

Saint Cecilia Catholic Church will host a Friday night fish fry on March 13, 5-7 p.m. at the church, 220 N First St. The meal includes hand-breaded fish, baked potato or tater tots, coleslaw, drink and dessert. Cost is $12 for adults, $6 for kids 8 and younger. Dine-in or carryout available.

Adair fish fry March 13

Saint John’s Catholic Church in Adair will hold a fish fry from 5-7 p.m. on Friday, Feb. 27 and Friday, March 13. Cost is $15 per person, dine-in or drive-thru. Enter the alley behind the church hall (501 Adair St.) from the west. The meal will include freshly fried breaded fish and shrimp, cole slaw, potatoes, dessert and drink.

Celebrate Guthrie Center March 13

Everyone is welcome to attend Celebrate Guthrie Center on Friday, March 13 at the Guthrie Activity Center, 209 State St. Social hour begins at 5 p.m., with dinner at 6 p.m. by Cabbage Rose. Hear updates on a variety of local organizations and events, including RAGBRAI, the hospital’s construction project, Guthrie Center Chamber of Commerce, Guthrie Center Library, ACGC Schools, and more. Reservations are required and cost $20 per person. Reservations may be made at Guthrie County State Bank, Peoples Bank, and Panora Fiber in Guthrie Center.

Panora Knights of Columbus Fish Dinner

The Panora Knights of Columbus Council No. 11242 will be having a fish dinner on Friday, March 13 from 5-7 p.m. at St. Cecilia Catholic Church, 220 N. First St. in Panora. The menu includes hand-breaded fish, baked potato or tator tots, coleslaw, lemonade, tea or water, and dessert. Cost is $12 for adults and $6 for kids 8 and younger. 

Farm Toy Show in Adair March 14

The 36th annual West Central Iowa Farm Toy Show will be held 9 a.m. to 3 p.m. at the ACGC Junior High gym, 3384 Indigo Ave., Adair. Organizers expect 70-plus tables. Admission is $3 per person. Kids younger than 12 are free with an adult. The event is sponsored by Adair Fire and Rescue. Lunch will be available from the ACGC senior class.

Cribbage in Adair March 14

The Blue Goose Tavern, 307 Audubon St. in Adair, welcomes everyone to come play cribbage on the afternoon of Saturday, March 14. Doors open for registration at 3 p.m. with the games to begin at 3:30 p.m. There is a $10 buy-in per player. Participants are encouraged to bring a snack to share.

Puzzles, Pies and Pints March 14

The Guthrie Center Chamber of Commerce is again holding the popular “Puzzles, Pies and Pints” fundraiser event at the Guthrie Activity Center (209 State St.). On Saturday, March 14, teams of four will compete to see which team can most quickly put together a 300-piece jigsaw puzzle while also finishing a large pizza and 12 beverages. Cost is $120 per team, with registration available on the Chamber’s Facebook page. Social hour begins at 5:30 p.m. and the competition begins at 6 p.m. Cash bar and side games will be available for purchase.

Spaghetti and Bingo in Casey March 14

The Casey Service Club invites everyone to its Saint Patrick’s Day event. On Saturday, March 14, a freewill spaghetti supper will begin at 5 p.m., followed by bingo at 6:30 p.m.

Boys/Girls Club of Adair annual fundraiser March 21

On Saturday, March 21, the Boys and Girls Club of Adair will host a “Lights, Camera, Auction” fundraiser event at the Adair Fire Hall (505 Fifth St.). There will be a sirloin tip dinner, live and silent auctions, we well as cash games and a cash bar. Tickets cost $50 each. Doors will open at 5 p.m. with the meal scheduled 5:30-6:30 p.m. More information is available at www.bgcadair.org

Legislative coffees March 21 and April 11

State Senator Jesse Green and State Representative Carter Nordman welcome the public to their upcoming legislative coffee events to voice concerns and hear legislative updates. The next events are Saturday, March 21, 9-10 a.m. at Guthrie County Farm Bureau (203 North Fourth St. in Guthrie Center) and Saturday, April 11, 9-10 a.m. at Guthrie County Farm Bureau (203 North Fourth St. in Guthrie Center).

Plant swap and propagation workshop March 26

Guthrie County ISU Extension and Outreach will hold a plant swap and plant propagation event. The event will be at the Panorama High School greenhouse beginning at 6 p.m. Cost is $15 per person at the time of the event. Register beforehand at the extension office, 212 State St. in Guthrie Center or by calling 641-747-2276.

Legion Bingo March 28

American Legion Auxiliary Unit No. 124 will hold Saturday bingo on March 28 at the Guthrie Center Activity Center, 209 State St. A freewill donation dinner will begin at 5:30 p.m. with bingo starting at 7 p.m.

Pheasants/Quail Banquet March 28

The Pheasants Forever/Quail Forever annual banquet will be held Saturday, March 28 at the Yale Community Building. Doors will open at 5 p.m., and dinner will be served at 6:30 p.m. For tickets, contact Cindy Kisting (515-339-5226) or Dan Brubaker (515-238-7875).

Stem Fest March 28

Guthrie County Extension and Outreach will hold Stem Fest 2026 on Saturday, March 28 from 9 a.m. to noon at Panorama Elementary School (401 Panther Drive). The event is targeted to kids in kindergarten through sixth grade.

Bagley pancake breakfast March 29

The Bagley Firefighters Association will hold a pancake breakfast from 7 a.m. to 1 p.m. on Sunday, March 29 at the fire hall. The freewill donation meal includes pancakes, eggs, sausage, biscuits and gravy, coffee, milk and juice.

Handbags and Bingo April 10

The Guthrie County Hospital Foundation’s annual “Handbags and Bingo” event will be Friday, April 10 at the Fairgrounds Event Center. Social hour will begin at 4:45 p.m., with dinner at 5:45 p.m., followed by bingo and games. Tickets can be purchased from the hospital’s website.

Chevy pickup strikes deer on Justice Road

Special to the Times Vedette

Guthrie County Deputy Sheriff Kent Gries reported a pickup vs. deer accident occurring on Feb. 25 at 7:06 p.m. on Justice Road. Jason Dale James McCorkle, 45, of Audubon, was driving a 2017 Chevrolet Silverado K1500 northbound on Justice Road north of 160th Street and struck a deer in the roadway. The driver’s side front airbag deployed from the steering wheel. No injuries occurred. Damage to the pickup is estimated at $4,000. 

Impala turns over on White Pole Road

Special to the Times Vedette

Guthrie County Deputy Sheriff Josh Armstrong reported a rollover accident occurring on Feb. 26 at 7:15 p.m. on White Pole Road. Kaya Marie Fiebelkorn, 17, of Stuart, was driving a 2009 Chevrolet Impala eastbound on White Pole Road and said a white pickup truck with a brush guard was driving westbound and coming into the eastbound lane of traffic, causing her to swerve to the right  and lose control of the vehicle, leaving the roadway and facing almost 180-degrees in the wrong direction. The vehicle slid sideways for a distance until the driver’s side wheels caught on uneven terrain, causing the vehicle to roll on to its top and come to rest on the edge of the right of way.  Damage to the Impala is estimated at $1,501.  

GCH construction updates and temporary clinic access changes

Special to the Times Vedette

Guthrie County Hospital has announced temporary access changes for patients while construction progresses on campus in order to ensure continued safe and efficient entry to clinic services throughout the construction period.

GCH Specialty Clinic – Temporary Entrances and Parking (Effective Feb. 25)

Beginning Feb. 25, all patients visiting the GCH Specialty Clinic will use the entrance located just south of the ambulance bay. Parking for GCH Specialty Clinic appointments will also be located in the lot south of the ambulance bay. Signage will be posted to help guide patients to the correct entrance and parking areas.

GCH Clinic – Guthrie Center and Pediatrics – Temporary Relocation to South Trailer (Effective March 2)

Starting March 2, the GCH Clinic – Guthrie Center will temporarily relocate to the trailer south of the hospital. Pediatrics, which is offered on Tuesdays only, will also move to this temporary location on its clinic day. A newly designated parking lot is available directly adjacent to the trailer, providing convenient access for all GCH Clinic and Pediatric appointments.

Emergency Room/Main Entrance (Effective March 3)

Beginning March 3, all patients visiting the Emergency Room/Main Entrance will use the temporary entrance located on the north side of the hospital. Parking is available on the east side of the hospital.

All dates listed above are subject to change based on construction progress and weather conditions.

Patients are encouraged to allow a few extra minutes for parking and navigation during this time. Guthrie County Hospital staff will be available to assist anyone needing direction or support.

For questions, contact the hospital’s main line at 641-332-2201 or visit www.guthriecountyhospital.org for the latest updates.