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Guthrie County Engineer tells supervisors of planned bridge replacement

Mar 31, 2026 | News

By Rich Wicks | Times Vedette

The Guthrie County Board of Supervisors heard from County Engineer Josh Sebern regarding planned replacement of the Thompson 71A bridge during their March 31 regular weekly meeting.

“This would be the bridge over the Middle River, on White Pole Road, east of Casey. The deck on the bridge is quite bad. You wouldn’t guess it to drive over it and look at it, but you get underneath and you notice the salt crystals on the bottom side of the deck, so it’s fully penetrated with salt,” Sebern said.   

“This is something we’ve been talking about for five or six years, at least,” Supervisor Mike Dickson said. Sebern agreed.

“We know it’s getting to the point that we have to do something,” Sebern said. “So we’re going to work on replacing that, using federal dollars. It’s scheduled to be replaced in 2027.”

Sebern explained that the Department of Transportation (DOT) agreement simply documents that the county agrees to abide by all DOT regulations for the project. Sebern also noted that because of traffic volume, the new bridge will be 40 feet wide.

The supervisors unanimously voted to approve the DOT funding agreement.

Sebern also mentioned his plans to attend a national conference in Dallas, Texas, in April. He said he will submit a written request for approval from the supervisors.

The supervisors meet regularly at 9 a.m. Tuesdays. The public is welcome to attend at the courthouse or via remote technology. To join remotely, call 323-792-6123 and use meeting code 547029216#.

Holy Week services 

Mar 31, 2026 | Events

By Rich Wicks | Times Vedette

Holy Week and Easter are upon us. Here is a listing of some services in the area. To add yours for the Friday edition, email rich@gctimesnews.com

Tuesday, March 31

  • First Christian Church (102 East Church St., Panora) will offer a light supper at 6:30 p.m., followed by service at 7 p.m.

Wednesday, April 1

  • Panora United Methodist Church (119 East Main St., Panora) will offer a light supper at 6:30 p.m., followed by service at 7 p.m.

Thursday, April 2

  • Panora Brethren and Hope Lutheran Churches will offer a light supper at 6:30 p.m., followed by service at 7 p.m. at Church of the Brethren (2946 200th Road, Panora).
  • Thursday, April 2, 4 p.m. at St. John Catholic Church, 804 Fifth St., Adair
  • Thursday, April 2, 6 p.m. at All Saints Catholic Church, 216 All Saints Drive, Stuart
  • Immanuel Lutheran Church (713 North 12th, Guthrie Center) will offer service at 7 p.m.
  • Catholic Mass at 7 p.m. at Saint Cecilia Church in Panora.

Good Friday, April 3

  • Catholic Mass at 3 p.m. at Saint Cecilia in Panora
  • Catholic Mass at 7 p.m. at Saint Mary in Guthrie Center
  • Faith Bible Church (2096 Highway 4, Panora) will offer a service only at 7 p.m.
  • John Catholic Church, 804 Fifth St., Adair, 4 p.m.
  • All Saints Catholic Church, 216 All Saints Drive, Stuart, 6 p.m.
  • Immanuel Lutheran Church (713 North 12th, Guthrie Center) 7 p.m.

Saturday, April 4

  • Catholic Mass at 8 p.m. at Saint Patrick in Bayard
  • All Saints Catholic Church, 216 All Saints Drive, Stuart, 8:30 p.m.

Easter Sunday, April 5

  • John Catholic Church, 804 Fifth St., Adair 8 a.m.
  • All Saints Catholic Church, 216 All Saints Drive, Stuart, 10 a.m.
  • Easter Mass at Saint Cecilia at 8 a.m. in Panora
  • Easter Mass at Saint Mary at 9:30 a.m. in Guthrie Center
  • Panora United Methodist Church (119 East Main St., Panora) service at 9:30 a.m.

Upcoming events in the area

Mar 31, 2026 | Events

By Rich Wicks | Times Vedette

Handbags and Bingo April 10

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

Legislative coffee April 11

State Sen. Jesse Green and State Rep. Carter Nordman welcome the public to their upcoming legislative coffee event to voice concerns and hear legislative updates. The event will be April 11 from 9-10 a.m. at Guthrie County Farm Bureau, 203 N. Fourth St. in Guthrie Center.

Glow Parties at Panorama April 18

Panorama PTO (Parent-Teacher Organization) will host two glow parties at the middle school gym on Saturday, April 18. The first is a mom and son party 2-3:30 p.m. The second is a dad and daughter party 4:30-6 p.m. Pre-registration through April 3 costs $15 per pair plus an additional $5 for any additional kids. Each event will include music, games and glow fun.

Bridal Show in Stuart April 19

Forever in Love Bridal Show will be 11 a.m. to 2 p.m. on Sunday, April 19 at the Saints Center, 320 North Fremont St., Stuart. General admission tickets are free. VIP tickets cost $10.70 and include a glass of champagne and front row seating. Tickets can be claimed at: https://www.eventbrite.com/e/forever-in-love-bridal-show-tickets-1979112804675?utm-campaign=social&utm-content=attendeeshare&utm-medium=discovery&utm-term=listing&utm-source=cp&aff=ebdsshcopyurl

Bagley Breakfast April 26

The pancake breakfast fundraiser for the Bagley Firefighters was rescheduled and will be held on Sunday, April 26 from 7 a.m. to 1 p.m. at the Bagley fire station. Besides pancakes, the freewill donation meal will include eggs, sausage, biscuits and grave, coffee, milk and juice. 

Lake Panorama Fin and Feather Banquet May 9

The 2026 Lake Panorama Fin and Feather fundraising banquet will be Saturday, May 9 at the Lake Panorama National clubhouse with social hour beginning at 5 p.m. A dinner plus silent and live auctions will follow at 6 p.m. All ages are welcome. Funds raised at the banquet, plus annual memberships and direct donations, are used to stock fish in Lake Panorama. The group also helps improve fish habitat and sponsors an annual fishing derby for children during Panorama Days.

Dinner tickets are $50 each, with children 12 and younger $25. Another option is to join the Big Skipper Club at a cost of $150. This covers two dinner tickets, Big Skipper raffle ticket and an annual family membership. The cost of just an annual family membership is $50. Supporters can either mail a check or register online with a credit card or PayPal account at the group’s website: http://panoramafinandfeather.com/banquet/ 

WSO Home Tour features 5 Lake Panorama locations

The Women’s Service Organization (WSO) annual fundraising home tour for 2026 is Friday, June 5. Five Lake Panorama homes will be featured, with three on the west side of the lake and two on the east side. Tickets are $30, and include both the tour and lunch at The Captain’s Pick at Lake Panorama National Resort, 5071 Clover Ridge Road. Tickets will be available beginning May 1, and can be reserved by calling or texting Toni Wright at 641-757-0886 or Sue Merryman at 641-751-5956. There will be a maximum of 260 tickets available, and organizers say they expect to sell out quickly.

Send your event information to rich@gctimesnews.com.

Keeping fun on track at GC Elementary

Mar 31, 2026 | News

The new train is popular at Guthrie Center Elemntary.

By Rich Wicks | Times Vedette

Students, staff and visitors to Guthrie Center Elementary have likely noticed the arrival of a new train. It is a wooden playground equipment creation. Principal Tandem Eischeid explained how the train came to be.

“The project originated during school board discussions focused on prioritizing playground site improvements. Newly appointed board member Adam Franzeen expressed a strong commitment to enhancing our elementary facilities, which led to a collaborative planning process involving myself and Mr. Kris Langgaard,” Eischeid said. “To bring these plans to life, Mr. Craig Franzeen generously volunteered his time and expertise. While the district funded the necessary materials, Mr. Franzeen managed the labor. During inclement weather, he graciously utilized his own shop to continue work on the project, ensuring progress stayed on track despite the winter conditions.”

Eischeid explained Franzeen’s role in both the design and construction.

“The train was constructed by Mr. Craig Franzeen. He identified the design plans and presented the concept to Mr. Rasmussen and me as a potential addition to our play area. We both agreed that the structure would provide a unique and valuable architectural element to our playground,” Eischeid said. “The school district covered the cost of raw materials as part of our ongoing commitment to facility maintenance. However, the project was made possible by Mr. Franzeen, who donated his professional labor, time and craftsmanship entirely free of charge to the district.”

According to Eischeid, the new equipment has been a hit.

“The feedback from both students and staff has been overwhelmingly positive. The train has introduced a wonderful, imaginative component to our outdoor space. It is heartening to see the students engaging with it so creatively — whether they are role-playing as conductors, using the structure for shelter on windy days, or even providing their own musical ‘soundtracks’ during recess. It has quickly become a landmark on our playground,” Eischeid said.

Eischeid voiced appreciation for Franzeen’s volunteerism and skill.

“His willingness to volunteer his skills is a testament to the strong partnership between our school and the community. We are incredibly grateful for his dedication to enhancing the daily experience of our students,” Eischeid said.

Panorama boys and girls track to travel for Earlham Early Bird today

Mar 31, 2026 | Sports

By Cyote Williams | Times Vedette

The Panorama boys and girls track and field teams compete at the Earlham Early Bird today, Tuesday, March 31. The boys hit the blocks against ACGC, Earlham, East Union, Greene County, Interstate 35, Madrid, Mount Ayr, St. Edmond, Treynor, Van Meter, Wayne and West Central Valley. The girls compete against ACGC, Atlantic, Earlham, Greene County, Madrid, Mount Ayr, St. Edmond, Van Meter, West Central Valley and Woodward-Granger.