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Guthrie County Sheriff’s Office Weekly Report — March 30 – April 5, 2026

Apr 6, 2026 | Guthrie County Sheriff's Report

3-30-26

  • 1:55 a.m. Stuart Police checked an open door downtown
  • 7:22 a.m. Panora Ambulance transported a patient from Guthrie County Hospital to Thomas Rest Haven in Coon Rapids
  • 8:37 a.m. Stuart Police responded to a report of a theft
  • 9:05 a.m. Guthrie County Deputy followed up on a parking complaint in Guthrie Center
  • 11:50 a.m. Guthrie County Deputy took a burglary report in rural Menlo
  • 12:30 p.m. Stuart Police followed up on an investigation
  • 12:55 p.m. Guthrie County Deputy checked on a disabled motorist in rural Guthrie Center
  • 1:30 p.m. Guthrie County Reserve Deputy transported an inmate from the Polk County Jail to the Guthrie County Jail on a Guthrie County warrant
  • 1:55 p.m. Guthrie County Deputy responded to a complaint in Menlo
  • 3:50 p.m. Guthrie County Deputy responded to a complaint in Guthrie Center and issued two trespass orders
  • 5:40 p.m. Guthrie County Deputies responded to a burglary report in Guthrie Center
  • 5:45 p.m. Panora Police responded to a report of a theft
  • 5:45 p.m. Guthrie County Deputy followed up on an investigation in Casey
  • 5:50 p.m. Guthrie County Sheriff attempted to serve a civil paper in Menlo
  • 6:10 p.m. Guthrie County Sheriff served a civil paper in Casey
  • 6:50 p.m. Guthrie County Deputies attempted to locate individuals for a welfare check in rural Guthrie Center
  • 8:15 p.m. Panora Ambulance and Guthrie County Sheriff provided lift assistance for an individual in rural Guthrie Center

 

3-31-26

  • 1:15 a.m. Panora Police assisted an individual
  • 7:35 a.m. Panora Ambulance and Panora Police responded to an animal complaint with injury
  • 7:52 a.m. Panora Ambulance Unit 2 responded to a medical call in Guthrie Center
  • 9:22 a.m. Stuart Police responded to a single-vehicle property damage accident
  • 12:44 p.m. Panora Ambulance transported a patient from Guthrie County Hospital to Ames
  • 1:15 p.m. Guthrie County Deputy did a civil stand by in Guthrie Center
  • 2:10 p.m. Guthrie County Deputy followed up on an investigation in Guthrie Center
  • 3:15 p.m. Guthrie County Deputy responded to an animal complaint in Guthrie Center
  • 5:05 p.m. Panora Ambulance responded to a medical call in Panora
  • 5:55 p.m. Stuart Rescue responded to a medical call in Stuart
  • 8:17 p.m. Guthrie County Sheriff and Deputy responded to a single-vehicle accident in rural Coon Rapids 
  • 10:05 p.m. Guthrie County Deputy responded to a report of a theft in rural Stuart
  • 10:30 p.m. Stuart Fire and Rescue, Menlo Fire, and Stuart Police assisted State Patrol with a semi accident on Interstate 80

 

4-1-26

  • 6:43 a.m. Panora Ambulance responded to a medical call in Panora
  • 9:05 a.m. Guthrie County Deputy responded to a complaint in Guthrie Center
  • 11:20 a.m. Guthrie County Deputy responded to a complaint in Casey
  • 11:40 a.m. Guthrie County Deputy responded to a two-vehicle accident in Guthrie Center
  • 12:55 a.m. YJB Fire provided mutual aid to Dawson Fire for a CRP fire in rural Dawson
  • 1:15 p.m. Panora Ambulance and Panora Police responded to a medical call in Panora
  • 2:30 p.m. Stuart Rescue transported a patient from Guthrie County Hospital to Des Moines
  • 2:40 p.m. Stuart Police responded to a complaint
  • 4:05 p.m. Guthrie County Deputies responded to a report of a domestic disturbance in Bayard
  • 5:20 p.m. Stuart Police assisted State Patrol with a road rage incident on Interstate 80
  • 8 p.m. Guthrie County Deputy responded to a complaint in Casey
  • 8:25 p.m. Stuart Police assisted State Patrol with an accident on Interstate 80

 

4-2-26

  • 2:05 a.m. Guthrie County Deputy responded to a complaint in Guthrie Center
  • 8:50 a.m. Guthrie County Deputy assisted an individual in Bayard
  • 10:45 a.m. Stuart Police followed up on an investigation
  • 11:30 a.m. Stuart Police responded to a harassment complaint
  • 12:33 p.m. Guthrie County Deputy located and arrested one wanted individual in rural Stuart and transported that individual to the Guthrie County Jail
  • 12:41 p.m. Warrant check by Guthrie County Deputy
  • 3:21 p.m. Guthrie County Deputy took a report of a possible theft
  • 5:18 p.m. Guthrie County Deputy served civil papers in Guthrie Center
  • 5:32 p.m. Guthrie County Deputy served civil papers in rural Guthrie County
  • 7:33 p.m. Guthrie County Deputy responded to a complaint in Guthrie Center
  • 9:37 p.m. Stuart Police and Guthrie County Deputy responded to a domestic call in Stuart
  • 10:19 p.m. Guthrie County Deputy responded to a complaint in Bayard
  • 10:44 p.m. Guthrie County Deputy arrested a subject with a Greene County warrant

 

4-3-26

  • 1:39 a.m. Guthrie County Deputy assisted a motorist on Highway 141
  • 6:08 a.m. Panora Police responded to an alarm call 
  • 8:30 a.m. Stuart Police responded to a stray animal call 
  • 9:51 a.m. Panora Ambulance responded to a medical call in Bayard
  • 12:12 p.m. Stuart Police responded to a road rage incident 
  • 4:48 p.m. Warrant check by Guthrie County Deputy
  • 4:52 p.m. Stuart Police performed a civil standby on South Division Street
  • 5:34 p.m. Stuart Police investigated a no contact order violation
  • 6:16 p.m. Stuart Police responded to an alarm call on East Front Street
  • 7:26 p.m. Panora Ambulance transported a patient from the Guthrie County Hospital to Des Moines
  • 10 p.m. Guthrie County Deputy transported a prisoner from the Polk County Jail to the Guthrie County Jail
  • 10:12 p.m. Stuart Police investigated a report of kids ringing doorbells and running

 

4-4-26

  • 6:54 a.m. Panora Ambulance transported a patient from the Guthrie County Hospital to Des Moines
  • 10:55 a.m. Case follow-up by Stuart Police
  • 12:20 p.m. Case follow-up by Stuart Police
  • 12:36 p.m. Stuart Police responded to a suspicious activity call
  • 1:48 p.m. Guthrie County Deputy responded to an internet harassment call
  • 5:22 p.m. Guthrie County Deputy responded to a driving complaint in Guthrie Center
  • 7:09 p.m. Stuart Rescue responded to a call on Southwest Sixth Street
  • 8:13 p.m. Stuart Police responded to a stray dog call 
  • 8:13 p.m. Panora Ambulance assisted Dallas County with a medical call
  • 9:30 p.m. Panora Ambulance responded to a medical call in Bagley
  • 10:37 p.m. Stuart Police responded to kids ringing doorbells and running 

 

4-5-26

  • 10:28 a.m. Guthrie County Deputy assisted with questions on a vehicle transport
  • 1:56 p.m. Case follow-up by Guthrie County Deputy
  • 3:28 p.m. Guthrie County Deputy responded to a domestic call in Bayard
  • 3:31 p.m. Guthrie County Sheriff transported a prisoner from the Polk County Jail to the Guthrie County Jail
  • 4:31 p.m. Panora Ambulance responded to a medical call
  • 5:46 p.m. Guthrie County Deputy responded to a burglary call in Guthrie Center
  • 6:58 p.m. Guthrie County Sheriff and Deputies executed a search warrant in Guthrie Center
  • 11:25 p.m. Motorist assisted by Panora Police 

Built to last

Apr 6, 2026 | Publisher's Column

“Built to last.” That phrase used to mean something. Now it sounds like a punchline.

These days, the routine goes like this: Buy it cheap. Use it. Break it. Toss it. Replace it. Repeat until your trash can files a complaint. But, every now and then, you run into something that refuses to die.

Take cast-iron skillets. Those things don’t wear out — they get promoted to family heirlooms. I swear my mom had one that predated electricity. That skillet didn’t cook meals. It survived eras.

Same with old garden tools. Shovels, rakes and hoes that just keep going. Meanwhile, I’ve had plastic tools snap if you look at them the wrong way. My garage is basically a museum of “they don’t make them like they used to” — and a graveyard of things they do make now.

And then there was my dad’s Thermos vacuum bottle. He took it to work every day, full of coffee. It had more dents than a freshman’s first car, but it never quit. I wouldn’t be shocked if it is still out there somewhere, keeping coffee hot and judging our modern life choices.

So what happened? Why doesn’t anything last anymore? Pick your theory. Plastic. Mass production. Or the crowd favorite: planned obsolescence — designing products with an expiration date just shy of “inconvenient.”

Consider the modern coffee maker. In a just world, it lasts forever. In this one, it lasts until the warranty card expires. Try finding one from the 1980s still working. Meanwhile, I have gone through three single-serve machines in five years — and I don’t even drink that much coffee. At this point, the coffee maker is working harder than I am.

And don’t get me started on extended warranties. You can’t buy a toaster without someone asking if you would like to insure it like it is a vintage sports car. Here’s an idea: Build the toaster so I don’t need a long-term relationship with customer service.

Maybe the biggest clue we live in a throwaway world is this: Where did all the repair people go? Fixing things used to be a skill. Now it is a financial mistake. Why repair something for $75 when you can replace it for $60 — and get a free headache included?

Technology has taken this to an art form. You buy a phone, a computer or a tablet, and it is already halfway to obsolete. The moment software updates stop, your device basically clears its throat and says, “It’s been a pleasure. Please see the newer model.”

And, of course, the new model requires new chargers. New cords. New accessories. Because heaven forbid anything actually be compatible.

So, no, “built to last” doesn’t describe much these days. But a few things still qualify. If you would like to experience one, you are welcome to borrow my cast-iron skillet. Just be careful. It’ll probably outlive you.

Have a marvelous Monday, and thanks for reading.

Shane Goodman
President and Publisher
Big Green Umbrella Media
shane@gctimesnews.com
515-953-4822, ext. 305
www.gctimesnews.com

A cool, damp morning for an egg hunt

Apr 6, 2026 | News

By Rich Wicks | Times Vedette

Saturday, April 4 was the date of many Easter egg hunts in the area. The cool, damp weather forced some events indoors. The Panora egg hunt was held outside on the town square as scheduled, while Yale moved the egg hunt into the Community Building. Indoors or out, fun was had by all.

Eggs galore on the Panora square prior to the egg hunt.

Kids begin picking up eggs and treats at Yale.

Paige Anderson and her daughter, Emmie, after a successful hunt.

Everleigh Calvert filled her bucket.

Welcome Home Vietnam Veterans event held March 29

Apr 6, 2026 | News

Special to the Times Vedette

Hospice of the Midwest hosted a Welcome Home Vietnam Veteran Event on March 29 at Panorama High School. Welcome Home Vietnam Veterans Day, observed annually on March 29, is a day to honor the 9 million Americans who served during the Vietnam War and provide the proper “welcome home” many did not receive upon their return. It is a day of recognition for their courage, service and sacrifice, officially signed into law in 2017.

Nearly 90 people were in attendance to welcoming home 26 Vietnam veterans and honoring all other veterans in attendance. 

Ralph A. Swain, an associate professor of history and political science with the Iowa Community College Online Consortium (ICCOC), was the keynote speaker. He also teaches for Little Priest Tribal College in Winnebago, Nebraska. Swain enlisted in the U.S. Army in 1967 and served in Vietnam from 1969-70 with Area Command Headquarters northwest of Saigon (now Ho Chi Minh City). He received training as a combat medic and as a Headquarters Company clerk. Among his ribbons and medals is the Army Commendation Medal for his work investigating corruption at military service facilities during the war.

Swain possessed Top Secret/Crypto clearance and was honorably discharged with the rank of Specialist 4 (sergeant equivalent). He is a life member of the Vietnam Veterans of America and a member of American Legion Post 84, Gila River Indian Community based in Sacaton, Arizona. He is married with two sons, a daughter, five grandchildren and eight great grandchildren. He delivered a message of remembrance, hope and honor, followed by special Vietnam Veteran pinning and presenting challenge coins to all Vietnam Veterans, Veterans and active service men and women. 

After the event, those in attendance gathered for fellowship, refreshments, cookies and bars, which were provided by the American Legion Auxiliary Unit 124. 

Equinox collides with Traverse on State Street

Apr 6, 2026 | News

Special to the Times Vedette

Guthrie County Deputy Sheriff Blake Michelsen reported a two-vehicle accident occurring on April 1 at 9:34 p.m. on State Street in Guthrie Center. Ruth Elaine Spaulding, 79, of Jefferson, was driving a 2024 Chevrolet Equinox eastbound and was turning into the parking lot of Public Health and ran into the driver’s side of a 2017 Chevrolet Traverse driven by Melissa Elaine Johnson, 59, of Panora. Estimated damage to the Equinox is $6,000, and estimated damage to the Traverse is also $6,000. Spaulding received a citation for unsafe turning.