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Panorama Board approves contracts for 2026-27 year

Jun 12, 2026 | News

By Rich Wicks | Times Vedette

The Panorama School Board met in regular session on June 8. As part of the consent agenda, the board approved several fundraisers and an overnight trip, including:

  • Boys Basketball: July 4th 3-on-3 Tournament in Yale, July 4
  • Track: Yale July 4th 5K
  • Junior Class: Concessions at California to NY 250th Anniversary Ride, Yale, September 2026
  • Junior Class: Concessions at RAGBRAI; Panora and Yale, July 21
  • Junior Class: 50/50 Drawing at football and basketball games; Panora, dates TBD
  • Junior Class: Concessions at ISU football or basketball games; Ames, date(s) TBD
  • Overnight Request: HS boys basketball; Summer Basketball Camp; William Penn University, Oskaloosa, IA; July 18-19; 16 students, 2 chaperones

The board approved contract recommendations/resignations as follows:

2025-2026 Contracts

  • Joel Cooper, MS Baseball

2026-2027 Contracts

  • Melissa Bahrenfuss, Basketball Scorer
  • Whitney Zickefooser, Elementary Paraeducator
  • David Brumley, Route Driver
  • Scott Bailey, Assistant HS Football
  • Greg Thompson, Teacher Leader
  • Steve Hameister, Teacher Leader

The board approved a Heartland AEA Library Consultant Agreement for Teacher Librarian Consultant Services, $10,000 for 10 days, as presented.

In the Good News portion of the meeting, congratulations were voiced for Kylie Rochholz on setting two school records (breaking her own records from 2025) and placing third in the 1,500-meter run and 4th in the 3,000-meter run at the 2026 State Track and Field Championships. She lowered her 1,500-meter record by 11 seconds and her 3,000-meter record by 6 seconds. Rochholz is also expected to be named All-State Track and Field by the IATC (Iowa Track Coaches Association) in both the 3,000-meter run and the 1,500-meter run.

Upcoming dates noted include:

  • July 13: 2026-2027 student registration opens
  • Aug. 17: teachers report
  • Aug. 19: open house
  • Aug. 24: first day of school

The next regularly scheduled meeting of the Panorama Schools Board is set for Monday, July 13 at 5:30 p.m. The public is welcome.

Upcoming events in the area

Jun 12, 2026 | Events

By Rich Wicks | Times Vedette

Hike, kayak and more at Springbrook June 13

As part of the yearlong 100th anniversary celebration of Springbrook State Park, everyone is invited to have fun at the park on Saturday, June 13. A guided hike, pointing out historic and unique features of the park, will be held at 9 a.m. At 11 a.m., everyone is welcome to kayak on Springbrook Lake. Kayaks, paddles and life jackets will be provided, or bring your own.

Summer Scratch and Match in Panora June 13

Participating businesses in Panora welcome everyone to come in from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. on Saturday, June 13. Shoppers can scratch a game piece and hope for a match. Prizes of $25, $50 and $100 (in Panora Chamber Bucks) will be won by some lucky shoppers.

Guthrie Center farmers market June 13

The Guthrie Center farmers market will open for the season on Saturday, June 13, 9-11 a.m. on North Fourth Street in Guthrie Center.

Thursdays at Jamaica Library

From 4-5 p.m. every Thursday in June, the Jamaica Library is hosting “library summer camp” for kids of all ages. The free events include crafts, games, an obstacle course, tie dye, smores, hot dogs, free ice cream from Tojo’s, prizes and snacks. More details can be seen on the Jamaica Library Facebook page.

Free summer reading program in Panora

The Panora Library is holding a free summer reading program with special events at 10 a.m. on each Friday in June at the Panora Community Center. There will be stories, crafts and activities. The themes for the upcoming Fridays are:

  • June 19: Chickens and eggs
  • June 26: Fun on the farm

Panora citywide garage sales

Panora citywide garage sales are set for June 12-13.

Guthrie Center citywide garage sales

Guthrie Center’s citywide garage sales will be June 19-20. To participate, sign up at City Hall by noon on June 17 and pay a $5 fee to be included in the map. Guthrie Center will hold citywide cleanup on Wednesday, June 24. To participate, prepay at City Hall by noon on June 22. The base fee is $25, with certain items requiring additional charges. Any questions can be directed to Guthrie Center City Hall, 641-332-2190.

ACGC tractor ride June 13

A tractor ride will begin at ACGC Junior High School (3384 Indigo Ave., Adair) at 9 a.m. on Saturday, June 13. The event is sponsored by the ACGC FFA chapter. Lunch will be provided during the ride.

Tori’s Angels breakfast benefit and silent auction June 14

The annual fundraiser breakfast and silent auction for Tori’s Angels will be from 8 a.m. to 1 p.m. on Sunday, June 14 at the Panora Community Center, 115 West Main St. in Panora. The meal includes bacon, eggs, pancakes, Mickey Mouse pancakes, and beverages — all for a freewill donation. The silent auction runs 8 a.m. to noon.

Good Egg Days in Stuart June 19 and 20

The annual Good Egg Days will be held June 19-20 in downtown Stuart. Events on Friday, June 19 include the Little Stinker and Little Stinkette contest for kids ages 4-8, the kiddie parade, announcement of the Grand Marshall and Citizen of the Year, kids’ water fight, food trucks and live music featuring Cody Hicks. Saturday, June 20 events include the 5K run/walk, parade, craft market, inflatables, balloon artist, face painting, trivia contest, and live music featuring Round A Bout. More details can be viewed on the Facebook page of Good Eggs Days 2026.

Panora Farmers Market June 20

The Panora farmers market will be 9 a.m. to noon on Saturday, June 20, at the Guthrie County Historical Village, 206 W. South St. in Panora. 

Adair Chuckwagon Days June 19-20

This year’s Chuckwagon Days are June 19-20 and will include many familiar happenings and a few new events. Scheduled events include kids’ games, a BBQ, baseball, a bake sale, a bags tournament, foam party, pancake breakfast, 5K run/walk, parade, tractor show, sand volleyball, pickleball tournament, bingo, carnival games, scavenger hunt, fire truck rides, and a street dance.

One new event this year is Chicken Poop Bingo, which is set to begin at 1 p.m. on June 20. The Adair city park, 406 Audubon St., is the hub for Chuckwagon Days. For details on all events, see the Facebook page of Chuckwagon Days 2026.

Bacoon Ride through Guthrie County June 20

The annual Bacoon Ride will happen on Saturday, June 20. Bicyclists will begin and end the 71-mile loop at Waukee. This year’s route will follow the Raccoon River Valley Trail (RRVT) and will come through Redfield, Linden, Panora, Yale, Herndon and Jamaica before returning to Waukee. Each stop will include bacon-themed foods and/or beverages. To register, visit www.iowabicyclecoalition.org and click on Events.

Heroes and Hot Dogs June 20 in Guthrie Center

The Guthrie Center Fire Department will host an event called “Heroes and Hot Dogs” from 3-7 p.m. on Saturday, June 20 at Mitchell Park. There will be hot dogs and refreshments, bounce houses, demonstrations by members of the fire department, and the opportunity for youngsters to meet local firefighters. To help raise funds for the fire department, sponsorships for the event are still available. If interested, contact any member of the fire crew.

Bayard Fun Day June 20

A fundraiser “Fun Day” in Bayard will be held from 9 a.m. to 1 p.m. on Saturday, June 20 to benefit the summer meal program. There will be kids’ games, a freewill donation meal, bingo and a silent auction.

Redfield Old Settlers, June 26-28

Redfield’s Old Settlers celebration this year will offer a variety of events. The Friday events include a kiddie parade at 5:30 p.m. and a concert by Cory Jackson at 7 p.m. Saturday events include the fire department’s breakfast beginning at 6 a.m., the Old Settlers parade at 11 a.m., tournaments of bags and volleyball (both starting at 1 p.m.), a car show at 4 p.m., a street dance at 9 p.m. and fireworks at 9:30 p.m. There will also be a kids water fight, horseshoes, a petting zoo, bingo, vendors, games and more. For the full schedule and any updates, see the Facebook page of Redfield Old Settlers.

Midwest Partnership golf outing June 26

The 31st annual Midwest Partnership golf outing will be Friday, June 26. The event will be held at the Lake Panorama National course. In honor of America’s 250th birthday, there will be a contest for the “best dressed team” in patriotic attire. Visit www.midwestpartnership.com for more details.

ACGC Booster golf tourney June 26

On Friday, June 26, the ACGC Booster Club golf tournament will be held at Guthrie Center Golf Course. Check-in begins at 9 a.m. with tee-off set for 10 a.m.

Golf tourney for Guthrie Center Library June 27

The fourth annual Friends of the Guthrie Center Public Library golf tournament will be held on Saturday, June 27 at the Guthrie Center Golf Course (2604 State St.). Registration will begin at 8 a.m. and a shotgun start will kick off the tourney at 9 a.m. The tourney format is a 4-person scramble. Cost is $60 per person, which include cart and lunch. To sign up, go to https://www.guthriecenter.lib.ia.us/golf-tournament-fundraiser. Anyone interested in becoming a $100 sponsor may call the library at 641-747-8110.

Send your event information to rich@gctimesnews.com.   

Sunshine Club meets June 10

Jun 12, 2026 | News

Special to the Times Vedette

On Wednesday, June 10, nine Sunshine Club members met at the Panora Public Library for a 1 p.m. meeting hosted by Gina Lloyd. The roll call was quite different, with Gina passing around a bag with different questions folded inside so members couldn’t read them until she told them to. As they got the questions, they were to answer them, fold them back up and return them to the bag.

When roll call was done, the bag was passed around again, and they were to take one out. Each person had to read the question and give the answer that was written down. Then, they had to guess which person answered the question. It was more difficult than they thought and a great way to learn about each other.

The minutes were read, and the treasurer’s report was given.

Birthdays and anniversaries were mentioned. Maribee’s birthday is June 23, and she is the one who sends cards. Each members is going to send her a birthday card.

Next month’s meeting will be at the home of Linda Godwin.

The meeting was adjourned with delicious snacks that were followed by a cute craft Gina had provided — little jelly jars that they painted on the outside with a string of lights inside with a lid that was a solar light. It was a very cute project from some really talented members.

Efforts continue to create countywide EMS framework; survey seeks input

Jun 12, 2026 | News

By Susan Thompson | Times Vedette

During the 2021 Iowa legislative session, a proposal to allow counties to declare emergency medical services (EMS) an essential service was approved, then signed into law. This law allows Iowa counties to ask citizens to vote on a new tax to support EMS, the same way police and fire protection are funded.

In 2022, the Guthrie County Board of Supervisors declared EMS an essential service. This started the process that led to a November 2024 ballot issue.

The measure would have allowed the Guthrie County Board of Supervisors to implement a new tax of 75 cents per $1,000 of taxable property value to help fund a countywide EMS program. Voters supported the measure with 53.88% saying “yes.” Because the measure required 60% approval, it did not pass.

When the ballot measure failed, it negated the board’s 2022 declaration of EMS as essential. In late 2025, the board again declared EMS as an essential service, and the planning process started again.

Iowa law requires the creation of an advisory council to research, study and make recommendations to the board of supervisors regarding a plan for Emergency Medical Services within the county.

In January 2026, the Guthrie County Board of Supervisors agreed on the basic makeup of a second EMS Advisory Council. It includes nine entities with one person appointed to represent each entity.

The Advisory Council has been formed and currently is discussing existing EMS services and researching steps needed to ensure high-quality emergency medical care is accessible to the entire county.

The council has developed a survey to gather input. This survey of Guthrie County voters will help the group gauge the current level of understanding of EMS service delivery and funding in the county, what voters deem as priorities for county EMS service, and what funding they would support to achieve those priorities.

Members of the EMS Advisory Council and the entities they represent are:

  • Gina Arnold (City of Bayard)
  • Tammy Bireline (Adair Fire and Rescue)
  • Angie Capps (City of Stuart)
  • Mary Jane Carothers (Guthrie County Hospital)
  • Sheyrl Clark (Union Township)
  • Jeremy Cooper (Guthrie County EMA & Bagley Fire)
  • Brian Dorsett (City of Panora)
  • Erica Finster (City of Guthrie Center)
  • Matt Harmann (Guthrie County Sherrif) 

Scan the QR Code or use the link: https://forms.office.com/g/psCc1pb3A1 to take the survey now through July 3, 2026. The online survey includes 21 questions and should take 10-15 minutes to complete.

Happy birthday to you!

Jun 12, 2026 | Birthdays

By Rich Wicks | Times Vedette 

Each Friday in the Times Vedette, we share birthdays and anniversaries for the following week of people with past or present ties to the area. To submit yours, or for corrections, email rich@gctimesnews.com.

Birthdays

  • June 12: Robert Robinson, Christina Wilson
  • June 13: Rod Gittins, Luke Wells, Jackson Whiton, Sarah Smith
  • June 14: Carter Christensen, Dalton Grove
  • June 15: George Molle, Stephen Kenney, Kevin Kilmer
  • June 16: Roxanne Cogil, Natasha Love
  • June 17: Theresa McNeal
  • June 18: