June 2026 - Page 23 of 46

So much more than books

Jun 16, 2026 | MJB LIBRARY NEWS

By Karen Kelly | Special to the Times Vedette

The Summer Reading Program (SRP), Plant a Seed, Read, is buzzing with excitement — almost as lively as a bee on a sugar rush! A total of 93 enthusiastic kids have signed up for the Summer Reading Program, which means the library is officially the coolest hangout in town.

Just a friendly reminder to our little bookworms: Keep tracking those reading minutes like a detective on the case. Fill out your bookmark tracker and turn it in for a chance to win awesome prizes on Friday, June 26. If you make it to library activities during SRP month, you will earn extra chances in the prize drawing. It is like playing the lottery but with books instead of scratch-offs.

This coming week is filled with exciting programs. First up, we have Creation Stations starting at 4 p.m. on Monday, June 15. Get ready for a variety of crafts. The library will have everything from Perler bead projects to a trail mix bar. Who wouldn’t want to create fingerprint berry bookmarks and compete in a nature memory game? Don’t forget to join us on Monday; otherwise, you might find yourself in a craft-less void.

On Wednesday, June 17, the GC ISU Extension office is presenting the “Beeman” program at 2 p.m. It is a beekeeping masterclass where attendees will learn why bees are the real MVPs of gardens — and they won’t even buzz you for admission.

On Thursday, June 18, prepare for Mesozoic Adventures with Toby Kid at 1 p.m. Imagine a time-traveling paleontologist digging up dinosaurs while cracking jokes.It’s the kind of scientific comedy that’s sure to have you rolling in the aisles. Don’t be surprised if you learn a dino-fact or two while giggling uncontrollably.

On Friday, June 19, the preschool story hour will be all about “Bicycles.” Set your tiny tots free to pedal through stories and crafts at 10 a.m.

On the adult side of things, we are keeping it artsy with a card-making class on Thursday, June 18, from 9-11 a.m. For just $5, you can make handmade greeting cards that may or may not impress your cat more than that last store-bought card you sent.

For all you foodies, the Cookbook Club meets that same day at 6 p.m. Bring your best finger food or appetizer to share.

Card players, unite! Join the morning cribbage sessions on Mondays and the bridge players on Wednesdays, where the cards are as strategic as chess, but with less pondering and more laughing. Canasta class takes the stage on the first and third Tuesdays. Just remember to keep the canasta drama to a minimum.

Crafters, Craft and Connect is happening every Monday from 4-6 p.m. Bring your unfinished projects, swap ideas and maybe end up with more glitter in your hair than anyone bargained for.

Mark your calendars for book club meetings. The evening group chats about “The View from Lake Como” on Tuesday, June 23 at 5 p.m., while the afternoon crew tackles “The Perfect Couple” on July 14 at 3 p.m. Plenty of copies are available, but be careful, as these books might just become the new best friends you never knew you needed.

Join the fun, whether you are reading, crafting, or just snacking. The library is where the magic happens — books, laughs and everything in between.

Below are some amazing photos from two of our summer reading events this week, made possible by “Funds received through Communities 4 Children and Community Partnerships for Protecting Children, neighborhood/Community Network Mini Grants.” Science Heroes program was “Digging It,” an interactive STEM program where kids explored earth sciences, geology and fossils through storytelling and hands-on experiments. Anne Riordan shared information and led activities to teach our young readers about pollinators.

The library is also hosting the Fourth Annual Friends of the Guthrie Center Public Library golf tournament. Visit https://www.guthriecenter.lib.ia.us/friends-library/golf-tournament-fundraiser to register.

Friends of the Guthrie Center Library has T-shirts for sale. Visit https://gc-friendsofthelibrary.itemorder.com/shop/category/669259/ to get yours.

Halterman updates supervisors on camping, plans for additional boat access point

Jun 16, 2026 | News

By Rich Wicks | Times Vedette

During the regular meeting of the Guthrie County Board of Supervisors on June 16, Conservation Director Brad Halterman provided a departmental update.

“Our camping numbers have been steady. We seem to be getting a lot of usage at our shelter houses, as well,” he said.

Halterman also looked ahead to what he expects to be a busy Fourth of July camping weekend. He noted that with the road project ongoing along Wagon Road (County Road P28), people interested in visiting Nations Bridge Park will be able to do so, but there may be detours, especially for those coming from Stuart around the holiday weekend.

“At the very least, Nations Bridge campground will be open from the north,” Halterman said.

Halterman talked about plans regarding the area between Lenon Mill and the Lake Panorama dam.

“At Lenon Mill, across the city street to the north, there’s an area that belongs to the state DNR. That has become an ever-increasing recreational opportunity area. There are a lot of people that fish over there. There is a makeshift area where canoes and small john boats are putting in,” he said.

“We entered into a 28E agreement with the state to manage that stretch. That means 15 minutes of mowing a week, when we’re down there mowing at Lenon Mill anyway,” Halterman said.

Halterman also noted that he eventually plans to apply for a grant to put in a boat access point in that area. He said it would allow access for emergency equipment if needed.

Supervisor Maggie Armstrong explained that the recent rains somewhat slowed progress on the Wagon Road project. She said there will be a pilot car in one section next week, and later the entire stretch between Monteith Road and Stuart will be closed to through traffic. Armstrong encouraged drivers to check the county website for latest updates on the road project.

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

Whetstone celebrates her 95th

Jun 16, 2026 | Birthdays

Special to the Times Vedette

Myrna Whetstone celebrated her 95th birthday on Saturday with friends and family at Pioneers Pub & Grub and Tin Lizzie’s in Casey.

Weekend fundraisers held for Tori’s Angels Foundation

Jun 16, 2026 | News

Special to the Times Vedette

A breakfast benefit and silent auction was held Sunday, June 14 at the Panora Community Center to raise funds for the Tori’s Angels Foundation, which has now accepted more than 200 kids in the past 15 years and is actively supporting more than 140 kids. A free-will offering was held with 100% of the donations going to the kids.

A Tori’s Angels garage sale was also held this weekend to raise funds for the organization.

Hudson finds his picture on the sidewalk while coming into Veterans Auditorium in Panora.

Tori Heckman, the namesake of the Tori’s Angels foundation, and her family were in attendance. Tori is pictured wearing a T-shirt that says: “I’m Tori. Thanks for being one of Tori’s Angels.” Several years ago, Bill and Connie Ridgely had these shirts made for Tori in sizes from a size 5 until now.

Mary Jane Carothers, JoAnn Alumbaugh and MJ Brown at the garage sale where all proceeds went to Tori’s Angels.

Ryan, Mia and Stella Albers serve food at the Tori’s Angels breakfast benefit on Sunday.

Photos of the Tori’s Angels kids lined the sidewalk leading to the breakfast at the community center in Panora.

JoAnn Alumbaugh interviews Tori’s Angels child, David, and his dad, James.

Mock shooter drill held in Guthrie Center

Jun 16, 2026 | News

By Rich Wicks | Times Vedette

On June 10, a mock active shooter exercise was held at ACGC High School in Guthrie Center as training for the professionals who would be involved if such an event were to occur in the area. Participating organizations included EMS, law enforcement, Public Health, Guthrie County Hospital, and Adair and Guthrie County Emergency Management.

During the exercise, local persons were used to portray victims while law enforcement officers first practiced how to neutralize the threat. Then, staff from other agencies joined to practice how to care for victims and get people to safety.

Following the exercise, participating agency personnel held debriefing sessions to evaluate their actions.