From the Iowa DNR | Special to the Times Vedette

Dry conditions in late May resulted in degraded conditions across much of the state, according to the latest Water Summary Update.

A drought watch remains in effect for the northwest part of the state as drought persists, while the rest of Iowa’s drought regions maintain a normal designation. Most areas of the state saw conditions worsen over the month, though recent rainfall led to the elimination of the remaining severe drought pockets in the northwest. According to the U.S. Drought Monitor, roughly three-quarters of the state is now classified as abnormally dry or worse, mainly concentrated across northern and eastern Iowa.

Iowa’s preliminary statewide precipitation totaled 2.78 inches for May, which is 2.06 inches below normal. A vast majority of national weather reporting stations noted precipitation deficits, with the driest conditions stretching across portions of eastern Iowa. The preliminary statewide average temperature was 60.9 degrees, 1.0 degrees above normal, with the warmest conditions felt across central and northern Iowa.

Streamflow levels across the state’s river systems generally reflected typical seasonal baselines for this time of year, despite some monitors reporting below normal flow. Recent soil monitoring also indicates that moisture levels within the top and lower layers of the state’s soil profile have trended downward due to the lack of recent rainfall.

According to the current U.S. Drought Monitor, roughly three-quarters of the state is experiencing abnormally dry conditions or worse, with approximately 3 percent of Iowa carrying a moderate drought designation. The National Weather Service’s Climate Prediction Center’s outlook for June predicts a warmer month with no clear signal for precipitation statewide. For the broader seasonal outlook through August, there is no clear temperature signal for Iowa, but a chance for below-normal precipitation is possible across the northwest half of the state.

“While rainfall successfully eliminated the severe drought pockets in northwest Iowa, a drought watch remains in place for the region. Meanwhile, dry conditions expanded across northern and eastern Iowa by the end of May. The seasonal outlook through August indicates that these current dry areas will likely persist, with further drought development anticipated in the northern and eastern region,” said Jessica Reese McIntyre, DNR Environmental Specialist.

For a thorough review of Iowa’s water resource trends, visit

 www.iowadnr.gov/watersummaryupdate. 

The report is prepared by technical staff from Iowa DNR, the Iowa Department of Agriculture and Land Stewardship, IIHR — Hydroscience and Engineering, and the U.S. Geological Survey, in collaboration with Iowa Homeland Security and Emergency Management Department.

Special to the Times Vedette

Members of the Panorama High School Class of 2026 were recognized during Senior Awards Night on May 13 for outstanding academic achievement, college coursework completed while still in high school, and scholarship and award recognition supporting their postsecondary plans.

The Class of 2026 continued Panorama’s strong tradition of college and career readiness. Fifty of the class’s 61 graduates (82%) completed at least one college credit before graduating from high school. Together, those students completed 320 college courses and earned 894 college credits. Participating students averaged 17.88 college credits each, providing significant tuition savings for students and families as they begin their college careers.

Two students surpassed 40 college credits while still in high school. Aden Rochholz completed 47 college credits, while Austin Wagner earned 45 college credits. Nine students completed between 30 and 39 college credits, and eleven students completed between 20 and 29 college credits prior to graduation.

Members of the Panorama Class of 2026 reported a combined $332,286 in scholarships and awards for the 2026-27 academic year. These awards were made possible through the support of colleges, universities, local businesses, civic organizations, scholarship foundations, and generous community members committed to investing in the future of Panorama graduates.

Numerous students received scholarships from local trusts administered through Bump and Twillman Law, including the Bruce and Naomi Barks Scholarship, Dean R. Betts Scholarship Trust, Daisy L. Burchfield Trust, Rachel L. Hensal Scholarship Trust, Bessie F. Isenhart Scholarship Trust, Paul and Eleanor Little Scholarship Foundation, and the Wirt-Mispel Scholarship. Collectively, these local scholarship programs awarded $143,000 to Panorama graduates and alumni this year.

Several graduates also earned significant institutional scholarships and grants from colleges and universities across the Midwest and nation, while others were recognized for excellence in academics, agriculture, fine arts, leadership, community service, career and technical education, and extracurricular involvement.

Panorama also recognized students earning the LifeServe Red Cord Award for their commitment to blood donation and community service. Recipients included Lillie Arganbright, Ashton Kunce, Miranda Laabs, Kasey Michaelson, Elah Molloy, Christian Monrroy-Nunez, Annabelle Reynolds, Ava Thompson, Austin Wagner, and Alexis Wasson.

The district extends appreciation to its college partners, including faculty and staff from Des Moines Area Community College, Iowa Central Community College, and Panorama High School instructors who make college-credit opportunities available to students while they are still in high school.

The accomplishments of the Class of 2026 reflect the dedication of students, families, educators, and community supporters who continue to create exceptional opportunities for Panorama graduates.

Individual listing of Panorama graduate honors and scholarships follows…

Chris Webner
School Counselor
Panorama Community School District

Individual Panorama Graduate Honors and Scholarships, and Postsecondary Awards

• Lillie Arganbright — $4,350

• Beverly Wine Arganbright Scholarship — $1,000

• Eddie McCartney Family Scholarship — $350

• Dean R. Betts Scholarship — $3,000

• LifeServe Red Cord Award

• Layton Ashworth — $42,061

• Panora Masonic Lodge Scholarship — $1,000

• Eddie McCartney Family Scholarship — $350

• Veterans Chapter 35 Award — $18,888

•  $13,000 Grand View University academic scholarship 

• $8823 GVU Track scholarship

• Lilly Bachmeyer — $2,600

• Panorama English Department Award

• Savannah Matthias Art Scholarship — $100

• Panorama Art Department Award

• Daisy L. Burchfield Scholarship — $2,500

• Easton Berhow — $100

• Panorama Drama Department Award

• Panorama Art Department Award

• Savannah Matthias Scholarship — $100

• Dylan Burchfield — $4,000

• Panorama Alumni Association Scholarship — $2,000

• Wirt-Mispel Scholarship — $2,000

• Landon Byerly — $1,000

• Dean R. Betts Scholarship — $1,000

• Ella Carico — $3,200

• Panorama Ag Department Award

• Panorama FFA Alumni Scholarship — $700

• Daisy L. Burchfield Trust Scholarship — $2,500

• Landon Clark 

• Panorama Art Department Award

• Morgan Crees — $12,250

• Kip Janvrin Award

• Daisy L. Burchfield Trust Scholarship — $2,500

• Iowa Western CC Soccer Scholarship — $9,250

• Sammons Financial Group Scholarship — $500

• Mary Fett — $2,500

• Fred Waring Director’s Award for Chorus

• Daisy L. Burchfield Trust Scholarship — $2,500

•  Brayden Galvan — $5,750

• WFPF Scholarship — $500

• Panorama Alumni Association Scholarship — $2,000

• Daisy L. Burchfield Trust Scholarship — $2,500

• American Legion Auxiliary Merit Scholarship — $750

• Emily Garcia — $2,000

• Wirt-Mispel Scholarship — $2,000

• Sara Gibson — $62,600

• Panorama Math Excellence Award

• Panorama Art Department Award

• Panora Chamber Scholarship — $500

• Panorama Alumni Association Scholarship — $2,000

• Paul and Eleanor Little Scholarship — $3,000

• Northeastern University Grant — $57,100 

• Brooklyn Haines — $2,000

• Wirt-Mispel Scholarship — $2,000

• Ainsley Halamar — $5,000

• Bruce and Naomi Barks Scholarship — $5,000

• Zachary Hayden — $3,500

• Bernie Saggau Award

• Panorama Ag Mechanics Award

• Panorama FFA Alumni Scholarship — $500

• Paul and Eleanor Little Scholarship — $3,000

• Evelyn Hummel — $2,500

• Daisy L. Burchfield Trust Scholarship — $2,500

• Evan Johnson — $4,600

• Panorama Alumni Association Scholarship — $2,000

• Panorama FFA Alumni Scholarship — $200

• GCYF Scholarship — $400

• Panorama Tire Scholarship — $500

• Kass Duis Scholarship — $500

• Dean R. Betts Scholarship — $1,000

• Nevaeh Joynes

• Panther Pride Service Group Award

• Panorama Art Department Award

• Cody Kastner — $12,000

• Audubon and Guthrie County Farm Bureau Scholarship — $10,000

• Panorama Agronomy Award

• Panorama FFA Alumni Scholarship — $500

• Dean R. Betts Scholarship — $1,000

• Barb Ann Kastner Memorial Scholarship — $500

• Joshua Kirschbaum — $2,500

• Daisy L. Burchfield Trust Scholarship — $2,500

• Ashton Kunce 

• LifeServe Red Cord Award

• Miranda Laabs — $28,000

• WFPF Scholarship — $500

• Panorama Alumni Association Scholarship — $2,000

• Lisa Brinkmeyer Award

• LifeServe Red Cord Award

• Guthrie County Hospital Auxiliary Scholarship — $500

• Grand View Dean Scholarship — $19,000

• Grand View Dean’s Competition Scholarship — $3,000

• Panora Lions Club Service Scholarship — $500

• Daisy L. Burchfield Trust Scholarship — $2,500

• Ellis Lovell — $2,500

• Panorama Art Department Award

• Panorama Social Studies Department Award

• Daisy L. Burchfield Trust Scholarship — $2,500

• Mary Lovell — $4,500

• Panorama Alumni Association Scholarship — $2,000

• Panorama Art Department Award

• Daisy L. Burchfield Trust Scholarship — $2,500

• Elaine Lund — $2,500

• LifeServe Red Cord Award

• Daisy L. Burchfield Trust Scholarship — $2,500

• Margaret McCarthy — $2,500

• Rachel L. Hensal Scholarship — $2,500

• Jemma Meacham — $2,850

• Panorama English Department Award

• Panorama Art Department Award

• Eddie McCartney Family Scholarship — $350

• Daisy L. Burchfield Trust Scholarship — $2,500

• Brayden Meinecke — $2,000

• Jamaica Lions Club Scholarship — $1,000

• Panorama Booster Club Scholarship — $1,000

• Kasey Michaelson — $1,000

• Panorama Art Department Award

• LifeServe Red Cord Award

• Dean R. Betts Scholarship — $1,000

• Elah Molloy — $2,850

• LifeServe Red Cord Award

• GC Democrats Local Hero Award — $500

• Eddie McCartney Family Scholarship — $350

• Wirt-Mispel Scholarship — $2,000

• Christian Monrroy-Nunez — $1,000

• LifeServe Red Cord Award

• Dean R. Betts Scholarship — $1,000

• Karleen Ploeger — $6,350

• Panora Chamber Scholarship — $500

• WFPF Scholarship — $500

• Panorama Alumni Association Scholarship — $2,000

• LifeServe Donor Scholarship — $500

• Jennifer Hewitt Art Scholarship — $350

• Daisy L. Burchfield Trust Scholarship — $2,500

• Panorama Art Department Award

• Annabelle Reynolds — $25,000

• Fred Waring Director’s Award for Chorus

• Panorama Art Department Award

• LifeServe Red Cord Award

• Dean R. Betts Scholarship — $1,000

• Buena Vista Gold Scholarship — $23,000

• Buena Vista Music Scholarship — $1,000

• Aden Rochholz — $3,000

• Panorama Math Excellence Award

• Paul and Eleanor Little Scholarship — $3,000

• Niahna Schnathorst — $3,000

• Panorama Alumni Association Scholarship — $2,000

• PEO Scholarship — $1,000

• Blake Schwartz — $3,500

• Kip Janvrin Award

• Panora Fiber Scholarship — $1,000

• Farmers State Bank Scholarship — $500

• Wirt-Mispel Scholarship — $2,000

• Jackson Shaffer — $1,000

• Dean R. Betts Scholarship — $1,000

• Syler Shaffer — $1,000

• Dean R. Betts Scholarship — $1,000

• Ava Thompson — $44,500

• Iowa Department of Education CTE Nominee

• Iowa Hospital and Education Research Foundation Scholarship — $2,000

• Panorama Alumni Association Scholarship — $2,000

• Jamaica Lions Club Scholarship — $1,000

• Panorama Spanish Award

• Farmers State Bank Scholarship — $500

• WSO Scholarship — $500

• LifeServe Red Cord Award

• Guthrie County Hospital Auxiliary Scholarship — $500

• Drake Presidential Scholarship — $34,000

• Paul and Eleanor Little Scholarship — $3,000

• Panorama Booster Club Scholarship — $1,000

• Austin Wagner — $1,000

• LifeServe Red Cord Award

• Dean R. Betts Scholarship — $1,000

• Peyton Walker — $1,500

• AIBW Scholarship — $500

• Dean R. Betts Scholarship — $1,000

• Alexis Wasson — $11,400

• Iowa Trust and Savings Scholarship — $500

• LifeServe Red Cord Award

• GCYF Scholarship — $400

• Hawkeye Redtail Achievement Scholarship — $3,000

• Hawkeye CC Dance Athletic Scholarship — $4,500

• Paul and Eleanor Little Scholarship — $3,000

• Taylin Woolheater — $7,750

• Iowa Trust and Savings Scholarship — $500

• Panther Pride Service Group Award

• National School Choral Award

• WFPF Scholarship — $500

• Panorama Alumni Association Scholarship — $2,000

• Iowa Bar Association Citizenship Award — $250

• Panorama Spanish Award

• GCSB Trudy Straub Scholarship — $500

• PEA Scholarship — $500

• Daisy L. Burchfield Trust Scholarship — $2,500

• American Legion Auxiliary Scholarship — $1,000

• Abigail Zaruba — $3,700

• Farmers State Bank Scholarship — $500

• Panorama FFA Alumni Scholarship — $200

• Paul and Eleanor Little Scholarship — $3,000

By Rich Wicks | Times Vedette

Below are unofficial results from Guthrie County voters in the June 2 primary election. Many of the races listed were uncontested, and write-in votes are not listed, as the number of write-in votes was not large enough in any race to alter the result. Voters were given either a Republican ballot or a Democrat ballot and could only vote on candidates in that party. More details, including the number of write-in votes, can be seen on the website page of the Guthrie County Auditor. Results are unofficial until formally canvassed by the Guthrie County Board of Supervisors.

Republicans

US Senate

• Ashley Hinson 1,128
• Jim Carlin 396

US Representative, District 3

• Zach Nunn 1,455

Governor

• Zach Lahn 682
• Randy Feenstra 479
• Adam Steen 262
• Brad Sherman 98
• Eddie Andrews 55

Iowa Secretary of State

• Paul Pate 1,406

Auditor of Iowa

• Chris Cournoyer 719
• Abigil Maas 667

Treasurer of Iowa

• Roby Smith 1,322

Ag. Secretary of Iowa

• Mike Naig 1,411

Attorney General of Iowa

• Brenna Bird 1,384

State Rep., District 47

• Carter Nordman 1,051
• Jeremy King 543

County Offices

Supervisor, District 1

• Phil Brown 142
• Nic Chance 136

Supervisor, District 3

• Maggie Armstrong 332

Supervisor, District 4

• Steve Smith 253
• Tracy Foster 107

Treasurer

• Brenda Campbell 1,425

Recorder

• Tristen Richard 1,399

Attorney

• Charles Abel 1,051
• Joel Christopher Baxter 396

Democrats

US Senate

• Josh Turek 306
• Zach Wahls 150

US Representative, District 3

• Sarah Trone Garriott 423

Governor

• Rob Sand 448

Iowa Secretary of State

• Ryan Peterman 431

Auditor of Iowa

• Taylor Wettach 430

Treasurer of Iowa

• John Norwood 432

Ag. Secretary of Iowa

• Chris Jones 426

Attorney General of Iowa

• Nate Willems 427

State Rep. Dist. 47

• Chris New 257
• Charley Newman 164

County Offices

• No Democrats registered for any county races in the Primary election.