Catch the area Fourth of July fireworks at these locations.

By Rich Wicks | Times Vedette

For those wishing to watch a local fireworks display, here are some of the area communities that welcome everyone to come share some “oohs and aahs” to celebrate our country’s 250^th birthday.

• Yale’s annual fireworks display will begin at about 9:30 p.m. on July 4.
• The annual “Fire in the Sky” fireworks show will again be put on by the Lake Panorama Association and the Joe Schering family on Shady Beach. This marks the 30^th year of this annual favorite. The show will begin around 9:45 p.m. on July 4.
• The Shootout Saloon in Dexter will hold a fireworks display on July 3 at dusk.
• Pattee Park in Perry will hold a fireworks show at dusk on July 4.
• The Aquatic Center in Coon Rapids is the site of a fireworks show on July 4.

Special to the Times Vedette

On June 26, a total of eight players participated. Dan Webb, Roy Carl, Sandy Rumelhart and Dave Richter each got a 16; Dick Ellis got a 17; and Robert Klever got three 16s and a 17.

On June 29, a total of 10 players participated. Chet Vaughan and Robert Klever each got a 16; Kathy Feilmeyer got two 16s; and Roy Carl got a 16 and a 22.

The Guthrie Center cribbage players generally meet at Guthrie Center Library, 400 Grand St., on Mondays at 8 a.m. and at the New Homestead independent living dining hall, 2306 State St., at 8 a.m. on Wednesdays and at 1 p.m. on Fridays. Organizers say there is always room for more, and they will be glad to teach you how to play. They play for quarters on Wednesday and Friday.

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The State Library of Iowa announced that the Mary J Barnett Memorial Library has met the conditions for state accreditation as outlined in “In Service to Iowa: Public Library Standards Sixth Edition.”

Achieving accreditation requires a significant, ongoing local commitment to high-quality library services. The Mary J. Barnett Memorial Library has been recognized for its efforts in all areas of library operations, including governance and funding, staffing, library collections, services, public relations, access and facilities. The accreditation status begins July 1, 2026, and is valid through June 30, 2029.

“This achievement reflects the Mary J. Barnett Memorial Library’s dedication to providing exceptional service and resources to its community,” State Librarian Brenda Hall said. “Accreditation is a testament to the library’s commitment to meeting the highest standards in library service and continuing to grow and adapt to the needs of Iowans.” 

Of Iowa’s 543 public libraries, 416 — including the Mary J. Barnett Memorial Library — are accredited. Iowa’s accredited public libraries are recognized for being responsive to their communities and for exhibiting excellence in their provision of library services. Almost two-thirds of all Iowans have active public library cards.

Iowa libraries play key roles in workforce and economic development, lifelong learning, and e-government activities. Iowans use their libraries to find jobs, do homework, locate a good book to read, research legal information, access government information and more.

Accredited libraries receive a higher rate of compensation through the State Library’s Enrich Iowa program. They also receive a Certificate of Accreditation signed by Governor Kim Reynolds, Lieutenant Governor Chris Cournoyer, State Librarian Brenda Hall, and Director of the Iowa Department of Administrative Services Mark Campbell.

For more information on the State Library’s accreditation program, and to view the Public Library Standards, go to  Standards & Accreditation.

About the Mary J Barnett Memorial Library

The Mary J. Barnett Memorial Library’s mission is to provide all residents with impartial and inclusive access to a wide range of information resources, programs, equipment and services in order to encourage literacy and lifelong learning and to support educational, cultural and recreational activities. Mary J. Barnett Memorial Library’s vision statement is to be the welcoming heart of our community where all come to learn, discover, create and connect. By Enriching our community, Educating minds, and Energizing curiosity. 

www.guthriecenter.lib.ia.us

About the State Library of Iowa

The State Library of Iowa improves library services in Iowa and delivers specialized information services to state government and Iowans. www.StateLibraryofIowa.gov

Special to the Times Vedette

The State Library of Iowa announced that the Casey Public Library has met the conditions for state accreditation as outlined in “In Service to Iowa: Public Library Standards Sixth Edition.”

Achieving accreditation requires a significant, ongoing local commitment to high-quality library services. The Casey Public Library has been recognized for its efforts in all areas of library operations including governance and funding, staffing, library collection, services, public relations, access and facilities. The accreditation status begins July 1, 2026, and is valid through June 30, 2029.

“This achievement reflects the Casey Public Library’s dedication to providing exceptional service and resources to its community,” State Librarian Brenda Hall said. “Accreditation is a testament to the library’s commitment to meeting the highest standards in library service and continuing to grow and adapt to the needs of Iowans.”

Of Iowa’s 543 public libraries, 416 –– including the Casey Public Library –– are accredited. Iowa’s accredited public libraries are recognized for being responsive to their communities and for exhibiting excellence in their provision of library services. Almost two-thirds of all Iowans have active public library cards.

Iowa libraries play key roles in workforce and economic development, lifelong learning and e-government activities. Iowans use their libraries to find jobs, do homework, locate a good book to read, research legal information, access government information and more.

Accredited libraries receive a higher rate of compensation through the State Library’s “Enrich Iowa” program. They also receive a Certificate of Accreditation signed by Gov. Kim Reynolds, Lt. Gov. Chris Cournoyer, State Librarian Brenda Hall and Director of the Iowa Department of Administrative Services Mark Campbell.

About the Casey Public Library

Casey Public Library’s mission is to provide quality materials and services, which fulfill the educational, informational, cultural and recreational needs of the community and surrounding region in a welcoming, respectful, and businesslike atmosphere. Visit www.caseypubliclibrary.weebly.com.

About the State Library of Iowa

The State Library of Iowa improves library services in Iowa and delivers specialized information services to state government and Iowans. www.StateLibraryofIowa.gov