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Harmony Hour marks 75 years

By Rich Wicks | Times Vedette

In 1951, a group of women from rural Guthrie Center gathered to process chickens for their families’ tables. The result was meant to fill the families’ iceboxes, but there was also an unexpected outcome.

The women enjoyed the camaraderie of their gathering, so they formed a club that still exists today. Members gathered on June 9 at Cabbage Rose with a total of 28 members and guests to celebrate Harmony Hour’s 75 years of community, education and service.

When the group first formed, there were nine charter members. Over the years, the number has fluctuated but has been as high as 25. Currently, there are 15 members. Harmony Hour meets monthly, except for July, August and December.

At the June 9 event, Vicky Webb offered a presentation on the history and achievements of Harmony Hour. She shared how the group has evolved over the years and detailed some of the many causes in the area that Harmony Hour has supported.

Guests the night of the celebration included members’ spouses and former club members’ family members. Club history books, now housed at the Guthrie County Village Historical Museum, were on display for the anniversary celebration. A highlight of the evening was singing the club song, “Lock Up Your Troubles in Your Old Kitchen.” The song’s lyrics were composed by charter members of Harmony Hour, and the group continues to sing the song at meetings 75 years later.

Members of Harmony Hour include (front row): Thelma Durst, Vera Kenyon, Bev Menefee, Kim Durst, Sheri Wetzel and Lora Lee McCool. (Back row): Deb Coffman, MJ Carouthers, Vicki Webb, Kim Langgaard and Jenny Artist. Members not present: Ann Herron, Sarah Langgaard, Kristina Swensen and Peggy Dentlinger.

President Sheri Wetzel leads the meeting.

Members offer memories of Harmony Hour.

Vicki Webb shares a humorous tale.

Chargers fall to Coon Rapids-Bayard, 5-1

By Cyote Williams | Times Vedette

The ACGC baseball team (10-15) lost in the 1A Substate 8 playoffs at Coon Rapids-Bayard (25-3) on Tuesday, July 7. ACGC matched CR-B in hits with three. Where the Chargers lost the game was with walks, giving free bases to the Crusaders 11 times. 

ACGC’s three hits came from Thomas Skam and Colton Clark with one single each and an RBI double from Chase Slaybaugh. Cal Clark pitched four and one-third innings, striking out six batters. Blaize Dorsey pitched one and two-third innings, striking out one.

While the playoff loss surely stings, this season showed continuous improvement for the program, winning 10 games in back-to-back seasons after winning just two games in 2024.

ACGC loses to Riverside in quarterfinals, 9-1

By Cyote Williams | Times Vedette

The ACGC softball team (7-23) lost in the 2A Region 4 quarterfinals against Riverside (24-5) on Wednesday, July 8. ACGC took a one-run lead at the end of the first, but the top-ranked Bulldogs quick regained the lead to eventually win.

ACGC had three hits, two singles by Caydence Boals and Tessa Slaybaugh, and an RBI double by Kailee Kautzky. Megan Underwood pitched three innings, striking out one batter. Jerzee Huss pitched the remaining one and two-third innings.

ACGC ends the season with seven wins, which is five more than the previous year’s two, a big improvement from a team largely populated with underclassmen.

Panthers fall in quarterfinals to Woodward-Granger, 8-0

By Cyote Williams | Times Vedette

The Panorama softball team (9-20) fell one game shy of a double-digit-win season, losing in the Class 2A Region 1 quarterfinals at Woodward-Granger (15-14) on Wednesday, July 8. Panorama had two hits in the contest, a double by Lexi Galvan and a single by Bridgete White. Galvan and Andrea Knode split time on the mound at two innings each. Galvan had two strikeouts.

This was the fifth straight season of the Panther’s softball program either improving or matching the previous year’s win total, showing a steadily improving program. The girls won two games in 2022, seven in 2023, eight in 2024, nine in 2025, and nine again this season in 2026.

Yester Years

10 years ago

From the archives of The Guthrie County Vedette, July 7, 2016

EYES ON THE CLOCK. McKinley Wells of Panora turns to check her time after the girls 8 and under breaststroke during a recent swim meet in Guthrie Center.

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20 years ago

From the archives of The Guthrie Center Times, July 5, 2006

IN THE ZONE. After stepping on second base, Kaitlin Rosenbeck turns to throw to first to complete a double play. At left is Jami Langgaard.

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30 years ago

From the archives of The Guthrie Center Times, July 3, 1996

SPECIAL AWARD FOR COVAULT. During Saturday evening’s Homecoming ’96 program at Guthrie Center High School, Gifford Covault was surprised by the Guthrie Center Area Development Corp. for his dedicated service and promotion of economic development in Guthrie Center. Covault chaired the first all-school reunion in 1986 and was chairman again in 1989. He has been active in numerous community groups and organizations.

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40 years ago

From the archives of The Guthrie County Vedette, July 3, 1986

 

SOME HOUSEBOAT. Michelle and Chad Swanson of Panora were among the interested sightseers at Boulder Beach early Monday morning as a house belonging to Roger Anderson floated down Lake Panorama. The top of the house is visible to Michelle’s left.

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50 years ago

From the archives of The Guthrie Center Times, July 7, 1976

BICENTENNIAL BICYCLE. The young girl pictured above is covered up with flags as she rides her bike during Saturday’s parade.