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The flag returns

Jul 7, 2026 | News

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By Shane Goodman | Times Vedette

It wouldn’t be the Fourth of July at Lake Panorama without the painting of the American flag on the lawn of Lyle and Paula Hansen on the west side of the lake at 6312 Panorama Drive. This tradition is a family affair, led by Lyle and Paula’s son, Chip Hansen, who, along with his friend Graydon Schmidt, create this patriotic scenery. Chip shares the flag-waving at his home, which was built in the past year directly behind his parents across Panorama Drive.

Can you help me find Grandmother Lois’ home?

Jul 7, 2026 | Mailbag

“My great-grandfather was Albert David Lemmon, who owned a drugstore in Guthrie Center for nearly 50 years, from the 1880s until the early 1920s, I believe. The Lemmons were a prominent family who had a beautiful home built in town, apparently nice enough that a postcard was made of the residence, which I just happened to find on eBay, of all places. I’m planning to visit Guthrie Center in July on my way to RAGBRAI and, of course, during the ride itself. Is there anyone in town who might help me locate the former AD Lemmon house? I’d love to see where my grandmother Lois grew up. I’ve been able to read some details of their lives in the digitized archives of Guthrie Center newspapers from the 1920s. Fascinating, at least to me.” – Michael Harvey, mrmrharvey@yahoo.com

I appreciate you reaching out, and I am hoping one or more of our readers can help you. – Shane

Documents from the trucking business operated by Chet Emery from the 1930s and 1940s

Jul 7, 2026 | Mailbag

“I bought one of the Chaloupka properties last year during the sale of the estate. There were many items left in the attic from the owners before the Chaloupka family. I finally got through all of it, and there are MANY documents from the trucking business operated by Chet Emery from the 1930s and 1940s. There is a lot of neat documents, including DOT roadway contracts, employment labor documents, business and bank ledgers, checks, receipts, insurance documents, Guthrie County roads map, product manuals, parts ordering catalogs, chattel mortgages, Christian Herald Magazines, car sales certificate, WWII selective service arrival instructions, a war bond, oil fuel and meal ration tickets. If you would be interested in a story or some of these documents, please let me know.” – Amy Monroe, amybeth0792@gmail.com.

Thanks, Amy. I am hoping some of our readers may be able to connect with you on these. – Shane

So much more than books

Jul 7, 2026 | MJB LIBRARY NEWS

By Karen Kelly | Special to the Times Vedette

The Summer Reading Program has concluded, but the Mary J. Barnett Library still offers a variety of exciting and fun events throughout the summer. Visit our website to check the community calendar and see what’s happening.

We are thrilled to introduce Kanopy, a new streaming service available to patrons with a Guthrie Center and Guthrie County rural library card. Kanopy allows users to stream movies, documentaries, TV shows and more through the Kanopy app.

To get started, install the Kanopy app on your device or visit Kanopy.com. Follow the prompts to find the Mary J. Barnett Library, enter your library card number and create an account. You can then explore the library’s curated list of available videos and start watching.

Additionally, patrons with a Guthrie Center address can enjoy the Libby app, which provides free access to thousands of eBooks, audiobooks and magazines.

Although our summer reading program has ended, there are still numerous opportunities to keep our young readers engaged. Remember, the “Books for Bikes” initiative will continue until July 31. Check the list of summer reading opportunities available at our front desk.

Youth of all ages are encouraged to attend our programs presented by the Guthrie County Farm Bureau. “Apples and Orchards” will be on Thursday, July 9, and “Grains We Grow” will be on Thursday, July 23. Both programs begin at 1 p.m.

LEGO Mania Day is at 4 p.m. on Wednesday, July 8, with Creation Corner meeting at 4 p.m. on Wednesday, July 22. These events are open to youth of all ages.

Preschool Story Hour will be at 10 a.m. each Friday. In July, preschoolers and their caregivers can enjoy stories and crafts about the July themes, which include America, the color red, the color blue and ducks.

Regular adult programming for the summer will continue to feature cribbage classes on Monday from 9-11 a.m. Bridge classes will be held each Wednesday from 9-11 a.m. Canasta classes will be the first and third Tuesdays of each month. Players of all skill levels are encouraged to join.

Craft and Connect will be each Monday beginning at 4 p.m. From 9-11 a.m. on Thursday, July 16, a card-making class will meet to create unique greeting cards. Cookbook club will meet at 6 p.m. on Thursday, July 16, to share dishes they have made and to discuss the recipes they chose.

Just a quick reminder that the Between the Covers book club will be getting together at 3 p.m. on Tuesday, July 14, to chat about Elin Hilderbrand’s delightful novel, “The Perfect Couple.” We would love to have you join us for some fun discussion.

Don’t forget that the Reads Well with Others evening book club will be meeting at 5 p.m. on Tuesday, July 28, to dive into “My Friends” by Fredrick Backman.

The community is reminded that the MJB Library will have extended hours to accommodate our RAGBRAI guests. The hours for Monday, July 20, will be 7 a.m. to 7 p.m. Community members are invited to stop by the library to purchase a pickle or a library T-shirt, sold by the Friends of the Guthrie Center Library.

Upcoming events in the area

Jul 7, 2026 | Events

By Rich Wicks | Times Vedette

Adair County Fair, July 8-12 in Greenfield

The Adair County Fair is back with fun for everyone. Grandstand shows include a rodeo on July 8, FMX High Air Tour on July 9, demolition derby on July 10, and figure 8 races on July 11. Grandstand admission is free with gate admission. Tickets are $15 for anyone 13 or older and free for those younger. Discounted tickets ($10 each) can be purchased through July 6 at Fareway (Greenfield), FNB Bank (Greenfield and Fontanelle), Union State Bank (Greenfield) and Rolling Hills Bank (Adair). Other attractions include many contests, livestock, inflatables, a car show and a tractor show. The fairgrounds location is 900 Northeast Elm St. in Greenfield. More details can be seen on the fair’s website, www.adaircountyfair.org.

RAGBRAI Town Hall meeting, July 9 in Guthrie Center

Everyone is welcome to attend the final town hall meeting prior to RAGBRAI. The meeting will begin at 6:30 p.m. on July 9 at the Guthrie Center Activity Center, 209 State St.

Gun Show in Guthrie Center, July 10-12

The Guthrie County Fairgrounds will be the site of a gun show July 10 (4-8 p.m.), July 11 (9 a.m. to 5 p.m.) and July 12 (9 a.m. to 3 p.m.). Admission cost is $10 for one day or $14 for a weekend pass. Discounted admission will be given to veterans and active members of the military and first responders, with proper identification. Prize drawings will be held.

Masonic Breakfast July 11 in Guthrie Center

The Guthrie Center Masonic breakfast will be held 7-11 a.m. on Saturday, July 11 at 114 North Fourth St. For a freewill donation, attendees will enjoy eggs, ham, sausage, juice and coffee.

50115 Fest, July 11

On Saturday, July 11, downtown Guthrie Center is the location of the free annual 50115 Fest. This year’s theme, in a nod to RAGBRAI, is “Rollin’ into 50115.” The fest runs 9 a.m. to 1 p.m. and will include the Guthrie Center farmers market 9-11 a.m., the fire department water fights, sidewalk sales and a car show. No registration is required for the car show. The sidewalk sales will run July 10-11.

Live music in Jamaica, July 17

On Friday, July 17, Luke Farland will perform 8-11 p.m. at Just One More in Jamacia.

Casey Fun Days, July 17-18

The annual Casey Fun Days begins on Friday, July 17, 3-6 p.m., with a “rock walk” featuring the music collection of Parker King, at the Casey Library. There will be a kids parade at 6 p.m. and bags tourney at 7 p.m. Live music by Jesse Wilson will be from 8-11 p.m. at the beer tent. Two baseball movies (“The Sandlot” and “A League of Their Own”) will be shown on the Community Center lawn, beginning at 8:30 p.m. On Saturday, July 18, morning events include the fun run at 7 a.m., pancake breakfast from 7-10 a.m. and the big parade at 10:30 a.m. Other events include a car show, chicken bingo, cake walk and the Science Center of Iowa’s “Boom” activity. The fest wraps up with live music 8-11 p.m. by Ghost Riderz in the beer tent.

Panorama Booster Club golf tourney, Aug. 2

The annual Panorama Booster Club Scholarship Golf Tournament will be held on Sunday, Aug. 2. Registration will be at 12:30 p.m., and shotgun start will be at 1 p.m. The 18-hole event will take place at the Lake Panorama Par 3 Golf Course. Teams of four will compete. Registration cost is $45 per person or $180 for a team of four. The event includes games, prizes and snacks.

To register, or for information about sponsoring a hole, contact Booster Club President Chaille Crandall at crandallchaille@gmail.com.

Panorama Days returns July 31 through Aug. 2

The Panora Chamber of Commerce invites everyone to celebrate Panorama Days 2026 from Friday, July 31 through Sunday, Aug. 2. This year’s celebration features several additions, including professional chip timing for the Panorama Days 5K Run/Walk, expanded Friday family activities and live entertainment, the inaugural Pickleball Tournament, and a new Praise Band and Tori’s Angels Free-Will Donation Lunch on Sunday from 11 a.m. to 1 p.m. at Boulder Beach. Community favorites such as the parade, Family Fun Zone, bass fishing tournament, Kids Fishing Derby, classic car show, live music, food vendors, and many more activities return throughout the weekend. A complete Schedule of Events is available at www.panorachamber.org or on the Panora Chamber of Commerce Facebook page.

Guthrie County Fair Sept. 3-7

The 2026 Guthrie County Fair will be held Sept. 3-7 at the Guthrie County Fairgrounds in Guthrie Center. The Guthrie County Fair has been an established venue since 1858. Located on the west edge of Guthrie Center, the fairground is centrally located in the county. The fair is held annually over Labor Day weekend, providing a long weekend of fun and family-oriented events. See details at www.guthriecountyfair.com.

Send your event information to rich@gctimesnews.com.