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Upcoming events in the area

Aug 25, 2026 | Events

By Rich Wicks | Times Vedette

Open House at Tori’s Angels Aug. 28

On Friday, Aug. 28 from 4-6 p.m., the public is invited to the new office of Tori’s Angels. The office is at 110 East Main St. in Panora, and the location is shared with the office of BH Real Estate and Consulting. Refreshments and light hors d’oeuvres will be served. Come and learn more about how Tori’s Angels supports Iowa families who have a child facing life-threatening conditions.

Springbrook 100th Celebration Aug. 28 and 29

The public is invited to help celebrate 100 years of Springbrook State Park (2437 160th Road, Guthrie Center). Scheduled events include (at campground gazebo unless noted otherwise):

Friday, Aug. 28

  • 8:30 p.m.: Fire and marshmallow roast (meet at the CCC shelter)
  • 9 p.m.: Full moon guided hike (meet at the CCC shelter)

Saturday, Aug. 29

  • 9 a.m.: Guided exploration hike and learning the history of Springbrook State Park
  • 10 a.m.: Rose’s Krafty Korner
  • 11 a.m.: Kayaking at the beach (kayaks and life jackets provided or bring your own). No experience needed; kids younger than 12 must be accompanied by an adult.
  • 2 p.m.: Ambassador animals meet and greet
  • 2 p.m.: Slack line and crafting
  • 3 p.m.: Insect investigations
  • 4 p.m.: Atlatl (spear throwing)
  • 5 p.m.: Music jam/folk circle (bring a chair, and an instrument if you wish)
  • 6 p.m.: Free picnic (brats, hot dogs and chips provided; bring beverage and chair)

High Five Fridays at GC Elementary

Individuals and groups are welcome to sign up to provide “high fives” and similar encouragement at one of the High Five Fridays, 7:30-8:05 a.m. at Guthrie Center Elementary School. Contact gcchamberofcommerce@gmail.com to check availability of any particular Fridays.

Free grief support group in Panora this fall

Beginning Sept. 8 and running through Dec. 8, a free grief support group will meet at the Panora Public Library (102 North First St.) on Tuesdays from 11 a.m. to 12:30 p.m. To register, go to www.griefshare.org or call Carla Kem at 641-332-3006.

Blues and BBQ Aug. 29 at Boulder Beach

On Saturday, Aug. 29, from 4-7 p.m., great music and food will be on tap at Lake Panorama’s Boulder Beach. Attendees are encouraged to bring a lawn chair to listen to live music by the Brick’N Bob Duo. Tickets cost $40 each and can be purchased from any LPA or LPN member, or by emailing Shanell.wagler@gmail.com. Proceeds will support improvements at Lake Panorama National.

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.

Guthrie County Fair 5K Sept. 5

Runners and walkers are encouraged to join the Guthrie County Fair 5K on Saturday, Sept 5 at the fairgrounds. The course is flat and fun. Registration will open that day at 7:30 a.m., with the 5K to begin at 8 a.m. Participants can register online now through Sept. 2. Cost is $30 (or 15 without a T-shirt). Proceeds will support the ACGC cross country teams. To register, go to https://synergywellness5k-2026.itemorder.com/shop/home

ACGC Car and Truck Show Sept. 12

The fourth annual ACGC car and truck show will be held at Mitchell Park in Guthrie Center. There is a $20 entry fee for exhibitors, with registration beginning at 8:30 a.m. All makes and models are welcome. Spectators are admitted free. For more information, contact ffa@acgcschools.org.

BBQ Cook-off in Stuart Sept. 18-19

Fun and food will be enjoyed at the Best of the Block BBQ Cook-off in downtown Stuart on Sept. 18 and 19. The fest kicks off on Friday, Sept. 18 with a freewill donation chili feed at 6 p.m. Saturday, Sept. 19 offers a Legion breakfast, games and kids’ events, caricatures, a vendor fair, BBQ awards, pie auction and raffle, BBQ meat fest and street dance with live music. The complete schedule can be viewed on the Facebook page of Stuart Best of the Block BBQ. The event will raise funds for the Cottage Pantry and the American Legion.

Send your event information to rich@gctimesnews.com.       

Guthrie County Supervisors move ahead with plan for landfill closure

Aug 25, 2026 | News

By Rich Wicks | Times Vedette

During the Guthrie County Board of Supervisors meeting on Aug. 25, Health Services Director Jotham Arber provided a report regarding the landfill. The Guthrie County landfill, just west of the transfer station, has not been used since 1993 and will go through the process of being formally closed according to regulations. Guthrie County now sorts materials at the transfer station and sends the appropriate materials to the landfill in Carroll County.

“The DNR is in agreement that we can begin the process of going into closure with the landfill. They were thinking that 12 months would be the longest,” he said. “I think the game plan right now is to move forward with the contract with SCS (Engineering) to do the closure.”

Arber described the steps involved in formally closing the landfill. He said a covenant would need to be signed between Guthrie County and the state DNR. Arber added that after closure, the county could determine what use, if any, for the land. One option he mentioned would be to grow hay on the land.

In other news, Facilities Manager Brandon Thompson shared options for the supervisors to consider regarding enhanced security at the courthouse. He described various doors and windows that could be installed.

Thompson said each department/office within the courthouse functions differently regarding what areas the public can access and how business is conducted. Because of that, the county should carefully plan doors, windows and other security enhancements.

“This isn’t something we need to do all at once,” Supervisor Mike Dickson said. “We could space it out over a couple of years.”

The consensus was to have more discussions, and with other interested parties, to determine next steps.

The supervisors re-appointed Beth Watson to serve on the Region XII Regional Housing Authority as the county’s representative.

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# 

WCV 2nd grader selected for national youth health leadership role

Aug 25, 2026 | News

Special to the Times Vedette

As youth health challenges continue to grow nationwide, one local student is helping bring the solution closer to home. The American Heart Association (AHA) has selected Ariana, a second-grade student at West Central Valley in Stuart, as a national Youth Heart Ambassador for the 2026-27 school year. Ariana will serve alongside other youth volunteers across the country to support the AHA’s school-based programs, Kids Heart Challenge™ and American Heart Challenge™, to inspire their peers to build lifelong healthy habits and learn lifesaving skills, all while helping others by raising funds in support of the Association’s mission.

“Ariana is a great example of how young people can use their voices to help create healthier futures,” said Amy Knoll, Senior Development Director of School Engagement at the Iowa AHA. “We’re proud to have her represent our community as a Youth Heart Ambassador to help inspire students and families to prioritize their health and learn lifesaving skills.”

Ambassadors are selected based on their personal experience and passion for helping others live longer, healthier lives. Ariana was born with a ventricular septal defect, a hole in the lower part of her heart, she had open-heart surgery when she was just seven weeks old. Today she has no limitations and wants to help make a difference.

“I couldn’t be prouder of the strength and resilience she has shown through every challenge she’s faced,” said Andrea Toruno, Ariana’s mother. “Watching her use her voice to inspire and help others has been one of the greatest joys and privileges of my life.”

Schools can register now to take part in Kids Heart Challenge and American Heart Challenge for the 2026-27 school year. Applications for Youth Heart Ambassadors are accepted year-round. To learn more or apply to become a future Youth Heart Ambassador, visit heart.org/youthambassador. 

For more information about the AHA, visit  heart.org, Facebook, X or by calling 1-800-AHA-USA1.

Back to School Grill Out held Monday

Aug 25, 2026 | Sports

Becky Wahl, Kimla Buttler, Dustin Seidl and Genevieve McCreary are ready to serve.

By Rich Wicks | Times Vedette

To celebrate the final evening before the schools open in Guthrie Center, Little Charger Early Learning Center hosted a Back to School Grill Out on Monday from 4:30-6:30 p.m. with drive-thru service for the community. For a freewill donation, meals of a burger, chips and dessert were served.

The crew gets busy putting together meals as cars roll up.

ACGC students volunteered at the registration table.

Volunteers served meals of a burger, chips and dessert.

Cheeseburgers were enjoyed by many at the Little Charger Early Learning Center Back to School Grill Out on Monday.

Panther girls, boys start season at Southeast Valley Invite on Thursday

Aug 25, 2026 | Sports

By Cyote Williams | Times Vedette

The Panorama girls and boys cross country teams will run their first meets Thursday, Aug. 27, at the Southeast Valley Invite with the boys starting at 5 p.m. and the girls at 5:40 p.m. at the Gowrie Municipal Golf Course. Other schools participating are ACGC, Ar-We-Va, East Sac County, Fort Dodge, Greene County, Madrid, Manson-NW Webster, Newell-Fonda, OABCIG, Perry, South Central Calhoun, Southeast Valley, St. Edmond, West Bend-Mallard, West Central Valley and Woodward Academy.