By Rich Wicks | Times Vedette

During the Aug. 10 meeting of the Panorama School Board, it was announced that Panorama has been recognized as a FAFSA Focused School of Excellence for meeting or exceeding a 70% FAFSA completion rate. The Iowa Department of Education announced 74 Iowa schools are being recognized for their outstanding commitment to student completion of the Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA) during the 2025-26 school year.

Awardees for the 2025-26 school year receive department support and resources to ensure students are prepared for success in transitioning to post-secondary education. The FAFSA helps determine students’ eligibility for scholarships, grants, work study and student loans and is also used by many post-secondary institutions to determine financial need. FAFSA completion is a core component of the program, helping students to finance post-secondary education and remove financial barriers to education and training beyond high school.

In a press release, The Iowa Department of Education shared more details.

“The FAFSA is the first step to accessing federal, state and institutional financial aid, which is vital for students who are pursuing their post-secondary educational dreams,” Christina Sibaouih, chief of the Department’s Bureau of Postsecondary Community Engagement, said. “It is wonderful to see the growing number of Iowa schools that are prioritizing FAFSA completion with their students to help open doors and postsecondary pathways to future success. Congratulations to our 74 schools that are being honored as FAFSA Focused Awardees.”

The Department awarded the FAFSA Focused School of Excellence award to 28 Iowa schools for meeting or exceeding a 70% FAFSA completion rate. Additionally, 46 Iowa schools received the Focused School of Achievement award for meeting or exceeding their FAFSA completion goal. Panorama achieved a 73% FAFSA completion rate, compared to the statewide average of 54.2%.

Upcoming dates noted included Aug. 19 (MS/HS Open House 11 a.m. to 7 p.m.), Aug. 19 (Sixth Grade Orientation at 6 p.m. in auditorium) and Aug. 24 (first day of school, 8 a.m. start time).

The board approved the Dance Team fundraiser (ISU concessions at football and volleyball, August/September/October 2026).

The board reviewed and unanimously approved the following district goals:

• District Culture — Successfully transition to and execute a four-day instructional week model by establishing transparent communication channels, optimizing instructional time, and ensuring smooth operational workflows that support staff, students and district families.
• District Operations — Optimize district facilities and physical environments by executing upgrades to support a safe, welcoming and high-functioning learning environment.
• Academic Excellence — Expand hands-on life skills development and personal growth opportunities to ensure all students are equipped with essential social, emotional, leadership and practical life skills.

The board approved replacement of a heat pump by purchasing a Daikin 3.5-ton water source heat pump. With labor and materials, the expected cost will be $11,920.

The board reviewed policies as part of the annual policy review and also held first and second readings on lists of policy updates.

The next regularly scheduled board meeting is set for Monday, Sept. 14 at 5:30 p.m. The public is welcome.

Special to the Times Vedette

On Aug. 12, a total of 14 players participated. Dave Richter got a 16; Robert Klever got a 16 and a 20; Dave Kading got a 21; Sue Mozingo got a 16 and a 20; and Lela Schwartz won with a 24.

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.

Photo by Kerry Jacobsen | Times Vedette

The welcome sign on the west side of Panora on Highway 44 received a major upgrade on Thursday with a new design. This was a long-awaited project spearheaded by the Panora Chamber of Commerce and is part of a multi-sign effort to modernize the welcome signs into the city. 

By Morgan Sheeder | Times Vedette

On Aug. 12, the Philanthropic Educational Organization (P.E.O.) held its 44th annual Style Show at The Captain’s Pick at Lake Panorama National Resort. The event was held from 11 a.m. to 2 p.m. with lunch hosted by The Captain’s Pick.

The P.E.O. Style Show is part runway, part fundraiser. Two boutiques, Pearls & Lace (407 State St., Guthrie Center) and Present Company (317 Broadway St., Audubon), provided five women with two outfits to model on the runway. Clothing from both Pearls & Lace and Present Company was available for purchase before and after the show.

Door prizes, a raffle and a silent auction were available for attendees. The P.E.O. Style Show is a fundraiser that collects donations to fund scholarships for women. Scholarships and loans, plus much more, are funds P.E.O. provides for women looking to obtain an education. Notably, the P.E.O. organization owns and supports its own college, Cottey College in Nevada, Missouri, founded in 1927.

The theme of the chapter’s 44th show was “Americana,” featuring bright red, white and blue décor. This show was not only a milestone for the P.E.O. chapter, but it was also the chapter’s 125th anniversary. Chairperson Heidi Blomquist, along with Julie Tibbles and Nancy Clawson, chose patriotic décor to celebrate the anniversary of their chapter and the 250th birthday of the nation.

More than 200 people attended the fashion show. Among them were seven P.E.O. members who have served their chapter for more than 50 years including Ruth Owen of Guthrie Center. Karen Hawley, a former president of the chapter who has served for more than 50 years, was also present.

Models selected for the style show are current members of P.E.O., showcasing new fashion trends for autumn. Members who were part of the show included Jolene Goodman, Nancy Loeck, Joann Smith, Shanell Wagler, Linda Wendl, Maggie Armstrong, Paulette Chambers, Sheila Grambart, Shelli Larsen and Pam Shelton.

Click images to enlarge.

Back row (left to right): Ruanne Brinker, Jamie Fronapfel, Nora Langgaard and Laurin Davis. Front row (left to right): Maci Bauer and Meranda Gruber. Photo by Rylee Jacobe, Guthrie County Fair Queen Coordinator

By Morgan Sheeder | Times Vedette

Candidates for the 2027 Guthrie County Fair Queen contest were announced on the Guthrie County Fair Queen Facebook page on Aug. 10.

The candidates are Maci Bauer (Panorama), Ruanne Brinker (Panorama), Laurin Davis (ACGC), Jamie Fronapfel (Panorama), Meranda Gruber (ACGC) and Nora Langgaard (ACGC). The 2026 Fair Queen, Brooklyn Haines, will crown her successor Sunday, Sept. 6 at the Little Amphitheater in the fairgrounds beginning at 6 p.m.

The Guthrie County Fair Queen contest begins accepting applications in early June. Young women ages 16 to 21 who demonstrate leadership, character and community involvement may apply. The candidates must reside in Guthrie County and are encouraged to be involved in a community organization such as Girl Scouts, FFA, 4-H and many others.

The Fair Queen contest winner serves as an ambassador for Guthrie County throughout the year, represents Guthrie County at the Iowa State Fair and receives a $600 scholarship from the Guthrie County Fair Board at the end of her reign.

Back row (left to right): Ruanne Brinker, Jamie Fronapfel, Nora Langgaard and Laurin Davis. Front row (left to right): Maci Bauer, Brooklyn Haines and Meranda Gruber. Photo by Rylee Jacobe, Guthrie County Fair Queen Coordinator