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Weary Ramblers wins Duo of the Year at Josie Music Awards

Sep 22, 2026 | News

Special to the Times Vedette

Weary Ramblers took home the Duo of the Year award at the Josie Music Awards on Sunday evening in Nashville, Tennessee. The awards were hosted at the Grand Ole Opry, and Weary Ramblers members Chad Elliott and Kathryn Severing Fox were in attendance.

“It was like magic to be up there again. We know the magnitude of what it means to stand on the Opry stage and accept an award for Duo of the Year. It was indescribable,” Severing Fox said.

The Josie Music Awards is the largest independent music award organization in the world. Independent musicians, those who maintain their music careers outside of a major record label, also maintain creative freedom to express their own songwriting and recording. Josie Music Awards’ goal is to recognize excellence and outstanding talents in the industry.

“Weary Ramblers are very dedicated to writing original music, which fits no specific genre. We are unique, and being independent artists allows us to do this,” Elliott said

In addition to winning Duo of the Year, Weary Ramblers were nominated for four other Josie Music Awards in 2026. They include a nomination for Entertainer of the Year in the duo/group category, Song of the Year in the bluegrass category for “Roll on Rose,” Song of the Year in the Americana category for “Driftwood,” and Album of the Year in the folk/Americana category.

“We are excited to be putting the state of Iowa on the map, so that the richness of the music community in the Midwest can be recognized world-wide,” Severing Fox said.

This isn’t Weary Ramblers’ first time standing on the Opry stage to receive a Josie Music Award. In 2025, they were awarded “Song of the Year” in the Americana category.

“It was very affirming to have a Josie Award two years in a row. Especially this year, instead of an award in a song category, we were awarded for who we are as artists. One of our goals is to sing on the Opry stage one day, so this gets us that much closer to our goal,” Elliott said.

The duo is having a banner year for awards. They began 2026 by winning the International Blues Challenge in Memphis, Tennessee. They were also the Overall Grand Prize Winner of the International Acoustic Music Awards and the Intercontinental Music Awards winner in the Americana roots category. Plus, they were a Gold Medal Winner for Best Americana Album and Best Americana Duo of the European International Music Awards this year.

“I think each achievement allows for something different. They’ve pushed us forward in so many genres. When we submit to a festival, they can see our product is connected to success,” Severing Fox said.

Weary Ramblers is an Iowa-based duo. They began performing together in 2022 and released their first, self-titled album in 2024. In 2025 they released the “Driftwood” album. They tour nation-wide. Learn more about Weary Ramblers by visiting www.wearyramblers.com.

2026 Awards for Weary Ramblers:

  • 2026 Josie Music Awards – Winner – Duo of the Year
  • 2026 Josie Music Awards – Nomination – Entertainer of the Year – Duo/Group
  • 2026 Josie Music Awards – Nomination – Song of the Year – Bluegrass – “Roll on Rose”
  • 2026 Josie Music Awards – Nomination – Song of the Year – Americana – “Driftwood”
  • 2026 Josie Music Awards – Nomination – Album of the Year – Folk/Americana – Duo/Group
  • 2026 Unsigned Only Music Awards – Runner Up – Americana – “Memphis You & Me”
  • 2026 Unsigned Only Music Awards – Semi Finalist – Folk/Singer-Songwriter – “Driftwood”
  • 2026 European International Music Awards – Gold Medal Winner – Best Americana Album – “Driftwood”
  • 2026 European International Music Awards – Gold Medal Winner – Best Americana Duo
  • 2026 European International Music Awards – Gold Medal Winner – Best Americana Single – “Driftwood”
  • 2026 European International Music Awards – Gold Medal Winner – Best Americana Single Lyrics – “Driftwood”
  • 2026 Intercontinental Music Awards – Winner – American Roots – “Memphis You and Me”
  • 2026 Intercontinental Music Awards – Finalist – Country – “Thousand Tears”
  • 2026 Intercontinental Music Awards – Finalist – Folk – “Driftwood”
  • 2026 World Songwriting Awards – Finalist – Best Folk Song – “Hang On”
  • 2026 International Singer-Songwriter Association Awards – Nomination – Band of the Year
  • 2026 International Singer-Songwriter Association Awards – Nomination – Band Single of the Year – “Memphis You and Me”
  • 2026 International Singer-Songwriter Association Awards – Nomination – Vocal Duo of the Year
  • 2026 International Blues Challenge – Solo/Duo 1st Place Winner
  • 2026 International Blues Challenge “Best Guitarist” – Winner – Chad Elliott
  • 2026 International Acoustic Music Awards – Overall Grand Prize Winner – “Kentucky Never Seemed So Blue”
  • 2026 International Acoustic Music Awards – Best Country/Bluegrass Song – “Kentucky Never Seemed So Blue”
  • 2026 Global Music Awards – Silver Medal – Americana
  • 2026 Global Music Awards – Silver Medal – Duo

Cy-Hawk fun at The New Homestead

Sep 22, 2026 | News

Somehow, a Nebraska fan happened by. Photo courtesy of The New Homestead

Black and gold and red all over. Photo courtesy of The New Homestead

By Rich Wicks | Times Vedette

On Friday, Sept. 11, The New Homestead in Guthrie Center welcomed the public to a tailgate party. Attendees wore their preferred team colors in preparation for the annual Iowa versus Iowa State football rivalry game. Food, fun and fandom was shared by all.

A smiling Cyclone fan is ready for the game. Photo courtesy of The New Homestead

So much more than books

Sep 22, 2026 | MJB LIBRARY NEWS

By Karen Kelly | Special to the Times Vedette

Although summer is over, things are heating up at the MJB Library this fall with new programs, events and classes being added regularly.

“Iowa Scenic Views by Foot,” presented by Iowa author Tyler Sullivan, will take place Tuesday, Oct. 6 at 4 p.m. Sullivan has visited 98 of Iowa’s 99 counties and 101 courthouses. He runs at least one mile in each community and writes a poem about every county he visits. In 2024, he visited more than 150 museums and attractions across the state. In 2025, he saw an astonishing 366 attractions. So far in 2026, Sullivan has visited more than 230 museums. Join us to hear about his adventures across Iowa.

Youth of all ages are invited to Creation Corner at 2 p.m. Wednesday, Sept. 23. Preschoolers and their caregivers can also attend Story Hour each Friday at 10 a.m. for stories, crafts and optional playtime afterward.

LEGO Mania is scheduled for 2 p.m. Wednesday, Oct. 7. On Thursday, Oct. 8, at 4 p.m., ISU Extension and Outreach in Guthrie County will present “Rainbow Fish and Stained Glass.” During this engaging STEM program, youth will explore fractions while creating their own stained-glass-inspired artwork. This colorful, hands-on activity combines math and creativity.

Families, mark your calendars for Thursday, Oct. 29, from 5-6:30 p.m. for the seventh annual Li-Boo-Ary Bash. Be sure to bring the kids to the library for family-friendly “spooky” decorations and a sweet treat during beggars night.

The library has many adult events scheduled this fall. Cribbage players meet every Monday from 9-11 a.m. to challenge one another. Craft and Connect meets Mondays from 4-6 p.m.; bring your current project and socialize with other crafty adults while you work.

Canasta players meet on the first and third Tuesdays of each month from 1-3 p.m. to play and learn more about the game. Between the Covers Book Club meets on the second Tuesday of each month at 3 p.m. For October, the group will discuss “The Secret History of Audrey James” by Heather Marshall. Reads Well With Others Book Club meets on the fourth Tuesday of each month at 5 p.m.; its October selection is “Remain” by Nicholas Sparks and M. Night Shyamalan.

Bridge Class meets each Wednesday from 9-11 a.m. to play cards. As with all of our groups, everyone is welcome regardless of skill level. On the third Thursday of each month, Cardmaking Class meets from 9-11 a.m. Under the guidance of Judi Zimmerline, participants learn to make unique, handmade greeting cards. For a $5 fee, all materials are provided. Also, on every third Thursday, Cookbook Club meets at 6 p.m. This club is open to anyone who would like to choose a recipe from the month’s cookbook, prepare it and attend the monthly meeting where the group shares the food they prepared.

“Social Security 101: Everything You Need to Know” will be held Thursday, Nov. 5, from 5-6 p.m. The workshop will be led by Kirsten Goodwin, a public affairs specialist with 18 years of experience at the Social Security Administration in the Midwest-West Region. Topics will include eligibility for retirement, disability, survivor and spousal benefits; the effects of early retirement; how to maximize benefits; when to file for Medicare; and the future of Social Security.

It’s not too early to plan a tree for the MJB Library’s annual Festival of Trees. This year’s theme is “Merry Christmas America 250!” Setup begins Nov. 20. Contact the library to reserve a space for your business or organization’s tree.

Kanopy and Libby users, please note an upcoming change effective Oct. 16. OverDrive will require a PIN or password in addition to a library card when signing in to Libby and Kanopy. Your PIN or password will be the primary telephone number listed on your library account, including the area code, with no dashes or spaces.

Quilters and collectors, the library is looking for items to share with patrons. Quilts are displayed on the north wall, away from direct sunlight and collections are placed in a locked display case at the front of the library. Please contact us if you would be willing to display a quilt or collection for one month.

The Friends of the Guthrie Center Library will hold their monthly meeting at 6 p.m. on Monday, Oct. 5. Shirts are still available for $30. Contact the library to purchase yours today.

Upcoming events in the area

Sep 22, 2026 | Events

By Rich Wicks | Times Vedette

Midwest Partnership Fall Gathering Sept. 24

The public is invited to attend Thursday, Sept. 24, from 5:30-7 p.m. at the 5×80 Clubhouse at 1086 State Highway 25, Menlo. This year celebrates a special milestone as Adair and Guthrie counties commemorate their 175th anniversaries. Attendees will enjoy complimentary appetizers with beverages available for purchase. There will also be a community-themed trivia night game. For more details, go to www.midwestpartnership.com.

Author talk Sept. 25 in Panora

Panora Public Library will host author Ann Hanigan Kotz’s presentation about suffrage and World War I, 9:30-10:30 a.m. on Friday, Sept. 25. See more details on the free event and sign up at https://panora-ia.whofi.com/calendar/event/5733429?method=embed or call the library, 641-755-2529.

Volunteers needed at Springbrook Sept. 26

Saturday, Sept. 26 is Statewide Volunteer Day at many of Iowa’s state parks and forests.  Springbrook State Park (2437 160th Road, Guthrie Center) welcomes anyone to come help from 10 a.m. to noon that day. Volunteers will help remove invasive plant species from pollinator plots. Attendees are encouraged to wear boots and gloves, and to bring water, and pruners (if available).

 

Third Annual Fall Flannel Fest Sept. 26

Wear your flannel and shop Panora 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. Participating businesses offer chances to win a $125 prize package. Businesses interested in participating should contact sarah@tribeclothingboutique.com.

Yale Saddle Club Show Sept. 26

Saturday, Sept. 26 at 1 p.m., the final show of the season will be held at the Yale Saddle Club. Concessions will be available, and horse-themed quilts and horse-themed flower pots will be sold. Baked goods will be auctioned off between show classes. All proceeds from the event will help fund new horse stalls at the county fair horse barn.

Casey Steak Fry Sept. 26

The annual steak fry to benefit the Casey Fire Department will be this Saturday, Sept. 26, 5-8 p.m. at the Casey Community Building. The steak dinner costs $25, an adult hot dog dinner costs $8, and a kids’ hot dog dinner costs $3. Dinners include baked beans, potato salad, baby red potatoes, coleslaw and drink. Home-delivered meals are also available. There will also be a raffle of many prizes.

Concert on the Hill Sept. 27 at The New Homestead

Kile Jackson will play live music from 4-6 p.m. at the Independent Living campus at The New Homestead on Sunday, Sept. 27. The event is free, and the public is welcome to bring a lawn chair and a favorite beverage. Apartment tours will also be offered.

Alzheimer’s Walk Oct. 3

The Raccoon River Valley Walk to End Alzheimer’s will be Saturday, Oct. 3 in Panora. The two-mile walk begins shortly after 9:30 a.m. at Michael Mills Park. For more details or to register, go to https://act.alz.org/panorawalk.

Barrelhouse Rockets to perform at Greenfield Oct. 3

The Barrelhouse Rockets will play their rockabilly music at the Warren Cultural Center (154 Public Square, Greenfield). The show begins at 7 p.m. on Oct. 3. Tickets are $25 for adults and free for students (high school and younger). For more information or tickets, visit www.warrenculturalcenter.com.

Civil War presentation Oct. 5 in Panora

Panora Public Library will host a presentation by Barry Grove at 6:30 p.m. on Monday, Oct. 5. Grove will tell of the daily experiences of a Civil War soldier. For more details or to sign up, contact library staff or call 641-755-2529.

French toast in Stuart Oct. 10

The Stuart Fire Department Boosters will host the annual French toast supper beginning at 5:30 p.m. on Saturday, Oct. 10 at the fire station (211 Front St.). There will also be a raffle and auction items. Proceeds benefit the fire department.

Little Charger Fundraiser Nov. 7

On Saturday, Nov. 7, Little Charger Early Learning Center will hold its annual fundraiser at the Guthrie County Fairgrounds Event Center. Tickets cost $50 each and can be purchased at Guthrie County State Bank or by Venmo (@Little Charger). Happy hour will be 5-6 p.m., with dinner at   6 p.m. Live music by Burnin’ Sensations will follow, along with live and silent auction items.

Haunted Village in Panora Oct. 11

The Guthrie County Historical Village’s annual “Haunted Village” event is set for Sunday, Oct. 11, 5-7 p.m. The free event is geared toward kids in fifth grade and younger, but all are welcome. Kids must be accompanied by an adult. The event includes games, fortunes, tattoos, stickers, treats, stories, crafts, a hayride and the haunted museum. The movie “It’s the Great Pumpkin, Charlie Brown!” will be shown, with free popcorn. Everyone is encouraged to wear costumes, and kids should bring a bag to carry home treats and candy. The Historical Village is located at 206 West South St. in Panora.

Reshape’s 7th Annual Turkey Trot Nov. 26

Start Thanksgiving morning with a scenic 3-mile run/walk along the South Shore Trail at Lake Panorama beginning at 8 a.m. All ages and fitness levels are welcome. $35 Early Bird Registration is available, with price increases starting Nov. 1. Pre-registered participants receive swag. Register at https://raceroster.com/events/2026/139987/reshape-fitness-studio-turkey-trot.

Send your event information to rich@gctimesnews.com.       

Cribbage results from Sept. 18 and Sept. 21

Sep 22, 2026 | News

Special to the Times Vedette

On Sept. 18, a total of 15 players participated. Dave Coffman had a 21; Roy Carl got a 16 and a 17; Chet Vaughan got a 16 and a 17; Dan Webb got a 17; Darwin Hughes got a 16 and a 23; and Sandy Rumelhart had a 17 and a 24.

On Sept. 21, a total of 13 players participated. Roy Carl got two 16s; Kathy Feilmeier and Chet Vaughan got a 16; and Bill Sheeder had a 17.

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.