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Five soloists advance to State Solo Dance Contest

Nov 2, 2026 | News

Five members of the Panorama Dance Team qualified for the Class III State solo competition to be held Dec. 2-4 at the Casey’s Center and EMC Expo Center in Des Moines. The Panthers produced seven soloists in the competition in Pella last Friday with all seven receiving Division I ratings. Competing at the Iowa State Dance and Drill Team contest will be, from the left: Addison Wagner, sophomore; Hadley Fitch and Maci Bauer, seniors; Cali Knudsen and Nella Rivas, juniors. Knudsen and Rivas are three-time state qualifiers while Wagner, Fitch and Bauer have advanced twice. Also earning Division I rankings were Berkley Schwartz and Ava Thorn.

 

By Luann Waldo | Special to the Times Vedette

The Panorama High School Dance Team repeated school history with another successful day at the regional state solo qualifying contests held in Newton and Pella on Thursday and Friday, Oct. 22 and 23. The Panthers advance five dancers out of 10 selected in Class III for the Iowa State Dance and Drill Team competition scheduled in the Casey’s Center and EMC Expo Center in Des Moines Dec. 2-4.

Seven dancers represented PHS and all earned top division I ratings. More than 1,100 soloists were judged in the competition with 130 selected to perform across the 13 classes, ranked by student numbers, starting with the smallest schools in Class I to the largest at Class XIII.

Selected to compete at state are: Hadley Fitch and Maci Bauer, seniors; Cali Knudsen and Nella Rivas, juniors, and Addison Wagner, sophomore. Knudsen and Rivas are three-time state qualifiers while Fitch, Bauer and Wagner are two-time state contestants.

Additional solo contestants were Berkley Schwartz and Ava Thorn, juniors.

“I am incredibly proud of our Panorama soloists for earning a sweep for the second year in a row. Having all seven soloists receive Division I ratings and five solos qualify for state and claim five of the ten qualifying spots in Class III is an outstanding accomplishment,” Panorama Dance Team Coach Kristi Vance said. “It reflects their dedication, perseverance and heart. Watching them grow as dancers and represent Panorama is a joy and a privilege.”

Panorama is in elite company with five soloists selected for state. Only six other schools in the state advanced that many dancers. Neighboring West Central Valley set a school record with five soloists in Class IV. Other schools with a quintet of dancers picked are Wahlert Catholic Class II; Bondurant Farrar Class IX; Norwalk Class X and Waukee Northwest Class XII. Dowling Catholic raised the bar with an amazing six soloists picked in Class XI.

The other schools in Class III with soloists selected are Central Lyon, Underwood, Van Buren and two from Hinton. WCV’s solo competitors hail from Alburnett, Mediapolis, OABCIG (Ida Grove), Stanton and Wilton.

“My biggest goal for our team this year is to go out on the state floor, give everything we have, and walk away knowing we performed to the best of our abilities,” Bauer said. “As seniors, we want to lead by example and make this a memorable and successful season for everyone.

“For our five soloists, I have high expectations because I know how much how much hard work, dedication and passion each of us has put into our routines,” Bauer said. “Having five soloists qualify for state two years in a row is an incredible accomplishment and really shows the talent and dedication within our team. I’m so proud of how far we’ve come, and I’m excited to see all of our hard work pay off.

Bauer concluded, “No matter the results, I know we will make our school and community proud.”

“My goal for the team is that we can walk off the floor proud after our state championship performances this year. I hope that all five of us soloists feel confident in our routines and our performance on the state floor,” Fitch said. “It’s beyond impressive to me that we’ve had five soloist qualifications two years in a row, and no matter the outcome, I’m proud of us.”

Other schools from the area also sent dancers to the competition including ACGC and Glidden-Ralston. They performed well but were not selected for state.

West Central Valley featured seven dancers with five selected for state competition in Class IV. Advancing for the third consecutive year are Scarlett Putney (runner up last year) and Addison Leonard (two-time state champion). Also selected to perform their solos are Olivia Nims, Adalyn Weber and Lydia Tongo. Earning Division I ratings were Remi Miller and Dallas Morgan.

The Panther dancers are now working diligently to prepare for the State Team competition to be held in conjunction with the solo contests. Panorama will compete in jazz, lyrical and the mix.

For the first time, Panorama will compete in the small school jazz competition with a junior varsity team. The eighth-grade team members will perform at 7:01 p.m. on Dec. 2.

 

Bauer named as scholarship finalist

Maci Bauer

Maci Bauer, a senior from the Panorama Dance Team, is one of 25 finalists selected in the annual Iowa Dance and Drill Team Association scholarship competition. More than 100 dancers entered the scholarship contest.

The daughter of Kim and Jeff Bauer of Bagley, Maci has been a member of the Panorama Dance Team throughout her high school years.

The scholarship recipients will be announced during the awards ceremony at the state championship in early December.

Cribbage results from Oct. 30 and Nov. 2

Nov 2, 2026 | News

Special to the Times Vedette

On Oct. 30, a total of 15 players participated. Merlin Phippen, Dave Coffman and Sandy Rumelhart each got a 16; Bill Sheeder got two 16s; Dan Webb got a 17; Rhonda Titus got an 18 and a 20; and Allen Pierce got a 20.

On Nov. 2, a total of 12 players participated. Dennis Betts and Rhonda Titus got each had two 16s; Dave Kading and Robert Klever each got a 16; and Sandy Rumelhart got a 16, 17 and 21.

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.

Heidi Kay Kopaska 

Nov 2, 2026 | Obituaries

1988-2026

Heidi Kay Kopaska, 38, passed away on Oct. 30, 2026, at New Hope Village in Carroll, surrounded by her loving family.

Funeral services will be held at 10:30 a.m. on Wednesday, Nov. 4, 2026, at the United Methodist Church in Bayard with Pastor Carolyn Schwartz officiating. Casket bearers will be Kelly Kopaska Jr., Jacob Kopaska, Jared Kopaska, Codi Willenborg, Brody Schlepp and Peyton Clipperton. Honorary casket bearers will be Kade Schlepp and Trevor Goetzinger. Burial will be in Highland Cemetery near Bayard. 

Visitation will be held at the Dahn and Woodhouse Funeral Home in Coon Rapids from 5-7 p.m. on Tuesday. The casket will be moved to the United Methodist Church in Bayard at 9:30 a.m. where visitation will resume until 10:15 a.m. prior to the service. 

Funeral arrangements are under the direction of the Dahn and Woodhouse Funeral Home in Coon Rapids, and online condolences may be left for the family at www.dahnandwoodhouse.com

If you knew Heidi, you knew her smile. From the time she was little, she had a way of lighting up every room she walked into. The oldest of four children, Heidi grew up on a farm south of Bayard, surrounded by family. Much of her childhood was spent with the people she loved most, whether at home with her parents and brothers, at her “Mamo and Papa’s,” or making memories with her many aunts and cousins. She was always getting into mischief with her brothers, dressing them up for her “shows,” swimming in the river or pool, and spending as much time outdoors as she could. Family was always at the center of Heidi’s world, and she was fortunate to grow up with so many people who loved her.

Heidi was spunky, happy, bubbly and rarely one to go unnoticed. She loved being the center of attention and had a way of making sure she was. She was full of life, full of laughter and could be quite ornery when the mood struck her. She had a big personality and an even bigger presence. Those who knew her growing up have plenty of memories of the fun, spirited girl she was.

As Heidi got older, she continued to be the social butterfly everyone knew and loved. She enjoyed being involved in activities, making friends and being around people. She had a genuine love for life and for the people in it. During her high school years at Coon Rapids-Bayard, Heidi was involved in a car accident that resulted in a traumatic brain injury and forever changed the course of her life. Heidi fought hard for her life and survived against the odds. 

The accident took so much from Heidi. It took her voice and many of the physical capabilities she once had, but it left the radiant person she was always known to be. She went on to graduate from Carroll High School, attend prom and make many friendships and memories during those years. Though life looked very different than anyone had imagined it would, Heidi’s story was far from over.

Heidi made her home at New Hope Village in Carroll, where she built lasting relationships, found joy in everyday moments and became part of an extended family. 

It is difficult to put into words just how many lives Heidi touched during her time at New Hope. Her joy was genuine, and her smile was magnetic. She had a way of making people feel connected to her. The number of people who came to know and love Heidi is a testament to the remarkable impact one person can have without ever needing to say a word.

Heidi’s life was not measured by the abilities she lost or the challenges she faced. It was measured by the people who loved her, the friendships she made, the smiles she brought to others, and the countless lives she touched simply by being herself. She reminded those around her that connection goes far beyond words and that a person’s ability to make a difference in the lives of others has very little to do with what they can or cannot do. Heidi was loved in a way that is difficult to describe, and she leaves behind more people who will miss her than she could ever have imagined.

Heidi was preceded in death by her mother, Kris Kopaska; her grandfather, Elmer Kopaska; and her grandmother, Karen Kennedy.

Those left to cherish her memory include her father, Kelly Kopaska (Tonya); her brothers, Kelly Jr. (Kayla), Jared (Anna) and Jacob (Maria); her grandparents, Linda Kopaska and Mark Kennedy; along with her many aunts, cousins, nieces and nephews, and the countless friends, caregivers and members of her New Hope family who were fortunate enough to know and love her.

Heidi’s presence will be deeply missed, not only by the family who loved her from the very beginning, but by the many people who became part of her life along the way. She was a daughter, a sister, an aunt, a granddaughter, a friend and a light in the lives of so many. There will never be another Heidi, and the world is a little less bright without her in it.

A smile is worth more than a thousand political yard signs

Nov 2, 2026 | Publisher's Column

By the end of today, 50% of you will be quite happy, 50% will be steaming mad, and 100% will be glad this whole thing is over. Such is the wonderful process we call elections.

Don’t get me wrong. I cherish my right to vote. I appreciate the people who run for office, the volunteers who knock on doors and the neighbors who take the time to make their voices heard. I just wish we were a little better at handling the results.

So, I have a solution. Regardless of whether your candidates won or lost, smile. Yes, simply smile. It is free, requires no special equipment and doesn’t involve standing in line at the courthouse.

I’ve lost track of the number of elections in which I have voted, but I know one thing: I am terrible at predicting the winners. If past performance is any indication, I probably missed the mark again this year. That’s OK. As I recall, life was pretty good during the years when my candidates didn’t win. The sun still came up. The grocery stores remained open. The roads didn’t disappear. And somehow, we all managed to carry on.

So, I smile. And I have a few scientific reasons why you should, too.

According to the website Love That Smile, smiling can make you look younger and more attractive. Apparently, smiling works facial muscles, improves blood flow and may give your complexion a boost.

The site also says smiling can relieve pain. Smiling triggers the release of endorphins, those feel-good chemicals that help improve our moods and reduce discomfort. Harvard Health has even cited research showing that people who smiled while receiving painful electrical shocks experienced less pain than those who did not. That’s good news. Perhaps the next time someone tells me how they voted, I should smile rather than grit my teeth.

The website Utterly Positive offers another reason: Smiling is contagious. Our brains naturally mimic other people’s expressions, which means a smile can prompt someone else to smile, too. Imagine that. One simple expression could spread farther than a political yard sign.

The site even suggests that smiling can help reduce facial fullness and tone facial muscles. I cannot promise it will eliminate a double chin, but it sounds considerably more enjoyable than dieting.

And finally, I offer one more reason to smile, courtesy of a poster my sister had hanging on her bedroom wall in the 1970s: “Smile … it makes people wonder what you have been up to.”

I have always liked that one.

So, as the election results roll in, resist the urge to gloat, complain or explain to everyone on Facebook why they voted incorrectly. Take a breath. Put down the phone. Smile.

Your candidates may not have won, but you still have plenty to be happy about. And, if nothing else, you will leave the other side wondering what you know that they don’t. That’s a pretty good election-day victory for everyone.

Have a terriffic Tuesday and thanks for reading.

Shane Goodman
Editor and Publisher
Times Vedette digital newsletter
shane@gctimesnews.com
641-332-2707

Guthrie County Sheriff’s Office Weekly Report — Oct. 26 – Nov. 1, 2026

Nov 2, 2026 | Guthrie County Sheriff's Report

10-26-26

  • 3:54 a.m. Stuart Ambulance and Guthrie County Deputy responded to a medical call in Stuart 
  • 7:24 a.m. Guthrie County Deputy responded to a car vs. deer accident on Highway 141
  • 8:03 a.m. Guthrie County Deputy assisted a motorist in Guthrie Center
  • 9:54 a.m. Panora Ambulance responded to a medical call in Panora 
  • 11:13 a.m. Stuart Police assisted Iowa State Patrol on a traffic stop on I-80
  • 1:36 p.m. Panora Police responded to a driving complaint 
  • 2:03 p.m. Guthrie County Deputy took a complaint from Casey
  • 2:03 p.m. Guthrie County Deputy served civil papers in Guthrie Center
  • 2:09 p.m. Guthrie County Deputy attempted to serve civil papers in Guthrie Center
  • 2:15 p.m. Panora Police responded to a report of harassment 
  • 2:25 p.m. Guthrie County Deputy served civil papers in rural Guthrie Center 
  • 2:47 p.m. Guthrie County Deputy attempted to serve civil papers in Bayard 
  • 3:21 p.m. Stuart Ambulance responded to a medical call in Stuart 
  • 7:28 p.m. Panora Ambulance transported a patient from the Guthrie County Hospital to Mercy Main
  • 7:47 p.m. Stuart Police assisted a motorist with a vehicle unlock 
  • 7:57 p.m. Panora Ambulance and Guthrie County Deputy responded to a medical call in Guthrie Center
  • 9:02 p.m. Stuart Police responded to a stray dog call

 

10-27-26

  • 7:27 a.m. Guthrie County Deputy responded to a theft call in Guthrie Center
  • 9:24 a.m. Guthrie County Deputy investigated a complaint
  • 9:57 a.m. Stuart Police were out at the West Central Valley School giving a presentation
  • 12:58 p.m. Guthrie County Deputy attempted to serve civil papers in Guthrie Center 
  • 1:41 p.m. Guthrie County Deputy attempted to serve civil papers in rural Coon Rapids 
  • 2:48 p.m. Stuart Police responded to a suspicious person call
  • 3:40 p.m. Guthrie County Deputy performed a case follow-up in Bayard
  • 4:19 p.m. Guthrie County Deputy investigated a reported harassment
  • 6:34 p.m. Guthrie County Deputy served civil papers in Guthrie center 
  • 7 p.m. Guthrie County Deputy served civil in Stuart 
  • 7:04 p.m. Guthrie County Deputy served civil papers in Yale 
  • 7:27 p.m. Stuart Rescue and Police responded to a medical call in Stuart
  • 7:33 p.m. Guthrie County Deputy served civil papers in Bagley 
  • 8:03 p.m. Guthrie County Deputies responded to a report of suspicious vehicles in Bayard
  • 10:13 p.m. Panora Police responded to a report of suspicious activity 

 

10-28-26

  • 8:54 a.m. Stuart Police responded to a complaint 
  • 9:52 a.m. Stuart Police responded to a reported break in 
  • 10:19 a.m. Guthrie County Deputy responded to a complaint in Guthrie Center 
  • 10:24 a.m. Guthrie County Deputy assisted a motorist in Menlo 
  • 11:58 a.m. Panora Ambulance responded to a medical call at Lake Panorama 
  • 12:52 p.m. Guthrie County Deputy assisted Dallas County with a school bus violation
  • 4:15 p.m. Guthrie County Deputy responded to a complaint in Guthrie Center 
  • 4:25 p.m. Guthrie County Deputy assisted a motorist on Highway 44
  • 5:35 p.m. Guthrie County Deputy assisted a motorist on Redwood Avenue
  • 5:48 p.m. Stuart Police responded to a complaint 
  • 7:10 p.m. Panora Ambulance transport a patient from the Guthrie County Hospital back to Lakeside Village
  • 8:02 p.m. Panora Ambulance transport a patient from the Guthrie County Hospital to Mercy Main
  • 10:34 p.m. Guthrie County Deputies responded to a verbal domestic call in Bayard
  • 11:04 p.m. Stuart Police assisted Iowa State Patrol with a vehicle on I-80
  • 10:31 p.m. Guthrie County Deputy responded to a domestic situation in Bayard 
  • 10:45 p.m. Stuart Police assisted a motorist on I-80
  • 11:47 p.m. Panora Ambulance transported a patient from Guthrie County Hospital to Mercy

 

10-29-26

  • 3:48 a.m. Stuart Police assisted Adair County with an accident on I-80
  • 6:17 a.m. Stuart Police responded to a report of a hit and run 
  • 6:22 a.m. Guthrie County Deputy responded to a car vs. deer accident on Highway 44
  • 7:33 a.m. Panora Ambulance responded to a medical call in Guthrie Center 
  • 8:07 a.m. Stuart Police responded to a complaint 
  • 8:28 a.m. Stuart Police assisted Iowa State Patrol on I-80
  • 1:39 p.m. Guthrie County Deputy attempted to serve civil papers in Panora 
  • 1:59 p.m. Panora Ambulance responded to a medical call in Panora 
  • 2:25 p.m. Guthrie County Deputy served civil papers in Bayard
  • 2:27 p.m. Guthrie County Deputy attempted to serve civil papers in rural Yale 
  • 2:31 p.m. Guthrie County Deputy took a complaint from Adair 
  • 2:40 p.m. Guthrie County Deputy served civil papers in Bagley 
  • 2:48 p.m. Guthrie County Deputy attempted to serve civil papers in rural Coon Rapids 
  • 2:49 p.m. Stuart Police performed a welfare check 
  • 3:30 p.m. Stuart Ambulance responded to a medical call in Stuart 
  • 4:47 p.m. Panora Police responded to a parking complaint
  • 6:03 p.m. Casey Fire assisted Adair Ambulance with a medical call in Casey
  • 8:17 p.m. Guthrie County Deputies responded to a downed powerline on School Street
  • 8:40 p.m. Panora Ambulance transported a patient from the Guthrie County Hospital to Iowa City
  • 8:43 p.m. Welfare check by Guthrie County Deputy 
  • 9:41 p.m. Stuart Police assisted with a civil issue
  • 10:40 p.m. Stuart Police investigated a suspicious vehicle

 

10-30-26

  • 8:53 a.m. Panora Police responded to a barking dog complaint
  • 9:05 a.m. Stuart Police responded to a property damage call at Kwik Star
  • 10:11 a.m. Guthrie County Deputy responded to a theft report in Guthrie Center
  • 12:18 p.m. Stuart Police responded to a suspicious vehicle call
  • 1:02 p.m. Case follow up by Guthrie County Deputy in Panora
  • 1:16 p.m. Panora Police responded to a theft call on East Church Street
  • 2:24 p.m. Guthrie County Deputy responded to a family situation in Guthrie Center
  • 3:27 p.m. Stuart Police responded to suspicious activity on South Division Street
  • 4:14 p.m. Stuart Police responded to a garage break in on North Division Street
  • 4:40 p.m. Welfare check by Stuart Police on South Division Street
  • 4:50 p.m. Stuart Police investigated a hit and run in the Casey’s truck parking lot
  • 5:25 p.m. Panora Ambulance responded to a medical call at Lakeside Village
  • 6:03 p.m. Guthrie County Deputies responded to a report of two females fighting in the middle of Highway 4
  • 7:17 p.m. Case follow-up by Stuart Police  
  • 8:46 p.m. A search warrant executed by Stuart Police, Guthrie County Deputy, Adair County Deputies in Stuart
  • 9:13 p.m. Panora Ambulance transported a patient from the Guthrie County Hospital back to Lakeside Village
  • 9:21 p.m. Guthrie County Deputies and Panora Police responded to a family situation at Lake Panorama
  • 9:53 p.m. Panora Ambulance transported a patient from the Guthrie County Hospital to Iowa Lutheran
  • 10:27 p.m. Guthrie County Deputies responded to a run-away teen at Lake Panorama 

 

10-31-26

  • 12:48 a.m. Stuart Fire / Rescue and Guthrie County Deputies responded to a vehicle in the ditch at 325th / Zenith Trail. No injuries
  • 8:44 a.m. Case follow-up by Stuart Police
  • 9:59 a.m. Stuart Police responded to a hang up 911 call on North Fremont Street
  • 10:22 a.m. Stuart Rescue responded to a medical call in Casey
  • 12:32 p.m. Panora Fire/Ambulance responded to a fire alarm call on North First Street in Panora
  • 12:49 p.m. Welfare check by Guthrie County Deputy on Justice Road
  • 1:09 p.m. Stuart Police responded to call at Kwik Star
  • 7:23 p.m. Stuart Fire/Rescue, Menlo fire, Stuart Police and Iowa State Patrol responded to a two-vehicle accident on I-80 at the 87 mile marker
  • 7:46 p.m. Guthrie County Deputy responded to a harassment complaint in Guthrie Center
  • 11:04 p.m. Bayard Fire, Panora Ambulance and Guthrie County Deputies responded to a livestock truck rollover on Indigo Avenue
  • 11:25 p.m. Guthrie County Deputy responded to a domestic call on Highway 44

 

11-1-26

  • 2 a.m. Stuart Police responded to a report of suspicious activity on Southwest Fourth Street
  • 7:59 a.m. Stuart Police investigated a possible hit-and-run accident
  • 8:03 a.m. Stuart Police responded to a noise complaint on Northeast Third Street
  • 9:01 a.m. Panora Police responded to a verbal domestic call 
  • 12:16 p.m. Panora Ambulance responded to a medical call on Highway 44
  • 12:41 p.m. Agency assistance by Guthrie County Deputy
  • 2:35 p.m. Guthrie County Deputy responded to a harassment call on Highway 25
  • 5:41 p.m. Guthrie County Deputy responded to a neighbor dispute in Bayard
  • 8:27 p.m. Guthrie County Deputy responded to a dig bite call in Bayard