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Panorama approves 4-day week

Mar 13, 2026 | News

By Rich Wicks | Times Vedette

During the March 9 meeting of the Panorama school board, a public hearing was held regarding a proposed change to a four-day school week. Amanda Myers-Herring and Mary Calmer voiced their opposition to the change. The board had received several written comments in support of the proposal. The public hearing was closed after approximately 20 minutes.

During the regular meeting, the board voted 4-1 to approve the change, with Mark Cates casting the dissenting vote.

A public hearing was also held regarding the proposed roof replacement at the elementary school. No comments were voiced. During the regular meeting, the board voted unanimously to approve the roof replacement at a total expected cost of $590,523.

In the Good News portion of the meeting, the board heard about the success of the Large Group Speech students. Four groups advanced to state, and two — Readers’ Theater and Musical Theater — received a Division I rating at the state contest.

Contract recommendations included new contracts for Denise Olson, elementary paraeducator; David Brumley, substitute driver; and Melissa Brumley, substitute driver. Resignations included Jauclyn Curry, middle school girls wrestling; Bob Rogers, food service; Alexandra Meuer, middle school teacher; Charlie Lake, middle school/high school teacher; and Michele Recker, junior class sponsor. New contracts for the 2026-27 school year included Cooper Anderson, head boys wrestling, and Jon Shaffer, assistant boys wrestling.

The next regular meeting is scheduled for Monday, April 13. On that date, a public hearing will be held at 5:30 p.m. for the fiscal year 2027 proposed property tax notice. A public hearing will also be held at 5:30 p.m. Wednesday, April 15, for the FY27 budget, with the board scheduled to vote on budget approval following the hearing.

Happy birthday to you!

Mar 13, 2026 | Birthdays

By Rich Wicks | Times Vedette

We have started a new weekly feature each Friday in the Times Vedette, as we will add the birthdays and anniversaries for the following week of people with past or present ties to the area. To submit yours, or for corrections, email rich@gctimesnews.com.

Birthdays:

  • March 14: Grant Leo, Travis Mleynek, Tod Contner
  • March 15: Aaron Howell, Deloris Wilson
  • March 16: Kathy Godfrey, Ava Stukenholz, Linda Gilliland, Mike Van Gundy, Brenda Snyder
  • March 17: Jason Tighe, Jackie Badger, Kyle Cogil, Hayden Meinecke
  • March 18: Erin Quinlin
  • March 19: Courtney Hoyt, Toni Radebaugh
  • March 20: Rita Meinecke, Alicia Burk, Cheryl Killmer, Del Wedemeyer

James H. Bohlender

Mar 13, 2026 | Obituaries

1939-2026

James H. Bohlender, 86, son of Harold and Thelma (Lundstrom) Bohlender, was born April 23, 1939, in Guthrie Center. He passed away peacefully with family by his side on Tuesday, March 10, 2026, at the New Homestead in Guthrie Center.

Jim spent his early years in Guthrie Center until his father purchased a farm near Menlo. Jim attended elementary school there until the family moved to a farm south of Guthrie Center. Jim spent his high school years at Guthrie Center High School where he enjoyed playing basketball and football. He graduated in 1957.

He went to work for the Iowa Highway Commission for three years and then for Hogan Chevrolet as their parts manager. He married Joan Harris of Panora in April of 1959. To this union, three children were born: Deborah, Cindy and Rod.

On Jan. 1, 1966, Jim and his father formed a partnership in farming. Unfortunately, Harold died four months later. When they were not busy farming, Jim and Harold enjoyed bowling together. Jim was an excellent bowler and had the first perfect game ever at the Guthrie Center bowling alley in 1979. The ball he used is still on display there. Chronic back problems eventually forced Jim to give up his passion for bowling.

Over the years, Jim served on the Guthrie Center Extension Board, was president of the Guthrie Center Bowlers Association and president of the Booster Club.

In 1992, Jim married Lynda (Werner) Schreck. The couple moved to Indianola in 1993 where Jim worked at the Ready Mix Plant, becoming a plant manager in 1994. After 13 years, he retire.  Jim and Lynda moved back to his farm in Guthrie Center. He went on to fulfill his dream of having a cow/calf herd and farm with his grandson, Clay Blass.

Jim’s back problems eventually forced him to his recliner, as walking became difficult. He spent many days watching out the front window for neighbors driving by while on their way to work or out farming. Sometimes they would wave, knowing Jim was watching.

He loved his family, farm, country and the Iowa Hawkeyes. He was a lifelong fan and traveled with Lynda to many games in Iowa City 

Preceding Jim in death were his parents, Harold and Thelma; daughter, Deborah Rosenbeck; stepson, John Schreck; his sister and brother-in-law, Betty and Larry Billick; brother, Charles J. Bohlender; father and mother-in-law, John and Dardy Werner; and brothers-in-law, John and Mark Werner.

He is survived by his wife, Lynda; daughter, Cindy (Steve) Blass of Coon Rapids; son, Rod (Tracy) Bohlender of Polk City; step-sons, Doug (Holly) Schreck of Clive and Kevin (Marcie) Schreck of Guthrie Center; and step-daughter, Sheila (Clint) Dickey of Cedar Falls. He is also survived by 19 grandchildren, 14 great-grandchildren and many nieces, nephews and cousins.

Cremation has taken place, and private burial of the remains will be held at a later date per Jim’s wishes.

Twigg Funeral Home, Guthrie Center, is entrusted with his services.

New ownership sought for Pioneers Pub & Grub in Casey

Mar 13, 2026 | News

Pioneers Pub & Grub is located at 618 McPherson St. in Casey.

Special to the Times Vedette

Colleen Conrad isn’t just selling a restaurant — she is passing on a piece of Casey’s history. The owner of Pioneers Pub & Grub, 618 McPherson St. in Casey, is looking for a new buyer but promises the pub will stay open for diners and community events until the right person comes along.

For Conrad, the restaurant was never the main goal. Through her company, Conrad Ventures, she has spent the past decade reviving Casey’s historic buildings, turning neglected spaces into thriving homes and businesses. From restoring the Heritage Building — now apartments and shops like Revel Spa — to helping launch and ultimately sell Tin Lizzie’s Sports Bar, her work has reshaped the town’s landscape. The three buildings that house Pioneers Pub & Grub are the next step in that vision.

Even as she steps back from daily restaurant life, Conrad plans to remain deeply involved in Casey. She says she is committed to historic preservation, affordable housing and community programs supporting families in need. Her hope is to find a buyer who shares her love for the town and its heritage, ensuring that Pioneers Pub & Grub remains not just a business, but a vibrant part of Casey’s story.

Those interested can contact Conrad at conradisugal96@gmail.com or 515-491-2772.

Groundbreaking held for GCH construction project

Mar 13, 2026 | News

Members of the Guthrie County Hospital Board of Trustees break ground for the project.

By Rich Wicks | Times Vedette

Guthrie County Hospital CEO Chris Stipe addresses attendees before the groundbreaking.

Guthrie County Hospital held a ceremonial groundbreaking on Wednesday, March 11 for the construction project that is about to begin. Prior to the outdoor groundbreaking, speakers offered remarks to attendees in the Sneakers Café.

Speakers included GCH Foundation/Marketing Director Dennis Flanery, GCH Trustee Mike Underwood, Guthrie County Supervisor Steve Smith, GCH CEO Chris Stipe and USDA State Director Mike Sexton.

Flanery noted that he was born in the hospital 64 years ago when the hospital was only 11 years old. He said he is excited to see what the hospital and campus will look like when the project is completed.

Stipe said the project is expected to take 2.5 years, and he asked for the community’s patience throughout the process.

Mike Underwood, Steve Smith, Mike Sexton, Chris Stipe and Dennis Flanery take a turn at the shovels.