Area elected officials pose in front of Freedom Rock.
Photos by Roger Dorr and Rich Wicks | Times Vedette
On Wednesday, May 13, an event was held at the Freedom Rock in Guthrie Center for area law enforcement officers. Remarks were given by local and state elected officials. The event was coordinated by the Guthrie County Chaplains.
Words of thanks were offered to the officers who keep our communities safe.
By Cyote Williams | Times Vedette
T
he state-qualifying meets for ACGC and Panorama boys and girls track were last night, and the student-athletes impressed. It is something I marvel at each year. Making it to state felt like a rarity when I was at high school, but between ACGC and Panorama, across many sports, it feels like the norm.
The ACGC boys, coming off a second-place finish at last year’s state track and field meet, showed they still have what it takes. First-year head coach Jacob Lacey, who admittedly has been with the team for several years, proved he can get the Chargers to the big stage, winning this year’s state-qualifying meet at Audubon. The boys won four events: Brexton Schneider in the 110-meter hurdles (something he has made a habit of this season), Preston Kent in the 3,200-meter run, the sprint medley relay team of Joe Crawford, Schneider, Thomas Skram and Talon Noland, and the 4×110-meter shuttle hurdle team of Skram, Morgun Nolte, Collin Stringham and Schneider. Plus, plenty of top-10 finishes. It will be fun to see how the Chargers finish this season versus last.
The ACGC girls did not win their meet outright but still won an event and will be sending a few girls to the state meet. The 4×200-meter relay team of Meranda Gruber, Savannah Akers, Cadence Petersen and Nora Langgaard came out on top and will be heading to state.
The Panorama boys will be sending at least two athletes to the state meet: Reed Draper and Syler Shaffer. These two were the most likely to advance to state based on their performances this season. Draper in the long jump, and Shaffer in the 400-meter hurdles, were both consistently placing in the top two all season long. It will be interesting to see how they stack up against the rest of the state.
As for the girls, a familiar name will be at state on the blue track in Des Moines: Kylie Rochholz. Rochholz has become a staple in postseason events in both track and cross country since her freshman year, and this year is no different. Despite running limited races this season due to rehabbing from an injury, Rochholz waltzed into the state qualifier by winning the 1,500-meter run and placing second in the 3,000-meter run. Both are impressive feats. Let’s hope she continues to add to her impressive list of accolades at state.
It is great that these two schools continually have some of the best athletes in the state. I often find difficulty in rooting for my beloved Lincoln Rails. We are not good at much, except for soccer, much to my delight. But, come postseason, at least one of these two schools will give me someone or some team to root for. When it comes to track and field, that gives me almost too much to keep track of. I hope it stays that way.
Reach out with comments, suggestions, story ideas and more to cyote@dmcityview.com.
By Rich Wicks | Times Vedette
Each Friday in the Times Vedette, we share 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.
By Rich Wicks | Times Vedette
On May 11, the Panorama School Board met in regular session. A public hearing was held regarding the proposed amendment to the Fiscal Year 2026 budget. No written or spoken comments were received, so the hearing was promptly closed. The board later unanimously approved the proposed amendment.
The board approved contracts for the 2026-2027 year, including Andrew King (instrumental music teacher) and Ashlie Allspach (MS/HS paraeducator). The resignation of Aidan Shorey (instrumental music teacher) was accepted, pending suitable replacement. The board also approved 2026-2027 teacher leader contracts of $7,500 each for Kellie Blomquist and Randy Miller as instructional coaches, and of $5,000 each for Jacki King, Debra Wooldridge, Mollie Lint and Lindsey Schroeder as teacher leaders.
The board approved an overnight trip for the high school girls basketball team to Spirit Lake Camp July 15-16 for 10 girls and three chaperones. The board also approved a fundraiser event during RAGBRAI (July 21) for the Dance Team, selling water, Panther Power Drink and a bake sale.
Two security upgrades were approved. The elementary school will have secure entrance doors installed at a cost of $23,763 and flooring in the entrance at a cost of $11,694. Weightroom flooring will also be replaced at a cost of $63,732.
In the Good News portion of the meeting, it was reported that the high school choir group that attended the Spring City Music Festival received an Exemplary rating, with a score of 54 out of 58. It was also noted that the Career Exploration class enjoyed a visit to Sunset Realty and to Panora Fiber.
Graduation is set for May 17, and the last day of school will be May 22. The next regular meeting of the Panorama school board is set for Monday, June 8 at 5:30 p.m. The public is welcome.
1952-2026
Darrell Carl Shook, 73, of Panora, died Friday, Feb. 27, 2026, at home surrounded by his family, just as he wanted.
Darrell was born in Guthrie Center to Carl and Lennie Shook on April 3, 1952. He graduated from Panora-Linden High School and was a lifelong resident of Guthrie County.
A retired farmer, he had also worked for the City of Panora and Des Moines John Deere Works/Ankeny. He married Cindy Marchant in 1971.
He was a member of Panora First Christian Church, Panora Lions, UAW Local 450, Road Runners Motorcycle Club and ROMEO’s (Retired Old Men Eating Out). He served and volunteered on many committees and boards in and around Guthrie County.
He is survived by Cindy; daughter, Darnell (Glenn) Blacklock; son, J.R. (Terri) Shook; four grandchildren, Hannah, Noah, Liam and Sean; brothers-in-law, Chuck Varcoe and Craig Peterson; sister, Kathi Maben; and cousins, niece and nephews, plus good neighbors Clifford and Melissa Jensen. He was preceded in death by his parents and his sisters, Joyce Varcoe and Lori Peterson.
Celebration of Life service will be 1:30 p.m., Sunday, June 7, 2026, at the Panora First Christian Church.
In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to Panora First Christian Church and Panora Public Library.
Twigg Funeral Home, Panora, is entrusted with his services.