“My great-grandfather was Albert David Lemmon, who owned a drugstore in Guthrie Center for nearly 50 years, from the 1880s until the early 1920s, I believe. The Lemmons were a prominent family who had a beautiful home built in town, apparently nice enough that a postcard was made of the residence, which I just happened to find on eBay, of all places. I’m planning to visit Guthrie Center in July on my way to RAGBRAI and, of course, during the ride itself. Is there anyone in town who might help me locate the former AD Lemmon house? I’d love to see where my grandmother Lois grew up. I’ve been able to read some details of their lives in the digitized archives of Guthrie Center newspapers from the 1920s. Fascinating, at least to me.” – Michael Harvey, mrmrharvey@yahoo.com

I appreciate you reaching out, and I am hoping one or more of our readers can help you. – Shane

“I bought one of the Chaloupka properties last year during the sale of the estate. There were many items left in the attic from the owners before the Chaloupka family. I finally got through all of it, and there are MANY documents from the trucking business operated by Chet Emery from the 1930s and 1940s. There is a lot of neat documents, including DOT roadway contracts, employment labor documents, business and bank ledgers, checks, receipts, insurance documents, Guthrie County roads map, product manuals, parts ordering catalogs, chattel mortgages, Christian Herald Magazines, car sales certificate, WWII selective service arrival instructions, a war bond, oil fuel and meal ration tickets. If you would be interested in a story or some of these documents, please let me know.” – Amy Monroe, amybeth0792@gmail.com.

Thanks, Amy. I am hoping some of our readers may be able to connect with you on these. – Shane

“Hey there. In the last edition of the Lake Panorama Times (May 2026), you had a photo of an old unknown boat. That was the boat of my grandfather, Bob Milligan, and that was my dad, John Milligan, fixing the engine.” – Chris Milligan

“Shane, you forgot: clutch, 3 on column stick shift and a few of those ‘push button’ drive selectors that were on Chrysler products (The car features we miss, May 22, 2026).” – Mike Simpson

“As warmer weather draws us outdoors, our shared parks and green spaces help build stronger communities, but what’s being sprayed on these spaces may be putting that same community at risk. Pesticides have been linked to harmful health effects for people and pets alike, especially children. The American Academy of Pediatrics has stated, ‘Pesticide exposure in children should be limited as much as possible.’ Research has linked exposure in children to several serious health concerns, including neuro‑behavioral disorders, certain types of childhood cancers, birth defects, endocrine or hormonal disruptions, and asthma. Our pets face risks as well. Studies show that exposure to lawn chemicals is associated with higher rates of bladder cancer and lymphoma in dogs. Active pets can also track residues indoors on their paws and fur, increasing exposure inside our homes. For adults, long-term pesticide exposure has been linked to respiratory issues, hormone disruption and cognitive decline. Beyond human health, these chemicals can harm water quality and damage beneficial insects and birds that support healthy ecosystems.

Our public spaces should not compromise community health. Safer alternatives exist. Organizations like Good Neighbor Iowa provide resources and promote pesticide-free practices. Their pledge to be pesticide-free (goodneighboriowa.org/pledge) has already been adopted by residents, schools, and parks across the state. I encourage readers to take the pledge and urge local leaders to adopt pesticide-free practices, so our shared spaces can truly support a healthier, more connected community.” – Jordan Holloway