By Rich Wicks | Times Vedette

At the March 25 meeting of the Guthrie County Board of Supervisors, the supervisors unanimously voted to adopt Resolution 25-20 (Resolution Directing the Guthrie County Attorney to File a Petition to Intervene on Behalf of Guthrie County in Iowa Utilities Commission Docket Number HLP-2024-0004).

Brian Hoffman provided a departmental update regarding information technology. He shared the status of various equipment and said efforts are ongoing to weed out equipment that is no longer used.

“It’s good to eliminate what you don’t need, so you can see what you do need,” Hoffman said.

County Engineer Josh Sebern provided a departmental update regarding secondary roads. Sebern also described proposed Resolution 25-21: Contract for Project FM-C039(102).

“This is pertaining to a project…for patching of the Yale-Springbrook road,” Sebern said. “We had eight bidders…and the lowest bid was $345,000, thereabouts, by Midwest (Midwest Contractors Inc.)…This resolution does two things. It awards the contract to Midwest, and it authorizes me to sign the contract,” Sebern said. The supervisors approved the resolution. 

A public hearing was held at 10:30 a.m. on the Fiscal Year 2026 proposed property tax notice.

Through March, the supervisors meet regularly Tuesdays and Thursdays at 9 a.m. The public is welcome to attend in person or via remote technology. To join remotely, call 323-792-6123, then use meeting code 547029216#.

Special to the Times Vedette

The Panorama Schools Parent Teacher Organization (PTO) will hold its spring meeting on Thursday, March 27 in the library at Panorama Elementary, 401 Panther Drive in Panora, beginning at 6 p.m. For more information, email ptopanorama@gmail.com. 

By Rich Wicks | Times Vedette

The Panora Public Library presents a free performance of “Kate,” an original solo musical performed by Jillann Gabrielle. The musical is based on the life of world-famous actress Katherine Hepburn and will be performed at the Panora Community Center at 6:30 p.m. on Thursday, April 3. 

To reserve a spot, call 641-755-2529. The show is paid for by the Panora Library Foundation.

By Rich Wicks | Times Vedette

On Sunday, March 30, from 7-11 a.m., the Jamaica Lions Club will hold a benefit ham and eggs breakfast and bake sale. Proceeds from the event will benefit the Jamaica Community Building. Cost for the breakfast is $9 for adults, $5 for students kindergarten through eighth grade, and kids younger than 5 eat free.

By Rich Wicks | Times Vedette

At the March 24 meeting of the Panora City Council, the councilmembers discussed the proposed Resolution 25-11, approving a revised Electric Utility Inspection and Maintenance Plan.

“Nothing has really changed from last year; it just requires you to review it,” Electric Superintendent Doug Long said.

The council voted to approve the revised plan.

City Administrator Lisa Grossman reported that the city will receive a $5,000 grant from the Guthrie County Community Foundation to help with improvements at the community center.

The council discussed a request from Eric and Jenna Morris for the city to vacate some areas of alley adjacent to their property. Mayor Curt Thornberry explained the area in question is alleyway from when Panora was first laid out, and he said the request is reasonable. The council voted to have the Planning and Zoning Commission first consider the request.

A public hearing will be held on April 14 at 5:30 p.m. on the city’s proposed FY 2025-2026 budget.

The next regular meeting of the council will be Monday, April 14 at 5:30 p.m. The public is welcome. Interested persons may attend in person or electronically by visiting the website https://meet.goto.com/cityofpanora or by phone 1-312-757-3121 (Access Code 295-099-701, Audio PIN 220#).

By Rich Wicks | Times Vedette

During the March 24 meeting of the Guthrie Center City Council, discussion was held regarding “accessory buildings,” such as carports and similar structures. City Clerk Kris Arrasmith explained that many of these structures are in the city, and some have become an eyesore due to long-term exposure to wind. The council agreed that if the city addresses some, it will need to address all such structures. Arrasmith said she will collect more information for the next council meeting.

The council discussed the possibility of approving a letter of engagement for services from PFM Financial Advisors. Councilmember Fidel Hernandez said he is not comfortable signing the agreement since the city doesn’t know how much benefit would occur.

Councilmember Garold Thomas spoke in favor of the letter of engagement.

“My viewpoint is we can’t be experts on everything,” Thomas said.

The council voted 4-1 in favor of the letter of engagement, with Hernandez opposed.

Tony Young was approved as 2025 Nuisance Abatement Contractor.

A public hearing will be held at 6:30 p.m. on April 14 regarding the city’s FY 2025-2026 proposed budget. The next regular meeting will be Monday, April 14 at 6:30 p.m. The public is welcome.