A closet-sized humidor is stocked with a wide variety of cigars, and it maintains proper conditions so the cigars don’t become dry and brittle.

 

By Rich Wicks | Panora Times

As the name would suggest, Local Liquor is a small-town liquor store that aims to fill the needs of the community. But the store, located at 603 N. Main St., next to Hometown Foods in Panora, strives to offer much more than just the basics. Co-owner and manager Tristan Monaghan shared the history and philosophy of Local Liquor, noting that the store opened in 2022. 

“It’ll be two years at the end of August,” Monaghan said. “Aug. 24, I think, was our first day.”

He went on to explain that the idea to open a liquor store came out of the blue.

“It started with one of our owners. They went into town and couldn’t find Bloody Mary mix anywhere, so they thought there’s a market for this here, especially in the summer.”

That realization led to seven co-owners who jointly opened the store.

“I’m originally from Guthrie Center, and I was living in Des Moines, and the job I was working at kind of folded after COVID,” Monaghan said. “So, I came back originally just to manage the place and run it.”

Later, one of the original owners wanted to sell his share to pursue another business venture, so Monaghan bought out that share and became a co-owner.

When asked about Local Liquor’s best sellers, Monaghan mentioned a couple of familiar names.

“Busch Light and Crown Royal are some of our best sellers, but we stock different craft beers and high-end bourbon and wines.”

When asked what makes Local Liquor unique, Monaghan mentioned several non-beverage products.

“I would say our humidor is what makes us different,” Monaghan said. 

A closet-sized humidor is stocked with a wide variety of cigars, and it maintains proper conditions so the cigars don’t become dry and brittle. Monaghan also noted that vapes and CBD (hemp) products have been popular.

“We got into the Delta-9 stuff, which the State just re-regulated. That’s the cannabis-infused stuff. We sold a ton of it to people with arthritis or who couldn’t sleep.”

Monaghan said no major changes are planned at the store, but he’ll continue to monitor what new products come out and what customers are asking for. He added that, if the store continues to succeed, more space would eventually be needed and a wider variety of products could be offered. Monaghan mentioned a couple of products that have recently become popular. 

“High Noon iced teas are selling well,” Monaghan said. “There’s always new stuff coming out, and we got a new bourbon in from Carson, Iowa, that’s sold like crazy.”

Monaghan believes strongly in keeping the inventory updated, since products will quickly grow in popularity.

“We’re always trying to get more high-end stuff and different craft beers,” Monaghan said. “If people ask if we can get something in, we’ll try to get it for them.” 

 

Special to the Times Vedette

The following local students have been named to the Deans’ List at Drake University. To be eligible for the Deans’ List, students must have earned a GPA of 3.5 or higher during the spring 2024 semester at Drake.

• Panora: Ella Waddle, Pharmacy and Health Sciences, Dean’s List
• Yale: Ruby Hummel, Arts and Sciences, Dean’s List

By Rich Wicks | Times Vedette

The Guthrie Center Association of Churches held its regular meeting on July 23 at the United Methodist Church. The following churches were represented: United Methodist, Immanuel Lutheran, Bowman Chapel, First Presbyterian, First Christian, St. Mary’s Catholic and Seventh-day Adventist. The group’s president, Pastor Jolene James, welcomed UMC’s new pastor Rev. David Morris of Adel.

Guest presenter Mary Porter explained the Retired Senior Volunteer Program (RSVP) and asked for referrals of adults with disabilities and seniors who are at risk for falls. Those people may call 641-431-0132 by Sept.17 to register for a free pair of new shoes.

Plans were made for the annual school staff and teacher lunch along with the classroom supplies giveaway to be held in August. Other business included a discussion of fundraising ideas, as recent expenses to aid people in financial difficulty have markedly reduced the balance on hand. Gas cards, a food pantry housed at the First Presbyterian Church, short-term assistance to persons in the local school district with utilities or emergency housing are common expenses.             

Any wishing to donate to this local group may send a check to treasurer Emily Goodenough at 503 N. Seventh St. or make a deposit to the group’s account at Guthrie County State Bank.

Special to the Times Vedette

Lori Mannel of Jefferson has accepted the position of regional director for Iowa State University Extension and Outreach serving Carroll, Greene, Boone and Guthrie counties in central Iowa. As regional director, Mannel will provide administrative leadership to county extension office staff and guidance to county extension councils. Mannel was most recently the county director for ISU Extension and Outreach Greene County. Mannel earned her bachelor’s degree in business management from Buena Vista University, Storm Lake.

“Lori’s proven leadership skills and outstanding community connections are a good fit for the role of a regional director,” Andrea Welchans, assistant vice president for ISU Extension and Outreach, said. “We congratulate her and welcome her to her new position with Iowa State University Extension and Outreach.”

ISU Extension and Outreach is part of the federal Cooperative Extension Service, a network of more than 100 land-grant institutions, including Iowa State University, and the U.S. Department of Agriculture serving communities and counties across the United States. Every county in Iowa has an elected extension council that decides how to support ISU Extension and Outreach educational programs at the county level.

Special to the Times Vedette

The Heckman Family Reunion was held Sunday, July 14 at the Stuart American Legion Hall.

A noon potluck was enjoyed, plus an assortment of calendars displayed including one with the date of Easter Sunday, March 31, missing.

Karen Costanzo of West Des Moines was the winner of the drawing.

In attendance from Illinois were James and Shana Wrzesinski and children, Erika, Erin and Elaina of Centralia; Jeff Wrzesinski and children, Isaac and Zeke of Radom; Jennie Hug, Sabrina Durham and son, Colby, of Woodlawn; and Marvin and Debbie of McHenry.

Attending from Iowa,  Cathy Gomez, Tres and Kari Gomez and children, Daquan Terry, Kole Temple, Jayde, Talon and Teya Gomez of Bettendorf; Ruby Anderson, Roger and Vicky Garrett and Cyndi Miller of Des Moines; Norma Heckman of Peru; Glenn and Kathy Heckman of Osceola; Darren Heckman of Creston; Marie June Miller and Betty Jo Thomas of Altoona; Joy Heckman of Johnston; John E. and Carol Heckman of Shell Rock; Ruth Miller of Baxter; Cinthia Naranjo of Perry; Grant Heckman, Jace and Norah of De Soto; Matt Heckman of Van Meter; Lois Ihnken and Jean Smith of Atlantic; Carroll and Belinda Kopaska, Tim and Colleen Stiles, James and Misty Gilbert, Rebecca, Sara, Bradley and Abigail of Dexter; Vera Shelley, Bill Heckman and Zach Gilbert of Menlo; Ruth Elaine Heckman and Barbara Stone of Bayard; Myrna Heckman of Guthrie Center,; Dwayne and Carla Heckman of Casey; Janet Askew of Stuart; and Dean and Mary Ann Heckman and John G. Heckman of Adair.

Plans were made to meet next year on July 13 at the American Legion in Stuart, Lord willing.