By Morgan Sheeder | Times Vedette

The Iowa Communications Alliance (ICA) held its Annual Meeting and Expo in Des Moines March 23-25. More than 10 members of the ICA were recognized for their successful completion of the 2025-2026 ICA Leadership Academy, including Paul Brewster of Panora Fiber.

CEO/GM of Panora Fiber Andy Randol said, “Panora Fiber is incredibly proud that Paul was selected for the 2025-2026 Leadership Academy hosted by the Iowa Communications Alliance. For the last six months, Paul was engaged with top broadband leaders across the state, sharing his knowledge and developing new skills.”

Brewster participated in a competitive application process designed for those who wish to grow their leaderships skills and who wish to fulfill a leadership role. Participants of the Leadership Academy met multiple times between October and March, participating in workshops, networking events and community service. The Leadership Academy covered topics including personality profiles, communication, building successful teams, public speaking, strategic thinking and economic development.

“We know this experience will help him grow into an even better leader for Panora Fiber and, most importantly, for our customers,” Randol said. “Congratulations, Paul, on this well-deserved recognition.”

Special to Times Vedette

Spring is here, and so are Whiterock’s Historic Farmhouse Tours. On the first Saturday of each month, step back in time and experience a free, open-house tour of the Roswell and Elizabeth Garst homestead listed on the National Register of Historic Places in Iowa. Tours will be held through October.

Call the Whiterock Conservancy office at 712-790-8221 or email guestinfo@whiterockconservancy.org for more information or questions.

By Rich Wicks | Times Vedette

On April 9, Senator Chuck Grassley held a question-and-answer talk with employees of Iowa Trenchless and others in Panora. Approximately 40 people were on hand. Questions covered a range of subjects including infrastructure, water quality, health insurance, the Iran war situation, partisanship in politics, affordability and the outlook heading into the November 2026 midterm election.

By Rich Wicks | Times Vedette

A group has formed in Adair known as Elevate Adair, an economic development committee within RIADA (Residents Interested in Agriculture and Development in Adair).

Megan Richter, co-chair of Elevate Adair, shared background information about RIADA.

“We’ve traced the group back to at least 1972 that started out as Adair Development. In 1975, Adair Development entered the Iowa Community Betterment Program. In 1996 the name changed to RIADA and became a 501(c)3 organization,” Richter said. “This provided an opportunity to obtain grants for community projects; to get more people of the community involved with economic development; and assure all money of the corporation would be reinvested in the economic development of the community.”

Richter said that, in recent years, RIADA has focused heavily on housing development in the Crawford Addition. To complement those efforts, they established a sub-group — Elevate Adair — dedicated to advancing economic development alongside continued housing growth.

Besides Richter’s role as co-chair, the leadership of Elevate Adair includes Renee Jensen (co-chair), Shannon Haus and Ashley Riggen (Grants and Funding Lead), Renee Jensen and Megan Richter (Business Outreach and Communications Lead), Mike Casey and Jody Schafer (Property Lead), Renee Jensen and Megan Richter (Events and Marketing Lead), Joanne Byers, Brenda Dudley, Renee Jensen and Diane Littler (Ex-Officio Members).

Richter explained the mission of Elevate Adair.

“Our mission is to strengthen Adair’s economy by supporting local businesses and entrepreneurs, attracting new community investment, and increasing downtown activity — all while honoring our small-town loyalty and preserving the legacy that brings generations together.”

She said they provide funding and training opportunities to ensure Adair continues to thrive for years to come.

“This mission reflects both a deep respect for Adair’s history and a forward-looking vision for its continued success,” she said.

The group welcomes anyone interested in contributing time and talents to help “Elevate Adair.”

Richter also explained that Elevate Adair is looking to create an Adair County area 10-Squared giving group that will function much like similarly named “10-Squared” area groups. The group will pool giving to make significant gifts to select projects in the area. The group looks to have its initial giving meeting in August.

Special to the Times Vedette

On Wednesday, April 8, eight Sunshine Club members and one guest met at the Panora Public Library with Sandy Mortensen as hostess. Sandy called the meeting to order with the roll call, “Since we are so close to Easter, what woman in the Bible would you like to invite to Easter dinner?” Many good answers were given. The minutes were read and the treasurer’s report was given.

The meeting was adjourned for a special feature presentation by Mortensen’s daughter, Kate Compton, who works for the White Rock Conservancy in Coon Rapids. Kate shared that the White Rock Conservatory was founded in 2004 by the Garst family, who donated a total of 5,500 acres to protect the land and keep it in a trust for future generations. It has been no-till since the 1980s. The Master Plan focuses on ecology, agriculture, education, access and trails, and tourism and recreation. Following the presentation, Sandy provided snacks and treats.

By Rich Wicks | Times Vedette

This year, the Panorama and ACGC Proms will both be held on the evening of Saturday, April 11.

Panorama

The Panorama Prom will begin with pictures at 2 p.m. at The Captain’s Pick by Betty Cooper. The Grand March will be 5 p.m. at the Panorama High School auditorium. At 5:30 p.m., Photo Opportunity Hour begins at The Captain’s Pick, 5071 Cover Ridge Road. Dinner follows at 6:30 p.m. with the dance from 7:30-10:30 p.m.

Beginning at 10:45 p.m., events move back to the high school with the After Prom Party scheduled until 3 a.m., hosted by the junior class parents.

ACGC

The theme of this year’s ACGC prom is “New York, New York.” The Grand March will be at 6:30 p.m. in the high school gym. Dinner will be at 7:30 p.m., followed by the dance from 8:30-10:30 p.m. The After Prom event will be 11 p.m. to 1 a.m. at the school.