By Rich Wicks | Times Vedette

With RAGBRAI’s trip across Iowa and through Guthrie County only a few weeks away, it helps to know some of the basics of RAGBRAI culture and lingo. Those along the route, and certainly those pedaling along, are sure to witness some of the following traditions and hear the terms that have become a part of the event.

Safety is a top priority in RAGBRAI. With that in mind, cyclists are expected to avoid any sudden turns or stops. Passing other cyclists generally happens on the left, which is why the shout of “On your left” can be heard often as faster riders move past slower riders.

Another key part of RAGBRAI culture is the concept of riders picking up after themselves. Traditionally, very little litter will be seen after the riders leave town.

The lingo

• Car up/car back: A rider may suddenly holler, “Car up!” to indicate an automobile is approaching from ahead. Conversely, “Car back” means an auto is approaching from behind.
• Virgin: A rider with the word “virgin” written on the back of the calf is most likely not announcing his/her sexual history but is simply a first-time RAGBRAI rider.
• Sag wagon: This refers to the vehicles that an injured or exhausted rider can ride in, if unable to complete the day’s ride.
• Kybo: This is a term for any type of porta-potty.
• Live like a pig: This phrase refers to the fact that riders often must become accustomed to spending much of RAGBRAI week covered in sweat and road dust.
• Rumbles: This is shouted by riders to warn others that rumble strips on the road are just ahead.
• Grazing: This refers to riders’ frequent practice of trying many of the delicious offerings at stops along the way. Riders burn off thousands of calories daily, so dieting is non-existent. Luckily, dozens of food and drink vendors are signed up for July 20 in Guthrie Center, so the bicyclists and everyone else, will have plenty of grazing options.

By Rich Wicks | Times Vedette

During the June 25 meeting of the Guthrie County Hospital Board of Trustees, CEO Chris Stipe talked about planning for RAGBRAI, which will bring thousands of bicyclists into Guthrie Center on July 20.

“There’s been a lot of effort and preparation so that the hospital is ready, potentially, for some kind of surge, and then we’re also going to have resources out to try to avoid people getting dehydrated, and things like that,” he said.

Stipe also shared his opinion about the recent active shooter exercise that was held at the high school. He stated that he felt it was a valuable learning experience, especially regarding the coordination between various organizations.

Chief Operations Officer Travis Martin reported on the ongoing construction project at the hospital.

“Probably within the next two to three weeks, you’re going to see the steel arrive on site,” Martin said. “We’ll see them starting to build up instead of just being torn down. That will be exciting to see.”

Dennis Flanery shared upcoming events for the hospital foundation, including the golf tournament. He said that once the summer events are past, the focus will be on plans for the hospital’s 75^th anniversary in the fall.

Chief Human Resources Officer Mary Anderson noted the most recently measured retention rate is 92%.

The next regular meeting of the trustees is set for Thursday, July 23 at 4 p.m. The public is welcome.

By Rich Wicks

The annual Best of Guthrie County poll is soon closing, so if you have not yet voted, do so no later than 5 p.m. on July 1. Visit https://gctimesnews.com/best-of-2026.

Your vote helps determine the winners in dozens of categories, from Best Doctor to Best First Date Spot to Coldest Beer. A record 851 votes have been cast so far. 

Here are the rules for the 2026 Best of Guthrie County Readers’ Poll:

• All poll questions are “fill in the blank.” There is not a nomination process or a “pay to play” scam. Everyone is eligible. Just vote.
• The voting period runs through 5 p.m. July 1, 2026.
• One ballot per voter (IP address), please. We reserve the right to discard any ballots we deem fraudulent.
• Voters are only required to fill out a minimum of one question to submit a ballot, but we encourage filling them all out.
• Have a problem voting? Try first. If you still have questions, call us Monday through Friday, 8:30 a.m. to 5 p.m. at 641-332-2707. Or email shane@gctimesnews.com.

Creighton Suhr, Cash Suhr, Rylee Robson and Irelyn Wirt

Special to the Times Vedette

The FFA Livestock Evaluation Career Development Event provides an opportunity for FFA members to display their agricultural knowledge and skills in the area of Livestock Evaluation.

Activities included in the Livestock Evaluation were placing breeding and market classes of beef, swine, sheep and goats, and keep/cull and oral reasons classes. There were 172 members participating from 50 chapters. The Iowa FFA Livestock Evaluation Career Development Event was made possible with support from the Iowa State University Block and Bridle Club and Iowa FFA Foundation Gold Standard

Partners. The Livestock Evaluation Career Development Event was coordinated and conducted by Will Taylor and other faculty and staff with the Animal Science Department at Iowa State University.

The ACGC FFA had three members travel to Ames to compete in this contest on June 11.

Team members Rylee Robson, Irelyn Wirt, Cash Suhr and Creighton Suhr received 12th overall and a gold rating for their efforts in the contest. As a team, they received a top 10 finish in the sheep and swine divisions and fifth as a group in the goat division.

By Susan Thompson | Times Vedette

Each year, the Panora Women’s Service Organization (WSO) conducts fundraising activities to make it possible to provide a scholarship to a Panorama Community School graduating senior. This year’s recipient is Ava Thompson. She is shown with Nancy Loeck and Patsy Goss, members of the WSO scholarship committee.

Thompson plans to attend Drake University and major in nursing.

The WSO’s annual home tour is the group’s major fundraiser, which funds this renewable $500 scholarship each year, making four scholarships paid annually. This year’s home tour was June 5.

Scott Stanley, president and CEO of Farmers State Bank, presents a $10,000 check to Kasey Huebner, superintendent of Panorama Community Schools.

Special to the Times Vedette

Going into a new school year should be an exciting time for families, but for those carrying a negative balance on their student’s lunch accounts, it can also bring a lot of stress. Thanks to a generous $10,000 donation from Farmers State Bank in Yale, those worries are gone.

The bank’s donation is going directly toward clearing all delinquent school lunch accounts in the district. Because of their kindness, every Panorama student and family will be able to start the upcoming school year with a clean slate and a zero balance.

School lunch debt is something that can quietly sneak up on families and paying it off can be struggle for household budgets.

“We are incredibly grateful to everyone at Farmers State Bank,” said Kasey Huebner, superintendent of Panorama Community Schools. “This donation directly supports our families by ensuring no student starts the school year with a negative lunch balance. School meal costs can add up quickly, particularly for families with multiple children. This generous gift provides a clean slate and much-needed peace of mind as the year begins.”