Special to the Times Vedette

Bryton Insurance Agency, 128 W. Main St. in Panora, welcomes Hope Crawford as the newest member of its team. A Panora native, Crawford brings a strong foundation in client service, insurance knowledge and community values to her role as an independent insurance agent.

Crawford graduated from Iowa State University in December 2022 and recently returned to the area after living in Ankeny. Before joining Bryton Insurance, she worked as a recruiter at Grinnell Mutual, where she developed an understanding of the insurance industry and a passion for helping others navigate important life decisions.

With licenses in both personal and life insurance, as well as her associate in general insurance (AINS) designation, Crawford is well-equipped to guide clients through coverage options with clarity and care. Her addition to the agency marks an exciting milestone — Bryton Insurance is now offering life insurance for the first time, expanding its commitment to comprehensive protection for families and individuals.

Crawford is excited to serve her hometown and surrounding communities, offering personalized insurance solutions with empathy, professionalism and a focus on long-term peace of mind.

Crawford can be reached via email at hope@brytoninsurance.com or by phone at 641-755-2123.

Special to the Times Vedette

The Panorama High School Dance Team enjoyed a successful day at the regional state solo qualifying contests held in Newton and Pella on Thursday and Friday, Oct. 23 and 24. The Panthers advance five dancers out of 10 selected in Class III for the state competition scheduled in the Casey’s Center in Des Moines Dec. 3-5.

Nine dancers represented PHS and all earned top division I ratings.

Selected to compete at state are: Hadley Fitch and Maci Bauer, juniors; Cali Knudsen and Nella Rivas, sophomores; and Addison Wagner, freshman. Knudsen and Rivas are two-time state qualifiers having competed in 2024.

Additional solo contestants were: Lexi Wasson, senior; Jessica Randol, junior; and Berkley Schwartz and Ava Thorn, sophomores.

“Our soloists at Panorama were dedicated and committed above and beyond to the preparation of their solos. Their goal was Division I ratings and to sweep in the top 10,” Panorama Dance Team Coach Kristi Vance said. “They met those goals and made Panorama history.

“As a coach, I am so grateful for this team and the opportunity to coach these exceptional young ladies,” Vance added.

Panorama is in elite company with five soloists selected for state. Only two other schools in the state advanced that many dancers: Dowling Catholic in Class X and Pleasant Valley in Class XI. This is the highest number of soloists in one year during Vance’s tenure as coach.

Several other schools from the area also sent dancers to the competition. They performed well but were not selected for state: Karlynn Wetzel, ACGC in Class II; Bristol Lauffer and Ally Sommerfield, Glidden-Ralston in Class III.

West Central Valley featured four dancers with two selected for state competition in Class IV. Advancing for the second consecutive year are Scarlett Putney (third place last year) and Addison Leonard (last year’s state champion); Dallas Morgan and Adalyn Weber.

The Panther dancers are now working to prepare for the State Team competition to be held in conjunction with the solo contests. Panorama will compete in jazz, contemporary, lyrical and the mix.

Special to the Times Vedette

Voters in the Panorama Community School District will cast a yes or no vote on a $19.6 million school bond to help address needs in the District. A 60% approval of the voters in November is required for the bond issue to pass.

Superintendent Kasey Huebner explained this bond issue would support major improvements to both the elementary and secondary school buildings including:

• New, secured entryways at both school facilities, ensuring visitors must check in through the main office.
• An accessible playground surface for all children at the elementary.
• Repairs to roofs, HVAC systems and restrooms at both buildings.
• An expanded shop area to support career and technical education in the secondary facility.
• Renovations to the commons, kitchen and other student spaces at the secondary school.
• An expansion of the middle school gymnasium at the secondary school — offering more space for classes, athletics and community use.

“These updates are essential for improving safety, accessibility and educational opportunities for all students,” Huebner said.

The total projected debt service tax rate implication for this potential project would be $1.96 per $1,000 taxable property value. Panorama’s average total property tax rate over the last 18 years is $13.10. With an approved bond, the projected levy rate would be approximately $12.40.

A website provides information on the project: panoramabond.org. If you utilize Facebook, you can follow the Panorama YES! Page for real-time information: https://www.facebook.com/PanoramaYes.

By Rich Wicks | Times Vedette

Election Day is Tuesday, Nov. 4. One of the most common questions leading up to Election Day is, “Where do I vote?” The answer is easily found by going to the website of Iowa’s Secretary of State (www.sos.iowa.gov) and then clicking on “Elections”, then on “Find my Polling Place.” Then put in your zip code and address, and the website will tell you where you should vote.

Another common question is, “How can I see election results?” That answer also is available on the same website (www.sos.iowa.gov) by clicking on “Election Results.”

The website also explains options for early voting and voting by mail. In addition, almost any other voting-related questions can be answered on the website. For example, curbside voting is an option if you are unable to enter the building where the polling place is located.

Special to the Times Vedette

November is Diabetes Awareness Month, and Guthrie County Hospital (GCH) is joining organizations nationwide in raising awareness about the prevention, management and impact of diabetes.

Diabetes affects more than 38 million Americans, and many more are at risk of developing the disease. Early detection, lifestyle changes and proper management can make a significant difference in preventing serious complications.

“At Guthrie County Hospital, we’re committed to helping our community understand the importance of diabetes prevention and management,” Christine Drake BSN, RN, GCH Diabetes Education Coordinator, said. “With the right care and education, individuals can take control of their health and live full, active lives.”

Throughout November, Guthrie County Hospital will share helpful tips and resources on social media to increase awareness about diabetes and promote healthy living.

Patients can access telehealth endocrinology services with Dr. Huyam Awadalla, available the third Friday of every month through the GCH Specialty Clinic. These services focus on diabetes management and other hormone-related conditions.

Guthrie County Hospital also offers a Diabetes Support Group and a Diabetes Self-Management Education Program, providing ongoing education, encouragement, and tools to help individuals successfully manage their diabetes and improve their overall health.

Join the Diabetes Support Group on Thursday, Nov. 20 at 7 p.m. at Sneakers Café. This is facilitated by Christine Drake, RN, BSN, and is a great way to share experiences and expand knowledge about diabetes in a relaxed educational setting.

GCH encourages community members to talk with their primary care provider about their risk for diabetes and schedule regular screenings.

For more information about diabetes services, call 641-332-3802 or visit www.guthriecountyhospital.org.

For endocrinology, patients can be referred by their primary care provider or call GCH Specialty Clinic with any questions at 641-332-3900.

Special to the Times Vedette

On Oct. 29, a total of 15 players participated.  Allen Pierce got a 17 and a 16; Lela  Schwartz and Robert Klever each got a 16; Chet Vaughan got a 21; and Dan Webb got a 20 and a 21.

The Guthrie Center cribbage players generally meet at Guthrie Center Library, 400 Grand St., on Mondays at 8 a.m. and at the New Homestead independent living dining hall, 2306 State St., at 8 a.m. on Wednesdays and at 1 p.m. on Fridays. Organizers say there is always room for more, and they will be glad to teach you how to play. They play for quarters on Wednesday and Friday.