Special to the Times Vedette

Whiterock Conservancy’s last Slow Sunday Drive of the 2025 season is this Sunday, Oct. 19 starting at the Historic Garst Farmhouse (1390 Highway 141, Coon Rapids) at 1 p.m. This two- to three-hour ride along the scenic trails of Whiterock Conservancy is a can’t miss opportunity.

Parking is available for trailers in the overflow lot of the Bur Oak Visitors Center (1436 Highway 141, Coon Rapids). Price per vehicle is $30 (cash) that participants pay at registration along with providing proof of insurance and valid driver’s license.

Arrive early so the event can start at 1 p.m. and watch the website and event page for any weather updates. If the trails are wet, the Slow Sunday Drive will be cancelled or rescheduled.

Private ATVs are only allowed on Whiterock land during the Slow Sunday Drives. Visitors may not bring their own ATVs on the land outside of this event.

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

Special to the Times Vedette

Participants in the Iowa Star Party don’t want to keep the wonders of the night sky to themselves. They are also excited about sharing them with the public.

There will be free public viewing on Saturday, Oct. 18 starting at 5:30 p.m. at the Whiterock Conservancy Star Field. Sun sets at about 6 p.m. Civil Twilight ends at 6:30 p.m., and Astronomical Twilight ends at 7:30 p.m. After a short introduction to the night sky, members of the public are welcome to look through various telescopes. If the weather is clear, visitors will have the chance to see galaxies, nebulas and stars millions of light years away, as well as some of the planets in our cosmic backyard, the Solar System.

All ages are welcome, and appropriate attire for the weather, as well as a blanket, are recommended. If weather is cool, participants should dress more warmly than they might think is needed, in order to maintain comfort. Visit https://www.iowastarparty.com/ for more information or call the Whiterock Conservancy office at 712-790-8221 or email guestinfo@whiterockconservancy.org.

Special to the Times Vedette

Iowa House Minority Leader Jennifer Konfrst is running for the Democratic nomination for Iowa’s 3rd Congressional District. Ms. Konfrst will be speaking to people at the Hotel Pattee in Perry on Wednesday evening, Oct. 22.  The Dallas County Democrats will be hosting this Meet and Greet. Social hour begins at 6:30 p.m. with Konfrst speaking at 7 p.m. The public is invited.

Special to the Times Vedette

Guthrie County Hospital is expanding access to specialty care with the addition of telehealth endocrinology services, available the third Friday of every month at GCH Specialty Clinic.

Endocrinology focuses on the diagnosis and treatment of hormone-related conditions such as diabetes, thyroid disease, osteoporosis, cancers of the endocrine glands and metabolism problems. Through telehealth technology, patients in Guthrie County and surrounding areas can now receive expert consultation and care management from Huyam Awadalla, MD, a board-certified endocrinologist — without the need to travel long distances.

“We’re always looking for ways to make high-quality specialty care more convenient for our community,” Tina Nourse, Chief Clinic Administrator, said. “By offering endocrinology through telehealth, patients can receive expert care close to home, supported by our dedicated local clinical team.”

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. 10, a total of eight players participated. Bill Sheeder and Allen Pierce both had two 16s for the winners of the day.

On Oct. 13, a total of nine players participated. Wayne Nickel and Clint Malbon both had a 16.

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.

Special to the Times Vedette

The 2025 Guthrie County Hospital Foundation Pink Party 5K Run/Walk was held Oct. 4. The run/walk started at the GCH Fitness Center on 13^th Street. 

Brandon Johnson (third place), Crew Smith (second place), Olivia Beaudet (first place)

Dennis James and Caitlin Gardiner

Tiffany Stipe and Chris Stipe

Dennis Flanery, Diane Flanery and Sean Flanery

A group of runners/walkers start to form at the starting line.