Special to the Times Vedette

Mr. Osbahr’s class at Panorama High School built a giant Adirondack chair for Panorama Days. Art students Bella Kelly and Hadley Fitch had been working on painting the details.

The Panora Chamber of Commerce invites the public to a special Ribbon Cutting Celebration for this community Adirondack Chair Project on Monday, June 1 at 3 p.m. at the Panora Town Square.

This chamber leaders say this project is an example of what can happen when a community comes together with creativity, generosity and teamwork. From donated materials to student craftsmanship and artistic talent, this chair represents community pride, collaboration and the spirit of Panora.

The chamber extends a special thank you to Lake Lumber for providing materials; Panorama Community Schools shop teacher and students for their craftsmanship and construction; and Panorama Community Schools art teacher and students for bringing the project to life with creativity and design

The chamber leadership says they are excited to officially showcase the chair and celebrate the many people who helped make the project possible. They say the chair will serve as a fun and welcoming photo opportunity for both the community and visitors alike.

The chair’s temporary home will be at the town square through RAGBRAI and Panorama Days 2026 before moving to its permanent home along the bike trail.

Photos courtesy of Panorama Schools

Art students Bella Kelly and Hadley Fitch work on the painting details.

Principal Thad Stanley says this one fits just right.

Superintendent Kasey Huebner tests out the Adirondack chair.

Bella Kelly puts on the finishing touches.

Bella Kelly and Hadley Fitch display their work.

Special to the Times Vedette

Central College recognized 251 graduates during Commencement 2026 on May 16 in P.H. Kuyper Gymnasium on Central’s campus.

• Eli Kading of Casey graduated with major(s) in Accounting and Business Management and minors in Economics.
• Alaina Bunde of Guthrie Center graduated with major(s) in Elementary Education.

Prior to awarding the Bachelor of Arts and Bachelor of Science degrees to students, Mike Main, M.D., a cardiologist, Central trustee and 1987 graduate, was presented with an honorary Doctor of Science degree. He addressed the audience and encouraged graduates to embrace lifelong learning, pursue meaningful opportunities and lead lives grounded in purpose during the 2026 Commencement ceremony.

Reflecting on his own experiences as a Central student in the 1980s, the speaker described the huge impact of the college’s liberal arts environment and the mentors who helped shape his path from political science major to physician leader.

The speaker emphasized that curiosity and critical thinking will become even more important in an era increasingly shaped by artificial intelligence.

“When information is abundant, judgment becomes critical,” he said. “Center your lifelong learning on the skills you’ve developed here through a diverse liberal arts education – critical thinking, communication, adaptability and emotional intelligence.”

In discussing purpose, the speaker urged graduates to focus less on status and possessions and more on service to others. As heart doctor, he strongly encouraging graduates to maintain healthy habits that will allow them to fully engage in meaningful work and relationships throughout their lives.

He also encouraged graduates to remain open to unexpected opportunities, recounting how mentors at Central helped him pivot from plans for law school to a career in medicine following the loss of his younger sister to heart disease.

“Say yes anyway, and don’t be afraid to reinvent yourself,” he told graduates. “Maybe more than once.”

“Armed with the knowledge, experiences and education you’ve gained at Central College,” he said, “you’ll meet challenges with skill and with heart, and you’ll achieve great things for your faith, your family, your profession and your community.”

The ceremony was livestreamed and is available for viewing on the Central Dutch Network.

Special to the Times Vedette

Each semester, Central College recognizes students who have demonstrated outstanding academic achievement by naming them to the Dean’s List. This distinction is reserved for those who have earned a semester grade point average of 3.5 or higher while completing a minimum of 12 graded credit hours. The students exemplify academic excellence and a strong commitment to their education.

• Andrew Mahaffey of Guthrie Center
• Zachary Teague of Stuart

Special to the Times Vedette

On May 27, a total of 10 players participated. Dennis Betts got a 17, and Sandy Rumelhart got a 16 and a 24.

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.

By Rich Wicks | Times Vedette

On May 13, ACGC High School held Baccalaureate and 2026 awards night. The following students received awards/scholarships.

Local Scholarships and Awards

• Bernie Saggau Award – Carter Richter
• Governor’s Scholar Award – Caydence Boals
• Wayne Cooley Nominee – Becca Littler
• Guthrie County Citizenship Award – Iowa State Bar Association – Caydence Boals
• Adair County Citizenship Award – Iowa State Bar Association – Lucy Knutter
• American Legion Post 124 Scholarship – Carter Dinkla, Tanner Downing, Collin Stringham
• Sons of the American Legion Post 124 Scholarship – Carter Dinkla, Jack Sheeder, Collin Stringham
• Omar B. Shearer Unit 124, Auxiliary Merit Award – Caydence Boals, Tanner Downing
• Masonic Lodge #123 – Leaya Klemish, Becca Littler, Jack Sheeder
• Grand Lodge of Iowa: Mark Earl and Ester Ruth Spencer Technical Scholarship – Savannah Akers
• J.D. and Kathy Kuster Scholarship – Savannah Akers, Xander Harwood
• Adair Women’s Club Scholarship – Joe Crawford, Allie DeWitt
• Festival of Trees Scholarship – Savannah Akers, Leaya Klemish, Camdyn Richter,  Karli Kautzky, Becca Littler, Ava Sneller
• Lynn Lehman Scholarship – Becca Littler
• Norunn Stangland Scholarship – Caydence Boals
• Marines Scholastic Excellence Award – Savannah Akers, Charlie Christensen
• Distinguished Male Athlete Award – Joe Crawford
• Distinguished Female Athlete Award – Camdyn Richter
• “Semper Fidelis” Award for Musical Excellence – Caydence Boals, Tanner Downing
• Outstanding Senior English Department Award – Lucy Knutter
• Outstanding Senior Communications Award – Xander Harwood
• Jen Hewitt Memorial Art Award – Alex Doherty
• Outstanding Senior Art Award – Chelsea Kopaska
• Outstanding Senior Award for Instrumental Music/Arion Award – Allie DeWitt
• Outstanding Senior Drama Award – Caydence Boals
• Outstanding Senior Vocal Award – Carter Dinkla, Tanner Downing
• Iowa Choral Directors Association Outstanding Senior Award – Rohnin Grasty
• Trudy Straub Speech Award – Tanner Downing
• Sue Osborne Scholarship – Collin Stringham
• Guthrie County REC Scholarship – Tanner Downing, Becca Littler, Brennan Tunink
• Alliant Energy Innovation Scholarship – Caydence Boals, Max Trujillo-Garcia
• Association of Independent Business Women Scholarship – Caydence Boals
• Guthrie County Youth Foundation Scholarship – Tanner Downing, Leaya Klemish, Camdyn Richter, Karli Kautzky, Kaylee Oberholtz, Brennan Tunink
• Eddie McCartney Memorial Scholarship – Savannah Akers
• Healthcare Scholarship (Sponsored by: Synergy Wellness, Dub P Apparel, Hospice of the Midwest & The New Homestead) – Savannah Akers, Leaya Klemish
• Adair-Casey Education Association Scholarship – Becca Littler, Camdyn Richter
• Adair Library Brainard Memorial Scholarship – Savannah Akers, Allie DeWitt, Karli Kautzky, Becca Littler, Camdyn Richter, Ava Sneller, Caydence Boals, Shelby Gustin, Leaya Klemish, Kaylee Oberholtz, Thomas Skram
• D Evangeline Kuester Scholarship – Lucy Knutter, Xander Harwood
• Daisy Petersen Trust Scholarship – Lucy Knutter, Thomas Skram
• Neil Lewis Memorial Scholarship – Leaya Klemish
• National Honor Society Medal Presentation – Savannah Akers, Allie DeWitt, Leaya Klemish, Caydence Boals, Tanner Downing, Lucy Knutter, Charlie Christensen, Karli Kautzky, Becca Littler
• DMACC Graduation Certificates and Cords – Savannah Akers (CNA – Nurse Aide, Advanced CNA), Jacie Baker (CNA – Nurse Aide, Advanced CNA), Elizabeth Drake (CNA – Nurse Aide, Advanced CNA), Karli Kautzky (CNA – Nurse Aide, Advanced CNA), Leaya Klemish (CNA – Nurse Aide, Advanced CNA), Camdyn Richter (CNA – Nurse Aide, Advanced CNA)
• Central College Journey Scholarship – Luke Brincks
• Central College Presidential Scholarship – Luke Brincks
• Coon Valley Telephone Co. Scholarship – Jacie Baker
• Panora Fiber – Tanner Downing
• Adair Casey Conservation Club – Savannah Akers, Allie DeWitt, Kaylee Oberholtz, Ava Sneller
• Guthrie SWCD Scholarship – Caydence Boals
• Adair SWCD Scholarship – Joe Crawford
• Charles Dobbins Scholarship – Charlie Christensen, Joe Crawford, Leaya Klemish, Camdyn Richter
• Iowa Land Improvement Contactors Association – Camdyn Richter
• Adair County Cattlemen’s Scholarship – Joe Crawford
• Guthrie County Cattlemen’s Scholarship – Gracie Hodges, Irelyn Wirt
• Casey Service Club Scholarship – Ava Sneller
• AC/GC Charger Booster Club Scholarships – Savannah Akers, Tanner Downing, Leaya Klemish, Camdyn Richter, Caydence Boals, Shelby Gustin, Becca Littler
• Iowa Farm Bureau, Adair County Scholarship – Joe Crawford
• Iowa Farm Bureau, Guthrie County Scholarship – Gracie Hodges, Camdyn Richter
• Ernst Heritage Farms Scholarship – Savannah Akers
• Guthrie County Hospital Foundation – Savannah Akers, Elizabeth Drake, Leaya Kelmish
• Guthrie County Hospital Auxiliary Scholarship – Leaya Klemish
• St. Mary’s Alter & Rosary – Tanner Downing
• Peoples Bank Scholarship – Caydence Boals
• Everfi “Top 3” Financial Literacy Students – Savannah Akers (Overall Winner), Kaylee Oberholtz, Rohnin Grasty
• Guthrie Center Lions Club Scholarship – Savannah Akers, Allie DeWitt, Shelby Gustin, Caydence Boals, Tanner Downing, Leaya Klemish, Becca Littler, Camdyn Richter
• Elevate Adair – Ava Sneller
• Jessie Leeper Building Lives Scholarship – Savannah Akers, Leaya Klemish, Ava Sneller,   Caydence Boals, Becca Littler
• Hayes Trust Scholarship – Becca Littler, Thomas Skram, Ava Sneller
• Casey Women’s Club Scholarship – Savannah Akers, Becca Littler, Ava Sneller
• Chapter PH and BY PEO Scholarship – Ava Sneller
• Taylor Scholarship – Caydence Boals
• Presentation of Senior Key – Lucy Knutter and Rylee Robson

Additional Scholarship Awards

• Caydence Boals – Drake University Presidential Scholarship Drake University Instrumental Scholarship
• Karli Kautzky – UNI Inspire Award, Panther Achievement Award
• Leaya Klemish – Iowa Western Foundation Scholarship
• Lucy Knutter – Simpson College Presidential Scholarship
• Max Trujillo-Garcia – First Cyclones Scholarship, Shirley R. Meidinger Scholarship, Keep Iowa Beautiful Scholarship
• Brennan Tunink – Marshalltown Community College
• Oliver Wetzel – Ford ASSET Program, Iowa Automobile Dealers Foundation

By Rich Wicks | Times Vedette

With RABGRAI’s July 20 visit to Guthrie Center nearing, the community is encouraging citizens to help. The Guthrie Center RAGBRAI website (www.guthriecenterragbrai.com) is the best place to see any opportunities and/or updates.

According to organizer Jen Policky, the greatest needs currently are for hosts and volunteers.

HOSTS

Many riders are still looking for a place to sleep in or near Guthrie Center on Monday night, July 20. Local citizens willing to host riders can sign up on the website to allow riders to camp in your yard or in your home. Depending on how many you can comfortably accommodate, you will then be matched with a rider group so that the host and riders can communicate beforehand.

VOLUNTEERS

Policky noted that many volunteers are needed, in a wide variety of roles. Whatever your interests or abilities are, she says Guthrie Center RAGBRAI has a way for you to help.

Volunteers will be needed in the beer garden, at the information center, and at the campgrounds. Volunteers are also needed the day before (July 19) and the morning after (July 21) for set-up and cleanup.

Policky shared that up to 12 shuttle busses will be running that day, taking riders to and from various church dinners and other events in town. Another way to volunteer is to be an “information source” on a shuttle bus, to answer questions from riders so the bus driver can concentrate on driving.

To sign up as a host and/or volunteer, or simply to see what is going on with Guthrie Center RAGBRAI, go to the website, then click on Community.