Special to the Times Vedette

On Jan. 7, a total of 12 players participated. Dave Kading got a 24; Mark Humphreys and Robert Klever each got two 16s; Lela Schwartz, Dennis Betts, Dick Ellis, Allen Pierce and Sandy Rumelhart each got 16s; and Larry Gardiner got 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.

Tamara Deal was recognized for her impact on agriculture at the ninth annual Women in Ag Leadership Conference, which was held in Ames Dec. 3-4.

From the Iowa State University and Outreach | Special to the Times Vedette

The Iowa State University Extension and Outreach Women in Ag program recognized four Iowa agricultural leaders during the ninth annual Women in Ag Leadership Conference, which was held in Ames Dec. 3-4.

The “Women Impacting Agriculture” recognition honors and celebrates those who drive positive change in Iowa by enhancing economic resiliency and stability, conserving natural resources and serving as influential agricultural leaders, family members and community volunteers.

Nominated by coworkers, neighbors, friends and family members, honorees are selected from a competitive pool of submissions. This year’s recipients were chosen for their exceptional impact, leadership and unwavering commitment to Iowa agriculture.

“These honorees represent the strength and vision that drive Iowa agriculture forward,” said Madeline Schultz, Women in Ag program manager with ISU Extension and Outreach. “Their leadership and commitment inspire others to innovate, collaborate and build resilient rural communities.”

The 2025 honorees include Tamara Deal, as well as Darcy Maulsby, Natalie Paino and Loretta Reimers.

Tamara Deal

Tamara Deal brings heart, heritage, and forward-thinking innovation to everything she does in Iowa agriculture. As president of Deal Family Farms LLC, Deal Inc., and Fair Deal Hog Farm, she carries on her family’s 135-year legacy of farming in Guthrie and Greene Counties while paving the way for a more resilient future. Managing more than 1,100 acres, Deal handles grain marketing, leasing and long-term farm strategy, working alongside a team of younger farmers and mentoring her nephew as he prepares to join the next generation of leadership.

Deal’s commitment to sustainability is deeply personal. On her land, she has implemented no-till, cover crops, and diverse crop rotations — combining traditional stewardship with modern science to protect Iowa’s soil and water. Her partnerships with Practical Farmers of Iowa, the Soil and Water Outcomes Fund, and programs such as CRP andEQIP have helped expand her farm’s conservation footprint while improving profitability. She believes in leading by example and frequently opens doors for others — especially women landowners — by hosting conservation luncheons that bring people together to share ideas, build relationships, and drive collaborative action to strengthen the Raccoon River Watershed.

A graduate of Iowa State University with degrees in psychology and management information systems, Deal blends business sense with empathy and community insight. She collaborates with ISU researchers on sustainability and water quality projects funded by the Iowa Water Center and NOAA, turning research into real-world results. Recognized as a Sustainability Ambassador with the Women, Food, and Agriculture Network, she connects scientific progress with grassroots leadership.

Beyond her farm, Deal’s dedication extends deeply into her community. She leads the Dolly Parton’s Imagination Library program in Guthrie County, serves as president of the Guthrie County Community Foundation, and volunteers through her church and local nonprofits.

Deal embodies what it means to be a visionary in modern agriculture — grounded in tradition, guided by purpose, and driven by a genuine desire to make rural Iowa thrive for generations to come.

By Rich Wicks | Times Vedette

During the regular meeting of the Yale City Council on Jan. 6, the councilmembers heard from two representatives of the firm of Short Elliott Hendrickson Inc. (SEH) regarding Yale well and water projects.

Christina Skalko discussed Well Project contracts I and II. She recommended the city accept the well contractor’s certificate of substantial completion and a change order, which she described as an “extra day, non-money change.” The council voted to accept her recommendations.

Skalko also discussed the final pay request from the pond contractor, which is for the final 5% (retainage) of $11,372. She recommended approval, and the council voted to approve it.

Tom Madden of SEH reviewed the schedule of the water treatment filter unit replacement project. He explained that the water may cause some minor issues during the process but will remain safe for all uses. He encouraged the city to provide thorough and early communication to residents about this.

“There’s going to be a period of time when water is going to have more iron and manganese in it than it has now. It’s not going to hurt anybody. It’s still going to be safe water. It could make a stain on light-colored clothes,” Madden said.

The council voted to set a public hearing for 7 p.m. on Feb. 3 regarding the proposal to enter into a Water Revenue Loan and Disbursement Agreement and to borrow money thereunder in a principal amount not to exceed $375,000.

Brenda Dudley addressed the council regarding Midwest Partnership. She shared information on the upcoming Midwest Partnership annual dinner, set for Jan. 29 in Casey. The council voted to renew membership with Midwest Partnership.

The next regularly scheduled meeting of the Yale City Council is set for Tuesday, Feb. 3 at 7 p.m. The public is welcome.

By Rich Wicks | Times Vedette

Applications are due by Jan. 31 for any organizations wishing to apply for a grant from the Guthrie County Community Foundation. As in previous years, applications may be submitted from nonprofit organizations, governmental entities and educational organizations. Dozens of local organizations received funds in 2025. Funds will help support quality of life in Guthrie County. Details can be found on the website www.guthriecountycommunityfoundation.org.

By Rich Wicks | Times Vedette

Two upcoming events in the area help celebrate the beef industry.

The Adair County Cattlemen’s Banquet will be held on Jan. 17 at the Adair County Fairgrounds in Greenfield. Social hour will begin at 5 p.m. with dinner at 6 p.m., followed by the meeting at 7 p.m.

The Guthrie County Cattlemen’s Banquet is set for Jan. 31 at the Guthrie County Fairgrounds in Guthrie Center. The cost is $30. Social hour begins at 5:30 p.m. with the meal at 6:30 p.m.

By Rich Wicks | Times Vedette

Panora Library events

• Friday, Jan. 9, Lego Club will be offered at 2 p.m.
• Thursday, Jan. 15, the winter reading challenge begins.
• Thursday, Jan. 15 at 3 p.m., the Find Your Family Genealogy Club will meet. All are welcome.
• Friday, Jan. 16 and Saturday, Jan. 17, a puzzle and board game swap will be held at the library.

For more information on any of these offerings, call the library at 641-755-2529.

Wild Game Feed and Raffle in Panora Jan. 10

First Christian Church (102 East Church St., Panora) will host a wild game feed and raffle event on Saturday, Jan. 10. The meal will be served 5-7 p.m., with the raffle to follow. Meal cost is $10, and raffle tickets are $10 each. Crossbows will be raffled off. For meal and/or raffle tickets, call Miles Boatman at 641-451-7862.