Special to the Times Vedette
Merv and Barb Krakau at 706 Prairie St. in Guthrie Center are the winners of $100 in chamber bucks from the Guthrie Center Lions Club and the Guthrie Center Chamber of Commerce for the Yard of the Month contest for August. These two organizations have teamed up to award citizens who maintain and take pride in their yard with this monthly contest.
Kay Jacobsen (Rick Jacobsen’s mother) holds the blue flower representing someone living with Alzheimer’s.
Special to the Times Vedette
The Fifth Walk to End Alzheimer’s – Raccoon River Valley event was held Saturday, Sept, 20 at Michael Mills Memorial Park in Panora. A total of 18 teams and 56 participants were registered for the event. Many volunteers set up early that morning preparing for the 9:30 a.m. ceremony start and staging the two-mile walk that started at 10 a.m. Bananas, water and coffee were donated by Crafty’s Coffee & Gifts for the event for participants. Different colored flowers were handed out to show the various support levels for Alzheimer’s.
Currently, $8,280 has been raised. Donations can still be made at https://act.alz.org under “Find a Walk.” Enter the Panora zip code of 50216.
Les Craig shows a headpiece made by Cindy.
By Rich Wicks | Guthrie Center Times, Sept. 2025
Some years ago, Les Craig of Casey decided to tinker around trying to create items from leather for his own use. As he gained experience and skill, he realized this could become more than a hobby. Eventually, Craig took the plunge, and he now makes his living crafting leather attire.
“This is what I do now, after 30-some years as a house painter,” Craig said.
As Craig began making and selling his leather creations, he found that renaissance fairs were the ideal market. He now attends renaissance fairs throughout the Midwest.
“My wife and I make leather goods for renaissance festivals and fairs. We run anywhere from Wisconsin to Arkansas to Nebraska to Indiana. We haven’t made it into Ohio yet, but we’re thinking about it,” Craig said. “Starting in September, I’ve got five weekends in a row, so I’m in a rush right now to get everything together and made.”
Craig also participates in local events when he can, such as the Greenfield renaissance fair that was held earlier this summer.
Craig named his company Cool Tool Leather Works. He recalled how he first realized there was a demand for his products.
“I started dabbling in it about five years ago, then we went to Sleepy Hollow two years ago and we found that there was a niche for us. Nobody else does quite what Cool Tool does,” Craig said. “Cool Tool is an artisan shop. Everything we sell is done by us. We don’t buy anything other than the hardware.”
To meet the demand, Craig’s wife, Cindy, has joined him in creating items to sell.
“My wife works three days a week at Casey’s and then four days a week doing this. She makes pouches and cloaks and a few other accessories,” Craig said. “I make armor and spaulders and wrist guards and stuff.”
Craig admitted he never considered himself artistic, at least not in the traditional sense.
“I’m not an artist. I’m a leather artist, and I can tool, but when it comes to drawing, give it up. My stick people even look bad,” Craig said. “So, we make a stencil, and then I’ll cut everything in and tool it out.”
Craig recalled what was the most difficult part, as a beginner, in learning to create leather gear.
“Learning to control the swivel knife; sometimes it doesn’t work so well,” he said.
Craig said that he could continue showing his gear at renaissance fairs throughout the year if he chose to travel further during the winter months. But, for now at least, he travels less during the winter, which gives a chance to build up his inventory.
Looking to the future, the couple plans to continue making what they enjoy and will adjust as the market demands. Cool Tool items can be seen on the company’s Facebook page.
“For now, we plan to just keep on keeping on,” Craig said.
One thing Craig does not plan to change is the focus on quality.
“Cool Tool is totally into our craftsmanship and our quality. That’s what we emphasize the most. We get a lot of compliments. It’s nice to hear from people who have been all across the Midwest, and they tell us that our stuff is among the top,” he said. “My stuff is going to last. If you take care of it, you’ll be handing it down to grandchildren. Leather will hang around for you as long as you take care of it.” n
Les Craig shows a piece of leather armor.
Spaulders are beautiful yet tough.
Cool Tool’s logo in leather.
Les Craig shows a piece in progress.
By Rich Wicks | Times Vedette
During the regular meeting of the Panora City Council on Sept. 22, the councilmembers voted unanimously to approve Resolution 25-32, setting Oct. 31 as the standard date for the city’s trick-or-treat events, regardless of the day of the week.
The council reappointed members of the library board to another six-year term. Chris Hastings, Kari Sebern and Tina Thornberry each have a new term through Dec. 31, 2031.
City Administrator Lisa Grossman described the work she has been doing to update the city’s code of ordinances. She said the majority of the changes are minor wording or numbering changes to make sure references match.
“Just making it read a little bit better,” Grossman said.
Councilmember Mark Sheeder mentioned a tree that may need attention near Jackson Street.
“There’s a large diameter stump about 15 feet high,” Sheeder said. “It’s now starting to lean into the right of way.”
Grossman said the city crew is aware of the situation.
The next regular meeting is set for Monday, Oct. 13 at 5:30 p.m. The public is welcome. Interested persons may attend in person or electronically by visiting the website https://meet.goto.com/cityofpanora or by phone 1-312-757-3121 (Access Code 295-099-701, Audio PIN 220#).
Special to the Times Vedette
On Sept. 19, a total of eight players participated. Robert Klever got a 16 and Roy Glen got a 21.
On Sept. 22, a total of 11 players participated. Joanne Zieser got two 16s and a 20; Wayne Nickel and Roy Carl each got a 16; Allen Pierce and Sandy Rumelhart got a 17; and Robert Klever got an 18.
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 Guthrie County Youth Foundation is accepting applications for scholarships from the Class of 2026. Students who plan to further their education in two or three-year programs that are in vocational, technical or medical fields are urged to apply. Applications are available from the high school guidance counselors.
The scholarships are funded by $30 yearly memberships paid by individuals, businesses and organizations in and serving Guthrie County.
Directors of the Foundation are: Forrest Schnobrich of Casey, president; Luann Waldo of Panora, secretary/treasurer; Matt Pearey of Guthrie Center; Pam Grow of Bagley and Lori Christensen of Stuart. The directors are responsible for soliciting memberships and are collecting the annual fees now.
There were 21 scholarship applications for 2025. Seventeen students were selected to receive awards. The Eddie McCartney Memorial Scholarships of $250 for eight medical students will receive $100 from Guthrie County Youth Foundation for a total award of $350. Nine students will receive Guthrie County Youth Foundation scholarships of $400.
Selected for scholarships from the class of 2025 were:
The scholarships will be paid in early 2026 following the submission to Waldo of successful completion of the first semester of college.
If you are interested in becoming a member, please contact one of the directors.