Special to the Times Vedette

The Association of Community Publishers (ACP) Distinguished Service Award is presented each year to an individual who the association determines to have made “significant, lasting contributions to both ACP and the community publishing industry. It recognizes those who have given their time, talents and vision to benefit fellow publishers — always with the industry’s success in mind, rather than personal gain.”

Shane Goodman, president and publisher of Big Green Umbrella Media of Johnston and Guthrie Center, was awarded the honor at the ACP Conference and Trade Show in Mobile, Alabama, on Sept. 11. 

Goodman began his publishing career with his high school and college newspapers in Iowa. After graduation, he worked in advertising sales, automotive magazine publishing and became a group publisher for a network of 12 weekly publications in central Iowa. He served in a similar role in Nebraska while also managing a commercial printing operation. Eventually, he ventured out on his own, building a portfolio of lifestyle magazines, newspapers, websites, events and niche publications.

“Fortunately, for all of us, he has always been eager to share his experience and leadership,” Joyce Frerichs, ACP president, stated in the presentation. “From 2006 to 2020, he served on the Association of Free Community Papers (AFCP) board of directors, taking on roles as trade show chair, awards chair, conference chair and a decade in officer positions including president from 2016 to 2018.”

In 2019, Goodman was invited to join the Independent Free Papers of America (IFPA) board of directors.

“His wide-ranging expertise made him an invaluable member of the transition board that oversaw the merger of AFCP and IFPA into today’s Association of Community Publishers,” Frerichs said. “His leadership — and his willingness to ask the tough but necessary questions —  played a key role in strengthening our organization and shaping its future.”

Frerichs stated that beyond Goodman’s board service, he has been a frequent session leader, presenter and program participant at both virtual and in-person events.

“His openness in sharing not only success stories but also lessons learned has helped countless publishers across the country,” Frerichs said.

The Association of Community Publishers (ACP) is a national trade organization that represents community publications from coast to coast, reaching millions of homes on a weekly, biweekly or monthly basis.

Special to the Times Vedette

The Iowa Economic Development Authority (IEDA) recently announced $35.9 million in workforce housing tax credits to support development in 36 counties across the state.

The awards will fund 63 projects expected to create nearly 2,000 new residential units — 1,217 in large communities and 752 in smaller towns.

“When families can find quality, affordable homes, they put down roots — and that gives businesses the steady workforce they need,” Debi Durham, director of IEDA and the Iowa Finance Authority, said. “It’s that kind of stability that keeps our communities strong and our economy moving forward.”

IEDA received 137 applications requesting about $83 million in tax credits. Of the $35 million available for fiscal 2026, $17.5 million was specifically reserved for projects in Iowa’s 88 least-populated counties. Applications were evaluated on readiness, financing, community impact, developer experience and innovation. 

Origin Homes, a rural, custom homebuilder that builds in all 99 Iowa counties, has one of the projects with its Dream Acres Housing in Panora, creating five housing units with a total tax credit of $199,999. Origin is on its fourth year of the Rural Housing Initiative.

“Origin Homes is fortunate to continue to collaborate with so many talented communities across the state and the list of those wanting to partner is growing quickly. Panora’s leaders had their housing studies complete, with single-family home types in mind, and the home lots ready to build,” Matt Daniels, director of operations for Origin Homes, said.

Origin plans to build five ranch homes in Panora’s Dream Acres public-private neighborhood, developed by Panora Fiber. The homes will range from two-three bedrooms, all around 1,400-1,500 square feet with finished and unfinished basements. The homes are three blocks from main street and one block from Panora’s schools and Little Panthers Daycare. 

“Right now, we have employers struggling to fill key positions, young families who want to stay but can’t find a home and newcomers ready to join our community — if we can find them homes. Origin has a proven track record across rural Iowa and their initiative is built on collaboration, local insight and long-term vision,” Panora Mayor Curt Thornberry said.  

The Workforce Housing Tax Credit program supports projects that redevelop abandoned, vacant or deteriorated properties. For more information about the program, visit iowaeda.com/workforce-housing-tax-credit.

Special to the Times Vedette

On Sept. 12, a total of 10 players participated. Clint Malbon and Rhonda Titus each got a 16; Robert Klever got three 16s, Sandy Rumelhart had a 16 and a 17; and Lela Schwartz got a 17.

On Sept. 15, a total of 14 players participated. Sandy Rumelhart got a 16; Chet Vaughan, Dan Webb each got two 16s; Dennis Betts got a 17; and Kathy Feilmeier has a 14.

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 

Southern New Hampshire University (SNHU) congratulates Lexee Bonus of Bagley on being named to the Summer 2025 President’s List. The summer terms run from May to August.

Full-time undergraduate students who have earned a minimum grade-point average of 3.700 and above for the reporting term are named to the President’s List. Full-time status is achieved by earning 12 credits over each 16-week term or paired 8-week terms grouped in fall, winter/spring, and summer.

By Kerry Jacobsen | Times Vedette

Panorama students volunteered their time to help set up tables and chairs on Monday evening for the Best of Guthrie County event at the Guthrie County Fairgrounds Event Center. Pictured are Wilson, Sam, Anabel, Kaylynn, Raelyn, Adalynn and Madelyn.