By Rich Wicks | Times Vedette

During the regular meeting of the Panora City Council on Dec. 8, the council returned to a previously discussed issue of citizens being allowed to goose hunt on a private property within city limits.

“A number of things have been brought up. I don’t know that anybody’s against it, but I think everybody’s just trying to understand how it works,” Mayor Curt Thornberry said.

Several citizens have requested, and been granted, approval to hunt geese on a property. Police Chief Matt Reising had been asked to attend and was asked for his input. Reising said he did not have any specific concerns on the issue.

Councilmember Mark Sheeder suggested that when such approvals are given, it should specify no rifle usage or shotgun slug usage.

Councilmembers voiced concerns that the city and the property owner may not know who could be hunting. After discussion, the council consensus was, for any future such requests, to have the applicable property owner bring any requests to the city for consideration. City Administrator Lisa Grossman will draft a form for such usage in the future.

The council discussed and approved the first reading of Ordinance 360, amending the timeframe of sidewalks sales to 8 a.m. to 6 p.m., and noted that exceptions could be allowed for special events. The council waived the second and third readings and approved the ordinance.

The council approved the written water exemption request for 2025 Highway 4, Panora, known as the Calmer Minor Subdivision.

The council will not have a second meeting in December, so the next regular meeting is set for Monday, Jan. 12 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#).

By Rich Wicks | Times Vedette

During the Dec. 8 regular meeting of the Guthrie Center City Council, possible wage increases for city employees were discussed. Suggestions included a flat rate increase of $1.25 hourly, or a 4% increase.

Street Department Director Darrin Sloss asked the council to also consider a 25-cent hourly increase for two staff members who recently achieved an additional certification.

The council also discussed whether to have wage increases effective in January or in July. The city has traditionally had increases effective in January, but there was no clear reason known.

“So, the only difference if you did it in July would be, you would actually know the numbers for the budget, instead of an estimation,” Councilmember Ian Steensen said.

The council voted to approve a 4% increase for staff, and the additional 25-cent raise as requested by Sloss. No change in the effective date was made.

City Administrator Kris Arrasmith asked that residents contact city hall with any concerns about inadequate snow or ice removal on sidewalks in the downtown business area.

“Rarely do we have a problem,” Arrasmith said. “We’re very lucky.”

The council chose to have a second council meeting in December, per the regular schedule. The meeting on Dec. 22 will include the swearing-in of Mayor Mike Herbert, councilmember Carolyn Masters, and newly elected councilmember Erica Finster, who will replace her father, outgoing member Chuck Cleveland, on the council.

The council discussed the 2024/2025 Annual Urban Renewal report.

“This is a formality that we do every year,” Arrasmith said. “Just how much money we bring in on TIF and how much we’re going to pass through every year.”

The council approved the report as presented.

The next regular meeting is set for Monday, Dec. 22 at 6:30 p.m. The public is welcome.

By Rich Wicks | Times Vedette

On the morning of Saturday, Dec. 6, the Guthrie Center Fire Department and Panora EMS responded to a secondary building fire at 2094 Hickory Ave. Firefighters stopped the fire from spreading to the house. Upon extinguishing the fire, firefighters discovered the remains of a person and dog inside the shed.

The State Fire Marshal and Guthrie County Sheriff’s Office are investigating.

As of press time, no further details have been released.

Special to the Times Vedette

State Representative Carter Nordman (R-Dallas Center) has been awarded the Iowa State Sheriffs’ and Deputies’ Association (ISSDA) 2025 Gold Star Award in recognition of his public service and commitment to protecting the safety of all Iowans. This honor highlights Rep. Nordman’s efforts to support Iowa law enforcement and advance public safety initiatives across the state. The ISSDA Gold Star Award is one of the most prestigious recognitions in Iowa for public servants dedicated to law enforcement and community protection.

Presented annually to no more than five individuals, the award honors those who demonstrate genuine dedication to ISSDA’s mission: “To Serve and Protect the People of Iowa.” Recipients are carefully selected by sheriffs and deputies from the ISSDA Legislative Committee and Board of Directors, who collaborate closely with policymakers on critical public safety and law enforcement issues. Eligibility is strictly limited, underscoring the award’s exclusivity and high regard within the law enforcement community (issda.org).

“I am deeply grateful to receive the 2025 Gold Star Award from the Iowa State Sheriffs’ and Deputies’ Association,” Rep. Nordman said. “This recognition is a testament to the collaborative work we’ve done to ensure the safety and well-being of Iowans. My support for the men and women in law enforcement is and always will be unwavering. They put their lives on the line every day to protect our communities, and I am committed to standing with them.”

By Shane Goodman | Times Vedette

The Breakfast with Santa and Camp Candycane craft events were held on Saturday, Dec. 6 from 8:30-11 a.m. at the Panora Community Center. More than 180 people came out to see Santa Claus and enjoy some cakes on the griddle. 

Event volunteers Chelsey Miller, Erica Matthies, Ben Hayes, Dave Grove, Dani Fink, Amanda Creen and Pam Beardsley.

Special to the Times Vedette

On Dec. 5, a total of nine players participated. Rhonda Titus got a 16; Dan Webb got a 17, 16 and 17; Sandy Rumelhart got an 18; Bill Sheeder got a 20, and Dave Richter got a 24. 

On Dec. 8, a total of 10 players participated. Bill Sheeder, Rhonda Titus and Dennis Betts each go a 16; Dan Webb got a 17; and Robert Klever got a 20 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.