Photos of local veterans are displayed at Prime Time Restaurant at 217 State St. in Guthrie Center.
By Rich Wicks | Times Vedette
An annual tradition at Prime Time Restaurant in Guthrie Center honors local veterans of military service. Everyone is encouraged to take a moment to appreciate the service and sacrifices from former and current members of our nation’s military services.
Jeff Bump, who served as the secretary for The Panora and Lake Panorama Economic Development Group for many years, was presented an appreciation plaque by 2026 President John Rutlege for his years of service.
John Rutledge presents an appreciate plaque to the 2025 president, Julie Dent-Zajicek.
By Shane Goodman | Times Vedette
The Panora and Lake Panorama Economic Development Group met on Wednesday, Nov. 5 at Panorama High School. This was the annual meeting for the group, which meant the passing of the gavel of the president. John Rutledge was named to the position for 2026, replacing the 2025 president, Julie Dent-Zajicek.
The Panora and Lake Panorama Area Economic Development group serves as the principal economic development organization in the Panora and Lake Panorama area. The group traces its roots in Panora to the 1980s and even earlier, beginning as an informal group of business leaders looking to attract, support and grow area businesses and promote housing.
In 1987, the corporation was called Panora Economic Development Corporation and was formed as a for-profit corporation. A new corporation was formed in 2000 as a nonprofit. Today, the organization is comprised of business and community leaders from Panora, Lake Panorama and the surrounding area.
Mayor Curt Thornberry thanks Jeff Bump for his service as city attorney.
During the regular meeting of the Panora City Council on Nov. 10, the council considered a request from Jeremy King for four hunters to be allowed to hunt waterfowl on Ethan Boyer’s field through Jan. 17, 2026. The request is for Jeremy King, Emmett King, Cadey Young and Blake Michelsen. The council approved the request with Michelsen abstaining.
During the public forum portion of the meeting, State Representative Carter Nordman addressed the council. He described efforts to make EMS an essential service statewide. He said this was considered last year but didn’t pass.
“Everything is on the table right now,” Nordman said regarding EMS services.
Representative Nordman also talked about proposed changes to TIF (Tax Increment Financing).
“In my opinion, TIF is one of the few tools that rural Iowa has for any kind of development, but that doesn’t mean that there can’t be some reforms to TIF,” he said. “But TIF is simply not going to go away.”
The council approved a lease agreement with Lee White for use of his 2017 Case TR270 skid loader as needed for snow removal. The rate is unchanged from the previous year.
The council approved Resolution 25-38, approving local match of just more than $68,000 for the Hazard Mitigation Assistance Program for the North Underground Project. The council also approved Resolution 25-40, approving local match of roughly $102,700 for the Hazard Mitigation Assistance Program for the South Underground Project
A public hearing was set for Dec. 8 at 5:30 p.m. regarding the adoption of the city’s new Code of Ordinances.
Mayor Curt Thornberry shared appreciation to Jeff Bump for his years of service to Panora as city attorney.
The next regular meeting is set for Monday, Nov. 24 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 regular meeting of the Guthrie Center City Council on Nov.10, Street Department Director Darrin Sloss brought up the recent discovery of a sinkhole near the city’s wastewater treatment plant lagoons. He said some length of pipe between the lagoons will need to be replaced, but he doesn’t yet know how much will be impacted. Sloss said his crew is working to get as much water as possible out of the lagoon so that the situation can be assessed.
Regarding the expected cost, Sloss said, “Anywhere from ‘not bad’ to ‘a little scary.’ ”
Sloss also discussed the city’s 2007 International truck, which is having some mechanical problems that makes the truck engine occasionally stall. Sloss said the city could choose to replace the vehicle, but he does not yet think that’s necessary.
“My recommendation is that we keep limping it along,” he said.
“If you’re willing to let it limp, let it limp,” Councilmember Chuck Cleveland said.
No formal action was taken on the matter.
As part of the consent agenda, the council approved a fence permit for 503 N. Fifth St. (Short) and shed permits for 201 McLuen St. (Blakely) and 907 Prairie St. (See).
The next regular meeting is set for Monday, Nov. 24 at 6:30 p.m. The public is welcome.
Special to the Times Vedette
Guthrie County Deputy Sheriff Matt Losee reported a car vs. deer accident occurring at 5:50 p.m. on Nov. 4 on White Pole Road. Laurie Ann Welsch, 51, of Dexter, was driving a 2018 Toyota Rav4 westbound on White Pole Road and struck a deer, causing an estimated $3,000 in damage.
Special to the Times Vedette
Guthrie County Sheriff Matt Harmann reported a car vs. deer accident occurring at 6:41 p.m. on Nov. 7 on Highway 44. Dannielle Elizabeth Peters, 20, of Newell, was driving a 2020 Buick Encore westbound on Highway 44 near Quince Lane and collided with a deer, causing an estimated $5,500 in damage.