Special to the Times Vedette

On Feb. 4, a total of six players participated. Wayne Nickel got the only high hand of 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

Across Iowa, residents are choosing to care for their yards in ways that protect kids, pets, pollinators and the environment. At the heart of this shift is a simple idea: when neighbors look out for each other, small individual actions can create big community change.

Good Neighbor Iowa is a statewide educational initiative that encourages individuals, schools and communities to reduce unnecessary pesticide use and create healthier outdoor spaces for everyone. It is about supporting each other in making choices that lead to safer play areas, stronger pollinator habitats, and cleaner soil and water.

A key part of this effort is the network of Local Champions across the state. These are everyday Iowans who share resources, answer questions and start friendly conversations about safer lawn‑care practices in their community. Their work shows that meaningful environmental change doesn’t need to come from a big agency or a laboratory; it can begin with a short conversation across a fence line.

In Guthrie County, spaces like Springbrook State Park and Lenon Mill Park serve as a reminder of the value of clean, healthy outdoor environments. Choosing pesticide‑free practices in your own yard helps protect the very places the community enjoys most, since chemicals applied at home can be carried by the wind or wash into storm drains, eventually impacting neighborhood parks, rivers and pollinator habitats.

Residents can take the Good Neighbor Iowa pledge or learn more about becoming a Local Champion at Goodneighboriowa.org.

Photos by Mark Reno | Special to the Times Vedette

The 2026 Panorama Dance team’s Show of Shows was held on Sunday, Feb. 1 at Panorama High School. The program celebrated the team’s 2025-2026 competition season and highlighted the team’s talent, leadership, sportsmanship and strong community involvement. Achievements included:

• Team earned Division I ratings in Jazz, Lyrical, and Contemporary at state
• 2nd Place at State — Jazz
• 2nd Place at State — Contemporary
• 3rd Place at State — Lyrical
• All Panorama soloists received Division I ratings, with multiple top-10 state placements

Senior Lexi Wasson was recognized immediately following the opening routine. Team awards and lettering presentations held midway through the show

Guest dancers from the West Central Valley Dance Team (WCV) included:

• Addisyn Leonard — two-time Class IV State Champion
• Scarlett Putney — Class IV State Runner-Up (2nd place)
• Adalyn Weber — featured guest performer

Youth clinic group Pantopia performed. (They also appeared at several basketball halftime shows this season). The middle school dance team performed alongside the high school team.

Special to the Times Vedette

Whiterock Conservancy is looking for volunteer campground hosts located near Coon Rapids for the 2026 recreational camping season. The campground hosts major responsibilities are to help register campers, provide scheduled cleaning for the restroom/shower facilities, sell firewood and provide general information to the public.

Campground hosts need to provide their own camping unit to be placed on a full hookup site provided by Whiterock Conservancy free of charge. The position is available mid-May through mid-September (dates variable with weather). Applicants should be friendly, dependable and enjoy working with people. Applicants must be 21 years of age or older and pass a background check.

Campground host applications and a complete volunteer job description are available at:

Whiterock Conservancy
1436 Highway 141
Coon Rapids, IA 50058

For more information, call 712-790-8221 x2 or email executivedirector@whiterockconservancy.org

By Rich Wicks | Times Vedette

The Feb. 3 regular meeting of the Guthrie County Supervisors included a report from County Engineer Josh Sebern regarding the planned road rehabilitation project on P28 (Wagon Road) between Panora and Stuart.

Sebern said during the project, there will be a detour at times, likely involving Monteith Road and Highway 25. When firmer schedules are known, the county will announce detour timelines and details.

“When you get this project done, hypothetical question, what about White Pole (Road)?” Supervisor Steve Smith asked.

Sebern said White Pole Road is still targeted for a project in 2028.

In other news, the supervisors appointed Keelan Woods to fill an opening on the Guthrie County Airport Authority.

Jake Anderson, county farm lease holder, addressed the supervisors about fencing needs on the property.

Brenda Dudley, on behalf of Midwest Partnership, asked the supervisors to consider a Fiscal Year 2027 financial contribution. She asked for the same amount that was allocated a year ago. Dudley summarized the projects and accomplishments of Midwest Partnership.

“You do really good work,” Supervisor Maggie Armstrong said.

No action was taken at this time on Dudley’s request.

The supervisors meet regularly on Tuesdays at 9 a.m. The public is welcome to attend in person (at the courthouse) or via remote technology. To join remotely, call 323-792-6123, then use meeting code 547029216#