By Rich Wicks | Times Vedette

The weather was perfect for Guthrie Center’s 50115 Fest on July 12, with plenty of sunshine, a few clouds and a light breeze.

For the first time in more than 20 years, Guthrie Center hosted a firefighters’ water battle with teams competing to push a barrel across the opposing team’s goal line. Seven women’s teams and 14 men’s teams participated.

50115 Fest attendees enjoyed inflatables for the kids, mini golf, the farmers market, classic cars from Karl Chevrolet, and sidewalk sales from local businesses.

Maverick Stringer and Jett Stringer give their all at mini golf.

Devin Wicks came from Boone to enjoy the 50115 Fest fun.

Many hands are needed to aim a firehose.

Firefighter teams battle it out.

Special to the Times Vedette

On July 9, a total of 12 players participated. Rhonda Titus had three 16s; Wayne Nickel got two 16s; Rober Klever got a 16; Dick Ellis got a 20 and a 21; and Dennis Betts had 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.

By Shane Goodman | Times Vedette

A round of thunderstorms arrived late Thursday evening, causing tree damage throughout the area. The storms brought high-wind gusts near 70 mph and heavy rain. Crews were out early Friday morning assessing damage and cleaning up debris. More potential storms are causing flooding concerns across the state as we head into the weekend.

Mitchell Park in Guthrie Center was closed Friday morning while damage was being assessed.

Mitchell Park in Guthrie Center experienced damage to numerous trees.

This large tree in Guthrie Center was completely uprooted from storm damage on Thursday night.

Utility lines were being repaired early Friday morning in the neighborhood west of Guthrie County Hospital.

The property of Michael and Anastasia Kesselring at 1005 State St. in Guthrie Center incurred significant tree damage. Note the broken back car window.

Remnants of the roof of The Port. Photo by Pat Moylan

The Port suffered roof damage from strong winds overnight with gusts up to 70 mph. Photo by Pat Moylan

This road was closed early Friday morning due to the toppled tree near Betty Donahey’s home in Panora. Photo by Pat Moylan

A large tree at the home of Kelley Ellis at 309 E. Jackson St. toppled from high wind gusts.

Downed tree limbs covered the yard and house belonging to Kellie Flanery at 311 E Market Street in Panora.

  This Lake Panorama driveway was blocked due to a snapped tree.

Drone camera footage of damage in Panora taken by Roger Dorr.

Drone camera footage of damage in Panora taken by Roger Dorr.

This aerial photo shows the property damage at 103 N.E. Fourth St. in Panora, owned by Jason and Jessica Alsted.

By Rich Wicks | Times Vedette 

Activities abound this weekend in Guthrie Center. Those who enjoy live music are welcome to join the Guthrie Center class of 1975 at Incredi-Bowl (2004 State St.) from 6:30-9:30 p.m. tonight (Friday, July 11). Music will be provided by 2026 Iowa Rock and Roll Hall of Fame nominee and Panora resident Kile Jackson.

On Saturday, July 12, 9 a.m. to noon, the Guthrie Center farmers market will be open on North Third Street, offering baked goods, live plants, crafts, honey, jams and more. Nearly 20 vendors are expected.

Guthrie Center’s annual Sidewalk Sales event will be on Friday during usual business hours and on Saturday 9 a.m. to 4 p.m.

The annual 50115 Fest will be Saturday 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. Events will be held on Third and Fourth Streets, just off State Street. The theme is “Where Good Times Grow.” Scheduled events include:

• Paul Hawkins music 9-11 a.m. at Dowd Drug Park
• Brick Immerman music 12-3 p.m. on State Street
• Guthrie Center Fire Department water fights beginning at 11 a.m. on South Fourth Street
• Inflatable Bounce House 10 a.m. to 3 p.m. on North Fourth Street
• Mini Golf 10 a.m. – 3 p.m. on South Third Street
• Karl Chevrolet will display some “sweet rides” on South Third Street for car lovers to enjoy.

Food/drink vendors include Prime Time, Orchard Family Restaurant, CWF (Christian Women’s Fellowship) Food Stand, Rocket’s Raccoon Valley Catering, Après Bar Company, Little Chargers Lemonade Stand, Tropical Snow, Twin Vines Winery, and The Bean Box.

The Guthrie County Arts Council will have a “Mystery Wine Pull” game on Saturday at the farmers market and then at Art on State (320 State St.) until 4 p.m. For $20, buy a wine cork and then see what it matches for a mystery bottle of wine valued from $10 to $100.

Title sponsors for the 50115 Fest are Dowd Drug and Big Green Umbrella Media. Participating businesses include Faith’s Fashions, Dub P Apparel, Pearls and Lace, American Legion Auxiliary, Sapphire Skin Company and Spa, Hometown Foods, Gap Creek Quilting, Bean Armory, Guthrie County Quality Meats, Dowd Drug, Strawberry Patch, and Art on State.

Henri Barnett, Regina Barnett, Tasha Flug and Jentry Hise proudly show the little library they brought to reality.

Henri Barnett puts items into the little library for all to enjoy.

Thanks to three employees at the Guthrie County Hospital Clinic in Adair, there is a new “little library” in the Adair city park. The concept of little libraries has caught on globally with many civic groups and individuals deciding to build and stock a little library so that anyone can come take a book and/or leave a book.

GCH staff Regina Barnett, Tasha Flug and Jentry Hise came up with the idea of creating a free library in Adair’s city park, and they worked together to build, install and stock the little library near the park’s shelter house.

“We wanted a high traffic area for it,” Flug said.

Since opening May 30, the new resource has been used frequently.

“We check it weekly to make sure everything is good. Most of the books we put in have left, and there are new materials in there, which is great,” Flug said. “So, it looks like the turnover rate is really high.”

Flug added that Adair’s new little library is registered on the website (littlefreelibrary.com) that includes all of the registered little libraries on Earth so users can check for little libraries when traveling.

By Rich Wicks | Times Vedette

The Adair County Fairgrounds (900 N.E. Elm St., Greenfield) welcomes everyone to come out and enjoy the Adair County Fair, running now through July 13. Daily admission costs $10 for adults and $5 for kids ages 5-12.

Some highlights for spectators include:

• Friday, July 11 at 7 p.m.: Impact Pro Wrestling
• Saturday, July 12 at 10 a.m.: Baby contest
• Saturday, July 12 at 8 p.m.: Demolition Derby
• Sunday, July 13, noon to 3 p.m.: Antique tractor and car show
• Sunday, July 13 at 6 p.m.: Figure 8 Races