From the Iowa Department of Natural Resources

The Iowa Department of Natural Resources is in the middle of its annual Canada goose banding effort across the state.

Geese that nested and had young are currently flightless, allowing staff and volunteers to capture the waterfowl, collect some demographic information, and place a metal band on their leg before being released.

“This is one of the best sources of information on Canada geese. It allows us to monitor where the birds are captured, where they are recovered, either by hunter or by the general public who can report the band, which provides important estimates for demographic rates, such as survival rates, recovery rates. And that’s really the fine scale information that allows us to manage the population,” Orrin Jones, state waterfowl biologist with the Iowa DNR, said.

To learn more about the Canada goose banding project, go to the DNR’s YouTube channel

By Rich Wicks | Times Vedette

During the July 1 regular meeting of the Guthrie County Board of Supervisors, Guthrie County Assistant Attorney Charles Abel discussed the issue of the Shelley property (Penn Township) right-of-way fence dispute.

“The board approved sending a letter in regard to that 30-day notice to the Shelley property to put up those fences. We got a response from Miss Shelley in which she said she’s working on getting those fences put in,” Abel said. “It’s basically asking the removal of some of the trees that are impacting this fence line.”

Abel went on to explain a possible contract to outline an agreement between the county and the property owner on this matter.

“Basically, the goal is to address those aspects that apply to the trees in the right-of-way and also address that these fences and all these areas of issue need to be put up within 45 days from the date of signing the contract,” Abel said.

Supervisors discussed some of the wording in the contract. The supervisors approved the cover letter and Roadside Fence Agreement, which will be delivered to the property owner.

The supervisors unanimously approved four resolutions related to Auditor tasks for the new fiscal year: Resolution 26-01 (Guthrie County salaries and wages effective July 1), Resolution 26-02 (Authorizing Auditor to issue payroll checks), Resolution 26-03 (authorizing periodic funds transfers from General Supplemental to Emergency Management), and Resolution 26-04 (authorizing periodic funds transfer from Rural Service to Secondary Roads).

As part of the consent agenda, the supervisors approved a fireworks permit for Weston Grow and a Comp Time payout for Matt Parker.

The supervisors went into closed session pursuant to Iowa Code 21.5 1 (c) regarding mediation with Lang Construction. 

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

Special to the Times Vedette

Guthrie County Chief Deputy Todd Thorn reported a vehicle vs. deer accident occurring on June 30 at 6:50 a.m. on Oak Avenue and Highway 44. Kanion Rose Marie Hacker, 31, of Guthrie Center, was driving a 2013 Hyundai Sonata eastbound on Highway 44 and collided with a deer that went into the windshield. Damage to the Hyundai is estimated at $7,500.

Special to the Times Vedette

The annual “Fire in the Sky” fireworks display, sanctioned by the Lake Panorama Association and put on by the Joe Scheiring family, will start at 9:45 p.m. on Saturday, July 5. The fireworks will be set off from the traditional spot at Shady Beach.

This show will be choreographed to music. Tune in to 107.9FM KKRF Radio at 9 p.m. for special interviews with the synced soundtrack during the fireworks at 9:45 p.m.

This is the 29^th year the Fourth of July holiday tradition has been organized by the Scheiring family. Donations for the 2024 Lake Panorama fireworks display can be sent to Rita Scheiring/Fire in the Sky, P.O. Box 605, Panora, Iowa, 50216. Or via Venmo at @Rita-Scheiring.

For safety reasons, the LPA Lake Patrol and the Iowa DNR require boats anchored during the display to have running lights on during the show.

By Rich Wicks | Times Vedette

A wide variety of activities and entertainment for all ages will be part of the Yale Fourth of July celebration.

“We will have a couple of new events including an axe-throwing truck sponsored by Mickey’s Bar and Grill and a foam party sponsored by the city,” Yale Mayor Bev “Buffy” Louk said.

Mayor Louk also suggested attendees bring lawn chairs for use while watching the parade and other spectator events. She noted the softball field is an excellent location for watching the fireworks at dusk.

Louk offered appreciation to all helping with the celebration.

“This year, the city of Yale is responsible for the celebration, along with help from volunteers in town and the fire department,” she said. “Spearheading the committee is Mindy Fear to make it a Fourth you do not want to miss in Yale.”

Prior to and throughout the celebration, raffle tickets will be sold to help fund the festivities. Tickets are $1 each or six for $5 and can be purchased at Farmers State Bank (Yale), Just One More (Jamaica), Mickey’s Bar and Grill (Yale), or Tojo’s Bar and Grill (Jamaica).

Raffle winners will be drawn shortly before the fireworks. Prizes include multiple winners of $20, $50 and $100, a 28-inch propane grill with a gift certificate to Guthrie County Quality Meats, an Ada’s Acres gift package of soaps and candles, an inflatable tanning pool, a Solo flameless bonfire stove with ‘smores kit, a Splish Splash outdoor play center, a 6-in-1 sports set, a hanging wicker chair, and a Big Bobber floating cooler. Need not be present to win.

Any weather-related changes will be posted on Yale’s Facebook page.

July 3

• The event kicks off on Thursday, July 3 with the slow pitch softball tournament. Games will continue through July 4.  
• Thursday also will see the Perry-based band RUKKUS play a street dance. Attendees are welcome to bring lawn chairs. Mickey’s Bar and Grill will serve beverages and a limited food menu.

July 4

• Yale TTT Omelet Breakfast 8-10 a.m.
• Deardorff Highland Cattle food truck opens at 11 a.m.
• Red, White and Blue vendor fair 9:30 a.m. to 2 p.m.
• Slow pitch softball tournament will continue.
• A pickleball tournament will also be held.
• Parade will begin at 11 a.m.
• Horse Show will begin at noon
• Bags Tournament, 2 p.m.
• Ironside axe-throwing 1-4 p.m. (closed-toe shoes required)
• Horseshoes will be played 3-5 p.m.
• Kids’ activities including face painting, balloon artist, and free movie, 12-3 p.m.
• Kids’ pedal pull, 2 p.m.
• Craft and cookie decorating, 2-3 p.m.
• Dunk tank, 12-4 p.m.
• Bathtub races beginning at 1 p.m.
• Foam party beginning at 3 p.m.
• A large fireworks display at dusk will bring the celebration to a close.

Special to the Times Vedette

The YJB TTT (Camping for Girls) Omelet Breakfast will be held on July 4 from 8-10 a.m. at the Yale Community Building on July 4. Enjoy made-to-order omelets, muffins and drinks. This is the major fundraiser of the year for the group. The funds raised go toward sending deserving fourth-grade girls to TTT camp each year. The organization not only pays their way but also provides their clothing and other necessities. Also, each year when the TTT camp girls are seniors and graduate from Panorama High School, they receive a scholarship from the club to further their education.