Ryan and Sara Wahlert will take over as owners of Tin Lizzie’s in Casey on Aug. 1.

By Rich Wicks | Times Vedette

Corey and Colleen Conrad, owners of Tin Lizzie’s in Casey, announced that Ryan and Sara Wahlert will become the new owners, effective Aug. 1. Ryan currently serves as assistant manager at Tin Lizzie’s, located at 620 McPherson St. in Casey.

An Aug. 9 “Grand Re-opening” is planned with live music by Aiden Flathers from 8-11 p.m. More details will be announced as the event nears.

By Rich Wicks | Times Vedette

The schedule of events at the annual Yale Fourth of July celebration has been announced. As usual, there is a wide variety of activities and entertainment for all ages. The celebration’s motto is, “Not the biggest, but the best.”

Mayor Bev “Buffy” Louk shared her thoughts on Yale’s hallmark event.

“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,” 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. 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.

Note: 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.

From the Iowa Department of Natural Resources

Iowa’s pheasant population is expected to benefit from the 2024-25 mild winter and average spring that much of the state experienced.

According to Iowa’s state climatologist, last winter was the fourth least snowy in 138 years, and the spring was normal for rainfall and temperature.

“Given the statewide information, we are expecting a good nesting effort and our weather model is predicting pheasant populations will likely be higher for the 2025 hunting season,” Todd Bogenschutz, upland wildlife biologist for the Iowa Department of Natural Resources (DNR), said.

The Iowa DNR’s weather model is based on 50 years of weather data and roadside pheasant counts.

“I expect there will be regional differences, but hopefully we will see nice increases in all survey regions,” he said.

The Iowa DNR conducts its annual upland population survey each August, which is the best indicator of what populations will be this fall. Results from the August roadside survey will be available online at www.iowadnr.gov/pheasantsurvey around Sept. 15.

Reports of hens with chicks started in southern Iowa in middle May and sightings have since been reported from across the state.

“When we have early nesting years, we typically have the highest number of chicks and it is looking like 2025 will be an early nesting year,” Bogenschutz said.

Hens will begin incubating after the last egg is laid and eggs hatch after 23 days of incubation, with peak hatch Iowa occurring June 10-15. The young pheasants begin to make short flights — around 5 feet — at 10 days old and can keep up with the hen on longer flights after another five days.

A century of pheasant hunting

The Iowa DNR and Pheasants Forever are celebrating 100 years of pheasant hunting in the Hawkeye State. The first season was held Oct. 20-22, 1925, when 13 counties in north central Iowa were opened to pheasant hunting. Hunters were allowed a three-rooster limit, for a half-day of hunting. An estimated 75,000 hunters participated.

Hunters can commemorate the 100th anniversary by purchasing a hard card featuring Iowa Pheasants Forever Print of the Year when they purchase their 2025 hunting and fishing licenses.

Information on places to hunt, the August roadside survey results and more is available online by clicking the 100 Years of Pheasant Hunting graphic at www.iowadnr.gov/pheasantsurvey.

Special to the Times Vedette

The YJB TTT 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 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.

Special to the Times Vedette

The Warren Cultural Center in Greenfield presents “Simply Seger” — the ultimate Bob Seger Tribute experience on July 26 at 7 p.m. Filling the role of Bob Seger is Tim Gazaway, former Greenfield resident where he was lead singer/guitarist for the group Barney Fife.

For half a decade, the nine Simply Seger artists have been on a mission to keep the heartland rock legend’s music alive in all its glory. Simply Seger isn’t just a tribute band; it’s a musical time machine that transports you to the unforgettable era of classic rock and roll.

With precision and passion, Simply Seger recreates the soulful raspy voice, the driving rhythms, and the lyrical storytelling that made Bob Seger a rock icon. From “Night Moves” to “Turn the Page,” every note and nuance is delivered with the same heart and soul that made Seger’s music resonate with generations.

The energy is electric, the atmosphere nostalgic, and the music timeless. Add this band of established Players with Tim Gazaway’s Look and Vocals as well as the band’s iconic stage presence, and you realize Simply Seger’s attention to detail is unmatched.

As they mark their five-year milestone, Simply Seger promises an unforgettable concert experience celebrating the legacy of a rock legend through Simply Seger’s authentic renditions. With every riff and every lyric, you’ll understand why they’ve become the ultimate tribute to this musical legend.

All seats are $25 through July 24 with the price increasing to $35 on July 25 and 26. Order tickets at www.warrenculturalcenter.com. Cost is $35 at the door.

Special to the Times Vedette

The Lake Panorama Association (LPA) reported the lake level is rising faster than expected after the LPA dam experienced a malfunction in its control system earlier this week that caused the dam gate to lower and discharge a substantial amount of water, resulting in the pool elevation dropping more than 18 inches.

According to a report from the LPA, as of 5 p.m. on June 26, the lake is less than 2 inches away from normal pool elevation.

The LPA says staff has met on-site with engineers, a hydraulic vendor and an electronic controls vendor to complete a full review of the dam control system. Initial repairs have been made with a handful of other upgrades being implemented late this week and early next week as a matter of due diligence.