Special to the Times Vedette

Memorial Day services and the Avenue of Flags ceremony were held Monday, May 26 with Congressman Zach Nunn as the guest speaker.

The Master of Ceremonies was Lynn Zajicek. Hostesses were Deb Rockwell and Deb Moylan. Members of the Iowa National Guard, Reserves and Active Forces served as ushers. 

Post Colors were provided by Color Guard, Boy Scouts, Troop 153, Panora, and the Pledge of Allegiance was led by the Scouts. The National Anthem was sung by the United Methodist Church Community Choir. Father Ray Higgins provided the invocation.

Special patriotic music was offered by the United Methodist Church Community Choir.

The Unknown Soldier’s Grave Marker and Wreath were in Place. Veterans from WWI, WWII, Korean War, Vietnam War, Persian Gulf War, Operation Enduring Freedom/Iraqi Freedom were honored. Lynn Zajicek offered appreciation of those now serving. 

Names of past Veterans’ flags dedicated were read by Cheryl Castile and Linda Burgess.

Panora Mayor Curtis Thornberry introduced the guest speaker, Congressman Zach Nunn.

Presentation of flags for Fred R. Hunter and Theron Barnett were handled by members of the National Guard, Reserves and Active Forces.

Father Higgins offered the benediction. Attendees retired to outside activities to view the raising of the dedicated flags, as well as the flag that was flew over Washington, D.C., on the Main Pole.

For the Color Guard Salute, “TAPS” was played by Alex Olson, bugler.

Refreshments were served in the Community Center following the services, furnished by Panora WFPF and served by the Committee member spouses.

Curtis Thornberry and Dave Carstens raise a flag that was flown over Washington, D.C., on the Main Pole.

Flags for Fred R. Hunter and Theron Barnett were raised.

Congressman Zach Nunn presents the flag for Theron Barnett to the family.

Congressman Zach Nunn presents the flag for Fred R. Hunter to the family.

An appreciation award was presented to Candice Thompson for her 25 years of “trustworthy and faithful service to the Avenue Of The Flags Committee.”

Names of past veterans’ flags that have been dedicated were read by Cheryl Castile and Linda Burgess.

Congressman Zach Nunn served as the guest speaker.

Panora Mayor Curtis Thornberry introduced the guest speaker, Congressman Zach Nunn.

Lynn Zajicek served as the Master of Ceremonies.

Veterans from WWI, WWII, Korean War, Vietnam War, Persian Gulf War, and Operation Enduring Freedom/Iraqi Freedom were honored.

Special patriotic music was offered by the United Methodist Church Community Choir.

By Rich Wicks | Times Vedette

On Monday, May 26, a ceremony was held outside the Guthrie County Courthouse to honor military personnel who died while serving in the U.S. Armed Forces. A crowd of more than 100 listened to the ACGC band and heard speakers talk about the meaning of Memorial Day.

Veterans’ banners are displayed along State Street.

Band Director Kyra Babcock plays “Taps.”

Legion members salute the flag.

A patriotic scene at the courthouse.

American Legion members participate in the ceremony.

Heavy machinery is needed for the airport’s apron project.

By Rich Wicks | Times Vedette

Those driving between Guthrie Center and Panora have likely noticed construction machinery at the Guthrie County Regional Airport. Matt Pearey, airport board chair, provided details on what’s happening at the airport.

“The current construction project is the re-paving of the airport apron,” Pearey said. “The timeline, weather permitting, is to have the project completed by the end of July.”

An airport’s apron (also known as the ramp or tarmac) is the area where aircraft can be parked, loaded and unloaded, and serviced.

The total cost of the project, including design and construction, is expected to be around $1.6 million. Pearey explained why the project was needed.

“It began as just fixing the existing ramp, as that concrete was getting to a point where it could be hazardous for smaller aircraft,” he said. “We are actually extending the ramp area further to the south to move the fuel pump station.”

The project is 90% grant-funded, with the airport receiving three federal grants through the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA).

From the Iowa Department of Natural Resources

Fawning season has officially arrived, which means Iowans will see lots of deer on the move. From now until late June, DNR field staff across the state will receive many phone calls and emails regarding “abandoned deer.” 

But, in reality, most of the wildlife reported to DNR field staff are not really abandoned at all. And while the people who attempt to “rescue” these babies have the best of intentions, they are doing more harm than good. 

Fawning season traditionally begins during the last week of May and peaks in the first couple of weeks in June before gradually tapering off.

Does are secretive about the birthing process and will venture out from normal use areas looking for a secluded spot to deliver this year’s crop of fawns in peace.

“These spots can be anything from an open hayfield to a field terrace to the flowerbed in your backyard,” Jim Coffey, forest wildlife research biologist with the Iowa Department of Natural Resources (DNR), says “This seclusion process is a driving force in protection for the lanky, wavering fawn. Fawns will be left alone while the doe returns only to nurse. This is normal deer behavior,” he said.

“The doe searches out an isolated location where she feels safe and, on occasion, those places may leave us scratching our heads wondering what the doe was thinking. But she chose that location because it made sense to her,” Coffey said. “The worst thing someone can do at this stage is to ‘rescue’ the fawn. The mother is likely nearby and watching you. Leave it be, or if you did handle the fawn, return it to where you found it and walk away.”

The Iowa DNR will not be rehabilitating or comingling fawns with other deer to avoid the potential of spreading chronic wasting disease — or other disease — to new areas. This emphasizes the point of leaving “abandoned” fawns be.

The spindly legged newborn fawn is designed with a few survival tools built in — its spots are cryptic camouflage that emulates the sunlight spots projected onto leaf litter of the forest floor and its lack of movement the first two weeks helps to reduce scent patterns. This combination is the fawn’s best chance at survival until it is capable of following the doe.

Fawning season also coincides with an increase in deer vehicle collisions.

“There is a lot of movement this time of year that relates to the social structure of deer. The doe is on the move looking for the safe isolated place to have the fawns. Additional movement comes from last year’s fawns that are now isolated teenagers starting to venture out to find new space. These yearlings have to make their own decisions for the first time, encounter other adult deer and build new social structures,” Coffey said. “This movement behavior can occur during all times of the day. Once it settles out, the active movement time will return to dawn and dusk.

“The key to remember is that for the next month deer may not be acting like we think deer should act, stay alert while driving at any time of the day.”

Drivers are reminded to drive defensively, avoid distractions, slow down, and provide safe distance between vehicles. 

Don’t veer for deer. If a driver does hit a deer, drivers can get a salvage tag for the meat by calling either the local conservation officer or local law enforcement agency. The salvage tag is free and is required to legally possess the meat. Salvaging requires that the entire deer be removed from the roadway.

By Rich Wicks | Times Vedette

As part of the upcoming Business Owner Summer Summit (BOSS), two events are open to the public. There is no charge to attend.

On Thursday, June 5, beginning at 6:30 p.m., live music will be offered by Jake Kemble at Twin Vines Winery just west of Panora. Beverages will be available for purchase from Twin Vines. Food trucks will be on hand (Deardorff food truck and Totally Rolled ice cream truck).

On Friday, June 7, from 7:30-8 a.m., Julie Fulton of Reshape Fitness will lead a lakeside yoga session at The Port.

Special to the Times Vedette

A total of 11 players participated on May 23. Bill Sheeder got a 17; Kathy Feilmeier brought in two 20s; Allen Pierce and Robert Klever each got a 16; and Kay Phippen got a 16 and a 22.

The Guthrie Center cribbage players generally meet at Guthrie Center Library on Mondays at 8 a.m. and at the New Homestead independent living dining hall 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.