By Rich Wicks | Times Vedette
The Panora Library will be closed from April 12-18 for a remodeling project. The following week, April 19-25, is designated as National Library Week. Many libraries, including Panora, will have additional events scheduled that week. More information and a list of upcoming events visit www.panoralibrary.com.
Special to the Times Vedette
The fifth annual EmpowerHER event will take place on Wednesday, April 29 at Summit Grove in Stuart, bringing together women from across the region for an evening of inspiration, connection and professional growth.
EmpowerHER is designed for women who are building businesses, leading organizations or preparing to take the next step in their careers. The event highlights real stories and practical insights from women who have navigated change, overcome challenges and built meaningful paths forward.
This year’s theme, “Boundaries, Burnout & Building a Business that Doesn’t Eat You Alive,” focuses on creating sustainable success while maintaining balance and well-being.
Attendees will hear from featured speakers Tricia Rivas and Shirah Huff, two experienced business leaders who will share both their successes and the lessons they have learned along the way. Their stories are designed to provide actionable ideas that participants can apply to their own careers and businesses.
The evening will begin with a social at 5:30 p.m., featuring a cash bar and charcuterie board, followed by the program at 6 p.m. In addition to the speaker presentations, EmpowerHER emphasizes meaningful connection, offering attendees the opportunity to network, exchange ideas and build lasting relationships with other driven women.
Event Details:
Wednesday, April 29
Summit Grove – Stuart
5:30 p.m. Social Hour (Cash Bar and Charcuterie)
6 p.m. Program
$25 Admission
Reservations can be made online at: https://tinyurl.com/empowerHERiowa
EmpowerHER organizers look forward to welcoming both returning attendees and new participants for an engaging evening of learning, connection and inspiration.
(The event is put on by Country Financial, HUB 712, Marketing Main Street, Midwest Partnership, SBDC and SEED)
Special to the Times Vedette
On April 1, a total of 12 players participated. Wayne Nickel got two 16s; Dave Richter got a 16; Dick Ellis had a 21; and Bruce Bailey had two 24s.
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 Rich Wicks | Panora Times, March 2026
Paul Little shows a photo of the 155 Panorama graduates who have received the scholarships.
Paul Little and his late wife, Eleanor, raised a family and grew crops during their years of farming just outside Panora. Little recalled how he and Eleanor came from families that were far from wealthy.
“My wife was from Scranton, and she grew up as one of 11 kids. She never even went to high school,” Little said. “My parents were having a tough time when I was a junior in high school, so I quit school to go to work. I did not finish high school.”
When the two met and fell in love, they began a farming journey that included plenty of ups and downs.
“We were married Jan. 1, 1950. That’s an easy date to remember. We raised two kids, a boy and a girl. My son we lost to the Vietnam War. We farmed just about a mile east of Panora. We saw hard times, the same as everybody else, but we got along pretty good,” Little said.
The Littles did well enough that, in retirement, they realized they could help others. About 15 years ago, the couple decided to do just that.
“I said, ‘There are other people not as fortunate as we are. Maybe we should do something for the community,’ and she agreed,” Little said. “So we went in and talked to my attorney, and he said we could start a high school scholarship fund. We talked it over and decided it sounded OK.
“I had bought a 100-acre farm, and we decided to sell it and put $400,000 into a scholarship fund, managed by my attorney,” Little said. “So that was 15 years ago, and each year it gives a scholarship to between about eight and 11 kids. I don’t pick out the kids; my attorney does.”
Eleanor passed away 12 years ago when the scholarship program was relatively new. Since then, it has continued, and the list of recipients has grown impressively.
“My daughter and I added them all up, and there are 155 kids who have gotten one of those scholarships,” Little said.
Looking at a photo of the 155 Panorama graduates who received the funds, Little recalled a conversation he had with Eleanor in the early years of the program. The couple wondered how much the scholarships really meant to the families of the young students.
“She said, ‘You know, if these scholarships mean something to half of the kids, then it’s worth it.’ She could not have imagined, from how she grew up, that we would be in a position to do something like this,” Little said.
Little recently moved to Spurgeon Manor in Dallas Center. Although he never graduated from the school, he chose to help Dallas Center-Grimes graduates by establishing a scholarship program for two graduates each year.
Another way the couple gave to the community is evident at the Guthrie County Fairgrounds. Those who attend the fair have likely watched events at the Little Amphitheater. Some may not realize that the name does not indicate the amphitheater’s size, but rather the generosity that made it possible.
“C.W. Thomas came and said they wanted to build a small amphitheater and wondered if I wanted to give a little money. So I asked him how much he would need, and he said it would cost about $100,000,” Little said. “I told him, ‘I will give you $50,000 for that project, and if I like it, I’ll give you the other $50,000.’”
The project met with Little’s approval, and the amphitheater now bears a sign honoring the gift from Paul and Eleanor. In many ways, a “Little” gift has been a big help to students and others in the area.
By Rich Wicks | Times Vedette
Each Friday in the Times Vedette, we share birthdays and anniversaries for the following week of people with past or present ties to the area. To submit yours, or for corrections, email rich@gctimesnews.com.
By Rich Wicks | Times Vedette
This year, the Panorama and ACGC Proms will both be held on the evening of Saturday, April 11.
The Panorama Prom will begin with the Grand March at 5 p.m. at the Panorama High School auditorium. Then, at 5:30 p.m., the Photo Opportunity Hour begins at The Captain’s Pick, 5071 Cover Ridge Road. Dinner follows at 6:30 p.m. with the dance from 7:30-10:30 p.m.
Beginning at 10:45 p.m., events move to the high school with the After Prom Party scheduled until 3 a.m., hosted by the junior class parents.
The ACGC Prom will hold the Grand March at 6:30 p.m. in the high school gym. Dinner will be at 7:30 p.m., followed by the dance from 8:30-10:30 p.m. The After Prom event will be 11 p.m. to 1 a.m. at the high school.