Special to the Times Vedette

On May 13, Panorama Secondary Principal Thad Stanley, a 1996 Panorama graduate, arrived at senior awards night in the same car he drove in high school. The early 1990s Ford Mustang, paired with a blue suit, turned into an impromptu senior-style photo shoot outside Panorama Secondary School. Photo by Betty Cooper.

By Rich Wicks | Times Vedette

On May 21, a soft opening was held at the Sweet Escape in Panora. The ice cream shop is located in the strip mall at 613 East Main St. A limited menu was offered during the soft opening, but many hungry customers came in to try a cone, sundae, dirty soda, bubbler or float.

More information on the business can be found on the Sweet Escape Ice Cream Shop page on Facebook.

By Morgan Sheeder | Times Vedette

Iowa governor candidate Adam Steen will visit the Owl’s Nest at 124 W. Main St. in Panora on May 31 at noon. The public is invited to this meet and greet event, which is part of Steen’s “Full Steen Ahead” tour.

With just over two weeks until the June 2 primary, the “Full Steen Ahead” tour will visit 30 cities in 13 days. Steen will visit locally owned restaurants, chat with locals, and answer questions about his campaign.

The tour began on May 20 in Cedar Rapids and will conclude on June 2 in Clive. Each stop of Steen’s tour includes a speech, a question-and-answer session, and a meet and greet.

By Rich Wicks | Times Vedette

During the May 20 joint meeting of the Adair-Casey and Guthrie Center school boards, discussion was held regarding the progress on the front steps to the high school. The steps are done, and permanent railings will soon be installed.

The board also discussed the main parking lot in front of the high school. It was noted that numerous fender-benders have occurred in the lot, possibly because there are simply too many parking spots, which leaves little room to maneuver. The board discussed the possibility of creating a one-way flow of vehicles through the lot but opted instead to simply widen the middle two rows of parking spots. Although a few parking spots will be eliminated, plenty of parking is generally available in the “seniors parking lot” on the east side of the school.

A public hearing was held regarding the Instructional Support Program. Superintendent Josh Rasmussen explained.

“This is not an increase. This is a continuation,” he said.

No written nor spoken feedback was heard on the topic, so the hearing was promptly closed. Later, during the regular board meeting, the Guthrie Center board voted to continue participation in the Instructional Support Program.

During the Principal Reports portion of the meeting, the boards heard from Principal Cody Matthewson. He told of the success in getting the video board working as planned for the home conference track meet.

Matthewson reported proudly on the recent performances of the school play, and the state track qualifiers for ACGC.

“A lot of different diverse backgrounds and a lot of different diverse participants and a lot of things going well in education from the fine arts all the way to athletics,” Matthewson said,

Principal Ed Den Beste reported on Adair-Casey Elementary and Junior High.

“We had track and field day today. Great day. We had many businesses in Adair and Casey that donated, so we actually fed all of the kids, parents and teachers a nice lunch, and it was really well received,” he said.

Principal Tandem Eischeid reported on Guthrie Center Elementary.

“We had our Art Extravaganza just last week. We had over 180 individuals come and attend that. It was very well received,” he said.

Eischeid also talked about the upcoming staining of the playground equipment May 27 and new playground equipment being made.

“Craig Franzeen is still working hard. We now have a truck and a picnic table on our preschool playground,” Eischeid said.

Rasmussen handed out certificates of appreciation to all the school board members, in recognition of School Board Appreciation Month. He also gave a legislative update on matters that may impact schools.

In the Consent Items portion of the meeting, approval was given regarding the resignations of paraprofessionals Lorna Bailey, Cassie Glade and Mei Riordan, as well as Bethany McCool (Marketing). Contract recommendations were approved for Jay Rhoten (bus driver), Vickie Richter and Shirley Chesnut (summer custodians).

The next regular meeting — a joint meeting of the Adair-Casey and Guthrie Center school boards — will be held Wednesday, June 17, at 7 p.m. at ACGC Junior High. The public is welcome.

By Morgan Sheeder | Times Vedette

On Sunday, May 24, the American Legion Auxiliary Unit No. 124 will be distributing poppies at the four-way stop in Guthrie Center from 10:30 a.m. to 1 p.m.

The American Legion adopted the poppy as its official memorial flower in 1920. During World War One, the devasted landscape yielded bright red poppies, signifying the hope and sacrifice of soldiers.

In 1924, the Legion created a national poppy program to raise funds for those directly affected by war. Today, poppies are handed out by Legion units the Friday before Memorial Day, dubbed National Poppy Day, in exchange for donations. All proceeds support programs assisting veterans and military families.

Poppies will be available at the Guthrie Center Memorial Day service at 10 a.m., at the Veteran’s Memorial on the Courthouse lawn.

The Panora VFW/Sons of the American Legion will be distributing poppies on Memorial Day at 10 a.m. inside Veterans Auditorium during their service and Flag Dedication.