Front row: Ella Hazelton, Vickie Fisher and Krista Gafkjen. Back row: Al Hazelton, Guy Fisher, Kelly Gafkjen, Erica Barthalow, Jonathan Barthalow, Cleo Tosten and Norman Tosten.

Special to the Times Vedette

On Sunday, Sept. 8, Lighthouse Assembly of God church celebrated 25 years that Kelly and Krista Gafkjen have pastored in Panora.

The Gafkjens moved to Panora in 1999 with three children. A few years later, their fourth child was born. It was their desire to stay in one place long enough for all their children to graduate from the same high school, and this was accomplished. Now, all of their children have graduated from college, and three are married. The Gafkjens have four grandchildren, and the fifth one is on the way.

In addition to the congregation, in attendance Sunday were their former Iowa Sectional Presbyter and wife, Rev. Al and Ella Hazelton; former Iowa District Superintendents and wives, Revs. Norman and Cleo Tosten, and Revs. Guy and Vickie Fisher; and current Iowa Superintendent and wife, Rev. Jonathan and Erica Barthalow.

Pastor Barthalow touched on technology changes that happened in the 25 years the Gafkjens have been pastoring at Lighthouse Assembly of God. He noted how they were pastoring here for four years before video calls were introduced by Skype; five years before Facebook was created; and eight years before the first iPhone was released. He asked the congregation to think about “the number who have been saved, the number given in marriage, the number of babies born, and the number who have passed on to Glory.” His message focused on building lives on a proper foundation by making Jesus Christ the priority, the purpose, and the passion.

Pastors Kelly and Krista shared, “We love our church family very much. You’ve blessed us in ways you may not have realized. There have been trials and struggles, yes. But, in the end, God is still on the throne and still at work in the hearts of each and every one of us. Thank you for loving us and our family. Thank you for lifting us up in prayer continually. Thank you for caring for us in so many ways. Thank you for your constant love and support. The prayers you lift on our behalf are felt every day. You are faithful to not only God the Father, but also to us. We appreciate it. We are blessed to be your co-lead pastors together.”

Lighthouse Assembly of God is located at 400 S.E. Third St. in Panora. 

Special to the Times Vedette

Erin Hunsaker, from Stuart, was named to Buena Vista University’s Summer 2024 Dean’s List. The Dean’s List recognizes students achieving a 3.5 grade point average or higher for the term.

By Rich Wicks | Times Vedette

During the regular meeting of the Bagley City Council on Sept. 3, the councilmembers addressed the issue of the mayor vacancy following the resignation of Glen Foresman. The council appointed Amanda Waltz to the position of mayor, effective immediately.

In other business, the council discussed setting purchase limits on the various credit cards and accounts used by the city. It was pointed out that cards/accounts have had limits of various amounts ranging from $200 to $500.

“If we set them all at $500, I don’t think that will be a problem,” Mayor Pro Tem Emily Chapman Olesen said.

After discussion, the council voted to set all such limits at $500. Any purchases in excess of $500 would need prior approval.

The council discussed the property at 405 1^st Ave., which the city owns. Although the property was previously offered for sale, no acceptable offers were received. The council chose to post notice that the city will accept sealed bids of $1,000 or more, and anyone purchasing the property will be expected to clear it within 30 days. 

The next regular meeting of the Bagley city council will be Tuesday, Oct. 1 at 6 p.m.. The public is welcome.

From the Iowa DNR

Consistent above-normal rainfall during the summer months slowed in August, leading to a return of dry conditions, according to the latest Water Summary Update. 

August’s preliminary statewide precipitation was 3.20 inches, or 0.93 inches below normal. At the end of August, Iowa’s Drought Plan showed overall drought conditions have remained mostly stable for the state. However, the decrease in precipitation has led to a return of dry conditions.

The U.S. Drought Monitor (USDM) shows nearly 40% of the state carrying abnormally dry designations, with areas of western and northeast Iowa seeing the biggest change. This trend could turn worse if the dryness of August extends into the fall months. 

Temperatures for the month were near normal, with the summer months of June, July and August averaging 72.0 degrees statewide. The preliminary precipitation totals for that same period were 13.75 inches, or 0.19 inches above normal. 

Despite the dry conditions, the state has received more than 38 inches of rain in the past 12 months, which is a foot more than what the state saw between September 2022 and August 2023. 

“The Iowa Drought Plan rates statewide drought conditions as normal, although the month of August was drier than usual. As we move into September we would expect to get less than an inch of rain per week, with average rainfall continuing to drop through the rest of the year.  It is important that we continue to see normal precipitation through the fall and into the winter months,” Tim Hall, the DNR’s Hydrology Resources Coordinator, said. “We are to the point now where rainfall will begin to build up next year’s soil moisture and groundwater, so a wetter than normal fall would be great to see. If conditions remain dry, we could have issues going into 2025.”

For a thorough review of Iowa’s water resource trends, visit

 www.iowadnr.gov/watersummaryupdate. 

This conceptual drawing is an example of what the completed memorial could look like.

By Rich Wicks | Times Vedette

ACGC Football Coach Cody Matthewson is leading an effort to create a memorial within ACGC stadium to honor Ron Baier. On social media, Matthewson shared details of the plan.

“On the west side of the stadium, inside the track, the project will entail a raised three-tiered flag bed with the top of the Jarmin Field stone on one side and a memorial for Ron Baier on the other. This will be privately funded with no expenses being paid from our schools. The goal is to raise $10,000 for the project. We will be hosting a Military Appreciation Night and reveal of the memorial during a football game this fall if all goes as planned,” Matthewson said.

For anyone interested in pitching in toward the project, an account has been opened at Guthrie County State Bank, titled “Ron Baier Memorial Fund.”  

Matthewson explained his personal reasons for wanting to create the tribute.

“Ron had a huge impact on me when I was first hired and showed me the right way to do things around the school,” Matthewson said. “He set the expectation of pride. He cared for the field, and I hope I can make him proud with how it looks on Friday nights.”

For more information, contact Matthewson at cmatthewson@acgcschools.org or 816-642-8817.