Special to the Times Vedette

On Wednesday, June 10, nine Sunshine Club members met at the Panora Public Library for a 1 p.m. meeting hosted by Gina Lloyd. The roll call was quite different, with Gina passing around a bag with different questions folded inside so members couldn’t read them until she told them to. As they got the questions, they were to answer them, fold them back up and return them to the bag.

When roll call was done, the bag was passed around again, and they were to take one out. Each person had to read the question and give the answer that was written down. Then, they had to guess which person answered the question. It was more difficult than they thought and a great way to learn about each other.

The minutes were read, and the treasurer’s report was given.

Birthdays and anniversaries were mentioned. Maribee’s birthday is June 23, and she is the one who sends cards. Each members is going to send her a birthday card.

Next month’s meeting will be at the home of Linda Godwin.

The meeting was adjourned with delicious snacks that were followed by a cute craft Gina had provided — little jelly jars that they painted on the outside with a string of lights inside with a lid that was a solar light. It was a very cute project from some really talented members.

By Susan Thompson | Times Vedette

During the 2021 Iowa legislative session, a proposal to allow counties to declare emergency medical services (EMS) an essential service was approved, then signed into law. This law allows Iowa counties to ask citizens to vote on a new tax to support EMS, the same way police and fire protection are funded.

In 2022, the Guthrie County Board of Supervisors declared EMS an essential service. This started the process that led to a November 2024 ballot issue.

The measure would have allowed the Guthrie County Board of Supervisors to implement a new tax of 75 cents per $1,000 of taxable property value to help fund a countywide EMS program. Voters supported the measure with 53.88% saying “yes.” Because the measure required 60% approval, it did not pass.

When the ballot measure failed, it negated the board’s 2022 declaration of EMS as essential. In late 2025, the board again declared EMS as an essential service, and the planning process started again.

Iowa law requires the creation of an advisory council to research, study and make recommendations to the board of supervisors regarding a plan for Emergency Medical Services within the county.

In January 2026, the Guthrie County Board of Supervisors agreed on the basic makeup of a second EMS Advisory Council. It includes nine entities with one person appointed to represent each entity.

The Advisory Council has been formed and currently is discussing existing EMS services and researching steps needed to ensure high-quality emergency medical care is accessible to the entire county.

The council has developed a survey to gather input. This survey of Guthrie County voters will help the group gauge the current level of understanding of EMS service delivery and funding in the county, what voters deem as priorities for county EMS service, and what funding they would support to achieve those priorities.

Members of the EMS Advisory Council and the entities they represent are:

• Gina Arnold (City of Bayard)
• Tammy Bireline (Adair Fire and Rescue)
• Angie Capps (City of Stuart)
• Mary Jane Carothers (Guthrie County Hospital)
• Sheyrl Clark (Union Township)
• Jeremy Cooper (Guthrie County EMA & Bagley Fire)
• Brian Dorsett (City of Panora)
• Erica Finster (City of Guthrie Center)
• Matt Harmann (Guthrie County Sherrif) 

Scan the QR Code or use the link: https://forms.office.com/g/psCc1pb3A1 to take the survey now through July 3, 2026. The online survey includes 21 questions and should take 10-15 minutes to complete.

Special to the Times Vedette

Panorama Days is one of Panora’s favorite annual traditions, bringing together families, neighbors, visitors, businesses, community organizations and Lake Panorama residents for a weekend that celebrates the spirit of the town and the lake community.

This year’s celebration will be held Friday, July 31 through Sunday, Aug. 2 with the theme “A Panoramic View of 175 Years: Celebrating Our Decades of History” as we honor 175 years of Panora and celebrate America’s 250th.

Each year, Panorama Days costs more than $25,000 to host, including music, entertainment, the Kid Zone, family activities and the Sunday Praise Band at Boulder Beach. The Panora Chamber works to keep as many events as possible free for everyone to enjoy, helping make Panorama Days a welcoming, family-friendly celebration for residents, lake homeowners, visitors and guests of all ages.

The Panorama Days Committee is asking residents, businesses and community supporters to consider a sponsorship or donation toward the 2026 celebration. Support of any amount helps.

To learn more or download a fillable sponsorship/donation form, click here.

Special to the Times Vedette

The Iowa Academy of Family Physicians (IAFP) is accepting nominations for its 2026 Family Physician of the Year Award. This annual award honors a family physician who exemplifies excellence in patient care, community service and dedication to the specialty of Family Medicine 

IAFP invites patients, colleagues and community members to nominate a deserving family physician who goes above and beyond in their profession. Nominees should demonstrate a strong commitment to their patients and community and embody the values and mission of Family Medicine.

“This award is one of the highest honors we present each year,” Katie Cox, IAFP’s Director of Communications. said. “It’s an opportunity to recognize the remarkable physicians who make a difference in the lives of Iowans every day.”

How to submit a nomination:

Nominations can be submitted online at www.iaafp.org/awards or by mailing a letter of nomination describing why the physician should be considered for the award. The deadline for nominations is Aug. 17.

Letters can be mailed or emailed to:

Iowa Academy of Family Physicians
6500 University Avenue, Suite 100, PMB 123
Windsor Heights, IA 50324
Email: kcox@iaafp.org

The recipient of the 2026 Family Physician of the Year Award will be recognized at the IAFP Annual Conference on Nov. 13 at the Meadows Event Center in Altoona.

Special to the Times Vedette

The Iowa Department of Agriculture and Land Stewardship (IDALS) issued the following guidance for livestock producers, pet owners and veterinarians to help protect animals from the parasitic New World Screwworm (NWS) fly. The guidance comes after multiple cases of NWS have been detected in livestock in Texas and one infestation was confirmed in a canine in New Mexico.

All livestock caretakers and pet owners should routinely inspect animals for open wounds. If maggots are detected in an open wound of a warm-blooded animal, report it to IDALS immediately at 515-281-5305 or Animal.Industry@iowaagriculture.gov. When caught early, animals and wounds can be treated, and animals can fully recover from NWS.

Guidance for importing livestock and companion animals into Iowa from an infested zone:

First, contact the State Animal Health Official in the state of origin for movement requirements.

Then visit IDALS’ Animal Admission Health Requirements page or call 515-281-5547 to verify Iowa’s import requirements. Be sure to isolate the imported animals from the rest of the herd for at least two weeks. Talk to your veterinarian if you have questions or concerns.

Guidance for importing livestock or companion animals into Iowa from areas not known to be infested:

All animal caretakers should routinely inspect animals for open wounds. Open wounds should receive prompt veterinary care. Monitor animals for clinical signs of NWS, including irritated or depressed behavior, loss of appetite, headshaking, smell of decaying flesh, evidence of fly strike, presence of larvae in wounds or self-isolating from other animals or people. If you find an open wound with maggots, you should call your veterinarian immediately.

Do not proactively treat livestock prophylactically for NWS at this time. When traveling, companion animal owners should consult their veterinarians about their pet’s external parasite prevention plan.

Livestock producers are encouraged to register for a Premises ID so they can be contacted in case of a NWS detection in their area.

The NWS does not pose a food safety risk. Properly prepared meat and poultry are safe to eat. The NWS primarily affects livestock but can also infest pets, wildlife and, in rare cases, people. It is considered a low risk to public health. If you have a human health concern, you should contact your primary care physician immediately. More information about the NWS risk to humans is available on the CDC website.

Additional resources:

• • IDALS NWS website
    • USDA APHIS New World Screwworm website

    USDA APHIS New World Screwworm website Iowa Pork Industry Center NWS website (for pork producers) American Veterinary Medicine Association NWS website (for veterinarians) U.S. Food and Drug Administration NWS website (for veterinarians)

Special to the Times Vedette

On June 10, a total of 16 players participated. Dick Ellis got a 16 and a 17; Lela Schwartz got two 16s; Mark Humphrey Bruce Bailey each got a 17; Allen Pierce, Sandy Rumelhart and Sue Mozingo each got a 16; Clint Malbon got a 20; and Dave Richter got three 16s.

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.