By Rich Wicks | Times Vedette

During the May 11 meeting of the Panora City Council, planning for RAGBRAI and Panorama Days was discussed. The council voted to approve Resolution 26-25, authorizing a request to the Iowa DOT for closure of Highway 44 at certain times on July 20 and 21 for RAGBRAI and at certain times July 31 through Aug. 2 for Panorama Days.

City Administrator Lisa Grossman provided a RAGBRAI planning update.

“We have been working really hard on RAGBRAI. We had a good town hall meeting and a lot of vendor interest. I think we’re up to 13 or 14 vendors for various things,” Grossman said. “We have a meeting next Tuesday with our RAGBRAI committee to finalize porta-potties, finalizing entertainment, and so things are moving forward. I did talk to the school, and (Superintendent) Kasey (Huebner) said he would be OK with us utilizing the parking lot for some parking, and then we’ll have to figure out some shuttles.”

Renewals of the alcohol and tobacco licenses for Local Liquor were approved.

The council set a public hearing for 5:30 p.m. on Tuesday, May 26 regarding the city’s proposed budget amendment. Due to the Memorial Day holiday, that will also be the date of the next regular council meeting.

By Rich Wicks | Times Vedette

During the May 11 meeting of the Guthrie Center City Council, the councilmembers discussed the option of selling a lot along Bluff Street near the cemetery. Streets Department Head Darrin Sloss said the city cemetery is not expected to fill up for decades, so the city does not need to keep the lot for possible cemetery expansion. The lot will be rezoned residential.

The council discussed a request to limit the frequency of food trucks in the city in an effort to help the city’s actual restaurants. City Administrator Kris Arrasmith said she spoke with the city attorney about this and was informed that it is generally not allowable to charge differing fees based on a vendor’s address. Arrasmith and Main Street Guthrie Center Director Becky Peterson discussed that the city can be proactive by trying to assure an appropriate blend of vendors, especially during city events. No action was taken on the issue.

Arrasmith said the swimming pool will be managed this year by Collin Stringham, and that an opening date is not yet determined.

“Pool kids are all hired,” Arrasmith said. She added that some of the preseason training for pool staff will happen offsite while the pool is being prepped for the year.

Due to the Memorial Day holiday, May 26 will be the date of the next regular council meeting. The public is welcome.

Special to the Times Vedette

On May 8, a total of 13 players participated. Sandy Rumelhart, Lela Schwartz and Dan Webb each got a 16; Roy Carl got a 16 and a 20; Allen Pierce got a 21; and Robert Klever got a 16 and a 24.

On May 11, a total of 11 players participated. Chet Vaughan got three 16s; Bill Sheeder got two 16s; Kathy Feilmeier and Dennis Betts each got a 16; Rhonda Titus got a 17; Robert Klever got two 17s; Roy Carl got a 17 and a 24; and Dan Webb got a 24.

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.

Special to the Times Vedette

Guthrie County Deputy Sheriff Jason Gray reported a car vs. deer accident occurring on May 10 at 9:06 p.m. on Justice Avenue. Ivy Dawn Stevens, 18, of Ames, was driving a 2021 Hyundai Venue northbound on Justice Road near the intersection of 140^th Street and struck a deer, causing front-end damage to the passenger side of the vehicle. Estimated damage is $5,000.

Special to the Times Vedette

Guthrie County Deputy Sheriff Shane Martinson reported a two-vehicle accident occurring on May 7 at 10:45 p.m. on Highway 141. Ava Elizabeth Brunner, 20, of Dayton, was driving a 2018 Ford Escape eastbound on Highway 141 and Juniper Avenue near Bayard. Brunner told Deputy Sheriff Martinson she had fallen asleep and woke after she rear-ended a 2019 Chevrolet Equinox driven by Brenda Lee Clouse, 62, of Guthrie Center. There were no injuries. Estimated damage to both vehicles is $2,501. Brunner was issued a citation for failure to maintain control.

Special to the Times Vedette

On May 9, more than 450 Concordia University students were awarded undergraduate and graduate degrees. The commencement ceremony was held in the Walz Human Performance Complex in Seward, Nebraska. Annah Heck of Coon Rapids earned a Master of Arts. Leah Fett of Panora earned a Bachelor of Science in education.

Concordia University was founded in 1894. It is an accredited, coeducational university of The Lutheran Church – Missouri Synod located in Seward, Nebraska. Concordia offers more than 100 undergraduate, graduate and professional programs in an academic and Christ-centered community that equips men and women for lives of learning, service and leadership in the church and world.