By Rich Wicks | Times Vedette

During the April 28 meeting of the Panora City Council, discussion was held about the city’s “brush facility,” where citizens may bring branches and similar brush. City Administrator Lisa Grossman explained the need to consider a change in policy.

“The brush facility has been an ongoing issue for us. Within the last year or two, we put in the $20 deposit fee, and that worked for a little bit,” Grossman said.

But the problem, according to Grossman, is that many times the key has not been returned.

“We’re constantly tracking down keys and hounding one person or another,” she said. “We’re just looking to try another option.”

Grossman explained the proposal to have the city’s water treatment operator, whose workstation is next to the brush facility, open the brush facility every morning and then lock it every afternoon. The proposed hours would be 7:30 a.m. to 3 p.m. seven days a week.

“It would include upgraded cameras…so we can see license plates and we can see what’s in the load, and we’d like to put in some updated signage,” Grossman said.

Grossman added the suggestion to increase the penalty for a municipal infraction to $750. After discussion, the council unanimously approved the proposed changes.

The council approved purchasing and installing a new basketball court at Michael Mills Park at a total cost of $27,000 to $29,000. A grant will cover about $20,000 of that.

Chris Hastings, Panora Library Board president, addressed the council about the need to replace the geothermal heating at the library. He said the unexpected breakdown of the equipment was not budgeted for but needs to be addressed. He said the cost is expected to be $50,000 or more. The existing equipment is 17 years old, so Hastings said it is not a premature breakdown. No formal action was taken, but the council and city staff will look into the matter.

Tim Rietz, owner of Off Course Golf Carts, asked the council to consider allowing test driving of golf carts on Market Street, as part of his business. The matter will be added to the agenda of the next council meeting for possible action.

Eagle Scout member Corbin Deardorff addressed the council with a request to allow the Eagle Scout troop to install a community fire pit/flag retirement facility on the city’s property across from Lenon Mill Park. The fire pit would be used by the scouts to appropriately dispose of flags. The fire pit would also be available for public use at any other times. The council approved the request.

Grossman summarized a request from Chris Stipe, Guthrie County Hospital CEO, asking Panora and Guthrie Center to consider financially supporting the meal delivery programs in each of those communities. No action was taken at this time.

The May 12 city council meeting will begin with two public hearings. One will relate to Resolution 25-18, (proposal to vacate or sell city property) and the other will be about the proposed FY 2024-2025 budget amendment. The public is welcome. Interested persons may attend in person or electronically by visiting the website https://meet.goto.com/cityofpanora or by phone 1-312-757-3121 (Access Code 295-099-701, Audio PIN 220#).

 

For Jennifer Crow of rural Panora, eyewear is the perfect blend of function and fashion.

 

By Rich Wicks | Panora Times, April 2025

Making a statement or expressing yourself through your appearance can be done in many ways. Some choose body art such as tattoos or piercings. Others opt for wardrobe accessories such as purses, ties and scarves. Hairstyles, hair color and jewelry are popular options as well. 

But for Jennifer Crow of rural Panora, eyewear is a perfect blend of function and fashion.

“I tell people I don’t collect shoes, and I don’t collect purses; I collect glasses,” Crow said. “I also have some old eyeglasses from my grandparents and things like that, too.”

The majority of Crow’s personal collection is prescription glasses she can wear any time the mood strikes her. From time to time, she donates her older glasses to charitable causes, but she has kept a few favorite styles around.

“Most of these are from the last five years, but there’s a couple that are older than that, just because I love them so much that I just keep putting new lenses in them,” Crow said. “To me, it’s like a piece of jewelry, so I treat it as such,” Crow said.

The eyeglasses that catch Crow’s eye are not the run of the mill.

“They’re handcrafted. Two pairs were made by an opera singer from Canada. Some are from Denmark. I like the glitzy, blingy stuff,” Crow said. “I try to find pieces that are unique. I like the ones that tell a story.”

Crow showed a favorite pair and explained its special story.

“We’re very conservative in the United States for eyewear. They do a lot more bold colors and bright fashion in Europe,” Crow said. “This one, as you can see, is actually made out of vinyl records. They’re made in Budapest, Hungary.”

Crow’s passion is not only for her own eyeglasses but in helping others in a similar way.

“I’m actually an optician. I kind of fell into the industry when I was 19. Someone asked me to come work with them, so I did, and I enjoyed it, and I’ve stayed in the industry since, other than taking some time off when I had young kids,” Crow said. “Then, when my youngest daughter was born in 2014, I decided to have a mobile optical. I was tired of working for other people, but I loved glasses.”

Crow’s career has taught her much about eyewear.

“I’ve done every aspect of it,” Crow said. “From just selling frames and lenses to someone, but then I’ve also looked in on the labs, so I know what it’s like to make a prescription and put it in.”

Crow focuses on learning what her clients want, then offers options tailored to that goal.

“I like helping people feel good about it. I don’t want them to feel like a number. I like to educate people, because a lot of times they don’t know what they don’t know,” Crow said. “I’m an old-school optician, trained by some of the best in the country. I want my clients to always leave knowing more than when they came in.” 

Although low-cost eyeglasses and sunglasses are readily available, Crow offers something not available off the shelf.

“I don’t sell anything that you can go get online,” Crow said. “Most of the companies that I work with are very exclusive.”

Eye health and vision care are causes Crow believes in strongly.

“You get what you pay for,” she said. “You only have one set of eyes. Protect what you have. Get an eye exam.”

Do you know someone in Guthrie County whose vehicle, collection or hobby would make an interesting story? Email rich@gctimesnews.com.

By Rich Wicks | Times Vedette

During the April 24 meeting of the Guthrie County Hospital’s Board of Trustees, a public hearing was held regarding the Fiscal Year 2026 County Budget. Chief Financial Officer Brandon Johnson shared budgetary data. Following the hearing, the trustees formally approved the budget.

Danielle Lauzon shared quality improvement data. She highlighted numbers from the recently completed third quarter of the fiscal year.

“We didn’t have any falls in the third quarter, so that’s exciting,” Lauzon said.

Lauzon also reported on complaints received from patients. CEO Chris Stipe stressed that staff take appropriate action on all complaints, even if minor.

“All of these complaints get followed up on, by the manager, and, potentially, HR is involved,” Stipe said.

Human Resources Director Mary Anderson reported on HR data.

“Our retention rate has gone up a little bit. It’s at 82.6%; last month it was 81.9%. Our engagement survey is in full swing,” Anderson said.

Anderson also told of upcoming events.

“Hospital Week will be May 12-16, so we’re going to have some activities that week and have some fun,” she said.

Stipe shared an update on the hospital obtaining property for the expansion project.

“I did sign the sale agreement on the purchase of the house next door to the hospital, next to the helipad,” Stipe said. “It will be another 30 days or so before we have possession.”

Stipe also announced that the Ten Squared Men’s group voted to give more than $20,000 to the hospital to help fund the Meals on Wheels program. He voiced appreciation for the good the funds will do in the community. He added that the meals are delivered in both Guthrie Center and Panora.

Foundation Chair Dennis Flanery reported that the recent Handbags and Bingo fundraiser event was well attended and successful.

The next regular meeting of the trustees is set for May 22. The public is welcome.

 

The Panora store is located next to the Raccoon River Valley Trail, a popular path for pedestrians and cyclists.

By Rich Wicks | Panora Times, April 2025

If a new business attracts so many customers that expansion happens within the first month, that is a sure sign the business is providing something people are enthusiastic about. That is the situation that Tim Rietz, owner of Off Course Golf Carts and E-bikes, finds himself in. His first store opened in Grimes, and he has now opened a store in Panora.

“Our hard opening in Grimes was in mid-March, and that store really took off. We’re doing something that is fairly unique in central Iowa, in that our carts are made for whatever you want to do. You can play golf in them, you can go drive around town, if your town allows it,” Rietz said. “You can go camping, hunting, fishing. They’ve got all the safety features that you need to be on the streets in a golf cart.”

Each municipality has rules regarding the use of ATVs, golf carts, side-by-sides and similar vehicles, so customers are encouraged to check their local ordinances.

Rietz explained how the decision to expand to Panora came about.

“We had several customers from Panora and Lake Panorama purchase carts from us, and this building became available, so it was too good not to use it.”

The Panora store is located next to the Raccoon River Valley Trail, a popular path for pedestrians and cyclists.

“So, that’s when we decided to add the e-bikes. They kind of fit with our model of eco-friendly, sustainable, quiet transportation,” Rietz said.

Rietz is looking forward to upcoming bike trail events, such as the annual Bacoon Ride, which starts and ends in Waukee, taking cyclists on a loop through several local towns including Jamaica, Herndon, Yale, Panora and Linden. This year’s event is set for June 14. 

“We’re going to invite the bikers in here and have fun and games for them,” he said.

Rietz feels strongly about the brands he sells. Off Course in Panora sells Evolution brand golf carts and Lectric brand e-bikes. Evolution is a trusted brand that’s been around, especially in the southern states, but is fairly new to Iowa.

“Our golf carts are loaded with features,” Rietz said. “If you compare our vehicles to what else is available on the market, they have far more features, they have far more cool stuff, and at a lower price point than almost anybody. The value is so much greater in these because of the things you get.” 

Rietz commented on the company that makes his e-bikes.

“Lectric is an up-and-coming company. They’ve got a really good backstory. They are innovative bikes. They fold, so you can throw them in your trunk and drive to wherever you want to go. They’re powerful,” Rietz said. “You can pedal without any assistance; you can do pedal assist, and you can do full throttle.”

He added that price and battery life are excellent, as well.

“You can go anywhere from 45 to nearly 100 miles on a charge, depending on the rider and terrain,” Rietz said. “And they’re at a price point that is below most national brands.”

Besides sales, Off Course will soon also offer e-bike rental.

“They should start around May 1,” Rietz said. “I would say, 80 to 90% of the population has never been on an e-bike, so this will be an opportunity to take a trail ride, learn about e-bikes, and do something they’ve never experienced.”

Looking to the future, Rietz is open to adding or expanding, eventually.

“We’ve got a whole bunch of ideas, but we want to excel at what we’re doing now before we move on to the next thing,” he said.

By Rich Wicks | Times Vedette

On Saturday, May 17, Guthrie County will again be rolling with activity during the annual Red, White and Blue Cruise, sponsored by American Legion Auxiliary Unit 124 (Guthrie Center). The event honors all veterans and active military personnel and welcomes side-by-sides, quads and other vehicles to join the fun. Riders will choose any route to visit some or all of the planned stops, which include Incredi-Bowl (Guthrie Center), Owl’s Nest (Panora), Short’s Place (Menlo), Casey Creamery and Tin Lizzie’s Sports Bar (Casey) and Blue Goose Tavern (Adair).

The event will begin and end at the fairgrounds in Guthrie Center. Registration is from 8:30-9:45 a.m., with the ride beginning at 10 a.m. Registration costs $25 per participant. There will also be optional raffles and a poker run. At 5 p.m., riders return to the fairgrounds for announcement of prize winners. Food will be available on-site from Triple B’s Tenderloins.

All proceeds support veterans, active service members and causes within the community. Trailer parking, camping and shower house will be available on-site. Any questions or sponsorship requests can be directed to Robyn Van Zee, 402-740-9804, or Carrie Dideriksen, 641-740-513.

Special to the Times Vedette

Local author Joy Neal Kidney has written a new book entitled “Meadowlark Songs: A Motherline Legacy,” covering seven generations, six with deep roots in Guthrie County, or with strong ties to it, from pioneers to the keeper of their stories. 

The books asks, what do we inherit from our grandmothers besides mtDNA? Heirlooms? Character? Shadows of the past? It provides glimpses into the lives of these women, along with cameo appearances of the men they married, revealing a legacy of faith and hope while navigating challenging times.

A poem by Chad Elliott introduces the book, and John Busbee wrote the foreword. Autographed copies are available at Art on State in Guthrie Center, the Urbandale Machine Shed Restaurant, and Beaverdale Books in Des Moines (shipping offered, 515-279-5400). Paperback, hardback and ebook are carried by Amazon.com.

Learn more at www.joynealkidney.com.