Special to the Times Vedette

Shane Christensen, Ed.D., current principal at Indian Hills Junior High, has been named the next principal at Valley High School.

Christensen will begin his new role July 1, 2025, pending approval by the West Des Moines Community Schools Board of Education at its regular meeting April 14.

“Dr. Christensen is an experienced educator, an innovative strategist, and a respected leader in our district,” superintendent Matt Adams said. “His passion for education and the care he shows for his students and staff are unmatched. He is the right person to lead Valley High School.”

Christensen has served WDMCS for 24 years, the last 19 as principal at Indian Hills. His collaborative nature and ability to think systemically has had a direct impact on student outcomes. Over the last six years, Indian Hills has seen marked improvement on the Iowa School Performance Profiles.

“I am beyond excited and honored for the opportunity to lead Valley High School, where excellence is the standard,” Christensen said. “I take very seriously the challenge of supporting all students and staff around the ‘Four A’s’: Academics, Activities, Arts and Athletics, while fostering a culture of belonging. Every student deserves the opportunity to succeed.”

Valley owns the largest student enrollment of any high school in Iowa. It offers one of the largest selections of academic programs in the state and consistently ranks among Iowa’s best athletics and activities programs.

Christensen takes over for David Maxwell, who will serve as Valley’s principal through the end of the school year. Starting July 1, Maxwell will transition to the district’s first director of strategic outreach and systems change.

Special to the Times Vedette 

A total of 10 players participated on April 4. Clint Malbon and Allen Pierce each got 16, Bob Batschelet got two 16s, Sandy Rumelhart got two 16s and a 17, and Kathy Feilmeier got a 17.

A total of 13 players participated on April 7. Kathy Feilmeier and Sandy Rumelhart each got a 16, and Dennis Betts brought in an 18.

The Guthrie Center cribbage players generally meet at Guthrie Center Library on Mondays at 8 a.m., at the New Homestead independent living rec room 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.

By Kerry Jacobsen | Times Vedette

Panorama schools held its annual Drive Your Tractor to School Day on Thursday, April 3 with many students participating.  It was open to both FFA members and non-FFA members who have their school permit or license.

Brody Steenblock heading into school.

Brody Steenblock

Sawyer Simmons

Cody Kastner

Evan Johnson

Laine Christe

Alexis Olsen

Group of Panorama kids who participated in Drive Your Tractor to School Day.

From the Iowa Department of Natural Resources

Iowans will register more than 220,000 boats before April 30 when current boat registrations expire. Boat registrations are good for three years. Registration fees support boater education and safety, water trails, navigation enforcement and aquatic invasive species.

Boat owners may bring their current registration to any Iowa county recorder’s office when they renew. Nonresidents who register their boat in Iowa must go to the county where the boat is primarily used.

Owners who are registering a boat in their own name that they purchased from a private seller should bring the signed registration. Make sure the title is signed over to you, if applicable.

Only boats displaying a current registration decal are allowed to operate on Iowa waters.

Learn more about how to register your boat on the DNR website at https://www.iowadnr.gov/things-do/boating/registration.

Special to the Times Vedette

State Sen. Jesse Green and State Rep. Carter Nordman will be meeting with constituents for a legislative coffee on April 5. The coffee will be from 8-9 a.m. at the Guthrie County Farm Bureau, 203 N. Fourth St, Guthrie Center.

Special to the Times Vedette

The Fin and Feather Banquet will be held The Captian’s Pick at Lake Panorama National Conference Center on May 10. The doors will open at 5 p.m. with dinner starting at 6 p.m. A live auction and silent auction will be held, along with other games to play for people of all ages. Anyone looking to purchase tickets early may do so at www.panoramafinandfeather.com/banquet. This committee stocks Lake Panorama each year and completes other various projects to support fish and wildlife around the lake.