By Susan Thompson | Times Vedette

Spring-like temperatures this past Sunday resulted in good participation in the annual holiday tour of homes sponsored by Women for Panora’s Future (WFPF).

A total of $2,000 was raised through sales of both tour and raffle tickets. This matched the amount raised in 2023 with both years representing the most money ever raised by the home tour. Four homes and two businesses opened their doors to guests this year.

Homes owned by Bruce and Marcia Roenfeld, Paul and Sue Nagel, Jerry and Laura Poore, and Taylor and Sarah Burkhardt were decorated for the holiday season. B&B Marketplace shared Christmas decorating ideas, while participants could enjoy a glass of wine at Twin Vines.

The tour was 1-4:30 p.m. with participants visiting each location at their own pace in the order they chose. Most tickets were sold in advance. Tour tickets, raffle tickets and holiday refreshments were available at the Panora Community Center the day of the tour.

The home tour is WFPF’s largest annual fundraiser. It usually brings in enough money to award $500 scholarships each spring to two graduating Panorama students. Funds also are used to support a variety of other community projects.

Sarah Burkhartt, center, was joined by WFPF club member Kathy Klinge, left, while guests toured the home she and her husband, Taylor Burkhartt, own.

A corner in the basement of the Bruce and Marcia Roenfeld featured a small tree and decorative snowmen.

The Bruce and Marcia Roenfeld living room featured gifts under a large Christmas tree plus holiday items on shelves on both sides of the decorated mantle.

Refreshments were available at the Panora Community Center throughout the afternoon WFPF home tour.

The home of Jerry and Laura Poore was one of four featured on the WFPF holiday home tour.

The home of Jerry and Laura Poore was one of four featured on the WFPF holiday home tour.

The home of Jerry and Laura Poore was one of four featured on the WFPF holiday home tour.

The home of Jerry and Laura Poore was one of four featured on the WFPF holiday home tour.

A basement bedroom in the Paul and Sue Nagel home featured items related to “The Nutcracker” ballet.

Paul and Sue Nagel’s living room featured a large decorated Christmas tree for the WFPF holiday home tour.

This brightly decorated table is in the kitchen of the Paul and Sue Nagel home.

A white tree decorated for Christmas filled a corner in the basement of the Paul and Sue Nagel home.

Marcia Roenfeld, center, is the current president of Women for Panora’s Future, which sponsored Sunday’s holiday home tour. The home she and her husband, Bruce, own on Lake Panorama’s Bean Bend was one of four on the tour. She is flanked by her sister, Stacie, and her mother, Karma.

These women wearing Santa hats are members of a book club in Johnston who traveled to Panora for the WFPF home tour. They are shown enjoying holiday refreshments at the Panora Community Center.

By Rich Wicks | Times Vedette

Many holiday traditions and events are upcoming in the Guthrie County area. Here is a partial listing:

Saturday, Dec. 14     

Santa comes to Jamaica

• 1 p.m. at Jamaica Fire Station

Santa comes to Bagley Fire Station

• 5 p.m. Pictures with Santa, then a hayride with caroling. Cookies, hot chocolate, cider and coffee will be served. Sponsored by the Bagley Fire Association.

Saturday, Dec. 21      

Santa’s Workshop at Panora (Rescheduled from Dec. 14 due to weather)

• 8:30-11 a.m.: Freewill offering pancake breakfast
• 9-10:30 a.m.: Camp Candycane crafts

Have an item to add? Send to rich@gctimesnews.com or call 641-332-2707. 

By Rich Wicks | Times Vedette

During the regular meeting of the Panora City Council on Dec. 9, the councilmembers reviewed various dates related to budgeting for the upcoming fiscal year. Also listed were the updated council committee assignments, which include:

• Electric: Tom Flanery, Mark Sheeder
• Public Safety/EMS Advisory: Brian Dorsett, Blake Michelsen
• Public Works: Tom Flanery, Mark Sheeder
• Water & Sewer: Roger Dorr, Blake Michelsen
• Community Center/Vets/Parks: Blake Michelsen, Mark Sheeder
• Finance: Brian Dorsett, Roger Dorr
• Personnel: Brian Dorsett, Roger Dorr

City Administrator Lisa Grossman shared that some leakage in the ceiling at the Community Center has been noted, and it appears to relate to the furnace. The furnace had been having problems recently, as well.

“We were able to get it back going again, but it is 15 years old, so I am getting pricing to maybe repair or replace, and we need to get it off the roof,” she said.

The council approved Resolution 24-45 and set a public hearing regarding the status of grant funds for CDBG Contract 23-HSGU-005. This relates to the second-story apartments at 113 E. Main St. The council also approved pass-through funding of $57,438 for the project at that address.

Resolution 24-46 was discussed. It amends the employee handbook regarding benefits for part-time library director. Grossman explained.

“This formalizes that discussion from the last meeting,” she said.

The council unanimously approved the amendment.

A Public Safety meeting was to be held immediately after the council meeting on Dec. 9.

Grossman stated that City Hall will be closed for a half-day on Dec. 24 and closed all day on Dec. 25 and 26.

Per city code, there will be no second regular meeting of the Panora City Council in December. The next regular meeting of the Panora council is set for Monday, Jan. 13 at 5:30 p.m. at City Hall. 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#).

By Rich Wicks | Times Vedette

During the Dec. 2 regular monthly meeting of the Guthrie County Hospital Board, the trustees reviewed budgetary data showing overall positive results.

According to CEO Chris Stipe, “Bottom line, we are outperforming our budget by more than half a million dollars thru October. Our bottom line after four months of the fiscal year is $1.1 million, compared to a budgeted $586,000. This includes contributions to the Foundation, tax proceeds and 340B proceeds. Cash continues to be strong with days cash on hand at 216.”

The trustees approved October financial reports as presented.

Medical staff credentialing was approved, and the FY25 Quality Assurance Performance Improvement (QAPI) Plan was presented and approved.

A resolution was approved to set a Public Hearing related to projects receiving USDA financial assistance. The public hearing was set for Dec. 30 at 4 p.m. in the Todd-Neff Conference Room. That coincides with the next regular meeting of the trustees. The public is welcome to join in person or via remote technology. Details can be found at www.guthriecountyhospital.org.

By Rich Wicks | Times Vedette

At the Dec. 9 regular meeting of the Guthrie Center City Council, the topic with the most discussion was pay increases for city staff. Council members and department heads discussed the advantages of setting a specific dollar amount for increases versus a percentage. Over time, percentage increases will increase the gaps between newer and long-term employee wages, they said. On the other hand, increases using an across-the-board dollar amount, over time, decreases the comparative incentive and reward for long-term employees.

City Clerk/Administrator Kris Arrasmith explained that the city has strived to keep the gaps between employees’ pay from becoming excessive.

“I feel like we have a really good core group of people now, and I’d like to see us keep them all happy and keep them here,” Arrasmith said.

Councilmember Garold Thomas asked Arrasmith how much she had budgeted for in wage increases.

“Just a 5% across the board, in all departments,” Arrasmith replied.

Arrasmith went on to say that, overall, the cost of 5% increases is nearly identical to a $1.50 hourly increase for all employees. The council mulled the pros and cons of each approach.

“No matter which way you go, there will be people who’ll complain, and they’ll have statistics to back their position,” Councilmember Garold Thomas said.

The council voted 3-1 in favor of a $1.50 hourly increase across the board. Ian Steensen was the sole vote against this.

The council approved replacing the city’s server in City Hall, per a quote from Panora Fiber.

Resolution 2024-21 (“Resolution Authorizing the Destruction of City Records as Allowed by the Iowa Municipal Records Manual”) was approved. Arrasmith explained this is an annual matter that comes to the council, mostly as a formality.

Street Department Director Darrin Sloss provided an update.

“It’s been business as usual,” he said, adding that his crew has been preparing for dealing with the snow that is certain to come.

As part of the consent agenda, the council approved a beer/liquor license renewal for Pine Room and a fence permit for 902 Tiger Lane (Eischeid). As of now, the council plans to not hold a second regular meeting in December, so the next regular meeting will be Monday, Jan. 13 at 6:30 p.m. The public is welcome.

Special to the Times Vedette

The Guthrie Center Wonderland Craft Fair is scheduled for Saturday, Dec. 14 at The Guthrie County Fairgrounds, 408 W. State St. in Guthrie Center, from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. Celebrate the holidays with a free will donation lunch including walking tacos and dessert. Enjoy taking pictures with Santa from noon to 2 p.m. A variety of crafts such as candles, quilts, handmade ornaments, tumblers, jewelry, wooden crafts, and more will be offered.