Guthrie County Deputy Sheriff Shane Jones reported a car vs. deer accident occurring on Nov. 22 at 3:30 p.m. on Highway 25 south of Guthrie Center. Nicholas W. Knopik, 29, of Lincoln, Nebraska, was driving a 2020 Hyundai Ioniq northbound on Highway 25 and struck a deer, causing approximately $10,000 in damage. 

Guthrie County Deputy Sheriff Blake Michelsen reported a single-vehicle accident occurring on Nov. 24 at 11:35 a.m. at Hickory Avenue and 130^th Street near Bayard. Sean Michael Mason, 29, of Guthrie Center was driving a 2011 Jeep Grand Cherokee and swerved to miss another vehicle coming around the curve, going into the ditch, driving over a fence line and hitting a pine tree. Damage to the Jeep is estimated at $8,000. Damage to the fence row, owned by Jody Ann Phelps of Coon Rapids, is estimated at $500. The report stated the driver showed no signs of impairment. 

By Rich Wicks | Times Vedette

The Panora City Council met in regular session on Monday, Nov. 25 and approved the Fiscal Year 2023-2024 Annual Urban Renewal Report. The council also approved Resolution 24-43, obligating funds from the Urban Renewal Tax Revenue Fund for appropriation. Mayor Curt Thornberry summarized how the funds will be used.

“Just for clarification, the two are the downtown and then the new clinic,” Thornberry said. “We’ll be doing a $120,000 payment for the downtown and up to a $92,000 payment for the clinic on the east side of town.”

In light of Kim Finnegan’s upcoming retirement as library director, discussion was held about the benefits package that will be offered when the position is filled. Mayor Thornberry explained that the position is now considered to be a 27.5-hour per week position. City Administrator Lisa Grossman said Finnegan has been in the position for more than 25 years, and “Times have changed; benefits have changed.” She suggested offering half of the benefits that the city gives to fulltime staff. After discussion, the council approved this plan.

The council discussed the annual support request for the Region XII COG (Council of Government) Housing Trust Fund Program. Thornberry said he has seen that the citizens who have benefitted appear to have been individuals and families that truly needed such a program. The council voted to again give $1,000.

The next regular meeting of the Panora City Council is set for Monday, Dec. 9 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

To kick off the festive holiday season, Guthrie Center has a variety of events scheduled for Saturday, Nov. 30:

• All day: Shop Small Saturday. Spend $50 and get a free poinsettia (one per family). Bring receipt to Soup Supper to pick up poinsettia.
• 1-3 p.m.: Santa’s Village at Guthrie Activity Center. Kids’ crafts and photos with Santa.
• 4-6 p.m.: Soup Supper at Guthrie Activity Center.
• 6 p.m.: Lighted parade from courthouse to Mitchell Park.
• 7 p.m.: Tree lighting at Mitchell Park. Park at fairgrounds (shuttle will be available).
• 7:15 p.m.: Christmas Light walk in Mitchell Park. No cars allowed.

By Rich Wicks | Times Vedette

Through Nov. 30, both locations of Guthrie County State Bank (400 State St., Guthrie Center and 505 E. Main, Panora) are accepting donations of boxes of facial tissue, which will be donated to ACGC and Panorama Schools. This annual event is called Tower of Tissues, and the bank will donate a box of tissue to match for each box they receive.

Also, anyone donating four or more boxes of tissues can have their name put in a drawing for $50 in “Chamber Bucks” ($25 Panora bucks and $25 Guthrie Center bucks). The drawing will be held Dec. 6.