Special to the Times Vedette

The Guthrie County Hospital Auxiliary will be holding a Baked Potato Bar and Bake Sale on Thursday, Nov. 21 from 10:30 a.m. – 1 p.m. at the Guthrie Activity Center, 209 State St., Guthrie Center. Carry-outs will be available. Proceeds will benefit Guthrie County Hospital Auxiliary for purchases of new equipment and other needs of the hospital.

By Shane Goodman | Times Vedette

A total of 6,604 ballots were cast in the Nov. 5 election out of a total number of registered votes of 8,475 in Guthrie County, resulting in a 77.92% voter turnout, according to unofficial results from the Guthrie County Auditor’s Office. Guthrie County voters selected Republican candidates in every major race. 

Guthrie County voters overwhelmingly voted for Donald Trump (REP) for president with the former president gaining 67.96% (4,445) of the vote compared to Kamala Harris (DEM) at 30.16% (1,973 votes).

In the race for U.S. Representative, District 3, Zach Nunn (REP) received 67.83% of the Guthrie County votes with 4,352 while Lanon Baccam (DEM) garnered 31.87% with 2,045 votes.

For State Senator District 24, Jesse Green (REP) received 70.2% of the Guthrie County votes with 4,352, and Margaret Liston (DEM) had 29.62% with 1,836 votes.

For State Representative District 47, Carter Nordman (REP) pulled in 69.24% of the Guthrie County votes with 4,273 while Joe Helly (DEM) had 30.61% with 1,889 votes. 

In the County Board of Supervisors District 2, incumbent Brian Johnson (REP) held off a write-in campaign and won 91.56% of the vote (1,041 votes). Incumbent Mike Dickson (REP) also ran unopposed in District 5 and won with 97.66% or 1,043 votes. 

Auditor Dani Fink (REP) ran unopposed and was reelected with 5,485 votes or 98.65%. 

In the Guthrie County Sheriff race, Matt Harman (REP) received 61.98% of the vote (3,984) and defeated incumbent Marty Arganbright (DEM), who received 37.85% (2,433). 

Public Measure IU asked Guthrie County voters to authorize a property tax, for a period not to exceed 15 years, for the purposes of creation and the maintaining of essential countywide emergency medical services. The amount was to be 75 cents per $1,000 of assessed value on all taxable property (taxable value) within the county. The reason for this program was to enhance and strengthen essential county ambulance services through the provision of professional paramedic level emergency care, reduction of response times, and improvement of patient care outcomes. The measure failed to gain the necessary 60% approval. Votes were 53.88% for (3,315 votes) and 46.12% against (2,838 votes).

Unofficial results can be viewed at https://guthriecounty.gov/wp-content/uploads/2024/11/168_PALL_Election_Summary.pdf

Dolls, dolls dresses, quilts, and other items fill the room for donation.

By Rich Wicks | Times Vedette

A crowd of nearly 100 came to First Christian Church on Nov. 6 to see the quilts and other handmade items donated by members of the local Stitch & Chatter group. As in previous years, the church displayed many of the quilts, baby quilts, dolls, doll dresses, stocking caps and other items created and donated to the Children’s Clothing Closet (3Cs) and other worthy recipients.

Stitch & Chatter member Ellen Campbell gave opening remarks and talked about the 3Cs club. Connie Ridgley, on behalf of 3Cs, told of the group’s history and purpose.

Baby quilts are practical and beautiful.

Special to the Times Vedette

Would you like to learn how to make your own holiday wreath? Join Whiterock Conservancy Executive Director Kate Zimmerman for a class on how to put together your own fresh pine wreath on Thursday, Nov. 21 at 5 p.m.

The workshop will discuss and identify the different types of conifer trees and show participants how to assemble a wreath of their own.

All wreath assembly items will be provided and the wreath you assemble is yours to take home.

Participation is limited to a maximum of 15 people and a minimum of five to host the class. There is a $10 workshop fee per participant to help cover the cost of materials. The class will be located at the Bur Oak Visitor Center (1436 Highway 141, Coon Rapids, Iowa 50058). Participants must be 18-plus years old and should bring their own gloves if needed.

To register for this activity, call 712-790-8221, ext. 2 or email kzimmerman@whiterockconservancy.org by Nov. 18.

Poinsettia decorations catch the eye.

By Rich Wicks | Times Vedette

The Panora Chamber of Commerce’s annual decoration and lighting of the Panora Square for the holiday season was originally scheduled for Sunday, Nov. 3, but, due to rain, the event was rescheduled to Nov. 6.

The rescheduled date turned out beautifully with sunshine and a light breeze on a 60-degree afternoon. Although the weather didn’t resemble the North Pole, downtown Panora was quickly transformed into a holiday wonderland.

Dozens of Christmas gnomes arrived for placement around the square.

Is it a tree or a Santa?

By Lilah Heinz, ACGC FFA chapter reporter

On Oct. 22-25, eight ACGC FFA members joined more than 71,096 of their FFA peers and advisors from around the country for the 97th National FFA Convention.

This convention was held in Indianapolis, Indiana, at Lucas Oil Stadium and is one of the largest gatherings of students, educators and agricultural professionals in the country. Organized by the National FFA Organization and Officer Team, the convention celebrates the achievements of FFA members, provides opportunities for leadership development, and showcases the agricultural industry’s advancements. Members had the chance to meet others from all over the country, as well as industry professionals at the college and career fair.

ACGC FFA members had the opportunity to experience several behind-the-scenes tours that enriched their understanding of agriculture and industry. They visited the Kinze Manufacturing Plant in Williamsburg where they gained insight into the innovative machinery that supports modern farming practices. They also learned about the family-owned operation and the success that came from creating “one off” machinery. Members then traveled to Hummel Livestock where they learned about the production of Savannah Cats and different livestock species. The group then toured Ozark Fisheries in Martinsville, Indiana, learning about sustainable fish farming and aquaculture farming of Koi and Goldfish. In addition, members explored an animal rescue organization, Oinking Acres Farm Rescue and Sanctuary, seeing firsthand how dedicated professionals care for and rehabilitate animals in need.

Members also enjoyed touring Montrose Alpaca Farm, learning about fiber production. These tours provided valuable, real-world experiences that broadened the FFA members’ perspectives on agriculture, conservation and animal welfare. After a day of educational tours, ACGC FFA members also had the chance to enjoy a concert with headliner, Meghan Monrooney, adding a fun and memorable experience to their trip.