Information from the Iowa State Fair | Special to the Times Vedette

Six Iowa farm families will be recognized as recipients of the 2026 “Way We Live Award” at the Iowa State Fair. Nominations included descriptions of how living on the farm and choosing farming as an occupation has shaped the family’s life. These families exemplify values derived from hard work and a love of farming.

The Way We Live Award is presented by Wellmark Blue Cross and Blue Shield with media sponsors Iowa Farmer Today and the WHO Big Show, and in its 18th year, has recognized 101 outstanding Iowa farm families.

Wellmark supports the Way We Live Award to honor families whose dedication to farming strengthens Iowa communities and reflects values of hard work, resilience and care for others. These values mirror Wellmark’s commitment to building healthier communities across Iowa.

Among the award winners are Jeff and Shannon Hafner, of Panora, who will receive their award on Aug. 22 at 11:45 a.m., on the Anne and Bill Riley Stage.

In 1996, Jeff and Shannon Hafner bought back some of the original Hafner farm in Panora, and over time, transitioned the farm to be certified organic. Their brand, Early Morning Harvest, consists of aquaponics, stone milling and a small farm store. The organically certified farm raises corn, soybeans, hard red spring wheat, soft red winter wheat, hard red winter wheat, winter rye, buckwheat and forage for their cattle herd. Vegetables and herbs are grown in year-round aquaponic and seasonal greenhouses. Two organic certified stone mills process the grains into more than ten Early Morning Harvest brand products found in more than 400 grocery stores, restaurants and bakeries across the Midwest and online. The family offers free tours to anyone who visits their store, and hosts groups for a variety of ages, backgrounds and interests. They also promote sustainable farming and healthy food choices in their community. They value the lessons learned on the farm: to never give up, put people first, never stop learning, treat everyone the same and that everything is connected to the soil and the environment.

Each award-winning family receives a prize package of $250, complimentary admission tickets, free parking, various coupons, recognition on the Anne and Bill Riley Stage, a highlight video, a photo display in the Paul R. Knapp Animal Learning Center during the Fair and a one-night hotel stay at the Best Western Plus Altoona Inn.

Other Way We Live Award winners include:

• Mensen Holsteins, Guttenberg; and Moeckly Farms, Polk City
• Moeckly Farms, Polk City
• Bawnmore Farm, Chelsea
• Blueberry Bottom Farm/Zihlman Family Farms, Brighton
• Bob and Patty Henderson Family, Albia

For more information on past award winners or the current 2026 Way We Live Award-winning families, visit https://www.iowastatefair.org/participate/the-way-we-live-award.

By Rich Wicks | Times Vedette

During the July 23 meeting of the Guthrie County Hospital’s board of trustees, Chief Nursing Officer Mandy Schiefert reported on the hospital’s involvement while RAGBRAI was in Guthrie Center.

“We spent hours and hours preparing for it. I cannot say how proud I am of all the staff and everybody who made that very successful,” Schiefert said. “We did see 20 total RAGBRAI riders.”

CEO Chris Stipe added his appreciation to the staff.

“Everybody did an awesome job. There are so many people who volunteered and did so many things,” he said.

Clinical Safety and Quality Coordinator Danielle Lauzon reported on quality measures, including beginning a new program called “Quality Wednesdays,” Stipe explained.

“Danielle and other executives are meeting with managers, talking about their goals and what they’re working on, quality and safety, helping them enter their data so we can track it better,” Stipe said. “A lot of good stuff.”

Foundation Director Dennis Flanery shared information on the planning for the hospital’s 75^th anniversary celebration. He said the event will likely be held in late September.

Stipe reported on the progress of the hospital’s construction project.

“We’ve got steel. We’re starting to build instead of tear down,” he said.

Chief Financial Officer Brandon Johnson provided an update on the hospital’s budgetary numbers.

Chief Human Resources Officer Mary Anderson reported the hospital currently has five position openings to fill.

The next regular meeting of the trustees is set for Aug. 27 at 4 p.m. The public is welcome.

Special to the Times Vedette

On July 22, a total of 10 players participated. Bruce Bailey and Sandy Rumelhart each got a 20; Dick Ellis got a 23; Robert Klever got a 16; and Dave Richter got a 24.

The Guthrie Center cribbage players generally meet at Guthrie Center Library, 400 Grand St., on Mondays at 8 a.m. and at the New Homestead independent living dining hall, 2306 State St., 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.

Jim and Gwen Oberholtz pose after receiving Casey’s Distinguished Service award.

By Rich Wicks | Times Vedette

The late Forrest Schnobrich was recognized with the Legacy of Service Award. His family accepted the award on his behalf.

The family of Forrest Schnobrich accept his Legacy of Service award.

 

By Rich Wicks | Times Vedette

Panorama High School’s football field will be the site of a first-time event in the area. It will be a flag football tournament in which youth will team up with deputies from the Guthrie County Sheriff’s department. The idea behind the event is not only to create a fundraiser for future outreach programs but also to provide an opportunity for local youth to have a positive experience with law enforcement.

The cost to participate is $50 per youth. Eligible students are those entering fifth or sixth grade in a school district within Guthrie County. Participants will receive a commemorative T-shirt. Registration is limited to 80 youths.

Those interested should hurry, because the registration deadline is today, July 24. Registration can be done via the Facebook page of the Guthrie County Sheriff’s department, or by visiting the Sheriff’s office at the courthouse.

Photos by Betty Cooper | Special to the Times Vedette

After the overnight stay in Guthrie Center on Monday, RAGBRAI cyclists made their way through Panora and then Yale on their way to Boone. These images capture some of the celebration while riders were in Yale.