Jim Petersen, John Tews, Dennis Hoover, The New Homestead Administrator Hilaree Stringham, Charlie Owen and Gary Rees.

Special to the Times Vedette

In May, The New Homestead teamed up with the ACGC FFA and Guthrie County Cattlemen for an annual community service event. The drive-thru event offered grilled hamburgers, chips and cookies for a freewill offering. Each year, the funds raised are presented to a different group in the community. This year, proceeds were raised for the Omar B. Shearer American Legion, Post No. 124. A check was recently presented to Legion members in the amount of $650.

Special to the Times Vedette

In 2026, the U.S. Department of Transportation will award up to $350 million in Competitive Highway Bridge Program (CHBP) grants to support critical infrastructure projects across the country. CHBP is a nationally competitive grant program that provides funding for transportation bridge infrastructure.

The Iowa Department of Transportation (Iowa DOT), in partnership with 20-plus counties and cities, is applying to receive funding to rebuild 32 bridges in poor condition across the state. One structure identified for this funding is the South Street bridge in Panora that spans the Middle Raccoon River by Lenon Mill Park. This bridge is more than 60 years old and is in need of a full replacement to improve safety, secure the connection between Panora, rural residents and recreational traffic, provide easier access for agricultural-related movement, and allow for more sustainable economic growth for both the city and the county.

Administrators and elected officials for the City of Panora and Guthrie County are asking residents to tell the Iowa DOT how they use the bridge and provide their thoughts on a potentially wider, safer structure that can carry heavier loads. The survey should take no more than 5 minutes to complete.

Special to the Times Vedette

The Creighton University College of Nursing released its Dean’s List for the 2026 spring semester.  To be named, each student must earn a GPA of 3.5 or higher. Arilyan Steenblock of Panora was named to the list. 

Special to the Times Vedette

Casey Fun Days was held this past weekend with events on Main Street, McPherson Street and the Community Center. The town’s summer festival included many familiar events along with several new additions. One of the new additions was the kickball tournament.

Friday’s events included “Rock Walk” at the library with the music collection of local teen Parker King; mini golf; dinner and drinks served by Casey Service Club; Kids Parade on Main Street; Foam Party; Casey Service Club awards; bags tournament; beer tent and live music by Jesse Wilson at Tin Lizzie’s;  and outdoor movies.

On Saturday, the Casey Stampede 5K and 1-mile Fun Run were held, as well as a pancake breakfast; a bake sale by Lutheran Women’s Missionary League; the Big Parade; the Methodist Church lunch; the Historical Society open house; the Casey Boys car show; kids’ water tag; crafts with Rolling Hills Bank; chicken bingo; kickball tournament; bingo; Wacky Cake Decorating and Cake Walk; Science Center of Iowa: BOOM (the science of explosions); and the beer tent and live music by Ghost Riderz at Tin Lizzie’s.

The Distinguished Service Award 2026 was presented to Jim and Gwen Oberholtz.

The Legacy of Service Award honored the late Forrest Schnobrich.

Casey Boys Car Show winners were:

• 1st Place: Chevy Impala 1961 (Mike Freestone and Sara Bliven)
• 2nd Place: Ford Mustang 1970 (Tracy Foster)
• 3rd Place: Chevy Camaro 1970 (Eric Whetstone)
• People’s Choice: Chevy Camaro Hot wheels 1969 (Wes Conrad)

Photos by Rich Wicks | Times Vedette:

The ACGC marching band performed in the parade.

George Washington helped Casey celebrate America’s 250th birthday.

A patriotic entry in the parade from the Bomb Shelter.

Kids filled bags with candy and toys.

Hot rods in the car show.

Three chickens waiting to select a bingo winner.

Photos Special to the Times Vedette:

By Shane Goodman and Sara Goodman | Times Vedette

State Street transformed into a city festival with live music, food trucks, drinks and a variety of vendors. RAGBRAI cyclists and others joined in the festivities Tuesday evening.

Live music played on the RAGBRAI main stage all afternoon and evening.

Cyclists made their way down State Street early Monday afternoon.

Jesse and The Hillbilly Air Show played on the main stage during RAGBRAI Monday afternoon. Local musician Brick Imerman is on the left.

The Nadas played on the main stage during RAGBRAI Monday evening.

Many first-time RAGBRAI riders were marked with this unique branding.

Try riding this during RAGBRAI, as this eager cyclist did.

A good time was truly had by all, at least until the storms moved in.

Dub P Apparel and Signs was one of many local vendors selling their wares during RAGBRAI.

By Shane Goodman and Sara Goodman | Times Vedette

Volunteers for St. Mary’s Catholic Church were one of many groups and organizations that made efforts to serve the thousands of cyclists and crew members who were looking for wholesome food. A beef and noodles dinner was served on Tuesday at the parish hall. Proceeds from the dinner will go toward repairs on the church rectory. 

St. Mary’s Catholic Church held a beef and noodles dinner for RAGBRAI cyclists on Monday at the parish hall.

Volunteers for St. Mary’s Catholic Church prepared food for 1,000 RAGBRAI diners and nearly sold out.

A high-carb meal was what the RAGBRAI cyclists wanted, and volunteers for St. Mary’s Catholic Church delivered.

It was hot outside on Monday with highs in the mid-90s, but temps inside the kitchen at the St. Mary’s Catholic Church parish hall were even more challenging for the volunteers who prepared the meals.