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Guthrie County Engineer tells supervisors of planned bridge replacement

By Rich Wicks | Times Vedette

The Guthrie County Board of Supervisors heard from County Engineer Josh Sebern regarding planned replacement of the Thompson 71A bridge during their March 31 regular weekly meeting.

“This would be the bridge over the Middle River, on White Pole Road, east of Casey. The deck on the bridge is quite bad. You wouldn’t guess it to drive over it and look at it, but you get underneath and you notice the salt crystals on the bottom side of the deck, so it’s fully penetrated with salt,” Sebern said.   

“This is something we’ve been talking about for five or six years, at least,” Supervisor Mike Dickson said. Sebern agreed.

“We know it’s getting to the point that we have to do something,” Sebern said. “So we’re going to work on replacing that, using federal dollars. It’s scheduled to be replaced in 2027.”

Sebern explained that the Department of Transportation (DOT) agreement simply documents that the county agrees to abide by all DOT regulations for the project. Sebern also noted that because of traffic volume, the new bridge will be 40 feet wide.

The supervisors unanimously voted to approve the DOT funding agreement.

Sebern also mentioned his plans to attend a national conference in Dallas, Texas, in April. He said he will submit a written request for approval from the supervisors.

The supervisors meet regularly at 9 a.m. Tuesdays. The public is welcome to attend at the courthouse or via remote technology. To join remotely, call 323-792-6123 and use meeting code 547029216#.

Keeping fun on track at GC Elementary

The new train is popular at Guthrie Center Elemntary.

By Rich Wicks | Times Vedette

Students, staff and visitors to Guthrie Center Elementary have likely noticed the arrival of a new train. It is a wooden playground equipment creation. Principal Tandem Eischeid explained how the train came to be.

“The project originated during school board discussions focused on prioritizing playground site improvements. Newly appointed board member Adam Franzeen expressed a strong commitment to enhancing our elementary facilities, which led to a collaborative planning process involving myself and Mr. Kris Langgaard,” Eischeid said. “To bring these plans to life, Mr. Craig Franzeen generously volunteered his time and expertise. While the district funded the necessary materials, Mr. Franzeen managed the labor. During inclement weather, he graciously utilized his own shop to continue work on the project, ensuring progress stayed on track despite the winter conditions.”

Eischeid explained Franzeen’s role in both the design and construction.

“The train was constructed by Mr. Craig Franzeen. He identified the design plans and presented the concept to Mr. Rasmussen and me as a potential addition to our play area. We both agreed that the structure would provide a unique and valuable architectural element to our playground,” Eischeid said. “The school district covered the cost of raw materials as part of our ongoing commitment to facility maintenance. However, the project was made possible by Mr. Franzeen, who donated his professional labor, time and craftsmanship entirely free of charge to the district.”

According to Eischeid, the new equipment has been a hit.

“The feedback from both students and staff has been overwhelmingly positive. The train has introduced a wonderful, imaginative component to our outdoor space. It is heartening to see the students engaging with it so creatively — whether they are role-playing as conductors, using the structure for shelter on windy days, or even providing their own musical ‘soundtracks’ during recess. It has quickly become a landmark on our playground,” Eischeid said.

Eischeid voiced appreciation for Franzeen’s volunteerism and skill.

“His willingness to volunteer his skills is a testament to the strong partnership between our school and the community. We are incredibly grateful for his dedication to enhancing the daily experience of our students,” Eischeid said.

Here comes Peter Cottontail

By Rich Wicks | Times Vedette

On Saturday, April 4, the Easter Bunny will be hiding eggs in many local communities.

Guthrie Center

Guthrie Center Elementary (900 North Fourth St., Guthrie Center) will have visits with the Easter Bunny from 10-10:50 a.m. with the egg hunt to begin at 11 a.m. Each age group will hunt in a specific area to keep the hunt fair. Sponsored by Rose Acre Farms.

Yale

The community of Yale will host an Easter egg hunt at 10 a.m. on Saturday, April 4 on Main Street.

Panora

Veterans Auditorium and the Panora Square are the site for Panora’s egg hunt, beginning at 9 a.m. on Saturday, April 4.

Adair

The Adair Chamber of Commerce, Grant Sky Eagles 4H Club and Summit Super Stars 4H Club are holding an Easter egg hunt for kids up to 10 years old. The event will begin at 10 a.m. on Saturday, April 4 at Adair City Park, 401 Fourth St. in Adair.

Have an easter egg hunt to add for Friday’s edition? Contact Rich at rich@gctimesnew.com. 

The Renew Room is a place to relax and renew

Brie Beardsley is pleased to serve customers in the area.

Brienna Beardsley’s massage therapy business is located at 411 East Main St. in Panora.

By Rich Wicks | Panora Times, March 2026

The Renew Room in Panora is a relatively new business that some may not have noticed yet. Its address is 411 East Main St., but it is actually located in the rear of the Active Health Solutions building.

Owner Brienna Beardsley shared how the business came to be.

“I was a CNA for 13 years, and I ended up being a hospice CNA. I had always been interested in massage therapy. When I worked at the hospice house, they had a massage therapist who came in to work with patients, and I was very inspired by that,” she said.

Beardsley and her family moved back to Panora, making it the right time to open her own business.

Clients can access The Renew Room via the rear parking lot and back door.

“My husband, Josh, coached college basketball for 10 years, so we moved around a lot. Then he took the job here in Panora as the boys’ basketball coach, and I went back to school for massage. We live here in Panora. Josh is born and raised here. After multiple years away from family, it’s nice to be where we can raise our girls close to family. I’m from Gowrie. Our end goal was always to be back in a smaller town,” she said.

Beardsley completed a 600-hour course to become a licensed massage therapist.

“I took my boards in July, graduated in August, and I started here Sept. 2,” she said.

After operating her business for more than six months, Beardsley has settled on regular hours. Mondays, she works at Sapphire Skin Co., 322 State St., Guthrie Center, from 8:30 a.m. to 5 p.m. The rest of the week, she works at the Panora location: Tuesdays, 8:30 a.m. to 5 p.m.; Wednesdays, noon to 8 p.m.; Thursdays and Fridays, 8:30 a.m. to 5 p.m.; and Saturdays, 8 a.m. to noon.

Beardsley offers massage in 30-, 60-, 90- or 120-minute sessions, with or without hot stones, as well as lymphatic drainage. She recently became certified in myofascial lymphatic drainage massage.

“It’s working within the tissues to help move the lymph fluid within our bodies,” she said. “It’s really good for detoxification, inflammation, and anyone with lymphedema.”

Beardsley said one of her main philosophies is that one size does not fit all.

“When you come in, we sit down and discuss your goals. I want to know what kind of pressure you like, any problem areas, or areas you do not want me to touch. This is your time, and I want you to get the most out of it. I can do deep tissue massage, which is more aggressive. I also offer pre-natal and post-natal massage. I’m certified to care for pregnant women before and after birth. I also do hot stone massage, which can improve blood flow for healing and relaxation,” she said.

One of the main benefits of massage, Beardsley said, is simply the chance to unplug and relax.

“I try to provide a peaceful, relaxing environment, with lighting, aromatherapy and sound. Some clients may fall asleep, and I continue the session as agreed, whether they are awake or asleep,” she said.

Beardsley said new clients may need time to adjust before experiencing full benefits.

“I start with compression over the blanket, which helps release your nervous system so you can receive the touch therapeutically,” she said.

For returning clients, she recommends regular sessions.

“For maintenance, every four to six weeks is suggested. Like a car, our bodies need a tune-up. We’re hard on our bodies and need a chance to reset, relax muscles and relieve tension,” she said.

Anyone interested in scheduling a session can contact Beardsley by phone, Facebook (The Renew Room LLC) or Instagram.

Beardsley said she is happy to live in Panora and provide a beneficial service to the community.

“I’m very passionate about it. Massage and bodywork are great for mind, body and soul, and I want to offer that service to the community,” she said.

 

 

Cribbage results from March 27 and March 30

Special to the Times Vedette

On March 27, a total of six players participated. Dave Richter and Lela Schwartz each got a 16; Sandy Rumelhart and Bill Sheeder divided a 20.

On March 30, Roy Carl got two 16s; Sandy Rumelhart got a 20; Bill Sheeder got a 16 and a 20; and Robert Klever got a 20. 

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.

49th Annual IHSSA All-State Individual Events Festival to televise on MC22

Special to the Times Vedette

Mediacom Communications subscribers can watch coverage from the 49th Annual Iowa High School Speech Association(IHSSA) All-State Individual Events Festival on Mediacom’s local programming channel, MC22, beginning April 10 at 7 p.m.

The IHSSA consists of more than 490 member schools and 40,000 students. Each year, the IHSSA hosts 27 District Contests, 9 State Contests, and two All-State Festivals. The IHSSA Competition includes high schools from four Iowa districts and offers three categories: debate, large group, and individual events. The MC22 production team based in Cedar Rapids will cover the All-State Individual Events performed at the University of Northern Iowa on Monday, March 30.

MC22 will televise the 49th Annual IHSSA All-State Individual Events program as a two-part series. Each program will be approximately two hours in duration, with the first to broadcast on Friday, April 10, at 7 p.m. Viewers are encouraged to check their local TV listings at: mc22.net/tv-listings/. Mediacom subscribers, including internet only, can watch MC22’s coverage of the All-State program online at: watchmc22.vhx.tv/browse.

2026 IHSSA All-State Festival on MC22:

  • Friday, April 10, at 7 p.m.
  • Saturday, April 11 at noon
  • Sunday, April 12 at 6 p.m.