By Rich Wicks | Times Vedette
From 8:30-11:30 a.m. on Sunday, May 31 at the Guthrie Center Fire Hall, a freewill donation breakfast will be held to raise funds for the Guthrie County Swim Club. The meal includes pancakes, scrambled eggs and sausage, as well as coffee, milk or juice.
Welcoming crew from the 2025 swim team breakfast.
Helpers of all ages put on the breakfast last year.
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An Alumni Tea was held on the afternoon of May 23 at the Casey Community Building with more than a dozen in attendance.
Jeff Smith, Kathy Smith, Myrna Bassett Whetstone, Wayne Jensen and Leland Acker
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Mr. Osbahr’s class at Panorama High School built a giant Adirondack chair for Panorama Days. Art students Bella Kelly and Hadley Fitch had been working on painting the details.
The Panora Chamber of Commerce invites the public to a special Ribbon Cutting Celebration for this community Adirondack Chair Project on Monday, June 1 at 3 p.m. at the Panora Town Square.
This chamber leaders say this project is an example of what can happen when a community comes together with creativity, generosity and teamwork. From donated materials to student craftsmanship and artistic talent, this chair represents community pride, collaboration and the spirit of Panora.
The chamber extends a special thank you to Lake Lumber for providing materials; Panorama Community Schools shop teacher and students for their craftsmanship and construction; and Panorama Community Schools art teacher and students for bringing the project to life with creativity and design
The chamber leadership says they are excited to officially showcase the chair and celebrate the many people who helped make the project possible. They say the chair will serve as a fun and welcoming photo opportunity for both the community and visitors alike.
The chair’s temporary home will be at the town square through RAGBRAI and Panorama Days 2026 before moving to its permanent home along the bike trail.
Art students Bella Kelly and Hadley Fitch work on the painting details. Principal Thad Stanley says this one fits just right. Superintendent Kasey Huebner tests out the Adirondack chair. Bella Kelly puts on the finishing touches. Bella Kelly and Hadley Fitch display their work.
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Central College recognized 251 graduates during Commencement 2026 on May 16 in P.H. Kuyper Gymnasium on Central’s campus.
Prior to awarding the Bachelor of Arts and Bachelor of Science degrees to students, Mike Main, M.D., a cardiologist, Central trustee and 1987 graduate, was presented with an honorary Doctor of Science degree. He addressed the audience and encouraged graduates to embrace lifelong learning, pursue meaningful opportunities and lead lives grounded in purpose during the 2026 Commencement ceremony.
Reflecting on his own experiences as a Central student in the 1980s, the speaker described the huge impact of the college’s liberal arts environment and the mentors who helped shape his path from political science major to physician leader.
The speaker emphasized that curiosity and critical thinking will become even more important in an era increasingly shaped by artificial intelligence.
“When information is abundant, judgment becomes critical,” he said. “Center your lifelong learning on the skills you’ve developed here through a diverse liberal arts education – critical thinking, communication, adaptability and emotional intelligence.”
In discussing purpose, the speaker urged graduates to focus less on status and possessions and more on service to others. As heart doctor, he strongly encouraging graduates to maintain healthy habits that will allow them to fully engage in meaningful work and relationships throughout their lives.
He also encouraged graduates to remain open to unexpected opportunities, recounting how mentors at Central helped him pivot from plans for law school to a career in medicine following the loss of his younger sister to heart disease.
“Say yes anyway, and don’t be afraid to reinvent yourself,” he told graduates. “Maybe more than once.”
“Armed with the knowledge, experiences and education you’ve gained at Central College,” he said, “you’ll meet challenges with skill and with heart, and you’ll achieve great things for your faith, your family, your profession and your community.”
The ceremony was livestreamed and is available for viewing on the Central Dutch Network.
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Each semester, Central College recognizes students who have demonstrated outstanding academic achievement by naming them to the Dean’s List. This distinction is reserved for those who have earned a semester grade point average of 3.5 or higher while completing a minimum of 12 graded credit hours. The students exemplify academic excellence and a strong commitment to their education.
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On May 27, a total of 10 players participated. Dennis Betts got a 17, and Sandy Rumelhart got a 16 and 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.