By Rich Wicks | Times Vedette

During the March 9 meeting of the Panorama school board, a public hearing was held regarding a proposed change to a four-day school week. Amanda Myers-Herring and Mary Calmer voiced their opposition to the change. The board had received several written comments in support of the proposal. The public hearing was closed after approximately 20 minutes.

During the regular meeting, the board voted 4-1 to approve the change, with Mark Cates casting the dissenting vote.

A public hearing was also held regarding the proposed roof replacement at the elementary school. No comments were voiced. During the regular meeting, the board voted unanimously to approve the roof replacement at a total expected cost of $590,523.

In the Good News portion of the meeting, the board heard about the success of the Large Group Speech students. Four groups advanced to state, and two — Readers’ Theater and Musical Theater — received a Division I rating at the state contest.

Contract recommendations included new contracts for Denise Olson, elementary paraeducator; David Brumley, substitute driver; and Melissa Brumley, substitute driver. Resignations included Jauclyn Curry, middle school girls wrestling; Bob Rogers, food service; Alexandra Meuer, middle school teacher; Charlie Lake, middle school/high school teacher; and Michele Recker, junior class sponsor. New contracts for the 2026-27 school year included Cooper Anderson, head boys wrestling, and Jon Shaffer, assistant boys wrestling.

The next regular meeting is scheduled for Monday, April 13. On that date, a public hearing will be held at 5:30 p.m. for the fiscal year 2027 proposed property tax notice. A public hearing will also be held at 5:30 p.m. Wednesday, April 15, for the FY27 budget, with the board scheduled to vote on budget approval following the hearing.

Members of the Guthrie County Hospital Board of Trustees break ground for the project.

By Rich Wicks | Times Vedette

Guthrie County Hospital CEO Chris Stipe addresses attendees before the groundbreaking.

Guthrie County Hospital held a ceremonial groundbreaking on Wednesday, March 11 for the construction project that is about to begin. Prior to the outdoor groundbreaking, speakers offered remarks to attendees in the Sneakers Café.

Speakers included GCH Foundation/Marketing Director Dennis Flanery, GCH Trustee Mike Underwood, Guthrie County Supervisor Steve Smith, GCH CEO Chris Stipe and USDA State Director Mike Sexton.

Flanery noted that he was born in the hospital 64 years ago when the hospital was only 11 years old. He said he is excited to see what the hospital and campus will look like when the project is completed.

Stipe said the project is expected to take 2.5 years, and he asked for the community’s patience throughout the process.

Mike Underwood, Steve Smith, Mike Sexton, Chris Stipe and Dennis Flanery take a turn at the shovels.

Special to the Times Vedette

Guthrie County Deputy Sheriff Matt Losee reported a two-vehicle accident occurring on March 9 at 5:40 p.m. in Guthrie Center. Helen Renea Winkleblack, 39, of Guthrie Center, was backing up a 2010 Chevrolet Impala LS in a parking lot and hit a 2010 Ford Fusion SE driven by Bonnie Jean Hopes, 83, of Guthrie Center. Estimated damage to the Impala is $1,200. Estimated damage to the Fusion is $1,500. 

Special to the Times Vedette

Guthrie County Deputy Reserve Dillan Cooper reported a car vs. deer accident occurring on March 4 at 7:01 a.m. on Highway 25. Jason Gray, 29, of Guthrie Center, was driving a 2018 Dodge Grand Caravan northbound on Highway 25 and struck a deer that came out of the west ditch. Estimated damage to the Caravan is $5,000. 

Special to the Times Vedette

On Wednesday, March 11, the Sunshine Club met at the home of Janine Frettim. The meeting was called to order with five members answering the roll call of, “What is your favorite fruit?”

The minutes of the February meeting were read, and the treasurer’s report was given. Birthdays and anniversaries were mentioned. Linda Thompson will be hosting the May meeting with a special luncheon with the theme of Italian food and asked members to bring a dish native to Italy. This should be a fun experience.

The April meeting, next month, will be held at the Panora Public Library with Sandy Mortenson hosting. It will be a membership drive.

The meeting was adjourned with Janine serving delicious snacks. Playing cards completed the afternoon.