By Rich Wicks | Times Vedette

During the May 26 meeting of the Guthrie County Board of Supervisors, the matter of County County Attorney Dana Minteer’s resignation was discussed. County Auditor Dani Fink shared what she learned in Iowa code about the timing of the county’s plans to appoint someone to fill the vacancy. She read aloud a portion of Iowa code that applies in this situation.

“The board may make an appointment to fill a vacancy after the notice is published or after the vacancy occurs, whichever is later,” Fink said. “So, since the vacancy doesn’t actually occur until May 31, you can’t appoint yet.”

With the supervisors’ decision to cancel the June 2 regular meeting (due to the Primary Election), Fink’s recommendation was to schedule a filling of the County Attorney vacancy on June 9. No action was taken at this time.

Information Technology Administrator Brian Hoffman provided an update on happenings in the IT department.

“We have 251 users now in our database, our active directory. Probably a little more than half of those are actually employees,” Hoffman said. “And then some of the other half are accounts that we need just to make everything come together. There are 71 groups as well.”

County Engineer Josh Sebern performed the bid opening for Bridge Replacement Project L-CA226-73-39, which is near Bays Branch. The only bid received was from Murphy Construction, for $175,407.11. Sebern said he will go through the bid to check the math and will bring a recommendation to the next meeting of the supervisors.

As part of the consent agenda, a fireworks permit was approved for Joe Chaloupka.

Supervisor Maggie Armstrong noted that postcards have been mailed out to inform residents impacted by the road project on Wagon Road (County Road P-28).

The June 2 regular meeting of the Board of Supervisors was canceled due to the Primary Election on that date. The supervisors meet regularly on Tuesdays at 9 a.m. The public is welcome to attend in person at the courthouse or via remote technology. To join remotely, call 323-792-6123, then use meeting code 547029216#

By Shane Goodman | Times Vedette

The annual Memorial Day services and Avenue of Flags was held on Monday, May 25 at Veterans Auditorium in Panora. Lynn Zajicek was the master of ceremonies, and Deb Rockwell and Deb Moylan were hostesses. Members of the Iowa National Guard, Reserves and Active Forces served as ushers.

The Post Colors were presented by the Color Guard and Boy Scouts Troop 153 of Panora. The Pledge of Allegiance was led by the Boy Scouts as well. Father Ray Higgins provided the invocation. 

Special patriotic music was presented by the United Methodist Church Community Choir. 

The placing of the wreaths was held with the Unknown Soldier’s Grave Marker and Wreath in place. Additional wreaths were placed for solider of WWI, WWII, Korean War, Vietnam War, Persian Gulf War, and Operation Enduring Freedom/Iraqi Freedom. 

Lynn Zajicek offered words of appreciation for those now serving, and Pat Moylan shared information on the Brushy Creek Honor Flights. 

Maureen Lubeck and Linda Burgess read the names of past veterans whose flags have been dedicated.

Panora Mayor Curtis Thornberry read biographies of the veterans whose flags were presented this year:

• John E. Hesse (Bud)
• Daryl Wine
• Merel D. Chaloupka
• Gene Lynn Worshek
• Kassen Duis
• Richard E. Carberry

Lynn Zajicek led the benediction, and those in attendance went outside for the raising of the dedicated flags as well as the flag that was flown over Washington, D.C. 

A Color Guard Salute was held, and “TAPS” was played by bugler Alex Olson. 

Father Ray Higgins provided the invocation.

Special patriotic music was presented by the United Methodist Church Community Choir.

Lynn Zajicek served as the master of ceremonies to a nearly full house at Veterans Auditorium.

The placing of the wreaths was held with the Unknown Soldier’s Grave Marker and Wreath in place. Additional wreaths were placed for solider of WWI, WWII, Korean War, Vietnam War, Persian Gulf War, and Operation Enduring Freedom/Iraqi Freedom.

The placing of the wreaths was held with the Unknown Soldier’s Grave Marker and Wreath in place. Additional wreaths were placed for solider of WWI, WWII, Korean War, Vietnam War, Persian Gulf War, and Operation Enduring Freedom/Iraqi Freedom.

The placing of the wreaths was held with the Unknown Soldier’s Grave Marker and Wreath in place. Additional wreaths were placed for solider of WWI, WWII, Korean War, Vietnam War, Persian Gulf War, and Operation Enduring Freedom/Iraqi Freedom.

The placing of the wreaths was held with the Unknown Soldier’s Grave Marker and Wreath in place. Additional wreaths were placed for solider of WWI, WWII, Korean War, Vietnam War, Persian Gulf War, and Operation Enduring Freedom/Iraqi Freedom.

Lynn Zajicek served as the master of ceremonies to a nearly full house at Veterans Auditorium.

Pat Moylan shared information on the Brushy Creek Honor Flights.

Maureen Lubeck and Linda Burgess read the names of past veterans whose flags have been dedicated.

Flags were presented to family members of the veterans who were honored this year.

Flags were presented to family members of the veterans who were honored this year.

Flags were presented to family members of the veterans who were honored this year.

Flags were presented to family members of the veterans who were honored this year.

Panora Mayor Curtis Thornberry read biographies of John E. Hesse (Bud), Daryl Wine, Merel D. Chaloupka, Gene Lynn Worshek and Kassen Duis

Flags were presented to family members of the veterans who were honored this year.

Jeff Arganbright shared the biography of Fr. Richard E. Carberry.

Flags were presented to family members of the veterans who were honored this year.

The flags were raised for the veterans who were honored.

The flags were raised for the veterans who were honored.

The flags were raised for the veterans who were honored.

The flags were raised for the veterans who were honored.

The flags were raised for the veterans who were honored.

The flags were raised for the veterans who were honored.

The flags were raised for the veterans who were honored.

The flags were raised for the veterans who were honored.

The flag that was flown over Washington, D.C., was raised.

“TAPS” was played by bugler Alex Olson.

By Rich Wicks | Times Vedette

The Guthrie Center ceremony to honor Memorial Day was well attended. Band Director Kyra Babcock and the ACGC band played music for the event. Veterans from various branches of the military shared remarks and appreciation for all who have served.

A speaker tells a story of service.

The ACGC band participated in the Memorial Day service.

The Color Guard holds its ceremony.

Special to the Times Vedette

On May 22, a total of 12 players participated. Jane Barcus, Jim Carico and Allen Pierce each got a 16; Roy Carl got a 16 and a 17; Kathy Feilmeier and Dave Coffman each got a 21; and Dick Ellis got a 20 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.

By Morgan Sheeder | Times Vedette 

On May 13 in the Panorama High School Auditorium, more than 10 Panorama students were inducted into the National Honor Society (NHS). To join NHS, students must write an application letter, have above a 3.5 cumulative grade point average, obtain two letters of recommendation, and have more than 10 volunteer hours.

National Honor Society is a an academic and service organization that recognizes students who excel in four core pillars: scholarship, leadership, service, and character. At Panorama, NHS is an active student-led organization dedicated to scholarship, service, leadership and character. Members regularly engage in community service by hosting local blood drives and food pantries.

Photos by Betty Cooper

Click images to enlarge.

By Morgan Sheeder | Times Vedette

On Sunday, May17, the Panorama class of 2026 graduated. Their ceremony was held in the Panorama High School auditorium from 1-3 p.m., honoring the graduating seniors.

Middle and High School Principal Thad Stanley handed the students their diplomas as they walked the stage. Members of the student council, like President Lexi Wasson, gave speeches to their peers, teachers and family members in the audience.

As each student crossed the stage, they received their diplomas and a lily to give to their parents. The class of 2026’s motto was “Sometimes you never know the value of a moment until it becomes a memory.”

Honored at the graduation ceremony with a plaque and graduation sash, cap and tassel was Savannah Matthias, who passed away in September 2025. She was known for her love of art, music, and nature. Savannah’s diploma was received by her mother.

Photos by Betty Cooper

Click images to enlarge.