By Rich Wicks | Times Vedette
The Guthrie Center Friends of the Library group presented a newly updated book sculpture on the west side of the Mary J. Barnett Memorial Library. The sculpture was painted by Elizabeth Baughman, an ACGC graduate and Guthrie Center resident. Baughman is a two-time Iowa All-State Art Award winner and four-time Conference Art Fair First Place winner.
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On Wednesday, Aug. 12, 2026, seven Sunshine Club members met at the home of Chari Heldenbrand for an 11 a.m. meeting and luncheon. Sandy called the meeting to order with the roll call being, “What is the furthest you have travelled from your home?” Lots of interesting answers were given along with why members were there.
The minutes of the July meeting were read, and the treasurer’s report was given.
Charlotte will not be able to have the September meeting, so Sandy suggested several small day trips the group could take; it was decided to take a trip to Manning to visit the 17th Century German Hausbarn, which was built in 1660 in Germany, later dismantled, shipped and reconstructed at the Manning Heritage Park. The trip will be on Sept. 29 and the group will later decide the time and where to meet for rides.
The meeting adjourned with lunch to follow, and several members brought appetizers, desserts, veggies, fruit bowls and muffins to accompany the meal. Some stayed to play cards to complete the afternoon.
By Rich Wicks | Times Vedette
During the Aug. 10 meeting of the Panorama School Board, it was announced that Panorama has been recognized as a FAFSA Focused School of Excellence for meeting or exceeding a 70% FAFSA completion rate. The Iowa Department of Education announced 74 Iowa schools are being recognized for their outstanding commitment to student completion of the Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA) during the 2025-26 school year.
Awardees for the 2025-26 school year receive department support and resources to ensure students are prepared for success in transitioning to post-secondary education. The FAFSA helps determine students’ eligibility for scholarships, grants, work study and student loans and is also used by many post-secondary institutions to determine financial need. FAFSA completion is a core component of the program, helping students to finance post-secondary education and remove financial barriers to education and training beyond high school.
In a press release, The Iowa Department of Education shared more details.
“The FAFSA is the first step to accessing federal, state and institutional financial aid, which is vital for students who are pursuing their post-secondary educational dreams,” Christina Sibaouih, chief of the Department’s Bureau of Postsecondary Community Engagement, said. “It is wonderful to see the growing number of Iowa schools that are prioritizing FAFSA completion with their students to help open doors and postsecondary pathways to future success. Congratulations to our 74 schools that are being honored as FAFSA Focused Awardees.”
The Department awarded the FAFSA Focused School of Excellence award to 28 Iowa schools for meeting or exceeding a 70% FAFSA completion rate. Additionally, 46 Iowa schools received the Focused School of Achievement award for meeting or exceeding their FAFSA completion goal. Panorama achieved a 73% FAFSA completion rate, compared to the statewide average of 54.2%.
Upcoming dates noted included Aug. 19 (MS/HS Open House 11 a.m. to 7 p.m.), Aug. 19 (Sixth Grade Orientation at 6 p.m. in auditorium) and Aug. 24 (first day of school, 8 a.m. start time).
The board approved the Dance Team fundraiser (ISU concessions at football and volleyball, August/September/October 2026).
The board reviewed and unanimously approved the following district goals:
The board approved replacement of a heat pump by purchasing a Daikin 3.5-ton water source heat pump. With labor and materials, the expected cost will be $11,920.
The board reviewed policies as part of the annual policy review and also held first and second readings on lists of policy updates.
The next regularly scheduled board meeting is set for Monday, Sept. 14 at 5:30 p.m. The public is welcome.
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On Aug. 12, a total of 14 players participated. Dave Richter got a 16; Robert Klever got a 16 and a 20; Dave Kading got a 21; Sue Mozingo got a 16 and a 20; and Lela Schwartz won with 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.
Photo by Kerry Jacobsen | Times Vedette
The welcome sign on the west side of Panora on Highway 44 received a major upgrade on Thursday with a new design. This was a long-awaited project spearheaded by the Panora Chamber of Commerce and is part of a multi-sign effort to modernize the welcome signs into the city.
By Morgan Sheeder | Times Vedette
On Aug. 12, the Philanthropic Educational Organization (P.E.O.) held its 44th annual Style Show at The Captain’s Pick at Lake Panorama National Resort. The event was held from 11 a.m. to 2 p.m. with lunch hosted by The Captain’s Pick.
The P.E.O. Style Show is part runway, part fundraiser. Two boutiques, Pearls & Lace (407 State St., Guthrie Center) and Present Company (317 Broadway St., Audubon), provided five women with two outfits to model on the runway. Clothing from both Pearls & Lace and Present Company was available for purchase before and after the show.
Door prizes, a raffle and a silent auction were available for attendees. The P.E.O. Style Show is a fundraiser that collects donations to fund scholarships for women. Scholarships and loans, plus much more, are funds P.E.O. provides for women looking to obtain an education. Notably, the P.E.O. organization owns and supports its own college, Cottey College in Nevada, Missouri, founded in 1927.
The theme of the chapter’s 44th show was “Americana,” featuring bright red, white and blue décor. This show was not only a milestone for the P.E.O. chapter, but it was also the chapter’s 125th anniversary. Chairperson Heidi Blomquist, along with Julie Tibbles and Nancy Clawson, chose patriotic décor to celebrate the anniversary of their chapter and the 250th birthday of the nation.
More than 200 people attended the fashion show. Among them were seven P.E.O. members who have served their chapter for more than 50 years including Ruth Owen of Guthrie Center. Karen Hawley, a former president of the chapter who has served for more than 50 years, was also present.
Models selected for the style show are current members of P.E.O., showcasing new fashion trends for autumn. Members who were part of the show included Jolene Goodman, Nancy Loeck, Joann Smith, Shanell Wagler, Linda Wendl, Maggie Armstrong, Paulette Chambers, Sheila Grambart, Shelli Larsen and Pam Shelton.
