Special to the Times Vedette

An art exhibition by Lake Panorama resident David B. Dahlquist titled “INTERIORITY: New Work by David B. Dahlquist” will open Oct. 2 with an artist reception from 5-8 p.m. at Moberg Gallery, 2411 Grand Ave. in Des Moines and will remain on view through Nov. 6.

This exhibition explores the relationship between inner life, nature, architecture and the spaces we create to contain and protect what is within.

At the heart of “INTERIORITY” is the idea that the natural world can provide a metaphor for our own internal lives. Forests, caves, shells, nests, and other naturally occurring forms create sheltered spaces — places of refuge, protection, transformation and growth. Dahlquist considers these spaces alongside the human experience of identity, memory, consciousness and self-reflection.

“The concept of interiority in relationship to nature bridges philosophy, ecology, art and architecture,” Dahlquist writes. “It is the thread that connects mind and body.”

For Dahlquist, the concept also returns to one of the oldest relationships in art: the vessel. Throughout the history of ceramics, pottery has embodied the relationship between inside and outside — the physical act of creating a container becomes a meditation on what it means to hold, shelter, preserve and reveal.

Dahlquist’s longstanding relationship with clay makes this exploration particularly resonant. A nationally recognized artist, educator and public-art collaborator, Dahlquist has spent decades creating site-specific sculptural works that connect art, architecture, landscape and community. His work includes more than 80 public-art projects across the country, including the widely recognized “From Here to There” installation at Iowa’s High Trestle Trail Bridge. He also served as creative director of the RDG Dahlquist Art Studio and is currently principal emeritus and creative consultant with RDG Planning and Design.

Dahlquist returned to personal studio ceramics in 2020, reconnecting with the material and processes that have been central to his artistic practice. His work is rooted in storytelling and in the belief that materials, objects, and environments can create meaningful experiences for those who encounter them.

In “INTERIORITY,” these ideas come together in a body of work that encourages viewers to look beyond the exterior — to consider the spaces within objects, within nature and within us.

“Perhaps the oldest and most profound understanding of Interiority is found in the history of ceramics and specifically in pottery where the ‘spirit of containment,’ the relationship between inside and outside, is made real,” Dahlquist writes.

Special to the Times Vedette

As Guthrie County Hospital (GCH) celebrates 75 years of serving the community, Guthrie County Hospital is inviting community members to help commemorate the milestone by sharing their favorite GCH stories, memories and photographs.

For 75 years, Guthrie County Hospital has been part of the lives of generations of individuals and families throughout Guthrie County and the surrounding communities. From births and milestones to careers, memorable moments, and times when care was needed, countless stories have helped shape the hospital’s history.

“We Want to Hear Your GCH Story!” is an opportunity for former patients, families, employees and community members to share the memories that make Guthrie County Hospital special.

Community members are encouraged to submit stories, memories, old photographs or other special moments connected to Guthrie County Hospital. Submissions may include memories of being born at GCH, receiving care, working at the hospital, visiting a loved one or simply a special experience that has remained meaningful over the years.

“We know there are so many stories connected to Guthrie County Hospital that may not be found in our history books,” Emily Irwin, marketing specialist at Guthrie County Hospital and Clinics, said. “As we celebrate 75 years, we want to hear from the people who have been part of GCH’s story. These memories are an important part of our history and will help us celebrate the people and moments that have made GCH what it is today.”

Those who submit a story will also have a chance to be selected as one of five prize winners.

Stories, memories and photographs may be submitted by mail or email to:

Mail to:
Guthrie County Hospital and Clinics 
Attn: Emily Irwin
710 N. 12^th St.
Guthrie Center, Iowa 50115

Email:
emily.irwin@gcho.org

Submitted memories may be featured as part of Guthrie County Hospital’s 75th anniversary celebration.

By Rich Wicks | Times Vedette

The plans are set for lots of fun and school pride during ACGC Homecoming week, Oct. 4-10. This year, Homecoming has a Mardi Gras theme. Student dress-up days and scheduled events include:

• Sunday, Oct. 4: Hall decorating, 1-4 p.m.
• Monday, Oct. 5: Alternative to backpack day. JV football at home, 6 p.m.
• Tuesday, Oct. 6: Rhyme time. Volleyball at I-35
• Wednesday, Oct. 7: Masquerade of Color: seniors — lavender; juniors — green; sophomores — hot pink; freshmen — yellow; staff — turquoise. Powder Puff game at 5:30 p.m., followed by IronMan (admission cost is a food pantry donation).
• Thursday, Oct. 8: Beads and Boas. Cross country meet at Jewell.
• Friday, Oct. 9: Black and Gold. Homecoming parade at 2:15 p.m., followed by pep rally, King and Queen coronation, booster club activities, and varsity football game against AHSTW (Avoca, Hancock, Shelby, Tennant, Walnut) at 7 p.m.
• Saturday, Oct. 10: Homecoming Dance, 7:30-9 p.m. at the high school. Admission cost is $5. Doors open 7:15 p.m. and close at 7:45 p.m.

Special to the Times Vedette

On Sept. 23, a total of 14 players participated. Sandy Rumelhart and Dan Webb each got two 16s; Dick Ellis got a 21. 

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.

James and Hannah Markiewicz say they are up to the challenge of any home in the area.

By Rich Wicks | Panora Times, September 2026

Most businesses evolve gradually over years. For James and Hannah Markiewicz, their Iowa Solar Shine business evolved almost instantly. 

“It was in the fall of 2024 that we started, so we’re in our third season. I started this kind of as a side gig, cleaning solar panels, because I couldn’t find anyone specifically that just did that. But once we started, the window washing demand was so great,” James said. “Now the window washing has really picked up, so that’s mainly what we do now.”

Because every home is different, the couple has found that every job is different. Some homes have many more windows; some homes are tall; some are built on a slope. Those near gravel roads or farm fields naturally collect more dust. 

“Some homes have nearly 100 panes of glass,” James said. “But it’s only in rare circumstances that we can’t finish a home within a day,” James said.

With experience and the right equipment, James is up to the challenge of any home in the area.

“There hasn’t been a window I haven’t been able to get to yet,” he said. “If something is way too high or I don’t feel comfortable getting up on the ladder, I have an extendible pole and brush that reaches up to 30 or 40 feet. But especially for a first-time cleaning, I really like to get up there and hand-scrub it if I can.”

Hannah shared that customers may not realize all that needs to be removed from dirty windows.

“Some people don’t realize it’s usually more than just dust on a window. There are bug spots, paint splatter and other stuff that rain is never going to remove,” she said. “Sometimes, we even have to get out a razor to remove stuff from a window.”

Although the bulk of their clientele is in the Panora area, James added that the couple also cleans windows for some customers in the Des Moines area.

“We’re pretty much fulltime from the end of March through November,” James said. “Then I find other work to supplement over the winter.”

James noted that satisfied customers have definitely helped the business become known in the area. He also stated that when customers get comfortable with their work, they are often interested in additional services. 

“It’s been growing every year. We also offer screen repair and gutter cleaning,” James said. “And I haven’t been advertising it all that much, but I have been doing some power washing, too, on decks and driveways.”

Because the husband-and-wife team works together, James generally works on the exterior window surfaces while Hannah cleans the interior surfaces, including the tracks for sliding doors and windows. Hannah pointed out that customers often comment that windows open, close and slide much better after a cleaning. 

“Most customers have us come once or twice a year,” James said, noting that he offers a discount for a repeat cleaning within six months. 

For customers who do use solar panels, James pointed out that the panels not only look better when cleaned but actually perform more efficiently as well. 

“Most people will notice a 2 to 6% increase,” he said. 

One of the frequent challenges the couple faces is removing screen windows to clean them. They noted that if screens have been in place for many years, it becomes a challenge to remove and clean them without breakage. 

For Iowa Solar Shine, spring is definitely the busy season. Customers often want the winter’s leftover dust and dirt removed, plus some customers want a cleaning right before gatherings such as graduations, weddings, Easter, etc. But fall is also busy, as customers want clear windows to enjoy the fall colors and views.

“We’re in our last big stretch before winter hits,” James said.

Anyone interested in contacting Iowa Solar Shine to book a cleaning or hear more details can call or text James and Hannah at 515-329-6061.

 

By Rich Wicks | Times Vedette

During the Sept. 22 meeting of the Guthrie County Board of Supervisors, County Attorney Charles Abel discussed the proposed changes in office space regarding the county attorney space and the human resources space. Abel said he had discussed the proposed changes with human resources, as well as with the IT and maintenance departments.

“The proposal would consist of Jamie (Lindsay) going down to the old VA space, and the county attorney’s office would then expand, with our two legal assistants moving into that back room, with that front room then consisting of our waiting room,” he said.

Abel explained that the changes would allow greater efficiency in his department, but said the main advantage would be allowing for greater preservation of confidentiality, especially when witnesses or victims come in. No formal vote was taken, but the supervisors’ consensus was to proceed with the office space changes.

In other news, the county received requests for abatement of taxes regarding two properties in Casey. County Treasurer Brenda Campbell explained the requests, which are both considered “nuisance properties” that the city of Casey has taken over.

“They needed a lot of clean-up. They are in the process of cleaning them up,” Campbell said. “Hopefully they’ll sell them in the future and get them back on the tax roll at that time.”

The supervisors voted to approve the abatements of Parcel 0001131600 and Parcel 0001113200.

The supervisors discussed the proposed letter of support regarding Guthrie County Public Health to become the lead entity for public health in District Four. Supervisor Maggie Armstrong explained a few minor changes made to the letter for clarification. The supervisors approved the letter.

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#