Special to the Times Vedette

On July 3, a total of 10 players participated. Lela Schwartz got a 16, and Dennis Betts was the winner with a 16 and a 17.

On July 6, a total of nine players participated. Sandy Rumelhart got a 16; Wayne Nickel got a 17; Dave Richter got a 20; and Clint Malbon got a 22.

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.

From the Iowa Department of Natural Resources

Pheasant hunters take note — Iowa’s pheasant population is forecast to be similar to last year, when the state’s pheasant population reached a 20-year high.

That forecast is based on a model using 50 years of weather data and roadside pheasant counts to predict hen survival and nesting success.

“Given the statewide information, our weather model is predicting populations similar to last year, and that’s positive because last year numbers were the highest pheasant counts in 20 years, so this forecast bodes well for this fall,” said Todd Bogenschutz, upland wildlife biologist for the Iowa Department of Natural Resources (DNR).

Statewide snowfall was considered average, with western and southern regions recording below normal snowfall, and portions of the east central, central and northeastern regions showing slightly above average snowfall.

April temperatures and rainfall were both above average, while May values were near normal.  Statewide the southeastern half of Iowa reported heavier rainfall totals than the northwestern half. According to the Iowa state climatologist, the period from March through May ranked as the seventh warmest spring on record and the 45th wettest in 154 years of observations.

“I expect there will be regional differences. Our best counts will still likely be in northern and central survey regions,” Bogenschutz said

The Iowa DNR conducts its annual upland population survey each August, which is the best indicator of what populations will be this fall. Results from the August roadside survey will be available online at  www.iowadnr.gov/pheasantsurveyaround Sept. 15.

From the Iowa Department of Natural Resources

As much as we love fireworks, drifting smoke can cause breathing problems for some.

Whether attending a display or celebrating in your backyard, sensitive populations are advised to take precautions.

“First, if your family or friends suffer from asthma, respiratory difficulties, or heart disease; it’s important for them to stay upwind, a safe distance from fireworks smoke,” says Brian Hutchins, DNR air quality supervisor. “The elderly and children are also vulnerable to high levels of smoke.”

Sensitive individuals are more likely to experience breathing difficulties when the air is stagnant. Without a breeze, fine particles can accumulate near the ground, reaching unhealthy levels.

Smoke contains fine particles and gases, which can be detrimental to lung health. The fine particles found in fireworks smoke come from the black powder used to propel the fireworks into the sky, as well as from the metals that create vibrant colors.

In previous years, Davenport, Des Moines and Muscatine recorded fine particle levels exceeding national standards on the Fourth. Learn more about fine particles (PM2.5) and how fireworks displays can affect sensitive populations.

Those unable to avoid areas of dense smoke should limit outdoor activity and contact their health care provider if experiencing difficulty breathing.

Here are some other tips for enjoying fireworks safely and responsibly:

• Fireworks are strictly prohibited in state parks; only sparklers are allowed.

• Fireworks can cause serious burns and eye injuries. The Iowa Department of Public Health encourages families to make sure an adult supervises fireworks and keeps young children from playing with or igniting them.

• When lighting fireworks, always point them away from yourself and others, and back away quickly after igniting them. If a firework does not ignite or burns partially, do not attempt to relight it or pick it up. Always have a bucket of water or a hose nearby to address any fire or accidents.

• If you have asthma or other lung conditions, be mindful of air quality after fireworks shows, as they can temporarily release smoke and small particles that may affect breathing.

• Pick up litter and dispose of any unused fireworks in a safe manner.

By Morgan Sheeder | Times Vedette

What better place is there to cool off on a hot summer day than the swimming pool? Many area residents took advantage of the opportunity while temperatures reached the 90s. 

By Rich Wicks | Times Vedette

The local Royal Neighbors of America group (Guthrie County Chapter 7072) recently donated a bench that was installed outside the Guthrie Center Aquatic Center.

The group does much more than some may realize. The chapter has been involved in many projects for the community. Some of the recent efforts include making welcome bags for new families that move to the area, donating to New Opportunities, donating $500 to the RAGBRAI Committee, making bars for the ACGC Senior Night, and providing magazine magnifiers to local nursing homes. A recent event that members particularly enjoyed was helping young ACGC students to sew T-shirts into bags.

Recurring community projects of the local Royal Neighbors include baking cookies for blood drives at Christian Church Fellowship Hall every other month, unloading and helping distribute food at the mobile food bank in Panora, and delivering Meals on Wheels.

One of the local members, Karen Sparks, shared more details about Royal Neighbors, the local chapter and its activities.

“Royal Neighbors was started in the late 1800s, around 1896 by five or six ladies in Council Bluffs, Iowa. It started out as an insurance company because they were single moms and they wanted insurance. Now it’s spread all around the world,” Sparks said.

“We do a lot of community service,” Sparks said. “We have 32 local members. We normally hit over 1,000 hours of community time in one quarter.” She noted that the chapter must document at least 500 hours per quarter to qualify for funds from Royal Neighbors headquarters. Those funds are then used to help with local projects.

The group meets once every quarter and as needed for community projects. Members pay annual dues of $20. New members are welcomed. To learn more, visit www.royalneighbors.org or talk with a local member.

By Rich Wicks | Times Vedette

During RAGBRAI’s visit to Guthrie Center on July 20, plenty of entertainment options will be available. For those who enjoy live music, the schedule is shown below.

Downtown Guthrie Center

Four bands are booked to entertain in downtown Guthrie Center on Monday, July 20. The downtown area (State Street and side streets) will be the location of most of the vendors and entertainment. 

2 p.m.: Jesse and The Hillbilly Air Show is central Iowa’s classic country band. The band has played at many events all around the area. Band members include local musician Brick Imerman.

4 p.m.: Weary Ramblers is a newly formed duo featuring Kathryn Fox and Guthrie Center graduate Chad Elliott. Their multi-instrumental performances, tight harmonies and storytelling led them to become winners of the 2026 International Blues Challenge.

6:30 p.m.: The Nadas is a Des Moines-area folk-Americana act that plays a distinctive sound described as “the 1970s meet the 1990s.” The group has been performing for more than three decades and was inducted into the Iowa Rock and Roll Hall of Fame.

9 p.m.: GIMIKK is billed as Des Moines’ party band. As champions of the 2025 Prairie Meadows “Battle of the Bands,” they have the hardware to prove it. GIMIKK rocks with powerful performances of familiar hits, including songs by .38 Special, Van Halen, Aerosmith, Bon Jovi, Bruce Springsteen, ACDC, Journey, Led Zeppelin, Queen, Guns N Roses, KISS and many more.

Guthrie County Fairgrounds

Live music will also be held at the Guthrie County Fairgrounds, where many of the largest groups of bicyclists will camp.

Kris Karr will play from noon to 3 p.m. Karr is an accomplished drummer who also plays guitar, harmonica and other instruments. His solo acoustic performance is sure to entertain.

Immediately following Karr, Aiden Flathers will perform from 3-6 p.m., playing covers of hit rock, country, blues, funk, folk and pop songs, as well as a few of his own. Flathers has previously performed at Guthrie’s River Ruckus and the Iowa State Fair.