By Rich Wicks | Times Vedette

On Friday, Feb. 6, while the opening ceremony of the Winter Olympics in Milan, Italy, was ongoing, there was a spinoff event occurring in Guthrie Center. Residents of The New Homestead and members of ACGC’s National Honor Society came together to hold Winter Olympics games. 

Various table games and carnival games were played. Although no new world records were recorded, those involved agreed that it was fun to participate.

By Rich Wicks | Times Vedette

More than 50 ACGC students traveled to Valley High School in West Des Moines on Saturday, Feb. 7 to compete at State Large Group Speech Contest.

Vocal Music/Drama teacher Kelsey Dinkla voiced her pride in the performance of ACGC students.

“After advancing a record 13 entries from District Contest, ACGC students shined bright from start to finish,” she said.

Earning Division I ratings:

• Ensemble Acting – “Weekend Warriors” (straight I’s). (Austin Barron, Kiera Boals, Stetson Ellis, Brynnlee Seeck, Megan Underwood)
• Musical Theatre – “Hunchback of Notre Dame” (straight I’s). (Ilana Baumert, Blair Brown, Blakely Buttler, Natalie Dinkla, Montana Douglas, Tanner Downing, Rohnin Grasty, Megan Underwood)
• Musical Theatre – “Come From Away – Wednesday, September 12” (straight I’s). (Lucas Barnett, Caydence Boals, Allie DeWitt, Carter Dinkla, Allison Drake, Lucy Knutter, Olivia Mahaffey, Ryne Noland)
• Group Mime – “Seams, Smoke, and Silence” (straight I’s). (Ilana Baumert, Natalie Dinkla, Olivia Mahaffey, Cadence Petersen, Kennedy Reinhart, Karlynn Wetzel)
• Group Improv – Team Dinkla/Knutter (straight I’s). (Carter Dinkla, Preston Kent, Lucy Knutter, Max Trujillo-Garcia)
• One Act Play – “These Shining Lives.” (Lucas Barnett, Blakely Buttler, Tanner Downing, Montana Douglas, Allison Drake, Stetson Ellis, Rohnin Grasty, Lilah Heinz, Ryne Noland)
• Radio – “Women in Ag.” (Carrie Downing, Nora Langgaard, Rylee Robson, Alli Weirs)
• Group Mime – “Mime Over Muscle.” (Caydence Boals, Kiera Boals, Blair Brown, Allie DeWitt, Brynnlee Seeck, Kelsie Steensen)

Earning Division II ratings:

• Musical Theatre – “How I Became A Pirate.” (Austin Barron, Adam Brown, Stetson Ellis, Aiden Grace, Dean Nelson, Ryne Noland, Chase Tunink)
• Group Mime – “The Crown She Didn’t See Coming.” (Laurin Davis, Ava Johnson, Deanna Luntsford, Annah Mozingo, Lilly Rochholz)
• Radio – “Time Warp.” (Brandon Carlson, Jonny Kading, Aaron Langgaard, Cameron Mozingo, Jameson Pfrang)
• Group Improv – Team Martens/Robson. (Hudson Gilland, Nora Langgaard, Ryan Martens, Rylee Robson)
• Short Film – “Urban Explorers.” (Jonny Kading, Preston Kent, Cameron Mozingo, Jameson Pfrang, Collin Stringham)

By Rich Wicks | Times Vedette

During the Feb. 9 regular meeting of the Panorama School Board, Superintendent Kasey Huebner addressed the issue regarding the district’s interest in pursuing a possible change to a four-day instruction week.

“Everything we’ve done is on the website,” Huebner said. “One of the biggest questions we get right now is why Monday and not Friday.”

Huebner said he has consulted with other districts that have implemented a four-day week to determine which day off is best overall.

“Mondays actually make the most sense for districts. More kids actually leave early on Mondays for games, because a lot of lower level games start earlier,” he said. He added that Mondays are preferrable for staff development, too.

Huebner summarized the responses to the ongoing parent survey, noting that, currently, 74% are in support of the change while 26% are opposed. The survey will remain open until Friday, Feb. 13. Huebner said 115 responses have been received to the parent survey.

The district’s website includes more information on the topic, including results from the staff survey (62.5% strongly support, 23.9% support, and 13.6% oppose), the student survey of students in grades 8-11 (57.3% support, 42.7% oppose) and the community survey (57.3% support, 22.5% neutral and 20.1% oppose).

The website states the main reasons for considering the change are to improve teacher retention/recruitment and to boost morale.

In the “Good News” portion of the meeting, the school board learned about the elementary school’s celebration of the 100^th school day. The board also heard about Mrs. Downing’s fifth graders’ learning about drones. A video was shown in which the students navigated flying drones around and under obstacles.

Huebner explained that the elementary school roofing project will be going out for bids in March with the actual work to be completed over the summer.

The school board’s next regular meeting is set for March 9, which will include a public hearing on the four-day school week proposal. The public is welcome.

By Rich Wicks | Times Vedette

During the Feb. 9 regular meeting of the Guthrie Center City Council, City Administrator Kris Arrasmith shared information on repairs needed at the city’s “shop” building. She noted the budget includes funds (about $65,000) for a roof repair on the building, and some funds are set aside for installation of overhead doors as well.

The council appointed Brandon Monaghan to a six-year term on the library board to replace Marcia Priestley, who retired from the position in the fall of 2025.

Arrasmith updated the council on the status of the Lacey building (next to Subway). She said the Guthrie Center Area Development Corporation received a grant to help fix up the building.

“They got the Challenge Grant,” she said. “The floor is a little soft in spots, but it will be good enough to get things out of there.”

Arrasmith noted that the city will provide in-kind help to empty out the building when work begins.

Regarding RAGBRAI planning, Arrasmith said the initial planning meeting was held with local personnel and RAGBRAI staff. She pointed out that the Facebook page (“RAGBRAI Guthrie Center 2026”) is the best source for anyone wanting to keep up on what is happening and planned for the July 20 arrival of RAGBRAI bicycle riders.

By Shane Goodman | Times Vedette

The regular meeting of the Panora City Council was held on Monday, Feb. 9 with the bulk of the meeting dedicated to a follow-up discussion on the lack of water meter access to an apartment building, as well as a budget workshop review of the fiscal year 2027 city budget. 

Water Distribution Superintendent Ismael Galvan addressed the council over an ongoing concern about access to water meters at a multi-unit apartment building, noting that upon further inspection, one of the tenants in the building changed the locks, and they no longer have access to the meters.

Galvan noted how it would not be fair to shut water off to everyone in the building because of the decisions of one tenant. “But, we need access,” he said. 

After lengthy discussion, the council suggested that Galvan research the crawl space in the building for meter access before they pursue other options. 

In other news, the councilmembers approved a class E Retail Alcohol License for Panora Hometown foods – Reinhart Bros Inc. The council also received a copy of the City Council Personal Code of Conduct, and councilmembers are to review and sign.

In addition, the council approved Resolution 26-07, which is the Restated Plan for the Panora Urban Revitalization Area. The council also approved a corresponding ordinance, the First Reading of Ordinance 361, Amending Ordinances Designating an Area of Panora, Iowa as the Panora Urban Revitalization Area. The council approved this and voted to waive the second and third readings. 

The council also approved Resolution 26-08, approving a set time and date for a public hearing to hear comments regarding a proposed FY26 Budget Amendment for General Fund Transfers that was previously approved. Resolution 26-09 was also approved, allowing a revision to the Employee Handbook relating to an updated on pay increases for electric utility certifications. In addition, former councilmember Shane Gliem was appointed as a member to the Planning and Zoning Commission.

The council held a budget workshop for fiscal year 2027 and reviewed the proposed budget that was presented by City Administrator Lisa Grossman. 

The next regular meeting is set for Monday, Feb. 9 at 5:30 p.m. The public is welcome. Interested persons may attend in person or electronically by visiting the website https://meet.goto.com/cityofpanora or by phone 1-312-757-3121 (Access Code 295-099-701, Audio PIN 220#).

Clients learn to ride horses as well as the various chores involved in horsemanship, including brushing and grooming.

By Rich Wicks | Panora Times, January 2026

Dana and Dan Stark of rural Panora (1977 A Ave.) own and operate Stark’s Performance Horses. Dana shared how the business started and her philosophy. 

“I grew up in northwest Indiana, and I was a 4-H member. I always loved horses, and I wanted to be a horse trainer. When I moved here, we bought this place in 2008, and I did some lessons. So, I ended up working for a trainer, and I did some lessons for him. Then I took a break to have kids,” Dana said. “When I came back, I decided I wanted to put up my own barn on my own property and start my lessons again.”

Dana explained the basic approach she takes with the clients she works with.

“We mainly have paint horses and quarter horses,” she said. “In my opinion, they make the best kids’ horses. I always tell people we’re a how-to barn. So, at first you learn how to touch a horse, and eventually you learn how to ride a horse. We do a lot of what’s called Western pleasure horsemanship. Think of more of a leisurely, comfortable ride.”

Most of Stark’s clients are children, starting as young as age 4.

“I have a couple riders in the 4- to 6-year-old range. They’re always on a line and led by me,” Dana said. “Usually around the age of 6, they get comfortable and can ride by themselves.”

Dana said that many riders in the 6-plus-year-old range are ready to join group lessons rather than individual lessons. Another point that Dana clarified is that her clients do not need to own a horse. She is happy to match up a horse with a client, based on size and ability. 

 For those who imagine becoming a horseback barrel racer or rodeo star or professional jockey, Stark’s does not offer those types of lessons. 

“We do trail class, not trail riding. I don’t do any type of fast activities.” 

Dana also emphasizes that her clients need to learn the various chores involved in horsemanship, including brushing and grooming horses.

“Tack cleaning, the parts of the saddle, the parts of the bridle,” Dana said.

Dan and Dana noted that the recent popularity of the TV show “Yellowstone” has brought more families into the horse-riding hobby. 

“It’s about cattle ranching in the Yellowstone area,” Dan said.

“Ever since ‘Yellowstone,’ so many kids are interested in horses. And as somebody that’s been in 4-H and gone through all the stuff, I love it,” Dana said. “There are a lot of people interested in horses now.”

Dana noted that she works with riders throughout the year, but the warmer months are the busiest season. 

“I have about 20 kids I work with and I do about 20 hours a week in lessons. I have a variety of ages. I have the kids 5-9 years old, and then the teenagers, and a group of 65 and older,” Dana said. “I have what I call my moms’ group.”

“The entire program is designed around not just riding around in circles but learning everything you need to know to properly be a horse owner,” Dan said.

Dan shared a favorite story of a shy young rider who quickly gained confidence with horses.

“She loved horses but was super shy. When she first started coming, she was super nervous,” he said. “And then she won a buckle at the State Fair last year.”

The Starks make sure safety is a top priority.

“We go over all safety information. We teach how to lead a horse, where to stand, and all the basic knowledge,” Dana said.

Another offering from the Starks is that if a rider bonds with a particular horse, the family is welcome to buy that horse, if they wish.

“Part of my business plan is purchasing horses and putting them through the program, and, ideally at the end of the program, someone will purchase that horse for their own,” Dana said. “That’s what I’m looking to do is provide more kids a quality horse at an affordable price.”

For anyone interested in learning more, check out the Stark’s Performance Horses Facebook page.