Special to the Times Vedette

The Market-to-Market Relay will take place Saturday, May 9 in the morning. The Panora Chamber of Commerce currently has four volunteers confirmed and needs a total of 10.

Volunteers will help monitor crossings along the bike path as runners make their way into Panora. It is a simple but important role that helps ensure safety during the event. If you are willing to help, please sign up at: https://forms.gle/snhLbtE83XcJjAg56.

Special to the Times Vedette

On March 13, a total of eight players participated. Dick Ellis and Dennis Betts got a 16 and a 17; Sandy Rumelhart got a 16, 21 and 21; and Dave Richter got a 16 and a 24.

On March 16, a total of five players participated. Sandy Rumelhart got a 17, and Robert Klever got a 16.

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.

Special to the Times Vedette

Guthrie Count Deputy Sheriff Jeremy Bennett reported a two-vehicle accident occurring on March 15 at 5:44 p.m. on Highway 141. Troy Harley Jorgensen, 43, of Chelsea, was driving a 2005 Buick LeSabre westbound on Highway 141 and rear-ended a 2012 International 7600 truck driven by Alexander Ray Higgins, 33, of Jefferson that was plowing snow.  The LeSabre came to rest in the road way, and the International came to rest on the shoulder. All warning lights were working on the International. Estimated damage to the LeSabre is $5,000, and estimated damage to the International is $6,000. Jorgensen received a citation for failure to maintain control. 

By Rich Wicks | Times Vedette

During the March 9 meeting of the Panorama school board, a public hearing was held regarding a proposed change to a four-day school week. Amanda Myers-Herring and Mary Calmer voiced their opposition to the change. The board had received several written comments in support of the proposal. The public hearing was closed after approximately 20 minutes.

During the regular meeting, the board voted 4-1 to approve the change, with Mark Cates casting the dissenting vote.

A public hearing was also held regarding the proposed roof replacement at the elementary school. No comments were voiced. During the regular meeting, the board voted unanimously to approve the roof replacement at a total expected cost of $590,523.

In the Good News portion of the meeting, the board heard about the success of the Large Group Speech students. Four groups advanced to state, and two — Readers’ Theater and Musical Theater — received a Division I rating at the state contest.

Contract recommendations included new contracts for Denise Olson, elementary paraeducator; David Brumley, substitute driver; and Melissa Brumley, substitute driver. Resignations included Jauclyn Curry, middle school girls wrestling; Bob Rogers, food service; Alexandra Meuer, middle school teacher; Charlie Lake, middle school/high school teacher; and Michele Recker, junior class sponsor. New contracts for the 2026-27 school year included Cooper Anderson, head boys wrestling, and Jon Shaffer, assistant boys wrestling.

The next regular meeting is scheduled for Monday, April 13. On that date, a public hearing will be held at 5:30 p.m. for the fiscal year 2027 proposed property tax notice. A public hearing will also be held at 5:30 p.m. Wednesday, April 15, for the FY27 budget, with the board scheduled to vote on budget approval following the hearing.

Members of the Guthrie County Hospital Board of Trustees break ground for the project.

By Rich Wicks | Times Vedette

Guthrie County Hospital CEO Chris Stipe addresses attendees before the groundbreaking.

Guthrie County Hospital held a ceremonial groundbreaking on Wednesday, March 11 for the construction project that is about to begin. Prior to the outdoor groundbreaking, speakers offered remarks to attendees in the Sneakers Café.

Speakers included GCH Foundation/Marketing Director Dennis Flanery, GCH Trustee Mike Underwood, Guthrie County Supervisor Steve Smith, GCH CEO Chris Stipe and USDA State Director Mike Sexton.

Flanery noted that he was born in the hospital 64 years ago when the hospital was only 11 years old. He said he is excited to see what the hospital and campus will look like when the project is completed.

Stipe said the project is expected to take 2.5 years, and he asked for the community’s patience throughout the process.

Mike Underwood, Steve Smith, Mike Sexton, Chris Stipe and Dennis Flanery take a turn at the shovels.