By Rich Wicks | Times Vedette

The Panora City Council met in regular session on Aug. 10 with all members present. The council returned to the matter of the nuisance notice sent to David Hardisty regarding his property at 410 East Market St.

Hardisty addressed the council regarding the status of his pollinator plot outside his home and said he will soon begin the process of harvesting some of the plants.

Councilmember Brian Dorsett voiced his concern that since Hardisty’s pollinator plot includes the right of way, if the city allows the plot to remain, the situation could set a precedent for other properties.

“My biggest issue is being in the right of way, from the sidewalk to the street. That is city property,” Dorsett said.

Councilmember Blake Michelsen voiced his concern regarding the “curb appeal.” Mayor Curt Thornberry commented that “beauty is in the eye of the beholder,” noting that while the property owner may enjoy the view the plot of pollinators, others may see it as a nuisance.

After discussion, the council chose to delay action until November, since Hardisty indicated the plot would be harvested and removed by then.

The council discussed the situation regarding the speed limit on Highway 4 between Panora and 200^th Street. Although not within city limits, the council recognized that the area has been the site of many traffic accidents, especially on the curve near Brethren Church. The city advocated for keeping the speed limit at 55 mph or lower and possibly erecting signage to help increase safety. The Iowa DOT has informed the city that the process may take up to a year to determine if any changes will be implemented.

The council discussed frequent instances of grass clippings being deposited in city streets. The council voted to increase the fine from $25 to $50 as a deterrent.

The next regular meeting of the council will be Aug. 24 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#).

Special to the Times Vedette

The Panora-Linden Class of 1971 held its 55-year class reunion at The Owl’s Nest in Panora on Saturday, Aug. 1 during Panorama Days.

Front row, Yolanda Barker Keeran, Liz Funk Eastman, Linda Laidley Dahl, Connie Adair Bates and Sherri Herman Heiland. Back row, Bill Whitver, Katy Barnett Wirt, Kevin Wirt, Pat Moylan, Connie Embrey Buttler, Charlotte Donahey Coppess and Tom Finnegan. Not pictured are Diane Heiland Watts, Vickie Barker Greene and Kile Jackson.

Special to the Times Vedette

The Panorama Days 5K Run/Walk was held Saturday and started at 8 a.m. AA timing (Brett Carney) was added this year, which provided fast results once runners crossed the finish line. Organizer Sue Bump said they had 119 runners this year, which is a record. 

Complete results are below.

By Rich Wicks | Times Vedette

After months of teardown, the Guthrie County Hospital’s expansion project has entered the new construction phase. Crews have been busy installing beams for the new facilities, which can now be seen.

Special to the Times Vedette

The Chicken Drop was a popular event at this year’s Panorama Days. Players picked a square, and the chicken would “choose” the winner. This year, three boards were used to spread out the fun. Squares were purchased for $10 each, and a 50/50 payout on each board was paid to the winner, up to $500. Remaining proceeds help support Panora Chamber Scholarships for graduating Panorama High School seniors.

Photos courtesy of Panora Chamber of Commerce

The chicken carefully decides on which square will be the winner.

Kristen Crouthamel cleans the board in preparation for the next round.

Special to the Times Vedette

One of the highlights of Panorama Days was watching amazing chainsaw creations come to life, one cut at a time. A talented chainsaw wood carver amazed many throughout the weekend. His efforts were sponsored by Hellman Skidworks, John Fisher, Dave Carstens, Lake Lumber, Dave Arganbright and Arganbright Construction. The Panora Chamber of Commerce will soon be announcing ideas on what to do with these carvings, which are currently on display and can be seen through the windows at BH Real Estate and Consulting, 110 E. Main St., Panora.