By Shane Goodman | Times Vedette 

Guthrie County Assessor Nikki Carrick issued a notice concerning a YouTube video claiming that Congress has changed property tax rules for homeowners born in the 1940s, 1950s and 1960s. She notes that this claim is false and does not apply to Iowa, stating that Congress has not created a nationwide property tax exemption or freeze based on a homeowner’s birth decade. 

“Iowa property tax credits and exemptions are established by state law and have specific eligibility requirements,” she shared. “Residents of Iowa should rely on information from the Iowa Department of Revenue or contact the Guthrie County Assessor’s office before submitting any application or providing any personal information.” 

Special to the Times Vedette

On Aug. 5, a total of 12 players participated. Sandy Rumelhart got a 16, 17 and 16; Allen Pierce and Robert Klever each got a 16; Mark Humphry got a 17; Chet Vaughan got two 16s; and Dan Webb had a 16 and a 24. 

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

Another year of the Iowa State Fair is just around the corner, and the excitement for this year’s annual Iowa Governor’s Charity Steer Show is mounting. This event, hosted by Gov. Kim Reynolds and coordinated by the Iowa Cattlemen’s Association (ICA) and the Iowa Beef Industry Council (IBIC), highlights the compassionate nature of Iowa’s cattle producers, as all proceeds from the event go to the Ronald McDonald House Charities of Iowa.

Hundreds of fairgoers will attend the Aug. 15 event, featuring youth, industry supporters, local celebrities and, of course, steers. Each steer is exhibited by a local youth representative and a guest celebrity showman selected by the steer’s sponsor. A total of 25 show teams will be in the ring this year.

“The Iowa Governor’s Charity Steer Show highlights the good nature of the beef cattle industry and brings together a valuable collaboration between producers, industry supporters, youth and community namesakes for an important cause,” Jenna Bailey, ICA member services and Governor’s Charity Steer Show co-chair, said. “It is an honor to serve the Ronald McDonald House Charities of Iowa, which provides a crucial service to families in need. The youth participants of the Governor’s Charity Steer Show showcase the giving nature of our industry and offer a local connection to support this meaningful event.”

The Iowa Governor’s Charity Steer Show has been held since 1983 and has raised more than $6 million since its inception. Last year, the show raised more than $569,000, setting yet another new record for money raised. Funds are raised through online donations, sponsorships and an auction of steers following the show.

All money raised benefits the three independent Ronald McDonald House Charities of Iowa, located in Des Moines, Iowa City, and Sioux City. These three houses have served over 55,000 families from all 50 states and many foreign countries. Families from all 99 counties in Iowa have benefited from the Ronald McDonald Houses of Iowa, too.

 “The Ronald McDonald House Charities of Iowa is a worthwhile charity and great partner,” Casey Anderson, IBIC director of industry relations and Governor’s Charity Steer Show co-chair, said. “The houses provide a home away from home for families of seriously ill or hospitalized children. It isn’t hard to imagine the burden lifted during an already difficult time, knowing you have a place to stay near your child, thanks to Ronald McDonald Houses.”

Those interested in supporting the Governor’s Charity Steer Show can donate online or attend the show/auction to contribute. The Governor’s Charity Steer Show is being held in Pioneer Pavilion at the Iowa State Fair on Saturday, Aug. 15, at 4:30 p.m. For additional information about the Governor’s Charity Steer Show or to donate, visit www.iowagovernorscharitysteershow.com.

2026 Iowa Governor’s Charity Steer Show Participants

1. Sponsors: Iowa Beef Industry Council and Iowa Cattlemen’s Association

    Celebrity: Governor Kim Reynolds

    Exhibitor: Kayle Englin | Orange City, IA

    Steer:  Norm

 ​

2. Sponsors: Crawford County Cattlemen and Nor-AM Cold Storage

    Celebrity: Lt. Governor Chris Gearhart Cournoyer

    Exhibitor: Gracen Plagge | Denison, IA

    Steer: King Rosco

​

3. Sponsor: Davis County Beef Promoters

    Celebrity: Sarah Jelken, Sr. VP & Managing Director at Cargill

    Exhibitor: Kennedy Jarr | Cedar Rapids, IA

    Steer: Panda

​

4. Sponsors: Mahaska County Cattlemen & Friends

    Celebrity: Gene Copenhaver, NCBA President

    Exhibitor: Kinzey Lobberecht | Oskaloosa, IA

    Steer:  Trigger

​

5. Sponsors: Iowa Farm Bureau

    Celebrity: Brent Johnson, President, Iowa Farm Bureau

    Exhibitor: Kennedy Linkenmeyer | Riceville, IA

    Steer: Colonel

​

6. Sponsor: Dee Zee, Inc. (Built For What Matters Since 1977)

    Celebrity: Darwin Gaudian, Iowa State Fair Board Member

    Exhibitor: Tucker Schneider | Lacona, IA

    Steer: Casper

​

7. Sponsor: Iowa Bankers Association

    Celebrity: Jeff Angelo, WHO Radio Morning News Host

    Exhibitor: Keatyn Krauskopf | Ridgeway, IA

    Steer: Whitey

​

8. Sponsors: Iowa Ronald McDonald House Families

    Celebrity: Leon Douglas, Director of Player Development, Iowa State Football

    Exhibitor: Marissa Muff | Ventura, IA

    Steer: Maverick

​

9. Sponsors: Eastern Iowa Ronald McDonald House and Quad Cities McDonald’s

    Celebrity: Ike Boettger, Former Hawkeye & NFL Football Player, Founder of Stally

    Exhibitor: Owen Kahl | Tipton, IA

    Steer: Cheese

​

10. Sponsors: Central Iowa Ronald McDonald Houses and DSM Area Independent Owner Operators

      Celebrity: Lou Sipolt, Jr., Iowa Live on Local 5 & 2026 Iowa Broadcasters Association Hall of Fame Inductee

      Exhibitor: Jordan Dittmer | Garden Grove, IA

      Steer: Odis

​

11. Sponsors: Siouxland Ronald McDonald House and Siouxland Area McDonald’s Operators

      Celebrity: Farmer Fran, Content Creator

      Exhibitor: Jase Plendl | Kingsley, IA

      Steer: Rocco

​

12. Sponsor: Friends of Floyd County

      Celebrity: Sec. Mike Naig, Iowa Secretary of Agriculture

      Exhibitor: Cordell Hoeft | Plymouth, IA

      Steer: Larry

​

13. Sponsor: Monroe County Cattlemen & Supporters

      Celebrity: Jason Brown, Country Music Artist

      Exhibitor: Lylah Houk | Blakesburg, IA

      Steer: Touchdown

​

14. Sponsor: Iowa County Beef Supporters

      Celebrity: Alli St. John, Iowa State Women’s Wrestling Head Coach

      Exhibitor: Halle Wade | Oxford, IA

      Steer: Slinky Dawg

​

15. Sponsors: Foster and Evelyn Barkema Charitable Trust and Friends of Franklin County Cattlemen

      Celebrity: Steve Sukup, Sukup Manufacturing Co., Chairman

      Exhibitor: Abby Peterson | Webster City, IA

      Steer: Milo

​

16. Sponsor: Iowa Junior Hereford Association

      Celebrity: Glenn “GT” Thompson, U.S. Congressman & House Agriculture Committee Chair

      Exhibitor: Caden Hopkins | Halbur, IA

      Steer: Gable

17. Sponsors: Benton County Cattlemen and Local Supporters

      Celebrity: Zach Lahn, Candidate for Governor

      Exhibitor: Madeline Olson | Vinton, IA

      Steer: Lightning McQueen

​

18. Sponsor: Iowa Corn Promotion Board

      Celebrity: Joe Roberts, Iowa Corn Promotion Board President

      Exhibitor: Garett Cash | Garner, IA

      Steer: Fergie

​

19. Sponsor: Johnson County Cattlemen & Reeve Farms

      Celebrity: Jason Wakenight, Asst. Track & Field Coach, University of Iowa

      Exhibitor: Kyndall Burns | Oxford, IA

      Steer: Grizz

​

20. Sponsors: Jackson County Cattlemen and Friends of Jackson County

      Celebrity: Brenna Bird, Attorney General

      Exhibitor: Justin Johnson | Andover, IA

      Steer: Thunder

​

21. Sponsors: Iowa Veterinary Medical Association and Iowa State University College of Veterinary Medicine

      Celebrity: Dr. Aubrey Cordray, Iowa Veterinary Medical Association President

      Exhibitor: Hayes Cordray | Humboldt, IA

      Steer: Comet

​

22. Sponsor:District 20 Cattlemen’s Associations

     Celebrity: Gabe Arnold, University of Iowa All-American Wrestler

      Exhibitor: Sawyer Goehring | Douds, IA

      Steer: Alfred

​

23. Sponsor: Iowa Premium, A National Beef Company

      Celebrity: Will Epperly, 2022 World Champion Livestock Auctioneer, 2021 King of the Ring

      Exhibitor: Levi Pruess | Clarence, IA

      Steer: Frank

​

24. Sponsor: ServiTech, Inc.

      Celebrity: Ryan Hassebrook, President and CEO of ServiTech

      Exhibitor: Aubree Stewart | Rippey, IA

      Steer: Theo

​

25. Sponsor: Iowa Angus Association

      Celebrity: Claire Murnin, 2026 Miss American Angus

      Exhibitor: Cheyenne Houk | Blakesburg, IA

      Steer: Fish

By Rich Wicks | Times Vedette

ACGC Superintendent Josh Rasmussen and Panorama Superintendent Kasey Huebner provided information regarding new staff for the upcoming school year.

Classes at Panorama will begin Aug. 24, with preschool starting Aug. 26. ACGC classes will begin Aug. 25, with preschool to start Aug. 31.

Both school districts have made allowances for the Guthrie County Fair, which runs Sept 3-7. Panorama will not have classes on Sept. 4. ACGC will have a two-hour early-out on Sept. 3 and no classes on Sept. 4.

Superintendent Huebner also noted that beginning in October (as Panorama switches to a standard four-day class week), the only Mondays with classes will be Nov. 23, Dec. 21 and May 24. Panorama school days will begin at 8 a.m. and end at 3:40 p.m.

ACGC Schools

New staff members include:

• Keli Benton (Kindergarten)
• Alaina Bunde (Preschool)
• Kellie Lewis (GC Elementary counselor)
• William Shull (GC Elementary and HS Physical Education)
• Cherokee Edgington (GC Elementary and HS Associate)
• Steve Stringham (GC Elementary Custodian)
• Rachel Smith (Art at GC Elementary and AC Elementary)
• Tyler Merical (JH and AC Elementary Physical Education)
• Morgan Lybbert (JH Social Studies)
• Gabe Soda (HS Social Studies)
• Adrianna Holmes (HS Social Studies)
• Zach Leepter (HS Special Education)
• Ashlyn Naeve (HS English Language Arts)
• Eric West (HS Business)
• Taylor Tiernan (HS At-Risk/Activities Director)
• Rhys Pate (HS Principal)
• Rachel Ripperger (HS Associate)

Panorama Schools
New certified staff members at Panorama include:

• Jim Demers (Dean of Students)
• Andrew King (District Band)
• Wyatt Clark (HS Physical Education)

The Times Vedette wishes a hearty welcome to all new school staff and students.

Amity Halling combines baking talent, artistic creativity and food-printing technology to craft custom cookies that look almost too good to eat — but taste just as good as they look.

By Rich Wicks | Panora Times, July 2026

Amity Halling of Panora has discovered an art form that customers simply eat up. Using a mixture of cooking skill, creativity and technology, she creates cookies that are both pleasing to the eye and to the taste buds. 

Halling explained the twisting road that led to her kitchen in Panora.

“My husband’s family is from the Perry area. I did middle school through high school in Perry, and then, later in life, we reconnected and got married. He was in the Navy, so we moved all over. We have two boys, and the goal was always to come back to Iowa. So, a year before he retired, in 2019, we came back and landed in Panora.”

Amity and her husband, Bill, have two sons, Miles and Mason.

Halling described how her business began and how it suddenly changed course.

“Before we moved back here, when we were in California, I started a business called Amity’s Attic. I redid furniture and repurposed things. Then, when we moved here, I figured I would continue that. But that winter, it was too cold to be in the garage, so I made some decorated cookies and posted them. Within a few months, I was booked up, totally by accident. And here we are, seven years later, still doing it. Even through COVID, I’ve stayed pretty consistently busy.”

With her business unexpectedly shifting toward more cookies than furniture, Halling recalled a moment in her first year of making cookies when she discussed with her husband whether to pursue it as “a real thing.”

“He said to me, ‘You’re already booked three months in advance. It’s already a real thing if that’s what you want,’ ” she said. “So, I started a business page off the original Facebook page of Amity’s Attic, called Amity’s Attic Sweets.” 

Ever since then, Halling says she has been busily and happily filling customer orders. Halling noted that she has a few customers who have had birthday cookies made for their kids for so many years now, it has become a tradition. 

The cookies Halling creates fall into two general categories: decorated and bakery style. 

“I mostly do decorated cookies, like rolled, cutout and decorated. But I also do what I call bakery style, which is more of a normal cookie but all different flavors,” she said. 

Halling noted that the decorated cookies are not mass produced and include much time and attention to their design.

“It’s not for everybody. Because of the time involved, it can get kind of expensive. They’re fancy enough; they kind of become part of the decoration of the party,” Halling said. 

But even the highly decorated cookies are still made for eating. 

“They are a cookie after all, so they also need to taste good,” she said. 

As proven by the dozens of photos on the Facebook page of Amity’s Attic Sweets, Halling is able to create decorated cookies for most any type of event or occasion. 

“I have done a lot of different stuff, but I would say it’s primarily birthdays — of all ages. I also do weddings, baby showers, bridal showers, any type of special event,” she said. “I’ve made a few explicit things, like for bridal showers. So, I do get those orders sometimes.”

Asked about her most popular item, Halling had a clear answer. 

“My vanilla sugar decorated is definitely the go-to. I do make other flavors of decorated, but that’s the top one, especially in a party setting because everybody likes vanilla,” Halling said. 

To help create detailed designs on her cookies, Halling has found a high-tech way to simplify her work. 

“It’s like a laser printer, but it uses food color, which is cool because I can do logos or characters and other things that are intricate, which cuts down on the cost to the customer,” she said. 

The “bakery style” cookies that Halling creates are simply for eating, and they come in a variety of flavors. A few of the more popular bakery cookie flavors made by Halling include smores, cordial chocolate cherry, peanut butter with chocolate drizzle, and blueberry lemon.

Halling says when baking, it is essential to use the correct ingredients in the correct amounts. Any variations can be disastrous, as Halling found out one Easter. She is able to laugh about it now.

“I get all of my supplies in bulk from Hometown Foods, and probably three years in, at Easter time, all of the family was coming here, and I had one order that I needed to bake that morning,” she said. “But I kept having to throw cookies away. I put leavening in, but you don’t want to put too much in because you want them to stay in their shape and not poof too much. But everything just kept poofing. I was almost in tears, and Easter was almost canceled.”

Eventually, Halling discovered that she was inadvertently using the wrong type of flour. 

“The company had changed the color of the label. There was a burgundy red and a bright red, and nobody noticed because it was so similar. I think I went through almost a whole pallet of flour before I figured it out,” she said. “That was kind of a doozy.”

With word-of-mouth continuing to bring in more orders, Halling stays as busy as she cares to be — and possibly more.

“I used to think I had a busy season, but I pretty much stay busy all the time now,” she said. “During the holidays, I’ll get orders for bigger events. Unfortunately, I do have to turn away some orders. I recently heard there’s another person doing cookies, which is great. Probably the thing I need to do better on is the work-life balance. It’s tricky when you’re doing something you enjoy and working from home.”

Special to the Times Vedette

Wednesday, Aug. 5. “Wax to Crayons” presented by ISU Extension Guthrie County for children ages 6-11 years, 2-3 p.m. See how crayons are made and enjoy a colorful crayon melt activity. Pre-registration is required.

Thursday, Aug. 6. “Road Trip Trivia” with local author Angela Youngers. She will intersperse discussion of her newest novel, “Road Maps,” with trivia and anecdotes about Iowa and her experience growing up in and traveling the state of Iowa. Enjoy lively discussion, refreshments and party game prizes. Please register by calling 641-755-2529.

Monday, Aug. 10. “Reading Dragon Potion Making Activity” for children ages 6-11 at 4 p.m. Calling all young potion makers! Some of the Reading Dragon creatures are sick and need your help! Put on your potion maker hat and choose from magical ingredients to cure them. Participants will be inspired by a dragon doctor story, use critical thinking skills to “cure” magical maladies, enjoy tasty dragon-themed snacks and earn a master potion maker certificate.

Thursday, Aug. 13. Card making class for adults, 2-3 p.m.

Friday, Aug. 14. “Rock Painting: Plant a Seed of Kindness,” for children ages 6-11 years at 1:30 p.m. Spread the joy by painting rocks with inspirational messages and images and then hiding your kindness rock for someone else to find. Rocks and painting supplies provided; just bring your creativity.

Friday, Aug. 28. “Page Turners Book Club,” 9:30 a.m. August selection: “The Lion Women of Tehran” by Marjan Kamala. Pick up your copy of the book at the library and join in the discussion. Everyone is welcome!

Monday, Aug. 31. Evening card making class,  5:30-6:30 p.m.

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