Alida Sarabia of the Chicago area recently donated children’s scarves she crocheted while visiting her son, Tony Sarabia of Panora, to the Children’s Clothing Closet (3C’s). Also pictured to the right are Mary Hamilton and Kathy Mahoney, volunteers at 3C’s.

Special to the Times Vedette

Alida Sarabia, mother of Tony Sarabia of Panora, was visiting from Chicago. While here, she crocheted more than a dozen children’s scarves that she donated to the Children’s Clothing Closet (3C’s) in Panora. 

The 3C’s organization relies solely on donations of clothing, bedding, towels and toys for children and families in the area. Cash donations are used to purchase new underwear and socks. 3C’s continues to be blessed with strong community support. Anyone wishing to donate items may drop them off on Tuesday mornings or call Connie Ridgley at 641-755-2018. 3C’s is located north of the Panora United Methodist Church at 119 E. Main St.

“I want the community to know how thankful 3C’s is for all of the support we receive throughout the year,” said Connie Ridgley, who leads 3C’s.

10 years ago

From the archives of The Guthrie County Vedette, Dec. 17, 2015

YOUTH BASKETBALL. Members of the Panorama eighth grade girls basketball team for 2015-16 are, front row: Maggie Woodvine, Mckennzie Burns, Chloe Webster, Alex Kurtz, Lydia Lindstrom and Payton Douglass. Back row, Hailey Meacham, manager, Molly Simmons, Jamy Randol, Sydney Demonbreun and Anna Holloway.

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20 years ago

From the archives of The Guthrie Center Times, Dec. 14, 2005

IT’S ALL NEW. The driver’s license station in the treasurer’s office was closed Tuesday for training and installation of new equipment. Seated at the computer is county treasurer Marcia Kindred. Standing are deputies Marci Schreck, left, and Kim Christensen. Employees of Digimark, Des Moines, which did the training and installation are Tim McDowell, left, Cindy Delp and Andrew Bro.

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30 years ago

From the archives of The Guthrie Center Times, Dec. 13, 1995

HOWDY, PARTNER! Chance Wise (Rodney) of Guthrie Center gets a big hug from Santa Claus, who will be in town again Thursday night and Sunday afternoon.

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40 years ago

From the archives of The Guthrie County Vedette, Dec. 12, 1985

KEEP AWAY. Mark Knapp protects the ball from Stuart-Menlo’s Tim Doudm who is thinking of larceny during Tuesday’s game at Menlo.

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50 years ago

From the archives of The Guthrie Center Times, Dec. 17, 1975

SEASON’S GREETINGS. With temperatures below zero, no one likes to be out longer than they have to. Mail carrier Junior Washburn was out longer than usual with a pouch full of holiday greetings.

By Rich Wicks | Times Vedette

During the Dec. 9 meeting of the Guthrie County Board of Supervisors, the supervisors held a discussion about the path ahead regarding the possibility of declaring EMS as an essential service. There was discussion that for the matter to be decided by voters, the best options for when to hold such an election would be September or November of 2026 or March of 2027. The September and March options would be a special election, which would likely see lighter voter turnout.

Supervisor Steve Smith voiced his opinion that the September 2026 option is too soon and would not allow time for everything that would need to be done before the matter went to voters.

Supervisor Brian Johnson said he feels the county should “start from scratch” with the process to assure that all applicable steps are done appropriately for the county’s situation.

The supervisors discussed ideas on the size and makeup of a committee that would likely be formed to work on the issue.

No formal decisions were made at this time.

Board Chair Maggie Armstrong said she has started looking into the factors to consider for whether or not the county would choose to sell a 9-acre parcel of land at the former county home.

Brenda Dudley addressed the supervisors with a preliminary idea about having a running relay race along the 26 miles of White Pole Road, possibly on Sunday, June 7, 2026. She said one of the goals of the event would be to generate opportunities for local retailers to have additional sales due to the event.

Armstrong said she has safety concerns regarding having a running event on White Pole Road if the road were not closed.

“Safety is a really big concern for me on that,” Armstrong said.

Armstrong also shared her opinion that runners may not become shoppers at the conclusion of such an event, so the retailers may not see the targeted benefit. There was discussion with Dudley about scheduling a different type of event. Supervisor JD Kuster talked of the possibility of having some type of “poker run” in motorized vehicles rather than a running event. He told of the poker run events he has helped with in the past. No vote or formal decision was made at this time.

The supervisors meet regularly on Tuesdays at 9 a.m. The public is welcome to attend in person or via remote technology. To join remotely, call 323-792-6123, then use meeting code 547029216#

Special to the Times Vedette

Join the staff of Springbrook State Park on a free, guided hike on New Year’s Day. Hikers can meet at 1 p.m. outside the park office, for a 2-mile hike led by park staff. 

“First Day Hikes have become a tradition for Iowans to experience the quiet, wintry beauty of our state parks and forests,” Sherry Arntzen, chief of the DNR State Parks, Forests and Preserves Bureau, says. “These hikes are a great way to get outside, exercise, enjoy nature and welcome the New Year with friends and family.”

Hikers can expect to be surrounded by the quiet beauty of nature in winter and experience spectacular views, beautiful settings and the cultural treasures offered by Iowa’s state parks. The year 2026 will bring the 100-year anniversary of the establishment of Springbrook State Park. A year-long celebration will begin by hiking through the history of Springbrook, highlighting geologically and historically significant areas of the park. We invite you to join us for cookies and hot chocolate afterwards. 

Springbrook State Park is located at 2437 160^th Road, Guthrie Center. 

For details about First Day Hikes in Iowa’s State Parks, visit www.iowadnr.gov/firstdayhikes.

By Rich Wicks | Times Vedette

During the regular meeting of the Panora City Council on Dec. 8, the council returned to a previously discussed issue of citizens being allowed to goose hunt on a private property within city limits.

“A number of things have been brought up. I don’t know that anybody’s against it, but I think everybody’s just trying to understand how it works,” Mayor Curt Thornberry said.

Several citizens have requested, and been granted, approval to hunt geese on a property. Police Chief Matt Reising had been asked to attend and was asked for his input. Reising said he did not have any specific concerns on the issue.

Councilmember Mark Sheeder suggested that when such approvals are given, it should specify no rifle usage or shotgun slug usage.

Councilmembers voiced concerns that the city and the property owner may not know who could be hunting. After discussion, the council consensus was, for any future such requests, to have the applicable property owner bring any requests to the city for consideration. City Administrator Lisa Grossman will draft a form for such usage in the future.

The council discussed and approved the first reading of Ordinance 360, amending the timeframe of sidewalks sales to 8 a.m. to 6 p.m., and noted that exceptions could be allowed for special events. The council waived the second and third readings and approved the ordinance.

The council approved the written water exemption request for 2025 Highway 4, Panora, known as the Calmer Minor Subdivision.

The council will not have a second meeting in December, so the next regular meeting is set for Monday, Jan. 12 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#).

By Rich Wicks | Times Vedette

During the Dec. 8 regular meeting of the Guthrie Center City Council, possible wage increases for city employees were discussed. Suggestions included a flat rate increase of $1.25 hourly, or a 4% increase.

Street Department Director Darrin Sloss asked the council to also consider a 25-cent hourly increase for two staff members who recently achieved an additional certification.

The council also discussed whether to have wage increases effective in January or in July. The city has traditionally had increases effective in January, but there was no clear reason known.

“So, the only difference if you did it in July would be, you would actually know the numbers for the budget, instead of an estimation,” Councilmember Ian Steensen said.

The council voted to approve a 4% increase for staff, and the additional 25-cent raise as requested by Sloss. No change in the effective date was made.

City Administrator Kris Arrasmith asked that residents contact city hall with any concerns about inadequate snow or ice removal on sidewalks in the downtown business area.

“Rarely do we have a problem,” Arrasmith said. “We’re very lucky.”

The council chose to have a second council meeting in December, per the regular schedule. The meeting on Dec. 22 will include the swearing-in of Mayor Mike Herbert, councilmember Carolyn Masters, and newly elected councilmember Erica Finster, who will replace her father, outgoing member Chuck Cleveland, on the council.

The council discussed the 2024/2025 Annual Urban Renewal report.

“This is a formality that we do every year,” Arrasmith said. “Just how much money we bring in on TIF and how much we’re going to pass through every year.”

The council approved the report as presented.

The next regular meeting is set for Monday, Dec. 22 at 6:30 p.m. The public is welcome.