By Rich Wicks | Times Vedette

On the morning of Saturday, Dec. 6, the Guthrie Center Fire Department and Panora EMS responded to a secondary building fire at 2094 Hickory Ave. Firefighters stopped the fire from spreading to the house. Upon extinguishing the fire, firefighters discovered the remains of a person and dog inside the shed.

The State Fire Marshal and Guthrie County Sheriff’s Office are investigating.

As of press time, no further details have been released.

Special to the Times Vedette

State Representative Carter Nordman (R-Dallas Center) has been awarded the Iowa State Sheriffs’ and Deputies’ Association (ISSDA) 2025 Gold Star Award in recognition of his public service and commitment to protecting the safety of all Iowans. This honor highlights Rep. Nordman’s efforts to support Iowa law enforcement and advance public safety initiatives across the state. The ISSDA Gold Star Award is one of the most prestigious recognitions in Iowa for public servants dedicated to law enforcement and community protection.

Presented annually to no more than five individuals, the award honors those who demonstrate genuine dedication to ISSDA’s mission: “To Serve and Protect the People of Iowa.” Recipients are carefully selected by sheriffs and deputies from the ISSDA Legislative Committee and Board of Directors, who collaborate closely with policymakers on critical public safety and law enforcement issues. Eligibility is strictly limited, underscoring the award’s exclusivity and high regard within the law enforcement community (issda.org).

“I am deeply grateful to receive the 2025 Gold Star Award from the Iowa State Sheriffs’ and Deputies’ Association,” Rep. Nordman said. “This recognition is a testament to the collaborative work we’ve done to ensure the safety and well-being of Iowans. My support for the men and women in law enforcement is and always will be unwavering. They put their lives on the line every day to protect our communities, and I am committed to standing with them.”

By Shane Goodman | Times Vedette

The Breakfast with Santa and Camp Candycane craft events were held on Saturday, Dec. 6 from 8:30-11 a.m. at the Panora Community Center. More than 180 people came out to see Santa Claus and enjoy some cakes on the griddle. 

Event volunteers Chelsey Miller, Erica Matthies, Ben Hayes, Dave Grove, Dani Fink, Amanda Creen and Pam Beardsley.

Special to the Times Vedette

On Dec. 5, a total of nine players participated. Rhonda Titus got a 16; Dan Webb got a 17, 16 and 17; Sandy Rumelhart got an 18; Bill Sheeder got a 20, and Dave Richter got a 24. 

On Dec. 8, a total of 10 players participated. Bill Sheeder, Rhonda Titus and Dennis Betts each go a 16; Dan Webb got a 17; and Robert Klever got a 20 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.

Photos by Mark Reno | Special to the Times Vedette

The ACGC dance team performed during halftime of the Chargers’ boys basketball game on Tuesday, Dec. 4 in Guthrie Center. 

Steve Smith, Kristin Crouthamel, JoAnn Johnson, New Opportunities Director Rhonda Huggins, and Barry Monaghan

By Shane Goodman | Times Vedette

For the first time, the Ten Squared Men’s and the Ten Squared Women’s groups chose the same organization to donate to, providing combined total contributions of $36,300 to New Opportunities. 

The Ten Squared Men met had its final meeting for 2025 on Nov. 18. The three presentations were New Opportunities, Guthrie County Sports, and Guthrie County FFA and 4-H Stable Barn. The group selected New Opportunities, which was presented by Steve Smith. The total gift from the men will be $21,000. This brings the total giving for the 10 Squared Men for 2025 to $59,900 and the total since the group began to $479,650. Any men interested in becoming a part of the group should send an email to b.monaghan@gcsbank.com and request to be added for 2026. 

On the same evening, the Ten Squared Women also selected New Opportunities. The total gift from the women will be $15,300. No additional information on the Ten Squared Women’s Group was available as of press time. Any women interested in becoming a part of the group should send an email to 10squaredgc@gmail.com and request to be added for 2026. 

The two gifts were combined, and a check was presented to New Opportunities Director Rhonda Huggins for $36,300. 

New Opportunities is located at 400 State St. in Guthrie Center. The Family Development Center is the information, application and referral center for all of the income eligible programs offered by New Opportunities to serve families, individuals and elderly people of Guthrie County.

The Guthrie County Family Development Center serves income eligible residents in Guthrie County with back to School Supplies, Thanksgiving Food Baskets, Christmas Gifts for Children, as well as Low-Income Home Energy Assistance Program (LIHEAP), utility crisis assistance, weatherization, food pantry, clothing, family development and self-sufficiency program, financial literacy counseling and more.

For more information on New Opportunities, call 641-747-3845, ext. 6020 or visit www.newopp.org/services/outreach/guthrie-county.