By Rich Wicks | Times Vedette

During the Aug. 4 meeting of the Guthrie County Board of Supervisors, Health Services Director Jotham Arber provided a departmental update. Overall, reporting on the recently completed fiscal year, he said it had been “a pretty good year.” Arber pointed out a few highlights.

“Our immunizations, we’ll do a bunch in August. We go out and do the health fairs and whatnot,” he said. He also told of his surprise at seeing how many passports are obtained by residents of the county.

“Every year, I’m blown away by the total number of passports that come through,” he said. “New passports, there were 161; renewal/reviews 25, and then 244 pictures, so about 400 passports coming through for Guthrie County.”

Arber also reported on a significant decrease in animal bites reported to the county.

“This year, we were 50% lower than last year,” he said, detailing the number dropped from 31 to 14. Arber said the new ordinance regarding animal bites seems to be helping.

Arber shared his perspective that although RAGBRAI required lots of preparation and effort, he felt it was a good training for possible future situations the county may face.

“I think RAGBRAI was a great exercise,” Arber said. “And on the EMS side, it was great to see all the EMS agencies work together. I felt it was fairly seamless. It was just really a great opportunity to see Public Health, EMA, law enforcement and EMS work together.”

Arber shared information on operations at the transfer station. He said it would be great if the gravel road from Highway 44 to the transfer station could eventually be paved, but he understands that will be determined by the budget.

County Auditor Dani Fink described two budget amendments she recommends the supervisors consider. The supervisors set a public hearing on the two proposed budget amendments, to be held 9 a.m. on Aug. 25. Fink will have a notice of the hearing published as required.

County Engineer Josh Sebern shared information on funding agreements for White Pole Road rehabilitation and bridge replacement projects.

County Treasurer Brenda Campbell provided a departmental report.

No citizens addressed the supervisors during the Public Comments portion of the meeting.

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

Special to the Times Vedette

Guthrie County Deputy Sheriff Jason Gray reported a two-vehicle accident occurring on Aug. 1 at 1:47 p.m. on Horn Avenue. Terry Palkki was reversing his 2017 Ram truck before striking the front end of a 2025 GMC Sierra 1500, legally parked on the side of Horn Avenue. Estimated damage to the GMC is $5,000. No citations were issued.

Special to the Times Vedette

Guthrie County Deputy Sheriff Todd Thorn reported a car vs. deer accident occurring on July 31 at 6:30 a.m. on Highway 25. Micah Earl Minto, 42, of Fontanelle, was driving a 2026 Subaru Crosstrek northbound on the highway and struck a deer that entered the roadway from the left side, causing damage to the driver’s side of the vehicle. Estimated damage to the Subaru Crosstrek is $3,500.

Dina Martinez cooks pupusas.

Dina Martinez turns a beloved Salvadoran tradition into a meal that nourishes neighbors while supporting her church.

By Rich Wicks | Panora Times, July 2026

Dina Martinez of Jamaica enjoys cooking, and one of her specialties is a food that many Iowans may have never heard of. She makes pupusas, which are recognized as the national dish of El Salvador. On this particular day, Dina was joined in the church kitchen by her husband, Carlos, and their daughter, who is also named Dina.

Dina Martinez spoons filling into the dough to create a pupusa.

As the Martinez family demonstrated, pupusas are made by rolling a handful of corn dough (masa). The flour is then flattened and stuffed with fillings. The pupusa is then cooked on a hot griddle until golden brown. Pupusas are traditionally eaten by hand, which allows them to be taken along for lunch anywhere.

“The pupusas are a traditional food for the people working in the fields,” Carlos said. “They take them for lunch.”

The family also makes curtido, which is a spicy side dish similar to cole slaw. Salvadorans traditionally put a spoonful of curtido on pupusas before picking them up to eat. 

“It’s like a vinaigrette-flavored cole slaw,” Dina the daughter said.

Curtido can be made quite spicy, but the family aims for a milder version. The main ingredients are cabbage, carrots, peppers and vinegar. 

“Most of the time, we don’t put in much heat, so everyone can enjoy it,” Carlos said.

On this day, Dina the mother cooked a batch of pupusas with a filling of pork, beans and cheese. She then made a batch with just cheese filling. Dina the daughter and her father explained there are many varieties of pupusas.

Pupusas are often eaten with curtido (spicy slaw) on top.

“They do shrimp and cheese,” she said. “They do a breakfast one with egg and ham.”

“They can do them with fish. They can do them with vegetables. They are very versatile,” Carlos said. 

While his wife quickly and effortlessly formed the masa into balls, stuffed the filling inside and then formed the mixture into disks for cooking, Carlos pointed out that the process is not nearly as easy as she made it appear. Then, after a few minutes of hot grilling on each side, the pupusas were ready to eat. Carlos added that pupusas are delicious whether eaten hot off the grill or later at room temperature, or even when frozen and reheated another day.

Dina the daughter explained how the family started making pupusas for more then just their own family. 

“My parents are both retired now. My dad works in the garden, and my mom wanted to do something for the community and for the church,” she said. “Little by little, she started selling these to people.”

The church the family belongs to is Jamaica Union Church, where Carlos serves as pastor. 

The pupusas that Dina cooks are generally sold for $1.50 or $2 each. When Dina’s pupusas are sold, some of the money is used to help support the church. 

For the Martinez family, pupusas are more than a favorite meal. They are a way to preserve their heritage, serve their community and bring people together around the table. Every hand-formed pupusa carries a taste of El Salvador, but after 20 years in Iowa, it also reflects the warmth they have found in their adopted home. As Carlos put it, the people here are friendly — and thanks to the Martinez family, many are discovering that friendship pairs especially well with a fresh, hot pupusa.

The 2026 Panora and Lake Panorama Citizen of the Year Andrew Randol rides in the parade Saturday morning with the 2025 Panora and Lake Panorama Citizen of the Year JoAnn Johnson. Photo by Shane Goodman

By Shane Goodman | Times Vedette

Andrew Randol was chosen to receive recognition as the 2026 Panora and Lake Panorama Citizen of the Year. He is the chief executive officer and general manager of Panora Fiber, where he has been employed for more than 30 years.  

This Panorama Days tradition occurred on a new day and time this year. The Citizen of the Year was to be announced Friday evening on the Main Stage in Panora so that the honoree could be in the parade on Saturday and be recognized throughout Panorama Days. Wind and rain forced the celebration to move inside at the Owl’s Nest, but the title of Panora and Lake Panorama Citizen of the Year was still bestowed upon a person who has clearly made a lasting impact on the community.

Randol’s nominator wrote, “I believe Andy provides outstanding leadership and service to our community, which goes well above and beyond the course of his professional duties. …

“Andy has been a longtime member of the Little Panther Daycare board of directors, for which he has been a tireless advocate.

“Andy recognizes the lack of reliable and affordable childcare is a bottleneck for communities like ours and has worked hard to ensure Panora and Lake Panorama are well-served.

“Andy has been the treasurer of the Panora and Lake Panorama Area Development Group (PRIDE) for decades. As treasurer, he has worked to ensure our group’s finances are managed in a responsible and transparent manner. Although the office of PRIDE president rotates annually. Andy has been a ‘constant’ for the group and has provided valuable counsel to those who have cycled in and out of the president’s role.

“Andy’s contributions to the community aren’t adequately captured by highlighting his formal roles as a Little Panther Daycare board member, or as a PRIDE officer. … Andy’s greatest contributions are found through the countless, intangible things he does every day.

“Andy plays a unique and valuable role in our community. He is one of the most considerate professionals with whom I’ve ever had the privilege of working. When Panora Fiber prepares their float for the Panorama Days parade, Andy’s first thought does not go to highlighting himself or the Panora Fiber staff. Instead, Andy highlights the community’s veterans and ensures they are honored by being invited to ride in their float. This is an example of Andy’s selfless nature.

“I occasionally meet Andy for coffee before work. I can’t count the number of times Andy returns to the counter after we’re done, so he can buy coffee for his staff or for fellow professionals on Main Street. Andy isn’t occasionally thoughtful … Andy is intentionally and consistently kind, thoughtful, and promotes camaraderie through his daily actions.”

The Panora Chamber of Commerce has recognized an outstanding member of the Panora/Lake Panorama community since 1989. The year 2020 was the only year the recognition did not take place. The organization encourages the public to nominate those who make a lasting impact on the community.

Previous Citizen of the Year winners:

• 1989     Kass Duis
• 1990     Galen Bymer
• 1991     Duane Miller
• 1992     Mary Beidelman
• 1993     Mary Jones
• 1994     Hugh and Merna Teale
• 1995     Dave Arganbright
• 1996     Ron Reynolds
• 1997     John Dungan
• 1998     Dale Grotjohn
• 1999     Cheryl Castile
• 2000     Frank Teale
• 2001     Dave Olson
• 2002     Carolyn England
• 2003     Pat Finnegan
• 2004     Julie Dent-Zajicek
• 2005     Dave Beidelman
• 2006     Judy Contner
• 2007     Chris Arganbright
• 2008     Vickie Ditsworth
• 2009     Barb Wollner
• 2010     Bette Donahey
• 2011     Joan Allen
• 2012     MJ Brown
• 2013     Karen Sievers
• 2014     Joe Scheiring
• 2015     John Rutledge
• 2016     Josh Arganbright
• 2017     Curtis Thornberry
• 2018     Jaime Waddle
• 2019     Bill and Connie Ridgley
• 2020     COVID year (none)
• 2021     Chaille Crandall
• 2022     Tom and Ellen Campbell
• 2023     Kirby Klinge
• 2024     Matt Harmann
• 2025    JoAnn Johnson

Andrew Randol receives a plaque Friday night at the Owl’s Nest recognizing him as the 2026 Panora and Lake Panorama Citizen of the Year. Photo by Cheryl Castile

Andrew Randol and Dave Arganbright share a laugh moments after Randol was recognized as the 2026 Panora and Lake Panorama Citizen of the Year. Photo by Cheryl Castile

Several family members of Andrew Randol were present when he received the 2026 Panora and Lake Panorama Citizen of the Year award. Pictured are Canyon Randol, Zoe Randol, Jeramy Randol, Beckham Randol, Jamy Randol, Andy Randol and Amy Randol. Photo by Cheryl Castile

Special to the Times Vedette

Connor Moylan, grandson of Pat and Deb Moylan, and Shaun Moylan, their son and one of the coaches, just qualified for the 2026 Babe Ruth World series 14 year old division. The Babe Ruth World Series will be played in Eagle Pass, Texas. The Moylan’s team is Tri Valley California and includes players from in and around the Danville, California, area. They won the Pacific Southwest Region championship, which was played in Long Beach, California, a little over a week ago. They played seven games in five days to win the region.

There are 19 teams in the World Series with 10 teams being from outside the United States. Connor and Shaun also played/coached in last year’s World Series for 13 year olds played in Livermore, California.

This year’s World Series runs Aug. 6-16.

Shaun Moylan and Connor Moylan.

The Tri Valley California team with Connor Molyan pictured on the far left and Shaun Moylan behind him.[/caption]

Julie Moylan, Connor Moylan, Shaun Moylan and Cavan Moylan.