By Shane Goodman | Times Vedette

Mike Downing was named the American Legion Post 124 Legionnaire of the Year at the American Legion Chili and Oyster Stew Dinner Tuesday, Nov. 11 at the American Legion Hall. 

Downing was not able to attend the event and personally accept the award, but he offered a letter to be read, noting that he has been a Legion member for 56 years. 

“My brother, Dean, bought my membership when I came back from overseas the second time in December of 1969 for a Christmas present,” he shared. 

Downing served in the Air Force for four years from January 1967 though January 1971. He was an air crew egress systems specialist and worked on ejection seats in B52 bombers and other aircraft. 

He noted how he did not stay in one place a long time.

“I started in Lackland, San Antonio, Texas, then to Chanute AFB in Rantoul, Illinois. Then to Ellsworth AFB, Rapid City, South Dakota. That was first year, then went temporary duty to U-Tapao, Thailand, for six months. Went back to Ellsworth, South Dakota, then got orders to go to Udorn, Thailand, for a year PCS (Permanent Change of Station), but first went to George AFB Victorville, California, for three months to cross train to F4 phantoms.”

He then went to Udorn, Thailand, and was put in DET 1 SOW (Special Operation Wing), a part of Air America working on old prop trainers, T28s.

“These were used by us, and we trained Laotians to fly. These were old planes, so we installed all seats and explosives so they would have ejection seats. In the meantime, I went down to Nakhon Phanom, Thailand, to work on A1Es, another old prop airplane. These planes were used to bomb and attack on Ho Chi Minh Trail. They could go down low and slow and had power to pull up and drop bombs in side of hills and also fire into the hills. They were around 1,500 to 2,000 horsepower. Needless to say, many never made it back.

Downing said he went back to Udorn, Thailand, for the rest of his tour.

“I got to see a lot of places and met a lot of people,” he stated.

In year four, he went to Bergstrom AFB, Austin, Texas, and worked on RF4C phantoms. He also had two temporary duties to Cannon AFB in Clovis, New Mexico. He was discharged Jan. 15, 1971, as a staff sergeant.

“I am proud of my service to this great country but was glad to be a civilian again,” Downing said. “I want to thank the Legion Post for the Honorary Life Member award that they gave me last year. I really appreciate it. Again, thank you for the honor to be chosen Legionnaire of the Year.”

By Rich Wicks | Times Vedette

On Veterans Day, Union Cemetery in Guthrie Center was decorated with a brilliant display of American flags to honor all who have served our country.

By Shane Goodman | Times Vedette

The Guthrie Center American Legion Chili and Oyster Stew Dinner was held Tuesday, Nov. 11 from 5-7 p.m. at the American Legion Hall at 507 State St. in Guthrie Center. Veterans were able to eat for free, and other members of the public were invited for a free will offering.

Mel Sheley

Darby Hall

Rick Baier

Dwight Dinkla, Ron Masek and Gary Rees

Scott and Annie Gonzales

By Gracie Hodges and Ava Sneller | Special to the times Vedette

Nine members of the ACGC FFA Chapter embarked on a high-energy journey Oct. 28-31, culminating in the 98th National FFA Convention and Expo in Indianapolis, where more than 73,000 attendees gathered, creating a reported $41 million economic impact for the host city.

The week began early Tuesday morning as the chapter departed Audubon for a series of industry site visits. Their first stop was KINZE Manufacturing, where members received an overview of the company’s history and operations and even took part in building grain carts. Next, the group visited the Kalona Cheese Factory and the surrounding Amish country, learning about dairy-product processing and browsing the local grocery store. Following lunch at Brenneman Pork, students toured the pork-production facility to examine commercial hog-industry growth and infrastructure. The day concluded with a thrill at “The Darkness” haunted-house attraction in St. Louis, Missouri.

Wednesday morning began at the Animal Export Center at St. Louis Lambert Airport, where students learned about livestock export logistics. Later, the chapter visited Anheuser‑Busch to explore fermentation processes and meet the iconic Clydesdale horses. The day ended at Busch Stadium, home of the St. Louis Cardinals, where students toured the stadium and on the way to Indianapolis, paused for a photo at the nearby Gateway Arch.

Thursday marked “Convention Day” with convention activities kicking off in the morning. Students attended the opening session and listened to the keynote address by A’ric Jackson about breaking out of your box and being you unapologetically. This was followed by peer-speaking sessions and engagement with more than 100 educational booths at the College and Career Show. The national event reportedly offered 141 workshops (102 student-focused, 39 teacher-focused) and hosted more than 300 exhibitors representing agriculture, manufacturing, technology and education sectors. Attendees also experienced the signature blue jacket tradition and networked with fellow members from across the nation, underscoring the convention’s theme of leadership, growth and opportunity.

Beyond the tours and fun, the trip gave ACGC FFA members a chance to connect classroom learning with real-world industry — from manufacturing and dairy to pork production and logistics. Entering the national convention provided access to thousands of peers, mentors and exhibitors, reinforcing the chapter’s dedication to agricultural education and leadership development. The national convention’s record attendance of more than 73,000 participants underscores the vitality of youth engagement in agriculture.

Kristen Crouthamel, 10 Squared organizing committee member; Tandem Eischeid, Guthrie Center Elementary Principal; Devan Seeck, GCPTG Board Member; Lindsay Gilland, GCPTG Board Member; Shelby Lewis, GCPTG Board Member; Jamie Terwilliger, GCPTG Board Member

Special to the Times Vedette

The 10 Squared Women of Guthrie County held their third-quarter meeting of 2025 on Tuesday, Aug. 2, at The Port on Lake Panorama. A record seventy-one women attended in person or via Zoom, and the group welcomed four new members this quarter.

Ruth Owen presented on behalf of the Guthrie County Arts Council, Devan Seeck presented for the Guthrie Center Parent Teacher Group (GCPTG), and Abby Pudenz presented for the Panora Parks and Rec Board. After hearing all three presentations, the group announced that a total of $14,400 would be awarded to the Guthrie Center Parent Teacher Group (GCPTG). This donation consists of member contributions and several employer matches.

The Guthrie Center Elementary Parent Teacher Group, or GCPTG, officially formed in 2024, but its roots go back several years to volunteers organizing meals for teachers during conferences and Teacher Appreciation Week. Today, the group includes eight to 10 parents and teachers in the Guthrie Center school district working together to bring back the fun, enriching experiences that school budgets can’t cover.

Since COVID, field trips and hands-on learning activities have been significantly reduced. Experiences that were once staples of elementary school are now often considered extras. Last year, GCPTG helped send kindergarteners to the zoo and third graders to the historic Hitchcock House — real-world experiences that brought their lessons to life. GCPTG also supported teachers with gift bags, meals, thank-you notes and $50 each to help cover classroom needs. This year, the group hopes to increase that support to $200 per teacher.

GCPTG’s current major goal is to improve the preschool/kindergarten playground. The existing space is small and outdated — much smaller than what many children have in their own backyards. A new, safe, engaging playset is expected to cost between $15,000 and $30,000. The group is actively applying for grants but needs matching funds in order to qualify.

GCPTG recognizes that times are tough, which is why they focus on one major fundraiser each year — such as their successful Fun Run.

“GCPTG invites anyone who is able to donate, volunteer or simply help spread the word to get involved. Every dollar given goes straight to supporting our kids and their amazing teachers,” Devan Seeck said.

Anyone interested in donating or getting involved can contact GCPTG through the Guthrie Center Elementary Facebook page or by speaking with a GCPTG member.

“Whether it’s a donation, volunteer time or just sharing our story, you’re making a difference,” Seeck continued. “GCPTG is not just supporting a school. We’re creating a community where every child and teacher feels seen, supported and inspired.”

Seeck shared that one teacher in the group said she has never felt so appreciated, understood or heard, and that she would love to write a thank-you note to every single woman in 10 Squared to express how grateful she is that GCPTG was selected for this donation.

“All of us in the Guthrie Center Elementary Parent Teacher Group are incredibly thankful to everyone,” Seeck added.

10 Squared Women focuses on donating funds to local organizations that commit to putting those dollars to work in Guthrie County. The funds support a wide variety of projects that benefit communities and residents throughout the county. With this quarter’s donation, the group has contributed a total of $415,300 since its inception in 2017.

The 10 Squared Women group meets quarterly on the fourth Tuesday in February, May, August and November. Members in attendance hear from three organizations drawn at random from a pool of member-nominated nonprofits and then vote that night on the winning cause. The group announced that the Nov. 18 meeting will be held at Lake Lumber in Panora.

The group currently has 141 members and approximately 20 organizations nominated. They strongly encourage additional interested women to join with a goal of reaching 200 members.

For a list of the more than 30 benefactors to date, visit their Facebook page, listed at the end of this article.

10 Squared Women members are encouraged to talk with their friends, neighbors and family about the group and to share it within their social circles. While members are not required to attend meetings, they must attend either in person or via Zoom for their vote to count. All members are expected to make their quarterly donation whether they are able to attend and vote or not. The Zoom option has been well received, particularly by those with young children, those who winter elsewhere, or others who cannot attend in person but still wish to participate and vote.

The group is continuously seeking new members who are passionate about supporting their communities and Guthrie County. To learn how to get involved, visit their Facebook page at https://www.facebook.com/10squaredwomengc or email 10squaredgc@gmail.com. Membership forms and Frequently Asked Questions can be found on their Facebook page or by contacting them through Facebook or email.

By Susan Thompson | Times Vedette

The Panora Women’s Service Organization (WSO) annual holiday luncheon will be Friday, Dec. 5. This is the 52nd year for this fundraising event. The luncheon will be held at Faith Bible Church, which is north of Panora on Highway 4.

Serving begins at noon. As guests arrive, they can purchase raffle tickets and sign up for door prizes. The décor this year will feature a Christmas tree theme. The meal includes ham balls, dinner rolls and a large variety of salads made by WSO members. 

Tickets are $20. Tickets can be purchased from any WSO member, at the Panora Library, or by contacting Sue Merryman at 641-751-5956 or Barb Halupnik at 641-740-7773.

Proceeds from the WSO holiday luncheon help fund local projects and make it possible to provide a $500 scholarship to one Panorama High School graduating senior each year, which can be renewed annually for up to three years. In most years, WSO is providing $2,000 in scholarship money to four Panorama graduates.

Another major fundraising event for WSO is an annual home tour, which in 2026 will be Friday, June 5. This will be the 50^th WSO home tour. Tickets for this event will be limited, so those interested will want to contact their usual ticket seller in early May.

The holiday luncheon and home tour will secure this year’s scholarships, plus make it possible to donate to other local causes. Some of those include Tori’s Angels, Panora Library, Heritage Park, Guthrie County Historical Village, Guthrie County Food Pantry, and the Panora Garden Club Main Street petunia trees and flower pots.