Guthrie County Deputy Sheriff Matt Losee reported a single-vehicle rollover accident occurring on Jan. 18 at 6:08 p.m. Janet Susan Neil, 51, of Corning was driving a 2019 Freightliner semi eastbound on Highway 141 east of Bagley when it slid off the road into the south ditch, overturning on its right side. The front windshield had to be removed because the driver was stuck inside. Road conditions were snowing and blowing snow. Estimated damage to the Freightliner is $50,000. 

Guthrie County Deputy Sheriff Shane Jones reported a two-vehicle accident occurring on Jan. 11 at 3:51 p.m. at North Fourth and Grand streets in Guthrie Center. Benjamin Alfred Henry, 57, of Guthrie Center was driving a 1996 Chevrolet K1500 pickup southbound on North Fourth Street when he collided with Kaleb Randall Kintz, 18, of Guthrie Center, who was driving a 2005 Chevrolet Trailblazer. Kintz was traveling westbound on Grand Street and failed to yield in the intersection. The roadway was partially to completely covered in snow and ice, making stopping difficult if proper precautions were not taken. Kintz was issued a citation for failure to yield. Damage to the Chevrolet pickup is estimated at $5,000. Damage to the Chevrolet Trailblazer is estimated at $10,000. 

By Rich Wicks | Times Vedette

During the meeting of the Guthrie County Board of Supervisors on Jan. 18, the supervisors heard from three department heads with preliminary budget numbers for the upcoming fiscal year.

Brad Halterman shared budget information regarding the county’s conservation department.

Referring to a previous request he’d made to the supervisors, Halterman said, “The conservation board very much appreciated that conversation and … being able to do the savings that we have this fiscal year and purchase a truck this fiscal year.”

He explained that the conservation board had prioritized between the “wants versus needs” to help control the budget.

“The bottom line for increases is very minimal,” Halterman said.

Regarding projected revenues, Halterman said, “It’s down. Obviously, the one and only reason is no trail fees, no daily or annual passes for the Raccoon River Valley Trail. That came to an end Jan. 1.”

Budget data was presented by Brian Hoffman for the Information Technology (IT) department.

Supervisor Steve Smith asked about how the county would be able to “pinch hit” if Hoffman were unavailable to do his job for an extended period.

“If I couldn’t do it, there would be, most likely, an organization, a third-party provider that could do it,” Hoffman said.

Sheriff Marty Arganbright presented preliminary numbers for his department’s budget, including the 28E Agreement. He and the supervisors discussed the estimated revenues from housing inmates from other counties and how to best allocate those funds.

The board’s next meeting will be on Tuesday, Jan. 23 at 9 a.m. Interested persons may listen to the supervisor meetings remotely by dialing 1-323-792-6123 and entering passcode 547 029 216#.

Jentry Hise, GCH Clinics LPN

Special to the Times Vedette

An LPN at Guthrie County Hospital and Clinics has been named an honoree on the 2024 list of 100 Great Iowa Nurses.

Each year, the 100 Great Iowa Nurses program asks for patients, coworkers, friends and family members to nominate an outstanding nurse for recognition. After a review process, 100 Great Iowa Nurses are honored each year at a ceremony created for the state of Iowa.

This year, Jentry Hise, GCH Clinics LPN, was included in the list. She was nominated by a community member and will be recognized at a virtual award ceremony in the spring. Below are excerpts from her nomination letter.

“Jentry is the nurse at the small-town clinic in our town. Known and loved by all as a nurse. She’s worked at the clinic in our town longer than anyone else that’s come and gone from there. If that doesn’t speak for itself, then I don’t know what does. She serves her small town as the only nurse in town, on boards, and volunteers for organizations and fundraisers. Her hard work and dedication to the community speaks for itself as she always demonstrates compassion for the community and the nursing field.”

From the Iowa DNR

Snowmobilers across Iowa are welcoming the return of winter, eager to get out and enjoy the fresh snow. Snowmobiling is a great way to enjoy the outdoors during the winter months, but there’s one hard truth: drinking alcohol and/or consuming drugs and riding just don’t mix.

“It’s important to remember that operating any type of motor vehicle, including snowmobiles, while under the influence of alcohol or drugs can cause traumatic injuries, tragic loss of life, and is flat-out against the law,” said Captain Matt Bruner with the Iowa DNR’s Law Enforcement Bureau. “We recommend snowmobile riders of all ages take a snowmobile safety course, don’t outride your abilities or trail conditions, and perhaps most importantly, don’t drink and ride.”

The following safety tips will make snowmobiling a great experience with all recreation explorers:

• Don’t drive impaired: Alcohol and drugs have a negative effect on the driver’s vision, balance, coordination, and reaction time. Don’t ride with people who drink and ride!
• Stay on the trail or stay home: Trespassing is a major complaint about snowmobilers and can result in trail closure. Always stay on designated snowmobile trails. Venturing off trails can result in accidents. Only ride private property when you have landowner permission.
• Watch the weather and check trail and ice conditions before riding: Don’t ride in adverse weather conditions. Plan your trip and check the trails you’ll be riding prior to departure.
• Never ride alone: Always ride with a friend on another snowmobile. This way if one machine is disabled, you have another to get help.
• Dress for safety and survival: Always wear a quality DOT helmet and facemask. Wear layers of clothing to keep warm and dry. Snowmobile suits, bibs, jackets, gloves, and mittens should cut the wind, repel water, and keep you ventilated.
• Slow down: Excessive speed is a major factor in many accidents, especially at night. To help avoid accidents, keep your nighttime speed under 40 MPH.
• Take a snowmobile safety training course: Designed to educate the student on basic snowmobile operation, laws and regulations, and safety, these classes can help save lives and reduce injuries.

The Iowa Department of Natural Resources and Mothers Against Drunk Driving (MADD) are teaming up to promote a safe and sober snowmobile season by hosting a booth at the Iowa Winter Games in Okoboji, Jan. 25-28, in Arnolds Park.