By Rich Wicks | Times Vedette

The Guthrie Center School Board met in regular session on May 14, immediately following a public hearing to provide the opportunity to ask questions or make comments regarding the district’s proposed fiscal year 2023-2024 budget amendment. No comments or questions were received, and the hearing was promptly closed. During the regular board meeting, the board approved the budget amendment as proposed.

Diane Flanery, Guthrie Center elementary principal, reported that Guthrie Center elementary staff appreciates the board members and their continued support. The staff enjoyed the food that was provided during teacher appreciation week.

Flanery stated that many activities are planned for students during the last few weeks of school, including the Elementary Track and Field Day scheduled for May 22.

Kris Langgaard reported that the Lions Club recently hosted a meal for the graduating class. He commented that the students all seem confident in their future plans and goals.

Brooke Boals was present to discuss the possibility of the school sponsoring a dance/drill team during the 2024-25 school year. According to a survey that was sent out, 12 students would be interested in participating. Activities Director Taylor Morris will gather additional information and bring a recommendation to the June board meeting.

Technology Director Mark Spidle was present to review technology purchases that were made in 2023-24, which included interactive flat panels for use in the elementary. Spidle recommended purchasing new Chromebooks for students and MacBook Airs for staff for the 2024-25 school year.

The board voted to approve the Class of 2025 Senior Trip to Washington, D.C. March 17 through March 21, 2025.

The board’s next regular meeting will be June 18 at 7 p.m. at ACGC High School. The public is welcome.

By Rich Wicks | Times Vedette

On May 13, the Adair-Casey School Board met in regular session. Immediately before the meeting, a public hearing was held regarding the district’s proposed 2023-2024 budget amendment. The were no comments/questions received for the public hearing, so it was promptly closed.

During the regular meeting, the budget amendment was approved as proposed.

Technology Director Derek Davenport was present to discuss upcoming technology needs. The district received a safety grant that will be used to purchase additional cameras and a program that will provide electronic control of door locks. In addition, the district will consider replacing student and staff laptops that are more than five years old.

Superintendent Josh Rasmussen reported that the elementary school day will run from 7:45 a.m. to 3:45 p.m. during the 2024-25 school year.

Student Natalie Kent and teacher Jen Betterton discussed the newly formed activity club DECA (Distributive Education Clubs of America). Twenty-one students participated in this club.  Students also participated in the state competition with five students qualifying to attend the DECA International Career Development Conference that was held in Anaheim, California, in April. Of those five who qualified, three students attended: Natalie Kent, Payton Jacoby and Emma Rutledge.’

Blair Carney reported that the second grade class enjoyed a field trip to his farm. He commented about the quality teachers and paraeducators and noted that the students were well-behaved and interested.

Randy Carney said he had heard many positive comments about the high school musical that was performed last month. He also commented on a concert band piece that was written and conducted by student Andrew Mahaffey, one of the many talented students at ACGC.

Head Custodian Dave Farley discussed the purchase of a new tractor to be used for snow removal.

Board members will hold a staff appreciation cookout on Tuesday, May 28.

The board’s next regular meeting with be June 18 at 7 p.m.  at ACGC High School. The public is welcome.

Special to the Times Vedette

The Mount Ayr Community School Hall of Fame Committee recently announced that Barry Monaghan will be named as a member, the highest honor bestowed by Mount Ayr Community Schools.

Monaghan is a 1965 graduate of Mount Ayr Community Schools. He was a standout athlete in football, basketball, track and baseball. He also played football at Northwest Missouri State University and majored in education.

Monaghan began his teaching career at Adair Casey High School as an English teacher and coach before being drafted into the United State Army for the Vietnam War. He was honorably discharged in 1971 and bestowed with the Meritorious Service Award.

After returning to Adair Casey from 1972-1975 to teach and coach, Monaghan moved to Jesup Community Schools to serve as vice principal before landing in Guthrie Center as the principal and athletic director.

During his time in education, Monaghan served on the Iowa High School Speech Association Executive Board, including as president in 1984.

In 1984, Monaghan was recruited out of education into the banking industry. He worked his way up the ranks at Guthrie County State Bank, eventually serving as president. He continues to serve as CEO, as well as president of the board of directors and Guthrie County Bancshares, Inc. During his leadership, the bank expanded its services to the communities it serves.

Monaghan has been well known for giving back to his community, being a member of the local American Legion and Lions Clubs. He also started and continues to lead the 10 Squared Men of Guthrie County group.

He has been the voice of Guthrie Center, announcing for high school baseball since 1996 and the football and track teams since 1998. He has also announced track meets at Panora for the last four years.

“As our committee reviewed nominations and worked through the selection process, we were awed by the outstanding accomplishments and tremendous success of all those who were nominated,” said Shaun Kniep, chair of the Hall of Fame Committee. “Our task was arduous, but we feel privileged to have a role in recognizing people who have had such an exceptional impact on the school and community.”

Kniep says the Hall of Fame was established to create a lasting tribute to those who have brought honor to themselves, the Mount Ayr Community Schools and the community, noting that selection to the Hall of Fame recognizes individuals and groups who have accomplished extraordinary feats in extracurricular activities, individuals who have made significant contributions to the school, and graduates who have distinguished themselves in life after high school.

Hall of Fame weekend will be part of the annual Mount Ayr Community Schools homecoming festivities with the Hall of Fame Banquet and Induction ceremony set for Saturday, Sept. 28.

By Rich Wicks | Times Vedette

On Saturday, May 18, hundreds of riders are expected to participate in the second annual Red, White & Blue Cruise through Guthrie County. The event is a fundraiser and honors all veterans and active members of military service.

The day’s events will begin and end at the Guthrie County Fairgrounds, 408 W. State St. in Guthrie Center, with registration beginning at 8 a.m. The ride will start around 10 a.m. All vehicles are welcomed, and participants can choose whether to travel on paved roads or gravel. There is no specific route, and participants can go any direction. The event will be held rain or shine. 

An addition to the event this year is that during registration, breakfast will be available, provided on site by the Main Street Guthrie Center organization, to raise funds for their program. The menu will include pizza and cinnamon rolls.

Registration costs for the event are $25 per person. Those who choose to participate in the poker run will pay an additional $20 and then will receive poker cards at the various stops on the day’s agenda, which include Shootout Saloon in Dexter, Ruby’s Pub & Grill in Stuart, Short’s Place in Menlo, Casey Creamery and Tin Lizzies Sports Bar in Casey, and Blue Goose Tavern in Adair. At the end of the ride, the best poker hand will receive $250. The rest of the money that is made from all of the poker run participants will go to the Brushy Creek Honor Flight program.

Upon the completion of the ride, the band Ghost Riderz will play at the fairgrounds and the Los Altos food truck will be serving. The concert is open to the public. Organizers suggest bringing lawn chairs.