Stuart citizens voice concerns about EMS plan

By Rich Wicks | Times Vedette

Editor’s Note: The Times Vedette received numerous letters to the editor on the EMS subject. We do not publish letters to the editor, but we did run a story written by Luann Waldo on the EMS vote that did not share views from those opposed. That story can be read here. In an effort to provide balanced coverage, we interviewed some who sent letters in opposition to the EMS vote and included them in this story. 

Voters in Guthrie County will decide on Tuesday, Nov. 5 whether to support a ballot measure to approve taxation to create a countywide EMS service, using EMS crews from Panora, Stuart and Adair. The measure asks voters to approve a 75-cent per $1,000 of taxable value on their property with the funding to be shared by the ambulances serving Guthrie County residents. Sixty percent must vote “yes” for the measure to pass. The new tax is expected to generate $750,000-$800,000 in revenue each year.

Recently, four Stuart residents sat down with the Times Vedette to explain their concerns about the plan. These included Mayor Dick Cook, Bob Cook, Police Chief Dave Reha and former councilmember Bryan Belden. The four stressed that they are not against a countywide EMS service, but they don’t feel the ballot measure and proposed plan have adequately addressed their concerns.

“My biggest issue with this is, it’s a double tax for Stuart and Panora citizens,” Belden said, noting that those residents are already paying for EMS service in their communities.

“It’s a tax and spend deal; it’s that simple,” Reha said.

Belden stated he also worries that local control may be lost.

“You start with the tax, and then they centralize billing, they hire an EMS countywide director. So now you’ve got management control, you’ve got budget control, you’ve got billing control and staffing control,” Belden said.

State rules and regulations require how the funding can be spent. Iowa code dictates an advisory council (appointed by the board of supervisors) will make recommendations to the supervisors on the reimbursements that need to be paid based on the expenses received from each service. This committee will be responsible for overseeing the integration of services, managing contracts with Panora EMS, Stuart Rescue, and Adair Fire and Rescue, and ensuring the resources are distributed effectively to meet the needs of all county residents. The committee’s role would also include strategizing improvements, standardizing protocols, and driving initiatives to expand EMS coverage and response times.

Bob Cook described himself as “cautiously optimistic” when he first heard about a proposed countywide EMS service plan, but he feels the issue is being rushed to voters before enough information has been shared.

The Guthrie County Board of Supervisors held eight informational meetings during the month of October about the proposed countywide EMS and the related levy measure. Meetings were held in Bayard, Casey, Jackson Township, Bear Grove Township, Stuart, Guthrie Center, Yale and Panora. All meetings were open to the public. 

“I’m not a forever ‘no,’ I say let’s use a year or two and investigate it,” Cook said.

Cook also suggested talking with other counties that have implemented a similar plan to find out what has worked and how.

Belden and Reha stated they feel the plan is asking for voters to approve the funding before a clear plan is shown regarding how the funds will be used.

“It’s Z to A, instead of A to Z,” Belden said.

An amazing array of spooky creatures 

Dean Beukema and Lisa Neitz proudly show their spooky decorations.

By Rich Wicks | Times Vedette

The house at 1103 Prairie St. in Guthrie Center was a popular destination at Halloween, and for good reason. Lisa Neitz, Dean Beukema, and their son, Andrew Neitz, live at the house, but every fall, the yard belongs to an amazing array of spooky creatures.  

Lisa and Dean described the labor of love they perform each fall to get their yard prepared for Halloween. Some of the decorations are handmade, including homegrown pumpkins. Other items are store-bought.

Although the project is a lot of work, the family has no plans to stop or downsize in the future. They have actually begun to spill over onto a willing neighbor’s yard.

“After the county fair, we start dragging stuff out. We start setting it up in September, and then we bring some of the animated stuff out just for Halloween night,” Lisa said. “And then we have people dressed up, too, so you never know which ones are real.”

More than 60 skeletons wander the yard at 1103 Prairie St. in Guthrie Center.

If it’s scary, creepy or crawly, it’s probably here.

Hunsaker elected president of National Association of Development Organizations 

Special to the Times Vedette

The National Association of Development Organizations (NADO) announced the election of Rick Hunsaker, executive director of Region XII COG in Carroll, as president of the association on Oct. 23 at NADO’s 2024 Annual Business Meeting. The meeting was held in conjunction with NADO’s Annual Training Conference in New Orleans, Louisiana, Oct. 21-24. 

As president, Hunsaker will lead and work with the 67-member NADO Board of Directors, which oversees the association’s budget and operations and develops policy on issues affecting regional development organizations. NADO was founded in 1967 to provide training, information and representation for regional development organizations throughout the United States. Today, NADO’s 350-plus member organizations serve local governments and the public within their regions through various programs focused on diversifying local economies, assisting businesses, creating jobs and providing vital community services.

“We are honored to have Rick Hunsaker serve as president of our national association,” NADO Executive Director Joe McKinney shared. “Rick brings an abundance of regional community and economic development knowledge to this role and our board. He is dedicated to helping our nation’s local communities pursue comprehensive regional strategies for remaining economically competitive in today’s rapidly changing global environment.”

“I am excited to serve the National Association of Development Organizations as president for the next year,” Hunsaker said. “NADO serves as a positive and vital resource for regional development organizations around the country and I am fortunate to be part of the important work they are doing.”

To contact Hunsaker, email rhunsaker@region12cog.org.

Loest receives Agriculture Focused Financial Planning designation

Special to the Times Vedette

Edward Jones Financial Advisor Melissa Loest of Guthrie Center has received the Agriculture Focused Financial Planning(TM) designation, (or AFFP®).

Achieving this designation required in-depth study in the following areas: 

  • Process and Fundamentals of Financial Planning
  • Agriculture Economics Concepts
  • Communication
  • Farming, Family, and Operations
  • Land and Leverage
  • Legacy
  • Income Strategies

Loest’s office is located at 205 State St. in Guthrie Center.

New snowmobile law streamlines permit requirements for residents

From the Iowa Department of Natural Resources

Iowa snowmobilers are no longer required to purchase and display an annual trail user permit, according to a new law that went into effect July 1, 2024. The law folded the trail user permit into the annual snowmobile registration fee, which will now be $30 plus administration fees. The previous price for each type was $15.

Registration and permit fees for snowmobiles are placed in a dedicated account for snowmobile programs in Iowa, including the Iowa Snowmobile Trail Grant Program, which is administered through the Iowa State Snowmobile Association. The grant program supports snowmobile trail development and grooming; equipment purchases and maintenance; and trail signage in cooperation with snowmobile clubs all across Iowa.  

Snowmobilers who own a new machine or have not yet entered the snowmobile into the state registration system need to go to the County Recorder’s office in their county of residence to start the registration process. To renew an existing registration, visit the County Recorder or go online to www.gooutdoorsiowa.com.

Nonresident snowmobilers will still need to purchase and display the trail user permit, which are available at any County Recorder’s Office, through retailers that sell hunting and fishing licenses, or online at www.gooutdoorsiowa.com.

Learn more about Iowa’s snowmobile programs at: https://www.iowadnr.gov/things-to-do/snowmobiles