By Rich Wicks | Times Vedette

The Guthrie Center Association of Churches invites the community to come join a “Celebrate Thanksgiving” service at the Seventh Day Adventist Church, 1305 North St. in Guthrie Center. The event will be held at 2 p.m. on Sunday, Nov. 24.

Special to the Times Vedette

Central College welcomed 156 students, including Addison Laughery of Guthrie Center and Alison Egger of Stuart, to its Fall Scholar Days where prospective students compete for scholarships.

From the Iowa Department of Natural Resources

Winter paddling can provide solitude, exercise and an opportunity to see amazing winter beauty. The Iowa Department of Natural Resources (DNR) recommends that paddlers be prepared to paddle in cold weather.

“Many paddlers, especially those just starting out, don’t realize how cold the water really is,” said Todd Robertson, Iowa DNR River Programs Water Trails coordinator. “The water is still dangerously cold, and cold-water shock and hypothermia can set in quickly.”

“Dress for the water temperature, not the air and expect to go into the water,” Robertson explains. “A wet or dry suit and a life jacket are crucial to remain safe.”

Review these simple safety tips before you head out on the water this winter.

• Always wear a life jacket.
• Don’t paddle alone. Especially in winter, use a buddy system.
• Always check the weather conditions before you head out on the water.
• Choose a shorter paddling trip so you can adjust for any issues, like low water and falling temperatures.
• Check water levels to make sure you won’t need to get in and out of your boat and drag it.
• Make sure the entire water trail route and water body you are paddling is open on both rivers and lakes. Ice jams can form and water freeze as temperatures drop throughout the day.
• Stay away from wood/branch piles and debris, usually found on the outside of river bends, that can pull you underwater and hold you there with little chance of escape.
• Paddle with a group who is experienced in cold water paddling.
• Wear a dry suit or wet suit, along with layers of wool fabrics to help avoid hypothermia or cold-water shock. Outer garments should be water- and wind- proof. Dress for the water temperature, not the air.
• Bring along a dry bag with a set of extra clothes you can change into if you get wet, a first-aid kit and a protected cell phone or weather radio.
• Let a friend or loved one know where you are going and when you are expected to return. It will be easier to find you if you need help.

Water recreationists should be aware of bridge construction projects across Iowa. Check the Iowa DNR’s interactive paddling map at www.iowadnr.gov/Things-to-Do/Canoeing-Kayaking/Where-to-Paddle to help you plan paddling trips and avoid bridge construction areas.

Editor’s note: Monteith is an unincorporated community in Guthrie County. Residents in or around the area gather monthly to share updates on projects and celebrate milestones.  Following are the “minutes” from the affectionally named “Monteith City Council Meeting.” We are pleased to publish these as submitted. 

Special to the Times Vedette

The Monteith City Council Meeting was held Nov. 12 with 15 in attendance. The meeting was called to order by JD Kuster with the Pledge of Allegiance. Birthdays were announced. Only one birthday in November with Jeff Derry. Vanessa and Barry Branson brought Jeff a cake, and we all sang Happy Birthday.

There were no November anniversaries.

Old Business

Park and Rec made 150 Thanksgiving cards for The New Homestead in Guthrie Center, as well as Panora Specialty Care, Panora and Lakeside Village in Panora. They also repainted Christmas decorations for Mitchell Park in Guthrie Center and Cemetery and City Park in Monteith. Thanks,  ladies, for your help with that. And thanks to Barry Branson, who also helped with decorations. Park and Rec plans to get together on Dec. 11 to do Christmas cards for the nursing homes.

Schedule for Upcoming Events

• Zoning Commission, Friday, Nov. 22 at 1 p.m., Monteith Event Center.
• Decorate Guthrie Center Park and Monteith Park and Cemetery, Saturday Nov. 23, 11 a.m. starting at Guthrie Center Park.
• Park and Rec, Dec. 11, make Christmas cards.
• For nursing homes, Wednesday Dec. 11, time TBD
• Monteith City Council Christmas Meeting, Tuesday Dec. 17, 6 p.m. Bring snacks and exchange gifts at Monteith Event Center.

Jim Smith motioned for meeting to adjourn, and Jeff Derry seconded the motion. After the meeting, we enjoyed some great food and a game that JD Kuster brought, which was fun and we all learned something new about each other and had a great time with good friends.

Until next time, signing off, your secretary/treasurer Barb Bachman.

By Rich Wicks | Times Vedette

Funding through the Low Income Home Energy Assistance Program (LIHEAP) is currently open for application. LIHEAP is a federally funded program that has been established to help qualifying low-income Iowa homeowners and renters pay a portion of the primary heating costs for the winter heating season. By doing so, homeowners and renters can reduce the risk of health and safety problems (such as illness, fire or eviction). The assistance is based on household income, household size, type of fuel, and type of housing. LIHEAP currently has an income guideline of 200% POV or lower.

Applications are being accepted now through April 2025. For more information, including income guidelines, visit New Opportunities website (newopp.org) or call 641-747-3845.