By Clark Kauffman | Iowa Capital Dispatch

 A former Guthrie County sheriff who collected unemployment benefits after losing his bid for reelection will now have to repay those benefits, a judge has ruled.

State records indicate James “Marty” Arganbright served as Guthrie County sheriff for 16 years before losing his bid for reelection in November 2024. Arganbright became unemployed when his successor, who is now suing Arganbright in federal court, took office in January of this year.

Arganbright subsequently applied for, and received, unemployment benefits from the state.

Guthrie County appealed that decision, and the matter recently went before Administrative Law Judge Daniel Zeno for a hearing.

At the hearing, Arganbright argued he was a full-fledged employee of Guthrie County as evidenced by the fact that he was subject to county policies and training requirements. He also noted that he had collected employment benefits through the Iowa Public Employees’ Retirement System and through Guthrie County itself.

In a decision rendered earlier this week, Zeno ruled Arganbright’s loss of employment, since it resulted from the 2024 election, did not qualify him for unemployment benefits.

Zeno noted that under Iowa’s unemployment-benefits law, the term “employment” does not apply to services performed as an elected government official. While Arganbright may have fit the definition of a county employee for purposes such as training and health benefits, Zeno ruled, he did not meet the state’s definition of a county employee with regard to unemployment benefits.

Iowa Workforce Development overpaid Arganbright $2,408 in benefits for the period from Jan. 5, 2025, to Feb. 1, 2025, Zeno ruled, adding that Arganbright must now repay IWD for those benefits.

The ruling is subject to appeal to the state’s Employment Appeal Board, although there’s no indication such an appeal has been filed.

Decision follows civil lawsuit

Last September, Arganbright was sued by the current Guthrie County sheriff, Matthew Harmann, who was then a county deputy.

In his lawsuit, Harmann alleged that “rather than accept the rather common occurrence of a subordinate seeking to unseat the sheriff,” Arganbright and Guthrie County Attorney Dana Minteer, along with Chief Deputy Jeremy Bennett, had “engaged in an unconstitutional and coordinated campaign to impugn Harmann’s sterling reputation in an effort to undermine his political campaign.”

Harmann alleged the defendants tried to knowingly and falsely accuse him of misconduct in office. When an independent investigator cleared Harmann of any wrongdoing, his lawsuit alleged, they launched an effort to have Harmann decertified as a law enforcement officer, which would render him ineligible to serve as Guthrie County sheriff.

As a result of the litigation, the investigative report that concluded Harmann hadn’t interfered with a criminal investigation and had been “essentially” honest with investigators, was made public. It was then ordered sealed by the court but was unsealed earlier this month after the county argued it was a public document.

In addressing the county’s motion for a dismissal, U.S. District Judge Stephen H. Locher recently ruled that Minteer had absolute immunity with regard to her alleged actions in the matter, adding that “the court understands, of course, that this holding might permit an unscrupulous prosecutor to disseminate unfavorable false information about a law enforcement officer with impunity. So be it. The Supreme Court has recognized that prosecutorial immunity ‘reflects a balance of evils’ in which it is better ‘to leave unredressed the wrongs done by dishonest officers than to subject those who try to do their duty to the constant dread of retaliation.’”

Judge Locher, however, allowed some of the claims against Arganbright and Bennett to proceed. A jury trial is currently scheduled for March 30, 2026.

From the Iowa Department of Natural Resources

The weather is starting to feel like spring, but water temperatures are still dangerously cold.

The Iowa Department of Natural Resources (DNR) recommends that paddlers wait for consistent warm weather to allow the water temperatures to rise slowly. It could be several weeks before water temperatures are ideal and safe as water and air temperatures continue to change.

“Air temperatures are warmer than normal this year, but the water is still dangerously cold,” Todd Robertson, Iowa DNR River Programs Water Trails coordinator, said. “We have not had enough consistently warm days to raise water temperatures adequately. Cold water shock and hypothermia can set in quickly if you fall into the water at current temperatures.”

Safety Tips for Paddling in Cold Water Conditions

• Always wear a life jacket. Not only does the life jacket help keep your head above water, it helps to keep your organs warmer.
• Check your canoe or kayak and gear for any needed repairs or maintenance after being stored for several months.
• Don’t paddle alone, especially in cold water, use a buddy system. Go with a small group of paddlers and know which paddler has the most experience.
• 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.
• Dress for the water temperature, not the air temperature. Plan as if you were to be in the water at some point. A wetsuit or drysuit is a must. Dress in layers so you can peel a layer off if you get overheated.
• Bring along a dry bag with extra clothing to change into should you get wet. Get out of wet, cold clothing as soon as possible. Having the right gear and understanding the stages of hypothermia is crucial for remaining safe.
• Stay away from strainers, wood/branch piles that can pull a paddler under. These are usually found on outside river bends where the current is going and are deadly hazards that must be avoided.

By Rich Wicks | Times Vedette

Iowa State University released the results of its annual farmland value survey. The full report is available on the ISU Extension and Outreach website, by navigating to “Whole Farm,” then “Land Values,” then “Farmland Value Surveys.”

The ISU Land Value Survey was initiated in 1941 and is intended to provide information on general land value trends. It is an expert opinion survey based on reports by licensed real estate brokers, farm managers, appraisers, agricultural lenders, county assessors and selected individuals knowledgeable of land market conditions. The 2024 survey is based on 479 usable county-level land value estimates provided by 330 agricultural professionals.

Fifty-six percent of respondents reported fewer sales in 2024 relative to 2023. Only 13% reported more sales, and 31% reported the same level of sales in 2024 and 2023.

Statewide, the average was $11,467 per acre as of Nov. 1, 2024, which is a decrease of $369 per acre (or a 3.1% decrease) from Nov. 1, 2023.

Guthrie County sales averaged $10,896 per acre, a decrease of 4.6% from the previous year. Of the counties that border on Guthrie County, the highest value was Carroll County at $13,023 per acre (down 5% from 2023) and the lowest was Adair County at $8,990 (up 0.9% from 2023).

By Rich Wicks | Times Vedette

At the Feb. 27 meeting of the Guthrie County Board of Supervisors, County Engineer Josh Sebern explained his request for approval of wage increases for employees in the Secondary Roads Department. He asked for a base 7% increase to bring wages in line with the state average and the averages of neighboring counties.     

“I don’t know if I’d go 7%,” Supervisor Mike Dickson said.

No formal action was taken at this time.

Sebern also discussed his efforts to develop a wage scale system based on a combination of tenure and performance, as well as employee evaluation of the 30-plus staff.

Chris Whitaker, Region XII, met with the supervisors to discuss the Zoning Administrator contract, strategic planning, and to review Zoning Ordinance recommendations.

Supervisor Brian Johnson commented regarding strategic planning for the county.

“For me, the most important part is economic development and growth. I think the county can do more than just let people come to us and ask for tax abatement or something,” Johnson said. “Our costs aren’t going to go down, and if we don’t find a way to grow… the ability to have enough taxes to keep our services where they are is going to be very difficult.”

The supervisors approved liquor licenses for The Captain’s Pick and for Spikes. Both are at the Lake Panorama golf course.

The supervisors appointed Dustin Capps as Medical Examiner Investigator, per a request from Medical Examiner Dr. Strehle.

Through March, the supervisors meet regularly Tuesdays and Thursdays at 9 a.m. The public is welcome to attend in person or via remote technology. To join remotely, call 323-792-6123, then use meeting code 547029216#.