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Matching receipts

“Shane, your columns most always bring something to mind (A man and his wallet, Sept. 19, 2025). I wasn’t a follower of ‘Seinfeld’ before, but I have watched some lately on late night boredom. The matching receipts to monthly statements, I believe, is a rarity these days. Those of us with business backgrounds and accountability are used to it for expense accounts and good business practices. I still do it today. Maybe your next survey should be of what percent of your readers do this practice. My guess would be less than one in three.” – Mike Simpson

Guthrie Center City Council gives 14-day extension for shed installation

By Rich Wicks | Times Vedette

During the regular meeting of the Guthrie Center City Council on Sept. 22, the councilmembers discussed the ongoing Ludwig/Winkleblack nuisance abatement status. Dennis Ludwig said a shed will be erected on the property to house the items of concern. At the request of Ludwig and Winkleblack, the council approved a 14-day extension (until Oct. 6) for the property to be in compliance with city ordinance.

Rod Rumelhart (Hometown Insurance) described the status of the city’s insurance coverage. He said the city has had few claims, which helps keep costs down. He noted the city owns roughly $24 million in property, which costs around $55,000 per year to insure (or $2.24 per $1,000 in valuation).

“This has been a good year so far,” Rumelhart said.

Rumelhart shared several savings the city has or will likely receive, including a $4,500 savings he negotiated with the insurer and an expected dividend of approximately $13,000. The councilmembers unanimously approved the insurance renewal.

The council approved appointing Brandon Monaghan to the MJB Library Board and to accept the resignation of Marcia Priestley from the library board.

City Administrator Kris Arasmith shared information on savings the city will likely see due to little usage of the city’s Workers Comp coverage.

“We also will get some type of a credit back on our Worker’s Comp insurance. We will get a little over $5,000,” Arrasmith said. “Kudos to our employees for being safe.”

The councilmembers had brief discussion about setting a date for trick-or-treating. Because of the likelihood of a high school football playoff game on Oct. 31, the city had considered setting trick-or-treat on Oct. 30 but then realized the school has parent-teacher conferences on that date.

No formal action was taken at this time.

The next regular meeting is set for Monday, Oct. 13 at 6:30 p.m. The public is welcome.

Steensen honored with Guthrie Center Yard of the Month for September

Special to the Times Vedette

Merle Steensen at 909 Tiger Lane in Guthrie Center is the winner of $100 in chamber bucks from the Guthrie Center Lions Club and the Guthrie Center Chamber of Commerce for the Yard of the Month contest for September. These two organizations have teamed up to award citizens who maintain and take pride in their yard with this monthly contest.

Krakaus awarded Guthrie Center Yard of the Month for August

Special to the Times Vedette

Merv and Barb Krakau at 706 Prairie St. in Guthrie Center are the winners of $100 in chamber bucks from the Guthrie Center Lions Club and the Guthrie Center Chamber of Commerce for the Yard of the Month contest for August. These two organizations have teamed up to award citizens who maintain and take pride in their yard with this monthly contest.

Alzheimer’s Walk event raises $8,280

Kay Jacobsen (Rick Jacobsen’s mother) holds the blue flower representing someone living with Alzheimer’s.

Special to the Times Vedette

The Fifth Walk to End Alzheimer’s – Raccoon River Valley event was held Saturday, Sept, 20 at Michael Mills Memorial Park in Panora. A total of 18 teams and 56 participants were registered for the event. Many volunteers set up early that morning preparing for the 9:30 a.m. ceremony start and staging the two-mile walk that started at 10 a.m. Bananas, water and coffee were donated by Crafty’s Coffee & Gifts for the event for participants. Different colored flowers were handed out to show the various support levels for Alzheimer’s.

  • Orange Flower: I support the Alzheimer’s Cause
  • Yellow Flower: I am supporting or caring for someone with Alzheimer’s
  • Purple Flower: I have lost someone to Alzheimer’s
  • Blue Flower: I have Alzheimer’s

Currently, $8,280 has been raised. Donations can still be made at https://act.alz.org under “Find a Walk.” Enter the Panora zip code of 50216.