Skip to main content

Guthrie County Supervisors vote for 9-member EMS committee

By Rich Wicks | Times Vedette

The Guthrie County Board of Supervisors held a regular meeting on Jan. 6. Chair Steve Smith shared the recommendation from Brian Johnson and himself that the supervisors make a decision on the basic makeup of an EMS committee. He explained that the recommendation includes nine entities, but each entity would be able to designate a specific person who would serve on the nine-member committee.

Smith listed the nine recommended entities as city of Bayard, city of Bagley, Union Township, Adair Fire and Rescue, city of Guthrie Center, Guthrie County Hospital, city of Panora, city of Stuart, and Guthrie County Sheriff’s Office. Smith stressed that the cities listed could choose anyone (a council member, city administrator, first responder, etc.). Smith also said the recommendation is for a larger ad hoc committee, but that would be determined by the nine-member committee, if approved.

Supervisor Maggie Armstrong voiced support for the recommendation. Supervisor Mike Dickson disagreed.

“I don’t like it,” Dickson said. “I don’t like the structure that you’re going with either. The rationale is you’re limiting it to nine. I’m thinking it needs to be larger. Why not give representation from each township?”

Smith said a larger committee creates challenges in assuring participation from all members, and that a larger ad hoc committee would allow for broader input. He also added that the final decisions would be made by the county supervisors.

“There are missing pieces, but we can add all of those to the ad hoc,” Smith said. He clarified that he believes the nine-member committee (if approved) should decide who is invited to any ad hoc committee.

The supervisors voted 4-1 in favor of the nine-member committee as proposed. Dickson voted against.

Becky Benton (State Street Insurance) presented information on insurance rates and coverage options for the county to consider. Guthrie County participates in coverage through ICAP (Iowa Communities Assurance Pool), which covers 75 of Iowa’s 99 counties. The supervisors reviewed and renewed the coverage.

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

DAR Marian Anderson Legacy Scholarship accepting applications through Jan. 31

Renowned singer Marian Anderson performing in DAR Constitution Hall in 1943. Students studying music can apply for a one-time $5,000 scholarship honoring her legacy through Jan. 31.

Special to the Times Vedette

Undergraduate and graduate students studying music can apply for the DAR Marian Anderson Legacy Scholarship through Jan. 31. Sponsored by the National Society Daughters of the American Revolution (DAR), the scholarship provides a one-time $5,000 award to one student annually who is pursuing undergraduate or graduate study in music.

Marian Anderson (1897-1993) was a groundbreaking African American contralto and an inspiration for civil rights.

“This scholarship pays tribute to Marian Anderson’s life, and the Daughters of the American Revolution seeks to honor her legacy through aspiring musicians. Her legacy lives on in others who aim for excellence in musical studies, are committed to their communities, and willing to stand up for what is right,” said Ginnie Sebastian Storage, DAR President General.

Applicants should be accepted or currently enrolled in an accredited university or college in the United States and have a concentration in music in their course of study. Music performance, composition, theory, or education are all areas that students may be specialized in to qualify for the scholarship. They should have a minimum grade point average (GPA) of 3.0 on a 4.0 scale or the equivalent GPA on the scale used by the institution.

Applications are available here: https://www.dar.org/outreach/education/scholarships

Applications require references sent through the application system, so students need to request their references ahead of the Jan. 31 application deadline.

In honor of Ms. Anderson’s commitment to the community throughout her life and her willingness to share her incredible talent with the world, applicants are asked to write a personal statement describing their humanitarian or volunteer contributions on behalf of their community and/or country.

To recognize the city Marian Anderson called home, preference is given to students from the Philadelphia, Pennsylvania metropolitan area, even if they are not pursuing music studies in the Philadelphia area.

While this scholarship is not automatically renewed, recipients may reapply for consideration each year for up to four consecutive years.

The scholarship is supported by the Daughters of the American Revolution’s Marian Anderson Legacy Fund. Learn more about the relationship between Marian Anderson and the DAR, and the organization’s on-going efforts to honor her memory at www.dar.org/MarianAnderson

About the National Society of the Daughters of the American Revolution (DAR)
One of the largest patriotic women’s service organizations in the world, DAR has 190,000 members in approximately 3,000 chapters across the country and several foreign countries. DAR members promote historic preservation, education and patriotism via commemorative events, scholarships and educational initiatives, citizenship programs, service to veterans, meaningful community service and more. For additional information about DAR and its relevant mission, visit 
www.dar.org.

Cribbage results from Jan. 2 and Jan. 5

Special to the Times Vedette

On Jan. 2, a total of eight players participated. Kay Phippen got two 16s, Kathy Feilmeier got a 16; Roy Carl hit the jackpot with a 16, 17, 20, 16 and 17.

On Jan. 5, a total of seven players participated. Bill Sheeder and Dave Richter each got a 16: Wayne Nickel and Robert Klever each got a 20; and Dennis Betts got a 16, 16 and 21.

The Guthrie Center cribbage players generally meet at Guthrie Center Library, 400 Grand St., on Mondays at 8 a.m. and at the New Homestead independent living dining hall, 2306 State St., at 8 a.m. on Wednesdays and at 1 p.m. on Fridays. Organizers say there is always room for more, and they will be glad to teach you how to play. They play for quarters on Wednesday and Friday.

More than just books

By Karen Kelly | Special to the Times Vedette

With the new year underway, remember that the MJB Library is here to help you reach your goals for 2026. According to recent surveys, in addition to the ever-popular New Year’s resolutions like exercising more and eating healthier, Americans are resolving to improve their quality of life by setting goals to be happier, read more and learn new things.  

Whatever patrons are resolving for 2026, the MJB Library has resources to support the goals. The library has cookbooks and resources about healthy eating, weight loss and exercise. Books about relaxation, meditation and mindfulness can jump-start efforts to improve quality of life.

Puzzles, games, movies and books are available for check out for those who are working toward adding relaxation, more family time or more reading to their routines.  

Patrons who are looking to learn a new skill or enhance a skill they already have should consider the library programs that are offered each month. Be sure to follow the calendar of events on the library website and consult the monthly newsletter to see what programs are available to everyone in the community. For library card holders with a Guthrie Center address, remember to take advantage of the expanded offerings of the Adventure Pass. 

Crafty community members, you are invited to join the Craft and Connect group who meet each Monday from 4-6 p.m. The participants bring whatever project they might be working on, a warm beverage and drop in at the library to work and visit with other creative people while they create. 

Between the Covers afternoon book club will meet on Tuesday, Jan. 13 at 3 p.m. Charles Martin’s novel “When Crickets Cry,” the January book club selection, takes readers on an emotional journey focused on a heart surgeon and a little girl whose heart won’t last much longer and how their lives change because of their encounter. For people who are interested in joining the book club, copies are available for checkout at the MJB Library. 

“The Borrowed Life of Frederick Fife” by Anna Johnston is available for check out for members of the Reads Well with Others evening book club. The next meeting will be at 5 p.m. on Tuesday, Jan. 27.

Youth events for January include LEGO Mania Day on Wednesday, Jan. 14, and Creation Corner on Wednesday, Jan. 28. Both events are at 2 p.m. in the Taylor Meeting Room with pre-registration preferred. Interested participants may sign up on the MJB Library website. 

Story Hour for preschoolers and their caretakers will continue on each Friday at 10 a.m.  Snowflakes will be the focus of the stories and crafts on Jan. 9. The theme for Jan. 16 is cold with winter being the topic of Jan. 23’s story hour. On Jan. 30, story hour will feature seasons.

Card players are invited to join the weekly groups at the MJB Library. Cribbage players meet on Monday mornings from 9-11 a.m. in the Taylor Meeting Room. Bridge Class meets each Wednesday morning from 9-11 a.m. Both groups are always excited to welcome new players of all skill levels. 

Cookbook Club meets at 6:30 p.m. on Thursday, Jan. 15 to taste and discuss recipes from “The Amish Friends’ No Waste Cookbook” by Wanda Brunsteader. To join the Cookbook Club, stop by the library and choose a recipe from the selected cookbook. Prepare the recipe and bring it to the meeting to share with the group on the third Thursday of each month. Patrons who have an interest in joining the cookbook club can call the library with questions. 

On Thursday, Jan. 15 from 9-11 a.m., the card-making class will be held in the Taylor Meeting Room for anyone who would like to make one-of-a-kind greeting cards. All supplies are provided for a $5 fee to cover the cost of card-making materials. 

Guthrie County Sheriff’s Office Weekly Report — Dec. 29, 2025 – Jan. 4, 2026

12-29-25 

  • 1:17 a.m. Guthrie County Deputy checked on suspicious vehicle in Guthrie Center 
  • 1:25 a.m. Panora Police, Guthrie County deputy responded to commercial burglar alarm in Panora
  •  2:23 a.m. Stuart Rescue responded to medical call in Stuart 
  • 3:10 a.m. Bayard Fire responded to a structure fire in Greene County
  •  10:12 a.m. Panora Police responded to a theft call in Panora
  •  3:25 p.m. Stuart Rescue and Stuart Police responded to a medical call in Stuart
  •  4:05 p.m. Stuart Police did a civil standby in Stuart
  •  4:42 p.m. Panora Ambulance, Guthrie County Sheriff and Deputy responded to medical call in rural Yale
  •  5:04 p.m. Guthrie County deputy investigated damage to mailboxes in Yale
  •  7:32 p.m. Guthrie County deputies and Iowa State Patrol investigated report of a vehicle on bike trail southeast of Panora
  •  11:28 p.m. Stuart Rescue responded to medical call in rural Stuart

 

12-30-25

  •  5:29 a.m. Stuart Police transported a transient to Adair
  •  7:49 a.m. Guthrie County Deputy removed debris from Highway 44 in Guthrie Center
  •  9:49 a.m. Guthrie County Deputy investigated civil issue in Casey
  •  10:06 a.m. Stuart Police investigated report of damage to mailboxes in Stuart
  •  10:22 a.m. Panora Ambulance responded to medical call in Panora
  •  10:34 a.m. Panora Ambulance responded to medical call in Guthrie Center
  •  10:46 a.m. Guthrie County Deputy did vehicle unlock in Guthrie Center
  •  5 p.m. Guthrie County Deputy investigated report of suspicious activity in Guthrie Center
  •  17:27 p.m. Guthrie County Deputy investigated report of damage to mailboxes in Yale
  •  5:42 p.m. Guthrie County Deputy removed dead deer off Highway 44 by Panora
  •  6:07 p.m. Guthrie County Sheriff and Deputy investigated report of an assault in Guthrie Center 

 

12-31-25

  •  1:43 a.m. Panora Ambulance did medical transfer from Guthrie County Hospital to Des Moines
  •  8:51 a.m. Guthrie County Deputy unlocked vehicle in Casey
  •  9:27 a.m. Guthrie County Deputy investigate report of harassment in Guthrie Center
  •  12:31 p.m. Guthrie County Deputy did welfare check in Guthrie Center

 

1-1-26

  •  12:49 a.m. Guthrie County Deputy responded to a report of a suspicious vehicle on Justice Road
  •  6:10 a.m. Guthrie County Chief Deputy removed debris from Highway 4
  •  7:37 a.m. Panora Ambulance transported a patient from the Guthrie County Hospital to Omaha
  •  1:56 p.m. Case follow-up by Guthrie County Deputy
  •  5:30 p.m. Case follow-up by Guthrie County Deputy
  •  6:48 p.m. Guthrie County Deputy transported a prisoner from Sac County Jail to the Guthrie County Jail
  •  8:13 p.m. Panora Police responded to a harassment complaint

 

1-2-26

  •  8:13 a.m. Panora Police called to a lift assist in Panora
  •  9:27 a.m. Guthrie County Deputy removed debris from highway
  •  10:23 a.m. Guthrie County Deputy transported two prisoners to prison
  •  2:01 p.m. Guthrie County Chief Deputy investigated suspicious activity in Yale
  •  5:07 p.m. Guthrie County Deputy did a welfare check in Jamaica
  •  6:04 p.m. Panora Ambulance responded to medical call in Panora
  •  6:14 p.m. Stuart Fire/Rescue and Stuart Police responded to semi fire at the 99 mile marker eastbound I-80
  •  7:55 p.m. Panora Ambulance did a patient transfer from Guthrie County Hospital to Mercy, Waterloo
  •  9:52 p.m. Stuart Police investigated report of a bicyclist riding on street without any lights that almost got hit
  •  10:57 p.m. Panora Ambulance U2 responded to a medical call in rural Panora

 

1-3-26

  •  4:21 a.m. Stuart Rescue responded to medical call in Stuart
  •  6:36 a.m. Stuart Fire, Stuart Rescue, Menlo Fire, Stuart Police and Guthrie County Sheriff’s Office assisted with a controlled burn of the Country Kitchen
  •  8:24 a.m. Stuart Rescue, Menlo Fire and Stuart Police responded to medical calling on I-80
  •  9:11 a.m. Guthrie County Deputy relayed medication to Greene County
  •  10:16 a.m. Guthrie County Reserve Deputy’s transported prisoner from Polk County Jail to Guthrie County Jail
  •  2:46 p.m. Guthrie County Deputy investigated report of an erratic driver on Highway 141
  •  4:12 p.m. Guthrie County Deputy did a welfare check in Menlo
  •  6:18 p.m. Stuart Rescue responded to medical call in Stuart
  •  7:39 p.m. Stuart Fire Department went back out to controlled burn to put out hot spots

 

 1-4-26

  •  1:27 a.m. Guthrie County Deputy responded to domestic issue
  •  12:30 a.m. Guthrie County Deputy assisted with child custody questions
  •  3:25 p.m. Guthrie County Deputy assisted with a child custody issue
  •  4:44 p.m. Stuart Rescue responded to a medical call in Stuart
  •  8:33 p.m. Guthrie County Deputy assisted Greene County with a warrant check in Jamaica
  •  9:01 p.m. Panora Ambulance responded to a lift assistance call in rural Guthrie Center
  •  11:47 p.m. Stuart Rescue responded to a medical call in rural Menlo