By Rich Wicks | Times Vedette

Twenty-nine members of the ACGC FFA Chapter traveled to Denison High School March 7 to compete in the Southwest District FFA Leadership Contest. Students participated in leadership development events that test communication, leadership, record keeping and agricultural knowledge.

Several ACGC members earned top honors and will advance to the state level April 20 at the Iowa FFA Leadership Conference in Ames.

ACGC had four individuals and teams advance to the state contest. Lucy Knutter placed first and received a gold rating in the Individual Ag Sales contest. Rylee Robson earned first place and a gold rating in the Job Interview contest. Meranda Gruber placed second with a gold rating in the Chapter Website contest, and Nora Langgaard placed second with a gold rating in the Treasurer’s Book competition. Other ACGC members also had strong performances at the district contest. Garrett Lemke received a gold rating in Oxy-Acetylene Welding, and Ava Sneller earned a gold rating for the Reporter’s Book.

Several participants received silver ratings: Chase Slaybaugh (Arc Welding), Nora Langgaard (Extemporaneous Speaking), Lilah Heinz (Public Speaking) and Creighton Suhr (Creed Speaking).

Teams also competed in several leadership events. The Chapter Program team of Stella Largent, Irelyn Wirt and Ava Sneller earned a silver rating. The Agricultural Issues and Perceptions team of Cash Suhr, Hudson Gilland, Ryan Martens, Blake Ganzer, Reece Emgarten and Aaron Langgaard received a silver rating. The Experience the Action team of Allison Drake, Calleigh Wolfe, Taryn Carroll, Tessa Slaybaugh and Alli Wiers earned a silver rating. In the Ag Impact event, Kenzie Kading, Jaxen Knobbe, Blaire Robson and Colt Wilson received a silver rating. Stella Largent also competed in the Secretary’s Book contest and received a bronze rating.

The district contest provided students the opportunity to develop leadership skills, strengthen public speaking abilities, and represent the ACGC FFA Chapter among other schools in the district. Congratulations to all who competed.

By Rich Wicks | Times Vedette

The Guthrie Center School Board announced the hiring of three individuals.

William Shull

The Guthrie Center School Board announced the appointment of William Shull as physical education teacher, strength and conditioning coach and head football coach for ACGC High School and Guthrie Center Elementary. Shull currently serves as a physical education teacher at Adair-Casey Elementary and ACGC Junior High. He also serves as the head girls golf coach at ACGC High School.

Previously, Shull contributed to the Charger football program as an assistant coach and will now step into the role of head football coach, replacing Cody Matthewson beginning next fall.

Shull brings three years of teaching experience including the past two years at ACGC Junior High. He holds a bachelor’s degree in kinesiology and health from Iowa State University and a master’s degree in sports management from Northwest Missouri State University. He says he is excited to use his experiences and background to grow in these roles.

 

Rhys Pate

The Guthrie Center School Board announced the appointment of Rhys Pate as the new 9-12 principal at ACGC High School. Pate currently serves as a math teacher at Valley Southwoods in the West Des Moines Community School District and brings 18 years of teaching experience to the position. He holds a bachelor’s degree in education, as well as master’s and specialist degrees in education from Drake University. Pate says he is excited to use his educational and leadership experiences to lead ACGC High School.

His wife, Sarah, worked for 21 years at Valley as a special education associate and is currently taking time off to care for her family. Daughter Makencie works in marketing for 515 Decorative Concrete Supply and has developed a strong passion for utilizing her digital expertise. Daughter Kayla has worked in childcare since the age of 16 and is currently a nanny for a family with four children. Son Jase graduated last year and is now employed at Crunch Fitness, where he is working toward certification as a personal trainer, building on his passion for fitness developed during his time as a high school wrestler. Johannah (Jojo) is a seventh-grade student who is involved in school activities, including volleyball, basketball, wrestling, track and chorus.

Pate enjoys watching his children grow and pursue their passions. In his free time, he enjoys working out, golfing, collecting baseball cards, and, most importantly, spending time with his family.

Pate replaces Cody Matthewson, who resigned from his principal position earlier this year.

Taylor Tiernan

The Guthrie Center School Board announced the appointment of Taylor Tiernan as the new 7-12 activities director and at-risk coordinator for ACGC High School. Tiernan currently serves as a special education teacher and assistant softball coach at Waukee High School.

Tiernan brings six years of teaching experience, along with 11 years of coaching experience and three years of event operations experience at Iowa State University. She holds a bachelor’s degree in education from Iowa State University and a master’s degree in educational leadership from Drake University. Tiernan says she is excited to bring her educational and leadership experiences to ACGC.

Tiernan replaces Taylor Morris, activities director/at-risk coordinator, who resigned from his position earlier this year.

By Rich Wicks | Times Vedette

During the regular meeting of the Panora City Council March 23, the council members considered a quote from Dirt-Teck LLC for the city’s planned sewer project along Clay Street. Public Works Director Ismael Galvan recommended approving Dirt-Teck and their price quote of approximately $180,000. Galvan also noted the city could decrease the cost by having the city crew do some of the prep work.

“Our recommendation is to go with Dirt-Teck,” Galvan said. “I think that’s a better option for us to go.”

Galvan said the project will include approximately 460 feet of sewer line. The council voted to approve the quote by Dirt-Teck.

In other news, a public hearing was held regarding the proposed property taxes for fiscal year 2026-2027. No verbal or written comments were received, so the hearing promptly closed. The council set a public hearing on the proposed budget at 5:30 p.m. on April 13. Immediately after that public hearing, there will be a public hearing on the city’s proposed amendment of Section 5-4-20 of the Zoning Ordinance related to Permitted Uses by adding a new subsection regarding churches or accessory buildings.

The next regular meeting is set for Monday, April 13 at 5:30 p.m. The public is welcome. Interested persons may attend in person or electronically by visiting the website https://meet.goto.com/cityofpanora or by phone 1-312-757-3121 (Access Code 295-099-701, Audio PIN 220#).