Special to the Times Vedette

Representative Zach Nunn announced Thursday that a $500,000 federal investment to rebuild an 11.5-mile stretch of White Pole Road in Guthrie County was approved. The purpose of this White Pole Road rebuild is to create a more reliable commute for farmers, families and emergency responders to rely on every day.

Rep. Nunn announced the investment this afternoon in Stuart, joined by Guthrie County officials, City of Stuart leaders and regional economic development partners.

“Out here in Guthrie County, a road like White Pole Road is how the grain gets to the elevator, how the school bus gets every kid to school and how an ambulance reaches a family in time,” Rep. Nunn said. “Growing up on my family’s farm, I know what it costs a rural community when a road it depends on starts to fail. This investment rebuilds the road that farmers, families and first responders count on every day, and keeps it moving for years to come.”

Rep. Nunn secured the funding through the FY2026 Community Project Funding (CPF) process. As the grant recipient, Guthrie County will administer the dollars to advance a major phase of the White Pole Road revitalization.

Once complete, the project will rebuild the 11.5-mile section from Highway 25 east to the county line — a stretch worn down by decades of heavy freight traffic and aging infrastructure. The work will repair failing pavement, modernize dangerous curves and outdated road geometry, widen shoulders and close gaps in sidewalk connectivity through Stuart so students and families can reach downtown safely. Over the past decade, the corridor has seen 74 crashes, including serious injuries and fatalities.

The $500,000 federal award builds on more than $10 million in local and regional funding already committed to the corridor. Work is expected to continue through 2027.

Local and county leaders welcomed the investment.

“White Pole Road has connected communities, businesses and families for generations. Today, we are investing in its future. Rural roads like this are essential but maintaining them requires strong partnerships at every level. This project demonstrates what can be accomplished when local, regional, state and federal partners work together toward a common goal,” Maggie Armstrong, Guthrie County Board of Supervisors, said.

“On behalf of the City of Stuart, we are grateful to Congressman Zach Nunn and his office for their support in securing Community Project Funding for the White Pole Road updates. This project is important to our community, and without Congressman Nunn’s support, the financial impact on Guthrie County and Stuart residents would have been much greater. We appreciate his continued commitment to small-town Iowa and his recognition of the infrastructure needs that help communities like ours continue to grow and thrive,” Cory Kirkpatrick, Mayor of Stuart, said.

“On behalf of the Midwest Partnership Economic Development Corporation and the White Pole Road Scenic Byway, we sincerely thank Congressman Zach Nunn for his support in securing this important Community Project Funding. White Pole Road is a vital corridor that connects our communities, supports local businesses, and drives tourism and economic growth across our region. This investment will help ensure the route remains safe, accessible and welcoming for residents, visitors and businesses alike, demonstrating the power of collaboration between local leaders, county officials and federal partners,” Brenda Dudly, Midwest Partnership Economic Development, said.

“As a council member, I first think about what projects like this mean for the people of Stuart. This section of White Pole Road is heavily traveled and serves as an important connection to our community today, while also supporting future growth,” Angie Capps, Stuart City Council, said.

“The White Pole Road resurfacing project is an investment in our county’s vast transportation infrastructure. It’s one of the most traveled roads within our county system. Projects like this are a testament to what can be accomplished when all levels of government work together,” Mike Dickson, Guthrie County Board of Supervisors, said.

By Rich Wicks | Times Vedette

During the June 17 joint meeting of the Adair-Casey and Guthrie Center school boards, discussion was held regarding the various fees and prices paid by students and families. Superintendent Josh Rasmussen explained that meal prices need to increase slightly to cover costs. The recommended prices were 10 to 25 cents higher than the current price. He also suggested raising the cost of drivers education from $360 to $400 (students on reduced lunch pricing would pay $200). The boards voted to approve the prices as recommended.

Principal Cody Matthewson discussed his recommendations for the number of credits needed for graduation. Because of the change in class schedule, Matthewson recommended a different number of required credits for students currently entering ninth through 12th grades. The matter will be considered for approval during the July meeting.

In the consent items portion of the meeting, approval was given regarding the resignations of Adair-Casey employees Melissa Dewitt (paraprofessional), Kiara Coston (paraprofessional) and Jacob Joliet (junior high football, junior high strength and junior high track). Guthrie Center employee resignations included Kelsey Eischeid (assistant volleyball), Skie Shull (junior class sponsor) and Christina Wilson (junior class sponsor). A contract recommendation was approved for Jason Calhoun as Guthrie Center volunteer softball coach.

Becky Benton (State Street Insurance) shared her report and options for the boards to consider for 2026-2027 property/casualty/SPF insurance renewal. The boards approved the renewals with minor changes from the current coverage.

The Adair-Casey board voted to approve the bread bid from Pan O’ Gold, which is the same supplier chosen by the Guthrie Center board.

The Guthrie Center board discussed the superintendent contract. Business Manager Brandy Rudy said since other professional staff get three personal days, increasing that for the superintendent (from two to three days) would create uniformity. Matt Van Meter voiced his opposition to increasing the allowance from two days to three days. He said the superintendent also gets 20 days of vacation, whereas teachers only get the three personal days.

There was also discussion about Rasmussen’s request for wording in the contract to give more advance notice if his contract were not going to be renewed, so that he could pursue applying elsewhere. Van Meter said he saw no benefit to the school in that proposed change. After discussion, that proposed stipulation was left out. The board approved the contract on a four to one vote, with Van Meter voting against.

Discussion was held regarding the need for volunteers at the high school during RAGBRAI. Hundreds of riders are expected to use the high school’s shower facilities, so volunteers will be needed to help with traffic flow, towel distribution and other needs.

Rasmussen voiced appreciation to Matthewson for his years of service, as this was Matthewson’s final board meeting prior to his resignation. Matthewson responded and voiced his appreciation for his years at ACGC.

“There are a few things that always resonated with me. As a coach or AD or principal, the reason why I think we had so much success is I took everything personally, from how the field looked to how the kids acted to discipline, as a direct representation of my family. That was my last name that was being put out there,” Matthewson said. “You’re either all in or all out, so hopefully we can continue to find people to advocate for our kids who are all in.”

The Guthrie Center board set a work session meeting for 6:30 p.m. on July 1 to discuss the facility needs list submitted by Denovo and to plan for staffing and other needs during RAGBRAI.

Upcoming dates include the Booster Club’s fundraiser golf tournament on Friday, June 26.

The next regular meeting — a joint meeting of the Adair-Casey and Guthrie Center school boards — was set for Wednesday, July 15, at 7 p.m. The location is tentatively set for the Guthrie Center Elementary School library. The public is welcome at all board meetings other than special closed meetings as allowed by law.

By Rich Wicks | Times Vedette

Alicia Ciesielski is leading the planning for overnight accommodations for the thousands of bicyclists and others who will be in Guthrie Center on Monday, July 20. She provided an update on the status of those plans.

The largest cycling groups, known as charters, will generally be staying at the Guthrie County Fairgrounds. Some of those large charters include more than 1,000 riders. Other groups come in all sizes, from just a few riders (or even just one) to dozens.

The Guthrie Center RAGBRAI housing committee has been working over the last couple of months to help a portion of the estimated 30,000-plus riders find overnight accommodations in Guthrie Center. So far, more than 220 RAGBRAI teams have officially registered to find host families for Guthrie Center with more coming in every day.

Some of the requests range from looking for outdoor tent space, to full RV hookups, and from indoor bed requests to indoor floor camping. The committee has received requests from riders just asking for a place to hang hammocks and others for just a safe place to sleep under the stars. Many of the teams share special details about their team in hopes of finding a good match. A few examples are shown below:

“I am a veteran who served 30 years in the military. My son and I are seeking a host home in Guthrie Center.”

“Just looking for a place where a mom and dad and their two sons can spend the night out of the elements.”

“We’ve been riding RAGBRAI for over 10 years and have made lifelong friends with previous host families. Would love to find that connection in GC.”

“We’re a group from a sober community – we’re friendly, non-drinking folks looking for accommodations.”  

“Just a solo rider, with my husband, for my first RAGBRAI looking for quiet yard for camping.”

“I am looking for a bedroom for my parents in their 60s who are doing RAGBRAI for the first time.”

Due to the generosity of many Guthrie County residents, a large portion of these riders have been matched with local hosts by the committee already. And they would like to heartfully thank them for their willingness to open homes, yards, lots and acreages to the town’s overnight guests.

Hundreds of riders are still unmatched and without a place to stay overnight, so the Guthrie Center RAGBRAI committee is still looking for hosts. If you live anywhere in the vicinity of Guthrie Center — in town or out of town, especially if you are along the route — they would welcome your generosity to offer to host a RABGRAI team. To be a host, you can choose the accommodations that you are the most comfortable with. If you have a yard that would allow a team to pitch a few tents and use your bathroom, that would be terrific. If you have a spare bedroom or two and would like to host a couple or a small group, that would be great. If you live on an acreage and have wide open spaces, that could work, too. Maybe you are willing to host a larger, social team in and around your home. Who knows, maybe a lifelong connection will be made along the way.

You can sign up to host a RAGBRAI team by using the link: https://forms.gle/2uynWfo9Ufz95BEf7

Or go to the website of Guthrie Center RAGBRAI to learn more. www.guthriecenterragbrai.com.