By Rich Wicks | Times Vedette

On Tuesday, workers were installing the roof on the new addition to Guthrie County Quality Meats in Guthrie Center as part of their expansion. Temperatures in the 90s made the job even more challenging.

Special to the Times Vedette

Visitors arriving in Casey are now greeted by a fresh new look at the city’s welcome signs, thanks to the work and dedication of the Casey Service Club’s Flower Committee. What was once a simple entrance sign has been transformed into a vibrant community showcase featuring colorful perennial plantings designed to provide beautiful blooms from spring through fall. The project reflects the pride local volunteers have in making Casey a warm and inviting place to live, work and visit.

The new sign design and construction were donated through the volunteer efforts of Trish and Eric Whetstone of Whetstone Design. Their redesign gave the entrance a fresh, polished appearance while creating an attractive landscape bed that enhances the sign through the changing seasons. Their contribution is another example of local residents using their talents to invest in the community they love.

“This project was truly a community effort, made possible through the generosity of many individuals and organizations,” Trish said.

The Flower Committee extends appreciation to the Casey Women’s Club, the Hayes Trust and the Casey Coffee Club for financial support. A special thank you also goes to the Peterson Family for donating the soil used in the project, as well as to Mayor Bruce Vorm, Brian Rumple, Cory Schaffer and the City of Casey maintenance staff for the time and equipment. 

“Every community is built on the efforts of those willing to give their time, and this project is no exception. We want to thank the past members of the Flower Committee for their years of dedication to keeping Casey beautiful. Their commitment inspired us, and while we know we have big shoes to fill, we hope they will look at these improvements with pride, knowing the tradition they began is being carried forward by a new team of volunteers. We are honored to continue building on that foundation,” Trish said. “Thank you to everyone who helped make this project possible. Together, we’re helping create a beautiful first impression and a warm welcome to Casey for years to come.”

By Rich Wicks | Times Vedette

After months of planning and preparation, Guthrie County appears to be ready to shine during RAGBRAI. Below is a short list of questions and answers that may prove helpful.

MONDAY, July 20 (Guthrie Center)

When will bicyclists and others arrive?

Bicyclists are expected to begin trickling into Guthrie Center around 6 or 7 a.m. Monday, coming in from the west on Highway 44 with the majority arriving in the early afternoon. Support vehicles (trucks and RVs) will arrive from the south via Highway 25 beginning before sunup and throughout the morning.

What streets/roads will be closed?

In Guthrie Center, the only closed-off area will be State Street from the fire station to the Casey’s intersection (Fifth Street), and side streets (Second, Third and Fourth Streets) one block north and south of State Street. However, traffic anywhere near downtown Guthrie Center or around the fairgrounds or schools is likely to be heavily congested much of the day.

Will businesses be closed?

Some will. The courthouse will be open. Guthrie County State Bank will be closed. If you have shopping or business to transact Monday in Guthrie Center, it would be wise to check first.

How can I get to where I need to go?

The key term is patience. Getting around will take longer. There will be shuttle buses running on three roundtrip routes (downtown to fairgrounds, downtown to the high school, and downtown to the elementary school/Immanuel Church/Café on the Hill).

Will I still have cell phone connectivity in town?

Cell coverage may be spotty, especially in the afternoon.

When will it end?

Live music and alcohol sales will end at 11 p.m. Street closures in Guthrie Center are expected to end around midnight.

TUESDAY, July 21 (Guthrie Center)

What will Guthrie Center look like Tuesday morning?

Most of the bicyclists prefer to start their daily ride early to avoid the heat. Expect lots of bicycle traffic on State Street/Highway 44 toward Panora all morning.

TUESDAY, July 21 (Panora and Yale)

When will bicyclists and others arrive?

The bicyclists will roll into Panora and Yale throughout the morning. Some early birds will likely roll through before sunrise. 

What streets/roads will be closed?

In Panora, the only officially closed-off area will be at the town square.

When will it end?

For both Panora and Yale, things are expected to settle down by early- to mid-afternoon, since the day’s bicycle route ends in Boone.

By Rich Wicks | Times Vedette

Everyone is invited to come to Casey this weekend. The town’s 2026 summer festival includes many familiar events along with several new additions. The annual celebration is set for July 17 and 18, with many familiar events and a few new offerings.

One of the new additions is the kickball tournament. Teams of nine players each will compete. Anyone with questions, or groups looking to add players to reach nine, may call James Grubbs at 641-740-1947. Three teams are already registered.

Events shown will occur on Main Street, McPherson Street or at the Community Center. The schedule includes:

Friday, July 17

• 3-6 p.m.: “Rock Walk” at the library with the music collection of local teen Parker King.
• 5-9 p.m.: Mini golf
• 6 p.m.: Dinner and drinks served by Casey Service Club, at the Community Building patio
• 6 p.m.: Kids Parade on Main Street
• 6:30-8:30 p.m.: Foam Party
• 6:45 p.m.: Casey Service Club awards
• 7 p.m.: Bags tournament
• 8-11 p.m.: Beer tent and live music by Jesse Wilson, at Tin Lizzie’s
• 8:30 p.m.: Outdoor movies “Sandlot” and “A League of Their Own” will be shown

Saturday, July 18

• 7 a.m.: Casey Stampede 5K and 1-mile Fun Run
• 7-10 a.m.: Pancake breakfast
• 8:30 a.m.: Bake sale by Lutheran Women’s Missionary League
• 10:30 a.m.: Big Parade
• 11 a.m. to 1 p.m.: Methodist Church lunch
• 10 a.m. to 1 p.m.: Historical Society open house at Visitors Center
• 11:30 a.m. to 2:30 p.m.: Casey Boys car show
• 11 a.m. to 3 p.m.: Kids’ water tag
• 11 a.m.: Crafts with Rolling Hills Bank
• 11:30 a.m. to 2 p.m.: Chicken Bingo
• Noon: Kickball registration, with tournament to follow
• 1 p.m.: Bingo at Community Building
• 2 p.m.: Wacky Cake Decorating and Cake Walk
• 2 p.m.: Science Center of Iowa: BOOM (the science of explosions)
• 8-11 p.m.: Beer tent and live music by Ghost Riderz, at Tin Lizzie’s