Special to the Times Vedette

The Guthrie County Hospital announced a partnership with the State of Iowa’s Senior Health Insurance Information Program (SHIIP) to offer free, objective and confidential assistance to Medicare beneficiaries during Medicare Open Enrollment.

Open Enrollment is the time of year when individuals can review and make changes to their Medicare Part D (prescription drug) or Medicare Advantage (MA) plans. Comparing options each year ensures that participants receive the best coverage for their needs and budget. Open Enrollment runs from Oct. 15 through Dec. 7 each year.

The SHIIP counselor at Guthrie County Hospital is available to:

• Explain Medicare options and benefits
• Assist with Part D and Medicare Advantage plan comparisons
• Identify potential cost savings
• Provide unbiased information — without selling or promoting insurance products

“This is an excellent opportunity for Medicare recipients to get personalized help understanding their options,” Mary Wardyn, GCH SHIIP Counselor, said. “Our goal is to make sure Guthrie County residents feel confident and supported when making important decisions about their healthcare coverage.”

Appointments are available by calling 641-332-3828. All SHIIP services are provided free of charge and are completely confidential.

Special to the Times Vedette

On Sept. 16, a total of 14 players participated. Bruce Bailey got a 17; Dick Ellis got a 16 and a 23; Sandy Rumelhart got a 16 and an 18; Clint Malbon and Wayne Nickel each got a 17; Dave Kading, Robert Klever and Dan Webb each got a 16; and Rhonda Titus got a 20.

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.

By Rich Wicks | Times Vedette

During the Sept. 16 regular meeting of the Adair-Casey School Board, the main discussion centered on the district’s plans for renovation of restrooms, entryways and office spaces. One key consideration was the timing of the project, since it could not realistically be completed over one summer break.

Superintendent Josh Rasmussen pointed out the district can likely save money on the project by having some details done by local contractors instead of as part of the bidded project.

Principal Ed Den Beste summarized the timing challenge in the project, which impacts when the board would want the project to begin.

“It’s not three to four months; it’s now six months,” Den Beste said.

The options discussed included having the project begin in late winter/early spring, so it could be completed before the start of the next school year or starting after the end of the school year and running into the fall. Another option would be the split the project into two parts, to be completed over two summers, although that option would likely increase the cost since material and labor costs are expected to increase over time.

“Just to make sure there’s still an appetite to move forward with the project is what I need to know tonight,” Rasmussen said. He noted that the board could later make a variety of decisions that could help control the cost, such as painted ceilings or tile ceilings.

Currently, the engineering firm of Denovo, which will serve as the project manager, is creating plans. The board chose to move forward with seeking bids for the project. Decisions on bids, the project timeline and other matters will be made later.

Den Beste provided a report on a good start to the new school year for the elementary and junior high.

The board chose to table a decision regarding plans to install new asphalt on the driveway in hopes of receiving additional bids.

The board settled on four legislative priorities for 2027: infrastructure, educational standards and accountability, school funding and teacher quality.

As part of the consent agenda items, the board approved contract recommendations for Tyler Merical (weight room coach and head softball coach), Morgan Lybbert (student council advisor), Austin Ernst (transportation), Les Elgin (transportation), and DMACC stipend adjustments.

Upcoming dates noted included school pictures on Sept. 22, homecoming (and a two-hour early release) on Oct. 9, and Iowa Association of School Boards convention Nov. 18-20.

The next regular meeting of the board will be a joint meeting with the Guthrie Center School Board on Oct. 21 at 7 p.m. at the junior high (3384 Indigo Ave., Adair). The public is welcome.

By Rich Wicks | Times Vedette

The Panorama school board met Sept. 14 in regular session. In the Good News portion of the meeting, the board learned that Panorama received a $29,000 dividend check from EMC Insurance as a result of the school district’s strong safety practices and proactive claims management.

The Weight Room Fundraising Campaign has wrapped up after receiving commitments from Iowa Trenchless, Guthrie County State Bank, Iowa Trust, Panora Fiber and Farmers State Bank. The remodeling has now begun, thanks to the donations.

The board named Ahlers and Cooney PC as legal counsel for 2026-2027. The board also approved three local banks as official depositories. Farmers State Bank, Iowa Trust and Guthrie County State Bank will be used by Panorama Schools in roughly equal amounts.

The board approved the resignations of Katie Jensen (elementary paraeducator), Tim Ashworth (route driver) and Samantha Hoffman (elementary paraeducator). The board also approved a contract recommendation for Olivia Richey as elementary paraeducator.

The senior class trip to Kansas City (March 3 – April 1, 2027) was approved. Thirty students and three chaperones are expected.

The next meeting of the board is set for Oct. 12. The public is welcome.