Baird appointed mayor of Guthrie Center

By Rich Wicks | Times Vedette

The Guthrie Center City Council met in regular session on Sept. 28. The main topic on the agenda was appointing a new mayor. Councilmember (and mayor pro tem) Garold Thomas led the meeting. He invited each of the two mayoral candidates, Roger Baird and JT Herron, to address the council regarding their interest in becoming mayor. Each talked about their longtime involvement in Guthrie Center. Baird noted that since he is fully retired, he has plenty of time to devote to mayoral duties.

The council voted to appoint Baird as the new mayor. He will be sworn in at the council’s Oct. 12 meeting.

City Administrator Kris Arrasmith shared information about Compliance Officer Wes Clark’s work addressing various properties that appear to be in violation of the city’s ordinances, especially regarding lawns.

“They’re on his radar, but he wants to wait until after the rain stops, and then he’ll work on some citations,” she said.

Arrasmith also updated the council regarding repeated and ongoing complaints about the property at 907 Grant St. She noted that the city attorney is currently working to address the issues.

“Bruner is in communication with that gentleman,” she said.

The council approved the 2025-2026 Annual Urban Renewal Report.

Arrasmith noted that a ceremony will be held Nov. 10 at 6:30 p.m. for recipients of funding from the Guthrie County Community Foundation. The city was awarded funds for playground equipment at the city park.

The next regular meeting of the council will be Oct. 12 at 6:30 p.m. The public is welcome.