By Rich Wicks | Times Vedette

During the Guthrie County Board of Supervisors meeting on July 14, Veterans Affairs Director Beth Watson provided a departmental report and addressed the supervisors regarding gravesite markers for veterans. Watson also discussed a situation of a request for burial assistance for a General Assistance recipient who may or may not meet county residency guidelines. Supervisor Maggie Armstrong suggested looking into the matter more closely to determine if this person met eligibility requirements.

“I prefer we take no action today,” Supervisor Brian Johnson said. The supervisors did not take formal action on the matter.

The supervisors approved two resolutions regarding county employee wages. Resolution 27-01 designates county salaries and wages effective July 1, 2026. Resolution 27-02 authorizes County Auditor Dani Fink to issue payroll checks.

The supervisors went into closed session, as allowed by law, to discuss strategy with legal counsel regarding an issue in litigation or where litigation is imminent.

The supervisors meet regularly on Tuesdays at 9 a.m. The public is welcome to attend in person at the courthouse or via remote technology. To join remotely, call 323-792-6123, then use meeting code 547029216#

By Rich Wicks | Times Vedette

During the July 13 regular meeting of the Guthrie Center City Council, the council held a public hearing regarding the proposed sale of land north of the city cemetery. No citizens were present to speak during the hearing, and no written comments were received, so the hearing promptly closed. During the regular council meeting, the council approved the sale on a four-to-one vote, with Fidel Hernandez as the vote against.

The council discussed concerns related to the apartment building at 303 Prairie St. Compliance Officer Wes Clark noted that the property owner has apparently complied with expectations to mitigate the clutter in the building, but council members voiced concerns that conditions in the individual apartments may still be unsanitary. The consensus of the council was to take no further action at this time. The council will address tenant complaints if or when any are heard.

Clark also said complaints continue to be received regarding the property at 907 Grand St. He said the complaints are regarding noise and parking in the right-of-way (parking over the sidewalk). He said he will attend a pretrial hearing on July 31 regarding the matter.

City Administrator Kris Arrasmith reported on the recently completed citywide cleanup. She said the event was a success and included 116 stops.

Arrasmith reported on planning for RAGBRAI. She said there are now 35 food vendors expected on July 20. Arrasmith also showed the maps that have been created for RAGBRAI. One side of the map shows the entire city, while the opposite side shows a map of the downtown area. She explained the maps will also be available in electronic format, via a QR code, which will be more user-friendly for the cyclists when they are in town. They can be viewed at www.guthriecenterragbrai.com/maps.

The council discussed that cell phone connectivity may be spotty in town at times during RAGBRAI’s visit, especially on July 20 from the afternoon to early evening. For that reason, city staff will use walkie-talkies for communication as needed.

“Phones are probably not going to be a great thing,” Arrasmith said.

Arrasmith explained that on July 20, bicyclists will come into town on Highway 44, while RVs and trucks with RAGBRAI will come into town from the south on Highway 25. She encouraged local travelers to consider alternate routes and/or to allow more time.

“It’s going to be congested, so everybody’s going to have to put on their patient pants,” Arrasmith said.

Arrasmith noted that at the fire station there is now a display of art resembling antique bicycles. She added that signage asks that no person climb on the display, since it is art rather than a toy.

The council approved renewals of Dale Menning and Dr. Steven Bascom as members of the library board.

The next regularly scheduled meeting of the city council is set for July 27 at 6:30 p.m. The public is welcome.

By Rich Wicks | Times Vedette

Guthrie Center held the annual 50115 Fest on Saturday, July 11. Attendees enjoyed the farmers market, classic car show, and firefighters’ water fights. Several local businesses also participated in the sidewalk sales on Friday and Saturday.

Classic cars on State Street.

An eye-catching 1935 Ford.

Items for sale at Dowd Drug.

The Guthrie Center Library had a spot during the sidewalk event.

A vintage firetruck.

Firefighters compete in the water fight.

Shoppers browse outside Strawberry Patch.

Special to the Times Vedette

On July 10, a total of 10 players participated. Rhonda Titus a 16; Roy Carl two 16s; Dan Webb got a 17; and Bill Sheeder had a 20.

On July 13, a total of 10 players participated. Kathy Feilmeier got a 16; Rhonda Titus and Robert Klever each got a 17; and Roy Carl got a 24.

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 July 13 meeting of the Panora City Council, the council members discussed a nuisance complaint regarding the property at 410 East Market St. The council reviewed photos of the area being discussed.

Councilmember Roger Dorr explained how he heard about the concern.

“I’ve had probably three or four people stop by and complain, asking if there’s anything we can do about it,” he said. “It’s beyond a nuisance.”

Police Chief Matt Reising described how this type of situation is generally addressed, and he asked for direction from the council. He said the city generally mails a letter to the property owner giving a timeframe within which to have the violation mitigated.

“It’s clear that property is in violation of city code,” Chief Reising said.

After discussion, the council chose to have a letter sent giving seven days for mitigation and asked Reising to attempt to speak with the property owner about the situation.

City Administrator Lisa Grossman asked the council members to consider a performance contract with Kile and Susan Jackson for RAGBRAI (July 21). The contract would pay them $1,500 for playing music, serving as deejay, and making periodic announcements over their sound system during the festivities on the Panora square. The council approved the contract as written.

The council discussed Resolution 26-36, supporting the Joint CHBP Grant Agreement. Grossman explained that it would allow the city to pursue a federal grant that could potentially pay 80% of bridge replacement for the bridge near Lenon Mill Park. She added that the project would not happen for a few years. The council approved the resolution.

A camping exemption was granted at Water Works Park to allow camping, if needed, on the evening of July 20 for RAGBRAI.

The council considered approving the closure of City Hall offices on July 21 due to RAGBRAI. Grossman explained that city staff will be working that day, but will be outside and in the town square, not in the offices. The council approved the closure as presented.

The next regular meeting is set for Monday, July 27 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#).

By Rich Wicks | Times Vedette

Guthrie Center United Methodist Church (405 Prairie St.) now invites anyone in need of free gently used clothing to come to the Giving Closet. Hours of operation are 9 a.m. to 6 p.m., seven days a week. Enter via the alley behind the church.