From Left, Adair Dance Academy owner Stef Fagan, Patsy Wood, Grace Mackrill, Carol Weston, Pat Pettinger, Kathy Burr, Deanna Chesnut, Rhonda Hockney, Sharon Anderson and Linda Hemminger

By Pat Pettinger | Special to the Times Vedette

Members of the Adair Women’s Club met at the Adair Dance Academy on Wednesday, Aug. 26.

Owner, operator and head dance instructor Stefany Bireline Fagan talked to the group about her journey through dance as a child and teenager, through her college years and finally through fulfilling her dream by opening the Adair Dance Academy in 2009. Although the numbers fluctuate, Stef currently has more than 145 students enrolled.

Many types of dance instruction are offered, such as ballet, tap, hip hop, jazz, lyrical and tumbling, as well as a competition team. Members of the club then toured the facility to see the studios and all the equipment available.

Following the tour, the club met at the Adair Library for the business meeting and refreshments. Nine members answered the roll call topic, “Tell about a memorable first day of school.” Pat Pettinger gave the secretary’s and treasurer’s reports.

The school supplies donated by club members have been delivered to the Adair-Casey Elementary campus.

Pat will talk to Little Smiles Daycare about their needs for donations for our Festival of Trees entry. A meeting of the Festival of Trees committee will be held at the library at 6 p.m. on Sept. 23, directly before our next meeting. Club members should continue watering the flowers on Audubon Street.

Community news was shared, including the upcoming Aug. 30 Farmers Market and the open house for the new business, The 406 Market, on Sept. 19.

The meeting was adjourned.

By Rich Wicks | Times Vedette

During the Guthrie County Board of Supervisors meeting on Aug. 25, Health Services Director Jotham Arber provided a report regarding the landfill. The Guthrie County landfill, just west of the transfer station, has not been used since 1993 and will go through the process of being formally closed according to regulations. Guthrie County now sorts materials at the transfer station and sends the appropriate materials to the landfill in Carroll County.

“The DNR is in agreement that we can begin the process of going into closure with the landfill. They were thinking that 12 months would be the longest,” he said. “I think the game plan right now is to move forward with the contract with SCS (Engineering) to do the closure.”

Arber described the steps involved in formally closing the landfill. He said a covenant would need to be signed between Guthrie County and the state DNR. Arber added that after closure, the county could determine what use, if any, for the land. One option he mentioned would be to grow hay on the land.

In other news, Facilities Manager Brandon Thompson shared options for the supervisors to consider regarding enhanced security at the courthouse. He described various doors and windows that could be installed.

Thompson said each department/office within the courthouse functions differently regarding what areas the public can access and how business is conducted. Because of that, the county should carefully plan doors, windows and other security enhancements.

“This isn’t something we need to do all at once,” Supervisor Mike Dickson said. “We could space it out over a couple of years.”

The consensus was to have more discussions, and with other interested parties, to determine next steps.

The supervisors re-appointed Beth Watson to serve on the Region XII Regional Housing Authority as the county’s representative.

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# 

Special to the Times Vedette

As youth health challenges continue to grow nationwide, one local student is helping bring the solution closer to home. The American Heart Association (AHA) has selected Ariana, a second-grade student at West Central Valley in Stuart, as a national Youth Heart Ambassador for the 2026-27 school year. Ariana will serve alongside other youth volunteers across the country to support the AHA’s school-based programs, Kids Heart Challenge™ and American Heart Challenge™, to inspire their peers to build lifelong healthy habits and learn lifesaving skills, all while helping others by raising funds in support of the Association’s mission.

“Ariana is a great example of how young people can use their voices to help create healthier futures,” said Amy Knoll, Senior Development Director of School Engagement at the Iowa AHA. “We’re proud to have her represent our community as a Youth Heart Ambassador to help inspire students and families to prioritize their health and learn lifesaving skills.”

Ambassadors are selected based on their personal experience and passion for helping others live longer, healthier lives. Ariana was born with a ventricular septal defect, a hole in the lower part of her heart, she had open-heart surgery when she was just seven weeks old. Today she has no limitations and wants to help make a difference.

“I couldn’t be prouder of the strength and resilience she has shown through every challenge she’s faced,” said Andrea Toruno, Ariana’s mother. “Watching her use her voice to inspire and help others has been one of the greatest joys and privileges of my life.”

Schools can register now to take part in Kids Heart Challenge and American Heart Challenge for the 2026-27 school year. Applications for Youth Heart Ambassadors are accepted year-round. To learn more or apply to become a future Youth Heart Ambassador, visit heart.org/youthambassador. 

For more information about the AHA, visit  heart.org, Facebook, X or by calling 1-800-AHA-USA1.

Front row: Diane (Van Cleave) Maness, Julie (Springer) Kipp, Michelle (Jennings) McClure, Lisa (Troshynski) Hansen, Julie (Messner) Knipp, Maria (Flanery) Martin, Jennifer (Wilson) Bates, Bill Krakau and Alex Durst. Back row: Terry (Corder) Rotthinghaus, Karen (Tallman) Kelly, Kevin Laughery, Brad Chalfart, Doug Avey and Curt Sloss. Ken Crowder was absent for the photo.

By Rich Wicks | Times Vedette

On Saturday, Aug. 15, the graduating class of 1981 from Guthrie Center High School held its 45th reunion at Cabbage Rose in Guthrie Center. Social time began with 16 graduates attending, some accompanied by spouses.

A luncheon was served at noon followed by a short program. The graduates shared information on their first jobs. Then they shared valuable life lessons learned since high school, how they may have changed career paths, or reinvented their life. Each graduate then shared if they had any grandchildren or great grandchildren and how many.

Discussion was held and ideas shared on how and where the class would like to celebrate their 50th class reunion. The afternoon concluded with more social time visiting with one another and sharing stories.

By Rich Wicks | Times Vedette

During the regular meeting of the Guthrie Center City Council on Aug. 24, councilmember (and mayor pro tempore) Garold Thomas led the meeting due to Mayor Mike Herbert’s absence. Councilmember Erica Finster participated via phone.

The council discussed the letter of resignation received from Mayor Herbert. Thomas read the letter aloud.

“After much consideration and reflection, I hereby resign from my position as mayor of Guthrie Center, effective immediately,” Thomas read.

The council voted 3-2 to accept the resignation, with Ian Steensen and Fidel Hernandez voting against. Thomas broke the 2-2 tie by voting to accept the resignation. No further details were given regarding what led to the resignation.

Thomas voiced appreciation to Herbert for his years of service to the city. The city will publish a notice asking for submissions from anyone interested in being appointed mayor to serve approximately 15 months, until the next regular election. Until someone is appointed, Thomas will fill the role as mayor pro tem.

Becky Peterson (Main Street Guthrie Center) shared information on the Hometown Heroes banners that are displayed in the city. She noted that as a result of the program, a donation of $625 was recently given to the American Legion.

Peterson added that there will be no Guthrie Center Farmers Market on Sept. 5 due to the county fair parade that morning, but she said a farmers market will be added on Oct. 10 as part of the city’s fall festival.

As part of the consent agenda, the council approved a liquor license for Incredi-Bowl and a temporary liquor license for Best of Guthrie County.

Councilmembers discussed how to avoid having citizens leave large amounts of grass clippings on city streets after lawn mowing. The consensus was that enforcement with a fine is likely the best way to achieve compliance.

The council’s next regular meeting is set for Sept. 14. The public is welcome.