Special to the Times Vedette

On Sept. 24, a total of 12 players participated. Sandy Rumelhart got two 16s; Robert Klever and Rhonda Titus each got a 16; Dan Webb got a 20; Dennis Betts got a 21; Lela Schwartz got two 16s; and Paul McCool was back and 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

Beth Watson is the department head for Guthrie County’s General Assistance and Veterans Affairs departments. She provides basic information to help the public understand the ways in which those two departments can serve residents.

“I’ve been here for three years. I am two department heads rolled into one, which works really well because networking and resourcing is the bulk of what I try to engage with,” Watson said.

“On the General Assistance side, I think of myself as taking care of the entire county,” she said. “Whether that’s personal cares, food, utilities or rent.”

Watson said the GA department can help county residents who face emergencies that cause a financial hardship. She explained the various resources that can be accessed to help those who are in need. She pointed out that individuals or families can face sudden hardships for all sorts of reasons. She encourages anyone facing that situation to contact her office.

“This is a no-judgement zone,” Watson said. “And if I don’t have options to help someone, I hopefully can put them in touch with someone who does.”

“On the veterans’ side, we’re going to be looking to see if they have their DD214, which is their formal discharge paper from their years of service,” Watson said.

She explained that options available to any particular veteran may vary based on which branch of the service the veteran served in, the years of service, and even details such as which ships a veteran served on.

Watson said dealing with veterans is a particularly rewarding part of her job.

 “I get to listen to the most amazing stories and meet these veterans and their families. It’s a really fulfilling moment; it’s one of my favorite things,” she said.

Watson said one scenario she often sees is when a veteran who never registered with the VA will pass away and the spouse will come in to enquire about available assistance. She specifically encourages end-of-life planning for veterans.

“It is a pleasure to work with those spouses and help them see what options there are,” Watson said.

Watson understands that some residents may not have a computer or internet access or simply may need help knowing how to apply for benefits. She encourages anyone to call or stop in to discuss their situation.

“Anyone in need of general assistance, if I need to walk them through applying for food stamps, I will do that. If I need to walk them through applying for full or Social Security disability, I will do that,” she said. “Or I will get them to somebody that can. I know the libraries are excellent at helping, too.”

Special to the Times Vedette

On Wednesday, Oct. 8, seven Sunshine Club members met at the home of Maribee Burnham for an 11 a.m. meeting and luncheon hosted by Gay Norton. A delicious meal was served with an apple dessert.

Following the meal, Janine opened the meeting with the roll call being, “What are you doing for Halloween or fall projects”? Many interesting answers were given. 

The minutes of the September meeting were read, and the treasurer’s report was given. Janine read a thank you note from Pat Trent’s family. Anniversaries and birthdays were mentioned.

Next month’s meeting will be hosted by Charlotte Jackson and held at the Panora Public Library at 1 p.m. on Nov. 12. Also, next month will be officer elections. The annual Christmas party and meeting on Dec. 10 were discussed. Janine will call and make reservations for that date if possible.

Following the meeting, Maribee taught attendees how to make hand-made cards to send to others for various occasions. Many lovely cards were created.

By Rich Wicks | Times Vedette

The Yale City Council met on Oct. 7 regarding Resolution 25-06 (Notice of hearing on proposed plans, specification, form of contract and estimate of cost for the Water Treatment Filter Unit Replacement Project and the taking of bids therefor). Mayor Bev Louk provided background.

“This is for the bidding for the treatment plant,” Louk said. “On Nov. 4, here at city hall, we will open a public hearing on the plans and specs. Then, on Nov. 6 at 2 p.m., we will open bids.”

The council approved Resolution 25-06.

As in previous years, the council voted to provide funds ($300) for the Saddle Club’s Halloween party.

Mayor Louk explained agenda item No. 10 (CDBG Grant 22-WS-023 Contract Extension).

“It’s just basically to get all the paperwork and everything in,” Louk said. “Chris Whitaker with Region 12 already has the OK.”

The council approved the extension.

The council set trick-or-treating in Yale for 5-7 p.m. on Friday, Oct. 31.

Mayor Louk brought up the topic of the city purchasing one or more cameras as suggested by Sheriff Harmann. Louk said the camera(s) would be remotely accessible by the Sheriff’s department. Louk said the total cost would be around $13,000 total for four cameras, which is much more than the city anticipated. Councilmember Mindy Fear voiced her concern.

“I feel like we need some clarification,” Fear said.

The council took no formal action but will ask Sheriff Harmann for more information.

The council’s next meeting is set for Nov. 4 at 7 p.m. The public is welcome.

By Rich Wicks | Times Vedette

According to information from the Stuart Police Department, officers responded to a report of a threat directed at a West Central Valley School District building on Oct. 7. The threat was received after school hours, and school staff immediately notified law enforcement. After exhausting all leads, it was determined that no credible threat existed.

Stuart Police Department says all parties involved have been identified and no member of the public — including students or staff — are in danger. This remains an active investigation, and the Stuart Police Department says it will provide additional information when appropriate.

By Rich Wicks | Times Vedette

Faith Bible Church (2096 Highway 4, Panora) will hold a food pantry event on Saturday morning, Oct. 11. The pantry is by appointment only. Interested persons should call the church at 641-755-3034 by the day before the pantry to set an appointment.

The pantry operates every other week on Wednesdays and Saturdays. Upcoming pantry dates include Oct. 22 and Oct. 25.