Special to the Times Vedette

Guthrie County Deputy Sheriff Kent Gries reported a single-vehicle accident occurring on Jan. 27 at 2:10 p.m. on White Pole Road. Denon Joseph Doherty, 20, of Casey was driving a 2005 Isuzu Ascender eastbound in the 3100 block of White Pole Road and left the roadway into the south ditch, ramped the interstate railroad tracks, went airborne, landed and rolled an unknown number of times. Doherty and a passenger suffered unknown but suspected serious injuries and were transported by Adair County EMS to Mercy Main Hospital in Des Moines. Estimated damage to the Isuzu is $8,000.

Special to the Times Vedette

Guthrie County Deputy Sheriff Josh Armstrong reported a vehicle vs. deer accident occurring on Jan 30 at 7:02 p.m. on Wagon Road. Dawn Marie Shepherd, 53, of Creston was driving a 2020 GMC Terrain SLT southbound on Wagon Road and struck a deer crossing the roadway in the 2700 block. Estimated damage to the GMC is $1,501. 

2025 Beef Queen Ava Thompson, 2026 Queen Rylee Robson, Maci Bauer, 2026 Princess Nora Langgaard, and 2025 Princess Austyn Smith pose following the coronation.

By Rich Wicks | Times Vedette

At the annual Guthrie County Cattlemen’s banquet on Jan. 31 at the Guthrie County Fairgrounds, the 2026 Beef Queen and Beef Princess were crowned. Candidates included Maci Bauer, Rylee Robson and Nora Langgaard. Robson was crowned queen, and Langgaard was named princess. As usual, a large crowd of beef producers and interested persons were on hand.

Special to the Times Vedette

Super Bowl, College Basketball, March Madness, Daytona 500 and horse racing. What do these activities have in common? Many people enjoy placing bets on the results of these events. It’s the time of year when gambling opportunities ramp up. While many people gamble recreationally, for some it can lead to financial stress, relationship problems, anxiety, depression and other serious consequences.

Here is a brief screening for problem gambling.

1. During the past 12 months, have you become restless, irritable or anxious when trying to stop/cut down on gambling?
2. During the past 12 months, have you tried to keep your family or friends from knowing how much you gambled?
3. During the past 12 months, have you had such financial trouble as a result of your gambling that you had to get help with living expenses from family, friends or welfare?

If you can answer “yes” to any of these questions, you may be at risk for developing a gambling problem. New Opportunities is here to help. We offer confidential counselling in our five-county service area. For more resources, Your Life Iowa provides a brightly lit front door for those seeking services across Iowa. No judgement, only help.

If you think you or a loved one may be experiencing a problem with gambling, reach out to 1-800-BETS-OFF from Your Life Iowa for free, confidential support. New Opportunities, Inc. is part of the Iowa Health and Human Services Behavioral Health Service System with services funded by the Substance Use Prevention, Treatment, and Recovery Services Block Grant (SUPTRS BG). For more information on problem gambling, visit the Your Life Iowa website at yourlifeiowa.org or contact New Opportunities Inc. Behavioral Health Department for Problem Gambling treatment at 712-792-9266. 

By Shane Goodman | Times Vedette

Administrators from Panorama Community Schools sent an email to families in the district on Jan. 29 regarding a bullet that was found in the middle school the same day. 

The letter stated that a .22LR round (small caliber bullet) was found in the middle school hallway in the morning and was reported to administration immediately. In response to the incident, the school administrator immediately contacted local law enforcement to investigate. Panora Polie Chief Matt Reising responded quickly and determined there was no credible threat to students or staff.

The letter also stated that “there is no evidence of a plan or intent to harm” and “there has been no associated firearm that has been seen, talked about, or found throughout the investigation.”

School administrators say the issue “has been addressed, thoroughly investigated, and appropriate measures have been taken immediately” and “law enforcement has advised that the school may continue as normal.”

Midwest Partnership held its annual meeting and dinner on Thursday, Jan. 29 at the Casey Community Building.

By Shane Goodman |  Times Vedette

Midwest Partnership, an economic development group for Adair and Guthrie counties, held its annual meeting and dinner on Thursday, Jan. 29 at the Casey Community Building in Casey. The theme was “From the Ground Up: Honoring Our Roots, Shaping What’s Next.” Dinner was provided by Café on the Hill.

Director Brenda Dudley shared a report highlighting the efforts of the organization over the past year and recognized current board members. She thanked outgoing board members Cheryl Marks and Kathy Rohrig and welcomed newly appointed board members Megan Edwards and Shane Goodman.

The current board includes:

• Matt Wedemeyer, president
• Brad Hayes, vice president
• Renee Jensen, secretary
• Brian Johnson, treasurer
• Kaye Bax
• Josh Calmer
• Chris Carlson
• Marty Doud
• Megan Edwards
• Stacie Eshelman
• Shane Goodman
• Eric Reinhart
• Scott Tonderum
• Holi Weston

The Entrepreneurial Economic Impact Award was presented to Main Street Guthrie Center.

The guest speaker for the event was Lt. Gov. Chris Cournoyer, who led a panel discussion with Erin Carney with BC Angus, Brian Fox with Fox Welding, Regan Doely with Doe A Deer, and Dustin and Taylor Teays with Central Iowa Publishing. 

Upcoming events for Midwest Partnership include the EmpowerHER Summit in March, the golf outing on June 26, the fall gathering in September, and the manufacturing day in October. 

Brenda Dudley serves as the executive director of Midwest Partnership, and Kayla Wilms is the communications coordinator.

Learn more about Midwest Partnership at www.midwestpartnership.com.

Dennis Flannery, Diane Flannery and Steve Smith

Lt. Gov. Chris Cournoyer led a panel discussion with Erin Carney with BC Angus, Brian Fox with Fox Welding, Regan Doely with Doe A Deer, and Dustin and Taylor Teays with Central Iowa Publishing.

Matt Wedemeyer presents the Entrepreneurial Economic Impact Award to members of Main Street Guthrie Center.

Matt Wedemeyer presents Kathy Rohrig with a certificate of appreciation for her time as a board member.

Matt Wedemeyer presents Cheryl Marks with a certificate of appreciation for her time as a board member.

John McGee and Jennifer McGee

Steve Renslow, Nate Westre, Alicia Penton and Nate Smith