Special to the Times Vedette

Guthrie County Hospital has partnered with the State of Iowa’s Senior Health Insurance Information Program (SHIIP) to offer free, objective and confidential assistance to Medicare beneficiaries during Medicare Open Enrollment.

Open Enrollment is the time of year when individuals can review and make changes to their Medicare Part D (prescription drug) or Medicare Advantage (MA) plans. Comparing options each year ensures that participants receive the best coverage for their needs and budget.

The SHIIP counselor at Guthrie County Hospital is available to:

• Explain Medicare options and benefits
• Assist with Part D and Medicare Advantage plan comparisons
• Identify potential cost savings
• Provide unbiased information without selling or promoting insurance products

“This is an excellent opportunity for Medicare recipients to get personalized help understanding their options,” Mary Wardyn, GCH SHIIP counselor, said. “Our goal is to make sure Guthrie County residents feel confident and supported when making important decisions about their healthcare coverage.”

Appointments are available by calling 641-332-3828. All SHIIP services are provided free of charge and are completely confidential.

Special to the Times Vedette

Guthrie County Hospital will be hosting a Drug Take Back Day on Friday, Oct. 24 from 8 a.m. to 3 p.m. at the Guthrie County Hospital Pharmacy. Safely dispose of unnecessary and expired medications in their medication disposal receptacle. This is a free service and an important step in making your home safer by decreasing the risk of poisonings and inappropriate medication use. For a list of accepted items, visit www.guthriecountyhospital.org.

By Rich Wicks | Times Vedette

During the Oct. 7 meeting of the Guthrie County Board of Supervisors, County Attorney Dana Minteer addressed the supervisors regarding agenda item 4a: “Resistance to the Summit Carbon Solution Transport LLC Motion for Consolidation.”

Minteer explained the reason for discussing the issue at this time is because of recent legal action by Summit Carbon Solutions.

“They filed a petition to amend their original petition within the Phase 1 docket,” she said.

Minteer summarized that Summit is asking to consolidate the legal processes with the various counties involved.

“They’re requesting that everyone now be lumped together,” Minteer said.

Minteer and Supervisors Chair Maggie Armstrong concurred that each county has a unique perspective, so consolidation is not appropriate, in their view.

After discussion, the supervisors voted 4-1 to ask Minteer to send a letter of resistance. Brian Johnson voted nay.

County Human Resources department head Jamie Lindsay discussed with the supervisors regarding the effective date of health insurance for county employees. She explained that currently, coverage begins on the first day of the month following a hire date. She explained the challenges this creates for employees hired later in a given month, since their paychecks may essentially have double deductions for health insurance premiums due to the timing of premiums.

However, Lindsay also explained that if coverage were to be effective one month later, this could create situations in which employees would have no coverage for a month. She also shared that if department heads are instructed to only hire employees within a certain “window” each month, that creates a challenge as departments aim to fill vacancies.

“If we’re going to make a change to the policy, we have to communicate that 60 days prior to the change,” Lindsay said.

No formal action was taken at this time.

County Engineer Josh Sebern described his proposed departmental pay structure. The supervisors unanimously approved the plan as proposed. 

The supervisors voted to call a special election for Diamondhead Lake and Lake Panorama Rural Improvement Zone for Tuesday, Dec. 9.

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

Photos by Mark Reno | Special to the Times Vedette

The ACGC homecoming king and queen were crowned during halftime of the ACGC football game against Central Decatur on Friday night. The student body elected twins Carter Richter and Camdyn Richter as king and queen.

Photos by Mark Reno | Special to the Times Vedette

The ACGC homecoming parade and pep rally were held as part of ACGC’s homecoming activities last week. 

Photos by Mark Reno | Special to the Times Vedette

The annual Powderpuff games were held as part of ACGC’s homecoming week activities last week.