By Rich Wicks | Times Vedette

During the Dec. 30 meeting of the Guthrie County Board of Supervisors, discussion was again held regarding the county’s interest in pursuing EMS as an essential service. Supervisor Steve Smith shared his opinion that the supervisors should allow the EMS committee (once it is formed) to handle most matters, including the specific makeup of an ad hoc committee.

“This is the committee’s task, not ours,” Smith said. “Number one, we’ve got to decide how many should be on the committee, and number two, make sure that everybody has some kind of representation. And, after that, it’s like, it’s yours.”

No formal action was taken at this time.

Supervisor Brian Johnson explained Mike Webb’s inquiry about purchasing Parcel 0000711800, which is adjacent to Webb’s property. The parcel is .63 acres. Supervisor Mike Dickson suggested County Engineer Josh Sebern should be consulted to see if there is any expected need, such as widening the adjacent roadway at some point.

“We’ll check with Josh,” Johnson said.

No action was taken at this time.

County Auditor Dani Fink shared data on the county property valuations and outlined the fiscal year 2027 budget process. Fink shared that while Guthrie County supervisors have traditionally held a second weekly meeting during budget season, some counties have the budget meetings all within one or two weeks. After discussion, the supervisors plan to hold budget meetings with department heads the week of Jan. 26. The meetings will be scheduled for 9 a.m. to noon.

The supervisors discussed how best to hold performance reviews for county employees. Smith shared his opinion that if the review includes only one or two supervisors (rather than all five), employees are more likely to engage in productive conversation. Chair Maggie Armstrong agreed.

“I think changing it to just two people leads to more fluid conversation,” Armstrong said.

The supervisors suggested getting feedback on this idea from department heads. Armstrong will contact department heads to ask their preference.

The supervisors will hold a special meeting on the first business day of the new year, Jan. 2 at 9 a.m. 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#

By Rich Wicks | Times Vedette

During the Dec. 29 meeting of the Guthrie County Hospital Board of Trustees, the trustees voted to appoint officers for 2026. Cheryl Marks will serve as board chair with Doug Kent as vice chair. Dana Tews will be the board secretary, and Mike Underwood will be the treasurer.

Chief Human Resources Officer Mary Anderson reported on recent staff hirings.

“We hit the employee count of 150, and we’re still going. I’ve not seen that since I’ve been here,” Anderson said. “That’s fantastic. We’re getting the workplace built up.”

Chief Operations Officer Travis Martin reported on the cardboard clinic space mockups at the Big Green Umbrella Media building in Guthrie Center.

“We’ve been working on the mockups. We have one more department left to do. That is respiratory therapy, and hopefully that will be done this week and we can get that team out there to review that space,” Martin said.

The board set a public hearing regarding the proposed purchase of the Panora clinic (103 Southeast 13^th St.) by issuing revenue bonds or borrowing, not to exceed $3 million. The public hearing will take place at the January board meeting Jan. 22.

Foundation Director Dennis Flanery reported the employee appreciation campaign was successful. He also noted the annual Handbags and Bingo event is set for April 10.

“Registration for that opens up tomorrow,” Flanery said.

The next regular meeting of the trustees is set for Thursday, Jan. 22 at 4 p.m. The public is welcome.

By Rich Wicks | Times Vedette

Many individuals and families face hunger at times. Below is a partial listing of local food banks and options for those in need of food. Days and times of operation are subject to change.

• Panorama Community Schools food pantry is open to everyone. You do not need to have a child enrolled in Panorama Schools. The food pantry can be accessed by door S1 (near the outdoor greenhouse) at the high school. It will be open from 3:45-5:45 p.m. on the following dates: Jan. 13 and 27, Feb. 10 and 24, March 10 and 24, April 14 and 28, May 12 and 26. Questions can be directed to clouser@panorama.k12.ia.us.
• Guthrie County General Assistance department, Beth Watson, department head. The office is open regularly on weekdays 8 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. 641-747-2546.
• New Opportunities, 400 State St., Guthrie Center. 641-747-3845. Website: newopp.org
• First Presbyterian Church, 701 State St., Guthrie Center. 641-747-3696.
• Cottage Pantry, 117 North Sherman St., Stuart. 515-240-8267.
• Faith Bible Church, 2096 Highway 4, Panora, 641-755-3034.
• Adair-Casey Food Pantry, 100 East Second St., Casey. Thursdays 6-8 p.m. and Saturdays 9-11 a.m.
• Jamaica Library, 316 Main St., Jamaica. 641-429-3362. Includes refrigerated items (Meat, milk, etc. when available).
• Other local churches and libraries may have information on local resources as well.

Special to the Times Vedette

On Dec. 26, a total of five players participated. Lela Schwartz and Robert Klever each got a 16.   

On Dec. 29, a total of six players participated. Kathy Feilmier and Bill Sheeder were the only two with a 16.

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.

Special to the Times Vedette

On Dec. 24, a total of seven players participated. Dave Richter got a 23; Lela Schwartz and Sandy Rumelhart got a 20; Larry Gardiner and Robert Klever had to divide 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.