By Rich Wicks | Times Vedette

During the Dec. 18 regular meeting of the Guthrie Center School Board, the board members considered a recommendation regarding Cody Matthewson, who has been serving as interim principal for the high school. Superintendent Josh Rasmussen shared his observations.

“I feel like he’s in a good spot, and so am I. And I’ve met with a few high school teachers and a few community members,” Rasmussen said. “My recommendation is that we remove the ‘interim” tag and make him the fulltime principal here at the high school.”

The board voted unanimously to approve the recommendation.

Elementary Principal Tandem Eischeid shared information on the recent discovery of a small leak in the roof at the school that became noticeable when the snow on the roof melted. Eischeid said he shoveled snow off the roof in that area, and a repair will be investigated.

Eischeid reported on another issue.

“Our intercom system went out at the elementary. It’s something with the fuses. We replaced it, and it worked for about a half an hour and then it blew a fuse again,” Eischeid said. “We have some people coming Friday to check that out.”

Matthewson said he is checking on the number of credits senior students have accumulated so that any students in danger of missing the credit requirement for graduation can take action now to resolve the issue.

“We’ve notified the parents of anybody who has been or will be at risk going into the second semester,” Matthewson said.

Upcoming dates noted included a two-hour early release on Dec. 23, no school (winter break) Dec. 24 through Jan. 2, and no school on Jan. 19 due to teacher professional development.

The board reviewed the proposed Chronic Absenteeism Policy (501.9) and unanimously approved the first reading and waived the second reading. 

The board made committee assignments for the upcoming year.

The board’s next regular meeting is set as a joint meeting with the Adair-Casey School Board on Jan. 21 at 7 p.m. at the high school in Guthrie Center. The public is welcome.

By Rich Wicks | Times Vedette

Recent warm temperatures have melted most of the snow, which could put a damper on holiday cheer. But local homes are making up for it with beautiful lighting displays. This display at the home of Rick and Renee Baier at 506 Division St. in Guthrie Center is worth driving by.

Special to the Times Vedette

Brianna Kirkpatrick of Panora has been named to the President’s List for the fall 2025 quarter and semester terms at Mercy College of Health Sciences in Des Moines, Iowa. To qualify for this academic recognition, students must attain a grade point average (GPA) of 3.75 for a minimum of six semester credit hours or four quarter credit hours in their most recent term.

Special to the Times Vedette

On Dec. 17, a total of eight players participated. Wayne Nickel, Dave Kading and Dick Ellis each got a 16, Sandy Rumelhart got a 21, and Robert Klever ended up with 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

During the Dec. 16 meeting of the Guthrie County Board of Supervisors, discussion was held regarding how to create an EMS advisory council, as the county investigates the feasibility of designating EMS as an essential service.

Panora EMS Director John Delavergne shared that the three services currently operating within Guthrie County (Panora EMS, Stuart EMS and Adair EMS) are largely dependent on grants, which could expire. He added that Panora EMS is generally only collecting about 45% of what the service bills. He said many city EMS services are facing a similar challenge. Delavergne also noted that it is difficult to have adequate numbers of EMS personnel in the various parts of the county.

“We are, unfortunately, a struggling breed right now,” Delavergne said.

One area of significant discussion was how many voting members to have on the advisory council. There was discussion of the possibility of a smaller voting council and a larger ad hoc council. Supervisors noted how, on one hand, a larger council allows more widespread representation, but a larger group makes it more challenging to hold meetings that can be attended by all or nearly all voting members.

“Are we looking at seven to nine, or 10 to 15?” Supervisor Steve Smith asked.

Smith suggested that the supervisors should not name individuals to serve on the advisory council but instead should name an organization/entity and let that entity determine which individual would serve on the council.

No vote or formal decision was made at this time. The supervisors will gather feedback from various areas of the county to bring back for discussion at an upcoming meeting.

The supervisors heard from the Guthrie County Library Association with a fiscal year 2027 funding request. No vote was taken at this time.

“In January, we’ll make some decisions,” Armstrong said.

At the recommendation of county Treasurer Brenda Campbell, the supervisors voted to approve two City of Bayard Tax abatements (Parcel 0000440001 and Parcel 0000440501).

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

Join the staff of Springbrook State Park on a free, guided hike on New Year’s Day. Hikers will meet at 1 p.m. outside the park office, for a 2-mile hike led by park staff. 

“First Day Hikes have become a tradition for Iowans to experience the quiet, wintry beauty of our state parks and forests,” said Sherry Arntzen, chief of the DNR State Parks, Forests and Preserves Bureau. “These hikes are a great way to get outside, exercise, enjoy nature and welcome the New Year with friends and family.”

Hikers can expect to be surrounded by the quiet beauty of nature in winter, and experience spectacular views, beautiful settings and the cultural treasures offered by Iowa’s state parks. 2026 will bring the 100-year anniversary of Springbrook State Park. Hikers will be invited to enjoy cookies and hot chocolate afterwards. 

Springbrook State Park is located at 2437 160^th Road, Guthrie Center. 

For details about First Day Hikes in Iowa Parks, visit www.iowadnr.gov/firstdayhikes.

Submit your event information to rich@gctimesnews.com.