Special to the Times Vedette

As the holidays get closer, more people are enjoying holiday celebrations and gatherings. Getting together with friends, relatives and coworkers in this season offers relaxation and cheer. Others enjoy holiday movies and dinner out. New Opportunities prevention specialists have been in area communities educating folks on how to use Naloxone in the event of an opioid overdose. If you are a movie goer, you will see the media campaign “Fentanyl” during the pre-movie advertisements.

It is important to familiarize ourselves with the signs of an opioid overdose. Would you recognize the signs? Here is what you should look for in an opioid overdose situation.

• Skin getting pale and clammy.
• Lips and fingernails turn blue or gray.
• Slow, erratic breaths, or no pulse.
• Snoring or gurgling noises while asleep or nodding out.
• No response when you yell the person’s name or rub the middle of their chest with your knuckles.

You can save a life. Be ready. Know the signs and educate yourself on how to respond in an opioid overdose emergency.

New Opportunities, Inc. is part of the Iowa Health and Human Services Behavioral Health Service System with services funded by the State Opioid Response Grant (SOR). For more information on Opioids, visit the Your Life Iowa website at www.yourlifeiowa.org. If you would like to schedule a Naloxone training with a Prevention Specialist, or for more information on the State Opioid Response Grant (SOR), contact New Opportunities Inc. Behavioral Health Services Department. Substance Use treatment is available and New Opportunities is ready to help. Call 712-792-9266 today.

By Rich Wicks | Times Vedette

During the Dec. 2 meeting of the Guthrie County Board of Supervisors, County Attorney Dana Minteer talked about the sale of county-owned property to private individuals/entities. She summarized that one of the key factors the county should consider in any potential property sale is weighing the benefits of a sale versus the benefits of continuing to own the property.

“If the board has a piece of property that they would like to dispose of, they put that in a resolution, set a public hearing and allow the public an opportunity to voice either their agreement or disagreement,” Minteer said.

Board Chair Maggie Armstrong said the supervisors will “do the math” regarding any potential sales to be sure the board makes the decision that is best for the county.

Sandra Jackson from Elderbridge Agency on Aging provided an annual report and discussed the Fiscal Year 2027 county match request. She shared information on funding cuts the agency has faced, including the ending of COVID funds.

“The demand is still there, but our dollars are fewer,” Jackson said.

She requested an increase of 10 cents in the rate paid by the county for services and estimated that would result in about $1,000 in additional cost to the county annually. No decision was made at this time.

Health Service Director Jotham Arber offered a departmental report. He shared information on the county’s status on providing immunizations.

“I don’t have our November numbers in here, but we had a lot of November flu shots,” he said.

The supervisors discussed the Guthrie County Airport Authority board vacancy and a possible deadline for interested applicants to fill the vacancy. The supervisors voted to set a deadline of Jan. 2 for applicants. If needed after that date, the supervisors will look into additional ways to find potential airport board members.

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#

Special to the Times Vedette

Guthrie County Deputy Sheriff Kent Gries reported a car vs. deer accident occurring on Nov. 13 at 5:45 p.m. on Highway 25. James Matthew Shultz, 64, of Casey, was driving a 2018 Mazda CX5 southbound in the 1500 block of Highway 25 and struck a deer in the roadway, causing an estimated $7,500 in damage.  No injuries were reported. 

Special to the Times Vedette

Guthrie County Deputy Sheriff Blake Michelsen reported an abandoned vehicle incident on Nov. 29 at 12:36 p.m. on 280^th Road.  When on the scene, Deputy Sheriff Michelsen reported discovering a 1995 Buick Regal Custom driven by Donald Paul Felgate, 39, of Panora, had been in a  collision due to evidence present and the disabling damage to the vehicle.  The vehicle was towed from the scene, and a hold was put in place.  When Deputy Sheriff Michelsen spoke to Felgate, he advised that he was the driver and that he drove straight off the curve due to the fog.  Estimated damage to the Buick is $10,000. Estimated damage to the culvert on the property of Linda Smithson is estimated at $1,000. 

Special to the Times Vedette

Guthrie County Deputy Sheriff Blake Michelsen reported a two-vehicle collision occurring on Nov. 24 on Highway 25. Darin Robert Barker, 60, of Coon Rapids, was driving a 2023 Mack semi and rear-ended a 2014 Ram 3500 pickup driven by Nicholas, Joseph Miller, 67, of Lake City on or near the railroad bridge underpass. Estimated damage to the Mach semi is $10, 0000, and estimated damage to the Ram pickup is also $10,000.