By Rich Wicks | Times Vedette

During the May 20 joint meeting of the Adair-Casey and Guthrie Center school boards, discussion was held regarding the progress on the front steps to the high school. The steps are done, and permanent railings will soon be installed.

The board also discussed the main parking lot in front of the high school. It was noted that numerous fender-benders have occurred in the lot, possibly because there are simply too many parking spots, which leaves little room to maneuver. The board discussed the possibility of creating a one-way flow of vehicles through the lot but opted instead to simply widen the middle two rows of parking spots. Although a few parking spots will be eliminated, plenty of parking is generally available in the “seniors parking lot” on the east side of the school.

A public hearing was held regarding the Instructional Support Program. Superintendent Josh Rasmussen explained.

“This is not an increase. This is a continuation,” he said.

No written nor spoken feedback was heard on the topic, so the hearing was promptly closed. Later, during the regular board meeting, the Guthrie Center board voted to continue participation in the Instructional Support Program.

During the Principal Reports portion of the meeting, the boards heard from Principal Cody Matthewson. He told of the success in getting the video board working as planned for the home conference track meet.

Matthewson reported proudly on the recent performances of the school play, and the state track qualifiers for ACGC.

“A lot of different diverse backgrounds and a lot of different diverse participants and a lot of things going well in education from the fine arts all the way to athletics,” Matthewson said,

Principal Ed Den Beste reported on Adair-Casey Elementary and Junior High.

“We had track and field day today. Great day. We had many businesses in Adair and Casey that donated, so we actually fed all of the kids, parents and teachers a nice lunch, and it was really well received,” he said.

Principal Tandem Eischeid reported on Guthrie Center Elementary.

“We had our Art Extravaganza just last week. We had over 180 individuals come and attend that. It was very well received,” he said.

Eischeid also talked about the upcoming staining of the playground equipment May 27 and new playground equipment being made.

“Craig Franzeen is still working hard. We now have a truck and a picnic table on our preschool playground,” Eischeid said.

Rasmussen handed out certificates of appreciation to all the school board members, in recognition of School Board Appreciation Month. He also gave a legislative update on matters that may impact schools.

In the Consent Items portion of the meeting, approval was given regarding the resignations of paraprofessionals Lorna Bailey, Cassie Glade and Mei Riordan, as well as Bethany McCool (Marketing). Contract recommendations were approved for Jay Rhoten (bus driver), Vickie Richter and Shirley Chesnut (summer custodians).

The next regular meeting — a joint meeting of the Adair-Casey and Guthrie Center school boards — will be held Wednesday, June 17, at 7 p.m. at ACGC Junior High. The public is welcome.

By Morgan Sheeder | Times Vedette

On Sunday, May 24, the American Legion Auxiliary Unit No. 124 will be distributing poppies at the four-way stop in Guthrie Center from 10:30 a.m. to 1 p.m.

The American Legion adopted the poppy as its official memorial flower in 1920. During World War One, the devasted landscape yielded bright red poppies, signifying the hope and sacrifice of soldiers.

In 1924, the Legion created a national poppy program to raise funds for those directly affected by war. Today, poppies are handed out by Legion units the Friday before Memorial Day, dubbed National Poppy Day, in exchange for donations. All proceeds support programs assisting veterans and military families.

Poppies will be available at the Guthrie Center Memorial Day service at 10 a.m., at the Veteran’s Memorial on the Courthouse lawn.

The Panora VFW/Sons of the American Legion will be distributing poppies on Memorial Day at 10 a.m. inside Veterans Auditorium during their service and Flag Dedication.

By Rich Wicks | Times Vedette

Panora

On Monday, May 25, a Memorial Day service will be held in Panora at Veterans Auditorium beginning at 10 a.m. Lynn Zajicek will serve as Master of Ceremonies. After the indoor ceremonies, there will be a flag-raising ceremony outside along with a color guard salute. Refreshments will be served in the Community Center following the services.

Guthrie Center

The Memorial Day service in Guthrie Center will begin at 10 a.m. on the courthouse lawn. Attendees are welcome to bring lawn chairs.

Special to the Times Vedette

The Iowa Department of Natural Resources (DNR) is holding an open house on June 15 from 4-6 p.m. at the Bays Branch Wildlife Unit Headquarters, 3123 200th St., near Panora. This is an opportunity to ask questions on habitat management, recreational use and other topics of interest for the Bays Branch Wildlife Area.

It will also serve as an opportunity to provide comments on the upcoming water control structures renovation project that will occur on the wildlife area this fall/winter. This will be a come-and-go open house format with staff from various programs on hand to answer questions. 

If you have special requirements such as those related to mobility or hearing impairments, contact the DNR or ADA Coordinator at 515-725-8200, Relay Iowa TTY Service 800-735-7942, or Webmaster@dnr.iowa.gov, and advise of specific needs.

Special to the Times Vedette

On May 20, a total of 13 players participated. Dick Ellis, Wayne Nickel, Chet Vaughan, Sandy Rumelhart and Bruce Bailey all had 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

The Panora Chamber of Commerce invites the public a special Ribbon Cutting Celebration for the community Adirondack Chair Project on Monday, June 1 at 3 p.m. at the Panora Town Square.

This chamber leaders say this project is an example of what can happen when a community comes together with creativity, generosity and teamwork. From donated materials to student craftsmanship and artistic talent, this chair represents community pride, collaboration and the spirit of Panora.

The chamber extends a special thank you to Lake Lumber for providing materials; Panorama Community Schools shop teacher and students for their craftsmanship and construction; and Panorama Community Schools art teacher and students for bringing the project to life with creativity and design

The chamber leadership says they are excited to officially showcase the chair and celebrate the many people who helped make the project possible. They say the chair will serve as a fun and welcoming photo opportunity for both the community and visitors alike.

The chair’s temporary home will be at the town square through RAGBRAI and Panorama Days 2026 before moving to its permanent home along the bike trail.