Special to the Times Vedette

On Wednesday, May 20, 2026, seven Sunshine Club members met at the home of Linda Thompson for an 11 a.m. luncheon meeting. This was a unique meeting with it having an Italian-themed meal with everyone asked to bring a food item related to Italy. What a wonderful table setting with a lovely table cloth and napkins from Malta, beautiful dishes and delicious and different food.

We ate our appetizer, and then Sandy called the meeting to order with the roll call being, “If we would do this type of luncheon again, what country would you choose and why?” Many interesting answers were given.

The minutes were read, and the treasurer’s report was given.

Birthdays and anniversaries were mentioned.

Next month’s meeting will be held at Gina Lloyd’s home with an arts and crafts theme. Our meeting adjourned and we continued our meal with two delicious salads, the main entree, Italian knots and mini coconut cream pies and several different wines and water. Those who could stayed to play cards. It was a great experience to try this for the first time.

Photos by Mark Reno | Special to the Times Vedette

The annual commencement ceremony of the Adair-Casey Guthrie Center Community High School Class of 2026 was held Sunday, May 17 at 1 p.m. at the ACGC High School Gymnasium.

The class colors are black and yellow, and the class motto is: “Often when you think you’re at the end of something, you’re at the beginning of something else” by Mr. Fred Rogers.

The class flower is lilies, and the class song is “Where’d All the Time Go” by Dr. Dog.

For the honor cords, the red, white and blue cord went to Chase Slaybaugh and Collin Stringham.

The royal blue and white DMACC Cord went to Savannah Akers, Jacie Baker, Elizabeth Drake, Karli Kautzky, Leaya Klemish and Camdyn Richter.

The royal blue and gold FFA honor cords went to Caydence Boals, Carter Dinkla, Tanner Downing, Shelby Gustin, Xander Harwood, Gracie Hodges, Lucy Knutter, Angel Martinez, Camdyn Richter, Carter Richter, Brexton Schneider, Jack Sheeder, Chase Slaybaugh, Ava Sneller and Irelyn Wirt .

National Honor Society Medals went to Savannah Akers, Caydence Boals, Charlie Christensen, Allie DeWitt, Tanner Downing, Karli Kautzky, Leaya Klemish, Lucy Knutter and Becca Littler.

The future plans for the graduates were listed as follows:

• Savannah Akers: Iowa Western Community College; Nursing
• Jacie Baker: SWICC; Nursing
• Finn Billheimer: DMACC; Electrical Trades
• Caydence Boals: Drake; Zoo/Conservation Science and Environmental Science
• Luke Brincks: Central; Kinesiology
• Charles Christensen: Iowa State University; Animal Ecology
• Joseph Crawford: Iowa State University; AG Studies
• Allie DeWitt: University of North Carolina Wilmington; Marine Biology
• Carter Dinkla: Morningside University; Aviation
• Alex Doherty: Undecided
• Blaize Dorsey: Undecided
• Tanner Downing: Iowa Lakes Community College; Electrical Technology
• Elizabeth Drake: University of Northern Iowa; Nursing
• Rohnin Grasty: Iowa State University; Engineering
• Shelby Gustin: Kirkwood Community College; Vet Tech
• Xander Harwood: Iowa Lakes Community College; Diesel Mechanics
• Gracie Hodges: DMACC; AG Business
• Natalie Inman: Workforce
• Karli Kautzky: University of Northern Iowa; Nursing
• Leaya Klemish: Iowa Western Community College; Nursing
• Lucy Knutter: Simpson College; Religious Studies
• Chelsea Kopaska: Kirkwood Community College; Vet Tech
• Becca Littler: Iowa State University; Marketing
• Angel Martinez: Workforce
• Kaylee Oberholtz: DMACC; Business
• Hayden Rasmussen: Undecided
• Camdyn Richter: Kirkwood Community College; Dental Hygiene
• Carter Richter: DMACC; Electrical Trades
• Brexton Schneider: Workforce
• Jack Sheeder: DMACC; Diesel Mechanics
• Thomas Skram: Iowa State University; Finance
• Chase Slaybaugh: Workforce
• Ava Sneller: Iowa State University; AG Business
• Kade Sorensen: Iowa State University; Kinesiology
• Nicholas Stevens: Workforce
• Collin Stringham: Iowa Western Community College; Plumbing Technologies
• Max Trujillo-Garcia: Iowa State University; Kinesiology
• Brennan Tunink: Marshalltown Community College; Lineman Technician
• Oliver Wetzel: DMACC; Auto Tech
• Irelyn Wirt: Iowa State University; Animal Science

Click images to enlarge.

By Rich Wicks | Times Vedette

Dana Minteer

Supervisor Mike Dickson suggested waiting until results of the June 2 primary election are known before the supervisors appoint someone. Fink said if the supervisors appoint someone, it must be done within 40 days, or the matter goes to a special election.

“With the election in June, I would just like to see the results of that,” Dickson said. “We could do it the ninth.”

Supervisor Brian Johnson made a motion to appoint someone to fill the vacancy during the next meeting of the supervisors on May 26. The motion passed on a 4-1 vote with Dickson opposed.

Health Services Director Jotham Arber discussed Adair County Shared Services.

“Adair County, their public health director has left, so their public health currently is housed underneath their hospital,” Arber said. “The hospital approached us and asked if we would be willing to come in and do a similar agreement to what we have with Audubon County to take over their public health responsibilities and cover them for those things.”

Arber gave a written proposal on this issue for the supervisors to review for future discussion.

On behalf of the All-Iowa Republican Women organization, Heather Boustead asked the supervisors to consider approving a request for the group to use the courthouse grounds on June 19 for a reading of the Declaration of Independence. Boustead explained that no tables or chairs would be set up, and the group would do the reading at approximately 11 a.m. on the June 19 before moving on to the next county, as the group plans to read in six counties that day. The supervisors approved the request.

A public hearing was held regarding the proposed Fiscal Year 2025-2026 budget amendment. No written or spoken comments were received, so the hearing was closed.

The supervisors then approved Resolution 26-34 to adopt the budget amendment as proposed.

As part of the consent agenda, a fireworks permit was approved for Rita Schering, July 4 at dusk.

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

Cooking Marshmallows

Special to the Times Vedette

Whiterock Conservancy is bringing new ways to learn and grow at Whiterock Conservancy through its free STEM summer adventures program.

Saturday, May 30, begins the STEM adventures with “Sparking Curiosity.” Adventure-goers will learn the process of starting a fire and then enjoy campfire s’mores.

This program is for students ages 6-12 years old. All students must be accompanied by an adult or babysitter.

Register for one or more of these free events by calling 712-790-822 or emailing guestinfo@whiterockconservancy.org.

Special to the Times Vedette

Guthrie County will begin a full highway rehabilitation project along County Road P28/Wagon Road between Stuart and the Monteith Road starting late May or early June, weather permitting. County leaders say the project reflects the county’s continued investment and commitment to smoother, safer, longer-lasting roadways for residents, farmers and anyone traveling along one of the county’s main corridors.

Construction will require the closure of P28/Wagon Road to through traffic from the city of Stuart to Monteith Road for the duration of the project. The closure is expected to remain in place through mid-to-late summer, depending on weather and construction progress.

While the road will be closed to through traffic, adjacent property owners will continue to have access to private driveways and laneways throughout the project.

During construction:

• Through traffic will not be permitted on P28 within the project limits.
• Local access will be maintained for residents, landowners and emergency services.
• The official detour route will direct drivers along White Pole Road, Highway 25, and Monteith Road.
• Detour signage will be in place to guide drivers safely around the closure.

Information for visitors and campers at Nation’s Bridge Park

Access to Nation’s Bridge Park will stay open for the duration of the road closure. Through June, visitors and campers should access the park entrance on Wagon Road coming from the north via Panora, Monteith Road or Highway F59/280th Road headed southbound. Starting in July, visitors and campers should access the park entrance on Wagon Road coming from the south via Stuart headed northbound. Campers are encouraged to check the Guthrie County Conservation Facebook Page for route information and changes.

This rehabilitation effort will go beyond resurfacing to include several key safety and durability improvements, including:

• Widening of the roadway to improve traffic flow and safety.
• Installation of shoulder and centerline rumble strips to alert distracted drivers.
• Creating a stronger road surface and smoother driving experience.

County officials say they appreciate the public’s patience and cooperation as crews work to improve this important roadway corridor. For project updates, visit www.guthriecounty.gov or follow Guthrie County on Facebook.

By Rich Wicks | Times Vedette

On the morning of Saturday, May 16, dozens of ATVs and side-by-sides were parked at the Guthrie County Fairgrounds as riders awaited the start of the annual Red, White & Blue Cruise. The ride raises funds for area veterans. Riders signed up for raffles and the poker run, heard reminders on safe riding, and then set off on the “choose your own route” adventure to various participating food and drink establishments.

Donated prizes were raffled off to raise funds for the cause.

Dozens of riders and one “swamp thing” showed up for the ride.

ATV drivers head out on their chosen route.