By Rich Wicks | Times Vedette

On Tuesday, workers were installing the roof on the new addition to Guthrie County Quality Meats in Guthrie Center as part of their expansion. Temperatures in the 90s made the job even more challenging.

Special to the Times Vedette

Visitors arriving in Casey are now greeted by a fresh new look at the city’s welcome signs, thanks to the work and dedication of the Casey Service Club’s Flower Committee. What was once a simple entrance sign has been transformed into a vibrant community showcase featuring colorful perennial plantings designed to provide beautiful blooms from spring through fall. The project reflects the pride local volunteers have in making Casey a warm and inviting place to live, work and visit.

The new sign design and construction were donated through the volunteer efforts of Trish and Eric Whetstone of Whetstone Design. Their redesign gave the entrance a fresh, polished appearance while creating an attractive landscape bed that enhances the sign through the changing seasons. Their contribution is another example of local residents using their talents to invest in the community they love.

“This project was truly a community effort, made possible through the generosity of many individuals and organizations,” Trish said.

The Flower Committee extends appreciation to the Casey Women’s Club, the Hayes Trust and the Casey Coffee Club for financial support. A special thank you also goes to the Peterson Family for donating the soil used in the project, as well as to Mayor Bruce Vorm, Brian Rumple, Cory Schaffer and the City of Casey maintenance staff for the time and equipment. 

“Every community is built on the efforts of those willing to give their time, and this project is no exception. We want to thank the past members of the Flower Committee for their years of dedication to keeping Casey beautiful. Their commitment inspired us, and while we know we have big shoes to fill, we hope they will look at these improvements with pride, knowing the tradition they began is being carried forward by a new team of volunteers. We are honored to continue building on that foundation,” Trish said. “Thank you to everyone who helped make this project possible. Together, we’re helping create a beautiful first impression and a warm welcome to Casey for years to come.”

By Rich Wicks | Times Vedette

After months of planning and preparation, Guthrie County appears to be ready to shine during RAGBRAI. Below is a short list of questions and answers that may prove helpful.

MONDAY, July 20 (Guthrie Center)

When will bicyclists and others arrive?

Bicyclists are expected to begin trickling into Guthrie Center around 6 or 7 a.m. Monday, coming in from the west on Highway 44 with the majority arriving in the early afternoon. Support vehicles (trucks and RVs) will arrive from the south via Highway 25 beginning before sunup and throughout the morning.

What streets/roads will be closed?

In Guthrie Center, the only closed-off area will be State Street from the fire station to the Casey’s intersection (Fifth Street), and side streets (Second, Third and Fourth Streets) one block north and south of State Street. However, traffic anywhere near downtown Guthrie Center or around the fairgrounds or schools is likely to be heavily congested much of the day.

Will businesses be closed?

Some will. The courthouse will be open. Guthrie County State Bank will be closed. If you have shopping or business to transact Monday in Guthrie Center, it would be wise to check first.

How can I get to where I need to go?

The key term is patience. Getting around will take longer. There will be shuttle buses running on three roundtrip routes (downtown to fairgrounds, downtown to the high school, and downtown to the elementary school/Immanuel Church/Café on the Hill).

Will I still have cell phone connectivity in town?

Cell coverage may be spotty, especially in the afternoon.

When will it end?

Live music and alcohol sales will end at 11 p.m. Street closures in Guthrie Center are expected to end around midnight.

TUESDAY, July 21 (Guthrie Center)

What will Guthrie Center look like Tuesday morning?

Most of the bicyclists prefer to start their daily ride early to avoid the heat. Expect lots of bicycle traffic on State Street/Highway 44 toward Panora all morning.

TUESDAY, July 21 (Panora and Yale)

When will bicyclists and others arrive?

The bicyclists will roll into Panora and Yale throughout the morning. Some early birds will likely roll through before sunrise. 

What streets/roads will be closed?

In Panora, the only officially closed-off area will be at the town square.

When will it end?

For both Panora and Yale, things are expected to settle down by early- to mid-afternoon, since the day’s bicycle route ends in Boone.

By Rich Wicks | Times Vedette

Everyone is invited to come to Casey this weekend. The town’s 2026 summer festival includes many familiar events along with several new additions. The annual celebration is set for July 17 and 18, with many familiar events and a few new offerings.

One of the new additions is the kickball tournament. Teams of nine players each will compete. Anyone with questions, or groups looking to add players to reach nine, may call James Grubbs at 641-740-1947. Three teams are already registered.

Events shown will occur on Main Street, McPherson Street or at the Community Center. The schedule includes:

Friday, July 17

• 3-6 p.m.: “Rock Walk” at the library with the music collection of local teen Parker King.
• 5-9 p.m.: Mini golf
• 6 p.m.: Dinner and drinks served by Casey Service Club, at the Community Building patio
• 6 p.m.: Kids Parade on Main Street
• 6:30-8:30 p.m.: Foam Party
• 6:45 p.m.: Casey Service Club awards
• 7 p.m.: Bags tournament
• 8-11 p.m.: Beer tent and live music by Jesse Wilson, at Tin Lizzie’s
• 8:30 p.m.: Outdoor movies “Sandlot” and “A League of Their Own” will be shown

Saturday, July 18

• 7 a.m.: Casey Stampede 5K and 1-mile Fun Run
• 7-10 a.m.: Pancake breakfast
• 8:30 a.m.: Bake sale by Lutheran Women’s Missionary League
• 10:30 a.m.: Big Parade
• 11 a.m. to 1 p.m.: Methodist Church lunch
• 10 a.m. to 1 p.m.: Historical Society open house at Visitors Center
• 11:30 a.m. to 2:30 p.m.: Casey Boys car show
• 11 a.m. to 3 p.m.: Kids’ water tag
• 11 a.m.: Crafts with Rolling Hills Bank
• 11:30 a.m. to 2 p.m.: Chicken Bingo
• Noon: Kickball registration, with tournament to follow
• 1 p.m.: Bingo at Community Building
• 2 p.m.: Wacky Cake Decorating and Cake Walk
• 2 p.m.: Science Center of Iowa: BOOM (the science of explosions)
• 8-11 p.m.: Beer tent and live music by Ghost Riderz, at Tin Lizzie’s

By Rich Wicks | Times Vedette

During the July 13 meeting of the Panorama School Board, the board members considered a request to purchase Chromebooks from CDW for elementary students. The board approved the request, not to exceed $95,000. The board also approved the purchase of staff devices, not to exceed $48,300. Both purchases will be made using PPEL/SAVE funding.

The board approved contract recommendations for the 2026-2027 year, including Melissa Hochstetler and Buffy Louk (junior class sponsors), Zach Tokheim (JH boys basketball), Tricia Ridgeway (middle school paraeducator), Jaimie Waddle (elementary paraeducator) and Brianna Button (elementary paraeducator). The resignation of Shannon Kepple (JH boys basketball) was also approved.

A 28E agreement with Carroll Community School District for girls swimming was approved.

The board approved a fundraiser request for the FFA to sell watermelon in conjunction with ACGC on July 20 in Guthrie Center. The board also approved an overnight trip for 11 FFA students to attend the National Convention Oct. 2-24 in Indianapolis, Indiana, and an overnight trip for 12 drill team students and three chaperones to attend Dance Camp in West Des Moines July 16-18.

In the “Good News” portion of the meeting, appreciation was voiced to the cross country team members for their help with the Yale Fourth of July 5K fun run. Mr. Dorhout also reported that students partnered with Miss Kelly’s preschool class to create a pocket prairie in the preschool playground.

The board went into closed session for superintendent evaluation.

Registration for the upcoming school year will open July 15, with the first day of school set for Aug. 24.

The next regularly scheduled meeting of the board is set for Monday, Aug. 10 at 5:30 p.m. The public is welcome.

By Rich Wicks | Times Vedette

During the July 15 joint meeting of the Adair-Casey and Guthrie Center school boards, discussion was held regarding the new state law allowing eighth-grade athletes to play in high school sports.

Superintendent Josh Rasmussen explained that for each athlete and in each specific sport, an eighth-grade athlete would be considered either and eighth grade athlete or a high school athlete, but not both in the same season.

“Once an eighth-grader plays the first game, they are a varsity player and they can’t go back to junior high. It is sport-to-sport specific. Or if they start junior high game one, then they are junior high and can’t play high school,” Rasmussen said.

He said school districts are able to decide whether or not to allow individual eighth-grade athletes to compete in high school sports on a case-by-case basis, and he suggested an application process in which the athlete and family could apply for the opportunity to play in a particular high school sport. He recommended that any such applications would be considered for approval by the athletic director and the coach and would need the approval of both.

Board members discussed the matter and voiced concerns about possible negative impacts on junior high teams, but the consensus was that in certain sports and in certain situations, allowing an eighth-grade athlete to compete on a high school team may be acceptable. Board members talked of their wish to “set a high bar” for such approvals. Rasmussen will work on developing an application form.

The boards returned to the issue of potential consolidation of the Adair-Casey and Guthrie Center school districts into one. Board members asked for data on various cost savings that would be expected under consolidation so the two boards can make data-driven decisions based on financial feasibility in addition to other factors. No formal action was taken at this time.

In the Consent Items portion of the meeting, contract recommendations were approved for several staff members including Karla Mahaffey (marketing and communications), Skie Shull (junior class sponsor), Lindsay Fluharty (assistant volleyball coach), and Ashley Smith (assistant volleyball coach).

The next regular meeting — a joint meeting of the Adair-Casey and Guthrie Center school boards — is set for Wednesday, Aug. 19, at 7 p.m. at the junior high school (3384 Indigo Ave., Adair). The public is welcome at all board meetings other than special closed meetings as allowed by law.