By Cyote Williams | Times Vedette

After their runner-up performance at the IHSAA State Track and Field Championships, several ACGC athletes were awarded Iowa Track Coach’s Association All State honors. Head Coach Cody Matthewson was named At-Large 1A Coach of the Year; Tate Fever in the 400-meter high hurdles; Joe Crawford, Brexton Schneider, Luke Brincks, Eli Madsen in the 4×100-meter relay;  Luke Brincks, Dean Vela, Tate Fever, Eli Madsen in the 4×400-meter relay; Morgun Nolte, Tate Fever, Tommy Skram, Brexton Schneider in the Shuttle Hurdle Relay; and Joe Crawford, Brexton Schneider, Luke Brincks, Eli Madsen in the Sprint Medley Relay.

Preston Kent is in his second year as a lifeguard at the Guthrie Center Aquatic Center.

By Rich Wicks | Times Vedette

Tuesday, June 10 was a picture-perfect summer day at the Guthrie Center Aquatic Center. With no clouds in sight, there was plenty of sunshine, cool water and fun for everyone.

The Aquatic Center is in Guthrie Center’s Mitchell Park near the county fairgrounds. The facility includes two water slides, a zero-depth entry option, diving board, concession stand and lounge chairs. Normal hours of operation, per the city website, are 1-4:45 p.m. and 6-7:45 p.m. daily.

Macy Schreck checks in Londyn, Ryleigh and Graycen Schroeder to the Guthrie Center Aquatic Center.

Mallory and Jasper Wooldridge enjoy a perfect day at the at the Guthrie Center Aquatic Center with Kandice Hassett.

Front row: Lilah Heinz, vice president; Rylee Robson, junior advisor; Gracie Hodges, reporter; Lucy Knutter, president. Back row: Nora Langgaard, treasurer; Stella Largent, secretary; Ava Sneller, reporter; Irelyn Wirt, sentinel.

Special to the Times Vedette

Each year, the Southwest district and Iowa FFA officers plan and facilitate Chapter Officer Leadership Training (COLT) Conferences for FFA members in the Southwest district. On June 3, Atlantic High School welcomed FFA chapters from all over the district to attend the leadership training. All eight Chapter Officers from the ACGC FFA Chapter attended the conference to learn about leadership and the importance of their officer positions.

While there, district and state officers lead four interactive workshops for FFA Chapter leaders, many of which are officers, for the annual COLT Conference. The workshops facilitated were local FFA Chapter programs focused on the areas of advocating for the agriculture industry, connecting with stakeholders, recruiting for the local chapter, and working as a cohesive team. FFA leaders also received training relative to their specific officer duties within the local chapter.

Iowa FFA President Holly Schmitt stated, “COLT conference provides a chance for FFA members to learn more about their responsibility as a local leader and is a conference for members to meet and connect with state, district and other chapter officers.”

COLT conference programming is designed as a two-year rotation of local leaders training. The focus areas of next year’s program include agriculture literacy, time management, professionalism, and self-confidence.

The goal is to engage FFA members in learning about the tools that would allow them to be successful in anything they are part of through high school and beyond. COLT conference is made possible with support from Farmers Mutual Hail Insurance of Iowa through the Iowa FFA Foundation.

Guthrie County Supervisors pose for a congratulatory photo with Dr. Stephen Bascom: Steve Smith, Mike Dickson, Dr. Bascom, Maggie Armstrong, JD Kuster and Brian Johnson.

By Rich Wicks | Times Vedette

On June 10, an open house was held at the county’s newly remodeled health services center. The event also included a ceremony to officially rename the center as the Stephen Bascom Health Center, in recognition for the decades of service Dr. Bascom has provided.  

Special to the Times Vedette

Panthers On The Prowl for a Cure will be holding a Pink Out event at the Panorama vs. ACGC softball and baseball games on Monday, June 16. Games start at 5:30 p.m. with the American Cancer event scheduled for 7 p.m. 

By Rich Wicks | Guthrie Center Times

The schedule of event for Casey Fun Days (Friday, July 18 and Saturday, July 19) has been announced. Full details and any updates/changes will be posted on the Casey Service Club’s  Facebook page (www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=100064639183671). Most events will be held in the area of McPherson Street near the Casey Public Library, City Hall and downtown businesses. Some events will be held at Casey City Park (Rutt Park, 300 E. Second St.).

Friday events kick off with a kids’ parade at 6 p.m., followed by a foam party and bags tournament. A beer tent and band (The Bird Hunters) will play at Tin Lizzie’s from 8:30-11:30 p.m.

Saturday downtown events include the 5K and 1-mile runs at 7 a.m., with a pancake breakfast from 7-10 a.m. A bake sale will begin at 8:30 a.m. The bug parade begins at 10:30 a.m., followed by Methodist Church lunch from 11 a.m. to 1 p.m. Also at 11 a.m. is a corn-shelling demonstration. The Historical Society building will be open from 10 a.m. to 1 p.m. From 11:30 a.m. to 2:30 p.m., there will be a car and tractor show. At 3 p.m., the Science Heroes Show will be held. Tin Lizzie’s will host a beer tent and live band (Burnin’ Sensations) from 8:30-11:30 p.m.

Saturday events at Rutt Park include inflatables from 11 a.m. to 3 p.m., decorate your own piggy bank from noon to 2 p.m., lunch by the ACGC Class of 2026, and bingo at 1 p.m.