By Rich Wicks | Times Vedette

During the April 28 meeting of the Guthrie Center City Council, councilmember Carolyn Masters said she has been hearing complaints about citizens blowing grass clippings into the street. The clippings create a traffic hazard due to slipperiness and can cause partial or complete clogging of storm sewers. The council asks citizens to either not blow grass clippings into streets or to sweep them up after mowing.

Darin Sloss (Street Department) shared a price quote of $5,550 from Sunshine Designs to replace the canopy above the slide at the Aquatic Center. Sloss explained that the current canopy is damaged.

“The current one cannot be put back up,” he said.

Sloss said if accepted, the Sunshine Designs quote included installation prior to May 23. The council approved the quote from Sunshine Designs as described by Sloss.

Sloss said he received three applicants for the city’s summer mowing staff positions, and he suggested hiring Daniel Woods and Chase Slaybaugh. The council approved these two new hires at $13.50 hourly.

City Clerk Kris Arrasmith shared her plans to meet again with Suzanne Gerlach of PFM.

“She’s our financial advisor. We’re going to meet the first week in May. Our fee will go down, since water and gas are not participating, so it will not be the $10,000. After that, I’ll have a better idea what our fee will be,” Arrasmith said.

Steve Smith, representing Main Street Guthrie Center, met with the council to discuss timing of the display of banners honoring local military personnel. There was discussion of displaying the banners for roughly three months at a time (rather than six) to slow the expected weathering and fading of the banners. No formal action was taken.

Arrasmith noted that the east housing unit at Cameron Flats is sold, and an open house will be scheduled soon to help sell the west unit.

As part of the consent agenda, a liquor/beer permit was approved for Al’s Corner Oil (Sparky’s) and a fence permit was approved for 605 N. Fifth Street (Kessler).

The next regular meeting of the Guthrie Center City Council will be May 12. That meeting will also include a public hearing on the proposed fiscal year 2024/2025 budget amendment. The public is welcome.

Chris Eighmy, Cathy Ballard, Kay Thomas, Becca Carrico, Valerie McCool and Joan Udseth

Special to the Times Vedette

A watercolor class was held at Art on State on April 27 with Mary Johnson painting tulips.

Art on State is an art gallery created by the Guthrie County Arts Council as an opportunity to bring together the artists of the county, encouraging them in their talents by providing means to display and sell their work and to bring awareness of artistic endeavors to the community at large by presenting performing and visual arts programs. Art on State is located at 320 State St. in Guthrie Center. Learn more at www.guthriecountyartscouncil.org or call 641-332-2267.

Chris Eighmy and Kay Thomas

Becca Carico and Joan Udseth

Becca Carrico

Cathy Ballard

Valerie McCool

A group of Guthrie County fans at the Drake Relays.

Special to the Times Vedette

A group of local residents made their annual trek to Des Moines for the Drake Relays last week, cheering on an assortment of athletes and teams at the high school, college and world levels.  Billed as America’s Athletic Classic, the Drake Relays is regarded as one of the top track and field events in the United States.

Doris Bennett with gold medal Olympian Tara Davis-Woodhall after her record-breaking long jump. Tara is coached by Doris’ grandson, Panorama alumni Travis Geopfert.

Travis Geopfert and Tara Davis-Woodhall on the infield.

Special to the Times Vedette

A total of nine players participated on April 25. Kathy Feilmeier got a 16, Dennis Betts got two 16s, and Jane Barcus beat everyone with a 21.

A total of 12 players participated on April 28. Cliff Wendell and Dave Kading each got a 16, Joanne Zieser got a 16 and an 18, and Wayne Nickel got a 16 and a 21.

The Guthrie Center cribbage players generally meet at Guthrie Center Library on Mondays at 8 a.m., at the New Homestead independent living rec room at 8 a.m. on Wednesdays, and at the Guthrie Center Activity Center 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.

By Rich Wicks | Times Vedette

The annual Casey Fun Days was rescheduled to July 18-19, to avoid conflicting with the Adair County Fair, which runs July 9-13. More details on Casey Fun Days will be published this summer.

Team M&M’s emerged as champions. Members include Megan Farnsworth, Monica Hunter, Amanda Sickles and Michelle Shockley.

By Rich Wicks | Times Vedette

Sunday, April 27 was a puzzling day at the Casey Public Library, as teams competed to see which would be fastest at putting together a 500-piece jigsaw puzzle. Snacks were provided, but during the competition, teams of four were laser-focused on their task.

Team M&M’s was the winner, finishing the puzzle in 52 minutes, more than 30 minutes ahead of the next team.

Team M&M’s employs a strategy of “divide and conquer.”

Sorting pieces is the first step.