By Rich Wicks | Times Vedette

The temporary road closure south of Nation’s Bridge Park on P28/Wagon Road is now open. Road crews were able to stabilize the sub-grade and reopen the area to through traffic. There is extra rock across the highway for the time being, so drivers are asked to use caution and be aware of the uneven surface.

While crews were patching P28/Wagon Road last month, a defect in the road that appeared to be unique to other areas of the highway was discovered. Guthrie County Engineer Josh Sebern explained.

“Defects in the sub-grade like this are rare, but they do happen and they can cause issues. The good news is we were able to secure the area and stabilize the road, which is why the road was closed until work was finished,” Sebern said.

For updates and additional information on county road projects, visit www.guthriecounty.gov or the county’s official Facebook page: www.facebook.com/GuthrieCountyIowa.

By Rich Wicks | Times Vedette

For those who enjoy food, drink and eye-catching vehicles, Stuart’s Scoop the Loop is coming up soon. Classic and tricked-out vehicles will be on display in downtown Stuart at 3 p.m. on Saturday, May 16. The second and final Scoop the Loop for 2026 will be Aug. 29 at 3 p.m.

A variety of cool cars will be in downtown Stuart on May 16.

Cars, food and drink. What could be better?

Special to the Times Vedette

Guthrie County Deputy Sheriff Taylor Wheatley reported a boat trailer accident occurring on May 1 at 5:29 p.m. near the intersection of State Street and North First Street in Guthrie Center. Rodney Lee Tatro, 39, of Cedar Rapids, was driving a 2000 Chevrolet K2500 pickup eastbound on State Street with a boat and trailer in tow. The trailer came unhitched from the truck and struck a building overhead door owned by Tristen Mary Richard, causing an estimated $2,000 in damage. Damage to the trailer is estimated at $500. Tatro admitted to not having safety chains hooked up to the pickup due to the chains being too short. 

Special to the Times Vedette

On May 28, a Hunter Education Field Day class will be offered from 5-8 p.m. at Panorama High School. Those signing up for the Field Day must have first completed the entire online Hunter Education course and must bring a printed course completion certificate.

There are three options for taking online hunter education. All courses include images and videos that enhance the students’ learning. All courses are officially approved by the Iowa Department of Natural Resources. Course experience and prices vary.

To learn more, start here and choose Option 2: Online Course + Field Day:
https://www.iowadnr.gov/things-do/hunting-trapping/hunter-education-safety

Call 515-454-0892 or email: Donise@raisedatfulldraw.com with questions. Spots fill quickly, and the online course takes time. Get started today to be ready for May 28.

By Rich Wicks | Times Vedette

During the May 5 meeting of the Guthrie County Board of Supervisors, County Engineer Josh Sebern summarized the bids received on the bridge replacement project BROS-C039 (103)-8J-39.

“This is for the bridge near Sutcliff Woodland in Bear Grove Township. It is currently closed. We received three bids with the low bid of $599,652,” Sebern said. He noted that the three bids were similar, and he recommended approving the low bid from Herberger Construction (Indianola, Iowa).

The supervisors voted to award the project to Herberger with the project expected to begin this summer.

Sebern also shared information on bridge replacement project L-CA226-73-39.

“This is for a bridge on the north side of Bays Branch. It’s a smaller timber structure right now,” Sebern said. He noted that the replacement will be “a prefabricated type of structure” and will be 24 feet wide.

“So, these are final plans. We are estimating $290,000 for the cost to replace. We are anticipating a bid letting date of May 26,” Sebern said.

The supervisors voted to approve the final plans and put the project out for bids.

Supervisor Brian Johnson was approved to join the First Responders Board.

The supervisors went into a special closed session to discuss a matter with legal counsel.

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#.