Special to the Times Vedette

On Friday, Jan. 10, a total of 14 players participated. Bill Sheeder had a 21; Jim Carico had a 17 and a 24; Lillian Gilson got a 16 and a 20; Dan Webb got a 24; Deb Kiefer got a 16 and a 20; John Byrd had a 16; Kay Phippen got a 20; and Sandy Rumelhart got a 16 and a 17.

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

During the regular meeting of the Guthrie Center City Council on Jan. 13, Mayor Mike Herbert explained that he has continued to hear concerns about excessive traffic speed on Bluff Street. The council chose to make an agenda item for the Jan. 27 meeting to revisit the idea of possibly lowering speed limits on Bluff Street and School Street.

Compliance Officer Wes Clark updated the council on progress being made at the Morrell property on 12^th Street. He said some debris is on the lawn and asked for direction from the council on how to proceed.

“Are you guys willing to work with them in the stuff in the yard, too, until spring? Or do you want me to serve a two-week notice on that?” Clark asked.

“Do you think they’re making an effort?” Council member Garold Thomas asked.

Clark indicated there has been clear effort and progress on cleaning up the property. The council chose to take no action at this time and to monitor the property for progress toward the goal of removing all debris and the damaged garage.

As part of the consent agenda, the council approved alcohol/beer/tobacco permits for Guthrie County Ag Society (Fair Board), Jubilee/Hometown Foods, Dollar General, and Guthrie Center Fire Association.

The next regular meeting of the council is set for Jan. 27 at 6:30 p.m. The public is welcome.

By Rich Wicks | Times Vedette

Adair/Guthrie County Emergency Management Coordinator Jeremy Cooper shared information on a house fire on the 400 block of Third Street in Menlo that occurred around 9:20 a.m. on Jan. 7.

When a search team entered the house, they found a 73-year old woman, later identified as Denise K. Miller. An air ambulance was requested, and the victim was pronounced deceased on the scene.

“Menlo and Stuart Fire crews did an amazing job and quickly responded to this fire.

“Unfortunately, a life was lost today, and that weighs heavy on our first responders,” Cooper said.

The cause of the fire and the cause of Miller’s death are under investigation.

Agencies on the scene included Menlo Fire, Stuart Fire, Stuart Rescue, Dexter Fire, Casey Fire, Guthrie County Sheriff, Stuart Police, and Adair/Guthrie County EMA.

Special to the Times Vedette

Maggie Armstrong received an award from the Panora and Lake Panorama Economic Development at Wednesday’s meeting for serving as the 2024 president of the group. Julie Dent-Zajicek, who presented the award, is the 2025 president.

Special to the Times Vedette

Coe College is recognizing its highest performing students as members of the Dean’s List, including Quinn Grubbs, who is currently among this elite group.

Grubbs, of Casey, has been named to the Fall 2024 Dean’s List at Coe in Cedar Rapids.

Past members of Coe’s Dean’s List have gone on to illustrious careers in both the private and public sectors.

The college recognized only 102 students for the Fall Term. To be named to the Dean’s List, a student must earn at least a 3.5 grade point average for the term and rank in the top 10% of the student body.

“It’s an honor to recognize these students because they exemplify the best of Coe,” said Coe College President David Hayes ’93. “Congratulations to Quinn and all the other honorees. We’re proud of all of you.”

By Rich Wicks | Times Vedette

The Guthrie County Board of Supervisors discussed three proposed payroll change notices during the regular meeting on Jan. 9.

A payroll change notice for Jenny Jessen (Social Worker, Public Health) was approved unanimously. Jessen’s pay will increase from $25.71 to $30 hourly.

A payroll change notice for Charles Abel was approved by 4-1 vote, with Mike Dickson opposed. Abel’s pay will increase from $90,676 to $93,175.45 yearly.

The supervisors had lengthy discussion about the proposed payroll change notice for Casey Jones. Jones’ position oversees the county’s collection efforts. The initial proposal was for a $5,000 raise. Supervisor Steve Smith said he prefers not to give raises mid-year in the county’s fiscal year. After discussion, the supervisors unanimously denied the $5,000 Payroll Change Notice. 

            Dickson made a motion for a $2,500 raise. Supervisor Maggie Armstrong voiced her concern.

            “I think if we had known that there was a promotion on the table ahead of time… that’s where I’m struggling,” she said. “I’m looking at this wholistically.”

            Armstrong said other departments have had staff pick up additional duties due to staffing vacancies and usually without a pay raise. The supervisors voted 4-1 in favor of the $2,500 raise, with Armstrong opposed.

Becky Benton (State Street Insurance) addressed the supervisors about insurance coverage, premiums and deductibles in the Iowa Communities Assurance Pool (ICAP) coverage, which provides property and casualty coverage to more than 800 public entities including 75 of Iowa’s 99 counties. Following her presentation, the supervisors voted unanimously to approve renewing the coverage.

Through March, the Board of Supervisors meets regularly Tuesdays and Thursdays at 9 a.m. The public is welcome to attend in person or via remote technology. To join remotely, call 323-792-6123, then use meeting code 547029216#.