By Rich Wicks | Times Vedette 

On Dec. 2, the Adair-Casey and Guthrie Center school boards met jointly for a work session to discuss proposed consolidation of the two districts into one.

Superintendent Josh Rasmussen said he had consulted with Ahlers & Cooney (legal counsel for the districts), the Iowa Department of Education, and Heartland AEA for guidance on the process for reorganization of the Adair-Casey and Guthrie Center School Districts. The boards discussed the timeline and the petition that will need to be completed before an official election can be scheduled.  

During Rasmussen’s conversation with the Iowa Department of Education, it was discovered that additional funding that had been available to districts for reorganization ended on July 1, 2024. This funding was not extended during the 2024 legislation session and is no longer available. Board members agreed that both districts need to contact local legislators to urge them to renew this funding during the 2025 session.  

The boards also discussed how many board members should be on the new board of directors for the consolidated district, if and when consolidation happens. Currently, each board has five members. No final decision was made. 

The boards plan to continue the discussions during future board meetings. The next board meetings will be on Wednesday, Dec. 18 and will include the annual organizational meeting for each board. The Adair-Casey meeting will be at 5:30 p.m., and the Guthrie Center meeting will follow at 7 p.m. Both will be at the Adair Junior High. The public is welcome.

Special to the Times Vedette

Santa and Mrs. Claus will be at the Linden United Methodist Church, 106 N. Evans St., on Saturday, Dec. 14 from 9 a.m. to noon. A Kids Shopping Event will also be held. For 25 cents per gift, kids can pick out gift/gifts for their family. People will be available to help them wrap the presents to take home. Have question? Call the Linden Library at 641-744-2124. This event is sponsored by Friends of the Library.

From the Iowa Department of Natural Resources

After a very dry September and October, above-average rainfall in November improved drought conditions for most of the state, according to the latest Water Summary Update.

November’s preliminary statewide precipitation was 3.25 inches, or 1.43 inches above normal. Total rainfall for September and October was nearly 3.5 inches below normal, however, increased precipitation during the past month helped prevent drought conditions from worsening.

At the end of November, Iowa’s Drought Plan showed overall drought conditions have improved, with all of Iowa no longer under a drought watch designation. Statewide temperatures for the month were just over four degrees warmer than normal. The U.S. Drought Monitor (USDM) shows nearly all of Iowa in abnormally dry conditions or drought conditions, with a small area of northwest Iowa showing severe drought.

Conditions have improved due to recent rainfall over the past month. Precipitation forecasts from the National Weather Service’s Climate Prediction Center have no clear signal for the third driest month of the year. If the outlooks hold true, Iowa will likely maintain normal conditions in December.

“After a very dry start to the fall, the rainfall in late October and November eased concerns for hydrologic conditions and led to the removal of the Iowa’s Drought Plan drought watch designation state-wide. The state’s average rainfall for the fall months was below normal, but National Weather Service outlooks are stable. Continued normal or above normal rain in December is critical as we head into the winter months,” Jessica Reese McIntyre, DNR Environmental Specialist, said.

For a thorough review of Iowa’s water resource trends, visit

 www.iowadnr.gov/watersummaryupdate.

The report is prepared by technical staff from Iowa DNR, the Iowa Department of Agriculture and Land Stewardship, IIHR — Hydroscience and Engineering, and the U.S. Geological Survey, in collaboration with Iowa Homeland Security and Emergency Management Department.

By Rich Wicks | Times Vedette

The ACGC Student Council invites everyone to a free movie night. “The Polar Express” will be shown in the ACGC gym beginning at 6 p.m. on Saturday, Dec. 7. Snacks and beverages will be available for purchase with proceeds used to help fill the local food pantries. Attendees are welcome to bring blankets, pillows and bleacher chairs as desired.

By Rich Wicks | Times Vedette

Many holiday traditions and events are upcoming in the Guthrie County area. Here is a partial listing:

Saturday, Dec. 7       

Christmas in Casey

• 9 a.m. to 1 p.m.
• Vendor shopping, then a visit from Santa at noon.
• 11 a.m. to 1 p.m. Lunch served by the senior class
• 9 a.m. to 1 p.m. Children’s Mall (for kids through sixth grade) at Casey United Methodist Church. Most items are 50 cents. Free gift wrapping and snacks.

Adair’s 28^th annual Festival of Trees and Christmas Extravaganza

• Vendors 1-5 p.m. at the Community Building
• 9 a.m. to 2 p.m. Open House at BC Angus, 1060 105^th St. All cuts of beef and gift bundles.
• 1-5 p.m. Boys & Girls Club, 807 Broad St. Free face painting, tour new gym, vendors, snacks.
• 2-7 p.m. Display of trees, wreaths and collections at Adair Fire Hall
• 2-7 p.m. Judy Zimmerline selling homemade candy
• 4:30-7 p.m. Freewill offering Adair Lions chili/potato soup supper
• 5-6 p.m. Santa’s visit and drawing for Bonus Bucks, plus goodie bags.
• 5-7 p.m. Live music by Little Big Band.

Saturday, Dec. 14     

Santa comes to Bagley Community Center

• 5 p.m. Pictures with Santa, then a hayride with caroling. Cookies, hot chocolate, cider and coffee will be served. Sponsored by the Bagley Fire Association

Saturday, Dec. 21

Santa’s Workshop at Panora (Rescheduled from Dec. 14 due to weather)

• 8:30-11 a.m.: Freewill offering pancake breakfast
• 9-10:30 a.m.: Camp Candycane crafts

Have an item to add? Send to rich@gctimesnews.com or call 641-332-2707. 

By Rich Wicks | Times Vedette

A Holiday Fashion Show will be held beginning at 1 p.m. on Sunday, Dec. 15 at Tin Lizzie’s Sports Bar in Casey. Attendees can enjoy wine from Twin Vines and appetizers while checking out the new fashions. There will be a special of “buy one, get second item half off” on the fashion items.

Tin Lizzie’s Sports Bar is located at 614 McPherson St. in Casey. Phone number is 641-746-3316. www.tinlizziessportsbar.com.