Front row: Luke Dahl (fireman), Jim Oberholtz (fireman), Toni Salazar, LyVandr Salazar, and a Representative of the Iowa Harm Reduction Coalition. Back row: Brian Rumple (fireman), Deputy Blake Michelsen (Guthrie County Sheriff’s Department), Travis Corder (Casey Fire Department Chief), Ann Breeding (Steps of Hope Iowa), Shannon Mullen Haus (Callyn’s Crusaders), Leland Acker (Casey City Council Member) and Nicholas Lindberg (City of Casey Mayor).

Special to the Times Vedette

On Nov. 11, the Iowa Harm Reduction Coalition and Ann Breeding with Steps of Hope Iowa, along with Shannon Mullen Haus with Callyn’s Crusaders, placed a Narcan box outside of the Casey Fire Department.

With fentanyl use on the rise, access to a Narcan box could mean life or death. These kits are available for anyone who needs access for themselves or family/friends.

Those with questions about Narcan boxes can reach out to Ann Breeding of “Steps of Hope Iowa” via Facebook. She lost her son to overdose when he was 6 months sober and relapsed.

Those interested can also contact Shannon Mullen Haus, Callyn’s Crusaders, who also lost her son to overdose. He was 3 months sober when he relapsed. She is a Casey native and Adair citizen and city council member. The Facebook Group: “Callyn’s Crusaders” can provide further information.

For more information on getting help for addiction, visit the Steps of Hope Iowa Facebook page. 

Special to the Times Vedette

On Tuesday, Nov. 12, nine members met at the Panora Public Library at 1 p.m. with hostess Charlotte Jackson. The meeting was called to order by President Trudy Woolman with the roll call being “What is your favorite Thanksgiving memory.” Many interesting answers were given. The minutes were read and approved, and the treasurer’s report was given. Birthdays and anniversaries were mentioned.

Next month’s meeting will be the annual Christmas meeting and held on Dec. 10 at the Owl’s Nest in Panora at 11 a.m.  We are to bring two things in a gift bag to be exchanged with another member.

Janine Frettim was voted the new president for 2025 with Charlotte Jackson as vice-president. Maribee Burnham was voted as cards and correspondence person. Delicious refreshments were served, and cards complete the afternoon.

By Rich Wicks | Times Vedette

During the Guthrie Center City meeting on Nov. 12, City Clerk Kris Arrasmith explained the need to replace the light beacon atop the city’s water tower.

“The light has been out for a while, and it is required by the FAA,” Arrasmith said.

Arrasmith said the FAA requirement is based on the water tower’s proximity to the hospital’s helipad and on the height of the water tower. Arrasmith said that once fixed, the beacon should be functional for 20 years. The council unanimously approved the replacement lighting.

The councilmembers approved Resolution 2024-18 “Resolution Setting a Date of Meeting at which it is Proposed to Approve a Development Agreement with Main Street Guthrie Center Corporation, Including Annual Appropriation Tax Increment Payments.” The public hearing will be during the next council meeting on Nov. 25.

As part of the consent agenda items, the council approved building permits for lot 30/31 at Cameron Flats (townhouse), 1508 Cameron Pass (communal building) and 900 Tiger Lane (dwelling).

The next regular meeting of the council will be Monday, Nov. 25 at 6:30 p.m.at City Hall. The public is welcome.

From the Iowa Department of Natural Resources

The Iowa Department of Natural Resources (DNR) is providing $900,000 in competitive grants for communities to plant trees.

The Iowa DNR received these funds from the USDA Forest Service Inflation Reduction Act (IRA). The IRA Iowa Tree Planting Grant provides reimbursable grants to purchase trees, mulch, tree staking/protection and supplemental watering by contractor or city staff.

The IRA Iowa Tree Planting grants are available to community governmental entities, volunteer organizations, and service organizations involved with local urban and community forest services, for planting trees on publicly owned properties within the community to diversify the tree canopy, increase tree benefits, and help disadvantaged populations with energy costs and health disparities, and increase access to parks and nature.

Eligibility is determined with the Forest Cover and Socioeconomic Assessment Tool.

The grant is a two-year program allowing for planting to take place in the spring and fall of 2025 and 2026. Grant funding is competitive, non-match, and awarded in amounts between $10,000 to $30,000 per applicant.

To apply, go to the Iowa DNR’s Urban Forestry website at https://www.iowadnr.gov/Conservation/Forestry/Urban-Forestry. Applications are due by 4 p.m. Dec. 30, 2024. Award recipients will be notified by Jan. 15, 2025.

For questions about the application, reimbursement and rules, contact Chip Murrow at chip.murrow@dnr.iowa.gov or 515-822-1031.

For application assistance or to set up a site visit, contact Laurie Dams at lauren.dams@dnr.iowa.gov or 515-782-6414.

Special to the Times Vedette

On Nov. 13, a total of 13 players participated. Dan Webb, Allen Pierce and Jim Carico all got a 16. Lela Schwartz had a 20, and Dave Kading got the only 24.

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.

Special to the Times Vedette

The Iowa Cattlemen’s Association (ICA) invites cattle producers and industry supporters to attend the 2024 Iowa Cattle Industry Convention held Dec. 12-13 at the Gateway Hotel and Conference Center in Ames.

The Iowa Cattle Industry Convention is an opportunity for those just getting their start or those with years of experience to network and learn from others within the industry. This is also where a significant part of ICA’s policy development process happens. ICA members can voice their perspectives and help develop the association’s policy priorities for the year ahead.

Trey Wasserburger of TD Angus at Rishel Ranch will be the keynote presenter. Wasserburger will share his story of creating a sustainable beef brand and packing plant in his session, “Conception to Consumer.”

A series of breakout session topics and speakers will address topics including current cattle research, the future of beef exports after the recent election, feedlot prosperity in 2025, and building a brand.

The convention will also include a variety of networking opportunities including a beef pairing experience, industry social, and entertainment from the Red Dirt Renegade band. More than 30 industry partners will be on site to share their products and services.

Producer members are encouraged to participate and provide input in the policy committee meetings, which will review expiring resolutions and directives and provide time to introduce new policy priority suggestions. Voting and ratification will conclude this process during the ICA Annual Meeting on December 13.

“I want to encourage all members and those considering membership with the Iowa Cattlemen’s Association to attend this year’s Iowa Cattle Industry Convention to get a firsthand look at the value of our association,” Bryan Whaley, ICA CEO, said. “We know this is a busy time of year, but your investment of time at the convention will be well spent for you and your operation. Not only does this event provide educational sessions that offer something for everyone, but the industry connections are key. I also can’t emphasize enough the importance of members being involved in ICA’s policy development process at the Convention. Input drives legislative wins such as passing the Meat Integrity Bill or reinstating the capital gains deduction that the association accomplished last year. Your participation helps shape the industry’s future.”

Registration and additional event details can be found at https://www.iacattlemen.org/events-meetings/iowa-cattle-industry-convention.