Guthrie County Deputy Sheriff Shane Jones reported a single-vehicle rollover accident occurring on Sept. 5 at 5:56 p.m. Jordan Leeann Smith, 28, of Boone, was driving a 2013 Chevrolet Silverado K1500 pickup at the 3100 block of Wagon Road. The pickup was traveling southbound and entered the west shoulder before swerving back into the roadway, crossing the centerline and entering the east ditch. As the vehicle entered the ditch, it rolled, causing the passenger side airbag to activate. The vehicle came to rest in a bean field on the passenger side. Smith reported that she swerved to miss a raccoon in the roadway. Two juveniles were also in the vehicle. Citations were issued for failure to maintain control and failure to provide proof of financial liability. Estimated damage to the Chevrolet pickup is $20,000. The report stated that Deputy Jones detected the odor of alcohol on Smith’s breath along with bloodshot and watery eyes. According to the report, Smith admitted to consuming alcohol until 3-4 a.m. but refused testing. She was handcuffed and transported to the Guthrie County Jail.

Guthrie County Deputy Sheriff Kent Gries reported a single-vehicle accident occurring on Sept. 6 at 2:30 p.m. James Earl Winfred, 48, of Menlo, was driving a 2005 Chevrolet C1500 pickup southbound on White Pole Road and drove off a curve to the left and entered the ditch. The truck overturned an unknown amount of times. The report stated excessive speed and intoxication were factors with charges and toxicology results pending. Winfred was transported by Stuart EMS to the Guthrie County Hospital in Guthrie Center where a blood draw was performed. Winfred was later transferred to Des Moines for additional treatment. The breath sample reflected in the accident report is from a preliminary breath test device. Deputy Gries stated in the report that he will update the results when the toxicology results come back. As of Sept. 11, two citations were issued for failure to provide proof of financial liability and failure to maintain control. The report stated that Deputy Gries will request a warrant for Winfred’s arrest at a later date.  Damage to the Chevrolet pickup is estimated at $7,500. 

Guthrie County Deputy Sheriff Matt Losee reported a car vs. deer accident occurring on Sept. 19 at 8:20 p.m. Joni Elizabeth Perschall, 38, of Panora, was driving a 2024 Chevrolet Malibu RS westbound on 190^th Street and struck a deer on the right passenger side of the vehicle. Estimated damage to the Malibu is $2,000. 

Special to the Times Vedette

The ACGC High School Chargers Marching Band competed in Creston’s Balloon Days Parade Competition on Saturday, Sept. 21 in Class 1A and brought home the first place trophy. This is the band’s second year competing at this parade, and the second consecutive first place trophy earned. The next parade competition takes on Saturday, Oct. 5 in Clarinda for the Southwest Iowa Band Jamboree in Class 1A. 

Ground left to right: Bee Oldes, Tessa Sheeder, Emmarae Ellis, Chelsea Kopaska and Sky Hopes. Standing front row: Stetson Ellis, Autumn Ellis, Allison Drake, Montana Douglas, Emma Brown, Ali Plagman, Ryker Ellis, Shyann Young, Tatianna Alvarez and Mackenzie Erickson. Standing middle row: Laurin Davis, Caydence Boals, Nora Langgaard, Kiera Boals, Austin Barron, Ava Johnson, Harlie Hunt, Gavin Sloss, Ryne Noland and Allie DeWitt. Standing back row: Emma James, Lucas Barnett, Tanner Downing, Olivia Mahaffey, Rohnin Grasty, Tripp Mendoza, Megan Underwood, Gracie Hodges, Wendell Hunt and Jacob Risinger.

Special to the Times Vedette

For the fourth consecutive year, Iowa Cover Crop is offering free cover crop seed to Iowa FFA Chapters through its “The Future is Covered” program. Launched in 2021, this initiative aims to give Iowa students practical, hands-on experience with cover crops. As the program enters its final weeks, Iowa Cover Crop encourages any remaining FFA chapters to take advantage of this opportunity to receive up to 10 acres of cereal rye or oat cover crop seed at no cost.

Over the past few weeks, FFA chapters across Iowa have already signed up to participate in this year’s program, but there’s still time left for those who haven’t.

“We know that the school year is busy, but we don’t want anyone to miss out on this opportunity,” Megan Holz, General Manager of Iowa Cover Crop, says. “Whether you’re a seasoned participant or trying cover crops for the first time, our program aims to make it easy and cost-effective for students to gain experience with the practice.”

FFA advisors can still enroll their chapters in “The Future is Covered” program by using the online form, https://forms.gle/AZiexCN4i6gTdHR49. The deadline to register is Oct. 20. Chapters can choose between cereal rye, oats, or a combination of both, for classroom demonstrations, plots, or for use in supervised agricultural experiences.

Since 2021, Iowa Cover Crop has donated more than 750 acres worth of cover crops to FFA chapters across Iowa. 

“It has been exciting to see the enthusiasm for cover crops from both the students and advisors,” James Holz, Co-Owner of Iowa Cover Crop, says. “Cover crops provide benefits like reduced erosion, improved soil health, weed suppression, and increased water retention — lessons we want the next generation of agricultural professionals to experience firsthand.”

Since 2014, cover crop usage in Iowa has expanded from around 400,000 acres to nearly 3.8 million acres in 2022. Through “The Future is Covered” program, Iowa Cover Crop is dedicated to continuing this growth. By reducing nutrient runoff and preserving Iowa soils, cover crops play a vital role in ensuring Iowa farmland remains fertile and sustainable for today’s students. Engaging the next generation with this hands-on experience ensures they have the skills and knowledge to carry this momentum forward.