By Rich Wicks | Times Vedette

During the July 13 meeting of the Panorama School Board, the board members considered a request to purchase Chromebooks from CDW for elementary students. The board approved the request, not to exceed $95,000. The board also approved the purchase of staff devices, not to exceed $48,300. Both purchases will be made using PPEL/SAVE funding.

The board approved contract recommendations for the 2026-2027 year, including Melissa Hochstetler and Buffy Louk (junior class sponsors), Zach Tokheim (JH boys basketball), Tricia Ridgeway (middle school paraeducator), Jaimie Waddle (elementary paraeducator) and Brianna Button (elementary paraeducator). The resignation of Shannon Kepple (JH boys basketball) was also approved.

A 28E agreement with Carroll Community School District for girls swimming was approved.

The board approved a fundraiser request for the FFA to sell watermelon in conjunction with ACGC on July 20 in Guthrie Center. The board also approved an overnight trip for 11 FFA students to attend the National Convention Oct. 2-24 in Indianapolis, Indiana, and an overnight trip for 12 drill team students and three chaperones to attend Dance Camp in West Des Moines July 16-18.

In the “Good News” portion of the meeting, appreciation was voiced to the cross country team members for their help with the Yale Fourth of July 5K fun run. Mr. Dorhout also reported that students partnered with Miss Kelly’s preschool class to create a pocket prairie in the preschool playground.

The board went into closed session for superintendent evaluation.

Registration for the upcoming school year will open July 15, with the first day of school set for Aug. 24.

The next regularly scheduled meeting of the board is set for Monday, Aug. 10 at 5:30 p.m. The public is welcome.

By Rich Wicks | Times Vedette

During the July 15 joint meeting of the Adair-Casey and Guthrie Center school boards, discussion was held regarding the new state law allowing eighth-grade athletes to play in high school sports.

Superintendent Josh Rasmussen explained that for each athlete and in each specific sport, an eighth-grade athlete would be considered either and eighth grade athlete or a high school athlete, but not both in the same season.

“Once an eighth-grader plays the first game, they are a varsity player and they can’t go back to junior high. It is sport-to-sport specific. Or if they start junior high game one, then they are junior high and can’t play high school,” Rasmussen said.

He said school districts are able to decide whether or not to allow individual eighth-grade athletes to compete in high school sports on a case-by-case basis, and he suggested an application process in which the athlete and family could apply for the opportunity to play in a particular high school sport. He recommended that any such applications would be considered for approval by the athletic director and the coach and would need the approval of both.

Board members discussed the matter and voiced concerns about possible negative impacts on junior high teams, but the consensus was that in certain sports and in certain situations, allowing an eighth-grade athlete to compete on a high school team may be acceptable. Board members talked of their wish to “set a high bar” for such approvals. Rasmussen will work on developing an application form.

The boards returned to the issue of potential consolidation of the Adair-Casey and Guthrie Center school districts into one. Board members asked for data on various cost savings that would be expected under consolidation so the two boards can make data-driven decisions based on financial feasibility in addition to other factors. No formal action was taken at this time.

In the Consent Items portion of the meeting, contract recommendations were approved for several staff members including Karla Mahaffey (marketing and communications), Skie Shull (junior class sponsor), Lindsay Fluharty (assistant volleyball coach), and Ashley Smith (assistant volleyball coach).

The next regular meeting — a joint meeting of the Adair-Casey and Guthrie Center school boards — is set for Wednesday, Aug. 19, at 7 p.m. at the junior high school (3384 Indigo Ave., Adair). The public is welcome at all board meetings other than special closed meetings as allowed by law.

Special to the Times Vedette

On July 15, a total of 14 players participated. Dan Webb and Dick Ellis each got two 16s; Robert Klever got a 16; and Dave Richter got a 21 and a 24.

The Guthrie Center cribbage players generally meet at Guthrie Center Library, 400 Grand St., on Mondays at 8 a.m. and at the New Homestead independent living dining hall, 2306 State St., at 8 a.m. on Wednesdays and 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 Guthrie County Board of Supervisors meeting on July 14, Veterans Affairs Director Beth Watson provided a departmental report and addressed the supervisors regarding gravesite markers for veterans. Watson also discussed a situation of a request for burial assistance for a General Assistance recipient who may or may not meet county residency guidelines. Supervisor Maggie Armstrong suggested looking into the matter more closely to determine if this person met eligibility requirements.

“I prefer we take no action today,” Supervisor Brian Johnson said. The supervisors did not take formal action on the matter.

The supervisors approved two resolutions regarding county employee wages. Resolution 27-01 designates county salaries and wages effective July 1, 2026. Resolution 27-02 authorizes County Auditor Dani Fink to issue payroll checks.

The supervisors went into closed session, as allowed by law, to discuss strategy with legal counsel regarding an issue in litigation or where litigation is imminent.

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#

By Rich Wicks | Times Vedette

During the July 13 regular meeting of the Guthrie Center City Council, the council held a public hearing regarding the proposed sale of land north of the city cemetery. No citizens were present to speak during the hearing, and no written comments were received, so the hearing promptly closed. During the regular council meeting, the council approved the sale on a four-to-one vote, with Fidel Hernandez as the vote against.

The council discussed concerns related to the apartment building at 303 Prairie St. Compliance Officer Wes Clark noted that the property owner has apparently complied with expectations to mitigate the clutter in the building, but council members voiced concerns that conditions in the individual apartments may still be unsanitary. The consensus of the council was to take no further action at this time. The council will address tenant complaints if or when any are heard.

Clark also said complaints continue to be received regarding the property at 907 Grand St. He said the complaints are regarding noise and parking in the right-of-way (parking over the sidewalk). He said he will attend a pretrial hearing on July 31 regarding the matter.

City Administrator Kris Arrasmith reported on the recently completed citywide cleanup. She said the event was a success and included 116 stops.

Arrasmith reported on planning for RAGBRAI. She said there are now 35 food vendors expected on July 20. Arrasmith also showed the maps that have been created for RAGBRAI. One side of the map shows the entire city, while the opposite side shows a map of the downtown area. She explained the maps will also be available in electronic format, via a QR code, which will be more user-friendly for the cyclists when they are in town. They can be viewed at www.guthriecenterragbrai.com/maps.

The council discussed that cell phone connectivity may be spotty in town at times during RAGBRAI’s visit, especially on July 20 from the afternoon to early evening. For that reason, city staff will use walkie-talkies for communication as needed.

“Phones are probably not going to be a great thing,” Arrasmith said.

Arrasmith explained that on July 20, bicyclists will come into town on Highway 44, while RVs and trucks with RAGBRAI will come into town from the south on Highway 25. She encouraged local travelers to consider alternate routes and/or to allow more time.

“It’s going to be congested, so everybody’s going to have to put on their patient pants,” Arrasmith said.

Arrasmith noted that at the fire station there is now a display of art resembling antique bicycles. She added that signage asks that no person climb on the display, since it is art rather than a toy.

The council approved renewals of Dale Menning and Dr. Steven Bascom as members of the library board.

The next regularly scheduled meeting of the city council is set for July 27 at 6:30 p.m. The public is welcome.

By Rich Wicks | Times Vedette

Guthrie Center held the annual 50115 Fest on Saturday, July 11. Attendees enjoyed the farmers market, classic car show, and firefighters’ water fights. Several local businesses also participated in the sidewalk sales on Friday and Saturday.

Classic cars on State Street.

An eye-catching 1935 Ford.

Items for sale at Dowd Drug.

The Guthrie Center Library had a spot during the sidewalk event.

A vintage firetruck.

Firefighters compete in the water fight.

Shoppers browse outside Strawberry Patch.