By Rich Wicks | Times Vedette

Guthrie County’s June 2 Primary Election will include both contested and uncontested races. All candidates for Guthrie County seats were invited to provide responses to three questions. The responses we received are listed below. No Democrats filed to run in the Primary for any positions within Guthrie County, so all candidates listed are Republicans.

Phil Brown and Nic Chance will square off in the Primary for District 1 supervisor to fill the seat currently filled by JD Kuster, who is not running for re-election.

Incumbent Maggie Armstrong is uncontested in the race for District 3 supervisor.

Tracy Foster and incumbent Steve Smith will vie for District 4 supervisor.

Charles Abel and Joel Christopher Baxter will compete for county attorney.

Incumbent Brenda Campbell is uncontested for county treasurer, and incumbent Tristen Richard is uncontested for county recorder.

Maggie Armstrong: What would you like to say about your background, family and/or career?

I have an extensive background in public service, community-based leadership and small business experience. I was first elected as supervisor for District 3 in 2022 and have truly enjoyed serving the residents of Guthrie County. I’m currently running for a second term and remain committed to working hard on behalf of the county and its communities. I believe strong, local leadership starts with being connected to the community, listening to residents and focusing on practical decisions that serve the interests of Guthrie County.

What are your qualifications for the position you are seeking?

I have firsthand experience in the role and a strong understanding of the responsibilities and challenges that come with county government. I’ve worked hard to make thoughtful, practical decisions that balance the needs of residents, infrastructure, public safety, and long-term financial stability

What will be your focus if elected?

My focus will remain on responsible budgeting, maintaining essential county services, and planning for the future of Guthrie County.

One of my priorities will continue to be managing taxpayer dollars efficiently and providing tax relief where and when it makes the most sense for Guthrie County. I understand the financial pressures facing those living in Guthrie County, and I believe county government should always look for ways to operate responsibly and efficiently.

Another priority is continuing to strengthen communication between county government and the public. Finally, it’s important to continue planning for the future by supporting responsible growth, economic development, housing availability and initiatives that help keep our communities strong while preserving the quality of life that makes Guthrie County a special place to live.

Charles Abel: What would you like to say about your background, family and/or career?

Growing up, I have fond memories of visiting my grandparents who lived in Yale, going to the July 4th celebration, Panorama Days, and visiting our family farm. Now, my wife and I recently chose to make our home in Stuart to raise our two children. Being an Eagle Scout taught me early on the importance of community service, a value that continues to guide my life. I am proud to serve our community as the Assistant Guthrie County Attorney, dedicating my career to keeping our community safe.

What are your qualifications for the position you are seeking?

As your Assistant County Attorney, I bring true day-one readiness to this office. I have a proven track record of handling our county’s critical legal matters and working hand in hand with local law enforcement to secure justice. My established relationships with our local departments ensure a seamless transition. Prior to that, running my own law practice taught me how to problem solve, advocate and work through difficult issues.

What will be your focus if elected? 

My primary focus will be unwavering support for public safety and backing our law enforcement. Our law enforcement deserves a County Attorney who has their back 365 days a year, and I will ensure our prosecutors work with police to build rock-solid cases. I will prioritize the protection of our children, protect our elderly from financial exploitation, and combat the ongoing meth epidemic. I also hold by my commitment to good ol’ fashion hard work. There is no substitute for hard work, and I am ready to deliver that dedication to Guthrie County.

Phil Brown: What would you like to say about your background, family and/or career?

I was born and raised in Guthrie County and have spent my life working in agriculture and supporting our local communities. After graduating from Iowa State University in 2007, I worked for Pioneer Hi-Bred on the corn research side and have remained involved in Pioneer seed sales since 2012. Those experiences taught me the value of hard work, problem solving and building relationships with farmers and local businesses. My wife and I are raising our two children here because we value the people, work ethic and rural way of life that make Guthrie County such a great place to call home.

What are your qualifications for the position you are seeking?

I bring practical, common-sense experience and a level-headed approach to decision making.  Running a farming operation requires budgeting, planning, problem solving and working with people from different backgrounds. I believe one of my strengths is being approachable and willing to represent District 1 with honesty, transparency and accountability.

What will be your focus if elected? 

My focus will be responsible spending, maintaining county infrastructure, supporting public safety and EMS services and keeping county government accessible to residents. I want to make sure taxpayers feel heard and know their concerns matter. I will work to support economic opportunities/growth while protecting the values and quality of life that make Guthrie County a great place to live and raise a family.

Brenda Campbell: What would you like to say about your background, family and/or career?

I have been married to my husband, Cory, for 27 years. We have twin daughters, Kendra and Mackenzie, who are 24 years old, and our youngest daughter, Ava, who is 19. We are excited to have two weddings in our near future as both of our twins are engaged, and we look forward to welcoming two sons into our family.

I grew up on a farm between Yale and Panora and graduated from Panora-Linden High School.

What are your qualifications for the position you are seeking?

I have worked in the treasurer’s office for 19 years and have served as treasurer for nearly the past four years, I have truly enjoyed serving the public and hope to continue serving as your county treasurer. Through my years of experience in the office, I feel confident in my ability to provide dependable service and assist the public with all their needs.

What will be your focus if elected? 

Over the next four years, I will continue to strive to provide excellent customer service while maintaining and monitoring all aspects of the county treasurer’s office.

Tristan West has operated the seasonal fishing shop from his Panora garage since 2012.

By Rich Wicks | Panora Times, May 2026

If you are looking to go fishing in Guthrie County, where can you buy bait and tackle? If you simply want live bait, vending machines and convenience stores can meet that need. But if you need fishing tackle, there are very few options. If you want a store that specializes in fishing and offers a wide variety of fishing tackle and related items, T-Dogg’s Bait & Tackle is the place to visit.

Owner and lifelong Panora area resident Tristan West operates T-Dogg’s Bait & Tackle out of the garage at his home at 505 W. Market St. in Panora. He explained how his business came to be.

“When I was growing up, there was a bait shop across town. I used to go down there and see the gentleman who ran it and visit with him. Then I started this shop in 2012. At that time, I didn’t have nearly as much stuff in the garage as I do now,” West said.

T-Dogg’s is closed during the cold months, but once he opens, West makes up for lost time.

As a one-person business, West has a demanding schedule, since his standard hours of operation are 8 a.m. to 5 p.m. seven days a week.

“It’s open from March or April until October,” West said.

One downside to that schedule is that West rarely gets a chance to go fishing, but he enjoys visiting with customers about their fishing experiences.

West said his store carries everything needed to get a line in the water, including candy and pop.

“I pretty much have everything to get you started,” he said.

West said his best-selling items are lures and poles. He also stocks a wide variety of hooks, bobbers, sinkers, tackle boxes and many other items. He sells bait, including nightcrawlers, leeches, shrimp and chicken liver, but not minnows. In the past, he found it difficult to maintain minnow buckets and keep the tiny fish alive and active.

Late spring is traditionally the busiest time at T-Dogg’s. He recalled being surprised at how busy the store became during its first season.

“It was so busy the first Memorial Day after I opened, and it’s always crazy chaotic in here on Memorial Day,” he said.

At other times, he passes the time using his phone. He does not mind sitting and waiting. Patience is a crucial part of fishing and running a fishing store.

The business accepts cash only, and since West is the only employee, there are times he may not be in the garage when a customer arrives.

“If I’m ever not in the garage, just ring the bell,” he said.

Generally, the garage door is open during business hours, which sometimes results in more than customers coming in.

“I’ve had a lot of sparrows and different birds fly in here, and it can be tough to get them out,” West said.

Over his 14 years in business, West has learned to listen to what his customers want. He encourages people to call ahead at 641-757-7942 if they wish to check availability on specific items. West said maintaining inventory is the most challenging part of his job, but he strives to offer a little bit of everything.

“I try to keep a good overall selection. For a garage business, I’m pretty well stocked,” West said.

West maintains a Facebook page for his business where customers can see updates to his offerings. Although the seven-days-a-week schedule is demanding, West does not plan to make significant changes in the foreseeable future.

“I plan to keep doing this as long as I’m able to and the body will let me,” he said. n

Special to the Times Vedette

Joy Neal Kidney’s new novel, “The Immigrant and the Outlaw,” gathers some of her most compelling work — stories rooted in Iowa soil yet echoing far beyond it. Tales of grit, heritage, sacrifice and the quiet heroism woven through everyday lives.

Joy’s grandmother, Leora Goff Wilson, was born in Guthrie County. She grew up, married and had six children who were born here. After the devastation of WWII, she returned to live in Guthrie Center for four more decades. Five chapters of the book have stories about Guthrie County.

Joy has published dozens of narratives in newspapers, magazines and through the podcast “Our American Stories.” She is also the author of the “Leora” books.

You can find more information about Joy and her books on her website joynealkidney.com.

Autographed copies of her books are available at Art on State in Guthrie Center, the Urbandale Machine Shed Restaurant and Beaverdale Books in Des Moines. Books may ordered in paperback, hardback, eBook and audiobook formats from Amazon.com.

By Rich Wicks | Times Vedette

During the May 28 meeting of the Guthrie County Hospital Board of Trustees, Clinical Safety and Quality Coordinator Danielle Lauzon shared information about a recently completed “drill.”

“We participated in an exercise with Public Health, longterm care, and Emergency Management about a month ago. It was for extreme heat,” Lauzon said. “We identified some areas for improvement. It was a good exercise.”

Lauzon also talked about an upcoming drill.

“June 10 we are going to participate in a big exercise with Adair County Hospital, EMS, Public Health, long-term care, and the law enforcement. It’s going to be at the school. It’s going to be an active threat,” Lauzon said. “It will start at 12:30 p.m. and go until about 6:30 p.m.”

Chief Human Resources Officer Mary Anderson provided a report on hiring and staffing. She noted that employee retention rate is now 89.2%. She also noted a recent achievement.

“Thanks to our great increase on our employee engagement survey score, we have been named a ‘Top Workplace.’ It’s sponsored by The Des Moines Register,” Anderson said. “We scored well enough in six categories to be given that award.”

Chief Operations Officer Travis Martin reported on the construction progress at the hospital.

“Tuesday of next week (June 2), we’ll start work on some storm sewer, and that will reduce 12^th Street to a single lane,” he said. “So, they’ll be working in the east half of that, and there will only be passage on the west half.”

The next regular meeting of the trustees is set for Thursday, June 25 at 4 p.m. The public is welcome.

By Rich Wicks | Times Vedette

During the May 26 meeting of the Panora City Council, the councilmembers reviewed and approved Resolution 26-27, setting the date and fees for citywide cleanup. The official date is June 12, although residents who have signed up to participate may begin placing items on the curb beginning Monday, June 8.

Those wishing to participate must sign up and prepay at City Hall by Friday, June 5. The basic fee is $30. Additionally, certain items require a specific fee and sticker. Those include appliances, computers, TVs, and vehicle tires and rims. Details are available by visiting or calling City Hall at 641-755-2164.

City Administrator Lisa Grossman noted that a ribbon-cutting event will be held on Monday, June 1 at 3 p.m. for the new Adirondack chair in the town square.

Grossman also shared information on the upcoming “pre-ride for RAGBRAI” that will come through Panora on Tuesday, June 2.

“Basically, all of the RAGBRAI committee members and about 20 people will ride the whole route,” she said. “They’ve asked that we kind of display some of the things that we’ll be doing when the whole RAGBRAI comes through.”

The council approved paying Pay Application No. 1 to Dirt Teck for work on the East Clay Street Sanitary Sewer project in the amount of $75,723.51. This payment represents approximately the first half of the project.

Following a public hearing on the matter (with no written or oral comments), the council approved the fiscal year 2025-2026 budget amendment as proposed.

Consideration of purchasing a 2019 Cummings diesel truck (approximately 34,000 miles) for just less than $130,000 will be held at the council’s next meeting.

The next regular council meeting is scheduled for 5:30 p.m. on Monday, June 8. The public is welcome.

By Rich Wicks | Times Vedette

Due to a light agenda, the May 26 regular meeting of the Guthrie Center City Council was canceled. The next regularly scheduled meeting of the city council is set for June 8 at 6:30 p.m. The public is welcome.