By Rich Wicks | Times Vedette

The Heartland Highland Cattle Association held its annual gathering March 6-7 in Branson, Missouri. Clint Deardorff was appointed to serve as president for a second term.

Deardorff has served in various board and officer roles since 2015 and has been raising Highland cattle since 2012. The HHCA is a national association representing more than 900 farm members across the country who raise Scottish Highland cattle.

The HHCA runs two national auctions each year and manages a Highland cattle registry. Its primary focus is supporting members with resources, events and guidance to help them successfully raise this heritage breed.

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Editor’s note: Monteith is an unincorporated community in Guthrie County. Residents in or around the area gather monthly to share updates on projects and celebrate milestones. Following are the “minutes” from the affectionally named “Monteith City Council Meeting.” We are pleased to publish these as submitted.  

Mayor JD Kuster brought the meeting to order with Pledge of Allegiance. A total of 20 were in attendance.

There was not a February Council Meeting. It was such a busy month, it was decided to defer the meeting to March.

February birthdays were celebrated for JD Kuster and Barb Rees Bachman

Several members went to see Jim Smith on Jan. 20 to help him celebrate his 86^th birthday. His health is much improved. It is great to see you feeling better, Jim.

Also Barry Branson and Vanessa Branson were blessed with a beautiful great-granddaughter. Her name is Crosby, and she was born Jan. 18. Congratulations to both of you and your family, and we are so glad all are healthy.

Old business

The plaque for the rock at Monteith City Park is finished. Was decided that Jeff Derry and Rich Bachman will put the plaque on the rock once the weather is warmer. Rich and Jeff will also check the sign on the east side of Monteith to determine if we need to replace the entire sign. Once that is researched, we will discuss how to raise money to help pay for this.

Vicki Varnum Crannell talked to the group about upcoming events in Guthrie Center. She asked for volunteers for RAGBRAI. Barry and Vanessa volunteered for the information booth. Also we discussed ideas for fundraisers.

Upcoming dates

• Sunday March 22, Decorating Monteith Cemetery for Easter. Barry and Vanessa volunteered to put up decorations on Sunday and Rich and Barb will get them down out of the loft for them.
• Friday March 27, Zoning Commission at 1 p.m.
• No meeting in April
• Friday April 24, Zoning Commission at 1 p.m. and then 5 p.m. Fish Fry. When we get closer to date, we will put out notice for sign up for food.

Jim Smith motioned to adjourn meeting and Jeff Derry seconded the motion.

This will be our last formal meeting of this season, and then we will start up again in September. There will possibly be some Drinks in the Drive this summer, since we all have so much fun together. We had a great crowd last night — good fellowship and great food.

Great quote of which we need to remind ourselves: “Folks are usually about as happy as they make their minds up to be.” – Abe Lincoln

We are a happy group! Thanks everyone.

Your secretary/treasurer, Barb Rees Bachman

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Planning is underway for this year’s Easter at the Square celebration. Activities will begin inside the Vets Gym from 9-10 a.m. with crafts, games, cookie decorating, coloring tables and live bunnies from a local 4H club. The Egg Hunt will begin at 10 a.m. on the town square with scooter sign-ups organized by age groups.

The Panora Chamber of Commerce is currently collecting individually wrapped candy and goodies to help fill approximately 3,000 eggs. If your business or organization would like to set up a table or activity, or if you would like to help volunteer, fill out this form: https://forms.gle/snhLbtE83XcJjAg56

If volunteering is not possible but you would still like to support the event, cash donations are also welcome and will be used to purchase additional candy and goodies for the kids.

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The Market-to-Market Relay will take place Saturday, May 9 in the morning. The Panora Chamber of Commerce currently has four volunteers confirmed and needs a total of 10.

Volunteers will help monitor crossings along the bike path as runners make their way into Panora. It is a simple but important role that helps ensure safety during the event. If you are willing to help, please sign up at: https://forms.gle/snhLbtE83XcJjAg56.

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On March 13, a total of eight players participated. Dick Ellis and Dennis Betts got a 16 and a 17; Sandy Rumelhart got a 16, 21 and 21; and Dave Richter got a 16 and a 24.

On March 16, a total of five players participated. Sandy Rumelhart got a 17, and Robert Klever got a 16.

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.

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Guthrie Count Deputy Sheriff Jeremy Bennett reported a two-vehicle accident occurring on March 15 at 5:44 p.m. on Highway 141. Troy Harley Jorgensen, 43, of Chelsea, was driving a 2005 Buick LeSabre westbound on Highway 141 and rear-ended a 2012 International 7600 truck driven by Alexander Ray Higgins, 33, of Jefferson that was plowing snow.  The LeSabre came to rest in the road way, and the International came to rest on the shoulder. All warning lights were working on the International. Estimated damage to the LeSabre is $5,000, and estimated damage to the International is $6,000. Jorgensen received a citation for failure to maintain control.