By Rich Wicks | Times Vedette

During the June 17 joint meeting of the Adair-Casey and Guthrie Center school boards, discussion was held regarding the various fees and prices paid by students and families. Superintendent Josh Rasmussen explained that meal prices need to increase slightly to cover costs. The recommended prices were 10 to 25 cents higher than the current price. He also suggested raising the cost of drivers education from $360 to $400 (students on reduced lunch pricing would pay $200). The boards voted to approve the prices as recommended.

Principal Cody Matthewson discussed his recommendations for the number of credits needed for graduation. Because of the change in class schedule, Matthewson recommended a different number of required credits for students currently entering ninth through 12th grades. The matter will be considered for approval during the July meeting.

In the consent items portion of the meeting, approval was given regarding the resignations of Adair-Casey employees Melissa Dewitt (paraprofessional), Kiara Coston (paraprofessional) and Jacob Joliet (junior high football, junior high strength and junior high track). Guthrie Center employee resignations included Kelsey Eischeid (assistant volleyball), Skie Shull (junior class sponsor) and Christina Wilson (junior class sponsor). A contract recommendation was approved for Jason Calhoun as Guthrie Center volunteer softball coach.

Becky Benton (State Street Insurance) shared her report and options for the boards to consider for 2026-2027 property/casualty/SPF insurance renewal. The boards approved the renewals with minor changes from the current coverage.

The Adair-Casey board voted to approve the bread bid from Pan O’ Gold, which is the same supplier chosen by the Guthrie Center board.

The Guthrie Center board discussed the superintendent contract. Business Manager Brandy Rudy said since other professional staff get three personal days, increasing that for the superintendent (from two to three days) would create uniformity. Matt Van Meter voiced his opposition to increasing the allowance from two days to three days. He said the superintendent also gets 20 days of vacation, whereas teachers only get the three personal days.

There was also discussion about Rasmussen’s request for wording in the contract to give more advance notice if his contract were not going to be renewed, so that he could pursue applying elsewhere. Van Meter said he saw no benefit to the school in that proposed change. After discussion, that proposed stipulation was left out. The board approved the contract on a four to one vote, with Van Meter voting against.

Discussion was held regarding the need for volunteers at the high school during RAGBRAI. Hundreds of riders are expected to use the high school’s shower facilities, so volunteers will be needed to help with traffic flow, towel distribution and other needs.

Rasmussen voiced appreciation to Matthewson for his years of service, as this was Matthewson’s final board meeting prior to his resignation. Matthewson responded and voiced his appreciation for his years at ACGC.

“There are a few things that always resonated with me. As a coach or AD or principal, the reason why I think we had so much success is I took everything personally, from how the field looked to how the kids acted to discipline, as a direct representation of my family. That was my last name that was being put out there,” Matthewson said. “You’re either all in or all out, so hopefully we can continue to find people to advocate for our kids who are all in.”

The Guthrie Center board set a work session meeting for 6:30 p.m. on July 1 to discuss the facility needs list submitted by Denovo and to plan for staffing and other needs during RAGBRAI.

Upcoming dates include the Booster Club’s fundraiser golf tournament on Friday, June 26.

The next regular meeting — a joint meeting of the Adair-Casey and Guthrie Center school boards — was set for Wednesday, July 15, at 7 p.m. The location is tentatively set for the Guthrie Center Elementary School library. The public is welcome at all board meetings other than special closed meetings as allowed by law.

By Rich Wicks | Times Vedette

Alicia Ciesielski is leading the planning for overnight accommodations for the thousands of bicyclists and others who will be in Guthrie Center on Monday, July 20. She provided an update on the status of those plans.

The largest cycling groups, known as charters, will generally be staying at the Guthrie County Fairgrounds. Some of those large charters include more than 1,000 riders. Other groups come in all sizes, from just a few riders (or even just one) to dozens.

The Guthrie Center RAGBRAI housing committee has been working over the last couple of months to help a portion of the estimated 30,000-plus riders find overnight accommodations in Guthrie Center. So far, more than 220 RAGBRAI teams have officially registered to find host families for Guthrie Center with more coming in every day.

Some of the requests range from looking for outdoor tent space, to full RV hookups, and from indoor bed requests to indoor floor camping. The committee has received requests from riders just asking for a place to hang hammocks and others for just a safe place to sleep under the stars. Many of the teams share special details about their team in hopes of finding a good match. A few examples are shown below:

“I am a veteran who served 30 years in the military. My son and I are seeking a host home in Guthrie Center.”

“Just looking for a place where a mom and dad and their two sons can spend the night out of the elements.”

“We’ve been riding RAGBRAI for over 10 years and have made lifelong friends with previous host families. Would love to find that connection in GC.”

“We’re a group from a sober community – we’re friendly, non-drinking folks looking for accommodations.”  

“Just a solo rider, with my husband, for my first RAGBRAI looking for quiet yard for camping.”

“I am looking for a bedroom for my parents in their 60s who are doing RAGBRAI for the first time.”

Due to the generosity of many Guthrie County residents, a large portion of these riders have been matched with local hosts by the committee already. And they would like to heartfully thank them for their willingness to open homes, yards, lots and acreages to the town’s overnight guests.

Hundreds of riders are still unmatched and without a place to stay overnight, so the Guthrie Center RAGBRAI committee is still looking for hosts. If you live anywhere in the vicinity of Guthrie Center — in town or out of town, especially if you are along the route — they would welcome your generosity to offer to host a RABGRAI team. To be a host, you can choose the accommodations that you are the most comfortable with. If you have a yard that would allow a team to pitch a few tents and use your bathroom, that would be terrific. If you have a spare bedroom or two and would like to host a couple or a small group, that would be great. If you live on an acreage and have wide open spaces, that could work, too. Maybe you are willing to host a larger, social team in and around your home. Who knows, maybe a lifelong connection will be made along the way.

You can sign up to host a RAGBRAI team by using the link: https://forms.gle/2uynWfo9Ufz95BEf7

Or go to the website of Guthrie Center RAGBRAI to learn more. www.guthriecenterragbrai.com.

Special to the Times Vedette

On June 17, a total of 15 players participated. Sandy Rumelhart and Robert Klever each got a 16; Dennis Betts and Rhonda Titus each got a 20; Dave Richter got a 21; and Chet Vaughan got 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 regular meeting of the Guthrie County Board of Supervisors on June 16, Conservation Director Brad Halterman provided a departmental update.

“Our camping numbers have been steady. We seem to be getting a lot of usage at our shelter houses, as well,” he said.

Halterman also looked ahead to what he expects to be a busy Fourth of July camping weekend.  He noted that with the road project ongoing along Wagon Road (County Road P28), people interested in visiting Nations Bridge Park will be able to do so, but there may be detours, especially for those coming from Stuart around the holiday weekend.

“At the very least, Nations Bridge campground will be open from the north,” Halterman said.

Halterman talked about plans regarding the area between Lenon Mill and the Lake Panorama dam.

“At Lenon Mill, across the city street to the north, there’s an area that belongs to the state DNR. That has become an ever-increasing recreational opportunity area. There are a lot of people that fish over there. There is a makeshift area where canoes and small john boats are putting in,” he said.

“We entered into a 28E agreement with the state to manage that stretch. That means 15 minutes of mowing a week, when we’re down there mowing at Lenon Mill anyway,” Halterman said.

Halterman also noted that he eventually plans to apply for a grant to put in a boat access point in that area. He said it would allow access for emergency equipment if needed.

Supervisor Maggie Armstrong explained that the recent rains somewhat slowed progress on the Wagon Road project. She said there will be a pilot car in one section next week, and later the entire stretch between Monteith Road and Stuart will be closed to through traffic. Armstrong encouraged drivers to check the county website for latest updates on the road project.

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#

Special to the Times Vedette

A breakfast benefit and silent auction was held Sunday, June 14 at the Panora Community Center to raise funds for the Tori’s Angels Foundation, which has now accepted more than 200 kids in the past 15 years and is actively supporting more than 140 kids. A free-will offering was held with 100% of the donations going to the kids. 

A Tori’s Angels garage sale was also held this weekend to raise funds for the organization. 

Hudson finds his picture on the sidewalk while coming into Veterans Auditorium in Panora.

Tori Heckman, the namesake of the Tori’s Angels foundation, and her family were in attendance. Tori is pictured wearing a T-shirt that says: “I’m Tori. Thanks for being one of Tori’s Angels.” Several years ago, Bill and Connie Ridgely had these shirts made for Tori in sizes from a size 5 until now.

Mary Jane Carothers, JoAnn Alumbaugh and MJ Brown at the garage sale where all proceeds went to Tori’s Angels.

Ryan, Mia and Stella Albers serve food at the Tori’s Angels breakfast benefit on Sunday.

Photos of the Tori’s Angels kids lined the sidewalk leading to the breakfast at the community center in Panora.

JoAnn Alumbaugh interviews Tori’s Angels child, David, and his dad, James.