By Rich Wicks | Times Vedette

During the April 7 regular meeting of the Guthrie County Board of Supervisors, Jennifer McMillan addressed the supervisors regarding the Iowa Governmental Health Care Program (IGHCP).

“Currently, IGHCP serves 55 entities in Iowa with 13,000 total members,” McMillan said. “Overall, your costs have increased, on average, by 4.21% over the years that you’ve been in IGHCP, so for about 15 years now. 

McMillan shared usage data for Guthrie County.

“Guthrie County has performed very well this year, with a 52% loss ratio, with 93 average employees and 260 average covered members,” McMillan said.

Supervisor Mike Dickson commented on the improvement reflected in that data.

“That’s a huge improvement from where we were just two or three years ago, because we were over 100%,” he said. Dickson also noted that the county has a “healthy” fund balance which could be used if claims are increased in a particular year.

The supervisors voted to approve the insurance renewal as presented.

The supervisors set a public hearing for the Fiscal Year 2026-2027 Guthrie County budget. The hearing will be 9 a.m. on April 21.

Veterans Affairs Administrator Beth Watson provided a quarterly report on services provided through her department.

County Engineer Josh Sebern discussed two proposed resolutions that the supervisors then approved (Resolution 26-28: Posting of Bridge Load Limitations; and Resolution 26-29: Posting of Noxious Weed List).

Sebern was asked if there are any concerns with county roadways that will be involved in RAGBRAI’s trip through the county in July. Sebern said there are no issues that he is aware of.

The supervisors meet regularly at 9 a.m. Tuesdays. The public is welcome to attend at the courthouse or via remote technology. To join remotely, call 323-792-6123 and use meeting code 547029216#.

By Rich Wicks | Times Vedette

Saturday, April 4 was the date of many Easter egg hunts in the area. The cool, damp weather forced some events indoors. The Panora egg hunt was held outside on the town square as scheduled, while Yale moved the egg hunt into the Community Building. Indoors or out, fun was had by all.

Eggs galore on the Panora square prior to the egg hunt.

Kids begin picking up eggs and treats at Yale.

Paige Anderson and her daughter, Emmie, after a successful hunt.

Everleigh Calvert filled her bucket.

Special to the Times Vedette

Guthrie County Deputy Sheriff Blake Michelsen reported a two-vehicle accident occurring on April 1 at 9:34 p.m. on State Street in Guthrie Center. Ruth Elaine Spaulding, 79, of Jefferson, was driving a 2024 Chevrolet Equinox eastbound and was turning into the parking lot of Public Health and ran into the driver’s side of a 2017 Chevrolet Traverse driven by Melissa Elaine Johnson, 59, of Panora. Estimated damage to the Equinox is $6,000, and estimated damage to the Traverse is also $6,000. Spaulding received a citation for unsafe turning. 

Special to the Times Vedette

Guthrie County Deputy Sheriff Jason Gray reported a single-vehicle accident occurring on March 31 at 8:10 p.m. on 150^th Street near Chestnut Road. Keri Theresa Charles, 39, of Coon Rapids, was driving a 2005 Subaru Forester westbound on 150th Street and took evasive action to avoid an oncoming truck. She lost control of the vehicle and entered the north ditch where the vehicle overturned. Estimated damage to the Subaru is $2,000. 

By Rich Wicks | Times Vedette

The Guthrie County Roads Department shared a news release regarding the upcoming work to be completed on Highway P28 (Wagon Road, between Stuart and Monteith Road). 

If you regularly travel P28 (Wagon Road), here is an important heads-up. Road crews will begin patch work along the stretch between Stuart and Monteith Road this Friday, April 10, weather depending.

Drivers should expect delays and sections of one-lane traffic with a pilot car guiding vehicles through work zones. Guthrie County officials recommend planning for a little extra time to get to your destination or choosing an alternate route.

The good news: This patch work is just the first step. The entire stretch of P28 between Stuart and Monteith Road is scheduled for a full highway rehabilitation starting in May. That larger project will bring more significant, much needed, long-term improvements to the corridor.

During construction, slow down, stay alert and give crews plenty of room.