By Rich Wicks | Times Vedette

On the evening of Friday, March 13, the annual Celebrate Guthrie Center event was held at the Guthrie Center Activity Center. Following a meal catered by The Cabbage Rose, attendees heard updates from a variety of local groups and civic organizations, recognized the annual volunteer of the year, and witnessed the big reveal of the Guthrie Center RAGBRAI 2026 theme.

Representatives from organizations in the Guthrie Center community shared updates on Main Street Guthrie Center, Guthrie Center Area Development, Guthrie County Supervisors, ACGC Schools, Guthrie Center Chamber of Commerce, Guthrie County Hospital, and the city of Guthrie Center.  

The Volunteer of the Year Award was presented to Steve Smith. His nomination letter stated: “If something’s happening in town, chances are he’s involved. If you need help, he’s the first to step up. If you’re looking for advice or guidance, he’s always ready to offer it. We could try to list everything he’s a part of, but the list would be far too long — and we’d still miss something important. Whether it’s supporting the community, the school, the church, or simply lending a hand to someone in need, he shows up. Guthrie Center is stronger because of him, and much of our success is rooted in his steady involvement and leadership. He’s an avid fan — cheering on the Chargers, Chiefs, and Hawkeyes — though we all know it was his Cyclone education that helped shape the outstanding man he is today. Most of all, he is one of Guthrie Center’s greatest champions. For all these reasons and more, we are proud to nominate Steve Smith for Volunteer of the Year.”

Smith and Jennifer Policky provided an update on plans for RAGBRAI’s overnight stay in Guthrie Center on July 20. The city expects as many as 35,000 cyclists and other visitors for the event, which will require a major effort to provide food, drink, entertainment and places to sleep or set up tents. The website wwwguthriecenterragbrai.com was listed as the hub for all event information.

Policky and Smith also unveiled the city’s theme for the RAGBRAI event, “Where the hill are we?” emphasizing the slope of the city’s streets.

By Shane Goodman | Times Vedette

The Panora St. Cecilia Knights of Columbus Council No. 11242 held its annual fish dinner on March 13 from 5-7 p.m. in the basement of St. Cecilia Catholic Church at 220 N. First St. in Panora. Diners enjoyed hand-breaded fish, baked potato or tater tots, coleslaw, lemonade, tea, water and dessert.

By Rich Wicks | Times Vedette

The Casey Fire Department recently held its annual awards supper. Miles Kading was named Rookie of the Year. Michael Clarke was honored for 15 years of service and Eli Stanley for 20. Travis Corder was named Fire Fighter of the Year.

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.

Special to the Times Vedette

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

Special to the Times Vedette

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.