Officers teach the members and students about how trusting in each other and working equally can make an effective team.

Special to the Times Vedette

The ACGC FFA Chapter welcomed Iowa FFA State Officer Kesley Greenslade and District Officer Lauren Comes to a chapter visit on Jan. 8. While at the high school, they discussed opportunities in FFA, and the students participated in leadership-building activities. This opportunity was open to any students who were interested in attending. Throughout the morning, the officers highlighted the importance of working together, being a leader and learning to communicate effectively through many of the activities that they presented to the two different groups.

After the two morning sessions, the officers then met with the ACGC Officer team to work on team-building activities, as well as how to balance their responsibilities by leaning on each other for support.

During a year of service to the organization, Iowa FFA officers serve as ambassadors for agriculture and the FFA. They travel to FFA chapters throughout the state to connect with members and talk about the many opportunities available to students enrolled in agricultural education.

Agricultural education incorporates three aspects of learning. The classroom provides basic knowledge. FFA develops leadership and personal skills. A Supervised Agricultural Experience (SAE) provides hands-on learning while working or in an agricultural business.

The Iowa FFA Association comprises 270 local chapters preparing more than 20,000 students for future career opportunities. FFA activities and award programs complement instruction in agricultural education by giving students practical experience in applying agricultural skills and knowledge gained in classes. Through agricultural education, FFA makes a positive difference in students’ lives by developing their potential for premier leadership, personal growth and career success.

Officers explain to members and students about problem solving skills and how communication helps with that.

Special to the Times Vedette

Guthrie County Deputy Sheriff Shane Martinson reported a vehicle vs. deer accident occurring on Jan. 22 at 6 p.m. on Highway 44.  Katelyn Irene Olive, 33, of Guthrie Center was driving a 2017 Nissan Rogue S westbound on Highway 44 and struck a deer, causing an estimated $1,800 in damage to the Nissan. 

Special to the Times Vedette

Guthrie County Deputy Todd Thorn reported a vehicle vs. deer accident occurring on Jan. 22 at 12:37 p.m. on Highway 44. Denis Ray James, 73, of Guthrie Center, was driving a 2019 Chrysler Pacifica Touring van eastbound on Highway 44 and collided with a deer, causing an estimated $4,000 in damage to the van. 

By Rich Wicks | Times Vedette

On Saturday, Jan. 24, more than 50 ACGC students traveled to Creston High School to compete at the District Large Group Speech Contest. Thirteen of the 15 entries will advance to State Large Group Speech Contest on Saturday, Feb. 7 at Valley High School in West Des Moines. 

Earning Division I ratings and advancing to State:

• One Act Play: These Shining Lives
• Ensemble Acting: Weekend Warriors
• Musical Theatre: The Hunchback of Notre Dame
• Musical Theatre: Come From Away: Wednesday, Sept. 12
• Musical Theatre: How I Became a Pirate
• Group Mime: The Crown She Didn’t See Coming
• Group Mime: Seams, Smoke, and Silence
• Group Mime: Mime Over Muscle
• Radio: Women in Ag
• Radio: Time Warp
• Short Film: Urban Explorers
• Improv: Team Dinkla/Knutter
• Improv: Team Martens/Robson

Earning Division II ratings:

• Readers Theatre: We’re Not Making This Play Up As We Go – Honest
• Choral Reading: The Story of Genetics

The ACGC Large Group Speech Team is coached by Manda Thomas and Kelsey Dinkla.

ACGC welcomes the public to the Large Group Speech Showcase on Thursday, Jan. 29 at 6:30 p.m. in the ACGC High School Auditorium. Freewill donation goodies will be provided by PEO.

By Rich Wicks | Times Vedette

The regular meeting of the Panora City Council on Jan. 26 was led by Brian Dorsett in Mayor Curt Thornberry’s absence.

Paramedic and maintenance supervisor Alex Olson addressed the council regarding possible action on the 2010 PL Custom E450 ambulance vehicle, which he said is only a secondary vehicle and is rarely used.

“It had some very large mechanical issues a couple of years ago,” Olson said. “Since then, we’ve added everything up since we fixed it that time. We’ve put another 36 (thousand dollars) into it, and it’s been used on maybe three calls in the last four years.”

Olson also said the crew doesn’t have enough staff to realistically use this backup vehicle on any regular basis, and he described its current status as “a glorified paper weight.” Olson suggested selling the vehicle but keeping any usable equipment from it. He and John Delavergne estimated the department would save nearly $5,000 in annual costs if the vehicle was sold.

The council voted to sell the ambulance.

In other news, City Administrator Lisa Grossman described a situation involving apartments in town that have the water shut offs inside the individual apartments, which creates a challenge if the city needs to turn water off for unpaid bills. She summarized the city’s options in such cases. After discussion, the council chose to table to matter to allow time to look into the best solution.

The next regular meeting is set for Monday, Feb. 9 at 5:30 p.m. The public is welcome. Interested persons may attend in person or electronically by visiting the website https://meet.goto.com/cityofpanora or by phone 1-312-757-3121 (Access Code 295-099-701, Audio PIN 220#).

By Rich Wicks | Times Vedette

During the Jan. 26 regular meeting of the Guthrie Center City Council, discussion was had regarding the announcement that Guthrie Center would be on overnight community on the RAGBRAI bicycle tour this summer. City Administrator Kris Arrasmith said 1983 was the most recent year in which RAGBRAI overnighted in Guthrie Center.

Participants in the Des Moines Register’s statewide bicycle ride will arrive in Guthrie Center July 20 and leave the next day. Arrasmith acknowledged that the event will create traffic congestion issues, but she said the benefits far outweigh the challenges. She said RAGBRAI staff will help share their expertise regarding the city’s planning.

“It’s going to be some work, but it’s 24 hours,” Arrasmith said. “I think we can pull together and make this a really cool event.”

In other news, Arrasmith shared news on the playground equipment she suggested the city buy to replace old equipment in Mitchell Park. She said the equipment’s cost has dropped from about $38,000 to about $23,000, so she suggested also buying a swing set for about $4,900. Arrasmith said she expects the city will need to pay half of the total with the other half paid by a grant. The council voted to approve the purchase as suggested.

The council heard from Becky Petersen and Steve Smith regarding Main Street Guthrie Center. They mentioned the Celebrate Guthrie Center event is set for Friday, March 13.

Councilmember Erica Finster was named as the city’s representative on the nine-member EMS Advisory Committee.

The council’s next regular meeting is set for Monday, Feb. 9 at 6:30 p.m.