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.  

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Mayor JD Kuster was under the weather for the first Monteith Council Meeting of 2026 on Jan. 13. Barry Branson presided over the meeting ,opening with the Pledge of Allegiance. There were 16 members in attendance.

January birthdays include:

• Kathy Kuster Jan. 4
• Gina Lloyd 5
• Suann Camden 15
• Jim Smith 20.

We sang “Happy Birthday!” (If you can call it singing.)

Years ago, not one couple braved having a January wedding, so we didn’t have any to celebrate. Wonder how many Valentine’s month anniversaries we will have?

We discussed the sign that was made for the rock at Monteith City Park. It is finished and looks great. Thanks to JD for getting that done. Now, it just needs to be attached to the rock this spring.

Jeff and Natalie are working on getting information on the sign that we need to repair on the east side of Monteith. Once we get a price, we will dig deeper into how to fund it. Thank you to Jeff and Natalie for taking down decorations at Guthrie City Park and the decorations in Monteith.

The Derrys have been very active with decorations the past two months, and it is much appreciated. Barry will be repainting The Monteith “Outhouse Signs”  that are displayed year round at Andersen’s. Rog & Jean are at the heart of Monteith.

Dues were collected from everyone in attendance.

Dates of upcoming meetings:

• Zoning Commission: Friday, Jan. 23 at 1 p.m.
• February Council Meeting: Tuesday, Feb. 10. It was suggested we go to a restaurant for this meeting. We discussed 5 p.m., but no location was decided on. We will keep everyone posted on that.

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

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“Give a man a fish and you feed him for a day, teach a man to fish and you feed him for life!”

The Uganda Program is an Iowa State University initiative in Uganda, focused on improving education, nutrition and income for youth and families through sustainable agriculture, vocational training and community-led development, empowering local Ugandans to build self-reliance and achieve better livelihoods. Now in its 22nd year, the program is “making a world of difference in a different part of the world.” Come see photos and hear more about this innovative program on the African savanna on Jan. 18 at 2 p.m. at First Presbyterian Church of Guthrie Center, 701 State St.

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Prom Closet Shopping Days are scheduled for the following Saturdays.

• Saturday, Feb. 7, 9 a.m. – 2 p.m.
• Saturday, Feb. 14, 9 a.m. – 2 p.m.
• Saturday, Feb. 21, 9 a.m. – 2 p.m.
• Saturday, Feb. 28, 9 a.m. – 2 p.m.

Prom Closet is located at Ascension Lutheran Church, 406 Fifth Ave. South in Coon Rapids, just north of the Dollar General Store. No appointments are needed for the shopping days. Be sure to bring any floor-length prom gowns if you have them to donate. All prom dresses, shoes and accessories are free of charge. Call or text Dona Tuel with questions at 712-830-7825. Find them on Facebook @promclosetdresses.

By Rich Wicks | Times Vedette

During the Jan. 12 regular meeting of the Panorama School Board, the boardmembers discussed the possibility of switching to a four-day school week. Superintendent Kasey Huebner stressed that the board is merely exploring the idea at this time, and no decisions have been made.

“Our current focus is on gathering information and practical logistics to ensure this transition would benefit our students and community based on other districts’ experiences,” Huebner said.

The school board is requesting additional information from other school districts and is investigating how such a schedule would work. If the board wishes to pursue the idea, a survey will be sent to families.

In other news, the board received an update on a planned roof replacement.

“The board has approved the design proposal from SVPA, an architectural firm. They will oversee the replacement of the elementary school roof, which is planned for this summer, pending favorable bids,” Huebner said. “We have also included the roof above the weight room as an alternative in this proposal, contingent on receiving favorable bids.”

The board’s next regular meeting is set for Monday, Feb. 9 at 5:30 p.m. The public is welcome.

By Rich Wicks | Times Vedette

Applications are due by Jan. 31 for any organizations wishing to apply for a grant from the Guthrie County Community Foundation. As in previous years, applications may be submitted from nonprofit organizations, governmental entities and educational organizations. Dozens of local organizations received funds in 2025. Funds will help support quality of life in Guthrie County. Details can be found on the website www.guthriecountycommunityfoundation.org.

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On Jan. 14, a total of nine players participated. Dick Ellis and Sandy Rumelhart each got a 16; Mark Humphry, Dave Richter and Allen Pierce each got a 17; and Lela Schwartz won with a 21.

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.