By Rich Wicks | Times Vedette

During the Feb. 23 regular meeting of the Guthrie Center City Council, Compliance Officer Wes Clark updated the council on the status of complaints about two properties.

“Our ongoing one at 907 Grand St., that we’ve been getting complaints from the neighbors, I’ve gotten letters from all the neighbors,” Clark said. He added that he is awaiting further instructions from the city attorney.

Clark also shared information on unsanitary conditions at 303 Prairie St. He said the conditions have been a concern for quite some time and have not improved .

“I’m working with the Region 12 inspector now,” Clark said.

City Administrator Kris Arrasmith said that, during the recent snowstorm, a truck had failed to navigate the curve on Highway 44/State Street near the fire hall and bumped into the corner of the building. She said this has occurred before, and she suggested possibly installing some type of barrier between the street and the fire hall. She also will contact Art on State to see if any insurance covers the large mural on the side of the fire hall in case it would ever be damaged.

The council discussed possibly having another 25 mph sign installed on Oak Street, due to excess speed, especially by vehicles heading west (downhill) toward Highway 25.

Council members voiced sadness at the passing of longtime Guthrie Center Mayor Denny Kunkle.

A public hearing on the Fiscal Year 26-27 Property Tax Levy was set for March 23 at 6:30 p.m., immediately prior to the regular council meeting on that date. The council’s next regular meeting is set for Monday, March 9 at 6:30 p.m. The public is welcome.

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Guthrie County Deputy Sheriff Josh Armstrong reported a single-vehicle accident occurring on Feb. 19 at 4:55 p.m. at the intersection of Highway 44 and South First Street in Guthrie Center. Ryan Joseph Govlik, 34, of Kansas City, was driving a 2019 Chevrolet Traverse downhill on State Street toward the southwest curve and could not bring the vehicle to a stop, driving over the curb and into the corner of the fire hall building. Damage to the vehicle is estimated at $1,501, and damage to the fire hall is estimated at $1,501. 

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Guthrie County Hospital is announcing temporary access changes for patients while construction progresses on campus. These adjustments will ensure continued safe and efficient entry to clinic services throughout the construction period. A detailed map illustrating the updated entrances and parking areas is included with this release for patient convenience.

GCH Specialty Clinic – Temporary Entrances and Parking (Effective Feb. 25)

Beginning Feb. 25, all patients visiting the GCH Specialty Clinic will use the entrance located just south of the ambulance bay. Parking for GCH Specialty Clinic appointments will also be located in the lot south of the ambulance bay. Signage will be posted to help guide patients to the correct entrance and parking areas.

GCH Clinic – _Guthrie Center and Pediatrics – Temporary Relocation to South Trailer (Effective March 2)

Starting March 2, the GCH Clinic – Guthrie Center will temporarily relocate to the trailer south of the hospital. Pediatrics, which is offered on Tuesdays only, will also move to this temporary location on its clinic day. A newly designated parking lot is available directly adjacent to the trailer, providing convenient access for all GCH Clinic and Pediatric appointments.

Please note: All dates listed above are subject to change based on construction progress and weather conditions.

As of now, the Main Entry and Emergency Entrance will not change. However, at a yet to be determined date in March, the main entry and emergency entrance of the hospital will move to the north end of the building. As soon as we have an effective date, the hospital will communicate this change to the public.

Patients are encouraged to allow a few extra minutes for parking and navigation during this time. Guthrie County Hospital staff will be available to assist anyone needing direction or support.

For questions, please contact the hospital’s main line at 641-332-2201 or visit the website, www.guthriecountyhospital.org, for the latest updates.

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On Feb. 20, a total of 13 players participated. Dick Ellis got two 16s; Bill Sheeeder, Lela Schwartz, Dennis Betts and Robert Klever each got a 16; Sandy Rumelhart got a 17; Clint Malbon had a 21; and Wayne Nickel came through with a 22

On Feb. 23, a total of nine players participated. Robert Klever had a 16 and an 18; Bill Sheeder got a 22; Dave Richter had a 16; and Joanne Zieser got a 20.

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.

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Guthrie County Deputy Sheriff Taylor Wheatley reported a single-vehicle accident occurring on Feb. 19 at 4:32 p.m. on Redwood Road. Jose Manuel Santana Rodriguez, 45, of Des Moines, was driving a 2003 Honda Element EX southbound on Redwood Road and lost control on the ice and entered the west ditch, coming to rest on the driver’s side. Damage to the vehicle is estimated at $5,000. Santana Rodriguez was cited for failure to provide proof of financial liability. 

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Guthrie County Deputy Reserve Dillan Cooper reported a single motorcycle accident occurring on Feb. 16 at 12:34 p.m. on Koala Avenue just north of 300^th Street. Charles Leroy Thompson, 79, of Adel, was driving a 2006 Harley Davidson FLHXI that lost traction on gravel coming down the hill and overturned in the east ditch. Damage to the motorcycle is estimated at $7,500.