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New faces join ACGC faculty

Mar 24, 2026 | News

By Rich Wicks | Times Vedette

The Guthrie Center School Board announced the hiring of three individuals.

William Shull

Mr. William Shull and his wife, Skie, who serves as Agriculture Education Teacher and FFA Advisor at ACGC.

The Guthrie Center School Board announced the appointment of William Shull as physical education teacher, strength and conditioning coach and head football coach for ACGC High School and Guthrie Center Elementary. Shull currently serves as a physical education teacher at Adair-Casey Elementary and ACGC Junior High. He also serves as the head girls golf coach at ACGC High School.

Previously, Shull contributed to the Charger football program as an assistant coach and will now step into the role of head football coach, replacing Cody Matthewson beginning next fall.

Shull brings three years of teaching experience including the past two years at ACGC Junior High. He holds a bachelor’s degree in kinesiology and health from Iowa State University and a master’s degree in sports management from Northwest Missouri State University. He says he is excited to use his experiences and background to grow in these roles.

 

Rhys Pate

The Guthrie Center School Board announced the appointment of Rhys Pate as the new 9-12 principal at ACGC High School. Pate currently serves as a math teacher at Valley Southwoods in the West Des Moines Community School District and brings 18 years of teaching experience to the position. He holds a bachelor’s degree in education, as well as master’s and specialist degrees in education from Drake University. Pate says he is excited to use his educational and leadership experiences to lead ACGC High School.

The Pate family includes Makencie (24), Johannah (13), Rhys, Sarah, Jase (19), and Kayla (22).

His wife, Sarah, worked for 21 years at Valley as a special education associate and is currently taking time off to care for her family. Daughter Makencie works in marketing for 515 Decorative Concrete Supply and has developed a strong passion for utilizing her digital expertise. Daughter Kayla has worked in childcare since the age of 16 and is currently a nanny for a family with four children. Son Jase graduated last year and is now employed at Crunch Fitness, where he is working toward certification as a personal trainer, building on his passion for fitness developed during his time as a high school wrestler. Johannah (Jojo) is a seventh-grade student who is involved in school activities, including volleyball, basketball, wrestling, track and chorus.

Pate enjoys watching his children grow and pursue their passions. In his free time, he enjoys working out, golfing, collecting baseball cards, and, most importantly, spending time with his family.

Pate replaces Cody Matthewson, who resigned from his principal position earlier this year.

Taylor Tiernan

Taylor Tiernan and by her husband, Dan, with their dog, Maverick.

The Guthrie Center School Board announced the appointment of Taylor Tiernan as the new 7-12 activities director and at-risk coordinator for ACGC High School. Tiernan currently serves as a special education teacher and assistant softball coach at Waukee High School.

Tiernan brings six years of teaching experience, along with 11 years of coaching experience and three years of event operations experience at Iowa State University. She holds a bachelor’s degree in education from Iowa State University and a master’s degree in educational leadership from Drake University. Tiernan says she is excited to bring her educational and leadership experiences to ACGC.

Tiernan replaces Taylor Morris, activities director/at-risk coordinator, who resigned from his position earlier this year.

Panora City Council selects contractor for $180,000 Clay Street sewer project

Mar 24, 2026 | News

By Rich Wicks | Times Vedette

During the regular meeting of the Panora City Council March 23, the council members considered a quote from Dirt-Teck LLC for the city’s planned sewer project along Clay Street. Public Works Director Ismael Galvan recommended approving Dirt-Teck and their price quote of approximately $180,000. Galvan also noted the city could decrease the cost by having the city crew do some of the prep work.

“Our recommendation is to go with Dirt-Teck,” Galvan said. “I think that’s a better option for us to go.”

Galvan said the project will include approximately 460 feet of sewer line. The council voted to approve the quote by Dirt-Teck.

In other news, a public hearing was held regarding the proposed property taxes for fiscal year 2026-2027. No verbal or written comments were received, so the hearing promptly closed. The council set a public hearing on the proposed budget at 5:30 p.m. on April 13. Immediately after that public hearing, there will be a public hearing on the city’s proposed amendment of Section 5-4-20 of the Zoning Ordinance related to Permitted Uses by adding a new subsection regarding churches or accessory buildings.

The next regular meeting is set for Monday, April 13 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#).

Cribbage results from March 20 and March 23

Mar 23, 2026 | News

Special to the Times Vedette

On March 20, a total of eight players participated. Dick Ellis got a 17, 16 and 16; Sandy Rumelhart got a 16 and a 17; Allen Pierce, Lila Schwartz and Darwin Hughes each got a 16; Kathy Feilmeir got a 20; and Robert Klever got an 18 and a 20.

On March 23, a total of six players participated. Dave Richter and Robert Klever each got a 16.

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.

A little bit of everything at Hometown Basics

Mar 23, 2026 | News

Stacey Wedemeyer welcomes everyone to check out the store.

 

In some ways, the business is like an old-fashioned general store, since it is possible to buy beer, scented candles, toys and clothing all in one place. 

By Rich Wicks | Guthrie Center Times, March 2026

Hometown Basics, 624 McPherson St. in Casey, is one of those stores that can be difficult to describe; it’s much easier to see for yourself. Owner Stacey Wedemeyer, who also runs the Casey Creamery, shared how Hometown Basics came to be.

“My husband and I actually were interested in buying this building eight years ago, but the owner wasn’t ready to sell it. We originally planned for this to become the Casey Creamery. So, we got the other building instead. But then, in 2024, she was ready to sell this building. We didn’t know what we were going to put in here, but we decided that we should purchase the building and then figure it out.”

The building needed plenty of work before it could open as a retail business, but the couple plunged right in. They also worked to preserve the historic look of the building. Hometown Basics opened in June of 2025.

“We kept the original brick walls and put a whole new front on the building and new flooring,” Wedemeyer said. “The idea is to have a place for people in or around Casey to come in and get basic things, whether you need an outfit, or a gift for someone, pantry items, beer and wine, and we wanted to also be able to showcase other businesses’ items, so we have some vendors in here.”

In some ways, Hometown Basics is like an old-fashioned general store, since it is possible to buy beer, scented candles, toys and clothing all in one place. 

“We currently have six vendors,” Wedemeyer said. “The Cozy Scrub Company, Casey Candle Company, Hannah Rae’s Home Goods, Dub P Apparel, Kreative Impressions, and now B & D Designs is our newest vendor.”

Asked about top-selling items, Wedemeyer said that depends on the time of year.

“People stop in a lot for Guthrie County Quality Meats. They don’t have to drive to Guthrie Center,” she said. “During football season, Dub P apparel sells like crazy. People like the Adair-Casey Bombers apparel; I just can’t keep it in stock.”

Wedemeyer is glad for the help of her daughter, Peyton Froehlich, who works parttime in the store and handles the social media and marketing. The store has a Facebook presence, as well as Instagram, TikTok and a website (hometown-basics.com).

Perhaps the best-kept secret at the location is the rental unit above the store. 

“We call it the Brick Street Loft. It’s an Air BnB, but we also rent it out privately,” Wedemeyer said. “It’s a newly renovated rental loft with two bedrooms, one bathroom, a pull-out couch, full kitchen, washer and dryer, WIFI and smart TVs.”

Because the store is relatively new, Wedemeyer continues to adjust the store hours and offerings to match what her customers want.

“Our standard hours are Wednesdays through Saturdays, 10 a.m. to 4 p.m., fluctuating with kids’ appointments and activities, but we always post the hours on Facebook. I think this summer, we might be doing more of a Wednesday through Sunday schedule,” she said. “We have some new vendors coming in. We try to keep new things coming in all the time, and we do events, like the Sip & Shop events on Thursdays.”

For a store with such a short history, the building itself has plenty. Wedemeyer enjoys sharing the story of the building. 

“A lot of people enjoy coming in and remembering that this building used to be Max and Myrna Whetstone’s grocery store,” she said. “Then, the family that owned this building after the Whetstones had it still as a grocery store. And their kids — now grown up — came in and they wanted to go in the back room because they remembered where they played. There’s still writing on the walls back there from when they were kids. It’s been painted, but you can still see it.”

Wedemeyer invites everyone to stop in to browse and to make suggestions of items the store could carry. 

“We try to keep a little bit of everything. That way, people don’t have to make a trip to Des Moines,” she said. 

Scents to make your home smell wonderful.

The kids’ corner has toys and books for tots.

Beef sticks and beverages at Hometown Basics.

Casey shirts are a hot item at Hometown Basics.

Women’s clothing at Hometown Basics.

Haley Equipment recognized as a Blue Delta Dealer 

Mar 20, 2026 | News

Special to the Times Vedette

Ag Leader announced that Haley Equipment, Inc. in Carroll has been recognized as a Blue Delta Dealer — an elite distinction within Ag Leader’s dealer network. This achievement is further exemplified by Chris Dieter, Precision Farming Specialist at Haley Equipment, whose expertise and dedication played a key role in earning this recognition.

The Blue Delta Dealer program was established by Ag Leader to identify top-tier partners who demonstrate exceptional proficiency and a strong commitment to customer success. These dealers are selected for their advanced knowledge of precision agriculture and their dedication to providing outstanding support before, during and long after the sale.

Haley Equipment has demonstrated these qualities through its commitment to delivering innovative precision farming solutions and unmatched customer service. Dieter exemplifies this standard through his deep expertise and a proven track record of helping growers maximize their operations. Together, their efforts reflect the level of excellence that defines a Blue Delta Dealer.

Iowa Farm Bureau hosting beekeeping and honey production webinar

Mar 20, 2026 | News

Special to the Times Vedette

The Iowa Farm Bureau Federation (IFBF) is hosting a webinar for farmers exploring the fundamentals of beekeeping and honey production as a diversification opportunity.  “Beekeeping on the Family Farm: Startup, Economics and Market Opportunities in Iowa” will take place Thursday, March 19 at 1 p.m.

Andrew Joseph of the Iowa Department of Agriculture and Land Stewardship (IDALS) will provide a comprehensive look at what it takes to successfully establish and manage a hive in Iowa.  Attendees will learn Iowa honeybee statistics and industry trends, regulatory considerations, startup costs and ongoing expenses, marketing and potential revenue strategies and the additional benefits of beekeeping, including pollination and ecosystem impact.

“Given the current challenges in the ag economy, farmers have shown a growing interest in practical, value-added agriculture opportunities to diversify income, and beekeeping provides a very intriguing opportunity to explore,” Zach Brummer, IFBF farmer education program manager, said.  “With manageable startup costs and minimal land needs, beekeeping can be an attractive option for farmers and rural landowners evaluating diversification options.” 

A live Q&A session will follow the presentation.  To register for the webinar, visit Webinar Registration – Zoom