Special to the Times Vedette

Midwest Partnership Development Corporation invites community leaders, businesses and residents to attend its 2026 Annual Dinner on Thursday, Jan. 29 at the Casey Community Building, located at 104 W. Sherman St. in Casey.

This year’s Annual Dinner will feature Lt. Gov. Chris Cournoyer as the evening’s keynote speaker and facilitator. The event will center around the theme “From the Ground Up: Honoring Our Roots, Shaping What’s Next,” highlighting the region’s strong foundation while looking ahead to future economic opportunities.

The evening will begin with a social hour at 5:30 p.m., followed by dinner at 6 p.m., and the program at 6:30 p.m.Dinner will be catered by Café on the Hill, and a cash bar will be available.

In addition to the keynote address, attendees will hear from a local business panel. Panelists will share insights on entrepreneurship, community investment and business growth within the Adair and Guthrie Counties.

The cost to attend is $32 per plate or $180 per table of six. Registration is available by calling 515-523-1262 or emailing info@midwestpartnership.com. Checks should be made payable to Midwest Partnership and mailed to P.O. Box 537, Stuart, IA 50250.

During the program, Midwest Partnership will also present the Economic Impact Award, recognizing a business or organization that has demonstrated vision, leadership, courage and measurable contributions to economic growth and prosperity throughout the Midwest Partnership region.

For more information about the Annual Dinner, registration, or the Economic Impact Award, contact Midwest Partnership at 515-523-1262 or info@midwestpartnership.com.

Special to the Times Vedette

Becky Benton of State Street Insurance, Guthrie Center, is shown delivering a $13,883.90 check to Kris Arrasmith, Guthrie Center’s city clerk. This is an Iowa Association of Municipal Utilities (IAMU) safety group dividend paid back by participating in the EMC Insurance Companies insurance program for cities. Total dividends returned to participating municipal utilities for 2025 were $6.7 million. The IAMU insurance program is in its 45th year. It is unique in that it returns money to its members for their diligent efforts in safety and reducing losses.

Photos by Betty Cooper | Special to the Times Vedette

The Panorama Dance Team held a “Pantopia” youth clinic and performance during the halftime of the basketball game on Jan. 9. 

Photos by Betty Cooper | Special to the Times Vedette

The Panorama cheer squad performed during the basketball games on Jan. 9. 

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.  

Special to the Times Vedette

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.

Special to the Times Vedette

“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.