Special to the Times Vedette

Guthrie County Deputy Sheriff Kent Gries reported a two-vehicle accident occurring on Jan. 6 at 2:35 p.m. on Highway 44 near Guthrie Center. Ali Abdulmehdi Alhussaini, 39, of Ankeny, was driving a 2006 Ford F-150 pickup eastbound on Highway 44 and rear-ended a stopped 2018 Chevrolet Traverse driven by Deanna Bee Arends, 61, of Bayard. Alhussaini was cited for failure to reduce speed. Estimated damage to the Ford F-150 is $5,000, and estimated damage to Chevy Traverse is $8,000.

Special to the Times Vedette

Guthrie County Deputy Sheriff Shane Martinson reported a vehicle vs. deer accident occurring on Jan. 8 at 11:47 p.m. on Highway 141 near Coon Rapids. Rachael Jo Tenk, 36, of Manning, was driving a 2013 Nissan Juke and struck a deer that came out of the left side of the ditch and crossed in front of the vehicle.  Estimate damage to the Nissan is $3,000.

Special to the Times Vedette

Chris Arganbright of the Bryton Insurance Agency, Panora, is shown delivering a $24,960 check to City of Panora Administrator Lisa Grossman. 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.

A new American flag was lowered for viewing at the Panorama gym on Friday. The flag and apparatus were the result of generous donations in memory of Liberty Ashworth, who died of cancer on Jan. 4. Liberty was the 74th child sponsored by the Tori’s Angels Foundation during her battle with cancer.

By Rich Wicks | Times Vedette

A new motorized American flag display was unveiled and dedicated prior to the girls basketball game in the Panorama gym on Friday, Jan. 9. The flag and apparatus were the result of generous donations in memory of Liberty Ashworth, who died of cancer on Jan. 4. Liberty was the 74^th child sponsored by the Tori’s Angels Foundation during her battle with cancer.

Liberty’s father, Tim Ashworth, shared why the flag is so meaningful to the family.

“That was something that she always wanted, and I wanted it, too. I’m retired from the military, so that’s kind of where she got her name, Liberty,” he said. “Her mom and I thought that was definitely appropriate.”

Tim shared that he was amazed at how readily everyone pitched in when he asked for donations to make the flag a reality.

“I reached out. I thought it was going to take a little bit longer, but family and Glen Oaks donated generously. I only got ahold of a few people, and that’s all it took,” Ashworth said.

Glen Oaks Country Club/Concert Golf Partners also donated $8,500 to Tori’s Angels.

Photos by Mark Reno

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.

By Rich Wicks | Times Vedette

During the Jan. 12 regular meeting of the Guthrie Center City Council, Compliance Officer Wes Clark shared details about a noise complaint at the property at 907 Grand St.

“There’s an ongoing neighbor dispute. It’s currently a rented property with nonstop parties, vehicles being worked on. Deputies are well aware,” Clark said. He noted that the issue may require involving the city attorney to address the issue.

Clark also noted the new garage built at 907 Prairie St. He said the structure was not built as approved.

“We had an accessory building put up that didn’t do what he said he was going to do. He put up a canvass structure. I think we’re working toward a common goal, though, of getting that resolved,” Clark said.

Beer/liquor permits were approved for Hometown Foods, Dollar General and Pine Room.

Brenda Dudley addressed the council with an annual update and funding renewal request regarding Midwest Partnership. The council voted to renew membership with Midwest Partnership.

City Administrator Kris Arrasmith shared information on an option to purchase new playground equipment for Mitchell Park. She said the new set would cost about $38,000 with half paid by a grant. She explained this would be roughly the same cost as attempting to repair the current playground set. The council agreed to pursue the option for a new set.

The next regular meeting is set for Monday, Jan. 26 at 6:30 p.m.