Kris Langgaard and Adam Franzeen are sworn in by Brandy Rudy.

By Rich Wicks | Times Vedette

During the Nov. 19 regular meeting of the Guthrie Center School Board, the board members discussed a bid for replacement of the front stairs outside the high school. Superintendent Josh Rasmussen reported on the expected scope of the project. The ground around and under the stairs has been partially washed away, so the extent and cause of that may complicate the project.

“I’ve been working with Steven at Denovo,” Rasmussen said. “There’s a lot of undermining that was going on there… When they scoped it, they ran into some stuff and couldn’t get all the way through.”

Rasmussen said Denovo therefore added some contingency into the bid.

“I think it’s around $125,000. If there’s something wrong, they’ll have to fix it,” Rasmussen said. He stated the project could be completed in December, but the weather forecast makes that unlikely due to cold temperatures expected.

The board discussed the option of waiting until spring and again seeking bids, in hopes of finding a less expensive option.

“I don’t want to rush the project just to get a mediocre result,” Matt Van Meter said.

“This might be as cheap as possible, right now,” Rasmussen said. “My opinion is, you get it done,” Rasmussen said.

The board voted to accept the bid with the understanding the project will be done as weather allows, which may be in the spring of 2026.

Outgoing board member Brian Sheeder was thanked for his service. Newly elected member Adam Franzeen and re-elected member Kris Langgaard were sworn in.

The board held its annual organizational meeting. Tate Stetzel was voted board president with Kris Langgaard vice-president.

Rasmussen talked about ACGC’s recent screening of the film “GridShock,” which describes the dangers of human trafficking. He said the film is “very tough to listen to,” but said the feedback from viewers has been that the message is important and strongly presented. Rasmussen said the film will be shown at Panorama Schools, so anyone interested in seeing it still can attend.

The board discussed the Guthrie Center Elementary playground. Van Meter and Stetzel agreed that although some repair is currently needed, the playground could likely continue to be used for years if some lumber is replaced. The board consensus was to make the repairs and fundraise for eventual replacement.

The board approved purchasing a Toro lawn mower from Panora NAPA for $9,341 after trade-in.

The board’s next regular meeting is set for Dec. 17 at 7 p.m. at the high school. The public is welcome.

Superintendent Rasmussen thanks Brian Sheeder for his time on the board.

By Rich Wicks | Times Vedette

During the Nov. 18 meeting of the Guthrie County Board of Supervisors, Conservation Director Brad Halterman summarized the department’s 2024-2025 annual report.

“We had an average to above-average camping season,” Halterman said. “As far as fiscal, it was a good year.”

Halterman shared information on current and planned projects.

“One of the highlights, as far as the Raccoon Valley River Trail, within the last year we were able to secure a little over $2 million on that $4.8 million grant project,” Halterman said.

The board approved the report as presented.

The board then went into a closed session to discuss matters regarding the Law Enforcement Center.

The supervisors meet regularly on Tuesdays at 9 a.m. The public is welcome to attend in person or via remote technology. To join remotely, call 323-792-6123, then use meeting code 547029216#

By Rich Wicks | Times Vedette

During the Nov. 17 meeting of the Adair-Casey School Board, Patrick Davis of Denovo reported on the findings of the district’s recently completed facility assessment. The assessment included all district buildings, bus barn, daycare and athletic facilities. He explained the findings of areas suggested for improvements as well as areas of “celebration” for the things Denovo noted as strengths.

The main suggested improvements were in the categories of security and accessibility. Davis shared some ways that entryways and locks could be changed to enhance security. He also told of ramps and bathrooms that are not considered ADA-compliant. But, Davis said the findings are only recommendations.

“None of this is stuff you have to do,” Davis said.

“Sounds like we can maybe take a couple weeks to digest what’s in front of us,” Superintendent Josh Rasmussen said.

The board chose to take no formal action at this time so board members could take time to thoroughly review the report.

Principal Ed Den Beste reported on strong participation numbers for the recent parent-teacher conferences.

Den Beste also spoke about a recent educational program on the dangers of human trafficking. He said although the material was “not easy to watch,” the feedback was that the message was well received by students and adults.

Rasmussen spoke of the ways in which cell phones can be misused by those involved in human trafficking.

“That cell phone is access for you and your kid to the world wide web. The scary part about that is it gives the world access to your kid,” Rasmussen said.

Board member Randy Carney asked that the proposed payment to Snyder and Associates be pulled out from the other bills payable in the Consent Items portion of the agenda. He voiced concerns about areas on the recently completed roofing project that still appear to need work. That payment was tabled. The remaining Consent Items were approved.

Den Beste reported good attendance at the recent veterans breakfast with 10 veterans and about 30 family members participating.

The board approved purchasing 90 hurdles from Danco for the track and field teams at $140 each.

Upcoming dates noted included the Nov. 19-21 IASB School Board Convention.

The board’s next regularly scheduled meeting will be an organizational and regular meeting of the Adair-Casey School Board on Monday, Dec. 15. The public is welcome.

Submitted by Barb Rees Bachman, secretary/treasurer, Monteith City Council

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.  

Mayor J.D. Kuster started the meeting by leading with Pledge of Allegiance.

Birthdays

• Jeff Derry

Anniversaries

• Mike Dideriksen and Carrie Dideriksen — 8 years

Upcoming events

• Sunday, Nov. 16. Decorate the Monteith Cemetery and Guthrie City Park 1:30 p.m. Meet at Bachmans.
• Friday, Nov. 28. Zoning commission, 1 p.m.
• Date and Time TBD. Park and Rec making Christmas Cards for three nursing homes.
• Tuesday, Dec. 16. Christmas Meeting and Dinner at Monteith Event Center 6 p.m.
• Friday, Dec. 26. Zoning Commission, 1 p.m.

Old news report

Vanessa Branson reported that Park and Rec did 155 Thanksgiving cards for nursing homes. Also that Jim Smith is doing better. Please keep Jim and Dee in your prayers. Rich Bachman, Barry Branson and Jeff Derry picked out a rock for the Monteith City Park to replace the tree that was taken down. Rich and Barry later took the rock up to park. Rich and Barry then looked over the stored Christmas decorations and determined that we do not need to do any repairs or painting at this time.

Discussion of the following topics

Plaque for Rock. We determined we want to just put Monteith on the plaque and established date. Vanessa Branson is going to get a couple of quotes for the plaque.

Monteith sign on the east side is in need of repair. Jeff Derry and Natalie Derry are going to get a couple of quotes. Carrie Dideriksen is going to seek some area grants.

Christmas Meeting/Dinner Dec. 16. We decided to have a meal to be held at the Monteith Event Center. 6 p.m.

So far this is what some of our members are bringing.

• Vanessa Branson — ham balls
• Barb Rees Bachman — potatoes and rolls
• Carrie Dideriksen — dessert
• Natalie Derry — vegies
• Deanne Sewell Sheley — green bean casserole and strawberry pretzel dessert

After dinner, we will play games.

It was decided that instead of a gift exchange, we will Adopt a Family for Christmas. We will shop for them, and it was suggested that we get them a gift card to Hometown Foods for a very special Christmas dinner.  I’m sure we can pull it off and make some family a very merry and blessed Christmas.

We had a very successful meeting, and feel we got a lot accomplished. Oh, we did have fun, too, and had some great food as always. Highlight of the evening was all of us getting to witness the Northern Lights. Gorgeous! Many great photos were taken and shared.

Special to the Times Vedette

On Nov. 14, Robert Klever got two 16s; Roy Carl got a 16 and a 17; Dan Webb got a 16; Rhonda Titus got a 16 and a 20; Lela Schwartz got a 17; and Allen Pierce got two 16s.

On Nov. 17, a total of eight players participated. Dave Richter got a 16; Rhonda Titus had a 16, 21, 21 and 16; Dennis Betts got a 16; and Chet Vaughan had a 17 and 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.