Lake Panorama News

ON THE LAKE
SPRING FEVER

Shane goodman headshot
Posted 03/13/2024

Are you getting the summer itch? By the looks of what I am seeing around Lake Panorama right now, I am guessing you are. The unusually warm weather has most all of us thinking of swimsuits and flip flops as we debate whether or not to put the winter wear away for the season.
Meanwhile, boat lifts are starting to be installed now, which is always a sure sign of spring. Seeing the barges on the water puts a smile on my face.
Boats are being pulled out of storage and are getting polished up and ready to hit the water. Get out the wax.
Lawnmowers are being serviced so we can start cutting grass. All we need is for the grass to grow, which it will soon enough.
Outdoor furniture is being cleaned up and placed back on the decks and patios. Or, if you left them out in the recent wind, you may need to retrieve them from your neighbor’s lawn.
Yes, spring is close, and that means one thing — summer is getting closer, too.
In the meantime, you might want to keep a sweater handy.

Our cover story
Speaking of boats, we are pleased to bring you a story about the new owners of Panorama Marine, Phil and Cindy Watson. Be sure to read the story and learn about what they have in store. We should also thank Lyn Coulter for his years of dedication to the lake community and all he and his staff did to ensure we had the services we needed and wanted.

75 years of marriage
If you read our February issues of Panora Times and Guthrie Center Times, you learned about local couples who have been married for 50 years or more. They were heartwarming stories of love and understanding and patience. In this issue of Lake Panorama Times, we share the story of lake residents Bob and Betty White, who have been marred for 75 years. They offer advice for the rest of us who hope to make it to the 75-year mark.

Some Irish humor
With St. Patrick’s Day just around the corner, I feel the need to share some Irish humor. And since I am Irish, I might be able to get away with these jokes a bit more than most. Just exchange the word “Irishman” with “Shane.”
Here we go. An Irishman checks into a hotel for the first time in his life and goes up to his room. Five minutes later, he calls to the front desk and says, “You have given me a room with no exit. How do I leave?” The desk clerk says, “Sir, that’s absurd. Have you looked for the door?” The Irishman replies, “Well, there’s one door that leads to the bathroom. There’s a second door that goes into the closet. And there’s a door I haven’t tried, but it has a ‘do not disturb’ sign on it.”
Here’s another one. A bartender says to his Irish customer, “Your glass is empty. Would you like another one?” Looking puzzled, the Irishman says, “Why would I be needing two empty glasses?”
And finally, a woman asks an Irishman, “If you were stranded on a desert island, who would you like most to be with you?” The Irishman says, “My uncle Mick.” The woman replies, “What’s so special about him?” The Irishman says, “He’s got a boat.”
Have a great March, and thanks for reading.

Shane Goodman
Editor and Publisher
Lake Panorama Times
515-953-4822, ext. 305
shane@dmcityview.com

COVER STORY
PANORAMA MARINE PREPS FOR 2024 SEASON AT LAKE PANORAMA

Phil and Cindy Watson are working to ensure a smooth transition.
Watsonsoutsidemiddle
Posted 03/13/2024
By Susan Thompson
Lake Panorama Times

The Lake Panorama Association (LPA) began operating a small marina in 1970. Over the next few years, it was leased to four different operators, but none lasted. That changed in the summer of 1982 when Lyn Coulter and his brother, John, leased the gas dock from the LPA for $1. The agreement called for the pair to stock the dock with some basic marine accessories and keep consistent business hours.
Coulter Panorama Marine was founded in 1983 with the $7,000 profit from that first year running the gas dock.
“When it came time to pay the $10,500 rent in December 1983, we didn’t have the funds to do it,” Lyn Coulter said in a 2022 interview. “The LPA board decided to forgive the rent that year but made it clear they would never forgive it again. Luckily, the business took off in 1984, and we never missed, or ever were late, on a lease payment.”
For the next 40 years, the LPA leased its marina facilities to Coulter Panorama Marine.
“Lyn Coulter and the entire Coulter team have been a critical part of Lake Panorama’s success,” says John Rutledge, LPA general manager. “In many ways, Lake Panorama and Coulter Panorama Marine grew up together. I am grateful for the trusted relationship that existed between the Coulter team and our LPA staff.”
The 2024 season brings new marine owners and a new lease. Phil Watson Jr. and his wife, Cindy, purchased Panorama Marine from Lyn Coulter last fall. On Sept. 26, the LPA board of directors approved a 2024-2028 lease between LPA and Watson for operation of the LPA-owned marina.
“I think it’s essential for the LPA membership to know Lyn Coulter and Phil Watson worked hard to ensure a smooth transition for the LPA membership and the marina staff,” Rutledge says. “Transitions like this are complex and have the potential to be a bumpy ride. Thanks to Lyn and Phil for all their work to provide a seamless transition. LPA is very grateful.”
Phil Watson Jr. has a lifelong connection with Lake Panorama. His parents, Phil and Judy Watson, purchased a house at Lake Panorama in 1972, the year he was born. The couple still owns that home in Hughes Cove. While the family’s fulltime home is in Indianola, Watson has many fond memories of his time growing up on the water. Some summers, he even worked at the marina gas dock.
Cindy Watson grew up in Early in northwest Iowa and is a trained dental hygienist. In 2006, Phil was working at a boat show when one of the sales reps asked if he’d be interested in going on a blind date with Cindy. Two years later, he proposed to her on Lake Panorama in his parents’ 1985 Century Resorter boat. They soon married and now live in Polk City. They have three daughters, ages 14, 12 and 9, who attend North Polk Community Schools.
After high school graduation in Indianola, Phil Watson attended Southwest Missouri State in Springfield, Missouri. Springfield is also the location of the first Bass Pro Shop and where Watson got his start selling boats to customers. Next came a boat sales job in Kansas City.
In 1999, Watson took a sales job with Water’s Edge Marine, which was located in Johnston. He was the company’s sales manager for two years before purchasing the business and moving it to Polk City in 2011. Cindy Watson joined the business in 2017, helping with bookkeeping, benefits and other human resources duties. She now does the same at Panorama Marine.
In December 2022, the Watsons sold Water’s Edge to Hicklin Power Sports.
“My dream has always been to have a boat shop at Lake Panorama,” Phil says. “Last March, I started looking for property here and purchased 10 acres north of Lakeside Village along Highway 4.”
Construction began on the site last fall with three buildings partially completed before work was halted. Because of some technical and structural issues, those buildings were removed in late February, and reconstruction is underway.
The main L-shaped building will be 17,000 square feet and include both sales and service. The climate-controlled showroom will be large enough to have about 30 boats on display. A dock system will allow customers to browse among the boats without climbing up and down. There will be six service bays. Two boat storage buildings will be built this year, with additional storage buildings possible in the future.
Once the new buildings are complete, a service road will be built on Watson’s property that will lead to the marina. This will make it possible to move boats between the lake and the service and storage buildings without using Highway 4.
Watson thinks the 2024 boating season will be winding down before Panorama Marine can move into the new buildings. In the meantime, the Watsons have a month-to-month lease with the LPA for the current sales and service building near the gas dock.
No decisions have been made on the future of the existing sales and service building.
“LPA will review that with the Watsons once they have moved to their new location,” says Rutledge. “Any changes to the building will include plans to ensure boaters are provided a modern, indoor bathroom for their use while visiting the gas dock or slips.”
Boat lines carried by Coulter’s will continue to be carried by Watson and include Mastercraft, Four Winns, Godfrey pontoons and Kawasaki jet skis. A new line of pontoons, Barletta, will be added. Honda and Volvo motors will continue to be serviced, plus Mercury motors will be added to the service list.
Panorama Marine will continue to offer VW brand docks and Shore Station lifts.
“We’ll also offer all the same sorts of boating accessories Lake Panorama customers are used to, plus we’ll bring in new options as we get fully stocked,” Watson says.
All employees who worked for Lyn Coulter had the opportunity to join Watson’s organization.
“Everyone stayed, which is great and will help this be a seamless transition,” Watson says. “These guys have years of hands-on knowledge and experience here at Lake Panorama.”
Scott Kemble is the Panorama Marine sales manager. Brian Dorsett is the service manager. Mike Webb, Mike Mobley and Justin Boettcher continue as service techs. One new hire, Ethan Hawkins, will attend training to work on Mercury motors.
Nate Sheesley, who worked for the Watsons as service manager at Water’s Edge, has joined Panorama Marine as the service writer/parts manager. His wife’s parents, Dave and Ruth McNamara, have owned a home on Christmas Tree Point since the 1990s.
The sales and service building now is open Monday through Friday, 9 a.m. to 5 p.m., Saturday 9 a.m. to 2 p.m., and closed Sunday.
The Panorama Marine gas dock will be staffed Memorial Day to Labor Day with the same hours as past years. Watson plans to add a “pay at the pump” option that will make it more convenient for boaters to get gas during off hours or early spring and late fall.
Watson says those who had Coulter’s service and stored their boats last fall can count on Panorama Marine to get their boats out of storage and connect with their owners just as the case has been for many years. The same is true for customers who routinely have the marina staff remove lift canopies in the fall and reinstall those in the spring.
“We think communication is key,” Watson says. “We’ve increased the number of phone lines coming into the main office and have voice mail so, if someone calls after hours, they can leave a message and we’ll call them back.”
The phone number for Panorama Marine remains the same — 641-755-2920. A new website includes photos and information on all new and pre-owned boats, pontoons and personal watercraft. The website is panoramamarine.com.
“I’ve been in the marine business for 27 years,” Watson says. “We’re excited to be here, and we look forward to taking care of our customers. This is going to be a lot of fun.”

EVENT
SAVE THE DATE: 2024 BEACH BALL JUNE 21

Friends of Lake Panorama will host its seventh annual fundraiser.
Beach ball
Posted 03/13/2024
By Susan Thompson
Lake Panorama Times

2024 marks the 10th anniversary of the founding of Friends of Lake Panorama, a nonprofit charity dedicated to improving recreational amenities at Lake Panorama. To celebrate this anniversary, while raising money for additional projects, Friends will host its seventh Beach Ball fundraiser Friday, June 21, at Lake Panorama National.
Event registration will begin in mid-April. Funds will be raised with both live and silent auctions, plus other activities throughout the evening. Items for the auctions are being accepted now. Anyone interested in donating auction items for the 2024 Beach Ball is asked to email staff@friendsoflakepanorama.org.
The Friends of Lake Panorama seven-member volunteer board will meet April 8 to finalize plans for the 2024 Beach Ball. They also will discuss how profits from the event will be used. Projects chosen by the Friends board to promote at the Beach Ball will receive a percentage of pooled funds raised, plus all direct donations designated to a specific project.
The 2023 Beach Ball had a profit of $25,000. That money has been used over the last year, in conjunction with private donations, to create low-impact recreational amenities on Lake Panorama’s south shore.
The Lake Panorama trails system, with a cross country trail for the Panorama Community Schools incorporated, is complete, and the nine-hole Lake Panorama disc golf course is open. A fenced driveway begins at 5501 Chimra Road and leads to a parking lot that allows walk-through access. A small shelter with picnic table is near the parking lot. Finishing touches such as bluebird houses, additional signage and five benches will be added this spring.
Funds raised at past Beach Balls helped improve playgrounds at all three beaches, install sports courts at both Boulder and Sunset beaches, create a dog park, enhance the Panorama West Nature Trail, add 20 new benches at beaches and golf courses, and several smaller projects.
A current priority project is raising money for trees to be planted on the west side of the lake along the main entrance and at Sunset Beach and on the east side of the lake at Boulder Beach. These new trees will go in areas where older trees had to be removed because of storm damage or disease.
Details on all past and current projects are available on the Friends website. Friends of Lake Panorama also has a Facebook page.
All donations are tax-deductible. Donors of $500 or more are recognized on signs erected near specific projects they designate and on the donor page of the Friends website.
Tax-deductible donations can be made at any time by check payable to Friends of Lake Panorama and mailed to Friends of Lake Panorama, P.O. Box 488, Panora, Iowa, 50216. Donations also can be made using VENMO @Panorama-Friends, or by credit card on the Friends website at friendsoflakepanorama.org.

CONTEST
BEST OF GUTHRIE COUNTY POLL LAUNCHED

Best of guthrie county (black)
Posted 03/13/2024

Best pizza. Best pastor. Best park. And 79 other categories. Those are the basis of the Best of Guthrie County poll that was recently launched by Big Green Umbrella Media, the publisher of Lake Panorama Times.
“Many central Iowans are familiar with the Best of Des Moines poll that readers of CITYVIEW magazine have participated in for more than a quarter of a century,” said Shane Goodman, editor and publisher of CITYVIEW and the president of Big Green Umbrella Media. “CITYVIEW’s Best of Des Moines certificates are proudly displayed in stores, restaurants, bars and offices, and the recognition provides an incredibly positive impact for the people, places, businesses and events that are deemed the winners.”
The CITYVIEW Best of Des Moines poll consisted of 271 questions with a whopping 22,969 votes — the most ever in the history of the poll.
“I have learned a lot in administering this poll and the related event that we have now hosted for 16 years,” said Goodman, who also serves as the editor and publisher of Panora Times.
A few years ago, Goodman implemented a similar effort with his 14 Iowa Living magazines called Residents’ Choice polls.
“The bottom line is that people want to know who local residents feel are the ‘best’ in a variety of categories,” Goodman said. “It is a fun competition.”
Goodman noted that whenever they do these types of reader polls, he stresses that the results are not his opinions or opinions of his staff but are the results of the votes from readers.
“That is a very important distinction,” he said.
With readers’ polls working in Des Moines and in the suburbs and nearby communities, Goodman decided to launch a similar effort in Guthrie County with the Best of Guthrie County poll.
“This is our inaugural effort, and the poll will certainly change in future years,” Goodman said.
Readers simply fill in the blanks in one category or all 82. The poll is being promoted in the company’s publications, emails, social media and mailers to encourage widespread participation.
“I hope everyone takes the time to vote and to also share the link with their family, neighbors, co-workers and anyone in Guthrie County and encourage them to do the same,” he said.
The poll results will show if any readers try to beat the system and vote multiple times.
“We catch the cheaters who try to vote more than once and throw those votes out, so don’t even try,” Goodman said.
Goodman says they make voting “incredibly easy.”
“You can choose to vote in just one category, or you can vote in all 82,” he said. “But, just like the political elections, once you submit your choices, you can’t go back.”
The poll rules and the link to vote can be found at www.gctimesnews.com/best-of.

LAWN AND GARDEN
POST-PANDEMIC OUTDOOR LIVING TRENDS FOR 2024

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Posted 03/13/2024
By Lynn Kuhn
Special to Lake Panorama Times

I often talk with other designers from Iowa and around the country about what clients are asking for in the design of their outdoor spaces, and the same themes keep coming up. They seem to reflect a shift in our values in a post-pandemic world.
  • Connecting with people outdoors, rather than indoors, and doing it at home
  • More emphasis on health, both physical and mental
  • Getting away in the backyard instead of going on vacation-staycation
  • Connecting with nature/biophilia as a way to manage stress and improve mental health
  • Functional outdoor spaces for recreation, entertainment, playing games, plus working and learning from home
  • More new gardeners, especially interested in growing edibles and pollinator-friendly plants
  • More emphasis on front-yard curb appeal and functionality
How these specific requests and overall themes are expressed in the landscape varies based on the client’s values, budget and overall desired outdoor living experiences. I am sharing the top three outdoor living trends for 2024 that might inspire your next landscape project.

NO. 1: BACKYARD GETAWAYS
This isn’t exactly a new trend, however, the reasons we seek to get away have shifted a bit. Clients want more than a beautiful garden to gaze upon out the window or while sitting on the deck. They want to feel like they are “getting away from it all” in their own backyard. For some, that means having activities to stay busy and entertained, such as vegetable gardening, outdoor checkers, movies, playing video games, swimming, ping pong, etc. For others, it means more relaxing activities such as outdoor cooking and dining, lounging by a fire, or stargazing. For garden enthusiasts, it may mean tending to garden plants, pulling weeds and pondering what you’ll plant next season, which takes us to trend No. 2.

NO. 2: MORE GARDENERS AND MORE GARDENS
The days of wrapping foundation plantings around the house and calling it “done” are over. In a post-pandemic world, the role of the garden has exploded in the most wonderful ways.
Edibles. People want to grow their own fresh herbs and veggies. It’s less expensive, more flavorful, healthier organic, which means fewer trips to the store plus the added benefits of getting fresh air and reducing stress.
Designer’s Tip: Rather than creating a dedicated veggie garden, tuck attractive edibles such as lettuce, onion, and peppers amongst ornamental plants in the planting border or in pots on the deck or patio.
Next Level Front Yard Gardens. During the pandemic, the front yard became a safe place to connect with neighbors and friends. This prompted larger and more beautiful planting beds and places to sit and socialize. Personally, I am thrilled to see a return to the social side of the front yard garden.
Designer’s Tip: Some front yard plantings look like they are pushed up tightly against the house. Instead, stretch the planting beds toward the street, along the driveway or out into the yard around a tree.
Biophilic Landscape Design. As humans, we have a biologically driven need to connect with nature and other living things. This is biophilia, which means “love of life.” Biophilic design principles are increasingly showing up in architecture, interior design and landscape design. One example is vertical gardening, which may be a planted green wall, vines climbing up a column, or using tree stumps and large stones as furniture. When we incorporate natural elements of all kinds in interesting ways, the space becomes more inviting, allowing us to immerse ourselves in nature. This is a broader way to think of the garden and outdoor living in general and is driving people toward growing houseplants and taking up gardening.

NO. 3: MITIGATING MOTHER NATURE
Many people desire spending more time outdoors but don’t due to conditions such as too hot/cold, too windy, too sunny, too dark or too buggy. There are ways to mitigate these natural conditions. Here are a few ways to remove barriers to spending time outdoors. These features can add functionality and beauty to outdoor spaces.
Too hot: ceiling fan misters, tree canopies, water feature
Too cold: fencing/hedging to block wind, fire feature
Too buggy: ceiling fan, emitters
Too dark: fire feature, outdoor lamp
Too sunny: tree canopy, pergola with vines, shade sails, umbrella
Too windy: fencing/hedging
It’s fun to stay on top of outdoor living and gardening trends and see how they vary from region to region, especially here in the Midwest. What trends are you seeing here in central Iowa? I’d love to hear from you. Email me at lynn@conversationgardens.com.

Written by Lynn Kuhn, author of “Conversation Gardens: Where Conversations Flow and Relationships Grow.” She is a landscape architect, speaker and owner of Conversation Gardens (formerly Outdoor Transformations). You can reach Lynn at lynn@conversationgardens.com or www.conversationgardens.com.

COMMUNITY
FAITH BIBLE CHURCH COMMUNITY MEALS

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Posted 03/13/2024
By Rich Wicks
Lake Panorama Times

Once each month, Faith Bible Church in Panora offers a community meal. Senior Pastor Trevor Nunn said, although donations are accepted, it’s not a fundraiser but rather an opportunity to welcome everyone for food and fellowship.
The meals are regularly scheduled on the third Wednesday of each month, serving from 5:30-6:30 p.m. The next meal will be March 20 and will include baked potato bar and toppings, tossed salad, carrots, celery and cookie bars. On April 17, the meal will be sliced ham, cheesy potatoes, smothered green beans and cupcakes. Pictured are Jonetta Long, Ellen Betzer and Sharon Neel.

EVENT
PAPER-SHREDDING TRUCK TO BE IN PANORA ON MAY 4

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Posted 03/13/2024
By Susan Thompson
Lake Panorama Times

Spring cleaning time is upon us. Once the April 15 federal tax filing deadline passes, most people are ready to clean out files and discard previous year’s tax returns, along with other papers that accumulate in their home office. Again this year, Panora Public Library to the rescue.
“We like the shredding truck to come after tax time, so people can safely dispose of old documents and tax-related forms,” says Kim Finnegan, director of the Panora Public Library. “This is a service we like to provide to the Lake Panorama, Panora and surrounding communities, because they support us throughout the year.”
There is no cost to individuals to drop off paper documents to be shredded. The Panora Public Library uses donated funds to cover the cost of this community service.
The “Shred-It” truck will be at the Panora Public Library Saturday, May 4 from 9-11 a.m. Those who plan to drop off paper to be shredded are asked to pull into the driveway north of the library.

BUSINESS NEWS
NEW FIRM FOCUSES ON WORKPLACE BENEFITS, FINANCIAL LITERACY

Mitch Johnk co-founded Panorama Benefits Company with Ellen Betzer.
Outside
Posted 03/13/2024
By Susan Thompson
Lake Panorama Times

Mitch Johnk has spent 38 years working in the financial services industry with more than 20 of those in Panora. He and his wife, Kim, moved their family to Lake Panorama when he joined Frank Teale in his financial services company in Panora.
Johnk partnered with Teale until Teale’s retirement in 2004. That same year, Johnk established Total Financial Solutions with partner Jeff Dvorak. This past October, Johnk sold a portion of his practice to Dvorak.
At the same time, Johnk co-founded Panorama Benefits Company with Ellen Betzer. Betzer and her husband, Scott, moved to Lake Panorama more than 20 years ago. She has 36 years of experience as an executive assistant and in customer service, including 17 years working with Johnk. Now she is operations manager for the new company.
Johnk is the company president. In 1986, he earned a bachelor’s degree from Simpson College in business, management and marketing. He followed that with a 1991 master’s degree in business administration at Drake University.
“I’ve been thinking about this change for a couple of years,” Johnk says. “We had built a good-sized practice with a lot of individual clients and some businesses. I turn 60 in April, and for the last few years of my career, I want to make a bigger impact. I decided a good way to do that is to bring in more business clients.”
Johnk describes Panorama Benefits as a consulting company that specializes in retention strategies for businesses, plus has a passion for workplace financial literacy.
“The employment landscape has changed,” Johnk says. “To attract and retain quality talent, businesses need to adapt to this new environment. Also, the level of financial literacy needs to be raised. Traditional education doesn’t address it. The workplace is a good place to address this, because it’s where employees get their income and their benefits.”
Johnk says too often employees leave for a different job because they can earn more money, but the benefits package may not be as good.
“The main entrée offered by employers is health insurance,” he says. “The rest of the benefits are just checking boxes. But employees need to understand what they have. Is there life insurance, disability insurance, what’s the maximum the employee can contribute toward their retirement? All of these things are just as important as health insurance.”
Johnk says effective compensation and benefits programs should not only attract and retain talent but also reward and facilitate retirement. He says this can be done by providing competitive salaries and benefits within a nurturing work environment, emphasizing additional benefits tied to productivity rather than just participation, and viewing these programs as investments in employees’ financial stability, rather than as expenses.
Right now, Johnk is doing a lot of networking, looking for referrals and making cold calls, just as he did when he started in the financial services industry. He’s attended a couple of association conferences, and he and Betzer have participated in one association trade show.
“We can provide the product-based solutions and assessment services needed and become an extension of their human resources department,” he says. “We would review their employees’ needs and their current benefits. There is a good chance we would suggest some adjustments to help with employee retention. We would help owners, executives and rank-and-file workers understand their benefits and develop programs to help improve their financial wellness.”
Johnk says he chose the name Panorama Benefits to boost interest in Lake Panorama and Panora.
“I see us hosting company culture-building events at Lake Panorama and people from the companies we serve becoming familiar with what Panora has to offer,” he says. “We are excited about where this goes and the positive impact it could have on our community.”
The Panorama Benefits Co. offices are at 110 East Main, the same building where Johnk has been serving his clients for more than 20 years. Additional information, including contact details for Johnk and Betzer, is on the firm’s website, panoramabenefits.com.

COMMUNITY
TREE FUNDRAISING EXPANDS TO BOULDER BEACH

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Posted 03/13/2024
By Susan Thompson
Lake Panorama Times

Donations have reached $7,375 to plant new trees where old ones were removed at Lake Panorama. The original goal of $4,500 will cover the cost of planting 11 trees on the west side of the lake along Panorama Road north of the guard shack and two at Sunset Beach. The extra funds will make it possible to add more trees than planned to those two locations.
Boulder Beach also needs new trees to replace several lost to disease, so Friends of Lake Panorama is accepting donations for Boulder Beach trees. Enough money has been raised to date to plant three new trees at Boulder, but additional ones are needed to fill in gaps.
Isom Tree Farm will plant trees in mid-April with the final number and locations dependent on donations received by late March. The plan includes several sugar maple trees that will be planted with a tree spade. Larry and Heather Isom, who live on Burchfield Cove and own Isom Tree Farm, plan to donate one sugar maple.
Nursery trees also will be planted by hand in all locations and include red maples, London planetrees and autumn blaze maples.
Donors of $500 or more can make their contribution in honor or memory of someone and are recognized on the Friends website. Larger and smaller donations also are welcome.
Donations to Friends of Lake Panorama are tax-deductible. Donations can be made by check payable to Friends of Lake Panorama and mailed to Friends, P.O. Box 488, Panora, Iowa, 50216. Donations also can be made through Venmo @Panorama-Friends or by credit card at friendsoflakepanorama.org.

EVENT
PANORA CHAMBER EASTER EGG HUNT IS SATURDAY, MARCH 30

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Posted 03/13/2024
Special to Lake Panorama Times

The Panora Chamber of Commerce will be holding its annual Easter Egg Hunt on Saturday, March 20 at the Guthrie County Historical Village, 206 W. South St. in Panora. More details to come at gctimesnews.com.
The Chamber is asking for Easter candy donations to be delivered no later than March 18 to Iowa Trust, Guthrie County State Bank or Panora Fiber. The candy is to be bite-sized and individually wrapped. Volunteers are also being sought. Email panorachamber@gmail.com and you will be connected with a committee member.

HEALTH
GCH ADDS EAR, NOSE AND THROAT (ENT) SERVICES

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Posted 03/13/2024
Special to Lake Panorama Times

Guthrie County Hospital (GCH) welcomes Dr. Austin Bancroft, who is providing ear, nose and throat (ENT) services.
Dr. Bancroft completed his otolaryngology (ENT) residency at Michigan State University and his doctorate of osteopathic medicine at Kansas City University of Medicine and Biosciences. He provides services for pediatrics and adults, including examination, diagnosis and treatment of issues with the ears, nose and throat.
Bancroft will be consulting with patients and performing surgeries. He is accepting new patients. For more information on this service or to schedule an appointment, contact the GCH Specialty Clinic at 641-332-3900.

NOTICE
BURN BAN IMPLEMENTED IN GUTHRIE COUNTY

Posted 03/13/2024
Special to Lake Panorama Times

Jeremy Cooper, deputy coordinator with Adair and Guthrie County EMA, working with the fire departments in Adair and Guthrie counties, requested the State Fire Marshal prohibit open burning due to potential hazards to life and property. The State Fire Marshal’s Office granted the request; therefore, no person is allowed to engage in open burning in Adair and Guthrie counties until conditions improve. This order became effective on Feb. 24 at 8 a.m. Violators of this order could be charged with a misdemeanor.
“Adair and Guthrie county fire departments have seen the effects of fires in extreme conditions, and they want to do everything they can to help mitigate life-threatening incidents from occurring,” Cooper said. “These fire departments are volunteer departments that respond to calls that pull them from their everyday life and work and become very taxing on those volunteers. We have been in a drought for over four years, and conditions have not improved much. We have experienced an abnormal winter with only one major snow event that didn’t help with the overall moisture levels. Hopefully, in the coming weeks, things will improve and start greening up.”
Updates on burn bans can be found at the State Fire Marshal’s website at dps.iowa.gov/divisions/state-fire-marshal/burn-bans.

HEALTH
GCH LAUNCHES PATIENTS LIKE ME SUPPORT GROUP

Posted 03/13/2024
Special to Lake Panorama Times

Guthrie County Hospital has launched Patients Like Me Support Group. This has been established for people in the community affected by neurological/movement challenges to provide support while also providing education on a wide variety of resources. Care partners, family members and friends are all welcome to attend. A short exercise session, led by a licensed therapist, will start each group meeting that will be modifiable to all activity levels. Education and discussion will take place after. These meetings are held the second Thursday of the month (March - October) at 2 p.m. at the GCH Fitness Center (710 N. 12th St., Guthrie Center).

ELECTIONS
JOHNSON ANNOUNCES BID FOR REELECTION TO GUTHRIE COUNTY SUPERVISOR DISTRICT 2

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Posted 03/13/2024
Special to Lake Panorama Times

Brian Johnson announced his bid for reelection for Guthrie County Supervisor, District 2. Johnson, a Republican, was elected as District 2 Supervisor in 2022. As a result of reapportionment, Johnson is serving a two-year term and is now seeking re-election for a full four-year term in the 2024 election. Johnson’s district includes Yale, Jamaica, Bagley, the Victory Township portion of Lake Panorama, rural areas in northeast Guthrie County, and select rural areas north and northwest of Guthrie Center.
“Representing District 2 has been a humbling and rewarding experience,” Johnson said. “I’m grateful for the opportunity to represent the proud communities and rural areas of this district. It was an honor serving as board chair my first year, and I’m excited to continue the important work of Guthrie County. As we begin our budget process, I will advocate for a balance between providing top-notch county services and ensuring the responsible management of property tax dollars. Voters can count on me to advocate for transparency, professionalism, and efficiency in county government.”
Johnson highlighted the designation of EMS as an essential service as a top priority for the coming year.
“The issue of EMS is both important and challenging,” he said. “I believe it is our duty to submit a proposal to the voters of Guthrie County, so we can come together and implement cooperative solutions for the good of everyone. I will do my part to help ensure county government provides trusted leadership on this topic.”
Johnson said he has a great deal of pride and confidence in Guthrie County.
“Our county has great potential to not only navigate the challenges we face, but also to grow, prosper and thrive,” he said. “I will continue to be a supporter of economic development initiatives and strategic partnerships that position our communities and rural areas for future success.”
Johnson spent 12 years in education before switching careers and representing a variety of entities at the Iowa Capitol. He and his wife, JoAnn, live at Lake Panorama and are active in the Panora community. They enjoy spending time with their grandchildren, all who live in the area.
In addition to finishing a two-year term on the county supervisors board, Johnson serves on the board of Midwest Partnership; the Policy Committee of Region XII; is a member of Guthrie County 10 Squared Men; a board member of Panora Retirement Homes; member of the Sons of the American Legion; a volunteer and supporter of a number of community projects; and has long relationships with a number of associations, including the Iowa Taxpayers Association and the Iowa Association of Business and Industry.
“I sincerely appreciate all the support these past two years and respectfully ask District 2 voters for their support in the upcoming 2024 elections,” he said. “I appreciate the opportunity to represent not only District 2 but to also serve for the good of Guthrie County as a whole.”

Q&A: TIFFANY TAUSCHECK
IMPACT OF ECONOMIC AND COMMUNITY DEVELOPMENT EFFORTS

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Posted 03/13/2024
By Susan Thompson
Lake Panorama Times

The Greater Des Moines Partnership is an economic and community development organization that serves Greater Des Moines. The partnership also represents 11 counties, including Guthrie County.
Tiffany Tauscheck is president and CEO of the organization. For eight years, she has led various areas of work at The Partnership, including strategic planning, operations, investor relations, economic development and regional initiatives.
Tauscheck and her husband, Mark, have two children and spend significant time at Lake Panorama. In this month’s Q&A, she answers questions about the Greater Des Moines Partnership, Guthrie County development initiatives, and the time she and her family spend at Lake Panorama.

Q. Let’s start with an overview of the work of The Partnership, as it relates to the Des Moines metro area.
A. The Partnership is an economic development and community development organization serving an 11-county region. Our organization is unique in its structure and emphasis on regional collaboration. We have more than 400 investors who invest in The Partnership because they want to make the Greater Des Moines region a top place for businesses and people. We have 23 affiliate chambers of commerce that are part of our overall network. Through our affiliate chamber network, we have more than 6,500 members, which makes us the fourth-largest regional chamber of commerce in the country.
We often have peers across the country who look to emulate our model. Our focus is on economic development and talent development with public policy as a supporting strategy. In 2023, we assisted with more than 30 economic development projects in the region and reached hundreds of thousands of people from across the country and world through our “Do Something Greater” economic development and talent attraction marketing campaign. We will build on our economic and talent development success in 2024 by taking innovative, data-driven approaches to securing business relocation and expansion projects, and expanding the talent pipeline.

Q. Now expand beyond the metro area, and explain the role The Partnership plays in the 10 counties beyond Polk County.
A. The Partnership’s footprint is 11-counties strong, which includes Guthrie County. We work with partners across the 11 counties to secure economic development projects, attract and develop talent, and enhance the quality of life throughout the region. At its core, The Partnership is a convener. We bring leaders from the public, private and nonprofit sectors together to address challenges and create ways to make our region stand out. We believe our region is stronger because we work as one region and one partnership. One example of the impact we can have as a region is our annual trip to Washington, D.C. We bring more than 180 leaders from across the region to advocate for our federal policy priorities, and our voice is noticed by Iowa’s congressional delegation. This year’s trip is May 8-10, and we encourage leaders in Guthrie County to consider attending.

Q. Let’s talk about Guthrie County in particular. What work gets done in Guthrie County as a result of being represented by The Partnership?
A. I began my role as president and CEO of The Partnership in July of 2023 after eight years in the organization leading different areas of work. One of my first priorities in this new position was to work with our team to conduct an 11-County Listening Tour. It was important to me to meet face to face with our stakeholders to listen and learn. We asked the same questions in each meeting with the goal of hearing from them in their own words what we do well and what we can do better.
We met with more than 375 people, including investors, chamber leaders, city and county leaders, economic development leaders, small business owners, educators and policymakers from across our 11 counties. In Guthrie County, specifically, we met with several city leaders, economic development practitioners and local businesspeople in Panora and Stuart. One theme we heard over and over throughout the tour was an eagerness to strengthen connections between rural, suburban and urban communities. That led to us launching a Regional Community Integration strategy in early 2024. Now we have an intentional focus on getting our team members into each of our 11 counties on a consistent basis. Our goal is help facilitate cross-county connections and discover success stories that we can help amplify. We also plan to host a new Regionalism Summit in 2024 to bring together leaders from rural, suburban and urban communities.
Our work with Guthrie County expands beyond the 11-County Listening Tour. In economic development, we work closely with the Midwest Partnership that serves Guthrie and Adair counties, and we recently consulted with them as they reestablished their business retention and expansion program. In January, we hosted our In-District Congressional Event with Representative Zach Nunn in Casey. We look forward to continuing to work closely with Guthrie County leaders on more projects in 2024 and beyond.

Q. When and how did you become interested in the business of economic and community development?
A. I started off my career working as a television journalist, so storytelling has always been core to what I do. I believe there is great power through storytelling to inform and inspire. Through different roles in television and post-television, I discovered my passion for community development through regional collaboration and finding common ground with various leaders on a shared vision of making our region even better. That is what led me to The Partnership. No matter what role I have had, I am passionate about teamwork, serving our investors, affiliates and members, and shaping this community for future generations.

Q. Can you share statistics that demonstrate growth within the Greater Des Moines region?
A. From 2012 to 2022, which is the latest data available, Greater Des Moines has been the fastest growing region in the Midwest in terms of percentage of population growth, gross domestic product growth and employment growth. We believe our region’s momentum is due in large part to our ability to collaborate as public, private and nonprofit partners across jurisdictional boundaries. We do this with a shared vision. One example of this is Capital Crossroads, which has celebrated hundreds of successes since 2011 and is now in its latest iteration as the Capital Crossroads Roadmap to Opportunity and Prosperity for All. Our momentum as a community is no accident; it is intentional.

Q. What do you enjoy about the time you spend in the lake community at Lake Panorama?
A. My husband, our two children and I love to spend time outdoors, and one of our favorite places is Lake Panorama. We especially enjoy boating and fishing at the lake.

Q. Any final thoughts about what the future holds for economic and community development in the Greater Des Moines area, including the 11 counties represented?
A. The future is bright, and we are stronger together. We invite the leaders in Guthrie County to reach out to us any time to let us know how we can help them or share story ideas that we can amplify on our communications channels.

SPORTS
PANORAMA WINS ITS WAY TO STATE TITLE GAME, FALLS TO  DIKE-NEW HARTFORD, 48-46

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Posted 03/13/2024
By Cyote Williams
Lake Panorama Times

After an incredible regular season and a thrilling playoff run, the No. 2 Panorama Panthers (25-2) lost in the IGHSAU 2A state championship game against the Dike-New Hartford Wolverines on March 2 at Wells Fargo Arena in Des Moines. Panorama’s two losses on the season were by a combined 3 points.
Dike-New Hartford star and one of the best players in the state overall, Payton Petersen, was the main factor in Panorama’s loss. Petersen finished her final game with 27 points and 14 rebounds.
On the Panthers’ side, the team’s key players spread the wealth on offense and defense. Jaidyn Sellers led Panorama in scoring with 20 points and nearly had an unconventional triple-double, adding 9 rebounds and 9 steals. Tyme Boettcher added 13 points, 6 rebounds and 4 steals. Mia Waddle nearly hit double figures in points with 8, while adding 3 assists.
Panorama endured some hard-fought battles during the post-season run, pulling out close victories in all three games before the state championship game. They defeated Denver (16-8) in the Class 2A region 2 substate final to qualify for state by 4 in overtime, pulled away late after being down double digits early against Grundy Center (21-3) in the quarterfinals of the state tournament, and survived a late rally from (previously) undefeated Westwood (22-1) in the semifinal to advance to the championship game.
While this dominant Panorama team was no Cinderella story, the past few weeks were not for the faint of heart and made for a post-season run that Panther players, coaches and fans won’t forget.

LAKE PANORAMA COUPLE REFLECTS ON 75 YEARS OF MARRIAGE

Bob and Betty White share advice for young married couples who hope to make it to the 75-year mark.
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Posted 03/13/2024
By Susan Thompson
Lake Panorama Times

Bob and Betty White have lived on Lake Panorama’s Christmas Tree Point for 37 years. Their first house on Andrews Terrace was purchased in 1987, and they split time between there and Urbandale. Since 1992, they have lived fulltime in a waterfront home they built near that first house.
The couple celebrated their 75th wedding anniversary Sept. 10, 2023. This year, each will turn 95 years old, first Bob on April 21 and Betty on Oct. 16.
Bob was born in Guthrie Center, and his family moved to Winterset a year later. Betty was born on a farm near Pitzer, which is northwest of Winterset. They were both juniors at Winterset High School when they started dating. Neither had a car. Both could sometimes borrow their parents’ cars, and their dates often centered around the local movie theater.
They graduated from high school in 1947 and married in 1948. Betty had three bridesmaids, and Bob had three groomsmen. The ceremony was held in the Christian Church in Winterset, where Bob’s family attended. Betty’s family attended the Lutheran Church, but that building was too small to accommodate the event. Pastors from both churches had a role in the ceremony.
A reception at the church was planned for after the ceremony. In between, friends of each of the couple kidnapped them and took them for car rides around the area before returning them to the church.
“I remember neither of us got back for a while, and I was nervous about that,” Betty says.
The couple honeymooned in Omaha, where they stayed two nights.
“It was all we could afford,” Bob says. “Plus, we had to get back home to move into our apartment in Des Moines.”
Betty remembers the address of that first apartment, 1538 18th St. Later they moved to a basement apartment in a home north of Roosevelt High School. While in Des Moines, Bob worked for a grain processing plant, and Betty worked for Bankers Life.
In 1952, Bob was drafted into the Army. Betty worked for the Army Reserve and was assigned the task of typing up Bob’s intake papers. After basic training, he was stationed in California.
“Bob’s mother drove me and another girl to California to be with our husbands. It wasn’t long before Bob was shipped out to Germany. I tried to stay, but I was so lonely. I came back to Iowa and moved back in with my parents. I went back to work at Bankers Life, driving to Des Moines from my parents’ farm each day,” Betty says.
Bob was in Germany for a year-and-a-half, assigned to a mail train. He was discharged in 1954.
Beginning in the late 1920s, Bob’s father was a partner in the Winterset Monument company. Bob had worked summers during high school in the family-owned granite finishing plant. Once out of the Army, the couple found an apartment in Winterset, and he returned to the family business.
The couple’s first child, Dennis, was born in 1955. Their family now includes son and daughter-in-law, Dennis and Debbie White, who live in Colorado; son and daughter-in-law, Noel and Patty White, Arkansas; and son-in-law and daughter, Joel and Michele Van Vark, who live in Johnston. They have eight grandchildren and nine great grandchildren.
In 1958, the couple moved to Des Moines and Bob became president of Des Moines-Winterset Memorials. Over the next 30 years, the couple purchased controlling interest in the company. In 1992, the couple sold the company and Bob retired.
During Bob’s time with the company, he designed and placed more than 200,000 granite and bronze memorials and other granite pieces such as church altars and war memorials. Two of the most well-known are the Korean and VFW memorials at the Iowa Capitol.
When the three children were old enough, a fold-down camper was purchased, and the family started to travel. Favorite destinations were Canada for fishing, plus all along the West Coast. The family liked it well enough they eventually upgraded to a larger travel trailer for their vacations.
The couple owned a small boat and wanted to use it more. In 1987, they made the drive from Des Moines to Panora to look at boats and check out Lake Panorama.
“We decided to drive around,” Betty says. “We saw a house on Christmas Tree Point for sale and bought it.”
Bob has long been an avid golfer and soon was playing regularly at the Panorama West golf course. He was instrumental in helping create par 4 tees on some holes at the course. On the second hole, he mowed, cleared trees and bushes, then planted new shrubs. Since then, the couple has maintained the shrubs and sometimes flowers near the par-4 tee box.
Bob and Betty’s children surprised them in 2021 with a granite bench from Des Moines-Winterset Memorials on that tee box. The bench is inscribed with the couple’s names and states it is “in recognition of their many contributions to Lake Panorama and the Panorama West golf course.”
In May 1995, Bob was elected to a three-year term on the LPA board of directors and served as board president his final year. He played a role in getting board approval to build the Panorama West clubhouse, which was completed in 1997.
For more than 25 years, the Whites kept the Panorama Road entrance to Lake Panorama looking good by trimming bushes, painting signs and planting flowers near the old guard shack. In 2021, they passed the baton for that volunteer job to Jim and Emily Spradling. The couple says they’ve enjoyed the many years they’ve lived and volunteered at Lake Panorama.
The couple’s daughter, Michele Van Vark, talks about the childhood she and her two brothers experienced.
“We were raised in a peaceful, supportive environment,” she says. “There was always humor. Mom and Dad had mutual respect for each other and worked as a team. If there was something needed, they worked together to make it happen. They were phenomenal role models for us. I didn’t realize how idyllic my childhood was until I became an adult.”
Van Vark knows why her parents’ marriage is different than many others.
“They legitimately always put the other person first,” she says. “It’s like when slices of cake are being offered. Most people want the biggest piece for themselves. But for my parents, each wants the other person to have the biggest and best.”
On Valentine’s Day this February, the Whites reflected on the question of what advice they might offer young married couples who hope to make it to the 75-year mark.
“I think we both have always just tried to take care of each other,” Betty says. “He always helped with the kids, and I helped him when I could. I think we’ve been fortunate neither of us has a bad temper.”
“I can’t remember us ever having a serious argument,” Bob says. “We usually just work things out, and we have a good time. One thing that helps is that I learned a long time ago she’s usually right.”
Betty smiles and agrees. “I am usually right,” she says. n

FAITH
PANORA CHURCHES ANNOUNCE HOLY WEEK SERVICES

Posted 03/13/2024
Special to Lake Panorama Times

Holy Week weeknight services will be held March 25-29 at Panora churches with a light meal served at 6:30 p.m. and services beginning at 7 p.m. Dates and locations are as follows:
Monday, March 25: St. Cecilia Catholic Church, 220 N. First St., Panora
Tuesday, March 26: Calvary Chapel of the Raccoon River Valley, 604 E. Main St., Panora
Wednesday, March 27: Panora United Methodist Church, 119 E. Main St., Panora
Thursday, March 28: First Christian Church (with the help of the Panora Church of the Brethren), 102 E. Church St., Panora
Friday, March 29: Faith Bible Church (no meal), 2096 Highway 4, Panora

NOTICE
LPA ROAD EMBARGO ENDS

Posted 03/13/2024
By Susan Thompson
Lake Panorama Times

The Lake Panorama Association road embargo lasted just two weeks this year. The five-ton vehicle weight limit began Monday, Feb. 12, and ended at 7 a.m. on Monday, Feb. 26. Past road embargoes have occurred anytime between early February and early April. Once set, the embargo is in place until conditions stabilize and road surfaces can bear significant loads without damage.
Each spring, warm temperatures and thawing conditions weaken the roadbed under the Lake Panorama Association’s seal coated roads, which means heavy loads can cause severe road damage.
That’s the reason for the annual spring road embargo, which prohibits loaded vehicles that weigh more than five tons on most LPA roads during the spring thaw, while the frost is coming out of the ground and the roadbed is soft.
Dry weather this year allowed LPA to implement the embargo earlier than often is the case and end the embargo sooner than usual.
In 2023, it cost more than $30,000 to seal coat one mile of LPA roads, and early indicators are the cost this year may be significantly higher. That’s why this annual embargo is vital to help avoid road damage. The LPA appreciates everyone’s cooperation.

FAITH
HOLY WEEK SERVICES ANNOUNCED FOR GUTHRIE CENTER CHURCHES

Posted 03/13/2024
Special to Lake Panorama Times

The Guthrie Center Association of Churches announces the worship schedule for Holy Week Services, which will be at 7 a.m. Everyone is welcome.
Monday, March 25: First Presbyterian Church, 701 State St. Guthrie Center
Tuesday, March 26: St. Mary’s Catholic Church, 603 Main St. Guthrie Center
Wednesday, March 27: Seventh-day Adventist Church, 1305 North St., Guthrie Center
Thursday, March 28: United Methodist Church, 405 Prairie St, Guthrie Center
Friday, March 29: Immanuel Lutheran Church, 713 N. 12th St., Guthrie Center.

EVENT
EASTER BRUNCH AT THE LINKS MARCH 31

Posted 03/13/2024
By Susan Thompson
Lake Panorama Times

A special brunch will be served Easter Sunday, 10 a.m. to 2 p.m., at The Links at Lake Panorama National.
Brunch offerings include a variety of breakfast items, including a made-to-order egg station, scrambled eggs, sausage, bacon, Canadian bacon, pancakes, biscuits and gravy, assorted fresh fruit and an array of pastries. Entrée offerings feature fried chicken, mashed potatoes and gravy, jalapeno creamed corn, seasonal vegetables, and a carving station showcasing prime rib, pork tenderloin and ham. For the kids, there will be mac and cheese, chicken tenders and fries.
Bottomless mimosas and Bloody Marys will be available at an additional cost.
Brunch-only tickets are priced at $41. Kids ages 6-12 are $15, and those 5 and younger are free. All tickets include tax and gratuity. To purchase tickets online, go to https://www.eventbrite.com/e/easter-brunch-at-the-links-tickets-806726369287?aff=ehometext. More event details can be found on this Eventbrite page in the Frequently Asked Questions section.
Tickets also can be requested by calling or stopping by The Links during open hours, which currently are Wednesday, Friday and Saturday 4-10 p.m. Questions can be emailed to lkuhn@lakepanorama.org.

BUSINESS NEWS
ANTHOFER HIRED AT LAKESIDE VILLAGE

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Posted 03/13/2024
By Rich Wicks
Lake Panorama Times

Sheri Anthofer was hired as the community relations coordinator at Lakeside Village in Panora. She shared information on her experience, as well as how she views her role at Lake Village.
“I have a very diverse background,” said Anthofer, “I’ve done hotel management, office administration, I was the director of The Gardens Assisted Living facility in Jefferson. I’ve done human resources up at Lake Okoboji for the park marina. I worked in the physical rehab department as their admin person for 15 years at Greene County Medical Center. I’ve also done event management. So, every job for me has really been a stepping stone, but the one thing that all of those jobs revolve around is people.”
Lakeside Village offers three basic types of care: independent living, assisted living and memory care.
In Anthofer’s free time, she enjoys swimming, cycling and travel. She shared information about her family as well.
“My husband farms on the side, and he’s an electrician for Baker Electric out of Des Moines,” said Anthofer. “I’ve been married for 29 years and have three grown children.
“I am really the sales and marketing coordinator,” said Anthofer. “My job is to fill those rooms, basically, making people aware of what we do out here.”

EVENT
FISH FRY HELD AT ST. CECILIA’S

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Posted 03/13/2024
By Shane Goodman
Lake Panorama Times

The Panora St. Cecilia Knights of Columbus Council No. 11242 held a fish dinner on March 1 from 5-7 p.m. in the basement of St. Cecilia Catholic Church at 220 N. First St. in Panora. Attendees enjoyed hand-breaded fish, baked potato or tater tots, coleslaw, lemonade, tea, water and dessert. Pictured are Rick Langel, Paul Wendl and Joe Weisz.

LAKE DOGS

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Posted 03/13/2024
By Cheryl Temple
Lake Panorama Times

Names and ages: Gonzo, 4, and Fozzie Bear, 6
Breed: Labradoodles
Owners: John and Shelly Booth

The Booths have a large lot at the lake where Gonzo and Fozzie Bear enjoy running up and down the lake shore. They both love riding on the bow of the boat while cruising through Party Cove with the feeling of the wind in their furry, fluffy faces.

COVE CATS

Cove cats
Posted 03/13/2024
By Cheryl Temple
Lake Panorama Times

Names and ages: Sedona, 6, and Little Bit, 5
Breed: Torties
Owners: Deb and Rich Grunsted

Sedona is a long-haired kitty that loves to hunt critters at the lake and enjoys cuddling in her bed while resting in the sun. Little Bit is full of personality and sometimes thinks she’s a dog. All the Grunsteds do is whistle, and she suddenly appears.

EVENT
FARMERS STATE BANK HOLDS WAFFLE BREAKFAST IN YALE

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Posted 03/13/2024
By Shane Goodman
Lake Panorama Times

Farmers State Bank held “an open house for everyone,” serving Dad’s Belgian Waffles at the Yale Community Club on March 2. Pictured are Dave Deardorff, Scott Stanley, Jordan Carstens and Cole Carstens.

RECIPE
CHICKEN AND VEGETABLE KABOBS ARE AN EASY SUMMER MEAL

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Posted 03/13/2024
By Jolene Goodman
Lake Panorama Times

I like to cook, but it does take time. And as the weather starts warming up, I am drawn to the outdoors, working on yard projects, taking the dog for walks, hitting the golf course, practicing a new hobby of disc golf, hopefully jumping on my bike more and, soon, gliding across the water in a boat. As such, I spend less time in the kitchen. During April and May, I prepare meals for the upcoming summer months. Organizing my freezer full of marinated meats, chopped vegetables, baked muffins, mixed cookie dough and egg dishes makes summer meals a breeze. I make three to four batches each time and enjoy these meals once a month, having plenty if others drop by. This month’s recipe is a hit with my family and guests. Some even comment that kabobs are fancy. The fact is, when the prep work is done in advance, this summer meal is easy. Get planning now so you have more time to enjoy doing the things you love this summer.

Jolene Goodman is the advertising director for Lake Panorama Times and vice president of Big Green Umbrella Media.

Chicken and vegetable kabobs
12 servings

½ cup vegetable oil
1/3 cup white wine (or honey if you want sweet)
2/3 cup soy sauce
½ tsp pepper
2 tsp minced garlic
4 boneless, skinless chicken breast cut into 1 inch cubes
2 yellow or red onions cut in 2 inch pieces
2 green peppers cut in 2 inch pieces
1 carton of mushrooms, use whole
Skewers (if using wooden, soak in water for 10 minutes prior to skewering ingredients)
Ziploc freezer bags

Directions
In medium bowl, mix together first 5 ingredients. Place chicken in one bag and vegetables in another bag. If cooking the same day, reserve ¼ marinade for basting. Otherwise, add half marinade to chicken and the other half to the veggies. Turn the bags several times to make sure all pieces are coated. If you are cooking this today, store bags in the fridge for 4-6 hours, turning the bags several times during that time. If you are not, label the bags with contents and date, then throw in the freezer for future use. When ready, preheat grill to medium heat. As the grill is heating up, assemble the kabobs. For a great, colorful presentation, thread skewers alternating chicken and vegetables. Lightly oil the grill. Place kabobs on and cook 6-8 minutes per side. Toward the end of cooking, use the ¼ cup of reserved marinade to baste the kabobs. Enjoy!

ASK LAKE PANORAMA TIMES

Posted 03/13/2024

Q: I have some photos I would like to submit for Lake Panorama Times. Do you take submissions? And, if so, how do I send them?
A: We welcome and encourage your photos, especially of summertime boating and skiing. Please include names of the people in the photos. You can email them to shane@dmcityview.com.

Q: Can children without a driver’s license operate golf carts on LPA roads?
A: According to section 4.5 of the LPA Rules and Regulations, golf cart operators shall have a valid driver’s license in their immediate possession or a valid learner’s permit. Operators using a valid learner’s permit shall be under the direct supervision of an adult who holds a valid driver’s license.

Q: How do I subscribe to your Times Vedette free email newsletter?
A: It’s easy! Just visit www.gctimesnews.com and click on the SUBSCRIBE button toward the top of the page. Enter your email address, and you will receive a confirmation email asking you to confirm (be sure to check your spam folder). And that’s it. You will receive a free email newsletter with Guthrie County news and information over your noon hour each Tuesday and Friday.

Q: Can the LPA impound boats of members?
A: The short answer is yes, according to section 5.1(f) of the LPA Rules and Regulations. The longer answer is that the LPA maintains the right to impound vessels under any one of the following circumstances:
Any vessel found in violation of any of the rules, regulations, covenants or restrictions of the Lake Panorama Association, any documents recorded at the Guthrie County courthouse, or any State of Iowa Boating Laws.
Any vessel found to be docked overnight at one of LPA’s community properties or docks.
Any vessel, which in the reasonable judgement of LPA, is believed to be abandoned and/or unattended and which would pose an imminent safety concern to other LPA members.

Q: How close can a water skier be to the shoreline?
A: No person shall be towed on skis or any other device within 100 feet of the shoreline, nor shall any person be towed in such a fashion on water skis so as to land or depart from the shore or dock area, according to section 5.1(n) of the LPA Rules and Regulations.

TRISH HART’S NATURE PHOTOS
LAKE PANORAMA SUNRISES AND SUNSETS

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Posted 02/07/2024
By Susan Thompson
Lake Panorama Times

There is something truly special about sunrises and sunsets over water. For those who live at Lake Panorama, each day brings a sunrise and a sunset that often creates a beautiful picture worth enjoying, if we pay attention.
Photographer Trish Hart shares a home with her husband, Scott, in Andrew’s Cove at Lake Panorama. She says she’s taken hundreds of photos of Lake Panorama sunrises and sunsets. This month she shares two of her favorites.
This sunrise photo was taken last spring in Andrew’s Cove from the Hart’s home, as sunrise painted both the sky and the water several shades of orange.
The sunset photo also is from last spring, but later in the season, as leaves popped out on shrubs and trees. Hart took this photo from the north end of the Narrows.
Author Jo Walton had this to say about sunrises and sunsets: “There’s a sunrise and a sunset every single day, and they’re absolutely free. Don’t miss so many of them.” Sounds like good advice.
Hart offers custom prints of her photos on canvas, paper, metal and glass. Learn more by visiting Nature’s Canvas Photography on Facebook.
Shane goodman headshot

ON THE LAKE
GOOSE BUMPS

Posted 02/07/2024

A cover story on deer in January, and now a cover story on Canada geese this month? Is Lake Panorama Times turning into a wildlife publication? Not exactly, but we did decide to write about these two topics recently because we know they are both of great interest to many Lake Panorama residents.
Fortunately, we have not had the massive influx of geese on the lake or in our yards at the time of me writing this column, but, much like another blizzard, we know it is coming. At times in years past, we could hear their territorial calls and honking, sometimes so loud they would keep us up at night. I don’t miss that.
Prior to buying our lake home, and when our children were younger, Jolene and I would venture out into the great outdoors on camping trips. I wouldn’t call what we did “roughing it,” as an air-conditioned camper was a requirement for me, but we did enjoy getting back to nature. The wildlife often included Canada geese, which I thought were majestic-looking birds. Unfortunately, they also left majestic droppings, which we had to dodge while on our walks. And for a reason I don’t understand, our dog seemed to think those droppings were a delicacy. As such, the Canada geese quickly became more of an annoyance than things of beauty. I am guessing many of you are nodding in agreement right now.
During our first winter at our current home at Lake Panorama, I was shocked by the flock of geese that would cover our yard — and none seemingly in the yards of our neighbors. I quickly learned the value of the family dog, who chased the geese into the no-longer-empty neighbors’ yards. This scenario reminded me of a termite inspector who once told me that you can never truly get rid of termites, but you can convince them to move on to another property. Better geese than termites, I guess.
Like many of you, I am amused by the efforts that many lake residents use to keep the geese away. Electric fences, vegetation, loud noises, reflecting wind spinners, predatory decoys and, of course, good old Fido. Unfortunately, Canada geese are apparently quick learners, so a mix of these efforts might be the best approach.
Regardless, dealing with the geese is a short-term minor bump on the road of choice we call lake life. We hope you find this month’s feature story to be informative and provide a few ideas for you to deal with our fine feathered friends.
Have a great February, and thanks for reading.

Shane Goodman
Editor and Publisher
Lake Panorama Times
515-953-4822, ext. 305
shane@dmcityview.com

FEATURE
A GANDER AT GEESE

The impact and history of Canada geese and tips to keep them off your property.
1050773 (2022 10 11t04 48 01.941)
Posted 02/07/2024
By Rich Wicks
Lake Panorama Times

At Lake Panorama, beautiful homes are built near a scenic body of water. This setting attracts many homeowners. Unfortunately, it also attracts Canada geese.
If someone were to design the ideal habitat to attract Canada geese and convince them to stay year-round, it would include easy access to water, large and easily accessible areas of short grasses, few predators and no hunting. Unfortunately, this is what Canada geese find when arriving at Lake Panorama. Because of that, the number of resident and migrating geese has swelled, causing various issues as people and geese interact.
“LPA is no stranger to the fact that we have a lot of geese on the lake, but, as far as fixing that problem, there’s just not a lot that we can do,” Lane Rumelhart, project manager for Lake Panorama Association (LPA), said. “We’re technically a residential area, so we can’t allow hunting on the water.”
Rumelhart said that the Iowa Department of Natural Resources (DNR) tracks the geese population and other information about the species.
“Every year, I give the DNR permission to band geese here,” Rumelhart said. “And every year, they seem to get around 30 to 60 banded. Some years, they’ve done more than 100.”
Regarding efforts to scare geese away or minimize their impact, Rumelhart said, “We tried some things in the past like running drones. I think they had some predator calls that were supposed to scare off the geese, but none of them have proven to be effective.”
Rumelhart said the LPA has a beach groomer that is used to pick up the geese “stuff” out of the sand.
“We usually do that about once a week during peak season and then once every couple weeks when the beaches are frozen in the winter,” he said.

The impact
The problems caused by the geese fall into two main categories: mere nuisances and environmental impacts. The nuisances include the sheer number of geese present at certain times of the year and the related damage to gardens, lawns and crops. Also, occasionally, Canada geese become aggressive, especially when protecting a nest or goslings.
The main environmental concern has to do with goose feces. Not only can the amount of droppings cause an unsightly appearance on lawns, docks and beaches, but the content of the droppings may lead to unfavorable water quality.
“The geese love the green, manicured lawns that they can graze on,” DNR officer Jeremy King said. “Obviously, there’s a huge problem with their defecation. They create quite a mess.”
The primary concern is that goose droppings are high in phosphorus, which can increase the algae growth in bodies of water. Geese do not produce phosphorus; they simply deposit it in their droppings. If geese are predominantly eating vegetation in a lake or pond, and then their droppings fall into that same body of water, the phosphorus level would not change significantly. But if geese are eating in fields and then coming back to the lake, phosphorus levels can climb. However, unless there is a very large year-round population of geese, most phosphorus in bodies of water may be from agricultural runoff.
“It’s no secret that the geese love Lake Panorama,” King said. “There are a few species, but the Canada geese are the predominant one.”
King says the geese tend to prefer more urban areas like Des Moines, Ankeny and Waukee, on small ponds with houses. He notes that the number of geese on traditional marsh areas or wetlands has gone down.
“The geese are adapting,” he said. “When they’re sitting at the Jordan Creek Mall pond, they aren’t getting hunted. Nobody’s harassing them. They go where there’s less pressure. When they go out to Lake Panorama, granted they can’t get hunted on the lake out there, but as soon as they fly out and feed in the fields in the morning or evening, they can get hunted in certain areas.”

History
The Iowa DNR website states that Canada geese nested throughout Iowa prior to European settlement but were mostly eliminated from much of the Midwest, including Iowa, by 1900. The Canada geese restoration program initiated in 1964 by the Iowa Conservation Commission, the forerunner to the Iowa DNR, has successfully restored this species to most of its former nesting range in Iowa. According to the DNR’s most recent estimate, Iowa’s Canada geese population is about 90,000.

USDA data
According to the United States Department of Agriculture (USDA) website, geese and other waterfowl can cause problems because they feed on a variety of plants, as well as crops, including corn, soybeans, rice, lettuce, winter wheat, barley and rye. Birds can also endanger aircraft on or near airports. In fact, one goose or duck can seriously damage an aircraft.
However, the Migratory Bird Treaty Act of 1918 and state laws protect all native waterfowl in the United States, including migratory and resident Canada geese. Under these laws, it is illegal to hunt, kill, sell, purchase or possess migratory birds, except in specific cases.
To prevent or minimize problems with geese, one of the best suggestions, according to the USDA, is to avoid feeding them. Even goslings are capable of finding enough food to survive. If geese become accustomed to being fed, they are likely to become dependent on this food source, and they may stop migrating.
Another suggestion is to modify landscaping. Geese and ducks are grazers and need short, green grass for food. Along water edges, planting less-attractive vegetation, such as pachysandra, periwinkle and euonymus, may help discourage geese from staying in the area. The most effective tools for controlling waterfowl movement are fences, hedgerows and other physical barriers.

Hunting
The Iowa DNR currently has designated a “No Hunting Zone” for Canada geese in a portion of Guthrie County. The area includes Bays Branch and is bordered on the west by Highway 4 and on the south by Highway 44.
King acknowledged that some people may advocate for opening up more areas to hunting or extending the season, but he said those are not necessarily the best ways to control the population.
“Biologists’ concern is that if we start opening up everything in the Lake Panorama and Bays Branch area for shooting Canada geese, in a year or two, those geese will realize there’s a lot of pressure here, and they’re going to migrate over to the cities, and we’ll run them out of the area to where very few will get harvested.”

Migration
Although Canada geese are considered migratory birds, there is no single migratory pattern, and some geese no longer migrate at all.
“At times, Lake Panorama will house, during the peak of the migration in the winter, close to 20,000 geese in the area,” King said.
“Some of the Canada geese do, in fact, migrate here from Canada for the winter, but that’s not true of all the geese,” he said. “Currently, three have an attached radio transmitter. The last years, they have stayed at the Lake Panorama area the entire time. They summer here, they hatch little ones here, and they don’t migrate south at all. But we do have birds that are raised locally, on Lake Panorama, that we band, that are harvested in Oklahoma or southern Missouri or Arkansas. Certain ones migrate, and some don’t.”
King said the bird migration is fascinating.
“You just don’t know which way they’re going to go,” he said. “Weather events can cause different migrations. Typically, with Canada geese, when we get hard — like 30- to 40-mile-per-hour north winds — that’s when we see most of our geese come from the Minnesota and Canada areas up there.”
He added that Canada geese typically migrate following the snow line. So, in a late-starting winter, the geese stay up north longer.

What works?
King says the best way to minimize geese problems for homeowners is to have a dog.
“The dog is probably the best non-fatal option,” he said.
“I think members that have pet dogs and let their dogs out in the backyard, they do a pretty good job of spooking the geese onto the next property,” Rumelhart added.
“I’ve also seen folks with a single electric fence wire, about 8 or 10 inches off the ground,” King said. “That seems to work pretty well.”
King said predator decoys have limited impact but can work if moved around.
“I’ve seen folks with coyote decoys, but the birds kind of get used to them after a while,” he said. “But if you move it once in a while, you’ll see pretty good results from that as well.”
King points out that the geese are protected by the federal government. In the spring, when they are nesting, it is illegal to “mess with them.”
“We do have a federal biologist that we work with, and our local biologist, that can help you come up with solutions if you have a major issue going on,” he said.
King says the situation is a double-edged sword.
“We love having a lake here,” he said. “We love the beauty it provides, but it also provides a refuge for the geese. I couldn’t imagine a bunch of people out there shooting geese every day. Homeowners probably wouldn’t appreciate that. I know they don’t appreciate the geese either, at times.”
King reminds property owners that the geese are more of a seasonal concern.
“I think they’re typically more of a problem in the spring, because, in the winter, they usually keep a hole open in the middle of the lake, so they’re typically not in people’s yards,” he said.

Hunting
Hunting of Canada geese in Iowa is divided into three zones (north, central and south). Guthrie County is in the central zone, in which hunting ended Jan. 20. Each hunter has a bag limit of three Canada geese. According to DNR data, over the past three decades, the statewide annual harvest of Canada geese has fluctuated from 25,000 to nearly 80,000, with most years seeing a harvest between 45,000 to 65,000. Anyone with knowledge of illegal harvesting of Canada geese is encouraged to call the Iowa DNR’s “Turn-in-Poachers” line at 1-800-532-2020.

Nesting
In Iowa, Canada geese usually begin nesting between mid-March and mid-April. Females lay an average of five or six eggs (one per day) and will incubate them for 28-30 days before hatching occurs. It’s during this nesting time that the adult geese are most aggressive, as they try to protect the nest and their goslings.

Sharing nature
King encourages property owners to remember that the natural beauty of the Lake Panorama area includes wildlife like geese, deer, raccoons, foxes, mink, bobcats and other animals.
“I think a lot of folks need to remember that we have a beautiful lake, and we’re going to have wildlife that’s going to be around there,” he said. “We built homes in their home.”
Bill weddingfeld

OBITUARY

WILLIAM ‘BILL’ WEDDINGFELD
1934-2024
Posted 02/07/2024

William John “Bill” Weddingfeld, 89, son of William and Frances (Brandt) Weddingfeld, was born Jan. 18, 1934, in Pender, Nebraska. He passed away Monday, Jan. 15, 2024, at the New Homestead in Guthrie Center, three days short of his 90th birthday.
Bill graduated from Pender High School in 1952. He then received his B.A. degree in education from Wayne State College in 1958 and then his M.S. degree in secondary administration from Northern Colorado University in 1963. Bill also took advanced classes in education at the University of Nebraska, Omaha.
Bill was a United States Army veteran, serving from 1954 until 1956. He was a member of the Frank Grubb American Legion Post No. 372, Panora. On Aug. 18, 1957, he married Paula Jean Fowler in Omaha, Nebraska. Paula passed away after complications following surgery on Jan. 13, 1967. On Oct. 28, 1967, Bill married Shirley Sue Sundermann.
Bill served as a classroom teacher, coach, high school principal and superintendent for a total of 37 years devoted to education, retiring in 1995. He served on the Iowa High School Athletic Association and the Iowa Girls High School Athletic Union representative councils. He was a member of Iowa School Administrators and the American School Administrators.
Bill was a member of St. Thomas Lutheran Church in Panora and served as president of the congregation for several years.
Survivors include his wife of 56 years, Shirley Sue Weddingfeld, of Panora; daughters, Lisa Ann Longwell Prendergast (Terry) of Omaha, Nebraska; Susan Marie Jensen (Brent) of Bellevue, Nebraska; and son, Michael John Weddingfeld (Shelley) of Ankeny; five grandchildren, Jeremy Alan (Nicole) Longwell, Riley Marie and Maci Jae Jensen, and Caden John and Ashton Michael Weddingfeld; two great-granddaughters, Vivienne Marie Longwell and Ella Dee Longwell; along with many nieces and nephews. He was preceded in death by his parents; first wife, Paula; sisters, Myra, Genene, Betty, Violet and Madeline; and brothers, Merlyn and Wilbur.
Funeral services were at 11 a.m., Thursday, Jan. 18, 2024, at St. Thomas Lutheran Church, Panora. Burial was in the West Cemetery, Panora. Visitation was one hour prior to the services at the church.
Memorials may be left to the discretion of the family.
Services entrusted to Twigg Funeral Home, Panora.

WHAT’S IN YOUR GARAGE?
1939 CHEVROLET RESTORED TO FORMER GLORY

Kim Lubeck’s teenage car lives on.
Carside
Posted 02/07/2024
By Susan Thompson
Lake Panorama Times

More than five years after his death, Kim Lubeck’s dream of restoring a 1939 Chevrolet Master Deluxe four-door sedan came true.
Lubeck passed away Sept. 27, 2018, while waterskiing on Lake Panorama. He had been diagnosed with Lyme disease after being bitten by a deer tick. An autopsy stated his death was caused by a sudden cardiac event, with a likely link to Lyme disease.
In May 1973, Lubeck moved to Panora to work at the Panora Oil Company. In February 1974, he purchased the business, which he owned and operated for 42 years before retiring in 2016. His interest in the service station business had strong roots, since his father owned four stations where he worked during high school.
Kim and his wife, Maureen, were married in November 1974. The couple raised two children, Courtney and Phillip.
Maureen picks up the story of the 1939 Chevy.
“Kim’s dad bought the car for him in 1965 as a surprise for his 14th birthday. It was in a hay field in Nebraska and belonged to Kim’s aunt, who bought it new,” she says. “Kim’s dad paid his sister $40 for the car. Kim drove it through high school. He and his buddies had a grand old time in it.”
The last time the Chevy was licensed was 1968. For 25 years, it was stored in the Lubecks’ boathouse at Lake Panorama.
“You should have heard the neighbors when Kim used the tow truck to take it down the steep driveway and tuck it into the boathouse,” Maureen says. “It was quite the attraction with several of them shouting, ‘Kim, that thing won’t float!’ But with his usual expertise, he maneuvered it smoothly into place.”
Maureen says Kim had a dream of restoring the 1939 Chevrolet.
“I can’t tell you how many car shows and museums we went to over the years,” she says. “He loved talking to other gearheads, and he continued to formulate his restoration plan. I encouraged him to take it into the station where he could begin the process. I told him if it took him as long to restore it as it had been stored, I would never get to ride in it.” 
In 2014, Kim towed the car to the Panora Oil Company.
“So many of his customers had stories to tell about relatives or friends who had a similar car,” Maureen says. “They were so interested in his plans for restoration. Some of his customers and friends looked at the rust bucket condition and shook their heads, thinking he would never get it done.”
Yet, when the doubters came back to check on the progress, they were pleasantly surprised. He took the engine and bucket seats from an S-10 Chevrolet truck and installed those in the old car. He did lots of welding work on the chassis and flooring. The original car was equipped with a manual transmission, but Kim installed an automatic on-the-floor transmission.
“I can’t drive a straight stick,” Maureen says. “He tried to teach me when we were first married, but it was too painful for him to hear the gears moaning. He was looking forward to taking it to car shows and parades. We also had plans to take it on some trips, hence the automatic transmission for my benefit. Several car groups travel from place to place together, and we hoped to join them.”
Maureen says that Kim worked on the vehicle as much as time allowed.
“One of the benefits of him retiring in 2016 was he had more time to work on the car,” she says. “He researched parts, always thinking about his ultimate goal.”
Maureen says he even worked on it the morning he died.
“My memory tells me he said he put the windshield wipers, radio and instrument panel in,” she says.
After Kim’s death, Maureen thought about what to do with the 1939 Chevy. Kim had done the majority of the mechanical work needed, but the exterior and interior were in rough shape.
“It was such a special car for Kim,” she says. “If it hadn’t always been in the family, if he didn’t have high school memories in it, and if he didn’t have ambitious plans to restore it, I might not have been anxious to complete the task. Yet I truly felt I had to honor him and do my best to finish the job.”
She contacted Dennis Shroyer, who for many years owned the Panora Service Center. In 2019, when Lubeck’s Panora Oil Company building sold, the 1939 Chevy was towed to Shroyer’s nearby building.
“Dennis and Kim were good friends,” Maureen says. “He did the bodywork and painting. He told me this would be the last big job he did before retirement, and he did a wonderful job.” Shroyer sold his building and retired this past December.
In August 2023, the car was moved to Sam’s Upholstery in Winterset, where Sam Mapes did the interior restoration.
“I am amazed at the quality of his work,” Maureen says. “Both he and Dennis listened to my ideas and supported me. Several of Kim’s gearhead friends helped me with advice. I had joined Kim at enough car events over the years and listened to his dream, so I had a pretty good idea of what he would want.”
Shroyer painted the exterior of the Chevy the original color, a deep maroon. The interior is beige with maroon stitching. The original seats were covered with a horsehair fabric. The rear seat is the original seat, minus the horsehair fabric.
“One of the fun things Sam did was create a ‘suitcase’ to hide the battery, which is in the trunk behind the back seat,” Maureen says. “With my love of travel, it makes sense.”
Maureen Lubeck was able to bring the car to her Lake Panorama condo a few days before Christmas so family members could enjoy a ride when they visited. Most of the time, the car will be stored in a friend’s garage.
Lubeck plans to take the Chevy to some car shows and parades.
“It drives really well. It has some creaks and squeaks, but it is very comfortable. My biggest challenge is that it doesn’t have a backup camera,” she exclaims.
One final decision needed to be made about the 1939 Chevrolet four-door sedan. What should be used on the car’s vanity license plate? Daughter Courtney wanted the license plate to be Dad’s 39, but that was already in use. Maureen considered Kim’s 39 but didn’t want people to think she was Kim. The final wording is just as perfect as the restored car — His 39.

BUSINESS NEWS
SOURDOUGH HOBBY RISES TO BECOME NEW SMALL BUSINESS

Sonya Pierce shares her journey with the bread.
Sonyastir
Posted 02/07/2024
By Susan Thompson
Lake Panorama Times

During the COVID-19 pandemic, increased interest in home baking caused shortages of baker’s yeast in stores. Because sourdough bread is made from the natural occurring yeast and bacteria in flour, the attention of many turned to this bread that doesn’t use commercial yeast.  
Sonya Pierce of Panora is a more recent convert to the joys of sourdough baking.
“I began my sourdough journey in October 2023 after watching countless hours of TikTok videos, following many Facebook and Instagram accounts, and doing a lot of my own research on how to make sourdough starter and use it to bake bread,” Pierce says. “I had no idea this ancient way of creating bread was so unique and has such great history behind it.”
Pierce grew up in Panora and graduated from Panorama Community Schools in 2004. She met her husband, Kenny Pierce, in 2003.
“High school sweethearts, I guess. We’ve been together ever since and married for 14 years,” she says.
After high school, Pierce attended Grand View University to major in business administration. While in college, she wanted to become a commercial property manager.
“The 2008 stock market crash and job market had other ideas for me,” Pierce says. “I was manager of the Mercy West gift shop until 2013. For the last 10 years, I have been involved in finance and banking. I’ve worked for Guthrie County State Bank for the past five years, first as a universal banker and now as the marketing director and loan administrative assistant.”
Kenny Pierce is a salesman for a company based in Council Bluffs. The couple lived for a time in Menlo before returning to their roots in Panora. In 2021, construction began on their new home on Lake Panorama’s west side.
“For many years, Kenny and I struggled with unexplained infertility,” Pierce says. “We dreamed of having a baby in our new home, and while in the middle of building, we found out we were pregnant. In October 2021, we moved into our new home, and in February 2022, Paisley was born. She is 2 years old now, very rambunctious, and brings so much joy to our lives.”
With a full-time job at Guthrie County State Bank and an active 2-year-old, Pierce didn’t begin her sourdough baking hobby with plans to turn it into a business.
“My name was passed along by a coworker to Ignite Nutrition & Health in Panora to speak to a class about sourdough — what it is, how to start it and how to use it. I did a short presentation about what I’ve learned and experienced, which led to someone asking if I sell sourdough bread,” she says. “I had never thought about that, but I was intrigued. I posted on my Facebook page to see if there was interest.”
Within two weeks, beginning right before Christmas, Pierce had 38 orders.
“It was the best feeling to have the community support behind by new-found passion,” Pierce says. She created a micro-bakery under the name Midwest Sourdough Co.
“I always tell people the first ingredient in a sourdough starter is patience,” she says. “It takes quite a long time to establish your own starter if beginning from scratch. I’m always up for a challenge when it comes to baking, so I gave it a try. It was questionable at the beginning, but the process is easy — it’s just flour and water, no crazy ingredients. You just have to be consistent with the technique and trust the process. I had a period of five to 10 days when I thought I had killed it, but I kept up and now have a healthy and strong starter.”
Those who want to try sourdough baking can purchase dehydrated starter or have starter gifted to them.
“I do have starter for sale and include instructions on how to care for it,” she says. “Because it is a live organism, it does take some maintenance, but it’s simple.”
Pierce maintains her starter by “feeding” it once a day, since hers sits on a kitchen counter 24/7. It’s equal parts water and flour to a small amount of starter. As the day goes on, the starter feeds off the new flour and water, making it active to bake bread or other bakery items. Those who don’t bake as often keep their starter refrigerated, but the “feeding” process must continue.
“You can use sourdough in just about anything you bake, you just need to adjust the flour and liquid in your recipe,” Pierce says. “I have made regular bread, flavored breads, cookies, waffles, pancakes and cinnamon rolls. I am experimenting now with brownies, sandwich loaves, pretzel bites and tortilla shells, and expect some of these will be on my order list in the future.”
Pierce currently offers a variety of flavors for her artisan sourdough loaves, including original, rosemary and jalapeno cheddar.
“I will be expanding to others and am willing to take custom requests,” she says. “Prices vary between $12 to $15 based on what ingredients are included. Clients typically get a large loaf that weighs about two pounds. Those loaves can last up to a week and a half in the fridge, if it doesn’t get eaten sooner.”
For now, Pierce has Facebook and Instagram pages, as well as TikTok. A website is in the works where she will be able to create orders, keep clients apprised of their orders, and schedule pick up and drop off dates.
“My plan is to share my journey with sourdough — the good and the bad, because we all have fails while baking, along with tips on how to care for your starter. I plan to be at the Stuart Farmers Market this summer and would like to expand to other farmers markets as time allows,” Pierce says. “I’m also hoping to collaborate with local businesses to hold pop-up sales on occasion.
“Kenny and I are blessed to have amazing friends, family and neighbors so close to us in Panora and at Lake Panorama,” Pierce says. “I’d like to thank all those who have made this a success in such a short amount of time. We have an incredible community, and I look forward to continuing this as long as I’m able.” 
To ask questions or place an order, email pierce.m.sonya@gmail.com. Other options are to private message her or fill out the secure Google form in her bio on her social pages: Facebook — Midwest Sourdough Co.; Instagram — Midwest.Sourdough.Co.IA 

LAKE PANORAMA ASSOCIATION
MARCH 12 DEADLINE TO FILE FOR LPA BOARD OF DIRECTORS ELECTION

For 2024, there will be two board positions on the ballot.
Posted 02/07/2024
By Susan Thompson
Lake Panorama Times

The deadline to file nomination papers for the 2024 election for a seat on the Lake Panorama Association board of directors is March 12.
The board consists of seven members. Board terms are three years, and members are allowed to serve no more than two consecutive three-year terms. Terms are staggered so the number of seats on the annual ballot varies each year.
For 2024, there will be two board positions on the ballot. Both Emily Donovan and Rich Schumacher are completing their second terms on the board and are ineligible to run this year. To date, Rachel Waldo and Jackson Whiton have filed papers to run for the LPA board in the 2024 election.
Nomination papers are available at the LPA office or will be emailed on request. Candidates must collect a minimum of 18 signatures, representing 18 separate active memberships.
Along with the nomination form, candidates are asked to submit a signed statement of willingness to serve and a 100-word statement of qualifications. Also needed is a signed conflict-of-interest form listing any businesses or financial interests the candidate has with the LPA. These items will be included in the ballot mailing.
A mailing that includes the ballot, numbered envelope and the official announcement of the annual meeting will be sent to all LPA members in advance of the annual meeting.
The 2024 annual meeting is scheduled for May 11 with the mailing planned for mid-April. This year will mark the LPA’s 55th annual meeting.
LPA members must return their completed ballot in the numbered envelope. Members are urged to return their ballots in advance of the annual meeting to speed up the tabulation process, although ballots also can be brought to the annual meeting.
Board meetings are generally held the fourth Tuesday of each month, beginning with open forum at 5 p.m., although the day and time can be adjusted. The board does not meet in January or February unless a special meeting is necessary.
Anyone with questions about the board election process, or details of serving on the LPA board, can contact the LPA office at 641-755-2301 or lpa@lakepanorama.org.

LAKE PANORAMA ASSOCIATION
LPA ENCOURAGES MEMBERS TO PLAN AHEAD FOR ROAD EMBARGO

Once set, the embargo will be in place until conditions stabilize and road surfaces can bear significant loads without damage.
Posted 02/07/2024
By Susan Thompson
Lake Panorama Times

Each spring, warm temperatures and thawing conditions weaken the roadbed under the Lake Panorama Association’s seal-coated roads, which means heavy loads can cause severe road damage.
That’s the reason for the annual spring road embargo, which prohibits loaded vehicles that weigh more than five tons on most LPA roads during the spring thaw while the frost is coming out of the ground and the roadbed is soft. In 2023, it cost more than $30,000 to seal coat one mile of LPA roads, and early indicators are the cost in 2024 may be significantly higher. That’s why this annual embargo is vital to help avoid road damage.
Past road embargoes have occurred anytime between early February and early April. Once set, the embargo will be in place until conditions stabilize and road surfaces can bear significant loads without damage.
Depending on the weather, these annual road embargoes can last anywhere from two to six weeks. Warm, windy, sunny days with nights above freezing speed the process along. Cool, cloudy weather with highs in the 40s and lows near or below freezing prolongs the process.
LPA staff urges members to schedule deliveries ahead of time, especially if more than a passenger van or a pickup truck will be required. Members needing materials for remodel projects, construction issues, furniture or other large objects should try to get those projects done as soon as possible or face the delays required by an embargo.
Members trying to set up a time to have their septic tanks pumped must do so outside of the embargo window. The LPA will work with the Panorama Schools to arrange school transportation prior to initiating the embargo.
Members are reminded they are responsible for the actions of their guests, which includes the delivery of items that are reasonably known to require a large delivery vehicle. LPA rule 4.1(k)(5) states: “LPA shall be authorized to consider a delivery vehicle as a member’s guest per LPA rules and regulations 2.20(e), which states members shall be responsible for the actions of their guests.”
One option is to make plans to transfer heavy loads to other lighter vehicles at a designated location. Deliveries can be coordinated with security at two locations. The east drop-off site will be at the old maintenance shed, which is on the north side of 200th Street. The west side location will be the parking lot off the east side of Redwood Road near the Panorama West golf course.
LPA’s typical protocol for implementing the embargo is to make a decision on a Thursday and have the embargo go into effect the following Monday. LPA reserves the right to make emergency decisions, as needed, but will make every effort to provide advance notice.
Img 5644 copy

BUSINESS NEWS
ARGANBRIGHT HONORED FOR SERVICE AS ECONOMIC DEVELOPMENT PRESIDENT

Posted 02/07/2024
Special to Lake Panorama Times

The 2023 Panora and Lake Panorama Economic Development President Chris Arganbright was awarded a plaque by John Twillmann on Jan. 3 at the organization’s meeting to recognize her service to the organization, which has a mission to encourage and foster sustainable economic development activities through job creation, job retention, increased tax base and an improved quality of life for the citizens in the Panora and Lake Panorama area.

EVENTS
LAKE PANORAMA INDEPENDENCE DAY FIREWORKS JULY 6

The fireworks will be launched from Shady Beach, beginning around dusk.
Posted 02/07/2024
By Susan Thompson
Lake Panorama Times

The date for the 2024 Fire in the Sky fireworks display is Saturday, July 6. This will be the 29th year this Fourth of July holiday tradition at Lake Panorama has been organized by the Joe Scheiring family. Joe passed away in August 2014. Family members continue to organize the event to honor his memory.
The fireworks are launched from Shady Beach, beginning around dusk. Rita Scheiring, Joe’s widow, moved to Polk City in 2017. Her daughter and son-in-law, Stephanie and Kelvin Hafner, and their four children have a home at Lake Panorama.
In the early days, the annual fireworks display was on the Fourth of July, but the Scheirings heard from people who were disappointed they couldn’t attend when the holiday fell on a weekday. Now the display is always on the first Saturday of July so families can make their plans well in advance of the holiday.
The Scheiring family says generous community support and donations make this one of the best fireworks displays around. Donations for the 2024 Lake Panorama fireworks display can be sent to Rita Scheiring/Fire in the Sky, P.O. Box 605, Panora, Iowa, 50216. Or via Venmo at @Rita-Scheiring.

Q&A: CHRIS STIPE
GUTHRIE COUNTY HOSPITAL CEO HIGHLIGHTS SERVICES

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Posted 02/07/2024
By Susan Thompson
Lake Panorama Times

Chris Stipe is the Guthrie County Hospital (GCH) chief executive officer, a position he began Aug. 1, 2023. He holds a master’s degree in health services administration from the University of Kansas and a bachelor’s in economics and political science from Kansas State University.
Before taking this position, Stipe was executive director for The Commons in Enid, Oklahoma, and served as president and CEO for the McPherson Center for Health and the Manhattan Surgical Hospital in Kansas. Before that, he spent nearly 10 years as CEO at Clarinda Regional Health Center in Clarinda.
In this month’s Q&A, he talks about his family’s move to Lake Panorama, what interested him about the GCH position, and why having a hospital in Guthrie County is important to its residents.

Q. Tell us more about yourself, your family and what you like about living at Lake Panorama?
A. I am originally from New Orleans, Louisiana. My wife, Tiffany, is from Texas. We both graduated from high school in Kansas and attended college in Kansas. We are empty nesters. Our youngest daughter is a junior at the University of Kansas. Our oldest daughter has a career in accounting and lives in Chicago. I enjoy hunting, fishing and shooting. Tiffany enjoys biking, long walks, cooking and decorating.
We love our walks and bike rides on the west side of the lake. We are looking forward to some golf in the spring. We moved to Lake Panorama last September, so we were extremely busy in the fall. Unfortunately, we did not have time to get our boat on the lake. I am looking forward to fishing this spring.

Q. What interested you about this position at Guthrie County Hospital?
A. Guthrie County Hospital has a solid reputation as a quality provider. The hospital has a highly capable, dedicated staff and is on solid financial ground. The hospital also enjoys a great deal of support from the community. When I visited the community, I was impressed with the management team, board members and UnityPoint Health representatives.
We previously lived in Iowa for nearly 10 years. We moved back to Kansas while our oldest daughter attended college. This was an opportunity to move back to Iowa in a role that seemed like a great fit for my experience and interests.
Q. In the news release about you being named to lead GCH, you were described as someone who would help fulfill the hospital’s vision and mission. Explain what that means.
A. The GCH board’s vision for the future includes an expansion project at the hospital. While I was CEO of Clarinda Regional Health Center, we successfully completed a hospital replacement project. For some time, Guthrie County Hospital has been contemplating a sizable expansion and renovation project. The hospital needs to add some modern space to continue to meet the needs of the community.

Q. What are the strengths of Guthrie County Hospital?
A. Health care is about people caring for people. Our staff at GCH are the kind of people you want providing care to you and your family. All of our staff and physicians are highly trained, and they sincerely care about their patients and the community. Guthrie County Hospital has been consistently recognized as a Top 100 Hospital, and more recently as a Top 20 hospital in the country. Our patient satisfaction scores place us in the top 10% in the country. Other strengths include our quality-of-care measures, our lack of debt and our presence throughout the county with four primary care clinics.

Q. What are the challenges that face Guthrie County Hospital?
A. Attracting and retaining the best health care workforce is the biggest challenge facing our industry. At GCH, we are blessed with an outstanding staff and medical staff, but it is becoming harder to locate and hire the best. In order to maintain qualified staff, we will have to continue to strengthen and extend our culture of excellence to our newest team members, so we can continue to be an employer of choice.
Keeping health care affordable is something we are all focused on. Labor shortages are definitely driving up the cost of care. However, I am equally concerned about the cost of the administrative burden that insurance companies and pharmacy benefit management companies are putting on hospitals, local pharmacies and other care providers. Every day it seems to get more difficult to get reimbursed for the services we deliver.

Q. Talk about “Where in the World is Chris Stipe.”
A. This idea originated from Emily Irwin in our marketing department. It’s a creative way to highlight our services and locations throughout the county, as I visit our clinics and communities served. Also, it is a way to feature the accomplishments of our teams and individual staff members. And a way to show how the hospital is impacting the community. We are having fun with it! We hope those who follow us on social media enjoy it.

Q. Why is it important for Guthrie County to have a hospital?
A. The community should be able to depend on their local hospital and clinics for the majority of the care they need so they do not have to travel long distances. They should also expect the hospital to be there in an emergency. Of course, the hospital does more than provide direct care. We support services like Meals-on-Wheels and offer education on things like heart health, weight loss, diabetes and much more. Additionally, the hospital positively impacts the local economy by being one of the largest employers in the community.
I have been involved in economic development for most of my career. In my experience, successful rural communities offer good paying jobs, affordable housing, strong schools and access to quality health care. Having an available workforce and one or two large employers also helps to create lasting communities. As do retail shopping opportunities and outdoor recreation, like Lake Panorama.

Q. Talk about the GCH clinics, both the established ones in communities and the outpatient ones offered at the hospital.
A. We operate a full-service hospital located in Guthrie Center. We have four primary care clinic locations throughout the county — Panora, Stuart, Adair, Guthrie Center. We even offer walk-in clinics in Panora and Adair.
We have rotating specialty clinics at the hospital in Guthrie Center. We offer specialty clinics in a number of areas, including cardiology, pulmonology, general surgery, orthopedics, pediatrics, urology, dermatology, ophthalmology, podiatry, pain management, physical medicine, behavioral health, and our newest specialty, otolaryngology, which is focused on the ears, nose and throat. We also offer obstetrical “share care” where our provider manages pregnancies in cooperation with an OBGYN until shortly before delivery.
We want to offer local services that meet the vast majority of the community’s health care needs. We will continue to work hard to cover the services that are truly needed as long as we can staff them appropriately and support them financially.

Q. What construction and equipment acquisitions are on the docket for 2024?
A. We are making significant investments in upgrading our medical imaging equipment right now. We recently replaced our X-ray machine at the hospital. In January, we replaced our bone density imaging equipment.
We are planning to install new CT equipment this spring. CT stands for computed tomography. A CT scan is a diagnostic imaging procedure that uses a combination of X-rays and computer technology to produce images of the inside of the body. The CT requires an investment of about a half-million dollars. The Guthrie County Hospital Foundation soon will begin seeking contributions for this project.
Also, we are working with an architect to design the hospital expansion, which will include new clinic space, new kitchen and dining space, a new lobby, renovation and expansion of the laboratory, additional therapy space and more. As the plan for the project materializes, we will begin sharing more details with the public.

EVENTS

ECONOMIC IMPACT AWARD PRESENTED TO CONRADS
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Posted 02/07/2024
By Shane Goodman
Lake Panorama Times

Midwest Partnership, an economic development corporation serving Adair and Guthrie counties, held its annual meeting and dinner on Jan. 26 at the Casey Community Center.
A formal business meeting was held and departing board members Steve Smith and Ryan Billheimer were thanked for their service.
The 2024 Board of Directors were recognized.
In Adair County, those include Stacie Eshelman, Secretary, Greenfield Chamber Main Street; Cheryl Marks, Past President, Rolling Hills Bank & Trust; Kathy Rohrig, Orient Economic Development; Scott Tonderum, Greenfield Municipal Utilities; Matt Wedemeyer, Vice President, Adair County Supervisor; and Holi Weston, Farmers Electric Cooperative.
For Guthrie County, the directors are Josh Calmer, Active Health Solutions; Marty Doud, President, First State Bank; Brad Hayes, BH Appraisals / Twin Vines; Ryan Morrison, Treasurer, King Morr Properties; Mike Underwood, Guthrie County State Bank; and Julie Zajicek, Iowa Trust Bank.
The organization’s executive director, Brenda Dudley, provided a report on the progress and goals. The Entrepreneurial Economic Impact Award was given to Colleen and Corey Conrad.
The guest speaker for the evening was Bill Menner, who owns a consulting firm that focuses on community development, rural partnerships and economic vitality.
Midwest Partnership’s goal is to serve as the leading facilitator for the retention, expansion and attraction of business to create jobs and grow the tax base in the two-county area. For more information, visit www.midwestpartnership.com.
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HARMANN ANNOUNCES CANDIDACY FOR GUTHRIE COUNTY SHERIFF

Posted 02/07/2024
Special to Lake Panorama Times

Matt Harmann of rural Panora announced he will seek the 2024 Republican nomination for the office of Guthrie County Sheriff in the June 4, 2024, primary election.
Harmann has served as a Guthrie County deputy since 2018 and as the Panora Volunteer Fire Chief since 2006. He is a 2018 graduate of the police academy and currently serves as one of the Guthrie County Sheriff Department’s two K9 officers.
Harmann has been active in a variety of community endeavors, including volunteer service with Guthrie County Fair Board and as an Advanced EMT with Panora EMS. He is a small business owner with more than 20 years of experience in managing budgets, projects and personnel. He enjoys farming and raising cattle in his spare time.
“I’m proud to call Guthrie County my home,” he said. “I have made public service an important part of my life because I believe we must all do our part to ensure Guthrie County enjoys reliable public safety, fire protection and EMS services.”
Harmann says his business background is also a highlight of his campaign.
“As the owner of Harmann Excavating, I understand the importance of managing a budget closely,” he said. “As a business owner, I must balance the needs of my business, my employees and my customers. These same skills are essential to being an effective sheriff.”
Harmann encourages voters to reach out to him with any questions or concerns.
“My time in public service has allowed me to meet a large number of people in Guthrie County,” he said. “For those who I haven’t yet met, I look forward to connecting with you as part of my campaign and appreciate your consideration for this important office.”
Harmann is currently the only declared candidate for the Republican nomination for Guthrie County Sheriff.
Chamber meeting  jan 2024

PANORA CHAMBER MEMBERS MEET AT RESTORE WELLNESS

Posted 02/07/2024
Special to Lake Panorama Times

More than 20 members of the Panora Chamber of Commerce met on Jan. 22 at the newly renovated Restore Wellness building, located at 102 S.E. 13th St. in Panora.

PANORAMA BUS PICK-UP AND DROP-OFF LOCATIONS DURING ROAD EMBARGO

Posted 02/07/2024
Special to Lake Panorama Times

With Lake Panorama’s road embargo likely to be put into place soon, Greg Randel, director of transportation for Panorama Community Schools, sent a letter to Panorama families stating that the district will have pick-up and drop-off spots at the lake as they have done in past years.
“Please make sure that you arrive early to the pick-up and drop off spots so your students do not miss the bus,” Randel stated. “In the afternoon, if no one is at the bus stop to pick up students, they will stay on the bus and be taken back to the bus barn after the route unless other arrangements have been made with the transportation department.”
On the east side of the lake, the pick-up and drop-off point will be at the Lake Panorama Maintenance Shed facility at 7:25 a.m. and 3:50 p.m. and at the intersection of Sage Trail and Panorama Drive at 7:45 a.m. and 3:35 p.m. At the maintenance shed, cars are to line up on the north side of the parking lot, making sure not to block any overhead doors. The bus will pull into the drive and make a U-turn, putting the entry door of the bus to the east.
On the west side of the lake, bus No. 5 will pick up and drop off at the Par 3 Golf Course at 7:25 a.m. and 3:50 p.m.
Those with questions are encouraged to call Randel at 641-755-2308.

SNOWMOBILERS CALLED ON TO HELP SHERIFF’S DEPARTMENT

Volunteers sought who are preferably located at or near state highways and White Pole Road.
Posted 02/07/2024
By Rich Wicks
Lake Panorama Times

Guthrie County Sheriff Marty Arganbright has posted an open letter to residents asking for anyone willing to be added to a call list to be used in cases of snow emergencies. According to the Sheriff’s letter, names added to the Volunteer Snowmobile Rescue and Response Team will be contacted on an as-needed basis to perform such duties as “responding to a roadway that is not navigable to help rescue stranded motorists, transporting a deputy or EMS paramedic to a scene, help escort/detour emergency vehicles during transport, and more.”
The letter further stated, “We are seeking volunteers throughout Guthrie County, but preferably located at or near state Highways 4, 44, 141, and White Pole Road.”
Sheriff Arganbright stressed that this team will be unpaid volunteers and that “The Guthrie County Sheriff’s Office will not be liable or financially responsible for any injury sustained, nor liable or financially responsible for any damaged snow machine.”
Interested persons are asked to email Deputy Blake Michelsen (b.michelsen@gcso.gov) or send a message on the Guthrie County Sheriff’s Office Facebook page.
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GUTHRIE COUNTY BEEF ROYALTY

Posted 02/07/2024
By Rich Wicks
Lake Panorama Times

On Jan. 27, a packed house estimated in excess of 200 people was on hand at the Guthrie County Fairgrounds for the annual Guthrie County Cattlemen’s Banquet. Attendees enjoyed a meal catered by Café on the Hill. Area legislators and other elected officials were thanked for attending.
One of the highlights of the banquet is the annual crowning of Guthrie County’s Beef Queen and Beef Princess. 2023 Beef Queen Hayden Coffman and 2023 Beef Princess Reagan Carney told of their appreciation for the opportunity to serve in their roles for the past year. They then passed their crowns on to 2024 Beef Queen Shay Lemke and 2024 Beef Princess Paige Van Meter.

RESTORE WELLNESS STUDIO RAISES NEARLY $250 FOR LOCAL WOMEN TO RECEIVE MAMMOGRAMS

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Posted 02/07/2024
Special to Panora Times

Restore Wellness Studio (RWS), a studio that houses multiple independent businesses, was able to give back this year through a “Coin War” with other chamber businesses. The month of October was declared collection month, and a total of $240.84 was collected and donated to Guthrie County Hospital Foundation for breast cancer advancement and treatment. Participating businesses included Tribe Boutique, Panorama Benefits, Bryton Insurance Agency and Restore Wellness Studio. RWS plans to continue a yearly give-back in October for breast cancer awareness.

BUSINESS NEWS

LOFTSGARDS LOOK TO KEEP PANORAMA GARDENS GROWING
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Posted 02/07/2024
By Rich Wicks
Lake Panorama Times

Landon and Lindsey Loftsgard are the new owners of Panorama Gardens in Panora. Their initial goal, according to Landon, is to keep things running the way that customers have expected during the 70 years that the business was run by the Olson family. Not only are there no immediate plans for drastic change, but there is a process in place to assure continuity.
“Panorama Gardens was in the Olson family, started by Dave’s father, since the early 1950s, and they’re staying on for the next couple weeks to do some training and ensure a smooth transition,” Landon said.
A grand opening event for the new owners is tentatively planned for the spring with the date and details to be announced later.
As the new owners settle in, some expansions are likely.
“Further down the road, we’re looking at bringing in some expanded garden products, like patio furniture and trees,” Landon said. “We’re definitely open to ideas.”

RECIPE
WARM UP WITH THIS SMOKY GERMAN POTATO, SAUSAGE AND BACON CHILI

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Posted 02/07/2024
By Jolene Goodman
Lake Panorama Times

There is nothing like a hot bowl of chili to warm you up during these cold winter months. I know I enjoy it, and my family does, too. If you are ready to introduce your taste buds to a new and zesty option, check out this recipe that is packed with comforting ingredients and smoky spices. How can you go wrong with potato salad, sausage and bacon?

Jolene Goodman is the advertising director for Lake Panorama Times and vice president of Big Green Umbrella Media.

Smoky German potato, sausage and bacon chili
Recipe courtesy of “Dad with a Pan” on behalf of READ
Prep time: 20 minutes
Cook time: 40 minutes
Servings: 8

4 strips thick bacon, cut into cubes
1 pound smoked sausage, sliced into 1-inch segments
1 small onion, diced
4 cloves garlic, minced
4 tablespoons chili powder
1 tablespoon ground coriander
1 tablespoon ground cumin
1 teaspoon ground cayenne pepper
1 teaspoon dried oregano
2 Fresno peppers, diced
1 can READ German Potato Salad, drained
1 cup beef broth
1 can (14 1/2 ounces) diced tomatoes, drained
salt, to taste
pepper, to taste

Directions
In large saucepan over medium heat, cook bacon until crispy. Remove and set aside, leaving about 2 tablespoons drippings in saucepan.
Add smoked sausage and cook until browned.
Once sausage is cooked, add diced onion and minced garlic, cooking until onion is translucent.
Drain excess fat then stir in chili powder, coriander, cumin, cayenne pepper, oregano and Fresno peppers until well mixed.
Add drained diced tomatoes, German potato salad and cooked bacon to saucepan.
Add beef broth and stir to combine. Season with salt and pepper, to taste.
Bring mixture to simmer and let cook about 30 minutes, stirring occasionally, until flavors are melded.
Substitution: Jalapenos can be used for Fresno peppers.