Panora Volunteer Fire Department announces fundraiser

Posted 04/12/2023

The members of the Panora Volunteer Fire Department are asking for support with their annual fundraising drive. Past generosity has allowed them to continue with their long-range plans for improvements and updating equipment.
“The money we receive from the city and townships, through taxation, runs our department’s day-to-day operation with a portion going into a fund for truck replacement,” said Panora Volunteer Fire Department Chief Matt Harmann. “Our fundraising drive allows the fire department to improve our facility, equipment and training opportunities over and above what taxation funds will cover.”
Harmann says they are hoping to fund three items this year to further improve the service they can provide.
“We would like to get rescue ropes, harnesses and tripods for grain bin and confined space entry and rescue,” Harmann said. “We also would like to purchase an enclosed trailer to carry all of our rescue gear for ice, water and grain bin/confined space. Within this trailer, no matter what time of the year or type of call, we will have all the equipment needed to perform our rescue.”
The side-by-side unit has been used this past year for grass fires, bike trail and timber assists with EMS for transporting patients to areas the ambulance can’t get to. The Panora Fire Volunteer Department would like to buy tracks for this unit for better access through snow and mud than the wheels and tires provide.
“These items are expensive,” says Harmann. “However, we feel they will allow us to be faster and more efficient in emergency situations.”
The Panora Fire Department is 100% non-paid volunteer. Members commit, depending on the number of calls, up to 250 hours per year to make the department run.
“Our members do this because they get great satisfaction knowing they have helped people in trouble,” Harmann said. “What we do takes dedication, hard work and money. Your help allows us to become better and more efficient through training and updated equipment purchases. This is an investment in your safety.”
Donations may be mailed to Panora Volunteer Fire Department, P.O. Box 42, Panora, IA 50216.  

Annual spring wildlife spotlight survey underway

Deer in field partial copy
Posted 04/12/2023

Staff with the Iowa Department of Natural Resources are currently conducting their annual nighttime spring spotlight surveys across the state, collecting information on Iowa’s deer and furbearer populations.
The annual survey is conducted from mid-March to mid-April in each county, beginning an hour after sunset, preferably on nights with low wind, good visibility and high humidity. The routes cover different habitats from river bottoms to farm fields, prairies, woodlots, pastures and timber stands.
The 50-mile routes — two per county — are driven below 20 mph with staff shining spotlights out of both sides of the vehicle, recording the number of deer and furbearers seen along with the habitat type, at different points along the way. Staff are careful to avoid shining homes and livestock while on the survey and contact the county sheriff ahead of time in case they receive any calls.
“This survey produces really valuable information on our deer and furbearer populations, both locally and at the state level, allowing us to see population trends over time,” said Jace Elliott, state deer biologist with the Iowa DNR. The survey began in the late 1970s as a way to collect information on the raccoon population but was expanded to include deer and other furbearers.
“It’s an important index that is combined with other data and surveys we use that gives us the most complete picture for these species and guides our management decisions to benefit the resource,” Elliott said.
The survey report will be posted later this summer to the Iowa DNR’s website at www.iowadnr.gov/Hunting/Population-Harvest-Trends. 

Trish Hart’s nature photoS of the month
BALD EAGLES COMMON AT LAKE PANORAMA

Eagle1
Posted 04/12/2023
By Susan Thompson 
Lake Panorama Times 

The bald eagle has been the national emblem of the United States since 1782. Numbers decreased during the first two-thirds of the 20th century, because of hunting and pesticides. In 1940, Congress passed a law that made it illegal to hunt, possess or sell bald eagles, which helped these birds of prey to flourish.
In 2007, the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service removed the bald eagle from the list of threatened and endangered species, but the law against hunting, possessing and selling the birds continues.
Trish Hart snapped these photos last spring once Lake Panorama turned from ice to open water.  Fish is the favorite food source for bald eagles, which means they most often are seen near lakes and rivers. As much as eagles enjoy fresh fish, they also will catch mammals, birds and feed on dead animals and garbage.
When food is scarce, such as when Lake Panorama is iced over, they can ingest large amounts of other food sources and digest it over several days. This makes it possible for them to survive by fasting for many days, even weeks.
Hart offers custom prints of her photos on canvas, paper, metal and glass. Learn more by visiting Nature’s Canvas Photography on Facebook.
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COVE CAT

Posted 04/12/2023
By Cheryl Temple 
Lake Panorama Times

Name: Miller
Age: 1 year old
Available for adoption at: Panora Pets
Miller comes from a litter of feral barn cats. He was the only one from the litter of four that has not been adopted. Miller has the most beautiful black and white markings. He has the coolest ears that are half black and half white. He is such an interesting dude — and very friendly, too! 
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LAKE DOG

Posted 04/12/2023
By Cheryl Temple 
Lake Panorama Times

Name: Zoey
Age: 3 years old
Breed: Chocolate Parti Yorkie
Owners: Scott and Cheryl Temple

She might be small, but she is mighty. Pontoon rides and golf cart rides are some of her favorite things to do, along with chasing squirrels and bunnies. She loves everyone, especially little kids. Zoey’s family has lived on the lake for 30 years. 

PROPERTY VALUE ASSESSMENTS EXPECTED TO INCREASE 
The 2023 Lake Panorama valuations are projected to exceed $825 million.

Posted 03/08/2023
By Susan Thompson 
Lake Panorama Times

In early April, Guthrie County property owners will receive an envelope from Nikki Carrick, the Guthrie County Assessor. In it will be a statement showing the 2023 assessed value of their property, plus the 2022 value for comparison.
Iowa law requires all property to be revalued every other year, in odd-numbered years, to reflect changes in market value and keep up with market trends. The assessed value shown in the notice to property owners will represent the value of their property as of Jan. 1, 2023. Property taxes on these values will be payable in fall of 2024 and spring of 2025.
Carrick says most property owners will see higher assessed values for 2023, caused by a combination of factors. The key factor determining property value assessments is actual sales in 2022. Increasing inflation that began in 2021, combined with continued demand for houses and empty lots at Lake Panorama, have pushed property sale prices higher.
“Also, the most recent Iowa Real Property Appraisal Manual provided by the Iowa Department of Revenue (IDR) is used to estimate valuations,” Carrick says. “This manual hadn’t been updated since 2008, and since then, replacement costs have increased 30% to 40% for most types of construction.”
Carrick says these two factors are occurring throughout the state of Iowa, and most property owners will see higher assessed values.
“In 2022, there were 50 ‘normal’ sales transactions for dwellings sold at Lake Panorama. Normal sales are those where the price isn’t impacted by non-market factors, such as a sale to a family member, or any other situation that doesn’t involve a transaction between a willing buyer and seller,” Carrick says. “Seventeen of those 50 normal sales were in the $500,000 to $799,999 category. Another five were in the $800,000 to $999,999 category, with 10 sales of $1 million or more, with the highest sale being $2 million.”
Carrick says sales information for all of Guthrie County is sent to the IDR annually.
“This year, most residential property owners will see an increase in their property value because the median of all residential sales is not within tolerance with the IDR,” she says. “Many of the properties that were sold in 2022 went for significantly higher prices than the last assessed value. These high sales prices in 2022 are driving up the 2023 assessed values.”
County assessors are required to ensure their assessments average between 95% and 105% of sales value.
“In 2022, for Lake Panorama residences, the median sales ratio of assessed value versus sales price is approximately 65%,” Carrick says. “Also, there were 67 normal sales of vacant lots at Lake Panorama in 2022, and the median sales ratio for lots is approximately 55%. This means assessed values are too low overall at Lake Panorama.”
Carrick says some land values at Lake Panorama may double, and dwelling values may increase. If a county assessor does not increase or decrease property values as indicated by the market, the IDR will make these changes by issuing an equalization order and direct the county auditor to apply the order.
“Equalization orders are given in lump percentages straight across the board, countywide,” says Carrick. “That could mean some towns or townships or neighborhoods could increase or decrease in value without the necessary sales to support that change.”
“The assessor’s sales ratio is the governing factor under Iowa law,” says John Rutledge, Lake Panorama Association general manager. “If a house is valued at $500,000 and it sells for anything outside the $475,000 to $525,000 window, then it is outside of IDR tolerance.”
Rutledge says delivering assessment increase notices to property owners can be a very challenging aspect of the assessor’s job.
“Property owners all understand the appreciation of their home’s value represents a profitable return on investment, but receiving an assessment increase notice also indicates a potential increase in future property taxes. I would encourage property owners to recognize this inflation of value is not unique to Lake Panorama, nor to Guthrie County,” he says.
“The State of Iowa Legislature currently is debating property tax reform in the 2023 legislative session. One goal of this proposed reform is to limit the growth of property tax expense and ensure higher values don’t automatically translate into proportionately higher property taxes,” Rutledge says. “I think it is reasonable for Lake Panorama property owners to expect higher property taxes in the future, but it would be premature to assume those increases will be proportional to the valuation adjustments they will soon receive from the assessor.”
Carrick says property owners should ask themselves if they could sell their property for the amount of the 2023 assessment.
“If the answer is yes, then the value probably is correct,” she says. “These new values will be the first step in the calculation for property taxes payable in the fall of 2024 and the spring of 2025.”
At Lake Panorama, the total assessed value of all property in 2022 was $558 million. The 2023 Lake Panorama valuations are projected to exceed $825 million. 

ON THE LAKE
Snowbirds return, clocks spring forward, and a few ‘timely’ jokes 

Shane goodman headshot
Posted 03/08/2023
By Shane Goodman
Editor and Publisher

I look forward each year to seeing our Lake Panorama friends return from their months of southern living. As much as I enjoy the winter months here, I also certainly understand the desire to get to some warmer climates for a few months. I see some of the snowbirds returning each week at the Panora Post Office, full of smiles and ready to enjoy the summer months here at the lake. Welcome back.

Daylight saving time
Some of you may have read my musings on daylight saving time in The Daily Umbrella or the Times Vedette, but I pass a version of it along for those of you who have not.
First, how many of you refer to this as daylight savings time, rather than the singular version? I often slip up on this, and I don’t seem to be alone. So what’s up with that extra “s”?
Daylight saving time is technically the correct version, as the practice is saving daylight. Even so, daylight savings time (plural) is so commonly used that it has become an accepted variant. Some sources say to place a hyphen between daylight and savings because daylight-saving together modifies the word time that directly follows. Our editing bible, The Associated Press Stylebook, says to drop the extra “s” and the hyphen in all cases, so that’s what I am going with.
But what about capitalization? The AP Stylebook also says daylight saving time is not capitalized, though DST typically is.
I am glad we got that all sorted out. Now, do we spring forward or spring back? Or is it fall forward or fall back? I can’t seem to get these straight either. All I know is when I get an extra hour, I smile, and when I lose an hour, I curse.
Wait. I do know one other thing about this. Daylight saving time is March 12, so don’t miss it.
The month of March is about more than time. It is also about St. Patrick’s Day, or as my Irish friends call it, the day of their people. The Irish are my people, too, as are the French, the German and the American Indians — at least I think so. Regardless, I try to wear green on St. Patrick’s Day and will do so again this year on March 17.
As important as daylight saving time and St. Patrick’s Day are, I must admit that my favorite part of March is that it provides me 31 days to work on my April Fool’s Day joke.
Or is it April Fools’ Day? Ugh.

A few timely jokes
Here are a few daylight saving time jokes you can try out on some unsuspecting friends:
Why did the man sit on his clock after setting it back for daylight saving time? He wanted to be on time.
Why was Superman so busy after the sun rose March 12? It was daylight saving time.
Which relative always chimes in about how daylight saving time should be ended? A Grandfather Clock.
What did the clock say when I went to move it ahead an hour? Hour you doing today?
And finally, one I can certainly relate to… What happens when you try to make a clock spring forward? It gets ticked off.
Have a great month and, as always, thanks for reading.

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

Q&A
HEAD LPN GOLF PRO LOOKS AHEAD TO 2023 SEASON 

Robriggins
Posted 03/08/2023
By Susan Thompson 
Lake Panorama Times

Rob Riggins has started his third year as the Lake Panorama National Resort head golf pro. He moved from California to Iowa in 2012 and was the general manager and director of golf instruction at Jester Park for four years before moving to the Des Moines Golf and Country Club. There he was a golf professional, tournament director and golf instructor for nearly three years, before taking the LPN job in February 2021.
In this month’s Q&A, Riggins looks back at his first two years at Lake Panorama and ahead to the 2023 golf season.

Q. You’re entering your third year as the LPN head golf professional. What do you like about being here? 
A. ​The main attractions for me are the people and the relationships. The feeling I get around the lake is everyone is one big family. I really like that atmosphere. I love getting to know the members and connecting with everybody. And I love being involved with a facility people care about. “Lake life” is a real thing, and I’m looking forward to more of that this year.

Q. How are 2023 memberships at the LPN and Panorama West coming in, and why should people consider getting a season pass to one or both of these golf courses?
A. Right now, memberships are down a little from last year, but that seems to be due to the discontinuance of the early incentives to join before the end of January. I would expect past members will be joining as we get more stability with the weather, and we can start playing.
We are looking to push the growth of the “first time” memberships this season. As the surrounding areas grow, people are moving closer to us, and looking for places to play golf. We also want to grow the membership from within the lake residents, since we know new people have joined the community in the last year, and there may be some newly retired residents who now have more time to play golf.
Lake Panorama National Resort and Panorama West are both great bargains when it comes to a place to join. Season passes at either course gives you unlimited golf on the course you join. It also gives you unlimited practice range use and 20% off apparel in the LPN pro shop. LPN members also have access to play in some member-only events we have planned in 2023 and can participate in the LPN men’s and women’s leagues.
There truly is a golf membership to suit anyone, available to both LPA and non-LPA members. Membership applications are in the LPN pro shop, or you can check out the options at www.lakepanoramanational.com/season-passes.

Q. It seems there are lots of opportunities to get to know others through organized golf events. For instance, what’s available for couples who want to play golf with others?​
A. Couples golf has always been a tricky area. Many people have a misconception that couples’ events are very competitive, and they think they are not good enough to participate. I strongly encourage couples to come out and try some of the many opportunities offered, as these are a great way to socialize and create and build friendships. The team format eliminates much of the pressure felt when keeping your own score.
The Nine & Wine Series at the LPN is a good example. I love the growth of the Nine and Wine group over the last few years; everyone seems to have a great time. Dates this year include eight Monday afternoons: June 5 and 26; July 10, 24 and 31; and Aug. 7, 14 and 28. Cost is $110 for LPN member couples and $220 for Panorama West member couples. Check in at 3 p.m. with a 3:30 p.m. tee off. The format is a nine-hole, four-person, two-couple best shot, with teams assigned each week by a blind draw. There are weekly prizes and season-ending champions. After play, the couples enjoy wine and food specials in The Links Lounge. Get signed up by contacting the LPN pro shop at 641-755-2024.
At Panorama West, Bill and Karen Eby organize the “Fore Fun Friday Couples” competitions.
These two-couple scrambles will be June 2, June 23, July 14, July 28, Aug. 11 and Aug. 25. Play begins at 5 p.m. Registration begins at 4:30 p.m. with couples asked to arrive early to learn about that week’s event, get hole assignments, and pay the $1 per couple entry fee. Those who aren’t Panorama West annual golf members also will need to pay green fees. Entry fees are returned as prize money as players gather on the deck after the round. For more information, contact the Ebys at 515-480-4633.
At the LPN, there will be Friday night couples’ events May 19, June 23, July 21 and Sept. 8. Tournaments just for couples are the Memorial Day tournament on Sunday, May 28, Fourth of July, and the 23rd annual Labor Day Birdhouse Boogie.

Q. There are four golf leagues at the LPN and three at Panorama West. Why do you encourage members to consider playing in one or more of the golf leagues available?
A. Golf, just like anything else, has a growth progression. The more you play, the more you need to challenge yourself. Participating in leagues can be more challenging than just teeing it up with your friends on the weekend. That is not to say our leagues are ultra-competitive, but to say it is a way to get a little bit out of your comfort zone and develop golf skills you might not normally. Plus, playing in leagues is a great opportunity to meet new people, no matter what a player’s skill level is.

Q. I assume you have a full slate of tournaments at Lake Panorama National again for 2023. How can people find out what’s available?
A. We conduct about 20 golf events each season at Lake Panorama National. The first main tournament for 2023 will be an 8-inch cup event held Sunday, April 23. We are in the process of getting all of our 2023 events listed on the Lake Panorama website, and entry forms for all events can be picked up in the pro shop. Feel free to call the LPN Pro shop at 641-755-2024 with any questions.​ I encourage everyone to look into our tournaments. Being a member is not necessary to participate in most of the four-person best shots we hold throughout the season.

Q. Will you be holding an LPN Junior Golf School again this year?
A. Yes, we will have two separate schools, each consisting of three consecutive Wednesdays with one and a half hours of instruction. The dates are June 7, 14 and 21 for the first session, and July 12, 19 and 26 for the second session.
The last day of each camp will be held at Panorama West, which is Lake Panorama’s par 3 course on the west side of the lake. This gives the kids a perfect environment for learning how to actually play the game. The first two days mainly consist of fundamental instruction at the LPN driving range and practice green.
The biggest challenge in youth golf instruction is keeping everyone interested, and we are developing strategies to improve the balance between the instruction and entertainment. Positive influences early can really create enthusiasm for development later. It is important to make it fun while also teaching.

Q. Will you be offering individual and group lessons in 2023?
A. One of my personal goals for this year is to be able to focus more time on instruction. While private instruction is always available, group lessons are a great way to get started.
I do have group lessons scheduled for three Saturdays this spring. The dates are April 29, May 6 and May 13. Group lessons for beginners will be at 12 p.m., and group sessions just for women at 2 p.m. The price for three sessions in either of these groups is $70. Call the pro shop at 641-755-2024 to get signed up.
In addition, I will be organizing a “get to know golf” session for Saturday, May 27. This will be a free class to any non-LPN member who owns property at Lake Panorama. This season, I really want to show LPA members who aren’t LPN golf members what a great facility Lake Panorama National Resort truly is. This “get to know golf” session should be a good way to do that.
Private lessons can be booked with me directly or by calling the golf shop and signing up for a lesson request. Lessons can work in many different ways. Some like very technical instruction and do well with that while others would just like to “chit chat” about golf subtleties. Either way is a great way to learn, and I am not one to push anything on anyone. I try to figure out the best approach for each lesson and take it from there. We also can work on any aspect of golf, even out on the course.

Q. I know having quality items for both men and women in the LPN pro shop is a goal of yours. What can we expect for merchandise in the pro shop for the 2023 season?
A. Golf merchandise seems to be changing faster and faster every season. It is important to keep some great choices in the pro shop and mix them up from year to year. We will again have a wide selection of clothing for both men and women.
Also, Titleist and TaylorMade have both launched new equipment for 2023, and we will carry both lines. Titleist also has updated their golf balls for 2023.
All golf members at both LPN and Panorama West receive 20% discounts on apparel in the pro shop. I also would like to emphasize we can order just about anything. If there is something you want and we do not have it in your size, or even if it is a from a product line we do not normally carry, let me or Mike Kleinwolterink, the LPN pro shop manager, know and we can get it ordered.

Q. What has you excited about getting the 2023 golf season started?
A. I am excited there is a new tenant for The Links Lounge so we can get back to offering a consistent food and beverage service for our guests. It helps the golf side more than people might think.
The last of our new fleet of golf carts showed up this winter. The carts are great, and I hope our players enjoy the GPS on them.
I also am excited just to get another season at Lake Panorama started. I have enjoyed the first couple seasons and look forward to seeing LPN grow into what I believe it can be. This area and the LPN and Panorama West golf courses are spectacular. With the growing population of surrounding areas, I want these courses thriving again, and I think we are headed in the right direction. 

BUSINESS
PANORA COMPANY WORKING TO HELP FEED THE WORLD
The Etcheto family decided in 2017 they needed to move their egg processing business from Olympia, Washington, to Panora, closer to where eggs are produced. 

Leonardoetcheto
Posted 03/08/2023
By Susan Thompson 
Lake Panorama Times

A Panora company that turns liquid eggs into dry egg crystals is expanding. When completed, the expansion will make it possible to double production and put it closer to fulfilling its mission statement — helping to feed the world by reducing food waste.
Leonardo Etcheto is Nutriom’s chief executive officer.
“Forty percent of all food is wasted between the farm and final use,” Etcheto says. “Much of this waste is due to damage during storage and transport, or the food not being used before it goes bad. Any potential solution to feeding the world must take both calories and nutrients into account, which is one of the reasons we work with eggs.”
The history of this family business goes back decades. Leonardo’s parents, Hernan and Emely Etcheto, owned and operated a cheese plant in Olympia, Washington. One of the byproducts of cheese making is liquid whey, which in the 1980s and 1990s could be applied on nearby farmland. Government regulations eventually brought an end to land application of whey.
Hernan Etcheto began working with a company in Canada to develop whey protein concentrates (WPC). This was in the early days of developing uses for whey; now, WPC can be found in many foods.
The Canadian partners also had experience in egg processing. Hernan Etcheto decided to sell the cheese plant to work with the Canadians to create a fully functional egg powder. Canada prohibits the import of eggs unless you export the same volume, so Canada has a large focus on egg exports, and the ideal form is as a powder.
“Others were already producing powdered eggs,” Etcheto says. “My father wanted to find a way to keep all the protein, nutrients, color and taste of the egg. Others were using high heat to remove water from liquid eggs. He tested many methods and found a way of crystallizing egg at a low-temperature so it keeps all its fresh flavor and functionality.”
The Canadian company the Etchetos partnered with eventually was bought out. The buyer didn’t want the U.S. assets, so the family decided to continue on their own. That’s about the same time Leonardo decided to join the business.
“My dream was to be a professional surfer,” he says. “I attended college and studied chemistry, because I think it is fascinating. After graduation, I took a couple of years off to travel and surf. One day, my father said he needed someone to manage a facility in Mexico, and I decided to give it a try. It’s where I met my wife, and where I decided to become part of the family business.
“In 2001, we set a long-term goal to replace liquid frozen egg products with our crystallized egg products,” Leonardo says. “Our egg crystals are 100% natural with no chemicals or preservatives.”
OvaEasy Egg Crystals is the registered trademark name for Nutriom products.
“OvaEasy products are non-perishable with a shelf life of at least three to seven years. No refrigeration is needed, the product is one-fourth the volume of a shell egg, and all the taste, color and nutrients are still there. Just add water and cook like you would shelled eggs.”
The family decided they needed to move their egg processing business closer to where eggs are produced.
“We always knew we wanted to be in Iowa, the top egg-producing state in the country,” Etcheto says. “It just took a while to find the right facility — not too large, not too small.”
It was 2017 when the Etcheto family purchased the building on the south edge of Panora where Cargill had been producing hard-boiled eggs. Extensive renovations were done to accommodate the equipment for the Nutriom egg processing operation.
Liquid eggs from Iowa producers come in tanker trucks to the plant and are unloaded into two standing silos inside the current building. Each silo can hold 50,000 pounds of liquid egg. A two-step drying process is used. Liquid egg is fed onto machines with long conveyor belts, where water is slowly removed without causing heat damage. The powder coming off the belts then is freeze dried and placed in large bags that hold 1,000 pounds of egg powder.
Nutriom owns a warehouse building north of Panora at the corner of Highway 4 and 200th Road. The 1,000-pound bags of egg crystals are trucked there for storage and later brought back to the plant as needed for packaging. Shipments of packaged products are handled at the warehouse. The company has about three months of inventory on hand at all times.
Last October, Nutriom got help from a new federal program that backs loans for companies that expand their food processing capacities. The U.S. Department of Agriculture program does not provide loans directly but assumes a certain amount of liability if the loans fail.
Etcheto says the loan guarantee made it possible for Nutriom to borrow $11.1 million from an Iowa bank, get a lower interest rate on a 30-year loan, and spend less money on fees associated with the loan.
A new building is part of the company’s expansion and is already complete, located just south of the current building. It will be another 18 months or so before the interior of the building is done and liquid processing can expand. Currently, Nutriom turns the equivalent of 24 million eggs into OvaEasy Egg Crystals each year. The expansion will allow the company to double production.
It also will allow the company to pasteurize the liquid eggs in house. Currently, pasteurization is done at the egg farms.
“Being able to do the pasteurization here will give us more control over the end product,” Etcheto says. “The new building makes it possible for the tanker trucks to drive into the building through one door, offload the liquid eggs into a third silo that will be installed there, then drive out another door. This will be a huge improvement.”
The expansion also will include a third dryer, and a large shop.
“We do a lot of preventative maintenance and keep a lot of extra parts on hand. We don’t want to have a breakdown and have to wait for parts to be delivered,” Etcheto says.
The U.S. military is Nutriom’s largest customer, taking about half of the company’s annual production.
“That’s because they have a need to feed people in difficult places,” Etcheto says. “The military buys bags that make 80 to 100 eggs at a time, ready for feeding large groups of soldiers.”
Etcheto says the company’s products also are used for emergency preparedness, by campers and people who use high-protein shakes, and those who appreciate the convenience and long shelf life. Consumers can purchase online at OvaEasy.com.
Products include whole egg crystals in a variety of sizes, available in both cans and pouches. Egg in a Cup is filled with egg crystals that equal two eggs. Add one-half cup of water, microwave one minute, and breakfast is served.
Egg white protein powder is available in resealable bags or single-serve bags. Single-serve keto shakes are available in two flavors and are designed as a meal replacement, with the equivalent of six egg whites per serving.
“We’re always looking for ways to get our products into other places,” Etcheto says. “Right now, we’re working to get our products into Puerto Rico. It’s a U.S. territory, so there are no import issues. It’s an island that has an electrical grid that is at a Third World level; power often is lost during storms, and refrigerated food is wasted. We offer a resilient egg product that doesn’t go bad.”
The company has 34 employees and expects to add another seven once the expansion plan is complete. One of the current employees moved with the company from Olympia, Washington. Others are from Panora, Yale, Guthrie Center and the surrounding area.
Leonardo’s parents, Hernan and Emely, purchased a home at Lake Panorama. They maintained their home in Olympia for a while but now are in Iowa full-time. Leonardo, his wife, Celina, and their two teenage children live in West Des Moines.
“We are really glad to have our plant here in Panora,” Etcheto says. “We’re very happy with the location, the town, the people. We’re close to Des Moines, so we have access to resources we need, but we still have the small-town environment that we appreciate.” 

2023 BEACH BALL FUNDRAISER IS JUNE 16
Two live auction items that were popular in 2022 are already on the list for the 2023 event. 

Posted 03/08/2023
By Susan Thompson 
Lake Panorama Times

Friends of Lake Panorama will host its sixth Beach Ball fundraiser Friday, June 16 at Lake Panorama National Resort. The Friends seven-member volunteer board will meet March 21 to finalize plans, including pricing for its annual Friends Beach Club levels, table sponsorships and admission tickets. Event registration will begin in April.
The board also will discuss how profits from the 2023 event might 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.
Funds will be raised with a 50/50 raffle plus both live and silent auctions. Items for the auctions are being accepted now. Anyone interested in donating auction items for the 2023 Beach Ball can email staff@friendsoflakepanorama.org.
Two live auction items that were popular in 2022 are already on the list for the 2023 event. Jamie Pollard, ISU athletic director, who owns a Lake Panorama home with his wife, Ellen, has again offered a Cyclone Football package. It includes four tickets in the athletic director’s suite in the Jacobsen Building in the north end zone for the Sept. 23 ISU versus Oklahoma State University football game. This package also includes a parking pass plus food and soft drinks during the game. In 2022, this package sold for $4,250.
Another live auction item sure to generate spirited bidding is the six-course gourmet dinner for six, offered by LPA members Bill and Karen Fitzgerald. The dinner would be served in the winning bidder’s home, prepared and served by the Fitzgeralds. At the 2022 Beach Ball, this dinner sold at live auction for $4,000. Because there was so much interest last year, the Fitzgeralds that night offered to sell a second dinner, which brought $3,500.
The 2022 Beach Ball had a profit of $30,000, which made it the most successful Beach Ball to date. The Friends board earmarked $17,500 for a sports half-court at Sunset Beach, which was completed last November. The 40-foot by 60-foot court accommodates both basketball and pickleball. A portable pickleball net will be added to the court this spring.
Another $4,500 raised at last year’s Beach Ball was used to purchase two metal benches on concrete pads and four autumn blaze maples for the dog park. Installation of the benches and trees was completed last fall. The remaining 2022 Beach Ball profits will be allocated this spring, with some going to support planned enhancements to the walking and cross country trail network on Lake Panorama’s south shore.
Details on all past and current projects are available on the Friends website. Friends of Lake Panorama also has a Facebook page.
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. 
Fireworks 227383

LAKE PANORAMA INDEPENDENCE DAY FIREWORKS SET FOR JULY 1 

Posted 03/08/2023
By Susan Thompson 
Lake Panorama Times

The date for the 2023 Fire in the Sky fireworks display has been set for Saturday, July 1. This will be the 28th 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, Stephanie Hafner, and granddaughters Maddie and Evelyn, have a home at Lake Panorama.
In the early days, the annual fireworks display always 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 2023 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.  

PAPER SHREDDING TRUCK IN PANORA MAY 6 
There is no cost to individuals to drop off paper documents to have shredded.

Shreddingtruck
Posted 03/08/2023
By Susan Thompson 
Lake Panorama Times

Once the April 18 federal tax filing deadline passes, most people are ready to clean out files and discard previous year’s tax returns, and perhaps do some additional spring cleaning around their home office. Again this year, the folks at the Panora Public Library are ready to help.
“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.”
Finnegan says there is no cost to individuals to drop off paper documents they want to have 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 6 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.  
Stevethill

OBITUARY
Stephen Alfons Thill

Posted 03/08/2023

Stephen Thill was surrounded by his loving family as he passed from this life at 6:45 p.m. on Nov. 25, 2022, at age 54. This bold and brave man fought hard but was unable to reverse his diagnosis of an aggressive form of acute myeloid leukemia, a rare bone marrow disease. Throughout the short but fierce battle, Steve remained calm, courageous and was so appreciative for his friends, family, neighbors and teams of healthcare staff that cared for him.
Stephen was born in Des Moines on March 18, 1968, to Rudolph Thill and Jacqueline Berguin Jewett. He could be described as resilient, exuberant, larger than life, special and a real dandy.
Steve graduated from Dowling High School and attended Iowa State University. While attending college to study his passion, architecture, he liked to say he mastered in parking tickets. His talents ultimately led him to become a successful financial advisor, which, in turn, resulted in some serious lifetime friendships.
Along with architecture, Steve loved to cook, drink fine wine and smoke cigars. He was always going out to the latest and greatest restaurant(s), ordering something fabulous, and taking the idea back from the kitchen. Steve would recreate the dish, and then add the Steve Thill spin, which, in many cases, made it even better.
Steve had a tremendous heart and was a compassionate individual. You wouldn’t always sense it when he was on one of his famous “Archie Bunker” rants, but he was always there when you needed it most. A lawn mowed, a drink, a seat at the table, or a phone conversation.
These golden friendships, combined with his business acumen, are what afforded him the opportunity and courage to venture back out and do what he was most enthusiastic about — home building and design.
Lake Panorama would never be the same without Steve Thill. Steve spent countless days on the lake as a child/young adult, and those memories and experiences manifested into what some could call his “legacy.”
He built, remodeled, restored, enhanced, rented, sold, bought and captained dozens of homes, boats and even the restaurant on Lake Panorama. He brought hundreds of friends and families to Lake Panorama to create, share or recapture the experiences and appreciation that he had for the beautiful remote private lake in rural Iowa.
Lake Panorama is also where Steve met his wife, Iris, the love of his life. They spent the better part of 20 years traveling, adventuring, celebrating life and orchestrating general shenanigans wherever they went. Steve and Iris would have been married 17 years on Dec. 13, 2022 (best 127 years of their lives, as Steve would say).
In 2014 Stephen Thill and family relocated to St. Pete Beach, Florida, where Steve continued to pursue his passion and share his entrepreneurial spirit, expanding both his portfolio of beautiful homes and golden friendships. His greatest impact in Florida was Casa Playa condos and the family that came with it. His exuberant personality and high-spirited behavior, as well as his contributions to the integrity and beautification of the building, will be missed.
Despite all the experiences, memories and amazing stories one can tell about Steve, there is no doubt that his grandest accomplishment was his one and only son, Koen David Thill. Koen gave Steve unending joy and continues to make him so very proud every day. Steve will live on in so many ways, but his greatest contribution to this world is, no doubt, his son, Koen, Steve’s pride and joy.
Stephen Alfons Thill was preceded in death by his parents and half-sister, Stephanie Jewett. He is survived by wife and son, Iris and Koen. Stephen is also survived by his family in Germany; cousins, Rudolf Schmid, Rupert Schmid and all of the respective Germany families; as well as half-sister, Jennifer (John) Dilley; nephews, Ryland, Kinsley, Joe (Carrie) Dilley and Jake Dilley; step-brothers and sister Thomas Dickson (Janell), Robert Dickson (Lizabeth) and Emily Gaylord (James); and in-laws David, Nancy and Oether Adams.
Celebrations of life will be held in Florida and Iowa. Memorial contributions may be made to the Leukemia Research Foundation. Condolences are welcome at internationalcremation.com/obituaries/stephen-alfons-thill/ and mailing address of 14254 Rebecca Court, Largo, FL 33774.  
Joannostby

OBITUARY
JoAnn G. Ostby 

Posted 03/08/2023

JoAnn Gail Ostby was born on Dec. 24, 1944, in Fergus Falls, Minnesota, the daughter of Myrtle (Fronning) and Morris Baasen. At age 2, her mother passed away. Her father married Avis (Pikop) in 1954. She was baptized and confirmed at rural Rock Prairie Lutheran Church, Elbow Lake, Minnesota. JoAnn graduated from Elbow Lake High School, and she obtained her bachelor of science degree in nursing from Augustana College in Sioux Falls, South Dakota, in 1966. She peacefully entered into eternal rest Feb. 5, 2023, in Winfield at Sunrise Terrace Nursing & Rehabilitation Center.
The family welcomes donations as an expression of sympathy instead of flowers. Please make contributions to the Family of JoAnn Ostby and mail to Cheryl Crawmer, 3723 147th St., Urbandale, IA 50323. The contributions will be split between the three county public health nursing services where JoAnn worked.
JoAnn met Frank Ostby during her senior year at Augustana, and they were married on June 8, 1968, at Rock Prairie Lutheran Church in rural Elbow Lake, Minnesota. They were married 52 years. They set a great example of how to love your spouse in good times and bad. Frank and JoAnn had three children, Cheryl, Kris and Paul.
JoAnn worked for 42 years in various fields of nursing, with the last 17 in public health. She worked as an RN for Rochester Methodist Hospital in Rochester, Minnesota, Palmer Memorial Hospital in West Union, NIACC as an LPN instructor in Calmar, Craft Care Center in Panora, and Dallas County Hospital in Perry. JoAnn also worked in public health nursing in Guthrie County, Redwood County, Minnesota, and in Worth County. In her last years of nursing, she supervised the home care for the elderly who were able to remain in their own homes. Once retired, JoAnn and Frank spent time at Orangewood Shadows in Mesa, Arizona, for the winter.
JoAnn was very active in the various churches where she was a member. Her involvement included choir pianist, organist, Stephen Ministry and circle (Bible study), to name a few. JoAnn had a huge heart and was a dedicated servant for God. JoAnn used her talents and passions to serve others. She loved to knit, sew, quilt and bake. Most of the items she made were for various missions of her churches. Her grandchildren’s favorites were her donuts and sugar cookies. She always had a tin of them in her freezer. She loved music; she played the organ and piano at church and the clarinet in bands in Mason City and at Orangewood Shadows (Mesa, Arizona). In addition to the church, JoAnn volunteered often with various medical clinics (blood donation, flu clinics, etc.).
JoAnn also loved spending time outdoors: hiking, walking, canoeing, tube floats, golfing and biking. Many of these were incorporated into camping and family trips. She also liked to travel. Frank and JoAnn traveled to Norway twice, they took a Panama Canal cruise, an Alaskan Cruise, and they went to various places around the U.S. JoAnn liked to play cards and other games with her family and friends. With cards, she always said she had a bad hand but then seemed to win. She loved to read, which is one of the few things she was able to continue to do despite her Parkinson’s. She was very proud of her three kids, and her grandchildren brought her great joy.
JoAnn was known for her faith, kindness and huge heart for service. She will be greatly missed.
JoAnn is survived by her children Cheryl (Travis) Crawmer of Urbandale, Kris Davis (Mike Scheidt) of Van Meter, and Paul (Julie) Ostby of Mount Pleasant; her sister Carlyn (Ron) Nordby of Wilmar, Minnesota, and brother Eugene Baasen of Hutchinson, Minnesota. There are eight grandchildren: Justin and Madison Crawmer, Jacob and Emma Davis, Brittan, Zachary (Brianna), Anna and Kolbein Ostby; sister-in-law, Eldora (Jack) Kelly of Springfield, Virginia, and several nieces, nephews and other relatives. She was preceded in death by her husband, Frank, her parents and various other relatives.
A funeral service for Mrs. Ostby was held at 11 a.m. on Saturday, Feb. 11 at the Swedesburg Evangelical Lutheran Church. Pastor Jeffery A. McPheron officiated. Burial will be at later date in the Hillcrest Cemetery in Albert Lea, Minnesota.
Online condolences may be directed to www.kimzeyfh.com.
16517 a

RECIPE
Meatless Meals Made Easy

Posted 03/08/2023
By Jolene Goodman

(Family Features) Regardless of your motivation, opting for meatless meals regularly provides plenty of benefits that extend from the health of you and your loved ones to your wallet and the environment.
Whether you’re a vegetarian, vegan, considering making some lifestyle changes or just want to give an on-trend meal prep strategy a try, going meatless can help reduce your intake of red and processed meats, decrease greenhouse gas emissions that cause climate change and save money on substitute ingredients like grains, vegetables, fruits and legumes that are often cheaper than meat.
For example, starting with a versatile pantry staple like Success Brown Rice can make mealtimes quick and easy. Ready in just 10 minutes without measuring or the mess, the fluffy, nutty, non-GMO rice is free of MSG and preservatives, lending itself perfectly to satisfying and hearty meals like these baked vegetarian taquitos. Or for a twist on a classic dish, tri-color quinoa can be layered with traditional flavors in this mushroom spinach “lasagna.” Packed with protein and all nine essential amino acids, the quinoa is a good source of fiber.
To find more meatless meal inspiration, visit SuccessRice.com.

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

Baked Vegetarian Taquitos

Prep time: 15 minutes
Cook time: 20 minutes
Servings: 4

1 bag Success Brown Rice
1 cup shredded collard greens, packed
1/4 cup frozen corn
1 cup canned black beans, drained and rinsed
2/3 cup canned pumpkin puree
1 1/2 tablespoons taco seasoning
8 flour tortillas (6 inches each)
1 cup Monterey Jack cheese, shredded
2 tablespoons olive oil
 sour cream, for dipping
 salsa, for dipping
 guacamole, for dipping
 fresh cilantro, for garnish

Prepare rice according to package directions; add collard greens and corn to water during last 5 minutes.
Preheat oven to 450 F. Drain rice and vegetables; transfer to saucepan. Stir in black beans, pumpkin puree and taco seasoning.
Spoon 1/3 cup rice mixture into center of one tortilla; sprinkle with 2 tablespoons Monterey Jack cheese. Roll up tightly. Place seam side down on parchment paper-lined baking sheet. Repeat with remaining tortillas, filling and cheese. Brush taquitos with olive oil; sprinkle with remaining cheese.
Bake 10-15 minutes, or until tortillas are crisp and cheese is melted.
Serve taquitos with sour cream, salsa and guacamole for dipping. Garnish with fresh cilantro.
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Trish Hart’s nature photo of the month
EASTERN BLUEBIRDS ARE SYMBOL OF HOPE

Posted 03/08/2023
By Susan Thompson 
Lake Panorama Times 

Nature photographer Trish Hart and her husband, Scott, live full-time at Lake Panorama and have several different types of bird feeders on their deck. One type in particular is kept stocked in the winter.
“We see many bluebird families year-round but don’t routinely feed them until the winter months,” says Hart. “They love dried mealworms. We keep their feeder full in the cold Iowa winter, so they can count on a consistent food source.”
The eastern bluebird is found in all North American states east of the Rockies. Many in northern states migrate south in the winter, but some remain near their nesting areas if they can find a reliable food supply. Hart says, besides mealworms, they enjoy berries and seeds.
Male eastern bluebirds are vivid, deep blue above, and rusty or brick-red on the throat and breast. Females are grayish above with bluish wings and tail and a subdued orange-brown breast. The bluebird is known as a symbol of hope, love and renewal.
Hart offers custom prints of her photos on canvas, paper, metal and glass. Learn more by visiting Nature’s Canvas Photography on Facebook.
Cat

COVE CAT

Posted 03/08/2023
By Cheryl Temple
Lake Panorama Times

Name: Ansie
Age: 1-2 years old
Available at: Panora P.E.T.S., 114 W. Main St.
A quiet, gentle soul that wants nothing more than to hang out with people, play with toys and enjoy the good life. She gets along well with other kitties and is independent and curious. Meet Ansie at Panora P.E.T.S. at 114 W. Main St., Panora, Saturdays noon to 4 p.m. or by appointment. Email panora_pets@yahoo.com. 
Dogs

LAKE DOGS

Posted 03/08/2023
By Cheryl Temple
Lake Panorama Times

Name: Gia
Age: 5
Breed: Yorkshire terrier

Name: Remi
Age: 11
Breed: Labrador

Owners: Tom and Linda Schmitt
Gia became a swimming Yorkie at the young age of 12 weeks. She even fetches for her older buddy, Remi. Both love the water. This makes it difficult for Linda to enjoy floating on her raft or fishing, as they both just want to float with her or get tangled in fishing line. Lots of baths are needed on any given weekend. Gia has to be tied to the boat, or she will jump in. Remi is just happy enjoying retirement life, sunning on the deck and chewing on her bone.
Tom and Linda are part time at the lake but can’t wait to retire to live here full time. They enjoy spending time driving around the entire lake or having smoothies and scones at Crafty’s Coffee.
2014isu

REFEREE ENJOYS TIME OUT OF THE SPOTLIGHT AT LAKE PANORAMA 
From November through April, John Higgins referees between 80 and 100 NCAA men’s basketball games.

Posted 02/08/2023
By Susan Thompson 
Lake Panorama Times

If you are a fan of men’s college basketball, you may know John Higgins. You might not know his name, but you would recognize him on a basketball court, wearing a black-and-white striped shirt with a whistle in his mouth.
Higgins, who lives in Omaha, has been a college basketball referee since 1989. He’s worked 27 NCAA tournaments, including nine Final Fours and three championships games. He’s worked many conference tournaments including championship games in the Big 12 and the Missouri Valley Conference. He worked Bobby Knight’s 800th win.
From November through April, he referees between 80 and 100 NCAA men’s basketball games. The rest of the year, he and his family enjoy visits to their home on Lake Panorama’s Hughes Cove.
“We purchased the home in 1999,” Higgins says. “A friend invited me to play in a golf tournament at Lake Panorama National. After that, we looked around and decided to purchase a home. It is such a short drive from Omaha; it made the decision easy.”
Higgins grew up in Omaha, the second youngest of eight children. His wife, Carol, also grew up in Omaha. The couple has been married 32 years and have three children and two grandchildren.
“All of our children have been at the lake for their growing-up years,” Higgins says. “Many times, we are joined by family and close friends. Engagements, birthdays, reunions and other special events are celebrated at our lake house.”
Oldest son, Colin, proposed to his now-wife Rachel at The Port. Colin and Rachel have two children, Charlotte and Charlie. Colin is taking the reins of the family-owned business of roofing and rental properties. Rachel is a stay-at-home mom and supporter of the business. Daughter Meryl lives in St. Paul and is an emergency room nurse at Children’s Memorial Hospital. Joshua is a high school junior at Creighton Prep.
“We have enjoyed many Panorama Days and July Fourth celebrations,” Higgins says. “We have fun showing friends and family Panora’s shops and restaurants. We like touring the lake by boat to enjoy the beautiful homes and gorgeous sunsets, and we enjoy our nights at The Port. Our favorite things are boating, floating, jet skiing, golfing, fishing and lots of storytelling and laughter by the fire pit. We have become good friends with our neighbors.”
As for basketball, Higgins has been involved in the game his entire life. His father was a coach in multiple sports, including basketball, so John was able to be in the gym a lot. He played high school basketball, then college basketball at Kearney State.
“There was a junior college coming to play our freshman team, and the officials didn’t show up,” Higgins says. “My college coach asked if I would be interested in officiating and making a few extra dollars. That’s when my interest began. After college, I started working grade school and then high school and small-college games. I attended an officiating camp in 1988 for the Missouri Valley Conference and was hired. The next year, I was hired in the Big 8, which is now the Big 12.”
Higgins became an experienced official and was requested and hired in multiple other leagues, where he still works today — Big Ten, Big 12, Big East, Pac-12, ACC, AAC, Mountain West, Missouri Valley, West Coast Conference, The Big West and WAC.
In 2017, Higgins was named the Naismith Men’s College Official of the Year. The award recognizes individuals who display character, integrity and dignity and have contributed to the growth, success and viability of college basketball. To be eligible, an individual must have been involved with the sport as a game official for a minimum of 20 years and worked both the NCAA Tournament and a conference tournament as a game official.
“I feel my ability to communicate with players, coaches and my co-officials is a big part of my skill. I think I have earned the respect of many because of my knowledge of the game and being a confident and strong leader, ensuring the rules are communicated and understood,” Higgins says. “I am a strong believer in allowing my fellow officials to work their game. I am known for encouraging and educating young officials new to this career path and helping them get hired in the college leagues.”
What does Higgins like most about being a college basketball referee?
“The competition of the games,” he says. “Watching the talented players and coaches. It is so fun to work in great arenas filled with great fans.”
What doesn’t he like?
“The travel gets tough,” he says. “We are individual contractors, assigned to games by the supervisor of each conference. I do all of my own travel arrangements and spend a lot of time traveling, then waiting around to work a game. Plus, being away from my family is difficult.”
This March, Higgins knows he will work the Big 12 and Missouri Valley conference tournaments with other conference tournaments to be determined. He expects to once again be working the NCAA tournament but won’t know the details until the teams are announced.
“You are selected to work the NCAA tournament on Selection Sunday based on your performance throughout the year,” Higgins says. “You then move on in the tournament based on your performance.”
Higgins doesn’t officiate any other sports beyond men’s basketball at the college level, although he makes one exception in the summer.
“I do enjoy giving back to my local community by officiating at summer league high school games,” he says. “I feel strongly that we need good officials in this sport, and knowing I helped teach others the necessary skills and mentored young people along this path is a good feeling. Our son, Joshua, is getting into officiating at the local grade-school level.”
Although John Higgins has been working as a basketball referee since 1989, another career preceded that move.
“I started roofing in the summer after college, then decided to go on my own. I started Weatherguard, Inc. in Omaha in 1985, and I’m still happily involved,” he says. 
The focus is roofs, siding and gutters.
“We have a great team of employees who have been with us for a long time,” Higgins says. “My wife, Carol, worked alongside with me as we grew the company. Our oldest son, Colin, has been handling the business end since he graduated from the University of Nebraska-Lincoln. It has been a pleasure watching him grow and take over, but, mostly, I enjoy working with him and our great group.”
Part of the company’s branding is this tagline — “Home of the Rooferees, Make the Right Call.”
“Trent Lovewell was an assistant coach at Iowa Western when we met, and he eventually wanted to do something different in a job that would allow him to also officiate,” Higgins says. “He has been a huge part of our growing business and is family to us in his 20-plus years at Weatherguard. He officiates NCAA Division II, NAIA and junior college level. Colin also worked for the Husker men’s basketball team while attending college. Our basketball roots run deep, hence the ‘Rooferees’ branding.”
The Higgins family clearly is busy, but they still find plenty of time to be at Lake Panorama.
“We have loved our time and our home at the lake,” John Higgins says. “Raising our family and making memories have been our biggest blessing. The people of Panora and Lake Panorama have been wonderful, and we are always amazed each season of the growth. We consider Lake Panorama our little piece of heaven.” 

FILING DEADLINE FOR LPA BOARD ELECTION IS MARCH 14
Two board positions will be on the ballot.

Posted 01/10/2023
By susan thompson
Lake Panorama Times 

The deadline to file nomination papers for the 2023 election for a seat on the Lake Panorama Association board of directors is March 14.
The board consists of seven members. Board terms are three years, and members are allowed to serve not more than two consecutive three-year terms. Terms are staggered so the number of seats on the annual ballot varies each year.
For 2023, there will be two board positions on the ballot. Mary Jane Carothers is completing her second term on the board and is ineligible to run this year. David Finneseth has completed his first term and has filed papers to run for re-election. Sue Thompson, an LPA member since 2004, also has filed papers to run for the LPA board in the 2023 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 2023 annual meeting is scheduled for May 13 with the mailing planned for mid-April. This year will mark the LPA’s 54th 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 serving on the LPA board can contact the LPA office at 641-755-2301 or lpa@lakepanorama.org. 
Shane goodman headshot

ON THE LAKE
New dog, home improvements, Valentine jokes and a chocolate oasis

Posted 02/08/2023
By Shane Goodman
Editor and Publisher

I wrote last year about the death of my dog. Never easy. Through it all, I am even more convinced that there are two types of people in this world — those who like dogs and those who don’t. Inevitably, I am back in the those-who-like-dogs category, as I missed my canine friend. So did our youngest daughter, Abby, who continually sent me photos of dogs we could adopt. Despite Jolene’s continued apprehension, Abby and I recently went to a dog shelter and came home with a wonderful 7-year-old dog named “Layla.” We are not sure what mix of breeds she is. We don’t care. She doesn’t get into the garbage. She is house trained. She doesn’t chew on our things. She rarely barks. And, yes, she’s got me on my knees… Layla! (That’s an Eric Clapton reference for those of you who missed it.)

More home improvement
Inserted in this issue of the Lake Panorama Times, you will find our latest effort in sharing the before and after stories of lake residents and their home improvement projects. I read these stories with great interest each time, as they spur ideas for Jolene and me — and remind us that we need to finish the ones that we started. I hope you enjoy them, too.

How about some Valentine’s Day humor?
Why not? Here we go.
What did one plate say to the other on Valentine’s Day? Tonight, dinner’s on me.
What did the graham cracker say to the marshmallow? I love you s’more and s’more each day.
And finally, with a lake reference, what do you call it when two boats fall in love? A row-mance.

Like chocolate drinks?
Please forgive me while I take a little ink to partake in shameless self-promotion of one of our upcoming events. But read on, as this may also be the solution to your Valentine’s Day gift woes. Join us on Friday, Feb. 24 from 5-9 p.m. at West Glen Town Center (5465 Mills Civic Parkway in West Des Moines) for our annual Chocolate Walk event. For a ticket price of $20 ($30 at the door), attendees will receive 10 drink tickets that can be redeemed for sample chocolate cocktails at participating venues including Wellman’s, Anna Dolce, Shotgun Betty’s, The Irish, Club Envy, Tonic, El Fogon, The Breakfast Club and Coach’s Pizza. Attendees will also be provided tickets for chocolates and treats at Hurts Donuts.
Be warned, as this is a chocolate oasis. And with that in mind, it is the perfect Valentine’s Day gift — and a lot of fun, too. More than anything else, it is a great opportunity to get out in the early evening and experience some great establishments. I hope you can join us. Find more information on the featured drinks and buy discounted tickets at https://chocolatewalk.dmcityview.com.

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

Q&A
GUTHRIE COUNTY REC PROVIDING ELECTRICITY SINCE 1938

Cozynelsen
Posted 02/08/2023
By Susan Thompson 
Lake Panorama Times


The Guthrie County Rural Electric Cooperative (REC) held is 84th annual meeting Jan. 7. Cozy Nelsen has been the cooperative’s CEO since 2002. A graduate of Panora-Linden, she earned a bachelor’s degree in management from Simpson College. She started her career at the REC office in Guthrie Center in 1993 as a part-time office clerk, then spent a few years as office manager before being appointed the cooperative’s CEO.
In this month’s Q&A, Nelsen shares information about the cooperative that provides the electrical needs of Lake Panorama and beyond, plus highlights of the Guthrie County REC annual meeting.

Q. How long has the Guthrie County REC been in business, and what is its customer base today?
A. Guthrie County REC has been bringing electricity to rural Iowa for over 84 years. In 1938, nine area farmers represented the first Guthrie County REC board of directors. They adopted our articles of incorporation, bylaws and policies that have governed our electric cooperative over the years. The first annual meeting was held in January 1939.
Today, we serve more than 5,000 members in Adair, Audubon, Cass, Dallas, Greene and Guthrie counties. We have 1,131 miles of overhead power lines and 279 miles of underground line. We currently have 14 substations and have purchased land to build two more in 2023. The cooperative has 16 employees, including 10 linemen.

Q. Give us some updates from the Guthrie County REC annual meeting.
A. Our annual meeting is an opportunity for our member-consumers to participate in the democratic process that defines the cooperative business model. This year, our 84th annual meeting was held at the new event center at the Guthrie County Fairgrounds.
We had an excellent turnout with 243 registered members and guests and had seating capacity for all in attendance. Everyone enjoyed a free lunch of fried chicken and mashed potatoes while hearing reports on the cooperative’s finances and operations. We finished up the business meeting with a door prize drawing, always a crowd favorite, with a 50-inch Vizio Smart TV and an electric grill cart as our grand prizes.
Steve Bireline, president of the REC board of directors, welcomed all attendees and introduced the board members. As our CIPCO board representative, Steve provided an update on CIPCO happenings. CIPCO stands for Central Iowa Power Cooperative and is a generation and transmission cooperative, owned by 13 electric cooperatives and associations in Iowa, including Guthrie County REC.
Key information Steve shared included the Duane Arnold nuclear plant was shut down in 2020; the solar farm in Wapello is fully functional and produces 100 megawatts of electricity; energy storage and cost-effective sources of electricity are major options being discussed; and electricity needs will continue to increase, but it is the goal of Guthrie County REC and CIPCO to represent our member needs and perspectives, and continue to provide reliable and cost-effective power to our consumers.
Joni Rees, board vice president, introduced employees and recognized Jordan Terwilliger for five years of service to the cooperative as a lineman. She also recognized Steve Bireline for his 25 years as a director on the REC board.
In my speech, I reported we recently signed a new 40-year wholesale power contract with CIPCO. I also encouraged members who are interested in solar power to use REC as a source of information to receive an accurate picture. As our financial conditions allow, we continue to retire members’ patronage.
I also reported the Guthrie County REC faces challenges with long lead times of two to five years for asset and construction purchases. The cooperative continues to be strong financially and plans to redesign rates to reflect wholesale power rates.

Q. How many members are on the Guthrie County board of directors, and how are they chosen?
A. Guthrie County REC has nine directors who serve on our board. Board members are elected by and from our membership who represent the portion of our service territory in which they live. These dedicated individuals provide guidance on cooperative business matters, establish cooperative goals, and continually seek opportunities for cooperative leadership education.
Districts 4, 5, and 6 were up for election this year. Incumbents Don Schwartz and Steve Bireline were re-elected for three-year terms. Don represents members in north central and northeast sections of Guthrie County and in northwest sections of Dallas County. Steve represents members in central and southern sections of Guthrie County.
Bob Batschelet retired from the cooperative board after eight years of service, and Michael Moore was elected to fill his spot to represent members on the west side of Lake Panorama. Ronny Bristle represents members on the east side of Lake Panorama.
Other board members are Julie Kiley, who represents north central and northeast sections of Dallas County; Jim Mazour, who represents members in west central Dallas County around Lake Diamondhead; Jason Fett, who represents members in northwest Guthrie County and the northern half of Audubon County; Joni Rees, who represents members in central and western Guthrie County; and Andy Van Aernam, who represents members in the south half of Audubon County.

Q. Where is the electricity that we receive generated?
A. Guthrie County REC receives power from CIPCO. In operation since 1946, CIPCO is Iowa’s largest cooperative energy provider.
CIPCO is committed to providing energy to its member-owners that is a diverse mix of wind, hydro, solar, landfill gas, natural gas and coal energy resources. CIPCO invests in the development of renewable energy projects in several ways. Its balanced portfolio of energy sources consists of 29.9% wind, which includes wind energy from Heartland Divide Wind Energy Center in Audubon, 29.3% coal, 22.5% market purchases, 6.9% solar, 6.5% other purchases, 3.1% hydro and landfill gas and 1.8% natural gas.

Q. What are the benefits of being a member of the Guthrie County REC?
A. As a member of the Guthrie County REC, you have a voice in choosing cooperative directors and in how Guthrie County REC is governed. Our directors are members, elected by the membership, and are accountable to those individuals.
You’re not just a customer; you’re a member-owner and receive patronage dividends, because Guthrie County REC is a not-for-profit electric cooperative.
Guthrie County REC offers scholarships to students who have parents/guardians with a membership.
We support our community with revolving loan funds for businesses and matching donation funds for projects.
We are constantly looking for ways to help keep members’ bills low with rebate programs and education about energy efficiency.
Guthrie County REC values the support and membership of Lake Panorama members, and all the members we serve across our six-county area. During these last few difficult years, the REC not only survived but continued to provide power that is safe, affordable, reliable and environmentally responsible to our members. 

BUSINESS
RESTORE WELLNESS STUDIO CONTINUES TO EXPAND

Restorewellnesslogo
Posted 02/08/2023
By Susan Thompson 
Lake Panorama Times

In August 2021, a grand opening was held for two businesses in a building on the east side of Panora, which had been purchased and renovated by Keith and Julie Fulton. Reshape Fitness Studio, owned by Sue Bump and Julie Fulton, began in April 2018 in a building on the Panora square and relocated to the new building. Next came a new business, Restyle Décor & Consigned Furniture, co-owned by Julie Fulton and Carol VanKirk.
In May 2022, Restore Wellness Studio was established in the same building. It operates as a combined entity for multiple businesses, with hours dependent on each individual business and appointments. Each of the three businesses has its own entrance on the east side of the building, with Reshape on the south end, Restyle in the middle, and Restore on the north end.
Lakeside Massage and Bodywork, owned by Erica Matthies, was the first business in the Restore Wellness Studio.
“In January 2022, I was renting space at Active Health Solutions and needed a larger treatment room,” Matthies says. “I heard the Restyle/Reshape building might have a room that fit my needs. I met with Julie Fulton, and after a few discussions on using the space for my massage clients, she prompted the ‘dream bigger’ idea.”
In May of 2022, Matthies moved her business to the Restore Wellness Studio.
“My dream was to create a wellness space in Panora with multiple service providers to offer a whole-person wellness experience,” she says.
“I was a stand-alone business before, and being a part of the Restore Wellness Studio group has been such a blessing,” Matthies says. “First, we are all like-minded businesswomen who want to bring our services to Panora and the surrounding areas. Second, we are able to client share and market for each other’s businesses when working with our own clients. Third, we provide a city-like wellness experience with small-town customer service.”
The studio still has room to add other independent businesses.
“We have an open office space that is giving us the ability to dream of more services. We also are looking to add one or more nail technicians,” Matthies says. “Plus, we rent our space to groups. We have a cozy ‘living room’ area perfect for book clubs, Bible studies, or small family or friend gatherings. We also can accommodate medium-sized groups, and have folding tables and chairs available.”
The Restore Wellness Studio website is restorewellnessia.com. Those interested in discussing space rental or a new business opportunity can contact Matthies at 712-789-0870.
Details about the four current businesses in the Restore Wellness Studio follows.

Lakeside Massage and Bodywork
The business started as Stamp’s Therapeutic Massage in 2004.
“In 2018, I got promoted to ‘stay-at-home mom’ with our 29-week preemie twins, and I took 16 months off from seeing clients,” Matthies says. “I returned to seeing clients early in 2020, and then COVID temporarily shut my industry down. That’s when my husband, John, and our twin girls, Knox and Lenox, moved from Des Moines to Panora. Once restrictions were lifted, I started seeing clients again out of our home and my office in Atlantic.”
Matthies’ formal massage training was completed at Omaha School of Massage Therapy.
“In the years following, I have studied many different modalities and ultimately focused mostly on Thai and Ashiatsu styles of massage therapy,” she says. “Now I am continuing my training to include more mobility-focused work for my clients.”
One option Matthies offers is “mat-based motion and mobility massage. After taking multiple Thai massage continuing education classes, I have been working the past two years with an instructor who teaches ‘next-level pain relief.’ This mat-based service is great for people who have restrictions and range-of-motion issues,” she says. “This is done on a mat, and the client is completely clothed.”
Her other offering is Barefoot Bars Table Massage.
“This is performed on the table, with the client draped during the session. I use my feet while supporting my body with overhead bars,” she says. “I am able to glide with a broad foot, which is a bigger surface area than a hand, fingers or elbow delivery. When I use my feet, I can sink deeper into the tissue, and it is much easier for the client to receive. This allows the body to relax to a deeper level and unwind more of the tense muscle tissue.”
Matthies says her favorite sessions are when a client has enough time to do a combo of the two services.
“We start on the mat, opening up the joints and going deeply into range-of-motion and compressions. Once the body is warmed up and we have addressed the areas on the mat, we transition to the table where I can sink deeply into the tissue and allow everything to melt away,” she says.
Massage sessions are based on time, and vary between one to three hours.
“Physically, I am only able to do a certain number of sessions a week, so my scheduling is not an on-demand service,” she says. “Most clients need to schedule about six weeks in advance, and then reschedule at the time of service, or schedule for a couple months at a time.”
Find Lakeside Massage and Bodywork on Facebook, or reach Matthies at 712-789-0870.

Stick It PLLC
Jess Malloy and Kate Thompson are sisters, with Malloy the oldest by two years. Malloy, her husband, Patrick, and their three children live on an acreage near Exira. After high school, Malloy attended DMACC for accounting before changing her career path to nursing. She attended Iowa Western Community College (IWCC) in Council Bluffs and graduated with an associate’s degree in nursing.
Thompson lives in Exira and graduated from high school with plans to go to nursing school. She also attended IWCC and graduated with her associate’s degree, before earning a bachelor’s of science in nursing from Aspen University.
The sisters were full-time employees at Guthrie County Hospital before starting Stick It PLLC. The business began as a “side hustle” for them in August 2021. They were working three 12-hour shifts at the hospital each week, and on their four days off, they were putting in hours with Stick It PLLC.
“In March 2022, we decided to follow our dreams and devote more time to Stick It PLLC,” Malloy says. “We switched to part-time at the hospital, plus joined the Highland Medical Group, a travel nurse agency based in Gowrie. And we purchased the building in Exira where we had been renting space since January 2022.”
Stick It PLLC offers several IV infusion cocktails, intramuscular injections, and neurotoxin injections, better known as Botox. At the Exira location, there is an infrared sauna, and they recently purchased a VersaSpa professional spray tan booth that should be ready in February.
In June 2022, the sisters started traveling to Panora once a week and became part of Restore Wellness Studio.
“We are so thankful we were given the opportunity to join Restore Wellness; they are like family to us now,” Thompson says. “We’re looking forward to seeing where the future takes all of us women entrepreneurs.”
Hours for each location are posted monthly on their Facebook page. They typically are in Panora every Friday 2-4 p.m. Walk-ins are allowed, but appointments are encouraged. To schedule, clients can send a message through the Stick It PLLC Facebook page, or call or text Jess Malloy at 712-304-2100, or Kate Thompson at 712-305-4554.

Rise Up and Shine Coaching 
Arianne Steenblock and her family have lived in Panora for almost 24 years. Steenblock earned an undergraduate degree from Iowa State University, and later an MBA from Drake University. She has been a Ramsey Master Finance Coach for three years and became a certified Life Coach last year.
“Often, a client begins to set and accomplish goals in one area of life, and it grows into another area,” Steenblock says. “For example, someone may first want to get a job promotion and build confidence. After working on their skills and accomplishing goals, they also may decide they would like to become debt-free or practice health focused habits.”
Personalized one-to-one life and finance coaching are the foundation of Steenblock’s Rise Up and Shine Coaching business.
“I love working with clients and seeing them overcome challenges,” she says. “Sessions are usually 60 minutes long and are available in-person, by phone and Zoom. Results are measured, and my clients’ return on their investment is quickly realized.”
Clients choose how often sessions take place and for what length of time. Coaching can last a few sessions, but typically Steenblock meets often with clients for a longer period of time, then less frequently as results and growth are achieved.
Steenblock stresses coaching is not counseling.
“Coaching is focused on looking forward with personal growth and goal setting,” she says. “Coaching is a guide to be accountable, receive encouragement and achieve measured results.”
Steenblock says a growth mindset includes constant learning for a lifetime.
“I have been coached and mentored and know from my own experience how much easier and faster results are achieved working together,” she says. “My clients are amazing, hardworking and successful. I celebrate every result they earn like it’s my own. Coaching is a guide to live life on purpose, with passion, and create your own legacy.”
Restore Wellness Studio gives Steenblock the opportunity to be a stand-alone business, with a private office to meet with clients.
“The atmosphere is filled with peace and joy, as all the business women are working together and supporting each other,” she says. “I feel blessed to be a part of the team we are building and excited for our future business success.”
Rise Up and Shine Coaching has a Facebook page. Steenblock can be reached via email at coach@riseupandshinecoaching.com or on her cell at 515-537-5330.

Revitalize Spa by Jules
The newest business offering services at the Restore Wellness Studio is Revitalize Spa by Jules, owned by Julie Anthony, a licensed esthetician. In January, she started coming to Panora two Wednesdays a month.
“I love getting to know people and what they really want out of their service,” Anthony says. “Some want to just have a relaxing facial, and others want to see changes in their skin. I’m passionate about helping people feel good about the skin they’re in.”
Anthony has a spa studio in the Colour Bar Salon in West Des Moines, where she has been seeing clients the past two and a half years. Prior to that, she worked six years with a few other estheticians before going out on her own.
Services she offers include facials, lash lifts, lash and brow tints, waxing for the face area, microchanneling, and LightStim, which is a red-light treatment.
“I also use and sell a medical-grade skincare line and an organic skincare line,” Anthony says. “Both have great benefits and results.”
“I enjoy having my own space in West Des Moines, but I also love to collaborate on things like group events that Restore Wellness will be offering,” she says. “In the future, we will start having ‘day at the spa’ events with facials, massages, IV therapy, yoga and a few other things.”
Anthony says some services she offers in West Des Moines won’t be available in Panora, such as microdermabrasion, because she can’t move the necessary equipment back and forth. But most offerings will be available in Panora.
Revitalize Spa by Jules is on Facebook and Instagram, and online at revitalize-spa.com. To make an appointment, text or call 515-988-9157 or email Julie@Revitalize-Spa.com.
Guthriecountyhistoricalvillage

GUTHRIE COUNTY COMMUNITY FOUNDATION GRANT APPLICATION PERIOD NOW OPEN
Must be received by March 6 at 5 p.m.

Posted 02/08/2023
By Susan Thompson 
Lake Panorama Times

The open period for 2023 grant applications through the Guthrie County Community Foundation now is open. Applications must be submitted by 5 p.m. on Monday, March 6.
The Guthrie County Community Foundation is committed to improving the quality of life throughout Guthrie County by investing in area nonprofits through its grant programs — and by providing individuals, families and area businesses who love the communities within Guthrie County with a way to give back.
The Guthrie County Community Foundation is governed by an advisory board with members representing a cross section of the county. Joining the board in 2023 are Andrew Arganbright and Ben Smith. Other members are Ryan Albers, Susan Belding, Tamara Deal, Joni Dvorak, Mary Ebert, Diane Flanery, Carla Hilgenberg, JoAnn Johnson, Kirby Klinge, Regina Lloyd, Bret Wedemeyer and Julie Zajicek.
Eligible applicants for a 2023 grant are 501(c)3 nonprofit organizations or organizations that have the same tax-exempt qualifying status. Qualified organizations must be located within Guthrie County or provide services to residents of Guthrie County.
The 2023 grant process uses a single application, which must be completed online. Those asking for grants of $25,000 or more will need to complete some additional questions on the application.
The Guthrie County Community Foundation has $118,775.88 from Iowa’s County Endowment Fund Program and $52,000 from Grow Greene County funds available for the 2023 grant cycle. Last year, a total of $197,638 was awarded, while requests totaled $388,317.
Since 2005, a total of $1.4 million has been given to 56 organizations in Guthrie County. In the last decade, just over half of the funds went to emergency services, such as fire, police and medical. Almost a quarter of the funds went to youth programs and services, such as day cares and educational outreach programs.
The 2023 application link and instructions are at GuthrieCountyCommunityFoundation.org. Questions about the application process can be sent to GCCFoundation@gmail.com or contact any board member.
More details about the Guthrie County Community Foundation, plus projects funded in 2022, can be found in a full-page advertisement on the back page of this publication.  

LAKE PANORAMA 2023 GOLF LEAGUE PLANS 

Pwkiosk
Posted 02/08/2023
By Susan Thompson 
Lake Panorama Times

There are several options to participate in golf leagues in 2023 at the two courses owned by the Lake Panorama Association. Both courses are operated by the LPN, LLC, a wholly owned subsidiary of the LPA.
At the 18-hole Lake Panorama National, all league players must have an LPN annual membership and an established USGA handicap. The cost of the handicap is $30 plus tax per person per year. For questions about LPN memberships or the USGA handicap, call the LPN pro shop at 641-755-2024.
Men’s leagues are on Wednesdays. For the 18-hole noon league, members can play from the white, yellow or red tees. This is individual play, using the Stableford scoring system. Nine-hole, match play leagues begin at 3 p.m. and 6 p.m. Players in the 3 p.m. league can play from either red or white tees. Players in the 6 p.m. league can play from either yellow or white tees. Cost of all men’s leagues is $100.
The men’s leagues kickoff will be May 3. Members or potential members are invited to attend this event. Cocktails and munchies begin at 5:30 p.m. with a brief program and raffle drawing at 6 p.m. League play begins May 10.
For women, Lake Panorama National offers both a 9-hole and an 18-hole league on Thursdays. The 9-hole league uses a two-person, match-play format. It begins with registration at 4:45 p.m., announcements at 5 p.m., and a shotgun start at 5:15 p.m.
The 18-hole league begins at 2:15 p.m., with assigned tee times and individual play using the Stableford point system. The 18-hole league is limited to 24 players and is close to being full. To ask questions or become a member of this league, or join a waiting list once it is full, contact Kathy DeLucca, 641-757-2844, deluccakathleen20@gmail.com.
Annual league dues are $100, which covers the kickoff dinner, post-season party and league prizes. A kickoff dinner May 4 begins at 5:30 p.m. with a brief program and raffle drawing following dinner. League competition gets underway May 11.
The Nine & Wine Series for couples involves nine holes of golf at the LPN on eight Monday afternoons, June 5 and 26; July 10, 24 and 31; and Aug. 7, 14 and 28. Cost is $110 for LPN member couples and $220 for Panorama West member couples. Check in at 3 p.m. with a 3:30 p.m. tee off. The format is a four-person, two-couple best shot, with teams assigned each week by a blind draw. There are weekly prizes and season-ending champions. After play, the couples enjoy wine and food specials in The Links.
At Panorama West, there is a Tuesday morning women’s league, a Tuesday evening men’s league, and a Thursday morning men’s league. League members must either purchase an annual Panorama West membership, or pay the $18 daily green fee.
The women’s league is individual play, with weekly prizes and special events. Dues for the year are $30. A kickoff luncheon is planned for Tuesday, April 25 at the LPN conference center. Registration begins at 11:30 a.m. with lunch at noon. Make reservations with Nini VonBon, 515-321-4000 or vonbonjk@hotmail.com.
League play begins May 2 with a two-gal mixer at 9 a.m. The first day of regular play will be May 9 with a shotgun start format. Players will choose their desired tee times in advance, with options being 7:30 a.m., 9:30 a.m. or 11 a.m. The last day of regular play will be Aug. 22. A four-gal best-shot and awards luncheon will be Aug. 29. For more information, contact Ann Chambers, 641-990-4363 or lakelivin@hotmail.com.
The Tuesday evening men’s league begins April 25 and runs through Aug. 29. Dues are $20 to cover weekly prizes, plus individual scores are turned in for prizes at the end of the year. Play begins at 5:30 p.m. For more information, contact Jay Merryman at 641-751-5957 or jaypmerryman2@gmail.com; or Bill Eby at 515-240-7652 or wheby@stineseed.com.
The Thursday morning men’s league begins May 4, and continues for 18 weeks. Weekly league play begins with an 8 a.m. shotgun start, followed by an optional scramble for $1. A tournament and wrap-up luncheon will be Sept. 7. Dues of $25 covers regular play with weekly cash prizes and individual awards at the end of the season. League members who are 75 and older can choose to play from the forward tees. For more information, contact Virgil Hoehne at 641-757-0962.
There is one more opportunity for competitive golf at Panorama West in 2023 as couples are invited to participate in six “Fore Fun Friday Couples” competitions.
This two-couple scramble with fun twists and strategies will be held June 2, June 23, July 14, July 28, Aug. 11 and Aug. 25. Play begins at 5 p.m. Registration begins at 4:30 p.m., with couples asked to arrive early to learn about that week’s event, get hole assignments, and pay the $1 per couple entry fee. Those who aren’t Panorama West annual golf members also will need to pay green fees.
No preregistration is necessary, but those who need a cart should call the Panorama West pro shop at 641-755-2250 to reserve. Entry fees are returned as prize money as players gather on the deck after the round. For more information, contact Bill and Karen Eby at 515-480-4633.
Annual membership forms for both LPN and Panorama West, plus LPN golf league forms, are available at lakepanoramanational.com.

PLAN AHEAD FOR ANNUAL LPA ROAD EMBARGO
Loaded vehicles that weigh more than five tons are prohibited on most LPA roads during the spring thaw.

Posted 02/08/2023
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. Since it costs about $30,000 to seal coat one mile of LPA roads, this annual embargo is vital to help avoid road damage.
In recent years, the embargo has occurred in March for two to three weeks. But it could happen in February or be delayed until 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.
The LPA staff urges members to schedule deliveries soon, especially if more than a passenger van or a pickup truck will be required. Members needing materials for remodel projects, construction issues, furniture, moving vans, propane, septic pumping or other large objects should try to get those projects and deliveries done as soon as possible or face the delays required by an embargo.
The staff cannot predict when an embargo will be needed, but any stretch of above average temperatures could result in imposing the five-ton weight limit. The LPA will work with the Panorama Schools to arrange school transportation prior to initiating the embargo. Although there can be exceptions, LPA generally announces an upcoming embargo on a Thursday, with the effective date being the following Monday.
This limited inconvenience for LPA members saves hundreds of thousands of dollars in damage, which would otherwise be caused during this vulnerable time of year. For more information, contact the LPA at 641-755-2301 or lpa@lakepanorama.org. 

RECIPE
A Fruity Twist on Breakfast

Tart
Posted 02/08/2023
By Jolene Goodman

(Family Features) Whether it’s a weekend celebration or a simple morning bite on the go, it’s often said breakfast is the most important meal. Starting off your day with some fruity nutrition is a sweet way to add vitamin C to your diet without skimping on flavor.
With a tasty granola crust and yogurt filling, this Brunch Fruit Tart is an easy way to impress guests or fuel your morning at the office. Balanced and easy to make, the crunchy crust and smooth center make it an enjoyable addition to at-home menus. This version calls for strawberries, blueberries and kiwi, but you can get creative with your own favorite fruits for a different flavor each time you make it.
Visit Culinary.net to find more nutritious breakfast ideas.

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

Brunch Fruit Tart
Recipe adapted from homemadeinterest.com

Crust:
4 cups granola mixture
1/2 cup butter, softened
4 1/2 tablespoons honey
nonstick cooking spray

Filling:
2 1/4 cups vanilla Greek yogurt
8 ounces cream cheese, softened
1/2 cup granulated sugar
1 teaspoon vanilla extract
1 package gelatin

Toppings:
strawberries, sliced
blueberries
kiwis, sliced

Directions to make crust
Preheat oven to 350 F.
In large bowl, combine granola, butter and honey. Grease 11-inch tart pan with nonstick cooking spray. Line bottom of tart pan with parchment paper.
Press granola mixture into tart pan. Place tart pan on baking sheet and bake 10 minutes. Cool completely.

Directions to make filling
Using mixer, combine yogurt, cream cheese, sugar, vanilla extract and gelatin until whipped completely.
Pour yogurt mixture into tart crust. Refrigerate at least 1 hour.
Top with strawberries, blueberries and kiwis.

TRISH HART'S NATURE PHOTO OF THE MONTH
FROSTY WINTER WONDERLAND

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Posted 02/08/2023
By Susan Thompson 
Lake Panorama Times 

This winter has provided plenty of opportunities for photographers to snap beautiful cold-weather photos. Trish Hart, who lives with her husband Scott in a home on Lake Panorama’s Andrew’s Cove, is no exception.
One of her favorite photo subjects this year has been trees covered with hoar frost, including the long-needled pine trees near the Lake Panorama National conference center.
Hoar frost is a type of feathery frost that forms as a result of specific climatic conditions. Hoar frost typically occurs on clear nights when air with a dewpoint below 32 degrees is brought to saturation by cooling. Hoar frost also needs calm air that allows the complex lacy deposits of crystals to form.
In other words, the moisture in the air skips the droplet stage and goes straight to crystallizing, similar to dew but when temperatures are below freezing.
The name hoar frost comes from the old English word “hoary,” meaning getting on in age. When conditions are right, many trees, especially evergreens, present a hair-like appearance resembling white, feathery beards.
Hart offers custom prints of her photos on canvas, paper, metal and glass. Learn more by visiting Nature’s Canvas Photography on Facebook.

LAKE DOGS & COVE CAT
Meet the Hochreiter Pack

Dogs and cat
Posted 02/08/2023
By Cheryl Temple
Lake Panorama Times

Lake Dogs: George, a 6-year-old Newfoundland; Walter, a 1.5-year-old Great Pyrenees; and Arlo, a 6-year-old English Cream Retriever
Cove Cat: Larry
Owners: Dale and Janis Hochreiter. 
Dale and Janis have lived at Lake Panorama since 1993, enjoying lake life with friends, golfing and doing yard work on sunny days with their pack.
George, the Newfoundland, weighs 166 pounds and is a gentle giant. He loves everyone. It’s not uncommon for him to jump into the FedEx or UPS truck when the driver pulls into the driveway. He is an excellent swimmer.
Arlo, the English Cream Retriever, is Janis’ shadow and loves sleeping with his mom and dad. His biggest fear is the garbage truck on Wednesday mornings.
Walter, the Great Pyrenees pup, already weighs 140 pounds. His job is to patrol the yard for predators. The only problem is that he’s afraid of everything — but he is very sweet.
Fun fact: The total weight of all three of their dogs is more than 400 pounds!
Larry the Cove Cat was a rescue. He has only known the dog life and, thus, Dale and Janis call him Cat-Dog. Larry is Walter’s best friend and continually befuddles the dogs with his cat smarts. They play all the time.  Larry the cat really does think he is a dog, and they all act as a big pack. 

DOG PARK BENCHES INSTALLED

Wrightfamily
Posted 01/10/2023
By Susan Thompson 
Lake Panorama Times

The Friends of Lake Panorama’s 2022 Beach Ball July 22 had a profit of $30,000. At its Sept. 19 meeting, the Friends board of directors voted to use $4,500 of Beach Ball proceeds to purchase benches and trees for the Lake Panorama dog park.
The dog park has two sides, one for large dogs and one for small dogs. In December, one 6-foot metal bench was installed in each side of the park, secured to concrete pads that were poured earlier in the fall.
Four autumn blaze maples were purchased from Isom Tree Farm, which Larry Isom planted Oct. 7. In 2021, Isom donated and planted two sugar maples, one on each side of the park. Two of the autumn blaze maples went into each side of the dog park and were planted so the three trees on each side will form a canopy of shade as they mature.
The new benches are placed at angles to take in wide views of the park and are located near the three trees now growing on each side. In early spring, the LPA maintenance staff will spread grass seed on the dirt surrounding each bench concrete pad and cover the seed with straw to help protect these areas until grass is established.
The dog park, which opened June 10, 2022, is available during daylight hours. It is at the corner of Sage Trail and East RV Road, near the east campground. The park was financed by $50,000 in donations through the Friends of Lake Panorama. 

NEW COORDINATOR NAMED FOR PANORA CHAMBER 

Aprilsanta
Posted 01/10/2023
By Susan Thompson
Lake Panorama Times 

April Imming began work in October as the new coordinator for the Panora Chamber. Her responsibilities include helping coordinate all Chamber-sponsored events, plus updating social media and the Chamber website.
Imming grew up in Rockwell City, one of nine children in the family. She graduated from Rockwell City High School, then Iowa State University, and has worked in the health insurance industry for 31 years. In November 2021, she moved from Ankeny to Lake Panorama with her partner, Mason Babcock. They own a condo on Karen Drive.
“I grew up in a small town and hoped at some point in my life I’d be in a small town again,” she says. “I thought the Chamber coordinator position would be a great way for me to meet people and get involved in the community, plus get other people involved in Chamber events.”
Julie Wykoff, a Chamber board member and treasurer, first talked with Imming about the part-time position.
“We were chatting, and she was looking for ways to get more involved in the community,” Wykoff says. “I knew she’d be a good fit for the position. She is super organized, friendly, and isn’t afraid to ask questions. She has great attention to detail and also is very compassionate and caring.”
The Chamber has several regular events throughout the year, as well as Panorama Days the first weekend in August. While all events have a committee to support them, the coordinator, under the guidance of the Chamber officers, supports each committee to ensure a successful event.
Since beginning her Chamber position in October, Imming has assisted with the Panora Main Street Trick or Treat, Heart of Guthrie County Holiday Open House, and Santa’s Workshop. Now she’s looking ahead to the annual Easter Egg Hunt and Panorama Days.
There are two peak times for Chamber businesses — the holidays and Panorama Days.
“Having someone dedicated to ensuring we are hitting deadlines for advertising, have the supplies we need for events, and an extra person to support all the activities has been incredibly helpful to the Chamber officers, and we’re looking forward to a great 2023 with April’s support,” Wykoff says.
Dale Hochreiter is the 2023 Panora Chamber president.
“I worked with April decorating the Panora square for Christmas and on Santa’s Workshop,” he says. “She has done an excellent job and is catching on quickly to the things the Chamber does. We look forward to having her help for future events, especially Panorama Days.”
Imming says she’s enjoying being a part of the Panora and Lake Panorama community.
“Everyone is so nice and welcoming,” she says. “I love living at the lake because there are so many outdoor activities to do. Walking and taking in the beautiful outdoors are some of my favorite things.”
Besides Wykoff and Hochreiter, other 2023 Panora Chamber officers are Gayle Shackelford, first vice president; Stormy Miller, second vice president; and Sonja Pierce, secretary. More than 60 businesses in the Panora and Lake Panorama community are members of the Panora Chamber of Commerce. More information is available on the Chamber’s Facebook page and on the Chamber website at panorachamber.org. 

ON THE LAKE
AOL, Yahoo! and Prodigy, where did you go?

Shane goodman headshot
Posted 01/10/2023
By Shane Goodman
Editor and Publisher

I recently viewed a short video that showed the most popular websites from 1993 to 2022. A lot has changed in those 29 years, making me wonder what the next three decades will bring. The link is too long to post here, but use your favorite search engine and look up “Most Popular Websites Since 1993.”
In January of 1993, AOL.com was the top site, and it wasn’t even close. The next two were Prodigy and Compuserve. That was 30 years ago, and I would challenge you to find anyone who even knows what those websites are now. AOL was so dominant at the time. You may recall the “You’ve Got Mail” notification that would chime each time you logged in. If I remember correctly, I downloaded the software from a CD-ROM that was inserted in CITYVIEW magazine. My AOL email address was bv150@aol.com, referencing the college and weight class that I wrestled at. Just for kicks, I sent a test message to it. I received a “delivery failure” reply.
By January of 2003, Yahoo.com had become the No. 1 site with MSN.com and AOL.com in the next spots. Search engines became more popular, and Yahoo! seemed to be the king… for a while. I can still hear that Yahoo! yodel.
Just 10 years later, in 2013, Google surged to the top of the list with Facebook and YouTube following. Several years prior, I remember a co-worker telling me to quit using the big corporate Yahoo! site and to use this cool new Google start-up company’s search engine. So I did, and so did millions of others. Social media had sunk its teeth into society by then as well, and Facebook was the leader. Those were the days when you could actually watch a YouTube video without getting annoyed by useless ads first.
By January of 2022, Google retained the top spot, but YouTube jumped past Facebook to take the No. 2 position, showing the power of video and pleasing do-it-yourselfers everywhere.
Hence, Big Tech is here to stay… maybe. Looking back, one could not have imagined AOL or Yahoo failing.
Meanwhile, most all of us also appreciate some consistency, which includes this newspaper. I am proud that, despite all the digital technology of today, the Lake Panorama Times has more readers than it has ever had, and most of them are in print. It is the most widely-circulated and best read newspaper in Guthrie County, and I thank all of you for making it part of your lives.
Yahoo!
New Year humor
Well, I am having so much fun with these holiday-themed jokes that I will share a few more based on our New Year.
First, here is one I know most of you can relate to: What is a New Year’s resolution? Something that goes in one year and out the other.
This one is for those of us who prefer a quiet night at home: Youth is when you’re allowed to stay up on New Year’s Eve. Middle age is when you’re forced to.
Maybe this one connects: What do New Year’s Day parades have in common with Santa Claus? No one is awake to see either of them.
And finally, one I can relate to: My New Year’s resolution is to stop hanging out with people who ask me about my New Year’s resolution.
Happy New Year to you all, and thank you for reading. n

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

OFFICIAL LPA COMMUNICATIONS BEGIN WITH WEBSITE

Lpawebsite1
Posted 01/10/2023
By Susan Thompson 
Lake Panorama Times

A new website for the Lake Panorama Association launched in February 2022, replacing a site that had been in place since 2009. There are both public and private sides to the new website.
The home page on the public site includes information about Lake Panorama and the LPA. The private side of the website, which is named the LPA Portal, is restricted to Lake Panorama property owners.
At the end of December, the site had fewer than 1,000 registered members.
“With 1,700 LPA members, that means there is plenty of room to grow,” says John Rutledge, LPA general manager. “The LPA does not endorse or respond to postings on NextDoor, so members should look for LPA information on the website or contact the office.”
Being registered on the website ensures members receive all official communication from the LPA via email. This includes the Panorama Prompt, the e-newsletter distributed each Thursday. A new feature of the Prompt is links to agendas for upcoming LPA board of director meetings, and other LPA committee meetings are included. Members signed up for the website also receive special announcements from the LPA office.
When the new website launched last spring, invitations to register were sent to more than 1,300 unique member email addresses tied to the former website, with details on how to set up new accounts. As members register for the new website, the list from the old website is checked and updates made.
“There still are about 600 email addresses from the old website that receive the Prompt and other LPA news, even though members haven’t yet registered on the new site,” says Lane Rumelhart, LPA project manager. “We don’t want members to miss out on official LPA news just because they haven’t yet created an account on the new site. The downside is we don’t know if those old emails are correct. That’s why we encourage members to get registered so we know we have their current email address.”
The LPA website address remains the same as the old site — lakepanorama.org. LPA members who have not set up an account on the website should go to the “Resident Sign-Up” tab, where they will request a login. Once the person has been verified as an LPA member, access to the private side of the site will be granted.
Multiple members may join under one lake address. Anyone who is listed as an owner of LPA property and who has a unique email address that is different from others listed under the same membership can register.
The LPA website features scrolling aerial photos. Several tabs below the photos take visitors to a brief history, a list of frequently asked questions about Lake Panorama and the LPA, and multiple documents that include LPA’s boating regulations and buoy map locations, building codes and applications, rules and regulations and related schedule of fines, by-laws, covenants, and home rental rules.
LPA members who establish an LPA Portal log-in will find additional documents that cannot be accessed on the public website. These include variance applications for building permits, a “Who To Call” list with contact information for area service providers, camping and dock registration forms and information, miscellaneous membership forms, hunting information, yard waste site maps and information, and current and past issues of the Panorama Prompt.
Anyone who needs help getting an account set up, or has questions, can call the LPA office at 641-755-2301 or email staff at lpa@lakepanorama.org.  

FRIENDS OF LAKE PANORAMA BOARD MAKES 2023 PLANS
Three board members were reappointed to new three-year terms.

Posted 01/10/2023
By Susan Thompson 
Lake Panorama Times

Friends of Lake Panorama is a nonprofit charity formed in 2013 with the goal of improving recreational amenities at Lake Panorama. The charity is governed by a volunteer, seven-member board of directors, which held its 2023 organizational meeting Dec. 1.
At the meeting, three board members were reappointed to new three-year terms. They are Galen Johnson, John Muenzenberger and Jan Reinicke. Other board members are Jody Muench, Jim Tibbles, Jackie Wellik and Bill Winkleblack.
In officer elections, Reinicke was elected president, Tibbles vice president, and Muenzenberger secretary-treasurer. Susan Thompson is the nonprofit’s executive director.
Preliminary plans for the next fundraising Beach Ball were discussed. The event will be held Friday, June 16. Final decisions on plans, pricing and how funds raised at this event will be used will be made at the board’s spring meeting.
Projects led by Friends of Lake Panorama completed in 2022 were reviewed. These included the dog park, the Panorama West Nature Trail, three swings added to the Sunset Beach playground, installation of shade sails at the Lake Panorama National golf course, and a new sports court for basketball and pickleball at Sunset Beach.
In addition, seven new benches were installed in 2022 with one at Shady Beach, four at Boulder Beach and two at the dog park.
The current priority project is enhancements to existing trails on the south shore of the main basin, which the LPA board approved at its August meeting. A significant section of the trail will be along the shoreline with loops of varying lengths up the hill through the timber. Friends and LPA staff are working with Panorama Community School officials to accommodate the school’s cross country teams on the trail. Final details of the trail system will be developed in the spring.
In addition to the walking trail enhancements, Friends representatives presented a recreational concept for the south shore to the LPA board, which also included disc golf, fishing dock and a small shelter. Friends continues to research these additional low-impact recreational amenities and will return to the LPA board in 2023 for further discussion.
Nearly $5,000 was donated to Friends of Lake Panorama in the final two months of 2022. Currently, donors giving to Friends can designate their gift to the trail system on Lake Panorama’s south shore and the Friends general fund.
Donations can be made by check payable to Friends of Lake Panorama and mailed to Friends of Lake Panorama, P.O. Box 488, Panora, IA 50216. Direct donations can be sent via Venmo @Panorama-Friends. Donations also can be made by credit card on the Friends website at friendsoflakepanorama.org.
Donations of securities (stocks, mutual funds, etc.) are welcome, as are direct IRA qualified charitable distributions. For information, contact Kristen Crouthamel, financial advisor at GCSB Investment Center, 641-755-2799 or kristen@investgcsb.com.
Details on past and current projects are available on the Friends website. Friends of Lake Panorama also has a Facebook page. Those interested in keeping up to date about Friends activities are asked to “like” and “share” the Friends page. Questions or comments? Send an email to staff@friendsoflakepanorama.org. 

ASK LAKE PANORAMA TIMES
If you’ve got questions, we’ll find the answers.

Posted 01/10/2023

I understand that the 44 Drive Inn is now permanently closed and that the building will be razed. When?   

The property at 104 N.W. Fifth St. in Panora was purchased in late 2022 by the Panora Area Development Group. The intent is to prepare the land for sale so that it can be developed in the future. A date for the demolition is not set yet, as utilities still need to be disconnected.

I am retired and would like to do something part-time to help others around the area.  Any suggestions?

You are in luck, as there are a number of volunteer opportunities in the area. Here is one, if you like to drive. The Guthrie County Hospital is looking for volunteer van drivers one day a week and substitutes to assist patients needing transportation to various appointments county-wide through this free service. Volunteers transport individuals to Guthrie County Hospital appointments; GCH Clinics in Panora, Stuart and Adair; Guthrie Family Medicine Center; or to congregate meals at Sneakers in the Healthy Living Center. For more information, call Melissa at 641-332-3810.

I meant to reach out before Christmas, as I wanted to give a subscription to the Lake Panorama Times as a gift to some friends who used to live here. Can I still do that?  

Absolutely. You can get all the details at www.lakepanoramatimes.com/subscribe. Or you can send a check for $24 to Lake Panorama Times Subscriptions, 8101 Birchwood Court, Suite D, Johnston, IA 50131. Be sure to note the address of the person you want us to send the papers to.

With Lake Panorama being a private lake, do we still need to have an Iowa fishing license? Even for ice fishing?

The short answer is yes. The LPA office does sell licenses during regular office hours, or you can order online at www.iowadnr.gov/fishing/buy-your-license. For those of you who have 2022 Iowa licenses, know that they 

Q&A
LAKE PANORAMA NATIONAL RESORT UPDATE 
Questions and answers with Royce Shaffer

Royceshaffer
Posted 01/10/2023
By Susan Thompson 
Lake Panorama Times

This month’s Q&A is with Royce Shaffer, who has been operations manager for Lake Panorama National Resort since December 2018. Shaffer graduated from Audubon High School before earning a bachelor’s degree at Buena Vista University. He has been with the LPN in a variety of positions for more than 18 years. He also manages information technology for the LPA.

Q. What are the various operations within the Lake Panorama National Resort?
A. The portions of the resort I oversee are the Lake Panorama National golf course, the Panorama West golf course and clubhouse, lodging, swimming pool and fitness center. For 2023, we are working to find a food and beverage tenant who will run the Links lounge, manage Spikes, and handle event catering for the resort. The 2023 budgeted revenue for the Lake Panorama National Resort is $1.74 million.

Q. Talk more about the golf course operations. How many people does it take to keep the two golf courses running?  
A. The LPN Resort offers 27 holes of golf. Lake Panorama National golf course is a par-72 course designed in 1971 by Richard Watson that offers 18 holes of golf with a variety of yardages maxing out at 7,024 yards.
Brandon Waddle is the golf course superintendent. He was hired as the assistant grounds superintendent at the LPN in 1998. In 2013, he became the grounds superintendent at the Panorama West golf course. He returned to the LPN as grounds superintendent in 2021.
Jared Baier has been the LPN assistant grounds superintendent since 2020. Waddle and Baier are helped by 15 to 20 part-time seasonal employees.
Rob Riggins has been the LPN head golf professional since February 2021 and is charged with the management of Lake Panorama National golf operations. He is assisted by Michael Kleinwolterink, pro shop manager.
Kleinwolterink started working at the LPN as a teenager in the cart barn, moved to the pro shop, and spent two years as manager of the Links restaurant. In 2018, he returned to the pro shop as manager. There are 15 part-time seasonal employees who work the pro shop, outside services, and as starters and rangers.
The Panorama West golf course is a 9-hole par-3 course located on the west side of Lake Panorama. Five holes have the option to play from par-4 tees, maxing out this course at 1,943 yards. Garrett Young was hired in May 2021 as the Panorama West grounds superintendent and is assisted by a seasonal part-time staff of five people.
Maureen Lubeck has worked in the Panorama West clubhouse for 23 years and will start her 11th year as manager this spring. She has a team of eight who help staff the clubhouse seven days a week during the golfing season.

Q. What annual golf membership options are available for the 2023 season?
A. Memberships are available for Lake Panorama Association (LPA) property owners, non-LPA property owners, distance, and first-time members. Golf membership benefits include unlimited rounds of golf, member-only golf events, 20% apparel discounts in the LPN pro shop with signing privileges, and unlimited driving range privileges.
Lake Panorama National members also have access to discounted rates at other Iowa golf courses through reciprocal agreements negotiated annually by the pro shop. In 2022, a total of 257 memberships were sold at Lake Panorama National with 135 at Panorama West.
LPA property owners are eligible for discounted memberships at both LPN and Panorama West. Family, couple, single and junior memberships are available. In 2022, 159 LPA property owners purchased an LPN golf membership, with 113 joining at Panorama West. Of these memberships, 22 joined at both LPN and Panorama West.
In an effort to grow the LPN golf membership and promote Lake Panorama, a distance membership category is offered to singles, couples and families who don’t own a home at Lake Panorama and don’t have a residence within 18 miles of LPN. In 2022, 37 distance memberships were sold.
The final membership category at LPN is for those who are interested in a golf membership and have never been a member before. This special first-time membership is a great opportunity to try out Lake Panorama National at a discounted price. To learn more about this and all other membership options, visit our website at www.lakepanoramanational.com/membership.
If you have questions, call the Lake Panorama National pro shop at 641-755-2024, and Rob or Michael will help you.

Q. New golf carts that were to be in service for the 2022 season arrived late last fall. Tell us about the features of these new carts, which now will be available for the 2023 season. 
A. We received 60 new electric carts last fall. We continue to wait for the delivery of 24 gas carts and anticipate their arrival later this winter. Ten of the gas carts will be used at Panorama West this year.
The 60 electric carts feature an electronic screen that activates as golfers near the first tee. This technology allows golfers to see each hole from either an overall or closeup view. Distances are provided to the center of greens and other points of interest on the screen, and an electronic scorecard is available. Warnings about blind spots on the hole where players in front can’t be seen also are a part of this new technology.
Pro shop personnel now have remote access to battery status information and the ability to broadcast messages to the carts, such as severe weather alerts.
On-cart advertising is another new feature that will be offered in the 60 electric carts this year. Businesses interested in getting details on this opportunity to advertise on the electronic screens can contact me at 641-755-2080 extension 219 or rshaffer@lakepanorama.org.

Q. Explain the role of the LPN Board of Managers and how it functions. 
A. The LPN board of managers keeps separation between the LPA and LPN, LLC, which was created to manage this LPA wholly owned subsidiary. Keeping the LPA and LPN, LLC operations separate protects the nonprofit status of the LPA. The LPA board provides oversight of the LPN, LLC board. The LPN, LLC board oversees LPN policies and direction.
At the LPA board’s November meeting, Chris Duree was appointed to a three-year term on the LPN board, replacing Katelyn Brelsford who has served on the board since its inception in 2015. Reappointed to three-year terms were Shanell Wagler and Barry Monaghan. Other current board members are Sue Merryman, Kathy DeLucca, John Coghlan and Greg Steffen. Officers for 2023 were elected at the December LPN board meeting. Coghlan was re-elected president, with Wagler as vice president and DeLucca as secretary/treasurer.

Q. Besides golf, the LPN offers two other recreational amenities — a swimming pool and a fitness center. Tell us about memberships for these two amenities. 
A. We are targeting a Memorial Day weekend opening for the swimming pool and will continue to be open until Sept. 30. Once open, public swimming will be available starting at 10:30 a.m. seven days a week.
All members and guests of the LPN pool must check in at the pro shop counter. If they do not have an annual pool membership, they will pay a $5 daily fee. After checking in, everyone will be given a wristband to wear in the pool area.
We encourage everyone to purchase an annual pool membership. By purchasing an annual membership, you can help ensure this amenity continues to be available. Discounted memberships are available to LPA property owners starting at $125 for a single, $150 for a couple, $175 for a family and $225 for a grandparent, which is available to adults 55 and older with grandchildren up to the age of 12.
The LPN fitness center is located in the lower level of the LPN clubhouse. Discounted memberships are sold to LPA property owners for $225 for singles or $290 per couple. Non-property owners also may purchase a membership or pay a $5 daily fee. This facility includes cardiovascular and strength training equipment, including treadmills, stationary bikes, ellipticals and a weight machine. Fitness center members and guests may pick up an access card from the LPN pro shop located in the lower level of the clubhouse during normal business hours.
Pool and fitness center membership forms can be found at www.lakepanoramanational.com/amenities.

Q. The LPN also has a variety of lodging options available. Give us details on the options. 
A. Lake Panorama National Resort lodging is located along Karen Drive, just south of the LPN conference center. All units are privately owned, then managed and operated by LPN. Resort lodging currently includes five two-bedroom, two-bath townhomes, two studios and 27 motel units. The number of townhomes and studios sometimes varies as unit owners come in and out of the program.
Overnight guests of the resort have access to the fitness center and pool at no additional cost. Townhouse guests may purchase a temporary boating permit for Lake Panorama during their stay. These units are perfect if you have people visiting from out of town or family reunions. These units also are important to LPN because it makes it easier to sell golf packages, golf outings and other clubhouse events such as weddings.
Lodging reservations can be made by visiting www.lakepanoramanationa.com/lodging or by calling 641-755-2080 and selecting option 5.

Q. Can you tell us when the Links restaurant will reopen, and what people who have events coming up should do?
We continue to work out contract details with a potential food and beverage tenant for 2023. We don’t have any further details to announce at this time. When we do, details will be shared through the LPN Resort Weekly and Panorama Prompt email newsletters, as well as a special email blast to the Lake Panorama National and Panorama West memberships.
In the meantime, if you are looking to schedule an event in 2023 or have questions regarding an event already scheduled, send an email to events@lakepanorama.org. Then the appropriate contact will reach out to you.
To stay up to date on what’s happening at Lake Panorama National Resort, follow us on Facebook at LPNResort. If you don’t already receive the LPN Resort Weekly newsletter, which is published each Monday at noon, you can subscribe by visiting lakepanoramanational.com, then scroll to the footer and sign up under the “Stay Informed” section.

BUSINESS
HELPING OTHERS GUIDES FUNERAL HOME BUSINESS
Twiggs seek to lighten the burdens of people when they are at their weakest and give them the support they need.

Twiggfamily
Posted 01/10/2023
By Susan Thompson 
Lake Panorama Times

The family-owned Twigg Funeral Home, with locations in Panora and Guthrie Center, began in August 2000. That’s when Doug and Kathy Twigg purchased the Beidelman Funeral Home.
Doug Twigg graduated from the Wisconsin Institute of Mortuary Science in 1969 and received his funeral director license in October 1970. He worked for funeral homes in Estherville, Clarksville, Keokuk and Waterloo, then spent 16 years managing Bruce’s Funeral Home in Fort Dodge before purchasing the Beidelman Funeral Home.
Soon, their oldest son, Curtis, joined the business. Doug and Kathy lived at the Guthrie Center funeral home, while Curtis, his wife, Becky, and their two daughters moved into the funeral home in Panora.
“During high school, I didn’t really know what I wanted to do,” Curtis says. “But during my senior year, I started thinking the funeral business might be something I would be interested in. I started washing cars, vacuuming and cleaning at the funeral home Dad managed in Fort Dodge. Eventually, Dad bought me a suit, and I started helping with funerals.” 
After high school, Twigg started taking courses in a pre-mortuary science program at Iowa Central Community College in Fort Dodge. He and Becky married in August of 1991. In 1992, they moved to Houston, where he enrolled in the Commonwealth Institute of Funeral Service for a year-long program. 
The couple returned to Iowa in 1993, and Twigg served an internship at McLaren’s Funeral Home in West Des Moines.
“After a year, I received my funeral director’s license and stayed at McLaren’s for another year before we returned to Fort Dodge, and I started working for my dad in September of 1995,” he says.
The formation of the Twigg Funeral Home was something both Curtis and his father wanted.
“We were tired of working for a corporation and wanted to run our own funeral homes the way we thought they should be run,” Curtis says. “Our goal has always been to lighten the burdens of people when they are at their weakest and give them the support they need.”
“I chose this business because I wanted to help people during the worst time of their lives with a death of a loved one,” Curtis says. “I enjoy helping people in general. Now being in small communities in and around Panora and Guthrie Center, we know the people we are serving and appreciate the opportunity to help them.”
In October 2010, Doug and Kathy’s other son, Craig, joined the family business and made his home at the Guthrie Center funeral home. He graduated from the mortuary science program at San Antonio College in 2005 and worked in funeral homes in Waterloo, Dallas and San Diego, before moving to Guthrie Center. Doug retired two years later and passed away in June 2019.
Curtis Twigg is president of the business, with Craig as vice president. Their mother, Kathy, helps with visitations, funerals, answering phones and delivering death notices to area stores. Becky has been involved since the business began, but Curtis says in the early years her main job was raising the couple’s two daughters.
“Now that they are grown, she decided she wanted to help us out more with visitations, services and wherever needed,” he says.
The Twigg Funeral Home website (twiggfuneralhome.com) includes recent obituaries, plus a wealth of information on funeral service options and advance planning.
“People sometimes don’t think about how preplanning one’s own services will help their children or other survivors make arrangements after they pass away,” Twigg says. “The best thing to do is tell someone what type of services you would want. Any information will help the survivors.
“Whether it be a burial, cremation, memorial, celebration of life, visitation, graveside service and more, that’s what we are here for, to help with guidance into whatever services the family wants,” he says.
Twigg says the number of people who choose cremation is growing.
“I’ve been licensed almost 30 years, and cremation has gained in popularity, perhaps for financial reasons or the person just wanted something simple,” he says. “Most families still choose to have some sort of service, either a visitation, memorial service or celebration of life. We can either arrange to bury the cremains in the cemetery, or families can take the cremains home.”
Twigg recommends people write down vital statistical information for themselves, or for loved ones who may not have done any preplanning.
“We use that information for the death certificate and also for the obituary,” he says. “I’ve had some people write their own obituary before they die. People who want to preplan also can call us, and we can help them go through everything.” 
Services can be paid for in advance, as part of the preplanning process.
“We place the money in an irrevocable burial trust at the local bank, and it stays in that account until that person passes away,” Twigg says. “Another option is if the person has life insurance, they can make the funeral home the beneficiary, or we can assign a portion of that policy to pay for their services.”
Being involved in their communities is important to the Twigg family members. Curtis is a volunteer firefighter with the Panora Fire Department.
“I joined in 2005, and I’m currently the president and one of the assistant fire chiefs,” he says. “If I hadn’t chosen to be a funeral director, I would be a paid firefighter somewhere. It’s another way I’m helping people, and that’s what I enjoy doing.”
Curtis also is a member of the Panora Lions Club and the Panora Masonic Lodge. Craig is a member of the Guthrie Center Lions Club and the Guthrie Center Fire Department.
Does Twigg think preplanning might make a good 2023 New Year’s resolution?
“I feel the most important thing is to tell your family what you want if something happens to you,” he says. “I’ve had many families tell me they have no clue what type of services their loved one wanted. People don’t like to talk about death, but, unfortunately, it’s something that’s going to happen to all of us.”  

LPN FOOD, BEVERAGE TENANT PLANS ARE COMING TOGETHER 

Posted 01/10/2023
By Susan Thompson 
Lake Panorama Times

At his Dec. 2 GM Coffee, LPA general manager John Rutledge announced Lake Panorama National Resort has an “agreement in concept” with a food and beverage tenant.
“We don’t have a contract worked out yet, although contract development is underway, and our mutual goal is for them to take over April 1,” he said. “In January, we hope to hand off coordination of 2023 events that are planned for dates after April 1 to the new tenant.”
The LPN kitchen closed in July 2022, after the departure of several key kitchen personnel. Food caterers and LPN bartenders and servers made it possible to hold remaining 2022 events. A task force of LPA and LPN board members, plus volunteers with experience in the food and beverage industry, recommended the best long-term strategy is to lease the LPN food and beverage operation to a third-party vendor.
“The LPA and LPN boards both have been involved in this process for nearly a year,” Rutledge said. “It’s been a journey to find potential tenants who are both qualified and interested. We believe this is our best path forward to having a viable food and beverage operation. We understand the membership expects progress on this, and we’re all working toward that goal.”
Rutledge said that desire for progress reminded him of this quote from Robert Kennedy: “Progress is a nice word. But change is its motivator. And change has its enemies.”
“It is important for us to recognize that progress and change will go hand in hand as we forge ahead with this strategy,” Rutledge said. “We can’t have one without the other. I encourage our LPA members to be patient as this new tenant gets established, because change is going to happen if progress is to be achieved.”
Barry Monaghan, a member of the LPN board of managers who volunteered to oversee the LPN food and beverage team through the second half of 2022, led the effort to find a tenant. Speaking from the audience at the GM coffee, he provided additional background.
“We had a directive from the LPA board that they wanted to keep a restaurant open at the LPN,” Monaghan said. “We proved we can run events at the conference center by using members of the catering industry. But that doesn’t give us a restaurant. This is the only place in Guthrie County you can have a business lunch.”
Monaghan said targeted advertising and an email to the 4,700 members of the Iowa Restaurant Association resulted in just three contacts from potential tenants. After visiting the LPN, all had positive comments about the LPN kitchen and the conference center facility, but none were interested in further exploration.
“They all said we’re too far from the Des Moines metro area, and it’s too hard to get people to work here,” Monaghan said. “The couple we’re now working on a contract with know what they are doing. They are going to be a very good fit. When they first came to see the facilities, they were here for two-and-a-half hours, and they asked all the right questions. I’m very optimistic.”

Lake Panorama RIZ
Next Rutledge provided an update on the Lake Panorama Rural Improvement Zone (RIZ). He said the project to rip rap the south shore was about one-third complete by Dec. 1. JNC Construction, of Clearfield, began work Oct. 31 near the ski team dock and has been moving west.
“The contractor is doing a great job, and we’re pleased with this project, which is being funded by RIZ,” he said. “This project is on track to be completed by the end of December and will cost about $750,000.” (See related story on page 11.)
Another RIZ-funded project underway is expansion of an old sediment basin, which has been renamed the 180th Trail Basin. The basin is near the dredge operation, north of the debris trap in the upper basin. Spring Lake Construction was awarded a $3.2 million contract in August 2021, and RIZ expects the project to exceed $4 million in total cost once completed.
“This will be the basin we use for dredging spoils once the current basin is full,” Rutledge said. “This project is progressing but is somewhat slower than originally expected, and may stretch into another year. We’ll know more in the spring. All parties are working together cooperatively on this multi-year, multi-phase project.”
Rutledge said, in preparation for winter, the water level in the three wetlands was lowered.
“This was done before the first hard freeze to ensure the grouted rip rap is not shattered by freeze and thaw cycles,” he said. “We have worked with the DNR wildlife biologist at Bays Branch for guidance, as well as the Iowa Department of Agriculture and Land Stewardship and our engineers. We get some questions from hunters about why we lower these, but I can assure you our actions are not random.”
Rutledge said RIZ normally has several Dec. 1 filing deadlines, and all were completed in late November. “As LPA work tapers off in late fall, RIZ ramps up,” Rutledge said. “There is a lot of work to be done in the next few months as we look ahead to plans for 2023 and beyond.”
Rutledge also mentioned the Dec. 13 election for two members of the RIZ board, with trustees Bill Dahl and Corey Welberg both running for re-election. (See related story  on page 11 for results.)

LPA rule changes, other updates 
Turning to a review of LPA activities, Rutledge said updates have been made to three sections in the LPA rules and regulations. The water safety committee recommended two changes to the “Boats and Person Watercraft Equipment” section, which the LPA board approved at its November meeting.
The updated rules now state non-pontoon boats powered by outboard motors will be limited to not more than 300 horsepower. Also, jet-powered pontoons now are allowed, with a limit of no more than a 200-horsepower rating.
In the “Guest Privileges” section of the rules and regulations, LPA members still are responsible for the behavior and conduct of their guests, including boating violations, and are directly liable for any violation of LPA rules by their guests. Fines accrued by a guest will be issued to the member.
The rule change is that now guest vehicle operation and parking violations will be assessed directly to the non-member guest and will follow the same LPA schedule of fines and appeals process that applies to LPA members. Also, LPA management is authorized to issue a “no trespass notice” to non-members who have not paid their traffic and parking violations after 30 days.
The third rule change was made at the August board meeting and is under the category of “Property Care.” Rutledge highlighted this at his GM coffee in September, but because enforcement of the rule change raised some questions, he reviewed it again.
“The rule on what can be stored on undeveloped lots, which is a lot without a home, was adjusted to be more specific about what is allowed,” Rutledge said. “Previously, the rule was very narrow and allowed for only boat trailers. The LPA board expanded this rule to allow for utility trailers, but also directed staff to prioritize member education and rule enforcement regarding non-compliant trailers.”
“We’ve gotten some pushback from members who were storing trailers longer than 14-feet. The LPA board’s goal is to protect a member’s ability to store some items on their undeveloped lot without it looking like a junkyard,” he said. 
The full rule now states: “Boat/PWC trailers, and boats, PWCs, and non-enclosed utility trailers are the only property that may be stored on undeveloped lots. Utility trailers must have a current registration displayed, be open in design, not longer than a 14-foot model, and be completely empty. Recreational vehicles, campers, motor vehicles, enclosed trailers, dump trailers and other equipment storage are prohibited on undeveloped lots.”
Rutledge also talked about new policies adopted for fishing and parking at the marina.
“Marina fishing policies were discussed at the August and September board meetings, with a policy adopted in September,” he said. “After the policy was adopted, LPA received several member requests for reconsideration. The board revisited this policy at the November meeting and made adjustments based on feedback received via email and attendance at the November board meeting. I am pleased the second effort resulted in some worthwhile improvements and compromises.” (See related story below with the new policies listed.)
Rutledge reported the potable water crossing at Sunset Beach is complete.
“This project will cost close to $400,000 when engineering and construction costs are all accounted for,” he said. “It is in service, and we’re happy to relay it is functioning as designed.”
Besides this new water crossing at Sunset Beach, which replaced one that was more than 50 years old, there are three other water crossings that bring potable water from the west-side water plant to the east side. There are two in Burchfield Cove, one of which is substantial in size and was replaced in 2020. The second Burchfield line is a smaller, supplemental line. There also is a substantial crossing from Christmas Tree Point to Tie Road, which is scheduled for replacement in LPA’s five-year capital budget.
The annual LPA program to keep the Lake Panorama deer herd at a manageable level is underway. Hunters pay registration fees, and the money is used to provide free tags so hunters can harvest additional antlerless deer. In 2021, the LPA cost for the program was less than $1,000.
“We’re on track to have member hunters and their guests take between 100 and 110 antlerless deer this season,” Rutledge said. “This is similar to previous years, and we believe this is an ethical program that maintains a good deer herd balance.”
In anticipation of snow, Rutledge issued a reminder about the LPN snow removal plans.
“We don’t plow 24/7,” he said. “We start around 5 a.m. and generally send the crews home by 6 or 6:30 p.m. Our goal is to get our members home at the end of the day, then send the crews home to get some rest, so they can return early the next morning.”
In closing, Rutledge said the 2023 LPA budget was approved at the November board meeting.
“I was asked by one of our staff what I was going to say today about the decision to increase annual dues by 5%. My answer is we did 5% because current rules don’t allow us to go any higher,” he said. “This was a very difficult budget.”
“Labor and all our input costs are higher than a year ago,” Rutledge said. “As an example, diesel fuel pricing for 2022 is double what it was in 2021. Input costs have increased dramatically, and we’re still striving to catch up.”
Besides the dues increase of 5%, other increases for 2023 are boat stickers for 10-plus horsepower boats will be $200, up from $150. Boat stickers had not been increased since 2017. Camping rates and camper winter storage rates both increased by $100.
“Please know the LPA is still a very viable association; we’re doing OK financially,” Rutledge said. “But there is no way to sugarcoat the need for additional funds for the 2023 budget.” 

LPA MARINA FISHING AND PARKING POLICIES APPROVED

Posted 01/10/2023

The LPA board of directors has finalized fishing and parking policies at the marina. The topic of restricting fishing at the marina was discussed at both the August and September board meetings. After receiving member input at those meetings, modifications were made to the first draft. The board gave final approval to the following policies at its November meeting.

Marina Fishing Policy 
1. Fishermen may fish from shore year-round but may not block any parking space with chairs, coolers, or gear.
2. No fishing is allowed on the fuel dock from May 1 to Sept. 30. Fishing is allowed from the fuel dock from Oct. 1 to April 30, except during times when the marina is open for business. Marina shall indicate whether they are open or closed via clear signage.
3. Tenants of the jetty or the covered slips are allowed to fish from their own slip or jetty space year-round. Non-tenants are not allowed to access these areas for fishing or other purposes unless they are a guest and accompanied by a tenant. No more than three guests may accompany a member.
4. Everyone, including fishermen, must adhere to posted parking rules (see below).
5. Fishing at the marina is restricted to LPA members and their guests. Guests must be accompanied by an LPA member while fishing. LPA members shall not be accompanied by more than three guests at a time.
6. Anyone caught leaving behind bait, dead fish or other nuisance items may be fined and will be subject to suspension or loss of fishing privileges at the marina.
7. No fishing from the boat ramp or the docks adjacent to the boat ramp.

Marina Parking Policy 
1. From boat ramp south: Official use only for LPA or Marina
2. Between Chimra Road and Boat Ramp: WEST side: 15-minute parking (unless designated as handicap); EAST side: Official use only for LPA or Marina
3. Upper lot: Preferred parking spot for fishermen, slip tenants or others. No vehicle or trailer shall be parked here for more than 24 hours without permission of Marina or LPA.
4. Parking area north of slips: Slip and Jetty tenant parking only (including barge service personnel) between May 1 and Sept. 30. Fishermen may use this lot Oct. 1 to April 30.
5. Parking north of Chimra Road: Overflow slip tenant parking May 1 to Sept. 30. Official use only for LPA or Marina Oct. 1 to April 30.
6. LPA management and LPA security have the authority and sole discretion to require the removal of any vehicle, vessel or trailer from any parking space or area to ensure safe and accessible use of the marina. 

SOUTH SHORE RIP RAP PROJECT NEARS COMPLETION

Ssripraptrail
Posted 01/10/2023
By Susan Thompson 
Lake Panorama Times

A water quality project that has been discussed for many years is close to wrapping up. JNC Construction, of Clearfield, began work Oct. 31 to repair the rip rap along the south shore of Lake Panorama’s main basin.
A separate project to install new fish habitat along the south shore was made possible by a $20,000 contribution from the Lake Panorama Fin and Feather organization.
This rip rap project was funded by the Lake Panorama Rural Improvement Zone (RIZ). It’s estimated the final cost will be about $780,000, including engineering costs, permit fees and unit quantity adjustments.
Work began near the ski team dock and moved west, with the crew doing about 1,000-foot sections of shoreline at a time. The crew pulled all existing rock out of the bank and lake. Then they regraded the bank, laid fabric, and placed dolomite rip rap below the lake level up to the water elevation line. Once the dolomite was in place, the salvaged field stone was put back on top of the dolomite, above the water elevation line.
Since the JNC Construction crew was already on site, the company agreed to work with members from Fin and Feather to place eight rock piles at various locations along the shore, about 20 to 30 feet out from the bank. Each pile will hold 35 to 40 tons of rock. These rock piles will be well below the water line and will not create any kind of hazard to boat traffic.
To make it possible to move excavation equipment and loads of rock to the lake, the contractor created several small “roads” from the job site on level ground south of the lake down to the shoreline. As part of the contract, JNC will restore vegetation on these pathways as well as the flat area along the newly restored shoreline. The company expects to complete this project in January.
Earlier in the year, the LPA board approved a proposal from Friends of Lake Panorama to make improvements to several existing trail sections on the south shore. These new pathways created to accommodate the rip rap project will be incorporated into the trail system.
As part of this new trail system, Friends and LPA staff are working with Panorama Community Schools to create a cross country trail on the south shore. The official 3.1-mile cross country trail will begin on school property, continue onto the south shore for much of the course, and loop back to end on school property. Final details of the trail system will be developed in spring 2023.
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10 Squared Plus Men’s Group donates $18,700 to Brushy Creek Honor Flight

Posted 01/10/2023

Barry Monaghan of 10 Squared Plus Men’s group presented a check in the amount of $18,700 to the Brushy Creek Honor flight to Washington D.C., for Guthrie County Veterans. Pictured from left are Pat Lutz, Dave Carstens, Patrick Moylan, Paul Wendl and Barry Monaghan.

2023 REMINDERS FROM LAKE PANORAMA ASSOCIATION

Posted 01/10/2023

Included with the annual 2023 dues mailings is information for LPA members to know as the new year gets underway. Some key items are summarized here.
Dues and assessments are due by May 1, 2023. Finance charges of 1.5% per month will be charged on unpaid balances beginning on May 1. Members who used amenities in 2022 receive amenity statements for 2023. If there are changes in the amenities a member wants to purchase for 2023, contact the LPA office.
All dues and assessments must be paid prior to receiving boat or camping stickers. Current DNR registration copies and invasive species forms must be on file before boat stickers are issued.
Boaters who haven’t changed vessels from 2022 and who have all current information on file with the LPA do not need to complete a new invasive species form. RESIDENT vessels, which are boats used exclusively in Lake Panorama or on the Middle Raccoon River, can continue to use the round green invasive species sticker received in 2022. This green invasive species sticker must be displayed on the vessel along with the 2023 LPA sticker. If someone has lost the green sticker, they should contact the LPA office.
NON-RESIDENT vessels, which may be used on other water bodies, will be issued a new red 2023 sticker. All owners of non-resident boats will need to contact LPA Security for inspection prior to launch in 2023. Any changes to vessels registered and new DNR registrations should be emailed to boat@lakepanorama.org.
Registration is required for all docks, including floating docks. New members should update dock permit information with the Iowa DNR. All new permanent dock construction requires an LPA building permit. New and replacement dock signs must be ordered from the LPA. The form is available on the LPA website in the “Docks” folder. 
Building permits and land disturbing permits are required for most outdoor projects, including new builds, remodels, driveways and projects that disturb the land. Contact the LPA Office before starting any new project to see what is required. Owners must sign all permit applications. Members requesting variances must pay a fee and make the request by 4:30 p.m. by the first Monday of each month for consideration by the building committee.
The LPA office needs the most current member information, including mailing address, phone numbers and email addresses, in case the member needs to be contacted in an emergency. LPA does not use information from the website to update member contact information, so members need to call or email LPA with any changes. 
LPA office hours are 8 a.m. to 4:30 p.m., Monday through Friday. The phone number is 641-755-2301. Email is lpa@lakepanorama.org. The website is lakepanorama.org.
LPA Security is available 24/7. The Security department cooperates with local law enforcement, regularly patrols the entire lake, and enforces LPA rules, traffic and other regulations. Call Security’s phone number, 641-757-9035, to report issues. Call 911 or 641-747-2214 for fire or ambulance. 
Mary lou roth

OBITUARY
MARY LOU ROTH 

Posted 01/10/2023

Mary Lou Roth (Redfern) passed away in the early hours of Thursday, Dec. 1, 2022, at the Guthrie County Hospital at the age of 86. She was born Dec. 3, 1935, in Guthrie Center to Lyle and Margaret Redfern (Breitenstein). She was a woman who always shared her smile, kind words and wise advice with others and will be dearly missed.
She graduated from Guthrie Center High School in 1954. On July 21, 1956, she married Joseph Roth at her parents’ home in Guthrie Center. They began their life together in Ames, where Joe was a sports reporter covering Iowa State athletics. From there they moved to Audubon, Charles City, Clear Lake and Hampton where she worked alongside Joe in the newspaper business. During those decades, she lovingly raised three children, was active in the community and had many friends. She enjoyed playing cards, cribbage and other games and belonged to many bridge clubs.
Her home was in Hampton 1970-2001 until she and Joe retired to Lake Panorama. Mary Lou being from Guthrie Center and Joe being from Audubon meant they were surrounded by many family members and friends in retirement. They loved hosting guests, playing golf and enjoying lake life.
She is survived by her son, Chuck (Diane) Roth; daughter, Becky (Scott) Rolfes; son-in-law, Kevin Jacobs; seven grandsons and 11 great-grandchildren. She was preceded in death by her parents; five brothers; husband, Joe; daughter, Teresa (Kevin) Jacobs; and twin infant great-granddaughters, Ashley and Emily.
Cremation has taken place, and her ashes will be interred at the Pleasant Hill Cemetery, North Branch, Guthrie County with her husband, Joe. A Celebration of Life will be held at 2 p.m., Saturday, Jan. 14, at the Lake Panorama National Conference Center, 5071 Clover Ridge Road, Panora, Iowa, 50216. 

RECIPE
Accomplish health goals with better-for-you family meals

Salmon
Posted 01/10/2023
By Jolene Goodman

(Family Features) Setting out on a mission to eat healthier starts with creating goals and working to achieve them with those you love. To help make nutritious eating more manageable, call together your family and work with one another to create a menu everyone can enjoy while staying on track.
Connecting an array of recipes that all can agree on starts with versatile ingredients like dairy. Gathering at the table with your loved ones while enjoying delicious, nutritious recipes featuring yogurt, cheese and milk can nourish both body and soul.
For example, the key dairy ingredients in this recipe from Milk Means More provide essential nutrients for a healthy diet. The cheese varieties in feta roasted salmon and tomatoes provide vitamin B-12 for healthy brain and nerve cell development and are a good source of calcium and protein, which are important for building and maintaining healthy bones.
To find more nutritious meal ideas to fuel your family’s health goals, visit MilkMeansMore.org.

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

Feta roasted salmon and tomatoes
Recipe courtesy of Marcia Stanley, MS, RDN, culinary dietitian, on behalf of Milk Means More
Prep time: 15 minutes
Cook time: 15 minutes
Servings: 4

Nonstick cooking spray
3 cups halved cherry tomatoes
2 teaspoons olive oil
1 teaspoon minced garlic
1/2 teaspoon dried oregano or dried dill weed
1/4 teaspoon salt
1/2 teaspoon coarsely ground black pepper, divided
1 1/2 pounds salmon or halibut fillets, cut into four serving-size pieces
1 cup (4 ounces) crumbled feta cheese

Directions
Preheat oven to 425 F. Line 18-by-13-by-1-inch baking pan with foil. Lightly spray foil with nonstick cooking spray. Set aside.
In medium bowl, toss tomatoes, olive oil, garlic, oregano or dill weed, salt and 1/4 teaspoon pepper.
Place fish pieces, skin side down, on one side of prepared pan. Sprinkle with remaining pepper
Lightly press feta cheese on top of fish. Pour tomato mixture on other side of prepared pan. Bake, uncovered, 12-15 minutes, or until fish flakes easily with fork.
Place salmon on serving plates. Spoon tomato mixture over top.

TRISH HART'S NATURE PHOTO OF THE MONTH
BLUE JAYS CAN BE SEEN AT LAKE PANORAMA YEAR-ROUND

Hartbluejayjan2023
Posted 01/10/2023
By Susan Thompson 
Lake Panorama Times 

Blue jays are found year-round at Lake Panorama. This common, large songbird is present from Florida to southern Canada and as far west as Montana. They thrive in a variety of habitats but prefer wooded edges and oaks. Their fondness for acorns is credited with helping spread oak trees after the last glacial period.
Photographer Trish Hart, who lives with her husband, Scott, in a home in Andrew’s Cove, says blue jay numbers at their feeders increase in the winter.
“We feed them a mixture of black oil sunflower seeds, fruit and nut wild birdseed, and peanuts,” Trish says.
Blue jays sport brightly colored plumage of blue, white and black. The black bridle across the face, nape and throat varies extensively and may help blue jays recognize one another.
These birds are known for their intelligence and tight family bonds. Blue Jays are monogamous, and pairs may stay together for life. Nesting occurs during spring or early summer, and young jays fledge about three weeks after they hatch. Hart says she enjoys seeing the same blue jay couples and their fledgling babies each year.
The blue jay frequently mimics the calls of hawks. These calls may provide information to other jays that a hawk is around or may be used to deceive other birds into believing a hawk is nearby to clear out a birdfeeder for themselves.
Hart offers custom prints of her photos on canvas, paper, metal and glass. Learn more by visiting Nature’s Canvas Photography on Facebook. 
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COVE CAT

Posted 01/10/2023
By Cheryl Temple
Lake Panorama Times

Name: Loki
Age: 1 to 2 years old
Available for adoption at: Panora Pets

It’s the oldest story in the book. Person gets kitty, doesn’t get kitty fixed, kitty has litter after litter of kittens. Finally, after multiple litters, the owner surrendered the mama and her two teenagers, Loki and Lily. Lily has been adopted, but Loki is still waiting for his home. Loki loves attention from the volunteers and will follow them around begging for attention. He has a big ego and thinks he’s the boss of the shelter and all the other kitties. But, we love his energy, confidence and large purrsonality. Loki is a big strapping boy and keeps his dark jet-black coat groomed so that it shines, which sets off his deep golden eyes even that much more.
Fullsizeoutput f1a

LAKE DOG

Posted 01/10/2023
By Cheryl Temple
Lake Panorama Times

Name: Sadie
Age: 5
Breed: Labrador retriever
Owners: Jared, Bob and Samantha Willson

Sadie enjoys coming to visit on the weekends and spends most of her time in the water retrieving about anything she can. She also loves boat rides and chasing the geese. Sadie’s family, Bob and Samantha Willson, live at the lake part-time in Hughes Cove. Sadie is owned by Bob’s son, Jared, who visits on occasional weekends. Sadie’s biggest pet peeve? Not being able to haul the sticks from the lake into the house or back home with her.
Dockremoval1

WINTERIZING LAKE PANORAMA
Here’s a look at what Lake Panorama Association employees do each fall to get ready for winter. 

Posted 12/07/2022
By Susan Thompson 
Lake Panorama Times

As the winter months approach, owners of homes, boats and cars prepare for cold temperatures and freezing precipitation. Outdoor furniture is covered or moved inside. Boats not in protected coves come off lifts, are winterized and placed in storage. Ice scrapers removed from vehicles in the spring are put back into trunks. Snowblowers get a tune up, or homeowners make arrangements to hire snow removal from driveways and sidewalks.
Lake Panorama also requires winterization, and on a much grander scale. Following is a look at what Lake Panorama Association employees do each fall to get ready for winter.
First up is the lake itself. There are 80 buoys on Lake Panorama. LPA Security, led by Corey Larsen, works with the LPA maintenance crew, led by Mike Monthei, to spend at least a couple of days removing all the regulatory buoys from the lake and replacing those with smaller, winter buoys. The lake must be calm to get this job done. The smaller buoys are put in to hold the location of each buoy, so the following spring the regular buoys can be placed back in the same spot. Once removed from the lake, the buoys are power washed so these will be ready for installation in the spring.
The maintenance crew removes the debris trap that is at the north end of the lake, an annual task that requires calm conditions and all-hands-on-deck. It takes a full day to pull the debris trap out of the lake, power wash it, and store it on racks near the dredge dock. The debris trap is reinstalled in the spring, as soon as possible after ice leaves the lake.
The same crew spends a couple of days taking all the roll-off docks at the three beaches out of the water, which increases the life span of the docks. At the same time, the crew pulls in the ropes for the swim areas to avoid any harm from ice buildup. The swim ropes are left along each beach. Members are asked not to drive golf carts, snowmobiles or other recreational vehicles in these areas to avoid running over the ropes and buoys.
Lake Panorama currently is protected by three wetlands that help improve overall water quality. The wetlands slow water moving towards the lake, allowing silt to settle out. Wetlands also reduce nitrogen and phosphorus levels and improve water quality. In the fall, Lane Rumelhart, LPA project manager, lowers the water level in each wetland 12 to 18 inches to make sure ice doesn’t build up around the control structures.
“This also helps keep ice from damaging the wetland shorelines,” Rumelhart says. “In the spring, I reverse the process, raising the pool levels to contain as much water as possible so silt can settle out from nearby farm fields. There is visible silt in all the wetlands, so we know they are doing their job.”
Mike Gliem, who heads the LPA water department, keeps a close eye on fall weather forecasts. Right before cold weather arrives, he and his crew go to all three beach restrooms, both campground restrooms, and the restrooms on both golf courses, to shut off the water. The crew then blows out whatever water is left in the pipes to ensure no water is in the system that could freeze pipes. Gliem also winterizes the dog park water features and blows out the water lines at the LPN swimming pool.
Monthei’s maintenance crew works ahead to get sand and salt mixes ready to be applied for the first snowfalls of winter. The crew is able to mix a brine (saltwater) to apply to roads ahead of forecasted snow. It’s possible to store 3,000 gallons of brine at the LPA maintenance facility, which is how much is needed to apply one layer to all of LPA’s roads one time. The crew also prepares a sand/salt mix to put down on the roads after these have been plowed.
Throughout the winter, the maintenance department runs five snowplow trucks on four routes and parking lots. The crew works to remove snow early in the morning before normal working hours. There are 35 miles, which translates into 70 miles for both lanes, of LPA roads that get cleared. The crew will work until 6-7 p.m. either plowing snow or putting down brine to help melt snowfall, so residents who commute can travel home safely. The same crew members then turn around and return early the next morning, around 5 a.m.
Finally, members may have noticed LPA employees in late fall pulling vegetation out alongside the roads, which is done to help improve winter road conditions. As days get shorter, LPA needs to maximize the amount of sunlight that hits the road surface. Most of what is pulled out are invasive honeysuckle and autumn olive plants, or noxious cedar trees. Clearing these areas also make the roads safer because of increased visibility for motorists.
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SUNSET BEACH SPORTS COURT COMPLETED
A total of $17,500 from the Friends of Lake Panorama’s 2022 Beach Ball was earmarked for this project.

Posted 12/07/2022
By Susan Thompson 
Lake Panorama Times

The new sports court at Sunset Beach was completed the last week in November. The Friends of Lake Panorama board of directors had discussed a basketball half-court at Sunset Beach for several years. The LPA board approved the project in June 2021.
The idea of expanding the basketball court to include pickleball was raised at a Friends informational meeting at Sunset Beach last summer. Adding an extra 10 feet to the original plan made it possible to accommodate both basketball and pickleball.
A total of $17,500 from the Friends of Lake Panorama’s 2022 Beach Ball was earmarked for this project. Mark and Karen Einck donated $25,000 for the court, with another $5,500 received from other donors.
The 40-foot by 60-foot concrete pad was poured Oct. 26. Sport Construction Midwest employees installed a Goalsetter MVP hoop, placed sports court tile on the concrete and painted lines for both basketball and pickleball. An 8-foot fence with one gate surrounds the court.
Black paint shows the basketball free throw line, lane and three-point arc. The basketball lane is green tile. The regulation-sized pickleball court also is green tile, painted with white lines. The rest of the court is covered in blue tile.
A portable pickleball net on wheels has been purchased that can be stored along the fence when not in use and rolled into place when desired. It will be added to the court in the spring.
Also in the spring, the ground around the court that was disturbed during construction will be seeded to grass, and white gravel will be added around the perimeter of the fence to act as a weed barrier and fill in the small gap between the fence and the court.
Two signs will be added to the fence. One will recognize donors who gave $500 or more to the sports court project. The other will state dogs are not allowed on the court.

DOG PARK ADDITIONS, NEW BENCH AT BOULDER BEACH

Craigbench
Posted 12/07/2022
By Susan Thompson 
Lake Panorama Times

Two other smaller Friends of Lake Panorama projects also are complete. In October, Larry Isom with Isom Tree Farm planted four Autumn Blaze Maple trees at the Lake Panorama dog park. The trees were purchased by Friends, while Isom volunteered to plant the trees, plus water as needed.
The Friends board used $4,500 from the 2022 Beach Ball profits to purchase the four trees, plus two benches that will be secured to concrete pads. The concrete pads were poured in October. The two benches have arrived and will be assembled and installed in December.
A new memorial bench has been added to the Boulder Beach playground. The bench was ordered more than a year ago, but material shortages and manufacturing delays meant it wasn’t delivered and installed until mid-November.
Funds donated to Friends of Lake Panorama were used to purchase the bench, which is in memory of Craig Thompson. Thompson passed away in March 2018 after a long illness. Although a Georgia resident for many years, he was raised in Iowa and enjoyed family visits to Lake Panorama.
The bench sits at an angle in the northeast corner of the mulched area surrounding playground equipment that was installed at Boulder Beach in 2021, funded by Friends of Lake Panorama. The bench provides great views of both the playground and the lake.