LIBRARY NEWS
OUTDOOR PING PONG TABLE ADDED TO PANORA LIBRARY OFFERINGS
The family of Sam Conti donated $5,000 as a memorial gift, and the library foundation added another $3,000 from other donors to purchase the table. 

Netplacement
Posted 07/12/2023
By SUSAN THOMPSON
Lake Panorama Times

It was 2018 when the Panora Library added several outdoor musical instruments to an area south of the building. On June 29, another new play thing was added nearby, but it isn’t a musical instrument — it’s a ping pong table.
Dave Grove has been a member of the Panora Library board of directors for 10 years and currently serves as vice president. He promoted the idea of the music park more than five years ago and also presented the idea of the ping pong table this spring.
“Sara and I took our children to San Antonio this winter and played outdoor ping pong at Hemisfair Park,” Grove says. “I did a little research after we returned, and once I knew it was cold-weather friendly, I presented the idea to our library board and then the Panora city council.”
The table is made of concrete. A heavy metal “net” has the words Panora Public Library cut into the metal.
“I find ping pong to be a sport for all ages,” Grove says. “Much like the music park, it can be enjoyed by all. It expands our mission of providing educational and family-friendly services at no cost to the public.”
The family of Sam Conti donated $5,000 as a memorial gift, and the library foundation added another $3,000 from other donors to purchase the table.
“The paver pad to place the table on was a joint community effort,” says Grove. “A big thank you to Josh Arganbright for donating his time, resources and labor, and another big thanks to Lake Lumber for donating the pavers. Then the Gerth and Grove families, along with Chris Hastings, finished up the pad.”
Ping pong paddles and balls are stored on a rack under the table or can be borrowed from inside the library during open hours.
“I think this project highlights what makes our community so great,” Grove says. “First, the generosity of individuals to give back to the community. Second, the open minded and progressive mindset of our library board and director Kim Finnegan. And finally, the spirit of volunteerism that makes people stop what they are doing and say, ‘Sure I can help.’ Projects like this are so rewarding to see the teamwork in action.” 

RECIPE
BRING BRUNCH FAVORITES TO THE TABLE

16685 vid brunch board with a twist
Posted 07/12/2023
By JOLENE GOODMAN
Lake Panorama Times

(Family Features) Few things go together like the weekend and brunch. Whether that means gathering with family, friends or a combination of both, it’s the perfect time to slow down and bring your loved ones together for a lighthearted meal.
Catering to a variety of different palates requires a diverse menu of dishes ranging from fresh fruit and baked goods to proteins and more. A key ingredient to bring any spread together: Envy apples, which are a natural cross between Braeburn and Royal Gala apples.
With their beautifully balanced sweetness, uplifting fresh aroma, delightfully satisfying crunch and bright red skin that sometimes features a golden blush, they can be served fresh or paired with other brunch favorites in shareable dishes like the Brunch Board with a Twist. Plus, their naturally white flesh doesn’t brown as quickly as other apples, making them easy to savor while enjoying time with loved ones.

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

BRUNCH BOARD WITH A TWIST
Ingredients:
• 2 Envy Apples, sliced
• boiled eggs, halved
• cooked bacon
• bananas, sliced berries
• miniature pancakes
• edible flowers, for garnish
• 2-3 Envy Apples, for garnish

Directions:
On breakfast platter, artfully arrange sliced apple, halved boiled eggs, bacon, bananas, berries and pancakes.
Garnish with edible flowers and whole apples.
Groupfinalday

JUNIOR GOLFERS LEARN FUNDAMENTALS, ETIQUETTE AND RULES
Young people ages 5 to 17 are eligible to attend the annual school, held on three Wednesdays each session.

Posted 07/12/2023
By SUSAN THOMPSON
Lake Panorama Times

There were 22 young golfers who participated in the June session of the 2023 Lake Panorama National Junior Golf School. Another 24 are participating this month. Young people ages 5 to 17 are eligible to attend the annual school, held on three Wednesdays each session.
The juniors learn full swing, pitching, chipping and putting fundamentals along with golf etiquette and rules of golf. Participants are divided into age groups and rotate between the putting green, chipping area and driving range. At the end of the hour-and-a-half sessions, the juniors head to Spikes to choose a free drink. A final event is held at Panorama West with the juniors playing a few holes before a pizza party and receiving a gift bag.
Rob Riggins, LPN head golf professional, and Michael Kleinwolterink, LPN pro shop manager, led the golf school. Assisting were Dylan Douglass, Kolby Shackelford, Maddox Hammerstrom, Austin Block, Zander Hammerstrom and Kaden Thompson.
Two sponsors have supported the school for many years — Lake Panorama Association and Guthrie County State Bank. Sponsor funds make it possible to give the junior golfers a gift bag on the final day of each session filled with two free rounds of golf at Panorama West, three sleeves of golf balls and a bag of golf tees. Sponsor funds also were used to purchase chipping and driving targets, plus emoji golf balls given to the kids for contests and prizes.

MAKING LPA GOLF COURSES COLORFUL
Volunteers plant, weed and water throughout the golf season to provide additional beauty to the fairways, greens and trees.

Shanellbill (cropped)
Posted 07/12/2023
By SUSAN THOMPSON
Lake Panorama Times

The two golf courses owned by the Lake Panorama Association — Lake Panorama National and Panorama West — have colorful landscaped areas each summer because of a league of volunteers. These volunteers plant, weed and water throughout the golf season to provide additional beauty to the fairways, greens and trees.
At Panorama West, there are raised brick planters on each tee box. Volunteers for 2023 are Virgil and Barb Hoehne, first hole; Bill and Karen Eby, second hole; Lyle and Paula Hansen, third hole; Chan Rivera, fourth hole; Trent and Sheryl Crawmer, fifth hole; Dick Ellis, sixth hole; John and Sue Crawmer, seventh hole; Jim and Emily Spradling, eighth hole; and Jay and Sue Merryman, ninth hole.
Bob White cares for the par 4 tee box on the second hole. The Panora Garden Club did a general spring cleanup around the clubhouse. Paul McCool manages the bluebird houses on the course. Those interested in helping in 2024 can contact Maureen Lubeck, Panorama West clubhouse manager, at mlubeck@lakepanorama.org, or call the pro shop at 641-755-2250.
At Lake Panorama National, five ornamental trees purchased by Friends of Lake Panorama have been planted this year.
Near Spikes, volunteers Shanell Wagler and Bill Winkleblack removed much of the vegetation surrounding the building, leaving some perennial flowers. In late June, they planted three Cleveland pear trees — one south of Spikes, one north of the scoreboard, and a third between the putting green and the first hole.
In early May, two redbud trees and perennial flowers were planted near the east entrance to the LPN event center by Wagler, Sue Merryman and Chris Cox, LPN maintenance.
Many more volunteers are involved in planting and maintaining other areas near the event center and around the LPN course.
On the first tee, Deb McDermott and Danielle Navarro manage the landscaped areas around the flagpole and near the back tee box. Trish Steffen handles the area on the back tees on the second hole. Doug and Dee Eckley manage the tee box on the third hole. This year, they put a new coat of paint on the two trellises, where clematis plants are growing.
Sherri Miller keeps annual and perennial flowers growing on both tee boxes on the fourth hole. Bill Winkleblack manages the flower bed that runs along the rail fence behind the back tees on the fifth hole. Darwin and Janet Luing care for the forward tees on that hole. Dave and Nancy Clawson manage perennial plantings along the pond.
The Kluster Klub has taken on the forward tee box on the sixth hole this year. Darwin and Janet Luing oversee the back tee box on the seventh hole, and Kathy Moline handles the front tee box on that hole. Sue Greiner plants annuals each year on tee boxes on the eighth hole. New this year is Chris Duree planting and tending a large area of annuals next to the ninth tee box. Duree also has pots of pink petunias both at Spikes and the east side of the event center.
Moving to the back nine, Ann Appleseth is managing the forward tee box on the 10th hole. Shanell Wagler has both tee boxes on the 11th hole, and Kim Kent has tee boxes on the 12th hole. Barb Wollner plants flowers behind the forward tee on the 13th hole. Jolene Wright adopted the 14th hole in 2022. Rod and Pam Robson have adopted the back tee on the 15th hole, and Carla Fitzgerald has the forward tee on that hole. Matt and Marilyn Schultes have the 16th tee, and Dee Tometich and Deb McDermott manage the 17th tees.
Near the event center, the landscaped area on the east side of building is handled by Sue Merryman, who also tends to the Irv Gerlich Memorial area north of the building. Mare and Rick Langel manage the area under the LPN sign on the east side, plus two landscaped areas on the west side of the building near the pro shop.
Bill Winkleblack cares for landscaped beds around the swimming pool, and Shanell Wagler cares for areas along the sidewalk to the pro shop.
One area up for adoption on the LPN golf course is around the restroom between the 12th and 13th holes. Those interested in volunteering at Lake Panorama National can contact Shanell Wagler at shanell.wagler@gmail.com or 515-371-0505. 

PANORAMA WEST 2-GAL TOURNAMENT HOSTS 72 PLAYERS

Winners (cropped)
Posted 07/12/2023
By SUSAN THOMPSON
Lake Panorama Times

The Panorama West women’s golf league hosted a 2-gal best-shot tournament Tuesday, June 13. A total of 36 teams participated with players from Panora, Guthrie Center, Jefferson, Audubon and surrounding communities. The tournament theme was “Golfing with the Stars.”
The theme was highlighted with trivia questions about Hollywood stars posted on each hole on the golf course and shiny disco balls hanging from the ceiling in the community room. Eighteen potted plants were given away as raffle prizes, as were many items donated by area businesses and tournament supporters.
Jolene Wright won one of the special events, which was longest putt on the fourth hole. Jenny Wills won the other special event, which was closest to the pin on the eighth hole.
Cash prizes were awarded to the top three teams in five flights. Winners of the championship flight were Sharon Wedemeyer and Kathy DeLucca with a score of two-over-par 29. The team of Carla Fitzgerald and Susan Thompson also scored a 29 and took second place after losing the scorecard playoff. The team of Connie Hamilton and Nancy Scheffers took third place with a score of 30.
The tournament was followed by a buffet lunch at the Panorama West Clubhouse, catered by Paul Wendl. Tournament committee members were Emily Spradling, Nini Von Bon, Beth Muenzenberger, Rhoda Williams and Linda Wendl.

THE RED, WHITE AND BLUE — OVER GREEN

Dji fly 20230704 125636 175 1688506132611 photo
Posted 07/12/2023
Photo by SAM LORENZ
Special to the Lake Panorama Times

Lyle Hansen, Chip Hansen and Graydon Schmidt painted the U.S. flag on the yard of the Hansen residence at 6312 Panorama Drive. This meticulous project has become a tradition, and the flag can be seen by boats passing by at Lake Panorama.

Trish Hart’s nature photos of the month
MEAL TIME FOR BLUEBIRD FAMILY

Dadfeeds1
Posted 07/12/2023
By SUSAN THOMPSON
Lake Panorama Times

It was May 31 when nature photographer Trish Hart went outside to fill the bird feeders on her deck and discovered four baby Eastern Bluebirds and their parents on a feeder and in a nearby tree.
“Dad was busy feeding the hungry new fledglings their breakfast as Mom watched from the corner of the deck,” Trish says. “I’m convinced they’re from the same families we feed year-round, because they weren’t afraid of me at all. It was so adorable to witness.”
Trish and her husband, Scott, live full-time at Lake Panorama and have several different types of bird feeders on their deck.
“The bluebirds love dried mealworms,” Trish says. “We keep their feeder full through Iowa winters so they can count on a consistent food source. Besides mealworms, they enjoy berries and seeds.”
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, which they do at the Hart house.
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.
Hart offers custom prints of her photos on canvas, paper, metal and glass. Learn more by visiting Nature’s Canvas Photography on Facebook.
Corn kings

CORN KINGS

Posted 07/12/2023
Photo by BETTY COOPER
SPECIAL TO THE LAKE PANORAMA TIMES

Yale held its Fourth of July celebration on July 3-4 with many events including a street dance, 5K Fun Run/Walk, pickle ball tournament, softball tournament, car show, bathtub races, fireworks and a festive parade that included the return of the popular American Legion Post 687 Corn Kings. Look for more photos in the July 13 issue of the Guthrie County Times Vedette.
Lpt july 2023

LAKE DOG & COVE CAT

Posted 07/12/2023

By CHERYL TEMPLE
Lake Panorama Times

LAKE DOG
Name: Gilligan
Owners: Chad and Shannon Tope
Gilligan is an English Bulldog that turned 6 this spring. Chad said since high school that he was going to have an English bulldog and name it Gilligan. Thirty years later, this sweet girl made it into their lives, and they say they have laughed every day since. Gilligan will come running to many names: Gilligan, Gilly, Nugget or her rapper’s name, G-wiggle (given to her by the Topes’ son). Gilligan hasn’t met a stick it didn’t like. Everyone seems surprised at how much Gilligan loves the water and can even swim. Gilly never misses a golf cart ride or a boat ride. On a warm day, you will find Gilligan at one of four places: laying in a plastic pool, playing at the neighbor’s beach, or sitting on a rock in the water down by the boat. Gilligan never wants to miss the action, so just look for the bulldog with a bright orange life-vest jumping off the back of a boat.

COVE CAT
Name: Miss Penny
Age: 10
Owner: Erica Matthies
Miss Penny is a rescue that loves being an indoor/outdoor cat. Soaking up the sunshine is a favorite activity. Miss Penny recently decided to try going for a boat ride and even driving with Darrell. Penny is known to rule the house over her two dog brothers, Russell and Wilson, and gets lots of love from her human twin sisters, Knox and Lenox.

ON THE LAKE
A sunken boat, an appreciation of nature, the ski team and some more lake humor

Shane june 2022
Posted 06/07/2023

Boats don’t sink at Lake Panorama very often, and thank goodness. When they do, the rumors fly, especially on social media. We covered the story of the boat that sank on May 20 on Lake Panorama first in the May 25 edition of the Guthrie County Times Vedette and are republishing it here in the Lake Panorama Times. We were able to interview the boat owner, Gary (Scott) Sams, and he was kind enough to share his thoughts about the incident.
The vessel was removed on May 21 by a recovery team from Okoboji, as well as Danny Cunningham, owner of Lake Panorama Barge Service, who assisted with the company’s telehandler unit. In our story, LPA General Manager John Rutledge addressed concerns from members regarding a vessel from Okoboji being used for the recovery of the sunken boat, as Okoboji is known to have zebra mussels. He explained the LPA’s role and assured the membership that no special exceptions to the invasive species rules were given.
We appreciate the opportunity to set the record straight and squash the rumors and inaccuracies that circulated so quickly on social media sites. And meanwhile, I think of this unfortunate incident each time I get in our boat, as it is a good reminder for all of us to have a checklist and work through it before each ride.

An appreciation of nature — and Trish Hart
East side or west side? It’s a common debate among Lake Panorama residents on which is the best area to live. In my experience, the east-siders prefer the golfing and dining amenities more, while the west-siders appreciate nature. I am in the latter group, as I would rather go to the dentist than golf. Meanwhile, I do enjoy the wildlife and am especially thankful to Trish Hart for providing wonderful images for the pages of Lake Panorama Times. Spring and early summer bring a flurry of younglings to the area, and we share some of the wonderful images that Trish captured in this issue.

Ski team
Be sure to read this month’s cover story on the Lake Panorama Ski Team. Susan Thompson shares the history of the group along with its recent organizational changes. I continue to be impressed with the skills and dedication that these skiers show, especially at the Panorama Days ski show. If you haven’t seen it in person, make time to do so this year.

Lake humor
Here is some boating humor that will hopefully bring a chuckle: A very nervous first-time boater says to the skipper, “Do boats like this sink very often?” “Not too often,” replied the skipper. “Usually only once.”
Too soon? Maybe.
OK, here’s a more subtle joke more of you may appreciate: Give a man a fish, and he’ll eat for a day. Teach a man to fish, and he’ll sit in a boat and drink beer all day.
If your wife thinks that one is funny, tell her this one: I got a boat for my wife. Best trade I’ve ever made.

Have a great June, and thanks for reading.

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

FEATURE
LAKE PANORAMA SKI TEAM BUILDS ON LONG TRADITION

Pyramid
Posted 06/07/2023
By Susan Thompson
Lake Panorama Times

In the early 1980s, a ski team from Waterloo performed a couple of times at Panorama Days. In 1985, a newly formed Lake Panorama ski team presented its first show, and the annual tradition has continued since then. The 2023 ski show will be Saturday, Aug. 5, at 2:30 p.m.
In 2019, Dan and Kathy York participated in their 35th annual Panorama Days ski team show, meaning they’ve been a part of it since the beginning. Dale Hallberg managed the team the first few years, with the help of the Yorks and other early team members. Over time, the Yorks began to handle most of the organizational details.
In 2023, the Yorks continue to be involved. But now other ski team enthusiasts have stepped up to lighten the load they carried for so many years. A board of directors has been formed, officers elected, bylaws established, and 501(c)3 nonprofit status obtained.
Heather Isom is the board vice president. She handles communications for the team and organizes team practices.
“In 2020, there was no ski show because of COVID restrictions,” Isom says. “We started to realize there were no backups for anything. Our ski team was shrinking, and volunteers were becoming scarce.”
Isom said after the 2022 show, a group of ski team members got together to discuss a number of things, including the team’s future.
“We started talking about ‘what-ifs’ with ski team practice, and talked about what other ski teams do,” she says. “It led to a discussion about becoming a nonprofit and legal business so we would have better insurance coverage, we would be legally established for the future, and so on. The more everyone talked about it, the more we decided it was time.”
Mark Woods is board president. He joined the team in 2017. Also on the team are his wife, Penny, son, Nate, and daughter, Julia. Woods says his favorite thing about ski team is performing with his family and meeting new people. He handled the bulk of the work to get the ski team nonprofit status, and all legal and insurance documents in order.
As board treasurer, David Dwyer handles the financial aspects of the ski team. He also worked closely with Woods to make sure all necessary waivers were signed, and the team’s bylaws are in order. Terry Huerter is the board secretary. He is in charge of all the ski team’s notes, paperwork and contacts.
Amy Post is director of activities. She leads a small group of volunteers who deal with the team’s show order, acts, skits, music, dates and times. She also makes sure everyone knows water safety and helps teach the acts.
Isom says the new, more formal structure, already is paying dividends.
“Now past ski team members are coming back, and we have more help than ever before,” she says. “We have back up boat drivers, plus additional help with acts and skiing development.”
The team’s home base moved around over the years. It started at Shady Beach but also was at Boulder Beach, Sunset Beach and the marina before moving to the south shore in 2008. The LPA mows the hillside area throughout the summer season. LPA Lake Security helps keep boaters away during practices and the ski show.
The team practices each Thursday, with the first practice of 2023 held May 18. During the last two weeks of July, the team also practices on Tuesday, as they put the finishing touches on the Panorama Days ski show. Practices begin at 6 p.m. and usually run about two hours.
Each show also lasts about two hours and has a theme. The theme this year is Willy Wonka, and Kathy York is creating the costumes. Music tied to the theme is broadcast with each performance. There is barefoot skiing, skiers on stools and round disks, and acts specially designed for the youngest team members. Several acts involve pyramids. Each show includes a series of skits performed on land, giving the water time to calm down.
Freewill donations collected during a 10-minute intermission at the annual show help cover gas in the boats, team insurance, equipment and equipment maintenance, costumes and props. Because of the ski team’s new nonprofit status, donations collected at the ski show, plus made directly in other ways, now are tax deductible.
The ski team currently has around 80 members, with about 50 who actually ski.
“Others, like me, are boat drivers, some run the skier pickup boat, some help with costumes and other things needed on land,” Isom says. “In the summer, you often can find most ski team members tied up together by the dam for some quality socializing. We are like a family, and get together often.”
Isom says almost half of the skiers are youth, and that’s how her family got involved. In 2014, her husband, Larry Isom, wanted to have a family activity with their 5-year-old daughter, Danica.
“Our neighbors were heavily involved in ski team and thought we should join. Larry took Danica to ski team practice one night, and they both loved it,” Heather Isom says. “Our neighbors worked with Danica, teaching her how to ski, and also worked with Larry. It’s quite different doing a dock start versus traditional water start with skiing.”
Now their 10-year-old son, Clint, is skiing.
“It’s really a fun family activity for all of us,” Heather says. “I don’t know how to ski and am very happy on shore helping in other ways. Larry can be found on the dock helping get skiers organized and coiling ropes after acts. The ski team group feels like a unique extended family. We are all so different and have fun together. Each person brings something different to the group, and they all jump in to help.”
The Lake Panorama ski team also is a family affair for Laura (Lefkow) Eslinger, who has been on the team since 2005. Her parents and three siblings also are on the team, as are her two children, Evelyn, age 7, and Ella, age 4. Her mom, Liz, does ropes in the ski boat and her dad, Bruce, helps on the dock. Eslinger says her favorite thing about being a part of the ski team is making new friends and spending time on the lake.
New members of all ages are welcome to join the ski team. The only requirement is membership in the Lake Panorama Association. If someone is interested in learning more about being a ski team member, they can go to the south shore at 6 p.m. any Thursday between now and Aug. 5 to check it out.
Those interested in making a tax-deductible donation can send a check, payable to Lake Panorama Ski Team, to P.O. Box 384, Panora, Iowa, 50216.  n

LOCAL NEWS
Boat sinks at Lake Panorama

Img 20230520 184414
Posted 06/07/2023
By Shane Goodman
and Cyote Williams

Lake Panorama Times

A 2006 Rinker boat gathered water and submerged on May 20 at Lake Panorama. The boat is registered to Gary (Scott) Sams, a Lake Panorama Association member. The vessel was removed on May 21 by a recovery team from Okoboji, as well as Danny Cunningham, owner of Lake Panorama Barge Service, who assisted with the company’s telehandler unit.
“It went quick,” said Sams. “From the time I noticed to when it was down was about five to six minutes, there was no time to do anything differently. Just a freak deal.”
Sams said he assumes the boat is totaled.
“When a boat is submerged for that long, that’s what’s most likely,” he said. “All of the most expensive components on the boat are electrical. It’s kind of the same deal as when a car floods. Even if you do get it running again, it’ll have electrical problems for the rest of its life.”
Sams said, regardless of the outcome, he doesn’t want the boat again after this ordeal. Meanwhile, he is still puzzled on the cause.
“I’m not 100% sure on what the issue was,” said Sams. “If I had to guess, it would be that it blew off the water return line in an engine compartment, but I’d say it was a mechanical failure.”
There were no personal injuries involved with the incident.
“LPA is grateful no one was injured when the vessel became submerged,” said John Rutledge, LPA general manager. “Fortunately, this is a rare occurrence at Panorama.”
Rutledge said in events of this nature, the  LPA’s role is twofold. First, to ensure the submerged vessel is marked with a lighted hazard buoy. And second, to ensure any equipment involved in the recovery of the submerged vessel has been thoroughly inspected for invasive species.
“We are pleased to report both of those roles were successfully fulfilled,” Rutledge said.
 Lake Panorama Association management sent a notice to its members via email on Saturday, stating, “The equipment used for the recovery will be carefully inspected before launch by LPA security to ensure no invasive species,” referencing the ongoing efforts to keep the invasive Zebra mussels out of Lake Panorama.
A handful of LPA members did express concern on social media sites regarding a vessel from Okoboji being used for the recovery, as Okoboji is known to have Zebra mussels.
“The LPA completes over 250 boat inspections annually to verify compliance with horsepower, length and invasive species regulations,” said Rutledge. “We take this responsibility very seriously and can assure the membership no special exceptions to our invasive species rules were given.”
 Sams has some advice for all boat operators to avoid a scenario like his.
“Go through your checklist,” he said. “Check on the drain plug and the battery, etc. I will never launch a boat again without having that door/latch open for those first couple feet of water so I can be sure everything is going well at the start.”

EVENTS
Fin & Feather annual banquet and fundraiser

Img 5118
Posted 06/07/2023
By SHANE GOODMAN
Lake Panorama Times

The Fin & Feather annual banquet and fundraiser was held Saturday, May 13 at Lake Panorama National Resort. More than 160 people attended the event that will net more than $18,000, all of which will be spent on stocking fish in the lake this fall.
Fin & Feather was formed in 1984 by a group of people who wanted to improve fishing at Lake Panorama. The dam was completed in 1970, and the lake filled from the flow of the Middle Raccoon River. At that time, the naturally occurring species of fish in the Middle Raccoon were largemouth bass, crappie, catfish and carp. Members wanted to expand fishing options to include walleye.
The group has continued ever since and experimented with various fish stocking strategies, which has led to stocking roughly 270,000 fish in the lake. Walleye do not naturally reproduce in Lake Panorama, which is why annual stocking is undertaken. Fin & Feather continues to look at ways to increase the fishery, such as completing an electrofishing audit to determine the health and numbers of different species of fish.
The formation of this independent group has provided a significant boost to fishing conditions at Lake Panorama. Fin & Feather’s efforts extend not only to Lake Panorama but also to the section of the Middle Raccoon River that lies below the LPA dam. This area represents some of the best river fishing that can be found in central Iowa.
The chair of the 2023 Fin & Feather Committee is Damon Cradall, and Scott Stanley serves as co-chair. Doug Hemphill is the treasurer, and John Rutledge is the secretary. Other members include John Muenzenberger, Steve Brannan, Mark Buster, Ted Reeve, Ben Hayes, Bill Eby, Galen Johnson, Galen Redshaw, Jacob Bendickson, Rich Schumacher, Lane Rumelhart, Corey Larsen and Brad Bendickson.
Lake Panorama Fin & Feather Association is a 501(c)3 nonprofit entity, operated by volunteers, dedicated to maintaining and improving recreational fishing at Lake Panorama. All donations are tax-deductible. If you are interested in joining Fin & Feather, or have any questions, speak with any committee member listed above.

BUSINESS
LOCAL INVESTORS OPEN LOCAL LIQUOR
Store has a wide selection of liquors, wines and whiskeys from around the world and about 500 different cigars to choose from in the only walk-in humidor in Guthrie County. 

Localliquorribbon
Posted 06/07/2023
By Susan Thompson
Lake Panorama Times

A ribbon cutting and open house took place in mid-May for the first and only stand-alone liquor store in Guthrie County. A group of local investors opened Local Liquor, which is located at 603 East Main St. in Panora, in September 2022. The owners are Rob and Pam Robson, Steve and Christina Ahrendsen, and Ted and Katie Hawley.
“Last summer our group noticed it was hard to find certain items in Panora,” says Steve Ahrendsen. “And during busy summer weekends, a lot of the places in town were out of stock. We thought there was a need for something like Local Liquor.”
Local Liquor has three employees who have been on board since the business opened. Tristan Monaghan is the store manager.
“Tristan handles most everything from ordering to inventory and new marketing material,” Ahrendsen says. “Gary Babcock is the team leader, and Milo Merical is his assistant.”
Ahrendsen says the business has something for everyone.
“Considering the small space we have, we still have a wide selection of liquors, wines and whiskeys from around the world,” he says. “We offer Hyve vape products and have a walk-in cooler filled with seltzers and a wide variety of beers. If we don’t have a particular item in stock, customers should ask if we can get it. It only takes us a week to get an order in with something a customer wants.”
The store also has a wide selection of cigars.
“Rod Robson was able to build us a beautiful cedar humidor for cigars,” Ahrendsen says. “We have about 500 different cigars to choose from. Customers can buy individual cigars or buy a box to share. We have the only walk-in humidor in Guthrie County.” 
Ahrendsen says Panora is a great community that supports its local businesses.
“At Local Liquor, we try to get local vendors on our shelves, from Iowa-made beers, wine and spirits to chocolates made in Perry and honey made in Boone. We plan to continue to add local products as we grow,” he says.  
The grand opening for Local Liquor was May 13.
“It was a huge success,” Ahrendsen says. “We had almost 125 people through the door from 11 a.m. to 2 p.m. for our lunch and grill spatula giveaway. Tristan, Gary and Milo worked very hard to get prepared for the event.” 
Ahrendsen says feedback to owners and employees has been positive.
Business has been great,” he says. “The entire community has welcomed us and thanked us for bringing something new to town. We look forward to our first summer in Panora, with all that is going on in this community.”  
All wines are 10% off on Wednesdays. Other promotions and special offers will be announced as the 2023 summer season continues. 
Store hours are 10 a.m. to 9 p.m. Monday through Thursday, 9 a.m. to 10 p.m. Friday and Saturday, and 10 a.m. to 6 p.m. Sunday. 

ASK LAKE PANORAMA TIMES

Posted 06/07/2023

Submit your questions at www.lakepanoramatimes.com or email shane@dmcityview.com.

Q: I heard that the LPA has cameras posted around the lake, specifically by the dam. Is that true?
A: LPA General Manager John Rutledge says the LPA utilizes cameras “for security purposes at various locations, including the marina boat ramp, LPA’s yard waste facilities, and key LPA and LPN facilities.” He says these cameras “help us to ensure compliance with LPA rules and to protect association-owned facilities.” In addition, LPA security officers utilize body cameras and dash cameras.
Rutledge adds, “The number of cameras at Lake Panorama is staggering, with a large percentage of homes utilizing doorbell and security cameras for their residences. These cameras have been helpful to ensure our community remains safe for members, their guests and their property.”

Q: Can a permanent resident of Lake Panorama run for city council or mayor in Panora?
A: According to Panora City Administrator Lisa Grossman, the answer is no. Elected officials in Panora must be residents within the city limits.

Q: How many jet skis are registered on Lake Panorama, and how does that compare to boats?
A: In 2022, there were a total of 415 jet skis registered. The total of all vessels registered at Lake Panorama was 2,988 in 2022.  So, jet skis represent about 14%.

Q: It seems like we have had a lot of new construction in the last few years on the lake. How many new homes have been built?
A: According to building code data from the LPA, 80 building permits were issued in 2022 including 13 new homes, 21 decks, 10 additions, two docks, two fences, 15 storage sheds, two demolitions, five detached garages, four pools and six gazebo/sun shelters.

EVENTS
LAST CALL FOR BEACH BALL RESERVATIONS

Posted 06/07/2023
Special to the Lake Panorama Times

The Friends of Lake Panorama’s sixth Beach Ball fundraiser is Friday, June 16 at the Lake Panorama National event center. Those interested in attending are encouraged to finalize their plans by June 9. No meal tickets will be available after that date.
Registration is 4:30-5:30 p.m. with a buffet dinner beginning at 6 p.m. The event will include a 50/50 raffle, and both live and silent auctions. Funds raised will support enhancements to a trail system on Lake Panorama’s south shore, which will be completed this year.
Additional items for both the live and silent auction are welcomed with a deadline of June 14 for these donations. Those interested in becoming a Friends Beach Club member, purchasing dinner tickets, or donating items for the live and silent auctions can contact Susan Thompson, thomcomm@netins.net, 515-240-6536.
Those who are unable to attend this year’s Beach Ball, yet want to support this event with a donation, can make a check payable to Friends of Lake Panorama, and send it to P.O. Box 488, Panora, Iowa, 50216. Donations also are accepted through Venmo @Panorama-Friends.

EVENTS
TICKETS ON SALE FOR GARDEN TOUR BY BOAT JUNE 21

Posted 06/07/2023
By Susan Thompson
Lake Panorama Times

The Panora Garden Club is hosting a garden tour by boat along Lake Panorama’s shoreline on Wednesday, June 21. The club hosted this fundraiser for the first time in 2022 and now plans to make it an annual event. 
Tickets are $25. Boats will load from the Boulder Beach docks, and the tour will last 90 minutes. A member of the Panora Garden Club will be on board each pontoon to answer questions and point out highlights throughout the tour. Time slots are available from 9 a.m. to 2:30 p.m.
Food and beverages will be available at Boulder Beach for purchase from Casey Creamery and Zipp’s Pizza. Additional vendors also will be present.
A rain date of Wednesday, June 28 has been set. If the tour needs to be moved to that day, tour times will remain as originally set. If weather prevents this event, money paid for tickets will be a tax-exempt charitable donation to the Panora Garden Club.
Funds raised will be used to continue the many projects club members conduct to beautify the Panora and Lake Panorama community. To make ticket arrangements, send a text to JoAnn at 515-210-9445.

NEW WALL AT SUNSET BEACH

Wall
Posted 06/07/2023
By Susan Thompson
Lake Panorama Times

A new beach wall has been constructed at Sunset Beach. It replaced the old wall made of railroad ties that has been deteriorating for several years. The new poured concrete wall has a brick face with the concrete dyed dark tan. Using a poured concrete wall with a footing under it should eliminate any maintenance to this wall for decades to come. Pictured above, the new wall at Sunset Beach was completed just ahead of the Memorial Day weekend. Dirt was backfilled behind the wall, and grass seed spread, which then was covered by straw to help hold it in place. In 2024, once the dirt behind the wall has settled, concrete pads will be poured to support some large pots to fill with annual flowers.
Retrogold

EVENTS
CHURCH ANNIVERSARY CELEBRATION AT BOULDER BEACH JULY 2

Posted 06/07/2023
By Susan Thompson
Lake Panorama Times

It was May 16, 2021, when the first official Lutheran Church of Hope Local Panora church service was held in the basement of The Port. More than 80 people attended that first Sunday morning service. On July 4, 2021, an outdoor service at Boulder Beach was attended by 200 people. Today, about 60 people attend the weekly Sunday morning service, with that number increasing in the summer months.
To celebrate the church’s second anniversary, a free Taste of Hope Local Panora event will be at Boulder Beach Sunday, July 2.
First on the agenda will be family-friendly activities and games for all ages, from 3-5 p.m. This will include face painting, temporary tattoos, giant bubble wands, and several outdoor games such as corn hole, Jenga and Connect 4. Basketballs and pickleball paddles and balls for use at the sports courts will be available, or people are welcome to bring their own. Beach volleyball also will be an option.
A worship service will be 5-6 p.m., with a live band. Sandwiches, chips, cookies and bottled water will be served at 6 p.m. A free concert by RetroGold will begin at 6:45 p.m. and run until 9 p.m. Attendees are encouraged to bring a lawn chair or anchor their boat offshore.
Most members of RetroGold play, and several are on staff, at the Lutheran Church of Hope campuses in the Des Moines area, in addition to playing in this band for special events. 
Formed in 2020, the Des Moines band has made a name for itself by delivering unforgettable performances at weddings, corporate events, festivals and private concerts. Their repertoire of Top 40 hits ranges from the 1990s to present day. From the classics of Coldplay and Rascal Flatts to current chart-toppers Justin Beiber, Billie Eilish and Bruno Mars, RetroGold plays with an infectious energy that keeps the party going.
Emily and Billy Donovan, who have lived at Lake Panorama for 16 years, first had the idea to pursue a Lutheran Church of Hope Local Panora site. They started attending Lutheran Church of Hope in West Des Moines nearly 11 years ago.
“We loved that Lutheran Church of Hope was available to stream live, so even when we were out of town visiting family and friends, we could still listen to the service,” Emily Donovan says. “One Sunday I was driving back home from Minnesota. Pastor Mike Housholder was discussing their 10 for 10 vision...starting 10 new sites and reaching 10 million people over the next 10 years. I felt a strong nudge to see if Panora could be one of those sites.”
The Donovans contacted outreach minister Mark Brandt to discuss what it would take to start a local site, then developed a list of people who might be interested in helping. A meeting was held Jan. 9, 2020, at the Panora Public library.
“We discussed the steps of looking for a location, budget for weekly rent, storage for equipment, good Wi-Fi and more,” Emily Donovan says. “We planned to launch Memorial Day of 2020, but that was before we knew about the global pandemic. We looked at several locations and decided The Port was the best option. We started meeting there the first weekend in October 2020 and met for five weeks until a second wave of COVID-19 came, and we had to go back to online worship.”
The local Panora site streams the 9:30 a.m. service live each week.
“So we are getting the same message and pastor as the members in West Des Moines,” Donovan says. “We offer communion the first Sunday of each month.”
Each week also includes local announcements, a greeter at the front door of The Port, fresh cinnamon rolls baked by volunteers, and a pot of hot coffee provided by The Port.
The Donovans are the local site leaders. They meet monthly with outreach minister Mark Brandt, Hope staff, and leaders from the other seven local sites, which are in Forest City, Clear Lake, Bondurant, Newton, Iowa City, Kansas City and Omaha.
“What’s cool about a local site is that we get to have community and fellowship with a smaller group and still have the support and resources of the larger Lutheran Church of Hope,” says Emily Donovan. “The other great thing about having a local site is our ability to participate in local missions and support local businesses.”
The idea for the free Taste of Hope event July 2 came from Galen Redshaw.
“My wife, Carol, and I have been attending worship and then getting involved as part of the leadership team since June 2021,” he says. “We were longtime members of a church in Johnston before moving to Lake Panorama in the spring of 2019. We’ve enjoyed being a part of what God is doing through this and the bond of community that has formed. Taste of Hope is a continuation of wanting to reach out to the community with the message of the everlasting love of Jesus Christ, and to have fun and celebrate.
“We want to provide a family-friendly and fun event for people to enjoy and also provide something with a Christian-based focus for those seeking something different at the lake during the holiday weekend,” Redshaw says. “We also thought it was time to celebrate after two years as a local site, and what better way than to throw a party at the beach on beautiful Lake Panorama.”

LEARN MORE:
The Lutheran Church of Hope Local Panora meets each Sunday morning at 9:30 a.m. in the basement of The Port. Other opportunities include:
  • Two women’s Bible studies. One group meets weekly; Lori Van Kirk is the contact: llevalley59@gmail.com.
  • A monthly Bible study group called “Women in the Middle” meets the second Monday of the month at 6 p.m. Contacts are Emily Donovan, emily.donovan@hopelocal.org, or Allison Stanley, astanleyot@yahoo.com.
  • Vacation Bible School will be held July 24-28 at Vet’s Auditorium in Panora 6-8 p.m. for children 4 years old through sixth grade.
  • Powerlife is confirmation for students who will be in sixth through eighth grades next year; the group will meet weekly in the fall at the Reshape/Restyle/Restore building. Contact Allison Stanley, astanleyot@yahoo.com.
  • Hope Kids is an afterschool program held at Panorama Elementary once a month during the school year. Children start with a snack, then rotate stations of a Bible lesson, games and crafts.
  • For more information, Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/Hopelocalpanora; or Emily Donovan, emily.donovan@hopelocal.org.

RECIPE
Unforgettable Fruity Flavor

Fruit dessertc
Posted 06/07/2023
By Jolene Goodman
Lake Panorama Times

Summertime often brings cravings for fresh fruits that add a hint of sweetness to warm-weather gatherings. Serving up a delicious dessert for family and guests starts with favorite produce in this Lemon Cheesecake with Fruit.
The touch of tangy tartness is enough to bring loved ones to the dessert table even after a filling meal as fresh lemon juice in the cheesecake base is complemented perfectly when topped with orange slices and raspberries. Garnished with mint leaves, this brightly colored treat is even sweeter when shared with loved ones.

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

Lemon Cheesecake with Fruit
Servings: 6-8

• 1 1/4 cups graham cracker crumbs
• 1/4 cup sugar
• 1/4 cup butter, melted
• 2 packages (8 ounces each) cream cheese, softened
• 1 can (14 ounces) sweetened condensed milk
• 3 eggs
• 1/4 cup fresh lemon juice
• 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
• 1 orange, peeled and separated
• 8 raspberries
• 3  mint leaves, for garnish

Directions:
Preheat oven to 350 F.
In medium bowl, combine graham cracker crumbs, sugar and melted butter. Press firmly into 9-inch springform pan.
In large bowl, beat cream cheese until fluffy. Gradually beat in sweetened condensed milk until smooth. Add eggs, fresh lemon juice and vanilla extract; mix until combined.
Pour into pan. Bake 50-55 minutes, or until center springs back when lightly pressed.
Chill in refrigerator until completely cooled. Arrange orange slices around border of cake and place raspberries in middle. Top with mint leaves.

54th LPA ANNUAL MEETING HELD
David Finneseth was re-elected to a second, three-year term, and Sue Thompson was newly elected to the board for a three-year term.

Finneseththompson
Posted 06/07/2023
By Susan Thompson
Lake Panorama Times

The 54th annual meeting of the Lake Panorama Association was May 13 at the Lake Panorama National events center. About 90 people attended, representing 51 voting members. It was announced the LPA currently has a total membership of 1,727, with 11 of those inactive, because 2023 dues have not been paid.

Finneseth and Thompson elected to board
A total of 562 ballots were cast in the election for two people to serve on the LPA board of directors. There were four people running for the two seats. David Finneseth was re-elected to a second, three-year term. Sue Thompson was newly elected to the board for a three-year term.

Financial and audit reports
Dennis Flanery, LPA board treasurer, provided the 2022 financial and audit report for the LPA and its subsidiary, LPN, LLC. The CPA firm of Meriwether, Wilson and Company conducted the LPA annual audit, reviewing financial statements and balance sheets from 2022 and 2021 of the LPA and LPN, LLC.
Flanery said the auditor’s report stated the financial statements, consolidated reports and consolidated cash flows for both entities were in order, and that the methods used by staff to create the documents were in accordance with generally accepted auditing standards.
LPN’s 2022 operations showed a loss of $358,348. With other income and expenses, the overall loss was $428,348. Flanery said the LPN kitchen was closed in July of 2022, and outings and events were catered to finish the year. He noted the 2021 numbers showed a lower financial loss because $223,616 was received that year from the federal Paycheck Protection Program.
LPA reported net income of $255,553 for 2022. The budgeted operating income for 2023 shows a loss of $154,801. Flanery says the amount of depreciation on the new maintenance shop and water plant project is the reason the budget shows a loss.
“The amount of this non-cash item — depreciation — has increased greatly with the recent capital improvement projects completed,” Flanery said. “The 2023 budget also shows an increase in interest expense because these two projects are now complete. This makes our budget look worse in comparison to previous years. We can assure the membership cash flow remains viable and on track with respect to these important capital projects.”
Flanery said the LPA does not create its annual operating budget with the expectation of selling land. In light of recent bank failures, he also stated all LPA and LPN funds are 100% covered by FDIC.

President’s report
Rich Schumacher, LPA board president, chaired the meeting. To open his president’s report, Schumacher thanked those who volunteer on four standing LPA committees, including water safety, building codes, land sales and appeals. He also recognized the four volunteers who counted ballots for the 2023 annual meeting.
“These volunteers don’t do this for their personal gain, but rather because they know they are helping LPA members have a better experience here at Lake Panorama,” he said.
Schumacher also thanked the LPN, LLC board of managers for their help guiding this LPA subsidiary. He said replacement of turf equipment has been the most recent focus, with supply chain delays causing some issues. Plans for course enhancements at Lake Panorama National are being developed.
Turning to the LPA, Schumacher said the board takes a very serious look at the annual budget.
“While each area of the staff looks at their numbers, projecting out needs for up to five years, the board considers the needs, and questions if it can wait or what is a priority,” he said.
For many years, the LPA board has been restricted by a past membership vote to raising annual dues no more than 5%.
“I’ve had members ask the board to not increase the dues, and newer members say our dues are not high enough for what they receive,” Schumacher said. “When we looked at this year’s budget, we knew the 5% increase was necessary because of our increasing costs. That 5% increase will generate an additional $102,802.”

GM’s report
John Rutledge, LPA general manager and LPN, LLC director of operations, began his report with a look at the LPN.
“We do have a new model for LPN food and beverage for this year,” he said. “Nick and Lynn Kuhn have leased the kitchen and operate The Links Lounge, the event space and Spikes. We’re excited to welcome them and encourage membership support as they navigate their first season. Golf continues to be an important element of our community, and we thank you all for your continued support as we adapt to new strategies and approaches.”
Rutledge said the LPN welcomes feedback on dining, golf or lodging experience; send an email to feedback@lakepanorama.org.
Shifting gears to the LPA, Rutledge said the annual process of seal coating lake roads is suffering from inflation.
“The 2023 cost will be $31,000 per mile, and we will be doing seven miles of roadway,” he said. “For comparison, the cost in 2021 was slightly under $23,000 per mile, and we did about nine miles. This is an area where we will need to increase our budget in 2024. We need to get back to seal coating nine miles each year to keep up.”
The LPN maintenance department continues to work on a diverse range of projects.
“One issue we’ve discussed a lot in the last year has been roadway maintenance,” Rutledge said. “Members are encouraged to remember LPA owns not only the roadway, but also the shoulders and ditches. We work to maintain these in an aesthetically pleasing manner, but these also have a number of essential functional purposes — ensuring drainage off roads and adjacent properties, providing a place to store snow during the winter, and accommodate underground utilities.”
Rutledge said LPA Security handles water safety, land patrol, deer hunt management and other responsibilities that play a critical role for the association.
“One item to highlight is the importance of invasive species rule enforcement. Members who travel with their boats must comply to ensure the health of Lake Panorama into the future. This also applies to any used docks or lifts that are purchased from other bodies of water,” Rutledge said. “LPA occasionally receives some pushback on this topic, but we stand firm. The lake is the lifeblood of this community, and we must do our part to avoid the negative impact of invasive species.”
Rutledge said LPA Security officers now are equipped with both dash cameras and body cameras.
“2023 is a remarkably different environment for security than it was even three years ago,” Rutledge said. “These cameras are for the protection of the membership and the staff. A reality of today’s world is that you always have the potential to be on camera.”
The most recent inspection of the dam identified a few items to work into the LPA budget, but Rutledge said it remains in good shape.
“The overall health of the dam remains very impressive,” he said. “We consider the dam as one of our most important assets and responsibilities and are proactive about keeping it in good repair.”
Rutledge reported a new concrete wall has been installed at Sunset Beach, to replace the deteriorating wall made of railroad ties. He thanked members of the Panora Garden Club and other volunteers for their work to manage landscape beds at the lake’s three beaches.

A thanks to Mary Jane Carothers
Rutledge recognized Mary Jane Carothers, whose second three-year term on the LPA board ended with the annual meeting. Carothers served as board president for two years.
“I want to offer a personal thanks to Mary Jane for her past efforts as our board president,” Rutledge said. “She provided important leadership through the heart of the COVID-19 pandemic, which was a challenging task. State and federal rules and recommendations seemed to change daily. Her professional background and sound judgement provided me an important partner as we navigated uncharted territory. I will forever be grateful for her support.”

Rural Improvement Zone update
Next Rutledge turned his attention to the Lake Panorama Rural Improvement Zone (RIZ), which is projected to receive $3 million in revenues in the 2023-24 fiscal year.
Expansion of the 180th Trail Basin continues and will be used for sediment storage once the current basin is full. Two new wetlands to help protect water quality in Burchfield Cove are in the planning stages, but are bogged down because of current U.S. Army Corps of Engineers requirements. Rutledge said he hopes these two wetlands can move forward in the next 24 months.
The project to rip rap Lake Panorama’s south shore is complete. This project cost $862,000 and was funded by RIZ.
Rutledge said dredging being done this spring in the Narrows would end before Memorial Day weekend. The dredge crew then will turn its attention to assessing coves and spot dredging. Rutledge said he will be working in the coming months with the RIZ trustees to make plans for 2024 and beyond.

Donor-funded projects
Rutledge highlighted some recent donor-funded projects led by Friends of Lake Panorama, including the dog park, playground equipment at all three beaches, the sports courts at Boulder Beach, a new sports court at Sunset Beach, and the Shade Sails project near Spikes on the LPN golf course.
Now the Friends nonprofit is working with LPA on south shore improvements.
“Much of what Friends proposed in 2022 was on hold until the rip rap was completed,” Rutledge said. “Now we will revisit the details of the trail, parking and related improvements. We greatly appreciate the efforts of Friends and all the donors who support our community, and look forward to working with them in the coming months to finalize details for the south shore.”
New officers elected
Shortly after the annual meeting adjourned, the LPA board of directors convened a special meeting to elect officers for the coming year. A slate of officers was nominated and elected unanimously to take office upon adjournment of the special meeting. LPA board officers now are Emily Donovan, president; Rich Schumacher, vice president; David Finneseth, secretary; and Dennis Flanery, treasurer.

TWO GM COFFEES ANNOUNCED
During his remarks at the 2023 LPA annual meeting, John Rutledge, LPA general manager and LPN director of operations, announced dates for two upcoming GM coffees for the remainder of 2022. The dates fall on Fridays, and are July 7 and Sept. 1. Meetings begin at 10:30 a.m. and are held at the Lake Panorama National event center.
Coffee and other refreshments are available at these informal gatherings, where Rutledge provides an update on current happenings, then takes questions from members in attendance.
If members have questions they would like covered about LPA policies or developments, they can email lpa@lakepanorama.org to give Rutledge an opportunity to prepare in advance. LPA members with questions specific to their own membership or property should call the LPA office during regular business hours at 641-755-2301.

COMMUNITY
LANDSCAPE BEAUTIFICATION PROJECT UNDERWAY AT LPN

Sueshanellplanting
Posted 06/07/2023
By Susan Thompson
Lake Panorama Times

For many years, volunteers have helped maintain annual flower beds near Lake Panorama National tee boxes, plus areas around the event center and Spikes. This year, some additional attention is being given to Spikes and the east side entrance of the event center.
Near Spikes, several ash trees were removed last year. Now all vegetation surrounding the building, including patches of poison ivy, is being removed. Once the area is cleared, three ornamental Cleveland pear trees will be planted, and the entire area will be mulched. A couple of small perennial flower beds may be added.
At the LPN event center, ornamental trees near the east entrance were removed several years ago because of age and storm damage. A decision was made to replace those with two redbud trees, plus add perennial flowers in the mulched areas surrounding the trees.
A request to purchase these five ornamental trees was presented to the Friends of Lake Panorama board, which voted to use $1,200 in general funds for this project.
The plantings at the event center were done May 16. Work at Spikes continues, with those three trees to be planted in early June.

Q&A
BOATING SEASON BRINGS LPA EMPHASIS ON WATER SAFETY

Coreylarsen
Posted 06/07/2023
By Susan Thompson
Lake Panorama Times

Boating is one of the most enjoyed activities at Lake Panorama. With the main boating season in full swing, the LPA security team is emphasizing water safety. Corey Larsen has been the LPA Security Chief since March 2021. In this month’s Q&A, Larsen talks about boating on Lake Panorama.

Q. What are some things boat owners need to consider as they get started each season?
A. A good place to start is to watch the LPA water safety video that outlines specific rules related to Lake Panorama. Go to the LPA website at lakepanorama.org, and click on the Helpful Links tab to access this video. Also, information about Iowa boating laws is on the DNR’s boating website at iowadnr.gov/Things-to-Do/Boating.
Water safety needs to begin before a boat is launched for the first time each year. Members must have their Iowa DNR registration up to date and their current LPA stickers on the vessel before it goes in the water.
Since both fire extinguishers and floatation devices are key safety items, these are priorities for the Iowa DNR and LPA. Boats with greater than 10 horsepower are required by Iowa law to have at least one Type B-I fire extinguisher onboard the vessel. Some larger boats are required to have one B-II fire extinguisher, or two B-I fire extinguishers. Boat owners also need to check their extinguishers periodically to make sure these are ready if needed.
All vessels are required to have at least one United States Coast Guard approved life jacket for each person on board. In addition, vessels more than 16 feet in length must have a throwable floatation device, excluding kayaks and canoes. Also, Iowa Law requires children younger than 13 years of age to wear their life jacket while the vessel is underway.
Boat operators often misunderstand boat capacity rules. Most boats are rated for a maximum number of persons and a maximum total weight. Boaters must remember they are not allowed to exceed either of these numbers. This is especially relevant with young people who weigh less than adults. Regardless of how small the passenger is, everyone counts as one passenger in the boat capacity limit.

Q. Once LPA members have their boats on the lake, what are some things they need to know?
A. When a watercraft is anchored, at least one person must be on board the water vessel at all times. This goes for personal watercraft as well as boats. This is important when boaters decide to anchor and take a swim, or tie together with another boat.
Also, it’s critical for boaters to understand the various types of buoys deployed by the LPA staff each spring and obey rules related to these buoys. Centerline buoys mark the channel of the lake, with boaters travelling on the right-hand side of the buoys. These buoys are marked with a flashing or steady white light to be visible at night. Hazard buoys are placed in areas that are known to be shallow or hazardous. These buoys are not a guarantee of exact hazard location, but are a warning to steer clear of that general area. Hazard buoys are marked with a flashing or steady amber lights to ensure boaters steer clear of these areas. Remember, when boating at night, avoid amber lights, and stay immediately to the right of white lights.
In 2018, a map showing the type and location of all buoys was proposed by the water safety committee and approved by the LPA board. The buoy map is available on the LPA website. Go to the Documents tab, then the Boating Items tab to access the buoy map.
It is important for LPA members to make sure their guests are familiar with the different types of buoys, plus Iowa DNR and LPA rules and requirements, before they are allowed to operate the member’s vessels.
Boaters who don’t obey the rules related to buoys risk being stopped by a security officer and being given either a warning or a ticket. Also in place is a rule adopted by the LPA board concerning the moving of buoys by members. Intentional vandalism or relocation of buoys will result in an automatic third offense, which under LPA rules is a $500 fine and loss of boating privileges for the season.
There was a lot of vandalism done to LPA property on the lake last season. There was damage to signs, docks, swim ropes and buoys. The LPA will pursue the maximum penalties for someone damaging or moving LPA equipment. The equipment is in place to keep people safe while they are enjoying lake activities.

Q. What rules are in place to help prevent invasive species from entering Lake Panorama?
A. Any vessel leaving any other lake must be cleaned, all compartments drained, and the vessel should dry at least five days before re-entering Lake Panorama. The vessel owner will need to contact LPA Security to schedule an inspection. They must be able to show they have not been on an infested lake, have no water in compartments, no plant debris or mud, or any other sign of potential contamination. This is an Iowa law and is enforceable with a $500 fine. The LPA also has set fines for violators and for falsified information on questionnaires.
Another LPA rule related to invasives species prevention requires members who want to bring in used pieces of equipment like docks or lifts to have the equipment inspected by LPA security. From the date of inspection and pending the equipment has been cleaned, members must find an offshore location to store the equipment for a minimum of 30 days. This allows any potential invasives to perish before the equipment enters the lake. Members should always call the LPA office ahead of time if they are considering purchasing a used dock or lift.

Q. What is the rule regarding towing in the Narrows, and why was this implemented?
A. The Narrows is limited to no towing (tubes, skiers, or any other towed devices) or wake surfing from 11 a.m. to 4 p.m. on weekends and holidays from Memorial Day to Labor Day. If boat traffic is especially heavy at times beyond those already designated, security officers have the authority to put orange flags on the markers to show no towing is allowed. Two platform signs remind boaters of this restriction.
The reason for no towing in the Narrows at certain times is to promote safety. This is the narrowest part of the lake. During times of high boat traffic, we need to keep people safe. If security officers see you towing in the Narrows during the regular hours, or other times when it is deemed unsafe, they can issue a warning or a citation.

Q. What fines are in place to help enforce the LPA rules that promote water safety?
A. It’s important for the membership to know LPA Security has the right to stop a boat at any time if a rule violation is suspected or to make sure all required equipment is aboard. This year, the Security Department has implemented body cameras. All officers on water patrol will be wearing body cameras. The use of these cameras will help to monitor the interactions between officers and people they come in contact with.
There is a rule against harassment of an LPA security officer. This means no one should use foul language, threaten or try to intimidate a security office. A member or guest may have their boating privileges suspended or terminated for up to one year and be fined according to the LPA schedule of fines. That schedule includes $100 for the first offense, $250 for the second offense and $500 for third offense, plus loss of privileges on the lake.
While it may seem like the LPA has a lot of rules related to boating, much of it is just common sense. All boaters should practice safe boating. Stay far enough away from other boats and people being towed or wake surfing. Have a plan for the boating party, which includes having a sober person operate the vessel.
Again this season, I am making it a priority to get security boats out on the water. We will do our best to make sure the water patrol security officers are enforcing the rules and keeping people safe.
LPA Security’s phone number is 641-757-9035. I encourage members to contact LPA Security with questions or concerns. In the case of a fire, medical or police emergency, call 911.

COMMUNITY
LAKE PANORAMA FIREWORKS REMINDERS

Elisha terada  b4ppn1ssgw unsplash
Posted 06/07/2023
Special to the Lake Panorama Times

The annual “Fire in the Sky” fireworks display sanctioned by the Lake Panorama Association, and put on by the Joe Scheiring family, will be at dusk on Saturday, July 1. The fireworks will be set off from the traditional spot at Shady Beach. For safety reasons, the LPA Lake Patrol and the Iowa DNR require boats anchored during the display to have running lights on during the show.
Consumer fireworks can be legally purchased in Iowa because of a bill passed in the 2017 Iowa legislative session. In May 2017, the LPA Board of Directors passed a motion that states the LPA does not consent to the use of fireworks on LPA-owned property, such as beaches, campgrounds, parking lots, roads, the marina, golf courses and community areas.
Each year in advance of the Fourth of July, guests of Lake Panorama National Resort are notified of this action. Both LPA members and guests can be found in violation of LPA rules if they use fireworks on LPA property and could be subject to a monetary fine.
LPA members also are reminded they are responsible to avoid any activity that could be declared a nuisance to their neighbors, and they are liable for any damage or injury they or their guests cause to neighbors and their property.

EDUCATION
JAZMYN SELLERS IS WSO SCHOLARSHIP WINNER

Jazmynsellers
Posted 06/07/2023
Special to the Lake Panorama Times

Each year, the Panora Women’s Service Organization (WSO) conducts fundraising activities to make it possible to provide a scholarship to a Panorama Community School graduating senior. This year’s recipient is Jazmyn Sellers. Sellers plans to attend the University of Northern Iowa this fall, majoring in speech pathology, with minors in Spanish and sign language. She is the daughter of Curtis and Monique Sellers of Panora.
The WSO’s annual home tour is the group’s major fundraiser and funds a renewable scholarship each year, making four scholarships paid annually. This year’s home tour is Friday, June 2. Five Lake Panorama homes will be featured. Tickets are $30, and include the home tour and lunch at the Lake Panorama National event center. Tickets are available by contacting Mary Beidelman at 641-757-0425.

LAKE PANORAMA ASSOCIATION 2022 HIGHLIGHTS

Posted 06/07/2023
Special to the Lake Panorama Times

A summary of 2022 LPA projects and activities was included in the packet distributed at the 2023 LPA annual meeting May 13. Some highlights of 2022 were:

Boat Inspections
216 boat inspections were performed by LPA Security.

Transfers
Property transfers for 2022 were 61 homes and 76 lots, totaling 137 properties.

Water Plant
The water department installed a new water crossing between Sunset Beach and the 4300 side of the lake. TIMCO was hired to drill a new, eight-inch HDPE pipe between both sides of the lake. The main has been connected and live since last summer. The water department has one more crossing that needs to be replaced to keep up with expiring infrastructure around the lake. An additional crossing at Boulder Beach is on the long-term plan.

Dam
The inspection on LPA’s dam was completed in late July of 2022. Initial findings were minimal work needed for regular and routine repairs. A dive team later found a scour on the upstream side of the dam’s bascule gate, which will be addressed in the next one to two years. A scour can be defined as an area washed or dug out due to constant current flow over the gate. LPA is working with Shive Hattery to get cost estimates and design a plan to fill the scour in 2024.
New Amenities
Friends of Lake Panorama funded construction of a new sports court on the west side of the lake at Sunset Beach, where members can play basketball and pickleball. Friends also added signage and benches to the Panorama West walking trail, and is working with LPA to design trail signage and a map for South Shore walking trails.

Rural Improvement Zone (RIZ)
Spring Lake Construction (SLC) continued work on their contract to raise the dam elevation on the 180th Trail Basin. Work began in fall of 2021. Dry conditions allowed SLC to work many days last summer. The soil variability proved to be more complex than originally anticipated, and slowed progress some, but the project is still moving forward and could wrap up in 2023. RIZ also hired JNC Construction to rip rap the entire south shore, a 7,500-foot-long project. JNC got most of the work completed in 2022 and wrapped things up this spring. Dolomite was used under the water level and in the area around the dam. Salvaged fieldstone was used above the water level to retain its aesthetic appeal. RIZ continues to work with Shive Hattery on future wetland and sediment basin development.

Veliger Testing
In 2022, LPA tested for zebra mussel veligers. No veligers were present, and there have been no indicators showing any evidence of zebra mussels in Lake Panorama. LPA continues to put a large emphasis on invasive species control and will continue to test annually for veligers.

LAKE DOG

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Posted 06/07/2023
By Cheryl Temple
Lake Panorama Times

Name: Bear
Age: 9 months old
Breed: Cocker Spaniel Poodle mix
Owners: Jeremy and Stephanie David
Bear enjoys trying to keep up with big sisters, Reece and Delaney. He travels to their softball games, goes with them on golf cart rides and family car rides, will soon have his first boat ride of the season. He really likes the freedom of the lake’s dog park. His owners anticipate being frequent visitors. The Davids live near Sunset Beach in a yellow B lot home with a deck facing the road. If you’re a frequent walker/jogger of the area, you’ll be sure to see Bear’s head poking through the deck railing saying, “Hello!” The girls both attend Panorama School district.

Trish Hart’s nature photos of the month

Fawn
Posted 06/07/2023
By Susan Thompson
Lake Panorama Times

Spring brings new life to Lake Panorama. The lake ice disappears, grass starts to grow, buds form on trees and shrubs, and early flowers pop through the ground. Spring also brings baby wildlife to the lake. Trish Hart is a local photographer who captures Lake Panorama wildlife with her camera. This month she chose to offer not just a single photo but several featuring some of the baby wildlife she has photographed. Hart offers custom prints of her photos on canvas, paper, metal and glass. For more information, visit Natures Canvas Photos on Facebook.

ON THE LAKE
A NEW LOOK FOR YOUR LAKE PANORAMA TIMES

Lpt may 2023
Posted 05/10/2023

Since you have made it to page 5, you have hopefully noticed a new look to your Lake Panorama Times. We decided to freshen up the design with a magazine style and convert to a tabloid format rather than the traditional newspaper broadsheet. We hope you find this easier to read and will refer back to it often throughout the month.
Those of you who have a home in the Des Moines suburbs are likely familiar with our Iowa Living magazines. My original intent when I bought the Lake Panorama Times a few years ago was to convert it to Lake Panorama Living magazine, much like the other 14 community magazines we publish. And although that may sound reasonably simple, it is more complicated than one might think — and more expensive to produce. The business models we created for each of our new publications have been centered around creating affordable and effective advertising solutions for local businesses, and we didn’t want to stray from that. So we decided to be patient (which isn’t easy for me) and proceed as normal with what had been done in the past by the prior owner. And, for the most part, that is what we did. We added additional content and distribution, but we stuck with the same look and the broadsheet format.
Then, last July, I bought the Guthrie County Times Vedette, a traditional paid subscription weekly newspaper that some of you also subscribe to (thank you). The Times Vedette is also in a full broadsheet format, and our hopes were to package these publications together for easy advertising options and some shared editorial purposes. The Times Vedette is the only paid subscription newspaper we publish, as all our other publications are available for free. That packaging sounded logical, but it has not been effective for a number of reasons, so we are now working on new ideas that will incorporate much of what we have learned and had success with in the last two decades. It all starts with the redesign of the Lake Panorama Times, and I am pleased to present our first issue. More to come soon.
Change is rarely easy, and this one involved many adaptations to make it happen. I want to thank Susan Thompson (who writes the bulk of the content), Michael Woody, Cheryl Temple and Trish Hart for their ongoing editorial contributions to this publication and Beckham Miller for designing it so nicely. I also want to express my appreciation to Kerry Jacobsen and Jolene Goodman for working with area businesses and showing them how our readers can become their customers, and to Jayde Vogeler for designing the wonderful ads. As always, my many thanks go to our postal carriers who bring this to your homes and to Mike Chiston for delivering it to area businesses. And many other thanks go to all those who submit editorial items, ideas or contribute in other ways to make this all possible. But, most of all, I thank all of you for reading this publication and making it part of your lives.
As always, I appreciate your feedback, so shoot me a note and let me know what you think as we continue to work to provide news and information that is relevant to you and provide advertising that will encourage you to buy your products and services locally.
Have a great May, and thanks for reading.

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

FUNDRAISER
HOSPITAL FOUNDATION RAISES $22,000 FOR NURSING PROGRAMS

Duree
Posted 05/10/2023
By Susan Thompson 
Lake Panorama Times

An event hosted by the Guthrie County Hospital Foundation April 14 raised more than $22,000. The Handbags & Bingo fundraiser at Lake Panorama National Resort was attended by nearly 240 women.
Dennis Flanery, foundation director, says he got the idea from a former co-worker who had heard about a fundraising event hosted by the City of Clive.
“Clive has been doing something similar for scholarships for their area high schools,” Flanery says. “I thought this might work as a fundraiser for us. Clive officials were gracious and sent me information on the event.”
Flanery put together a committee to help him plan the event, including foundation board members Maggie Armstrong and Mary Jane Carothers, and Guthrie County Hospital staff members Heather Martens and Emily Irwin.
“When we first started planning for the event, I was hoping for 120 women and thought that would be a great number,” Flanery says. “We advertised by word of mouth and flyers for a few months. Once registration opened, we sold out in about 10 days. We were overwhelmed by the support and plan to make this an annual event.”
A total of 22 handbag packages were donated or sponsored, each with a minimum value of $150. Each bingo game winner received additional raffle tickets and a gift certificate from a local business, plus there were other ways to win raffle tickets. The women put their raffle tickets into boxes that corresponded with handbags they wanted to win. Tickets then were drawn to see who would take home each of the handbag packages.
“I knew nothing about handbag types or brands before planning this event,” Flanery says. “I put together a team of handbag shoppers of all ages to ensure we had a nice selection. We had several from Kate Spade, Coach and Michael Kors. I also had one each from Saks Fifth Avenue, Fossil, Tory Burch, Dooney & Burke and Harley Davidson. In addition, local providers put together packages from Tribe, Pearls & Lace and Molly’s.”
Tickets cost $45 per person or $350 for a table. A bingo card, meal and five raffle tickets were included with the registration fee. An additional bingo card and five more raffle tickets could be purchased for $20. Money also was raised through the sale of GCH Foundation drink glasses, a dessert auction, two side games, a “bribe the bingo caller” auction and a mulligan auction.
The more than $22,000 raised will benefit the Guthrie County Hospital nursing department and nursing programs at the hospital and area clinics.
“Nurses are the backbone of healthcare; they make up the largest single profession within the industry and are a key trusted advocate between the patient and doctor,” Flanery says. “There is a national shortage of nurses, and that trend looks to continue for some time. The GCH Foundation wants to support the Guthrie County Hospital and Clinics with attracting, retaining and supporting our quality nursing staff. We hope to build an endowment that will assist the hospital for years to come.”
Two tables of nurses attended the event at no cost. These Daisy Award winners and Top 100 Iowa Nurse award winners were recognized by Flanery during the program.
Flanery says he “caught some grief” because the event was advertised as a women-only event. Besides him, there were three other men in attendance. Mike Underwood, the Guthrie County Hospital Trustees Chair, was the evening’s bingo caller. Steve Smith, GCH Foundation Chair, helped with registration and other tasks throughout the evening, as did Kirby Klinge, who is a foundation board member.
Key corporate sponsors were Peoples Bank, Guthrie County State Bank, Farmers State Bank, Iowa Trust & Savings, Panora Fiber and Rolling Hills Bank & Trust. Additional sponsors helped support the Bingo games, two other side games, and desserts.

EVENTS
EVENT JUNE 4 TO PROMOTE PANORAMA WEST TRAIL

Roadsign
Posted 05/10/2023
By Susan Thompson 
Lake Panorama Times

A special event to introduce more users to the Panorama West Nature Trail is planned for Sunday, June 4. Friends of Lake Panorama encourages LPA members and guests to “take a hike” on the trail during that day. Bottled water, coffee and cookies will be available in the Panorama West golf course clubhouse 1-3 p.m. Trail visitors are invited to stop in during those hours before or after their hike.
A total of $5,000 from the 2021 Beach Ball was committed by the Friends of Lake Panorama board of directors to the Panorama West Nature Trail, plus some private donations were received. A volunteer task force identified portions of an existing trail being used by a limited number of people and the Panorama school’s cross-country track teams to create this designated nature trail.
In late October 2022, seven posts with directional signage and a trailhead sign were installed, plus two benches. Parking is in a cul-de-sac at the end of Nicholl Drive, which intersects with Panorama Road just south of the Panorama West clubhouse. Signs pointing to the trail were installed on the same post as the Nicholl Drive street sign.
The trailhead sign at the end of Nicholl Drive features a drawing of the trail. Users are encouraged to take a photo of the drawing to help guide them on the trail. Users also are encouraged to begin their hike at this location, rather than attempting to join the trail from the north, because no trail markers have been placed at previous access points. 
At the three-quarters mile mark, there is an optional three-quarters of a mile loop. Those who use the official trail, plus the optional loop, will complete 2.25 miles. The trail winds through grassy open areas and timber and does not cross any portion of the golf course or roadways. For safety reasons, and in compliance with current LPA rules, users of the trail may include hikers, runners, cross-country skiers and dogwalkers, but no motorized vehicles.
By this fall, the Panorama Community Schools cross country team will be practicing and competing on a new trail on Lake Panorama’s south shore. The 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. This will be part of a larger trail system that is in the works for the south shore. 

EVENTS
JUNE 16 BEACH BALL FUNDRAISER FILLING UP

Bbbirdhouses
Posted 05/10/2023
All seating will be in the LPN banquet room.

By Susan Thompson 
Lake Panorama Times

The Friends of Lake Panorama’s sixth Beach Ball fundraiser is Friday, June 16 at the Lake Panorama National event center. Twenty tables of eight now are filled with another five pending. Attendance will be capped at 240 people, so those interested are encouraged to finalize their plans by June 1.
All seating will be in the LPN banquet room, with tables tastefully decorated by volunteers using a common nautical theme. Registration will be at 4:30-5:30 p.m. with a buffet dinner served beginning at 6 p.m. The menu includes pork loin, chicken, Church Lady potatoes, garden salad, fresh mixed vegetables, dinner rolls, and peach cobbler with fresh whipped cream. Beverage service offering coffee, tea and water is included with the meal. There will be a cash bar.
There are several options for those interested in attending the event. Members of the Friends Beach Club provide additional financial support to Friends of Lake Panorama beyond the cost of the meal. Prices for Beach Club memberships are:
Friends Beach Club - Premier: $700 — includes table sponsorship, eight dinner tickets, name in the 2023 Beach Ball program; Friends Beach Club - Couple: $250 — includes two dinner tickets, name in the 2023 Beach Ball program; and Friends Beach Club - Sponsor: $150 — includes table sponsorship, name in the 2023 Beach Ball program.
There will be a limited number of individual meal tickets available for $50 each. The 2023 Beach Ball will include a 50/50 raffle and both live and silent auctions.
A few items already committed for the live auction are a set of four passenger car tires for any vehicle, up to a $1,400 value, donated by Scott Politte, president of Stivers Ford Lincoln of Waukee; a Cyclone football package for the Sept. 23 ISU vs. Oklahoma State game, which includes four tickets in the ISU Athletic Director Suite with Jamie Pollard, food and soft drinks during the game, and a parking pass; custom made pendant necklace donated by Ames Silversmithing; football and basketball signed by ISU coaches and donated by Jay and Sue Merryman; and a six-course gourmet meal for six with wine pairings, prepared and donated by Bill and Karen Fitzgerald.
The silent auction will feature several gift baskets filled with local products and donated by local businesses; gift cards; three bottles of InGeniOz Vodka donated by Hans Van Leeuwen; set of custom WeatherTech floor mats, any make and model, donated by Stivers Ford Lincoln of Waukee; and two bluebird houses, one for Iowa State University fans and one for University of Iowa fans, handcrafted and donated by Steve Brannan.
Funds raised at this year’s Beach Ball will support enhancements to a trail system on Lake Panorama’s south shore. Funds also may be used for additional low-impact recreational amenities on the south shore, which are under discussion between Friends of Lake Panorama and the LPA board of directors.
For those who can’t attend the Beach Ball, yet want to support recreational enhancements on the south shore, tax-deductible donations can be made 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 through Venmo @Panorama-Friends or by credit card on the Friends website at friendsoflakepanorama.org.
Additional items for both the live and silent auction are needed. As of May 1, reservations were at about two-thirds capacity, leaving room for perhaps 80 additional participants. Those interested in becoming a Friends Beach Club member, purchasing dinner tickets, or donating items for the live and silent auctions can contact Susan Thompson, thomcomm@netins.net, 515-240-6536. 

EVENTS
WSO WOMEN HOST PANORAMA SENIOR GIRLS

Srteagirls
Posted 05/10/2023
Emma Johnston offers advice to graduating seniors.

By Susan Thompson 
Lake Panorama Times

On April 19, members of the Panora Women’s Service Organization (WSO) descended on the Panora Church of the Brethren armed with totes and boxes of white tablecloths, cups, saucers, plates, tiered serving plates and teapots. Within an hour, they had transformed the Fellowship Hall into an inviting tearoom.
The WSO women reconvened at 1:30 p.m. to arrange an assortment of small tea sandwiches, cookies and mints on the servers. Then it was time to welcome the Panorama Community Schools senior girls, plus their mothers and grandmothers.  
Everyone gathered in the sanctuary and was welcomed by WSO President Toni Wright. Michelle Leonard, pastor of the Brethren church, welcomed and congratulated the girls, shared a few words of wisdom, and then a prayer to bless the occasion.
Wright asked each senior to stand, introduce herself and her guests, and tell something about her future plans. Wright then introduced Emma Johnston, a 2021 Panorama graduate who missed out on her class senior tea, which had to be canceled because of the COVID pandemic.
Johnston offered five pieces of advice to the graduating seniors. The first was to make the most of their final weeks at Panorama. Second was to “stay true to who you are and don’t change for anyone. After graduation, you will begin a new chapter in your life,” Johnston said. “Do what you want to do and what you’re passionate about. One of the nice things about graduating and having this transition period is that you have a clean slate.”
Johnston’s third piece of advice was to get out of their comfort zone, something she said she did in the last three months as she participated in a college study abroad program in Greece. “I was so nervous because leaving home and living out of the country for three months with people I didn’t know was totally out of my comfort zone,” she said. “And yet, it was truly one of the best decisions I have ever made.”
Her fourth piece of advice was on a related topic, and that was to “explore the world and travel.” Finally, Johnston encouraged the senior girls to write thank-you cards to people in their family and at the school who have impacted their lives.
Following Johnston’s speech, the group moved to the reception area for a group photo, then to the Fellowship Hall for tea sandwiches, cookies, tea and lemonade.
As guests departed, each senior girl selected a small glass basket and a white tulip, which is the designated class flower for the 2023 Panorama graduating class, as mementos of the occasion. 

FEATURE
PANORAMA GARDENS HAS LONG HISTORY, BUSY DAYS

Building (cropped)
Posted 05/10/2023
Dave and Ilene Olson have been married 45 years and owned the business about the same length of time.

By Susan Thompson 
Lake Panorama Times

The business slogan for Panorama Gardens is “serving greater Guthrie County since 1956.” Current owners Dave and Ilene Olson have been married for 45 years and owned the business about the same number of years. Dave’s parents, George and Harriett Olson, started the business, which is located on the east edge of Panora on Highway 44.
“My parents lived on West Lane in Panora,” Dave says. “They had a small greenhouse and a bunch of outside cold frames where they could start plants. In 1956, they bought the Panora Greenhouse from Edgar and Mary Thorpe. The original building was east of our current location, at the top of the hill. They bought this land and moved the building here.”
The couple named their new business Panorama Gardens. It was another 10 years before the same name was chosen for the nearby lake.
Dave Olson was a 1-year-old when his parents started their new business.
“My playpen was a flower box,” he says. “In the beginning, their business was mostly floral. In 1960, they joined FTD, the Florists’ Telegraph Delivery, which made it possible for customers to send flowers anywhere by using florists in the FTD network. That increased their business, and we still are FTD members today.”
Ilene grew up on a farm north of Panora and was two years behind Dave in school. They both were born at the Guthrie County Hospital. During high school, Ilene worked a couple of summers at Panorama Gardens, but the two weren’t interested in each other.
“She thought I was an obnoxious twit, and she was probably right,” Dave says.
After high school, Dave attended Des Moines Area Community College in horticulture. After graduation, he worked at Boesen’s Greenhouse in Boone and Bach Wholesale in Des Moines before returning to Panorama Gardens.
“I always knew I would buy the family business eventually,” he says. “I grew up in it; I didn’t know anything else.”
When Ilene graduated from high school, she attended floriculture school at Kirkwood Community College in Cedar Rapids. A requirement before she could graduate was to work two rotations in floral shops. One was at Beckers Flowers in Fort Dodge.
Dave picks up the story. “She was the valedictorian, first in her class at Kirkwood. Her advisor wanted her to work in a big city and found her lots of opportunities,” he says. “But for some reason, she decided to come back to Panora for her second rotation and work for my parents. In 1978, I was beginning the process of buying my parents out. She and I started to talk more, found we had common interests, and the rest is history. I say I married my greatest asset.”
Dave’s parents had been running Panorama Gardens for many years as a husband-and-wife team.
“Ilene and I decided we wanted to do the same thing,” he says. “Against my mother’s advice, we jumped in.”
Olson says as people started to build homes at Lake Panorama, it changed the business.
“We used to run wholesale routes, selling plants to retail operations in Des Moines and many smaller communities across central Iowa. As both Lake Panorama and our business grew, we were able to stop the wholesale routes. Now almost all of our sales are done through our own retail outlet, and we rely on people throughout Guthrie County, and into Dallas County, for our customer base,” he says.
Panorama Gardens grows and sells live plants and has a fresh flower shop. In the past, they raised cut flowers and perennials, but they couldn’t keep up with demand. Now they purchase cut flowers and perennials from suppliers, while still growing most of the annual vegetable plants and flowers they sell. They have seven employees, with most being part-time during the busiest times.
The busy summer season starts in late March, when customers are looking for onion sets, cabbage, broccoli, cauliflower and seed potatoes. The business offers a large selection of both bulk and packet seeds for both vegetable gardens and flower pots and beds. Also available are grass seed, fertilizer, mulch, soil and a wide selection of garden tools and pots.
The average central Iowa frost date is May 15, so Dave tells customers it’s usually safe to plant frost-sensitive plants such as tomatoes, peppers and flowers around Mother’s Day. Business hours expand to seven days a week in May.
“We do more business in six weeks each spring than we do the rest of the year,” he says.
The fresh flower business is year-round, with an uptick on holidays and special occasions.
“We’re always busy, and we don’t have set hours for ourselves,” Dave says. “If there is a funeral on Monday, we’re working on Sunday.”
Both Dave and Ilene say one thing they’ve enjoyed about the past 45 years at Panorama Gardens is having their business in a rural community.
“We’ve seen people born, married and pass away, and we’ve provided flowers for all those occasions,” Dave says. “We had a mother come in with a photo of the bridal bouquet we did for her, because she wanted us to recreate it for her daughter when she was getting married.”
“Being in a small town has allowed us to get to know at least a couple of generations in many families,” Ilene says. “There are lots of good people here. We’ve been able to learn what our customers like and what they don’t like, so we’re more prepared to help them when they come in or call.”
The Olsons are well-known in the community for their civic mindedness. They donate garden items and plants for numerous fundraisers and give deep discounts on plants used to spruce up the community. One example is the large pots filled with pink petunias that will be seen around Panora again this year.
The couple has two children and four grandchildren. All of them grew up working in the business when extra hands were needed, yet none has an interest in continuing the family business.
“We’ve had the business for sale for a while,” Dave says. “We’re not getting any younger, and we’d like to retire. But we’re not going anywhere. We plan to stay in the community, and we’ll keep the business going until it sells.”
When the day does come to turn over the business keys to someone else, what will they miss? Ilene says it will be the greenhouses that are filled with light and where there is always something growing.
“We don’t get the winter blues here,” she says.
Dave says he’ll miss the relationships they’ve built over the past four decades, and counting. “We’ve been really blessed,” he says. “Plus, I’ll miss growing baby plants.” 

RECIPE
HAMBURGER VEGETABLE SOUP AND PUMPKIN BREAD

Img 4917
Posted 05/10/2023
By Jolene Goodman
Lake Panorama Times

A few weekends ago when it was dreadfully cold and flurries frustrated us occasionally, the weather put us in the mood for soup. One of my favorite soup recipes comes from an old church cookbook, hamburger vegetable soup. The church that published this 40 years ago is, ironically, the church we now belong to and attend today, St. Cecelia Catholic Church in Panora.  I didn’t grow up Catholic. I converted before Shane and I married 28 years ago. My mother received the cookbook as a gift from a family friend in the early 1980s. My folks bought their first lot at Lake Panorama in 1971 and owned a few different properties until they retired, permanently, to Arizona in 2000. My cherished cookbook is tattered, splattered, written in and well used, with the cover accidentally torn off many years ago. The illustrations were drawn by Debbie Moylan, and I share two here along with the recipe for Hamburger Vegetable Soup submitted by Norene Abrahamson and and Lillian Carlson, and a recipe for pumpkin bread submitted by Mildred Matern.

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

Hamburger
Vegetable Soup
(Norene Abrahamson
and Lillian Carlson)

1 lb. ground beef, browned
1 T. salt
1 c. chopped onion
¼ tsp. pepper
3 c. water
¼ tsp. thyme
1 c. sliced carrots
¼ tsp. basil
1 c. diced potatoes
1 bay leaf
1 c. cabbage
1 c. celery
1 can tomatoes

Simmer a long time, 2 hours on the stove top or 5 hours in crockpot. Enjoy and thanks for reading.

Pumpkin Bread
(Mildred Matern)
3 ½ c. flour
1 c. Vegetable oil
2 tsp. soda
4 eggs
1 ½ tsp. salt
2/3 c. water
1 tsp. cinnamon
1 can pumpkin
1 tsp. nutmeg
1 c. chopped nuts
2 or 3 c. sugar
1 c. raisins

Mix until smooth. Stir in nuts and raisins. Divide into two loaf pans or 3 muffin tins which have been greased and floured. Bake at 350 degrees for 1 hour and 10 minutes for loaf pans or 30 minutes for muffins. This freezes well.

GIFT CARDS AVAILABLE FOR THE LINKS

The links logo 1
Posted 05/10/2023
By Susan Thompson 
Lake Panorama Times

Gift cards now can be purchased for use at The Links Lounge at Lake Panorama National Resort. Nick and Lynn Kuhn are operating The Links and managing events at the LPN through 2023. They have developed gift cards specifically for use in The Links when customers order using the QR code on tables or when ordering at the bar. The cards can be purchased from the bartender in any denomination during normal business hours. All cards purchased before Memorial Day will receive a 10% savings at the time of purchase. For now, the cards can only be used in The Links, not at Spikes or the bar carts. That option may be added at a later time. The cards also cannot be used to give tips.
Hours for The Links in May remain the same as in April. The Links is open Wednesday, Thursday and Friday from 3 p.m. to 10 p.m., and Saturday from 11 a.m. to 10 p.m. The kitchen closes at 9 p.m. 

EVENTS
GARDEN TOUR BY BOAT JUNE 21

Gardenboatloading (cropped)
Posted 05/10/2023
By Susan Thompson 
Lake Panorama Times

For the second year, the Panora Garden Club is providing an opportunity for people interested to see featured landscaping and gardens along Lake Panorama’s shoreline. The event is planned for Wednesday, June 21. The club hosted this fundraiser for the first time in 2022 and now plans to make it an annual event. 
Funds raised will be used to continue the many projects club members conduct to beautify the community. Final details are being worked out, including ticket pricing and how to purchase. More details will be available by late May.
Guests will remain onboard for a lake tour that will begin at the Boulder Beach docks. Food trucks and other refreshments will be available, plus some vendors present for participants to visit before and after their boat tour.
A member of the Panora Garden Club will be on board each pontoon to answer questions and point out highlights throughout the tour. Planners say the 2023 tours will be longer than last year so those participating will have a more leisurely ride. The number of passengers on each pontoon also will be smaller than in 2022 to make the ride more comfortable. 
Signs along the tour route will highlight the gardens and landscaping of Panora Garden Club members. Maps marking the coves will be distributed.
A rain date of Wednesday, June 28 has been set. If the tour needs to be moved to that day, tour times will remain as originally set. If weather prevents this event, money paid for tickets will be a tax-exempt charitable donation to the Panora Garden Club. 

PELICANS PAUSE AT LAKE PANORAMA

Pelicans1
Posted 05/10/2023
By Susan Thompson 
Lake Panorama Times

For the last few years, the number of American white pelicans visiting Lake Panorama each spring and fall has increased. In early April, a flock of these big birds spent a few days on the water retention pond near the mouth of Jones Cove.  American white pelicans pass through Iowa in April on their migration to northern Minnesota and Canada. A few months later, usually mid-August through September, they migrate south to spend winter along the Gulf Coast, California and Mexico.  The Iowa Department of Natural Resources says white pelicans have always migrated through Iowa, but until the late 1980s, they were usually seen only in the western counties. Pelican populations were killed off in the mid-1900s by chemicals found in the fish the pelicans ate, thus poisoning the birds. Since those chemicals have been eliminated, pelican populations are increasing.The American white pelican is the biggest bird in Iowa, weighing 20 pounds and having a nine-foot wingspan. The birds are pure white except for black flight feathers on their wings. The American white pelican is the only species of pelican to migrate through the Midwest. Brown pelicans are the other major pelican species in North America, but they live along the Atlantic Coast.
Bradhalterman

Q&A
GUTHRIE COUNTY OFFERS WEALTH OF RECREATION OPPORTUNITIES

Posted 05/10/2023
GCCB Director Brad Halterman shares amenities that exist
in Guthrie County beyond Lake Panorama.


By Susan Thompson 
Lake Panorama Times

Brad Halterman has been the Guthrie County Conservation Board (GCCB) director for three-and-a-half years. Prior to that, he spent three years as the Lake Panorama Association project manager. In this month’s Q&A, we catch up with Halterman to learn more about his position and what recreational opportunities exist in Guthrie County, beyond Lake Panorama.

Q. Give us a sense of your job responsibilities.
A. I really enjoy the diversity of the GCCB director position and meeting and talking to new people, as well as the regulars who use our areas. I manage all aspects of GCCB operations, supervise the department staff and work performed in all county parks, recreational areas and wildlife areas. I also plan and administer the department budget, which is done in conjunction with both the Guthrie County Conservation Board and the Guthrie County Board of Supervisors.
I coordinate, plan and administer conservation and recreational programs in the county, at the discretion of the conservation board. That also covers the planning, development, acquisition, and management of county parks, recreational areas, wildlife habitats, and department programs and services.

Q. Tell us more about the Guthrie County Conservation Board.
A. The GCCB members are appointed by the county board of supervisors to five-year, staggered terms. They are volunteers, and monthly meetings are held. The board is a decision-making and policy-making body. The board’s authority includes the acquisition and development of land, adoption of rules and regulations, comprehensive planning of an overall county conservation board program, and specific site plans for individual areas.
Other functions of the board include hiring an executive director, developing a budget, and working with other governmental subdivisions to provide programs for the public. The primary consideration of the GCCB is to provide a balanced conservation, recreation and education program to the citizens of the county through proper planning and identification of needs and demands. The board is the primary county agency dealing with natural resource issues in Guthrie County.

Q. What are the various places within Guthrie County that are managed by GCCB, and how many staff people are involved?
A. We operate, manage and take care of many diverse areas. These include 22 miles of the Raccoon River Valley Trail, the Guthrie County Historical Village and Museum in Panora, Nations Bridge Park and campground, Lenon Mill Park and campground, four river accesses, two prairie areas, and wildlife areas totaling 650 acres.
Besides me, there are three additional full-time staff members. Ted Schuermann is our maintenance technician, Tylor Nelson is the county natural resource manager, and Kristine Jorgensen is the Guthrie County Historical Village curator. We also fill one seasonal position each summer.
Ted, Kristine and Tylor are very talented, dedicated and hard-working employees. They put the public first and make sure Guthrie County conservation and recreation areas are taken care of for all to enjoy.

Q. There are two county parks that offer camping and other amenities; tell us about Lenon Mill and Nations Bridge.
A. Lenon Mill Park sits along the scenic Middle Raccoon River on the south side of Panora and is the original site of the old Lenon Mill, built in 1863. The mill no longer stands, but visitors can view the one grindstone that remains to mark the historic spot, or sit by the river and watch the river flow over the old dam.
Lenon Mill Park features primitive camping, RV camping with electric hookup, water, bathrooms, a shelter house, swing set, horseshoe pit, picnic tables, the first point of access on the Middle Raccoon River Water Trail Route A for canoes and kayaks, and excellent fishing. Species of fish commonly caught at Lenon Mill include both smallmouth and largemouth bass, crappie, bluegill, walleye, channel catfish and an occasional northern pike.
Nations Bridge Park north of Stuart features primitive camping, RV camping with 45 electrical hookups, modern showers, water, flush bathrooms, a dump station, two shelter houses, playground, disc golf course, horseshoe pit, grills and picnic tables, a canoe access, and excellent fishing.
The park has a total of 81 acres. Wildlife is abundant, with deer, turkeys, squirrels, rabbits, quail, raccoons, coyotes, and a variety of songbirds often seen. Nature trails can be found throughout the park and a self-guided interpretive nature trail is located on the east side of the park.

Q. Share some details about the Guthrie County Historical Village and Museum.
A. The Historical Village is located on a 4-acre complex on the southwest side of Panora near the Middle Raccoon River and Lenon Mill Park. It features 10 buildings, numerous exhibits and thousands of artifacts that explore the history of Guthrie County from 1850 to the early-20th Century. The majority of the collection has been donated by families and friends in the surrounding communities.
The museum started in 1968 with the acquisition of the Panora Depot from the Milwaukee Railroad. The depot was moved 10 blocks to its current location. Since then, the Village has grown from one building staffed only by volunteers to a countywide museum featuring buildings from all over Guthrie County that have been carefully restored. We still have volunteers, but Kristine Jorgensen, the museum curator, is in charge of all projects and programs, new exhibits, and the gardens.
Current projects include the continuing restoration of the 1910 Marchant House. The Village Foundation purchased the Marchant House from the Marchant Family in 2014 and has been restoring the house to its early Victorian glory in phases. By the fall of 2022, the exterior was almost complete and now work is starting on the inside.
In 2022, the Youtz Carriage House was gifted to the Foundation by the current owners of the property at 117 N. First St. The brick home at that location was built by the Youtz Family in 1913 and was used as both a residence and a store for the Youtz Millinery. The carriage house will be relocated and placed behind the Marchant Home.
The Village is a 2023 “Paint Iowa Beautiful” award recipient. The paint will be used for the exterior of the main museum building, which will be a welcome improvement to the overall appearance of the Village. This work is planned for this summer.
The Historical Village opened May 1 and will close for the season Oct. 15. It is open Tuesday through Friday, 10 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. and 1-4:30 p.m. Saturdays and some holidays. It is closed Sundays and Mondays. Admission is $2 for adults, $1 for children 6 to 17, and free for children 5 and younger.

Q. Tell us about the Raccoon River Valley Trail.
A. The Raccoon River Valley Trail is an 89-mile, paved, multi-use recreational trail that extends from Clive to Jefferson. The 33-mile “North Loop” was completed in 2013, making this trail one of the longest in the United States. The trail is built on the former Milwaukee Railroad track and is owned by the Dallas, Greene and Guthrie county conservation boards.
The trail winds its way through the Middle and North Raccoon River corridors with areas of prairie and canopies of timber that remind us of what Iowa was like in the 1870s. Common uses for the multi-recreational trail are hiking, biking, walking, in-line skating, jogging, bird watching, plus in the winter, cross-country skiing and snowmobiling.
We spend a lot of time on the trail mowing, trimming trees, performing bridge and trail surface upkeep and repairs, and doing general maintenance work.

Q. How do you think the natural resources and recreational opportunities in Guthrie County stack up against others?
My wife and I both were raised in Guthrie County and chose to raise our family here. We have been to all 99 counties in Iowa, and each has some fantastic things to see and do. The Iowa County Conservation System is a pioneer system that many states have used as a template.
I would put the recreational opportunities in Guthrie County up against any other county in our state. Guthrie County offers both state and county-owned public ground. Parks, recreational trails, water trails, wildlife areas, two unique river systems, wetlands, prairies, rolling hills, flatlands, timber, scenic roadways, farmland, historic towns and friendly, welcoming people and businesses. Who would want to live anywhere else?

To find more information on Guthrie County conservation areas and programs, visit: guthriecounty.gov/government/county-offices/conservation

LPN SWIMMING POOL TO OPEN MEMORIAL DAY WEEKEND

Swimmingpool
Posted 05/10/2023
By Susan Thompson 
Lake Panorama Times

Lake Panorama National Resort is targeting a Memorial Day weekend opening for its 1,500-square-foot heated swimming pool and eight-person spa. Once open, public swimming will be available starting at 10:30 a.m. seven days a week. Plans are to have the pool remain open until Sept. 30.
All members and guests of the swimming pool must check-in at the LPN pro shop counter where they will sign in and pay a daily fee of $5, unless they have purchased an annual pool pass. After checking in, everyone will be given a wristband to wear in the pool area.
A variety of annual pass categories are available including single, couple, family and grandparent. Passes are available to LPA property owners starting at $125 for a single, $150 for a couple and $175 for a family. A fourth category is available to adults 55 and older with grandchildren up to the age of 12. Grandparent memberships are $225.
Non-LPA members also can purchase annual pool passes in the same categories for an additional $15 for any of the four options.
The pool membership form is available online and can be mailed or dropped off with payment to the LPN. The form is here: https://lpnresort.com/3VnsMfk 

PUBLICATION PROTOTYPES UNVEILED

Img 5699 (cropped)
Posted 05/10/2023

The Lake Panorama Times hosted a Summer Kick-off Party for the business community on Friday, May 5 at The Links. Publisher Shane Goodman shared details on the new look of the Lake Panorama Times. He and his wife, Jolene Goodman, who serves as the company’s advertising director, unveiled a prototype of a cover as well as prototypes of two new publications the company will be launching soon. The event was co-hosted by the Panora Chamber of Commerce and The Links.  

EVENTS
SPRING CLEANING AT PANORAMA WEST

Trailer
Posted 05/10/2023
Panora Garden Club members spent two hours cleaning several landscape beds that surround the Panorama West clubhouse

By Susan Thompson 
Lake Panorama Times

Fifteen members of the Panora Garden Club gathered at the Panorama West golf course April 10. Armed with rakes, clippers, leaf blowers and hedge trimmers, they spent two hours cleaning several landscape beds that surround the Panorama West clubhouse.
Club members cleared leaves and dead foliage from the rain garden along the southeast corner of the clubhouse parking lot. The rain garden, a project led by Friends of Lake Panorama, was installed in June 2017.
At that time, members of the Panora Garden Club and other volunteers helped plant about 170 native plants, featuring a dozen different varieties of flowering plants and grasses. The rain garden captures water runoff from the parking lot, which the plants and mulch filter before the water travels into a drainage tile.
At this year’s spring cleanup, club members also removed leaves and dead foliage from landscaped beds that surround the clubhouse, the flagpole and the outdoor kiosk. They also trimmed evergreen trees, shrubs and roses near the Panorama West signs and clubhouse. 

LPA BOARD MINUTES

Posted 05/10/2023
Lake Panorama Association
Board of Directors Meeting
March 28, 2023


The Lake Panorama Association Board of Directors met March 28, 2023, at 5 p.m. at the Lake Panorama Association Office. Board members in attendance were Mary Jane Carothers, Emily Donovan, David Finneseth, Dennis Flanery, Mark Jorgensen, Rich Schumacher and Dirk Westercamp.

LPA Staff in attendance: Danna Krambeer, Corey Larsen, Lane Rumelhart and John Rutledge.

Visitors in attendance: Shawn Foy and Sherry Ruge, LPA Members Tim Schafer and Sue Thompson BOD Candidates.

President Schumacher called the meeting to order at 5 p.m.

Agenda Item 1 – Approval of the Agenda
Donovan moved to approve the agenda. Motion seconded, carried unanimously.

No conflicts of interest were disclosed by the Board of Directors regarding agenda items.

Agenda Item 2 – Open Forum
Shawn Foy spoke to the Board regarding his professional background and experience, and offered to assist the association regarding the purchase and financing of equipment for the golf course. The board thanked him for his offer.

Agenda Item 3 – Consent Agenda
Carothers moved to approve the consent agenda. Motion seconded, carried unanimously.
Consent agenda to include:
a) LPA General Manager’s Report
b) Approval of minutes from 12.13.2022 LPA Board Meeting
c) Acceptance of the 02.28.2023 LPA LPN Consolidated Financial Statement
d) Set date for next board meeting, 4.25.2023
e) Accept minutes from 12.13.2022 LPN LLC Board of Managers Meeting
f) Accept minutes from 03.13.2023 Building Codes Committee Meeting

Agenda Item 4 – Report from Treasurer
Flanery reported he met with Krambeer and reviewed the Financial Statements and various account items; all was in order.

Agenda Item 5a – Minor Land Transaction with Glade and Andersen on Redwood Road to accommodate LPA water infrastructure. 
Rutledge presented a proposed agreement between LPA, Duane Andersen and Randy and Dixie Glade which would be mutually beneficial to all parties regarding an LPA-owned air relief valve related to the LPA water plant. A minor transaction involving .062 acres m/l would be required to facilitate this agreement. Rutledge asked the board to formally authorize execution of all related documents.

Carothers moved to authorize LPA Board Officers to execute all documents related to the land transaction between LPA, Randal & Dixie Glade, and Duane Andersen involving .062 acres m/l. Documents to be prepared by LPA attorney. Motion seconded, carried unanimously.

Agenda Item 5b – Sale price on Lots 421 & 2881 and discussion of LPA lot sale minimum for remaining waterfront property.
Land Sales Committee reviewed offer received for $120,000 for lots 421 & 2881 in the amount of $120,000 from Kirk and Jillian Harris. LSC noted lot 421 is a waterfront lot with lot 2881 across the road for lateral field. The current waterfront sale prices supports a higher value than the offer and recommend $325,000 for these lots.

Flanery moved to approve the counter price of $325,000 for lots 421 & 2881. Motion seconded, carried unanimously.

Finneseth moved future waterfront lots will be minimally priced at $3,000 per waterfront foot. Motion seconded, carried unanimously.

Note - Buyers did reject the counteroffer of $325,000 for the two lots.

Agenda Item 5c – Sale of lot 2027.
LPA received offer from Kyle and Sherry Ruge for purchase of lot 2027. Offer was in the amount of $27,000, no contingencies. LSC reviewed the offer and agreed on a counteroffer of $40,000, as the lot has easy access, is flat, is buildable and is in the SPSD. The buyer has accepted the counter price.

Donovan moved to accept the offer for lot 2027 for sale price of $40,000 from Kyle and Sherry Ruge. Motion seconded, carried unanimously.

Agenda Item 5d – Sale of lots 3409 & 3410.
LSC reviewed offer received from Chuck & Kim Truka for purchase of lots 3409 & 3410. Offer was in the amount of $40,000, total for the 2 lots together, lots would be combined, contingent on acceptable perc test. LSC noted the lots are in an area that requires capital improvements for infrastructure. Based on a previous decision not to sell waterfront lots in this area, LSC recommends the lots not be sold at this time, rejecting the current offer. Board discussed and agree with LSC recommendation.

Westercamp moved to reject offer on lots 3409 & 3410 made by Chuck & Kim Truka. Motion seconded, carried unanimously.

Agenda Item 5e – Sale of lots 6442 & 6443.
LSC reviewed offer from Robert & Peggy Carr for purchase of lots 6442 & 6443. Offer was in the amount of $42,000 for the two lots, contingent on acceptable perc test and the lots would be combined at closing. LSC agreed on a counteroffer of $60,000 for the two lots, lots to be combined and contingent on acceptable perc.

Donovan moved to approve the counteroffer price of $60,000 for lots 6442 & 6443 to be recorded in the minutes. Motion seconded, carried unanimously.

Note - Buyers rejected the counteroffer of $60,000 for the two lots.

Agenda Item 5f – LPA lot sale minimum price increase from $20,000 to $25,000
LSC recommends the board increase the minimum lot sale price from $20,000 to $25,000.

Flanery moved to approve the minimum lot sale price for LPA lots to be increased from $20,000 to $25,000. Motion seconded, carried unanimously.

Agenda Item 5g – Building Code change 2101.26. Increase variance fee from $35 to $100. 
Building Codes committee recommends variance fee increase from $35 to $100 per variance request.

Westercamp moved to approve building code change to 2101.26:
2101.26 A variance request processing fee is $35 $100 and must be filed paid prior to obtaining a hearing. Motion seconded, carried unanimously.

Agenda Item 5h – Building Code change 2403.5. No demolition in February and March (to protect roads)
Building Codes committee recommends no demolition may take place during the months of February and March without written permission from LPA management, to protect roads.

Carothers moved to approve the following addition to building codes:
2403.5 No demolition may take place during the months of February and March without written permission from LPA management. Motion seconded, carried. Donovan abstained from the vote.

Agenda Item 5i – Building Code change 2810.572. Only one dwelling septic system per lot.
Building Codes committee recommends only one dwelling septic system may be located on a lot.

Finneseth moved to approve the following addition to building codes:
2810.572 Only one dwelling septic system may be located on a lot. Motion seconded, carried unanimously.

Agenda Item 5j – Building Code change 2902.31 & 2902.32. Adjustment of pipe and valve requirements for service water line.
Building Codes committee recommends the change to 2902.31 and 2902.32 for clarification of the codes.

Westercamp moved to approve the change to codes 2902.31 and 2902.32:
2902.31 Copper or 200 psi PEP, with tracer wire, shall be buried a minimum of 5 foot deep. Schedule 40 plastic should be pipe a minimum of 5 foot deep with tracer wire.

2902.32 A 3/4” 1” ball valve must be installed inside in a horizontal position to enable meter placement. Motion seconded, carried unanimously.

Agenda Item 5k – Building Code change 2902.35 & 2902.36. Backflow prevention requirement for pools.
All pools must be routed through the LPA water meter and hooked up with an approved backflow system.
The Building Codes committee recommends the change to 2902.35 and the addition of 2902.36 and 2802.37.

Flanery moved to approve the change to codes 2902.35 and addition of 2902.36 and 2902.37:
2902.35 Yard hydrants and inground pools must be connected to routed through the house meter.

2902.36 All permanently installed underground irrigation systems and inground pools shall contain an approved, testable, backflow prevention assembly at the water service designed to prevent backflow to the LPA Water distribution system.

2902.37 Members shall be responsible for testing each backflow prevention assembly annually by a backflow prevention technician registered with the Iowa Department of Health. Such test shall be due on June 1 of every year. A report of each annual test shall be submitted to the LPA Office by June 1 each year. Motion seconded, carried unanimously.

Agenda Item 5l – Building Code change 3204. Backflow prevention for irrigation systems that use LPA potable water.
All irrigation systems that use LPA potable water must be routed through the LPA water meter and hooked up with an approved backflow system. The Building Codes committee recommends the addition of 3204 Irrigation requirements 3204.01.

Finneseth moved to approve the addition of 3204 Irrigation Requirements 3204.1:
3204.1 All homes that irrigate with water from Lake Panorama’s potable water system must install an LPA approved backflow prevention system between the water tap and irrigation system. Motion seconded, carried unanimously.

Agenda Item 5m – Fireplace height variance request – Lots 2956 & 2957 combined.
Jason and Lisa Grossman, 6505 Oak Tree Cove, Lots 2956 & 2957, presented a variance request for a fireplace roughly four inches taller than the codes allow. The Building Codes committee advised the board of directors the location and design of this fireplace will result in a finished product that meets the spirit of LPA’s rules on fireplace construction.

Donovan moved to approve a variance for fireplace height to Jason and Lisa Grossman, 6505 Oak Tree Cove, Lots 2956 & 2957. Motion seconded, carried unanimously.

Agenda Item 5n – Roof pitch variance request – Lot 495
Roof pitch variance request for Justin Frampton, Frampton Homes, Inc., 4601 Panorama Drive, Lot 495, for 3/12 roof pitch.

Finneseth moved to approve a variance for 3/12 roof pitch, per the plans, for Justin Frampton, Frampton Homes, Inc., 4601 Panorama Drive, Lot 495. Motion seconded, carried unanimously.

Agenda 6 – Other Business
Rutledge announced GM Coffee will be held April 7, at LPN, LLC at 10:30 a.m.

Agenda Item 7 – Closed Session
The board entered closed session at 6:01 p.m. to discuss legal matters. Board exited closed session at 7:30 p.m.

Adjourn - With no further business, the meeting was adjourned at 7:30 p.m.

COUNTY NEWS
GUTHRIE COUNTY UPDATE PROVIDED AT OPEN FORUM

Johnsonarmstrongmeeting
Posted 05/10/2023
Board of Supervisors Chairman Brian Johnson hosted event at Panorama West Clubhouse on April 8

By Susan Thompson 
Lake Panorama Times

About 35 people attended an open forum April 8 at the Panorama West clubhouse, hosted by Brian Johnson, who lives at Lake Panorama. Johnson was one of three new members elected to the Guthrie County Board of Supervisors last November and now is the board chairman. The other two new board members elected were Maggie Armstrong, who lives south of Panora, and Steve Smith, who lives in Guthrie Center.
Johnson opened the meeting with comments about the current work of the board. He said the board was putting final touches on the 2023-2024 fiscal year Guthrie County budget and that the county levy rate would not increase with the new budget.
The new county law enforcement center was another topic of interest.
“We’re now about 18 months past the expected opening of this new jail,” Johnson said. “Many things have caused delays, with the latest being trouble with the elevator panel and the wrong type of windows being installed. The replacement windows should be in place by the end of April.”
An open house for the facility has been set for June 10-11.
“I hope you’ll all plan to attend the open house to see this new facility,” Johnson said. “It’s going to be a huge improvement. The state was going to shut down our old jail if we didn’t build a new one. Even though the project hasn’t gone as planned, at least we’re almost to the finish line.”
The board of supervisors is studying options for county-wide EMS. Last November, the supervisors approved a resolution declaring Emergency Medical Services an essential service in Guthrie County, plus the creation of a Guthrie County EMS system advisory council. 
“We need to have reliable ambulance services, and that’s more difficult to do in a rural county like Guthrie,” he said. “The advisory council and the board of supervisors are looking at the possibility of a countywide vote in November on a funding proposal. This could involve the use of property taxes or income taxes or a combination of the two. I urge you to continue to follow this important discussion.”
Recent property value assessments that are significantly higher than a year earlier were discussed. Johnson said higher assessments are the result of higher sale prices being paid for homes and lots.
“The whole process is in the Iowa Code,” he said. “This is not the fault of Realtors, and it’s not the assessor’s fault. There are provisions in the Iowa Code that will keep property tax increases to about 3%, despite the high increases in property values.”
Several people in attendance raised concerns about the condition of Sage Trail on the east side of Lake Panorama. Johnson said he understands the concerns about that road, but he also has concerns about 200th Road and Redwood Road, which are the two main arteries into the Lake Panorama development.
“Maggie, Steve and I started meeting with department heads last fall to get up to speed on county issues,” Johnson said. “We want to make the county’s roads, bridges and culverts a priority, but there isn’t nearly enough money available to do what needs to be done. Roads and bridges are costly. One thing I do know is that the county engineer is committed to making future decisions on road improvements based on car counts.”
Maggie Armstrong joined the meeting during the Sage Trail discussion.
“I grew up driving Sage Trail, so I know this topic well,” she said. “I can’t promise we can do anything about this in the near future. But we now have three new people on the board of supervisors. We may not be able to find an easy solution, but at least we’re willing to look at issues that have been pushed to the back burner in the past.”
Armstrong said one of her personal priorities is economic development.
“We don’t have the kind of industries in Guthrie County that help provide money to pave more roads,” she said. “If we had more paved roads, more people would move here.”
Johnson agreed, saying the population in Guthrie County dropped by 500 people between the last two censuses.
“We need to find ways to grow, both with new businesses and new housing for the workforce that new businesses would attract,” he said.
Johnson thanked those in attendance for their interest and support, and encouraged them to contact him directly with concerns or suggestions.
“County government isn’t a private poker game,” he said. “I urge you to get involved. I’m committed to making sure Guthrie County residents have opportunities to stay informed about what’s happening in county government.

COVE CAT

Fullsizeoutput 2c8a
Posted 05/10/2023
By Cheryl Temple
Lake Panorama Times

Name: Traci
Age: 3 years old
Available for adoption at: Panora Pets
Traci was part of an outside cat colony. The owner was working to have the entire colony altered, and Traci was one of the friendliest of the group. She has been at the shelter for more than two years and is still waiting to find her furever home.
Traci loves the laser light and spring toys. She taught herself to run on the shelter’s big exercise wheel. Traci does well with other kitties and roams freely throughout the shelter, spreading her happiness and joy.  She enjoys nothing more than attention from the volunteers and anyone who walks into the shelter (including delivery people and the mail carrier). She immediately makes friends with everyone, and it is difficult not to fall in love with her. However, her habit of swiping with her paw or lightly biting at human hands when she wants more attention has caused her to be passed over by potential adopters. While she is a darling kitty, she may not be the best fit for young children.

LAKE DOGS

Img 6605 (cropped)
Posted 05/10/2023
By Cheryl Temple
Lake Panorama Times

Names: Sam (brown and white) and Louie (black and white)
Breed: 6-year-old Havanese.
Owners: Kurt and Jana Schade
From Jana Schade: “Sam and Louie are brothers. When we looked at the dogs, there were three pups with the mom — a girl and two boys. We asked our vet what he thought of us getting the two boys, leaving the baby girl to remain with her mother. He thought that would be perfect! The boys play and love hanging out together. Oftentimes they are piled on one another. They love coming to the lake and hanging out in their dog bed by the window, on the deck where they can see through the glass railing and on the pontoon where they can be spotted standing at the helm, like Rose, in the movie ‘Titanic.’ ”
The Schades have six grandchildren ranging in age from 3 through 8. They all love coming to the lake and playing with the dogs. The Shades have lived on the lake since 2018.

TRISH HART'S NATURE PHOTO OF THE MONTH
BABY SQUIRRELS PROVIDE ENTERTAINMENT

Babysquirrel
Posted 05/10/2023
By Susan Thompson 
Lake Panorama Times

Trish Hart snaps photos of Lake Panorama’s wildlife and beauty at many locations around the lake community. This spring, two adult squirrels made their nest inside a hole in a shagbark hickory tree next to the firepit she and her husband Scott enjoy near the water. The result? Baby squirrels entertaining the couple with their antics.
“These energetic, cute little critters are fun to watch running around the limbs and playing with each other,” Hart says.
There are 280 different species in the squirrel family that live throughout the world, 40 of which are tree squirrels. The most common tree squirrels in the Lake Panorama area are fox squirrels, named because of their coloration similar to red foxes.
According to the Iowa DNR, squirrel paws are hand-like, with little primitive thumbs and strong claws for grasping at tree bark. These features, combined with a squirrel’s ability to rotate its hind feet 180 degrees, allow the animal to descend head-first from a tree.
Hart offers custom prints of her photos on canvas, paper, metal and glass. Learn more by visiting Nature’s Canvas Photography on Facebook.  

TWO SESSIONS FOR 2023 JUNIOR GOLF SCHOOL

Riggins
Posted 05/10/2023
By Susan Thompson 
Lake Panorama Times

Registration for the 26th annual Lake Panorama National Junior golf clinics is open. Young people ages 5 to 17 are eligible to attend. Two sessions are offered with a limit of 24 students per session.
All dates are on a Wednesday and run for one-and-a-half hours, from 9:30 a.m. to 11 a.m. Session One dates are June 7, 14 and 21 with a registration deadline of May 26. Session Two dates are July 12, 19 and 26 with a registration deadline of June 29. The registration fee is $55 per junior golfer.
For the first two days of each session, the junior golfers will meet near the LPN pro shop, where they will divide into age groups and walk to the LPN practice areas with instructors. The groups will rotate between the driving range, chipping area and the putting green. At the end of each day, the golfers can go to Spikes and pick out a drink and snack.
The third day of each session will be held at the Panorama West golf course. There the students will play a few holes on the golf course with instructors helping them implement what they learned the first two days. After golf, pizza and drinks will be available in the community room.
Rob Riggins, LPN head golf professional, says he and his staff are dedicated to growing the game of golf for juniors.
“Our junior golf clinics are conducted in a way that improves the skills of junior golfers along with their life skills,” he says. “And while we will be focusing on fundamentals of the game, we also will be moving more toward getting kids ready to play the game.”
The LPN Junior golf clinics have two long-time sponsors — Lake Panorama Association and Guthrie County State Bank. For more information, call the LPN pro shop at 641-755-2024. To register, complete an entry form that is available in both the pro shop and online, then return to the LPN pro shop with payment.

PICKLEBALL NET INSTALLED AT SUNSET BEACH SPORTS COURT

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

A portable pickleball net now is ready for players at the new Sunset Beach sports court. The fully assembled net is on four wheels. It can be stored along the fence when not in use, and rolled into place as needed. A brake on each of the four wheels unlocks and locks, so the net can either be moved or secured in place.
The court was completed last November. The Friends of Lake Panorama board of directors had discussed a basketball half-court at Sunset Beach for several years. The idea of expanding the basketball court to include pickleball was raised at a Friends informational meeting last summer.
Adding an extra 10 feet to the original plan made it possible to accommodate both basketball and pickleball. The 40-foot by 60-foot concrete pad is covered in sports court tile with painted lines for both basketball and pickleball. 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 total of $17,500 from the Friends of Lake Panorama’s 2022 Beach Ball was used for this project. Mark and Karen Einck donated $25,000 for the court, with another $5,500 received from other donors. A sign recognizing donors will be added to the fence this spring. 

ON THE LAKE
Peace, garbage, snow removal and some more lake humor

Shane goodman headshot
Posted 04/12/2023
By Shane Goodman
Editor and Publisher

I am preaching to the choir with this comment, but there is truly something about water that brings peace. Studies show that people who live near water report feeling less stress and better health than those who don’t, but what is it about water — and specifically Lake Panorama — that makes us feel this way?
Mathew White, an environmental psychologist at the University of Exeter, conducted extensive research on the link between water and our mental state. He and marine biologist Wallace J. Nichols, who explores the topic in his book “Blue Mind,” created theories about why water possesses such calming qualities. Their thoughts were shared in a 2016 article in the Huffington Post.
Nichols writes in his book, “It’s all about catching a break from the screen-fueled, fast-paced rhythm of our modern lives.” Off the screens. On the water. He might be onto something.
They also claim water, weather and sound interact in a way that produces an overwhelming sense of mental tranquility that even slows down brainwaves. I am all in with giving the brain a rest.
These experts say water can deprive us of our senses — but in a good way. They cite studies showing how floating in skin-temperature water makes participants lose track of where the water ends and their bodies begin. Now that truly sounds wonderful. Not in April water, but soon.
Well, I am not an environmental psychologist or a water expert of any sort, but I do know peace and tranquility when I see them, and they are quite abundant at Lake Panorama.

Littering
I have written about my concerns about littering in my Daily Umbrella (www.thedailyumbrella.com) column along with my personal commitment to pick up 10 pieces of garbage each time I go out for a walk. Surprisingly, in most places across Iowa, that number is not difficult to reach. I am disturbed by the number of people who simply throw their trash anywhere they see fit. This becomes especially visible in the springtime when the snow melts and litter rears its ugly head.
Meanwhile, here at Lake Panorama, I don’t see the littering problem near as much. It might be because there are fewer people here, which results in less trash. But I think it’s more than that. The folks I know here seem to appreciate nature’s beauty more than most others. It is a respect for water and trees and wildlife. Styrofoam cups, plastic wrappers and empty bottles don’t add to the scenery. We can always do better, but I am proud of the lake residents who do their best to put garbage in its proper place.

A thanks to the LPA roads crew
Now that it is April, we hopefully have the snow behind us and can look forward to the showers and flowers. But while the white stuff is still fresh in our minds, I want to extend a thank you to the folks on the LPA staff who do the snow removal on our roads. I assume many of you who spend winters here appreciate their work as well. Once again, I am impressed with how quickly and efficiently they plow the snow to make our roads safe and manageable. Thank you.

And some more lake humor
By now, you are probably wondering how many more lake jokes I could possibly share in this column. Well, at least for this month, I have a few more.
My friend Ron told me he is quite frustrated by all the Canada geese on the lake. Mostly, he is fed up with the bills. Argh. …
A husband and wife on Lake Panorama were discussing car problems. The wife said, “Honey, the car won’t start. I think there is water in the carburetor.”  The husband replied, “You don’t even know what a carburetor is. Alright, where’s the car?” The wife said, “It’s in the lake.” …
And finally, this may not be a lake joke, but it does deal with water. What are the two reasons you should refrain from drinking toilet water? The answers, of course, are number one and number two.
Have a great April, and thanks for reading.

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