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

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

Posted 01/10/2023

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Posted 01/10/2023

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

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

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

Posted 01/10/2023

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

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

Anyone who was a golfing member of either Panorama West or Lake Panorama National in 2022 will receive 2023 golf membership applications and related information about the 2023 season in their mailbox. Application forms also are available online and in the LPN pro shop.
There are two golf courses at Lake Panorama, both offering annual memberships. Lake Panorama National is an 18-hole course located on the east side of Lake Panorama. Panorama West is a nine-hole course on the west side of the lake. Both courses are owned by the Lake Panorama Association and managed by Lake Panorama National.
Annual memberships are available at both courses for both Lake Panorama Association property owners and those who are not LPA property owners. All memberships include free use of the Lake Panorama National driving range. There are several membership options.
A Lake Panorama National 2023 membership for LPA property owners is priced at $2,541 for families, $2,159 for couples, $1,650 for an individual, and $424 for junior golfers under the age of 18. An LPN membership for non-LPA property owners is $2,794 for families, $2,413 for couples, $1,905 for individuals, and $424 for juniors.
For LPA property owners joining at Panorama West, fees are $793 for a family, $623 for a couple, $453 for an individual and $113 for a junior. For non-LPA property owners, Panorama West memberships are $906, $736, $567, and $113 for those same four categories.
A special “first time” membership is available for those who have never been a Lake Panorama National member. The cost of this membership for a family is $1,620, for a couple it is $1,334, and for an individual, the cost is $881. LPN members who refer a “first time” person who joins will receive $50 in LPN pro shop credit.
Distance memberships at Lake Panorama National are available for those who do not own a home at Lake Panorama, and who live more than 18 miles from the LPN. This membership costs $2,160 for a family, $1,779 for a couple, and $1,175 for an individual.
Memberships for the swimming pool and fitness center at the LPN also are listed on the 2023 membership applications.
Those using private carts on either golf course must pay a trail fee. At the LPN, members have the option of a cart lease, which entitles one person to a seat on an LPN cart for the season.
Other services listed on the membership forms are cart storage at both courses and a USGA handicap at the LPN. Those who play in the LPN’s leagues and handicap tournaments must pay the $30 handicap fee. This fee is not required for Panorama West leagues.
All memberships paid by Dec. 31, 2022, will be entered into a drawing. Prizes awarded will include a driver and fairway wood combo valued at $850; Bushnell range finder valued at $300; a Michael Kleinwolterink print valued at $200; three-dozen Titleist custom golf balls valued at $180; a 2023 single LPN pool and fitness membership valued at $350; bring three guests free to your member course, cart included; and a nine-hole playing lesson with Rob Riggins, LPN head golf professional, valued at $150.
Membership forms are online at
www.lakepanoramanational.com/membership. 

Posted 11/09/22
For many years, the area service club Women for Panora’s Future (WFPF) sponsored a Christmas tour of homes the first Sunday in December. The tour was canceled the last two years because of COVID concerns but is making a comeback for 2022.
“We are excited to be doing this project again after two years,” says Marcia Roenfeld, WFPF president. “In addition to our annual raffle for a monthly plate of cookies or a pie, and our can collection drive the months of May and June, this is our big fundraiser for scholarships.”
The home tour normally raises enough money to award $500 scholarships each spring to two graduating Panorama Community School students.
This year’s home tour will be Sunday, Dec. 4, from 1 p.m. to 4:30 p.m. Ticket holders choose their own route to each location during that time period.
“We are excited to have five homeowners who will have decorated for Christmas and be ready to showcase their homes,” Roenfeld says. “Four of the homes are at Lake Panorama, and one is in Panora.”
Tickets cost $10 and can be purchased in advance from club members, at the Panora Library, at the Panora Community Center the day of the tour, or by contacting Roenfeld at mroenfeld2559@msn.com. Door prizes, raffle prizes and holiday refreshments also will be available at the Community Center 1-4:30 p.m.
Tickets must be presented at the door of each home the day of the event. Homes on the tour are owned by David and Deborah Townsend, Ken and Jan Tolton, Andrew and Abby Pudenz, Tim and Susan Schafer, and Galen and Carol Redshaw. Home addresses will be printed on the tickets.
The WFPF club has been in existence for 50 years. The first Christmas home tour was in 1978 with 70 people attending at a ticket price of $3.
In addition to the home tour, WFPF members help decorate the Panora town square for Christmas and run the candy cane walk and cake walk during community events. They donate cookies for Memorial Day activities and the Haunted Village; clean the roadside ditches on Highway 4 north of Panora twice a year; hold two blood drives a year; and donate money to several local organizations. They also purchase Christmas presents for all residents of Panora Specialty Care.
The group meets the first Tuesday of each month and welcomes new members. Contact Roenfeld at mroenfeld2559@msn.com for more information.

Posted 11/09/22
This is the 49th year the Panora Women’s Service Organization (WSO) annual salad luncheon has been part of the local holiday season. This year’s fundraising luncheon is Friday, Dec. 2.
The WSO luncheon begins serving at noon and is held in the St. Cecelia Catholic Church basement. As guests arrive, they can purchase raffle tickets and sign up for door prizes.
Tickets are $20 with only 125 available. The meal includes ham balls, rolls and a large variety of salads made by WSO members. Tickets can be purchased from any WSO member, at the Panora Library, or by contacting the WSO president, Toni Wright, 641-757-0886 or btwright44@gmail.com.
Proceeds from the WSO holiday luncheon help fund local projects and make it possible to provide a $500 scholarship to one Panorama High School graduating senior each year, which can be renewed annually for up to three years. In most years, WSO is providing $2,000 in scholarship money to four Panorama graduates.
Another big fundraising event for WSO is an annual home tour each June, which this year will be Friday, June 2. This will be the 47th WSO home tour. Tickets for this event also will be limited so those interested will want to contact their usual ticket seller in early May.
The salad luncheon and home tour will secure this year’s scholarships plus make it possible to donate to other local causes. Some of those include Tori’s Angels, Panora Library, Heritage Park, Guthrie County Historical Village, Guthrie County Food Pantry, and the Panora Garden Club Main Street petunia trees and flower pots.