Posted 6/7/2022
By Susan Thompson 
Lake Panorama Times

The 53rd annual meeting of the Lake Panorama Association was May 14 at the LPN conference center. About 90 people attended, representing 44 voting members. It was announced the LPA currently has a total membership of 1,728, with 10 of those inactive, because 2022 dues have not been paid.
A total of 504 ballots were counted regarding whether to approve the adoption of LPA’s Amended and Substituted Covenants and Restrictions. The ballot measure passed easily with 484 yes votes, and 20 no votes, for a 96% approval.
The covenants serve as the foundation of the LPA’s governing documents and are an essential piece of LPA’s organizational structure. The covenants were last adopted April 26, 2003, and must be renewed within 21 years. The updated covenants now will be filed in the office of the Guthrie County Recorder, and be in place until May 14, 2043.
A total of 495 ballots were cast in the election for three people to serve on the LPA board of directors. There were three people running for the three seats. New board members are Dennis Flanery, Mark Jorgensen and Dirk Westercamp.
Gary Evans, LPA board treasurer, provided the 2021 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 2021 and 2020 of Lake Panorama Association and LPN, LLC.
Evans 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, LLC reported an operating loss of $339,309 for 2021. Evans said LPN received a second federal Paycheck Protection Program loan in 2021, which was fully forgiven in the amount of $223,616. Once facility rent of $70,000 to LPA was booked, LPN showed a final net loss of $185,692.
LPA reported net income of $846,264 for 2021. Of that, $353,484 was for the yearly auditors’ adjustment for land sales expense. Evans said this is an accounting adjustment for tax purposes and does not represent new money coming into the organization. Copies of the auditor’s report are available at the LPA office.
Rich Schumacher, LPA board president, chaired the meeting. To open his president’s report, Schumacher thanked the many people 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 2022 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 reviewed two recent LPN, LLC projects. At the LPN, a new retaining wall was installed in the pond near the fifth hole. The second project was the removal of a total of 350 ash trees from the LPN and Panorama West golf courses. He reported the LPA has received the stump grinder that was ordered last fall, and work will begin soon to clear stumps on the two courses.
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 me 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 $97,905.”
John Rutledge, LPA general manager and LPN, LLC director of operations, began his report with a look at the LPN.
“We have had some turnover in the food and beverage management team, which I know has been disappointing for our supporters,” he said. “I can assure you this has been disappointing for us, too. We are working with the LPA and LPN boards to review our approach to the food and beverage department.”
“Golf continues to perform well for us, with LPN memberships increasing by nine and Panorama West memberships increasing by four this year,” Rutledge said. “Overall, LPN, LLC is not a profitable subsidiary for LPA, but it’s also not a black hole. The LPA board continues to believe even though LPN is not a profit-producing investment, it continues to be an important benefit for LPA members.”
Currently, Rutledge is overseeing the LPN food and beverage department, and Royce Shaffer continues to manage everything else. Rutledge said the two of them welcome feedback on dining, golf or lodging experiences and have established a special email account for comments: feedback@lakepanorama.org
Shifting gears to the LPA, Rutledge said the annual seal-coating of LPA roads is “suffering from inflation. The 2022 cost will be $26,800 per mile, so we will treat about eight miles instead of the usual nine-and-a-half miles. Hopefully, material costs will come back down in 2023, closer to the $20,000 per mile range, and we’ll be able to increase the number of miles treated.”
Rutledge said the LPA Security department continues to play an important role for the association, covering water safety, land patrol, hunting management and other responsibilities.
“One item to highlight is the critical importance of invasive species rule enforcement,” he said. “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. We occasionally receive 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 the new water plant is functioning as designed, and almost all feedback from members has been “extremely positive.” He encouraged anyone who feels the water quality coming into their home isn’t what it should be to contact LPA.
A water main crossing at Sunset Beach is scheduled to be replaced this year at a cost of around $600,000. A similar main in Burchfield Cove failed in the winter of 2020 and had to be replaced on short notice. Rutledge said replacing the Sunset Beach main is “part of the natural process of replacing assets that are 50 years old.”
The lake dam undergoes an extensive review every five years, in addition to annual inspections, with the five-year review done recently. This was the first time a company was hired to send a diver underwater for a thorough inspection of the dam and components.
“The initial assessment is very good, considering our dam is 50 years old,” Rutledge said. “As with everything, there is a heightened sense of awareness as dams increase in age. We expect some routine repairs will be needed in the concrete portions of the dam. The cylinders and the bascule gate all are in good condition.”
Rutledge said the dog park, funded by donors through Friends of Lake Panorama, would open in June. He said past projects led by Friends, including playground equipment at all three beaches and the sports courts at Boulder Beach, are much appreciated and used regularly. He thanked the Friends board and all donors who have helped support the Lake Panorama community with these recreational amenities.
Next Rutledge turned his attention to the Lake Panorama Rural Improvement Zone (RIZ). Expansion of the 180th Trail Basin is underway, and will be used for sediment storage once the current basin is full. A new wetland to help protect water quality flowing into Burchfield Cove is planned with construction hopefully underway this fall. A second wetland, also designed to help protect Burchfield Cove, is held up because of a conflict with the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers. An onsite meeting was planned with Corps officials for the following week in an attempt to iron out differences.
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.
Plans to rip rap the south shore are being made with the RIZ board requiring a signed contract that LPA will retain it as green space for at least 15 years. Rutledge said the project cost could exceed $750,000.
“We’re hopeful this work can be done this fall, but material supplies and fuel costs both are creating concerns about this tight timeline,” Rutledge said.
RIZ is projected to receive $3 million in revenues in the 2022-23 fiscal year.
“LPA dues generate about $2 million annually,” Rutledge said. “If we had to come up with $3 million annually to do the dredging and water quality projects now funded by RIZ, it would be very difficult. Even though that $3 million comes from LPA member-paid property taxes, without RIZ, we know that money wouldn’t all be coming back to us, it would be shifted elsewhere.”
Shortly after the LPA 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 Rich Schumacher, president; Emily Donovan, vice president; David Finneseth, secretary; and Dennis Flanery, treasurer. n

Posted 5/10/2022
By Susan Thompson 
Lake Panorama Times

An opportunity to see featured landscaping and gardens along Lake Panorama’s shoreline is planned for Wednesday, June 29. The Panora Garden Club is hosting this fundraiser to continue the many projects club members conduct to beautify the community.
Guests will remain onboard for a lake tour that will begin at the Boulder Beach docks and last 60 to 75 minutes. Boats will leave each hour from 9 a.m. to 3 p.m. with room for about 20 participants during each time slot. Refreshments will be available, and some vendors present at Boulder Beach for participants to visit before and after their boat tour.
Signs along the tour route will highlight the gardens and landscaping of Panora Garden Club members. Maps marking the coves will be distributed.
Tickets cost $20 each and will go on sale May 22. Call and leave a message or text 641-431-1440 with requests for number of tickets and desired time slot. Tickets must be paid for in advance of the tour date. Arrangements for payment and ticket pick-up or delivery will be made once your message has been received.
A rain date of Thursday, June 30 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 considered a donation to the Panora Garden Club.

Posted 5/10/2022
By Jolene Goodman

As the summer draws close, I am starting to prepare for the weekends when we will have guests at the lake. Experimenting as a cook has not been a focus for me for years.  However, pleasing my guests with interesting meals has me researching new recipes. I tried this one out on our staff a few weeks ago. It was a bigger hit than my standard cheese and sausage egg dish! I made it again this past weekend and invited our neighbors, Becky and Brian Peppmeier and Ron Masek,  for brunch.  The dish received praises again. Give it a try!  It will be sure to please your crowd, too.

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

Roasted vegetable egg dish

2-3 cups broccoli, chopped
2 medium sweet potatoes, peeled and diced
1 yellow onion, diced
8 oz. mushrooms
1 red pepper, diced
12 large eggs
1/2 cup milk
1 tsp salt
1 tsp pepper
1 tsp Italian seasoning
1 garlic clove minced
3 tbsp olive oil
1 cup (or more) mozzarella cheese

Preheat oven to 400 degrees. Lightly coat 2 large baking sheets and 9x13 with nonstick spray. Set 9x13 aside.
Place vegetables in a large bowl and drizzle with olive oil, sprinkle with salt and pepper and toss.
Spread veggies on 2 baking sheets evenly. Roast for 20 minutes, tossing vegetables and turning pans occasionally for even cooking. Place one pan of veggies into 9x13. Reduce oven to 350.
Beat together eggs, milk, garlic and iItalian seasoning. Pour this over veggies in 9x13, slowly.
Add remaining pan of veggies over this, arranging evenly in pan. Sprinkle cheese over top.
Bake 35-40 minutes or until casserole no longer jiggles when you shake it and is golden brown.  Enjoy!

Posted 5/10/2022
By Susan Thompson 
Lake Panorama Times

This issue of the Lake Panorama Times includes Michael C. Woody’s sixth column offering his opinions on recent movies. Woody has been reviewing movies on radio and television stations since 1986, but this column is the first time his reviews have appeared in print.
“I’ve always loved the movies. While working at a Des Moines cable company in the mid-1980s, I finagled a short movie review segment that ran locally on CNN Headline News,” Woody says. “That started my 35-year hobby of reviewing movies in central Iowa on several radio stations and an occasional TV outlet. I’ve worked with radio personalities from Marty Tirrell at KXTK to Steve Deace at WHO Radio.”
Currently, Woody can be heard talking movies with Keith Murphy and Andy Fales on KXnO 106.3 on Wednesday afternoons at 2:30 p.m.
He and his wife, Sue, live in Des Moines full-time and also have a home at Lake Panorama. This will be their seventh summer at the lake.
“We found our lake home thanks to Dr. Al Swett and his wife, Lisa, who live two doors away from us on Big Rock Cove,” Woody says. “Al and I were fraternity brothers at Iowa. We had been out to visit them many times when one of their neighbors listed their home for sale.”
Sue Woody is director of the Des Moines Library. Mike Woody has been in the advertising business since 1982. He owns what he calls a “boutique” advertising agency, named Capital Ideas. He has 15 to 20 local accounts, including the Iowa Cubs, Iowa State Bank, Goode Greenhouses, Iowa Radiology, K Renee, Wilson Toyota and more. He writes, produces and places all advertising campaigns for his clients.
Woody grew up in Peoria, Illinois, but his family moved to Sioux City when he was a sophomore in high school, so he claims Sioux City as his hometown.
“I attended the University of Iowa, wandering from pre-med to journalism, before settling on English with an emphasis on creative writing,” he says. “It’s ironic. I took a film criticism class and remember being told by the instructor that I had no future as a film reviewer.” 
Sue Woody was born and raised in Des Moines. She attended Lincoln High School and was a business major at the University of Iowa. The couple met in Des Moines at a wedding shower at her aunt’s house, where Mike and her cousin Dave had crashed while searching for their first jobs.
While Woody’s column includes reviews of movies that can be seen both on streaming services and in theaters, he’s not a big fan of watching streamed movies.
“In my opinion, all movies should be shown on the largest screen possible with a great sound system,” he says. “In Des Moines, that is the IMAX screen at the Palms Theatre in Waukee, just 15 minutes from my home and only 30 minutes from Lake Panorama.”
Asked to list his all-time favorite movie, Woody says that’s a moving target.
“My top three would always include ‘Casablanca’ and ‘The Godfather Part 2,’ ” he says. “The third film could be ‘Blade Runner,’ ‘Chinatown,’ ‘The Exorcist’ or ‘Pulp Fiction,’ depending on the day.”
Mike and Sue have two grown sons, Tom and Jack, a feisty Fox Terrier named Buster, and two cats they adopted two years ago from a Lake Panorama resident.
While it’s too early to say if and when the couple someday will live full-time at Lake Panorama, Woody sees it as a good possibility. But it’s not necessarily the lake that will pull them in.
“I admit I’m not really fond of boating, but I have found lake life growing on me more and more each year,” Woody says. “I’m the weird guy who enjoys the winter months almost more than summer. I enjoy the peace and quiet in the dead of winter. If my work gets overwhelming, I throw it all in my car and spend a few days at the lake.”
One thing is sure. Woody will continue watching movies and share his insights and recommendations with others. 

Posted 5/10/2022
By Susan Thompson 
Lake Panorama Times 

Docks on Lake Panorama are governed by a State of Iowa law passed in 2008. Management of the program falls under the jurisdiction of the Iowa Department of Natural Resources (DNR).
Jeremy King is the Iowa DNR conservation officer for Guthrie and Audubon counties. King grew up in Guthrie County and has been an Iowa DNR conservation officer since 2004. In this month’s Q&A, King reviews the rules and regulations for docks, as these impact Lake Panorama owners.

Q. Explain the reasons for the state law regarding dock permits and how this applies to Lake Panorama.
A. The intent of this law is to have a numbering system on the water like there is on land. This law also provides guidance on distance from property lines, how big docks can be, how many slips are allowed, and other things. Lake Panorama is a unique lake that provides private access to public water. Since the water is public, docks need to be registered. This is to help locate houses, or to provide an E911 address in case of an emergency, should it happen on land or on the water, so emergency crews can respond to the location faster.

Q. What are the various classes of docks, and which are most common on Lake Panorama?
A. There are four classes of docks. Generally, the only ones that affect residents of Lake Panorama are Class I and Class III. Class I docks are standard private docks that can have one dock with up to two hoists. There are additional restrictions on the size and configurations that can be used. There is no cost for a Class I permit, but it must be renewed every five years.
Class III docks typically are docks that don’t fall under Class I. The Class III permit application fee is $125 for one or more individual private docks. Each dock permit is issued for a term of five years unless a shorter term is needed due to specified circumstances. Here is an online link to the exact language regarding docks and how it may apply to your situation: www.legis.iowa.gov/docs/iac/chapter/03-18-2015.571.16.pdf

Q. If someone is new to Lake Panorama and putting in a new dock/lift, what do they need to do to get their first permit? 
A. The best way is to go to www.iowadnr.gov/boatdocks. You will have to create a user name and password. Once you have done that and are logged in, it will walk you through the process of renewing, updating or initially registering a dock.
If someone purchases a home or lot and the dock/lift comes with the purchase, the dock permit is automatically transferable to the new owner of the shoreline property upon request of the new owner.

Q. What about Lake Panorama property owners who may have had a dock for quite a while but never gotten the necessary permit? 
A. They need to go to the DNR online link provided in the last answer and get the dock registered. Failure to comply could result in being cited to court and a fine. I have been patrolling Lake Panorama for more than 14 years, and since the inception of the dock laws, unregistered docks have been a growing problem. With over 800 docks on the lake, and new construction going up daily, it is hard for me to keep up with all unregistered docks.
There are enough docks now that are not in compliance that action is needed. For property owners who have docks that are not in compliance, they have until July 1, 2022, to get everything that way. After that date, citations may be issued.

Q. Do dock owners receive notification when their dock permit is about to expire?
A. Dock permits are to be renewed every five years, which is based on the date it was originally permitted, so the dates differ for each dock owner. If an email is on file for the dock owner, an email reminder is sent out. If there is no email, then a letter is mailed. Dock owners can begin renewing their permits on Dec. 15 of their renewal year.

Q When it is time to renew, what should the dock owner do?
A. To renew permits, dock owners need to log on to www.iowadnr.gov/boatdocks to access their account and renew their permit. They will need their A&A Account ID (or user name) and password to access their account. If they don’t remember their information, they will have to follow the prompts on the screen to recover it, or call the help desk at (515) 281-5703 for assistance. 
Once in the system, users can renew their permit from the account home page. Users can always call the DNR district office located at Cold Springs State Park near Lewis and ask for Holly at 712-769-2400 and she can assist in renewing their permit, once they are in the system. Holly cannot help them with IT or login issues. Holly can help most people over the phone if they are having trouble accessing or renewing their permit.

Q. Any final thoughts?
 A. Swim platforms also need to be registered and can be done in the same manner as docks. Here is what Chapter 16 says about permit criteria for rafts, platforms, or other structures: “A raft, platform, or other structure maintained on a public water body requires authorization in a permit. The raft, platform, or other structure may not be placed more than 250 feet from the shoreline, shall be equipped with reflectors that are visible from approaching boats, and shall be subject to the winter removal requirement unless specifically exempted by the permit.”
These need their own registration and signage, along with reflectors on all sides. This would include inflatable rafts people leave in the water. Some of the common ones we see at lakes are giant flamingos and swans — those technically would have to be permitted if they are left in the water overnight. We have had people leave these in the middle of lakes, and boats run into them when it is dark. That is why there are distance and reflector requirements.
Dock and swim platform signs with the address must face out toward the middle of the body of water. There are a number of them that are facing down the bank and are hard to find or see.
It’s important to make sure you are getting the correct dock permit based on the number of slips, size of your dock, and other things. There are some docks that have a Class I permit but should be a Class III because they have too many slips. Those will need to be brought into the correct class.
I recommend reviewing the DNR website link provided earlier to get caught up on all the dock rules and regulations. Anyone with questions can contact me either by phone at 712-250-0061 or email at jeremy.king@dnr.iowa.gov. 

Posted 5/10/2022

On March 17, Tom Flanery of Panora announced he is running for county supervisor in Guthrie County’s 3rd District, which includes Cass Township, the town of Panora, and parts of Lake Panorama and surrounding rural areas. Flanery said if he is elected county supervisor, he would like to continue the good things happening in Guthrie County.
“I will be committed to common sense government and conservative with Guthrie County taxpayer’s money,” Flanery said. “I will be a strong advocate for making improvements for law enforcement, public safety, bridges, roads, bike/snowmobile trails, libraries, and our fairgrounds. I also plan to work with the cities and economic development groups to bring more jobs and economic opportunities to our county. If elected, I will strive to maintain and improve the quality of life for all the citizens of Guthrie County.”
Flanery and his wife, Kellie Flanery (Book), both were raised in Guthrie County.
“We’ve been married for 25 years. We moved back to our hometown of Panora in 2017 and currently have two daughters enrolled in the Panorama Community School District. I am a fourth-generation Guthrie Countian,” he said.
Currently, Flanery is a member of the Panora City Council and on the committees for the electric board, public works, public safety, and the Panora Veterans Auditorium.
“Throughout the years, I have volunteered for the Panora, Woodward Granger, and Perry Parks and Rec softball leagues,” he said. “I also have been a member of the Perry Elks and Panora Lions Club.”
Flanery worked as a natural gas distribution contractor for 18 years before being hired at MidAmerican Energy in 2008.
“In 2011, I went through a four-year apprenticeship program to be a journeyman lineman and am currently working as an electric serviceman,” he said. “I have extended hands-on knowledge of how infrastructure is built and budgeted. We have also owned several successful small businesses and understand what struggles businesses can face.”
In closing, Flanery said he feels his life, work, and volunteer experience will be an asset as a Guthrie County Supervisor.

Editor’s note: Lake Panorama Times has run profiles on other District 2 and 3 candidates in prior issues.

Posted 5/10/2022
By Cheryl Temple
Lake Panorama Times

Name: Bond
Age: 5-6 years old
Available at: Panora Pets

The handsome Bond, named after fictional British Secret Service agent James Bond for his handsome looks and tuxedo coat, was rescued along with 20 other kitties that were living outside of a bar. All the other kitties have since been adopted, except for Bond. He has been looking for his forever home for more than two years. Bond is the strong, silent type that would do best in a less active home without young children. He’s a self-sufficient cat who enjoys a sun-filled window and chasing a laser pointer. Now who wouldn’t want a handsome James Bond living with them?  

Posted 5/10/2022
By Cheryl Temple
Lake Panorama Times

Name: Lilly
Age: 9
Breed: Shih Tzu
Owners: Dan and Gretchen Wilhelmi

When the Wilhelmi triplet children graduated from high school and went to college, Gretchen decided to get a dog that she could “mother.” Dan and Gretchen adopted Lilly from the Perry Humane Society when Lilly was 2 years old. She loves to go golfing with Gretchen, boating and riding with her “sister” Rosie (an English Setter) and Dan in the UTV. Lilly is a sweet, delightful, easy-going dog with a wonderful personality and loves to snuggle. She hates thunderstorms and fireworks, so the Fourth of July at the lake is a challenging time.

Posted 4/5/2022
By Susan Thompson 
Lake Panorama Times

Clint Peters is a self-described “golf fanatic.” He was raised in Aplington, a town of about 1,000 people in northeast Iowa.
“Aplington basically had a nine-hole golf course and a Casey’s, so I grew up on a golf cart playing golf since I was young,” Peters says. “I have been a member at Lake Panorama National the last few years and play as many times a week as possible.”
He and his wife, Kristi, own two lots at Lake Panorama where they plan to build a home. Their daughter, Kaitlyn, and her husband, Chase, who were married April 2 and had their reception at Lake Panorama National, already have a home at the lake. Their son, Coby, is a student at Iowa State.
In 2019, Peters decided to turn his love of golf into more than just playing the game.
“The opportunity came about to acquire Sniper,” he says. “We took what was a putter company and transitioned to a golf ball, golf glove and accessory company. I’ve never met anyone who has lost two putters during a round of golf, so changing from putters to golf balls made sense.”
The first Sniper brand golf ball was released in 2020.
“We expanded with our Tour Series golf balls in May 2021. In 2022, we have three golf ball lines that cater to every level of golfer,” Peters says. “We build our golf balls and recommend them by a golfer’s swing speed to maximize performance and align them with the best compression for their game.”
Peters says the Sniper Tour Series golf balls are three-piece balls offering tour-level performance.
“Tour Blue is recommended for swing speeds of less than 105 mph and Tour Red for swing speeds higher than 105 mph,” he says. “In testing, our golf balls are performing incredibly well against the major brands and actually better than those balls in many statistics. Plus, ours are much less expensive than the major brands.”
A golf ball for lower swing speeds is being introduced in 2022.
“Our SS model golf ball is our low-compression, super-soft golf ball,” Peters says. “Unlike most super-soft golf ball competitors, this ball has the same urethane cover as our Tour Series balls. We believe this ball will be popular with players looking for distance but don’t want to lose greenside control. The manufacturer we chose is one of the best innovators in the industry and helped produce the core for Titleist golf balls for more than 20 years.”
Years of playing golf led Peters to create different packaging for his Sniper brand golf balls.
“I hated trying to put a box of balls into my bag and having empty sleeves in my bag and in every golf cart basket,” he says. “We designed our patent-pending tubes to hold six balls each. For the dozen, we hold them together with two rubber wrist bands. Companies, courses or charities can swap out and use their own bands.”
Peters says the tubes have exceeded his expectations in popularity.
“These slip right into the seam of your golf bag pocket, and you never have to toss empty sleeves away again,” he says. “Our tubes are sturdy, and, when empty, are perfect for storing tees and valuables.”
When Peters purchased Sniper in 2019, the former owner was donating a percentage of sales to charity. This practice has continued with a focus on military and first responder charities.
“We are fortunate to have one of our ambassadors be Jay Delsing. Jay played on the PGA Tour for 25 years and is a lifetime member of the PGA Tour. After playing our golf balls, he asked to join us, which was an unexpected surprise,” Peters says. “It’s a great asset to have his advice and blessings on our golf ball performance.”
Delsing has been personal friends with David Feherty for more than 30 years and connected Peters to Feherty’s Troops First Foundation. The Sniper website features an image and quote from Feherty.
“When we do not have a specified charity from an order, we donate to Troops First,” Peters says. “We also have done events for the national Salute Military Golf Association and similar groups, both local and national.”
The company’s website is www.snipergolfballs.com. Besides golf balls, the website includes a new Tour Glove line introduced this spring that has exceeded expectations and has two pros looking to wear, a couple of hat designs and some ball markers.
Peters says additional items soon will be available including shot glasses, cigar holders and ball markers, all made from Sniper golf balls. The 2022 Sniper balls will be released in April with the other new products available soon after.
Right now, the majority of Sniper sales are online. But for 2022, Peters says his golf balls will be available in about 20 retail locations and golf shops in five states, with the list where balls can be purchased in person growing steadily.
Sniper also has become an official partner of the Hurricane Junior Golf Tour, which is the largest multi-day junior tour in the world. And Peters is finalizing plans to become the ball sponsor of the 4,000-player APT Tour.
Starting this year, Sniper will offer logo golf balls for company handouts, golf events or individual personalization. Peters says any businesses or golf events looking for logo golf balls can reach out to him at thesniperbrand@gmail.com for information, plus special pricing for Lake Panorama Association members.

Posted 4/5/2022
By Shane Goodman
Editor and Publisher

Summer is just around the corner at Lake Panorama, and I am ready to put a boat in the water, some sunscreen on my shoulders and a cold drink in my hand. But, like many of you, I still have some work to do to get ready for the season.

Immediate satisfaction
We had a new septic system installed last fall. It was one of those “investments” that we just needed to do. The dirt was left mounded so it would settle some on its own naturally. We will have it all smoothed out soon, and I plan to seed it. That, of course, was a good excuse for me to purchase a new riding lawn mower. And Jolene agreed!
Yes, I am one of those strange guys who actually likes to mow the lawn. It provides a little quiet time to be outdoors and not have to think too much. It also provides one of the few immediate satisfactions in life that allow a person to be able to make something look a lot better in a short amount of time. Painters get that satisfaction. Barbers, too. Most other tasks in life take a great deal of time to see results, which I will face again as I plant grass seed. Ugh.

Simplification
Jolene and I sold our home of 17 years in Johnston this past month. We bought a home at Lake Panorama to have a place to relax, but owning two homes seemed to create more stress, as many of you already know. So to bring some sanity to our lives, we decided it was time for a change. We hope to spend more time at the lake, but we aren’t ready to live here full-time yet. So, with us being empty nesters now, we downsized to a townhome in Grimes. The benefits are many, including the fact that we are 10 minutes closer to the lake now, too. And the move forced us to go through 17 years of “stuff.”

One fewer lake dog
Unfortunately, we also downsized in a sad way.
A dog really can be man’s best friend, especially when that man has a wife and three daughters. A little male companionship — even from a dog — can prove to be a helpful thing. My buddy was an adopted miniature pinscher named Kobie. You may have seen him with me or heard from him. He traveled with me most everywhere and seemed to enjoy setting off the alarm in my truck. He was a bucket of muscle, able to catapult over a 4-foot fence. This was fun to watch the first time, but chasing him down grew tiresome quickly.
As the years went by, Kobie began to slow down. Some health issues caught up with him, and he began to have seizures. The most recent one proved to be his last. He didn’t care for the water much, but he did enjoy boat rides. As such, we were looking forward to being with this lake dog all summer. Kobie was our third miniature pinscher that we have had through the years, and he was the one I connected with the most. We may try No. 4 at some point, but we will go dogless for a bit and see what happens.

Lake humor
Let’s move on to a chuckle. Here’s one you may all appreciate. What do the letters in BOAT stand for?
Bring out another thousand.

More of this kind of stuff
If you enjoy my monthly musings, you can read similar columns by subscribing to our free email newsletter, The Daily Umbrella, delivered via email each weekday morning. Sign up at                                 www.thedailyumbrella.com.
Have a great month, and, as always, thanks for reading.

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

Posted 4/5/2022
The 2022 Lake Panorama Fin and Feather fundraising banquet will be Saturday, May 14, the same day as the LPA annual meeting. The event will be held at the Lake Panorama National Resort, with social hour beginning at 5 p.m. A dinner and silent/live auctions will follow at 6 p.m. All ages are welcome.
Funds raised at the banquet, plus annual memberships and direct donations, are used to stock fish in Lake Panorama. More than $18,000 worth of fish were added to the lake last fall. Fish stocking totals for 2021 included 2,500 walleye, 1,000 smallmouth bass, 2,000 largemouth bass and 2,085 perch. The group also helps improve fish habitat and sponsors an annual fishing derby for children during Panorama Days.
Dinner tickets to the event are $35 each, with children 12 and younger $20. Another option is to join the Big Skipper Club at a cost of $125. This covers two dinner tickets, Big Skipper raffle ticket and an annual family membership. The cost of just an annual family membership is $40.
Supporters can either mail a check or register online with a credit card or PayPal account at the group’s website: panoramafinandfeather.com/banquet/.
If payment is made by check, make it payable to Fin & Feather and mail to Doug Hemphill, Farmers State Bank, P.O. Box 110, Yale, Iowa, 50277, along with a completed membership application, which is available on the website.
Members who pay in advance will have their tickets waiting for them upon arrival. A limited number of tickets will be available at the door for walk-in attendees.

Posted 4/5/2022
By Jolene Goodman

(Culinary.net) Easter is about coming together with loved ones, enjoying beautiful spring weather and eating your family’s favorite foods. The kids will be playing, adults will be chatting and all will be patiently waiting for the table to be set.
If you’re visiting and making memories with family and friends you haven’t seen in a while, there are few things better than diving into a marvelous Easter spread.
While eyeing the table, you notice all the colors popping off the dishes. Fruits and veggies make the feast come to life, but a warm Easter dip paired with rolls for dipping is a perfect way to start the festivities.
These Easter Bunny Rolls with Spinach Dip are as eye-catching as they are delicious. Not only will the kids love its shape, but the layers of taste will wow your Easter crowd.
To make this recipe, start by combining a 16-ounce package of frozen spinach, cream cheese and garlic in a skillet. Once heated, add mayonnaise, salt, onion powder, chili powder and Italian seasoning.
Add in Parmesan and mozzarella cheeses then stir until combined.
Next, roll out crescent rolls. Stretch the dough then cut into 24 rolls.
Form the bunny shape and scoop your spinach dip mixture into the center of the bunny and its ears. Sprinkle the spinach dip with mozzarella cheese before baking at 375 F for 18 minutes.
This dish is made for a crowd, served warm and full of cheesy goodness. You can watch as your family dips into the spinach and one-by-one, before you know it, the rolls will have disappeared and the dip will be devoured. Find more Easter recipes at Culinary.net.

Easter Bunny Rolls with Spinach Dip

Serves: 24
16 ounces frozen spinach, thawed
8 ounces cream cheese
2 cloves garlic, minced
1/2 cup mayonnaise
1/2 teaspoon salt
1/2 teaspoon onion powder
1/4 teaspoon chili powder
1/4 teaspoon pepper
1 teaspoon Italian seasoning
1 cup shredded Parmesan cheese
1 1/2 cups shredded mozzarella cheese, divided
2 crescent roll tubes (8 ounces each)

Heat oven to 375 F.
In skillet, over medium heat, cook spinach, cream cheese and garlic 3-4 minutes until cream cheese is melted. Stir in mayonnaise, salt, onion powder, chili powder, pepper and Italian seasoning. Stir in Parmesan cheese and 1/2 cup mozzarella cheese. Cook until cheese is melted. Keep skillet on burner over low heat.
Remove dough from tubes. Leaving dough intact, roll and stretch into 18-inch ropes. Cut each rope into 12 pieces for 24 total.
On baking sheet with parchment paper, form bunny head by placing one piece of dough in middle then surrounding it with six more pieces. Use 13 pieces to form round body. Use remaining pieces to form ears on top of head.
Scoop hot spinach dip into center. Spoon small portions on each ear. Sprinkle ears and belly with remaining mozzarella cheese.
Bake 18 minutes, or until crescent dough is golden brown and thoroughly cooked.

Posted 4/5/2022
By Susan Thompson 
Lake Panorama Times

A Panora woman who says she has always liked “old stuff” is the owner of Reborn. This June, Linda Burgess will begin her seventh year in the store located at 132 West Main St. Reborn’s Facebook page says the shop “offers quality antiques, vintage, and stained glass at small town prices.”
Burgess has spent most of her life in the Panora area.
“I’ve always had an appreciation for antiques and collectibles,” she says. “When I was a kid, I loved all the old stuff my grandmother had.”
In the 1960s, Burgess worked in three different office locations as Lake Panorama developers sold shares and lots. She’s a history buff who worked for a dozen years at Living History Farms in Urbandale. Much of her time was spent as an on-site interpreter in the 1876 town of Walnut Hill, dressed in clothing of the era. Later, she worked at the Guthrie County Historical Village and Museum on the south side of Panora.
Before Reborn, Burgess rented the basement in the building just west of her current location, where she created stained glass pieces and had some vintage items for sale.
“I signed up for an adult education class, and 45 years later, I’m still doing stained glass,” she says.
When that building sold, she purchased the building where Reborn was born. She moved her stained glass studio to a back room. A wall was removed, remaining walls were painted, and the Reborn sign Burgess created was hung on the front of the building.
“I’ve been collecting things for many, many years,” Burgess says. “When I first opened the shop, I started mostly with things I already had. As those sold, I started buying things to keep up the inventory. I’m always looking and try to follow trends of what people are collecting.”
Linda and her husband, Marshall, live in a restored Victorian home less than a block from Reborn. “Sometimes I still buy something I like and take it home, then later decide I’m ready to bring it to the shop,” she says.
The couple has two daughters. Heather Robson lives in Waverly. Julie Burgess lives in Panora and works full-time from home. As time allows, she helps her mother by keeping the Reborn Facebook page active. Plus, the two of them “pick” together.
“Julie and I pick a lot,” Linda says. The pair frequents garage sales and estate sales in search of good deals. Sometimes people bring collectibles to Reborn to see if she’s interested in buying.
“We don’t go to auctions or do any online purchasing,” Burgess says. “Part of the fun is seeing what we can find on our own.”
Not everything Burgess has on display is for sale. For instance, there is a half-wall covered with advertising pieces and photos related to long-ago Panora businesses.
“I call this my Panora collection,” Burgess says. “People love to stand here and look at the old photos and advertisements.”
A poster promotes a movie showing at the Star Vu drive-in theater, once located on the west edge of Panora. There’s a framed newspaper ad for Bokirk’s department store, which was located in the building across the street from Panora Telco.
Most items in Reborn are for sale, and the inventory changes constantly. Pottery, crocks, copper boilers, wooden boxes, AE and Flynn dairy milk bottles and boxes, furniture, toys and games, jewelry, tin cans, framed prints, purses, hats, lamps, baskets, record albums, and so much more.
“We try to buy quality items,” Burgess says. “We focus more on quality than we do on quantity. It’s so neat when someone comes in and discovers something they’ve been looking for a long time. I love seeing the joy on people’s faces.”
Reborn closes each year right before Christmas and reopens by April 1. Once the shop opens for the season, Burgess is there Thursday, Friday and Saturday, 10 a.m. to 4 p.m.
“I love getting here each morning and seeing what the day brings,” she says.
After six years in the business, Burgess says she has a lot of regular, repeat customers.
“But every week I have new people come in,” she says. “We’ve developed a nice following through our Facebook page. Being on a major state highway helps. Sometimes people who travel a distance do a lot of research, and sometimes people just stumble onto us.”
Reborn is a member of the Iowa Antique Network, an online resource that provides information on antique shops across Iowa. Summer brings an uptick in business, but Burgess says being open three days a week means those three days are almost always busy.
Burgess is a big believer in shopping locally.
“There aren’t a lot of small antique shops like Reborn open anymore,” she says. “We have unique, one-of-a-kind items, and we enjoy sharing those with customers.”
Messages can be sent to Reborn through the shop’s Facebook page, but Burgess prefers people call the number listed. That’s her cell phone, which allows her to talk directly with potential customers about pieces that interest them. She’s also happy to make appointments, if the regular store hours don’t work for someone.
Give her a call at 641-757-0631. If she doesn’t answer, try again later. She’s probably busy picking another treasure for her store. 

Posted 4/5/2022
By Susan Thompson 
Lake Panorama Times 

Lane Rumelhart is in his third year as project manager for the Lake Panorama Association. He graduated from Central College in Pella in May 2019 with a bachelor’s degree in environmental science and minors in biology and business management.
As LPA project manager, Rumelhart is responsible for managing the LPA building codes. He also manages some projects financed by the Lake Panorama Rural Improvement Zone (RIZ) and assists with LPA communications, the annual deer hunt program, and campground and beach management. In this month’s Q&A, Rumelhart highlights the LPA building codes, plus talks about some ongoing and upcoming projects.

Q. What projects require a building permit or land disturbing permit? 
A. LPA requires permits for new homes, additions, detached and attached garages, storage sheds, gazebos, sun shelters, fences, pools, decks, three-season rooms and permanent docks. LPA also requires a land disturbing permit for any landscaping, new driveways, culverts, clearing, firepits/fireplaces, or any other project that will disturb dirt within 100 feet of the water or over 1,000 square feet of area. Members do not need permits to re-side or re-shingle a home, or to do inside renovations.
If a project does need a permit, the process is a bit different for each project and depends on both the nature of the project and the permit applicant’s level of preparedness. The first step should always be to contact me. I will get members and contractors all the necessary information on what I need to be able to approve a permit.
Between the months of March and October, members should expect a longer wait time. If a member and/or contractor has everything in order, we can process larger permit requests (homes, additions, garages) in 7-10 days. Smaller projects usually take 3-5 days. Once I have everything I need, it doesn’t take long to check lot stakes and a few other things to get members approved. The key to a smooth permit process is working well ahead of your planned construction schedule to ensure all paperwork is completed in advance.
If a member has questions on what does or doesn’t need permits, they can call me at the LPA office at 641-755-2301 or email me at lrumelhart@lakepanorama.org.

Q. When can we expect the new restrooms at both Shady and Sunset beaches to be open? 
A. The exterior of each restroom is complete. Kane Powell will be putting the metal roof on soon and then adding all the interior fixtures once the building is secure. These restrooms are one room and unisex. The previous bathrooms had issues with flooding and deterioration. These new buildings have concrete walls and a tin roof, making them maintenance free. These new restrooms should be completed before Memorial Day and ready for peak summer usage.

Q. The Lake Panorama Rural Improvement Zone (RIZ) has been instrumental in the construction of three wetlands that help protect Lake Panorama from sediment. What are your responsibilities for the ongoing operation and management of these wetlands, and are any new ones in the works?  
A. The Helen’s Cove wetland was built in 2016 and is on the east side of Sage Trail, northeast of the LPA east campground. The Hughes Cove wetland was built in 2017 and is north of 200th Road, near the Fin and Feather building. The Smith wetland was built in 2019 and is on the north side of 180th, north of Burchfield Cove.
In the spring, I watch the weather closely. If we are going to get a lot of rain in a short time frame, I raise the pool level on all three wetlands to catch as much water and silt as possible. I try to hold off on raising the pool level until the exposed perimeter of the pool has a chance to establish some vegetation. Certain plants that are native to wetlands help capture nutrients in the water. Blue Green algae blooms we see in the summer are a result of high concentrations of phosphorus in our lake. More plants to absorb these excess nutrients can really benefit the lake’s water quality.
We will be adding a smaller wetland, which will be 3 acres in size, north of the west fork of Burchfield Cove. Our plans are to begin work later this summer or into the fall. This wetland won’t be as large as our previous three but still will capture sediment from roughly 584 acres of watershed. The wetland meets requirements for the Conservation Reserve Enhancement Program (CREP) and should be eligible for CREP funding. We have plans for one other wetland north of the Smith wetland but have had difficulties with the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers getting it permitted. We will continue to work with the Corps in hopes of finding a way to complete this project.

Q. You provide assistance to projects that are led by Friends of Lake Panorama. For instance, what progress is being made on the Lake Panorama dog park? 
A. Hopefully, the dog park will be ready to open sometime in June, or perhaps sooner. Right now, our biggest barrier will be to establish a good enough stand of grass to handle the wear and tear from dogs and their owners. Once the soil temperature increases a bit more, Brandon Brehmer will overseed the area in the coming weeks to help establish grass in some of the bare areas. We will need some rain and warm weather after he seeds to get good germination.
LPA will add rock on the east portion of the park just outside the fence to create suitable parking. We also have two picnic tables — one for each side of the park — ordered and on their way. Bryce Arganbright is finishing up the shelter and concrete pads around the park entrance. If Mother Nature is on our side, the park could open in late May. If we have drought conditions, it may be a while longer. We don’t want to open the park until the grass is in good enough shape that we don’t end up with muddy conditions.

Q. What else are you working on in the coming months?  
A. I am leading a replanting effort on the LPN and Panorama West golf courses to make sure trees are put back after taking out more than 350 ash trees. Right now, we are looking at areas critical to play. This will amount to about 30 trees at LPN and nine trees at Panorama West. After we get through one playing season, we will reassess and evaluate where other trees may be needed.
I’ve wrapped up all of LPA and RIZ’s farm leases for the 2022 year. As the 180th Trail Basin expansion project gets going again, I will be monitoring progress with Spring Lake Construction, along with Mike Monthei, LPN maintenance supervisor, and the help of our engineers from Shive Hattery. The bulk of the work for this project will take place this summer, as the elevation of the basin is raised about 17 feet to retain more sediment discharged from our dredge.
The two campgrounds are open, although water isn’t guaranteed until May 1, and the beaches will be utilized soon. I’ve been seeing more people at the sports courts at Boulder Beach. Our new website is running smoothly and has proven to be a nice upgrade for our community.
Signs of spring are everywhere. I may do 10 different things every day of the week, but that’s what I enjoy about working for the Lake Panorama Association.

Posted 4/5/2022
By Susan Thompson 
Lake Panorama Times

Fundraising by Friends of Lake Panorama for a dog park kicked off in September 2020 after the Lake Panorama Association (LPA) board unanimously approved the plan at its August 2020 meeting. The park is located at the corner of Sage Trail and RV Road.
Construction on the park is nearly complete. Most of the work was done last fall with Bryce Arganbright of Arganbright Construction installing a 6-foot-high chain link fence 400 feet long and 150 feet wide. There are two sections, one for small dogs that are less than 15 inches at shoulder height, and one for large dogs that are at least 15 inches at shoulder height.
A single entrance is protected by a keyless lock. Once inside this gate, users can choose a second gate to either the large dog or small dog areas. Arganbright was able to get a shelter for this area built last fall before cold weather set in. By the end of April, he plans to finish work on the shelter, pour a concrete pad for the entrance and install the remaining fence and gates.
Crushed rock along the inside perimeter of the fence provides a walking path and a weed barrier and will keep dogs from digging near the fence. The LPA maintenance staff recently installed a gravel parking lot on the east side of the park. Some additional rock may be needed there as the ground firms up.
Last fall, Brandon Brehmer donated his time to seed and fertilize the fenced-in area. Despite the dry fall, seed germination did occur to get a turfgrass base started. Brehmer will be overseeding and fertilizing again this spring as soon as the soil temperature is warm enough for grass seed to germinate. Timely rains will be needed to get a turfgrass stand that can withstand the expected dog and human traffic. Opening of the park is planned for late May or early June and is dependent on how quickly the turfgrass establishment is complete.
Two sugar maple trees were planted last fall, donated by Larry and Heather Isom, who own Isom Tree Farm. If additional trees are desired, the Isoms have offered to donate one tree for each tree purchased, which could be planted in fall 2022.
The LPA has ordered two picnic tables and will be placing one in each of the two sections of the park. Water lines were run last fall for two dog water fountains that will be mounted on concrete near the park entrance, one on each side.
Four bag dispensers for picking up pet waste will be installed this spring with two near the park entrances and two in the far corners of each section. Two pet waste receptacles will be attached to the concrete pad within each side of the park.
A set of rules for responsible use of the dog park has been adopted and will be posted on a sign at the park entrance. A sign recognizing donors of $500 or more also will be posted at the dog park. Once a date for the park opening has been set, members will be able to call LPA Security to get the code to the main entrance gate.

Posted 4/5/2022
Lake Panorama Times 

Clint Deardorff is declaring his nomination for Guthrie County Board of Supervisors District 2. Deardorff will be seeking the Republican nomination for supervisor at the June 7 primary election. Under the newly established boundaries, District 2 will represent Yale, Jamaica, Bagley, the Victory Township portion of Lake Panorama and unincorporated areas north of Guthrie Center. Redistricting has resulted in District 2 being an open seat for the 2022 election.
Deardorff is a Guthrie County native, raised on the family farm near Yale. His wife, Heather, is employed at Farmers State Bank, and their three sons, Corbin, Connor and Carter, attend Panorama Schools. Clint is a fifth-generation family farmer who works closely with his father, Danny Deardorff, and uncle Greg Chaloupka on their farms in rural Yale.
Deardorff says there are several things Guthrie County does very well. It has a first-rate emergency medical service, several exceptional fire departments and a law enforcement community that is second to none. The county has been successful in encouraging new businesses such as the new locker being constructed in Guthrie Center. He hopes to see more businesses choose to make Guthrie County their home.
He is most passionate about the condition of some of the roads in our county, and he says that is one vital area that he would want to focus on.
“One of the biggest things I’d like to see improved in Guthrie County is the condition of our roads. I’ve traveled most of the roads in our county between checking pastures, raising crops and working for UPS, and I believe we have the ability to improve their quality for everyone without a huge influx of capital,” Deardorff said.
Deardorff enjoys being involved in varied organizations. He is a member of the BPOE, Calvary Chapel of the Raccoon River Valley, as well as serving on the Yale City Council. He is also passionately involved in the Heartland Highland Cattle Association (HHCA) based in Tunas, Missouri. He served five years on the board of directors, followed by a term as vice president and currently is the president of the association. The HHCA is a national organization that represents more than 600 member farms in 43 states.
“I’m very proud of the HHCA and the growth we have enjoyed as an organization. Through great teamwork with my fellow board members, our membership has grown exponentially during my tenure. These experiences have helped shape who I am today and will be an asset to me as a supervisor,” Deardorff said.
Deardorff also has gained a wide variety of experience and knowledge as an entrepreneur. He and his wife started their business, Deardorff Highland Cattle, 10 years ago. While developing this operation, he became well versed in running a business. He developed the full supply chain, from raising the cattle, to production of the beef used in their food truck, a true farm-to-table operation. 
Deardorff designed their mobile retail operation as well as secured the best lockers to process their meat to ensure a consistent product. He has sales experience from booking a variety of quality events throughout the Midwest and selling directly to consumers.
 “My experiences growing our small business from its founding to its success today will be an asset in helping my fellow supervisors prioritize projects that serve the best interests of the citizens of Guthrie County,” he said.
“I’m not just someone seeking a political position to glorify myself. I genuinely care about Guthrie County and the people that live here,” he said. “I believe that all the parts of this county are important to our vitality as a community. Whether you live at Lake Panorama, in one of our small towns, or in the rural areas of the county, your voice matters to me, and you all deserve a great place to call home.” 

Posted 3/7/2022

Faith Bible Church is hosting a concert Saturday, March 26 with Jason Gray, an American contemporary singer/songwriter. He has been featured on Sirius XM Radio’s “Acoustic Storytime with Jason Gray” and can be heard on major radio stations across the country. Recently, he has found a passion for just him, his guitar and the stories behind his songs.
Gray’s performance at Faith Bible Church, 2096 Highway 4, north of Panora, will begin at 7 p.m. A limited number of VIP tickets are available for $25, which includes a 45-minute meet-and-greet with Gray that will begin at 5 p.m., followed by priority seating. The regular ticket price is $15, and doors open at 6:15 p.m.
Snacks and refreshments will be available for purchase with all funds going to the Faith Bible Church/TRIBE Mission trip. Members of the church family will travel to Costa Rica June 6-12, where they will be involved in building homes for single moms, Vacation Bible School and other ministries.
There will be limited seating for Gray’s concert, so those interested are encouraged to purchase tickets online as soon as possible. If there are open seats the evening of the concert, tickets will be sold at the door. To purchase online, visit the Faith Bible Church website at fbcpanora.com, and scroll down to the Jason Gray Concert details and ticket link. Tickets purchased online can be printed from the confirmation email or saved to a smartphone for scanning at the door.