By Susan Thompson | Lake Panorama Times

Dwight Dinkla was one of seven siblings born and raised on a dairy farm two miles south of Casey. At the end of June, Dinkla retired after 27 years as the executive director of the Iowa State Bar Association. All combined, this Adair County native has enjoyed a career of service to others for more than 50 years of his adult life.

Dinkla and his wife, Brenda, celebrated their 50^th wedding anniversary two years ago. Brenda was raised in Adair, and they both attended Adair Casey Schools. They started dating when he was a high school senior and she was a sophomore. 

After high school, Dwight chose to attend Morningside College in Sioux City. 

“I wanted to play baseball, and I did for one year,” he says. “I soon learned college-level pitchers aren’t the same as high school pitchers. My roommate played soccer, so I picked that up instead.” 

Dinkla majored in political science and history. He joined the pre-law club, and his interest in becoming a lawyer grew. He applied and was accepted at several places but chose Drake University Law School.

“I graduated from Morningside in December 1973, and Brenda and I were married 15 days later,” he says. “Brenda was already working at Banker’s Life in Des Moines, so attending Drake made sense since we could live in Des Moines while she worked and I attended law school.” 

Dinkla wouldn’t begin classes at Drake until August 1974. On a whim, he made a trip to Omaha and ended up talking with a Marine Corps recruiter. Once the recruiter knew he had already been accepted at Drake, he told Dinkla if he graduated and passed the bar, he could have a military career as a judge advocate. 

That summer, Dinkla attended officer candidate school at Marine Corps Base Quantico in Viriginia, then was released from active duty to attend Drake. After his graduation in 1977, he returned to the Marines fulltime, and the couple spent time at bases in Virginia, Rhode Island and California. 

When Dinkla’s time with the Marines ended in 1980, the couple returned to Guthrie County, where Dwight took an associate’s position with the Taylor, Taylor and Feilmeyer Law Firm in Guthrie Center. During his time with the firm, he also served as Guthrie County Attorney twice, both times by appointment. 

Dinkla decided to continue his military career by joining the Iowa Army National Guard. He retired in August 2004 with the rank of Brigadier General. 

“Serving as a judge advocate for 30 years was a wonderful experience,” he says. “It was the best decision I ever made, other than marrying Brenda.”  

As a young law associate in the early 1980s, Dinkla’s hourly billable rate was $40. 

“When I started practicing law, we used IBM Selectric typewriters and carbon paper,” he says. “After several years, the first facsimile machine came to Guthrie County. To send a fax, I would go to the local hospital, the only business that owned a fax machine. I could then send a fax for one dollar per page, and had to pay 50 cents per page for any faxes I received.” 

In 1992, Dinkla was elected to the Iowa House of Representatives. It was his sister, JoAnn, who first urged him to consider serving in the Iowa Legislature.

“One of the best things I’ve done in my life was convince Dwight to run for the state legislature,” JoAnn Johnson says. “He finally said he would do it, if I would be his campaign manager. I told him I would, and he did. As a State Representative, Dwight had great respect from both sides of the aisle.” 

Two years later, Johnson was elected to the Iowa Senate. 

“I thought if I was going to do this much work to get someone else elected, I might as well do it for myself,” she says. “We had the unique opportunity to serve together in the Legislature, each of us chairing the Ways and Means Committee of our respective chambers simultaneously. We didn’t set tax policy over Thanksgiving dinner, as some joked, but we certainly enjoyed working with each other.”

Dinkla and Johnson helped win approval for the bill that led to the creation of the Lake Panorama Rural Improvement Zone (RIZ). 

Early efforts to remove silt from Lake Panorama began in 1984. But there was never enough money to keep up with the siltation problem, let alone get ahead of it. Plus, the lake was not only silting in, but there was genuine concern about the collapse of property values at Lake Panorama. Such a collapse would hurt not only the lake but also Guthrie County, the Panorama School District, and other taxing authorities in the area.

In 1997, Dinkla and Johnson were approached by several Guthrie County community leaders with the idea of forming something similar to a Tax Increment Financing (TIF) district that could exist in an unincorporated area. The TIF would allow tax growth dollars to stay within the Lake Panorama development for water quality purposes. 

“The idea of legislation that would benefit a private lake development was unusual,” Dinkla says. “The thing that made it persuasive was the support from the school district and area business leaders. I wouldn’t have pushed for this if there hadn’t been that kind of local support.” 

Dinkla was the floor manager for the RIZ bill, which passed first in the House, then the Senate. The bill was signed into law May 19, 1997. RIZ received its first money in 1998. Estimated RIZ revenue for the 2024-2025 fiscal year is nearly $3.6 million. 

Dinkla also used his legal expertise to help shape other key pieces of legislation, including the Iowa Taxpayers Bill of Rights, administrative procedures legislation and significant tax code revisions. 

One of his proudest and most lasting achievements was passage of legislation creating the Iowa Educational Savings Plan Trust. It eventually became College Savings Iowa, which has benefited several generations of Iowa students. 

Dinkla served three, two-year terms in the Iowa House. Johnson served in the Iowa Senate from 1994 until she was appointed by President George W. Bush to serve on the National Credit Union Administration Board in 2002.

During Dinkla’s six years in the Iowa Legislature, he worked closely with Iowa State Bar Association (ISBA) staff and leaders. 

“I floor managed a lot of bills for the association,” he says. “Being a legislator gave me more insight into the work of the ISBA. When I knew the director was retiring, I wanted to apply.” 

In 1998, ISBA did a national search for the next executive director. Out of 50 applicants for the position, Dinkla was offered the job. 

The Dinklas were living in Guthrie Center with their four children attending school there. The couple agreed it would be best to stay in Guthrie Center, while Dwight commuted to ISBA offices in Des Moines. He put more than 500,000 miles on eight different cars driving to and from work. 

In 2010, with their youngest child out of high school, Dwight and Brenda moved to a townhouse on Karen Drive at Lake Panorama. In 2018, they moved one block north to a new townhouse built by Dwight’s brother, Daryl. 

Dinkla held the ISBA executive director position for 27 years, during which both the legal profession and life in general changed dramatically. As his retirement date approached, many past and present colleagues talked about Dwight’s leadership and service to others. 

“I’ve always appreciated and admired Dwight’s quiet but effective leadership style,” Kathleen Law, ISBA President, says. “He listens, then imparts his wisdom in a kind and articulate way.”

Dinkla credits his military mentors, such as Major General Warren G. Lawson, for helping shape his leadership philosophy. 

“Professionals don’t care who gets credit,” Dinka says, referencing General Lawson. “Be professional. Improve consistently. And above all, have fun.” 

A retirement celebration was held at Prairie Meadows in Altoona June 23. 

“The retirement reception went very well. Of course, Dinkla relatives, friends and lawyers are always receptive to the idea of free food and beverages,” Dwight jokes. 

A program included several guest speakers and a 23-minute slideshow that ran on large screens in the room. ISBA President Mel Shaw presented Dinkla with a resolution recognizing his 27 years of service to the association. 

In retirement, Dinkla plans to become more involved in the American Legion, where he is a 45-year member. He has served the past 10 years as State Judge Advocate for the American Legion of Iowa and is a parliamentarian at the national level of the American Legion. He is looking forward to attending the American Legion national convention in Florida in August. 

Other likely travel includes a fishing trip to Alaska with his brother, Daryl, something they have done twice before. And he and Brenda might do some traveling, if they can work it in between family commitments and their season tickets at the Des Moines Civic Center.

The Dinkla children include Alex, who is a public information officer for the Iowa Highway Patrol. He and his wife, Megan, have five children and live in Winterset. Jill is an administrator for family practice clinics at the University of Iowa Hospitals and Clinics. She and her husband, Bryan Borrall, have three children and live in Tiffin. Jordan is a West Des Moines firefighter. He lives in Guthrie Center with his wife, Kelsey, and three children. Dylan and his wife, Jill, live in Waukee. Dylan followed in his father’s footsteps and is an attorney with Iowa State Bank. 

For many years, Dwight and Brenda have been busy attending sporting and fine arts events that involve their 11 grandchildren. Now that Dwight is retired, they look forward to getting to even more of these events. 

Dwight says he also hopes to spend more time fishing and playing golf. To help make that possible, ISBA gave him two years of paid membership at the Lake Panorama National golf club.

5-story plan includes 16 units and a restaurant.

By Susan Thompson | Lake Panorama Times

The Lake Panorama Association (LPA) board of directors has approved a proposal for a new development on Lot 7000, where The Port and Lakeside Inn currently are located. The vote to approve the proposed development came following a public hearing Aug. 5 at the Captain’s Pick at Lake Panorama National Resort.

The approval is contingent on execution of a mutually agreeable development agreement and special use restriction between LPA and Rob Manning. 

At the LPA board’s July 22 meeting, Manning presented a proposal to demolish the existing structures to make room for a 16-unit, five-floor condo and restaurant facility. 

LPA covenants require multiple unit housing that allows for individual ownership to be approved by a majority of the LPA board of directors, but only after a public hearing is held. That requirement was met with the Aug. 5 meeting. 

More than 300 people were in attendance. Dave Finneseth, LPA board president, chaired the meeting, guiding the board through approval of the agenda and other official business details. He also outlined how the opportunity for public comments would be handled with each person allowed two minutes to speak. 

John Rutledge, LPA general manager, then addressed the crowd. “I’m inspired by the great turnout tonight,” he said. “This shows you care about Lake Panorama.” 

Rutledge provided background information on what led up to the Aug. 5 meeting. 

“Over the last few years, I’ve had more than one person ask me about the possibility of turning the Lakeside Inn into condos,” he said. “My answer has always been, ‘That’s an interesting idea; I suggest you make a formal proposal to the LPA board and we can pursue this further.’ No one came back with a proposal.” 

Rutledge said he first connected with Manning July 2 when Manning asked to be on the July 22 LPA board meeting agenda. The agenda for the meeting was publicized in the July 17 Panorama Prompt. Manning presented a detailed development plan at the July 22 board meeting.

“So, for those who think the LPA staff and board were sitting on this information for months, it’s important for you to know we notified the LPA membership in less than 30 days from the time we knew a proposal was coming,” Rutledge said. 

Rutledge said after the July 22 LPA board meeting, questions raised at the meeting were researched. One was the impact the proposed development might have on the existing sewer system. 

“We had our engineers look into this, and Rob did the same,” Rutledge said. “The result was a feasible strategy to make the necessary adjustments to the sewer system, which Rob agreed would be done at his expense.” 

Another question Rutledge said LPA has been asked is if the new building would block the lake view. 

“The roofline of the proposed structure will be lower than the roof of the current hotel,” he said. 

Rutledge said while the amount of income to the LPA generated by the new development was not considered as the LPA board deliberated, it is a question LPA members have asked. 

“The Port and Lakeside Inn currently pay a total of about $20,000 in LPA dues,” he said. “The new project that includes 16 condos and a restaurant would generate about $40,000.” 

The Port has been owned by Dr. Mark Menadue for 20 years. Manning planned to purchase the property from Menadue Development, if his proposal was approved by the LPA board. 

Rutledge said he recently spoke with Menadue, who gave permission to share comments he made at the Aug. 5 meeting. 

“Mark told me that each year he has had to subsidize The Port and Lakeside Inn by between $200,000 and $400,000 annually,” Rutledge said. “He said it has never been profitable, and once it closes at the end of this season, it will not reopen under his ownership. This is the reality we have to face. The proposal before the LPA board will put a new restaurant there plus 16 new housing units.” 

Manning opened his comments by sharing his Lake Panorama background. His parents bought a condo south of The Port in 1995.

“I grew up here,” he said. “I have many good memories here. I was a member of the ski team. We were at The Port a lot. My parents sold their place in 2002. In 2010, my wife Tiffany and I bought our first property here. I love Lake Panorama. It’s a great place to entertain and enjoy friends and family.” 

The Mannings have three sons, ages 18, 12 and 10. They have had three homes on the lake, one they bought and two they built. The family now owns a lot at Lake Panorama and currently lives in Waukee. 

Manning said it was 2019 when Dr. Menadue first talked to him about the possibility of purchasing The Port. 

“I was just starting to expand my hog operation,” Manning said. “I told him I’d think about it, but I wasn’t ready yet.” 

Similar conversations between the two men took place in 2021 and again last summer. In January of this year, Menadue told Manning he would be listing The Port and Lakeside Inn this summer. On June 27, Menadue called Manning to say he had three days to decide if he wanted to purchase the property. 

“That’s when I decided to work with a well-known developer who has built condos elsewhere to come up with a plan for 16 condos and a restaurant that fits on this piece of property,” Manning said. 

Manning said everything on the current site would be demolished. The proposed plan has the condo structure on the south side of the property and the restaurant on the north side. 

The condos would range from 1,800 square feet to 2,600 square feet each. The building would be five stories with only three of those visible from the east. All five would be visible from the west. 

Level one of the structure would have a 4,500-square-feet restaurant with a large outdoor patio space and ski storage for condo owners. The upper four levels each will have four condos. There will be elevators for guests to reach the restaurant plus cart paths and parking. The building would feature a roof-top patio, private pool, gym and a 30-feet by 100-feet detached garage for condo owners.

A covered structure with boat slips for condo owners will have 32 spaces, 22 for boats and 10 for personal water craft (PWC). There also will be 32 spaces for patrons of the restaurant with the same numbers for boats and PWC. These will be individual slips without lifts. 

“Between the two slip structures there will be a large sand beach and turf area for yard games,” Manning said. “There will be two tiki hut structures at the water level for quick and easy service of drinks and grab-and-go food to get back out on the lake.”

The restaurant will have two overhead doors that can be opened to the patio. Three tiki hut structures on the patio will be bars, plus there will be a bar in the restaurant. 

Manning said the five tiki structures will recognize the five previous owners of The Port — David Garst, Denny Heuton (Mr. D’s), Paul Wendl, Steve Thill and Mark Menadue. In an interview following the meeting, Manning confirmed the new restaurant will be named The Port.

Manning closed his remarks by saying he has two additional investors involved. 

“This is a huge project,” he said. “I love this lake. I can’t think of a better place to invest money.”  

A public comment period was held with 18 LPA members speaking. While the first speaker was strongly opposed to the project, most who followed drew rounds of applause from the audience when they praised Manning’s proposed project and encouraged the LPA board to approve it. 

Some speakers raised concerns about safety, parking, increased boat traffic and the loss of overnight lodging.

Rutledge thanked audience members for their participation. 

“We heard some good points tonight that hadn’t been raised before. We respect those, and I’ve made some notes for the board to consider,” he said. 

Following the public comment period, the board of directors voted unanimously to table the discussion for further review with Joel Williams, LPA attorney, and the LPA management team. The board adjourned the public hearing at 6:17 p.m.

After a brief recess, the board met in closed session with Williams and the management team to review feedback offered via email and during the public comment period. 

After a review of member feedback, legal guidance and the overall project, the board passed a motion to approve Manning’s request for 16 condos and a restaurant on Lot 7000, contingent upon execution of a mutually agreeable developer agreement and special use restriction. Williams was directed to take the lead role in developing these documents, which will be presented to the LPA board for ratification. 

In an interview after the LPA board approval was granted, Manning said demolition will start this fall with construction to follow soon after.  

“Our goal is for the patio and tiki structures to be available to enjoy in the summer of 2026,” Manning said. “The goal for the condos is to have those occupied by March of 2027 with one of the condos being taken by me and my family.” n

By Susan Thompson | Lake Panorama Times

A total of 48 young golfers participated in the 2025 Lake Panorama National Junior Golf School with 24 in each of the June and July sessions. Young people ages 5 to 16 are eligible to attend the annual school, held on three Wednesdays each session.

This year’s junior golf sessions were free in honor of Dick Zapf, who passed away in late February. Zapf was a longtime supporter of junior golf programs at Lake Panorama National. Financial gifts given in Zapf’s memory made it possible to offer this year’s golf schools at no cost.  

Rob Riggins, LPN head golf professional, and Michael Kleinwolterink, LPN pro shop manager, led the school. The juniors learned full swing, pitching, chipping and putting fundamentals along with golf etiquette and rules of golf. Participants were divided into age groups, and rotated between the putting green, chipping area and driving range. 

At the end of the first two days, the juniors headed to Spikes to choose a free drink. The third week of each session was held at Panorama West, with the juniors playing a few holes on the golf course before a pizza party and receiving a gift bag.

Each student received five sleeves of golf balls, packages of golf tees and $25 gift cards to The Captain’s Pick restaurant to be used by the young golfers for items on the kids menu and ice cream. Sponsor funds also were used to purchase the bucket golf wiffle ball game plus beverages at Spikes.

Assisting Kleinwolterink and Riggins with the 2025 LPN junior golf schools were Austin Block, Joel Cooper, Maddox Hammerstrom, Zander Hammerstrom, Panorama girls golf coach Melissa Hochstetler, Ethan Olsen, Keegan Laferriere, and Coon Rapids golf coach David Van Ahn.