Submit your questions at www.lakepanoramatimes.com or email shane@gctimesnews.com.
Q: What is RIZ, and why is it necessary?
A: RIZ is the Lake Panorama Rural Improvement Zone (RIZ). It is a local government body formed in 1998 under Iowa Code Chapter 357H. The Lake Panorama RIZ serves to improve Lake Panorama and its watershed through funding of erosion control, sediment removal and water quality improvements. The Lake Panorama RIZ is managed by a five-member Board of Trustees, who are elected to three- year terms by residents of the Rural Improvement Zone.
Q: What year did the Guthrie County Historical Village start?
A: The museum started in 1968 with the acquisition of the Panora Depot from the Milwaukee Railroad. The depot was moved 10 blocks to its current location, 4 acres of land that was donated by the City of Panora.
Q: Is hunting allowed around the lake?
A: Deer hunting is allowed on LPA property but only in designated hunting areas and only using archery or muzzleloader methods. Members must register every year with the LPA Office. If guests would like to hunt the designated areas, they must first find a member who has registered to hunt. Members may have up to three guests registered under their name. The LPA allows turkey hunting for members and member dependents only. No guests are allowed. Unlike the deer hunting program, LPA does not have a registration signup for turkeys. Members are allowed to hunt turkeys in the same hunting zones designated for deer. Some zones are bow only, so members must check the most current and updated map by signing in to the LPA website at www.lakepanorama. org. From there, toggle the view to see the differences between deer hunting and turkey hunting zones. LPA does not allow any other kind of hunting on LPA property.
Q: What is the total population of Guthrie County?
A: As of the 2020 census, the population for the entire county was 10,623. The population of Panora is listed at 1,091; Yale at 267; Jamaica at 195 and Bagley at 233.
Q: I heard there are more than 25 cemeteries in Guthrie County. Is that true?
A: The county’s website, www.guthriecounty.gov, lists 37 cemeteries throughout the county.
Q: How many lighted Christmas displays were in Mitchell Park in Guthrie Center?
A: The number varies from year to year, but the total is in the neighborhood of 100.