Q: How long should I wait before paddling in the lake?
A: The weather may be starting to feel like spring, but water temperatures are still dangerously cold. The Iowa Department of Natural Resources (DNR) recommends that paddlers wait for consistent warm weather to allow the water temperatures to rise slowly. It could be several weeks before water temperatures are ideal and safe as water and air temperatures continue to change.
“Air temperatures are warmer than normal this year, but the water is still dangerously cold,” Todd Robertson, Iowa DNR River Programs Water Trails coordinator, said. “We have not had enough consistently warm days to raise water temperatures adequately. Cold water shock and hypothermia can set in quickly if you fall into the water at current temperatures.”
Q: I heard Kim (Finnegan) is retiring as the Panora Library Director. Has a replacement been hired?
A: Kim Finnegan has been the director at the Panora Library for 30 years and will now be moving on to the next chapter in her life. Molly Allen has been hired to fill the vacancy. Finnegan’s last day as library director is scheduled for March 31. The library will host an open house for the public to wish her well in retirement. The event will be Thursday, March 27 from 2-5 p.m. with cookies and refreshments.
Q: How do those free meals at Faith Bible Church work?
A: Faith Bible Church provides a free community meal each month, and all are welcome. The next meal will be March 19 from 5:30-6:30 p.m., and the menu includes a baked potato bar, tossed salad and cookie bars. Faith Bible Church is located at 2096 Highway 4 in Panora.
Q: When is the Panora Chamber golf tournament this year?
A: The Panora Chamber of Commerce encourages golfers to save the date of Sunday, May 4 for its annual golf tournament at Lake Panorama National Golf Course at 5071 Clover Ridge Road. Additional information will be announced soon.
Q: My daughter made the dean’s list at her college. Do you run those items in Lake Panorama Times? If so, how do I submit them?
A: We run college news in the Times Vedette, which publishes each Tuesday and Friday. Most colleges submit dean’s lists and president’s lists directly to us, but you can certainly send any information as well. Email to shane@gctimesnews.com or submit online at www.gctimesnews.com.
Q: With the new marina at the top of the hill, will the traffic be regulated by a temporary four-way stop at the bottom of the hill at peak times?
A: The short answer, according to the LPA, is no. Chimra Road will operate per usual. The road to the new marina facility is a private drive operated by marina staff only. Members are prohibited from traveling this route, and a gate has been installed to keep traffic from venturing through after hours. LPA officials say they have also improved the line of sight by removing all of the evergreen trees, which has helped make this area safer as well.