Q: When is the construction work at the Guthrie County Hospital expected to be done?

A: Chief Operations Officers Travis Martin reported to the board last month that they are tracking a completion of phase one for June 11, 2027.

Q: I heard that the Guthrie County Landfill is closing. Is that true?

A: The Guthrie County Landfill has not been used since 1993 and is now going through the process of being formally closed, according to regulations with the Iowa Department of Natural Resources. The transfer station is separate from the landfill and will continue to operate as normal. Guthrie County now sorts materials at the transfer station and sends the appropriate materials to the landfill in Carroll County. After the official closure, the county supervisors will determine how to use the land. One option being considered is to grow hay.

Q: Why did the Panorama Days ski show move from Saturday to Sunday this year?

A: The Lake Panorama Ski Show was scheduled for Saturday afternoon, but high winds made performing too dangerous. The show moved to Sunday, when blue skies and calmer water finally gave those talented skiers the stage they deserved. 

Q: I see that Andy Randol was named the 2026 Panora and Lake Panorama Citizen of the Year. Well deserved. I am surprised he hadn’t receiveD that honor in prior years. 

A: We agree. The Panora Chamber of Commerce has recognized an outstanding member of the Panora/Lake Panorama community since 1989. The organization encourages the public to nominate those like Andy Randol who have made a lasting impact on the community. 

Q: A pesticide airplane flew over our house at least 20 times at the tip of our trees on July 28. I would like to know why that is legal. 

A: In Iowa, aircraft used for aerial application must be registered with the Iowa DOT and hold a valid aircraft registration certification. Additionally, operators must comply with FAA regulations, including obtaining a Part 137 certification for agricultural aircraft, which governs the spraying of pesticides and other chemicals. 

Over congested areas, aircraft must fly at least 1,000 feet above the highest obstacle. In non-congested areas, aircraft can operate below 500 feet but must maintain safe distances from people, vessels, vehicles and structures. In addition to aircraft registration and FAA certification, operators must obtain a pesticide license from the Iowa Department of Agriculture and Land Stewardship. 

A person in Iowa with concerns about unsafe airplane spraying should contact the Iowa Department of Agriculture and Land Stewardship’s Pesticide Bureau at 515-281-8591. They are responsible for responding to complaints related to pesticide use and safety.

Q: What makes the lake water turn green? Is it really from Round-up and/or hog manure? 

A: Lakes turn green mainly due to the presence of excess nutrients, particularly phosphorus and nitrogen. These nutrients stimulate the rapid growth of algae, especially cyanobacteria, commonly known as blue-green algae. The following factors contribute to nutrient overload in lakes:

• Agricultural runoff: Fertilizers used in farming can wash into nearby lakes during rain.
• Wastewater discharge: Nutrients from sewage treatment plants can enter lakes if not properly treated.
• Septic system leaks: Improperly functioning septic systems can leak nutrients into surrounding waters.
• Stormwater runoff: Rain can carry pollutants from urban areas into lakes.

Q: I want to tint the windows on my side-by-side, but I don’t want to get pulled over and fined for them not being done correctly. Do UTVs need to abide by the same laws as cars?

A: That depends. UTVs (Utility Task Vehicles) that are used solely for off-road purposes are not subject to tint regulations. Once a UTV is registered for street use, it must comply with the same tint laws as cars. The front side windows must allow a minimum of 70% light transmission, while there are generally no restrictions on the rear side and rear windows. These regulations are designed to ensure safety and visibility for both drivers and law enforcement during traffic stops. Always check local regulations for any specific requirements.

Q: Are Canada geese really a protected species? How could this be? They are such a nuisance.

A: Yes, Canada geese are federally protected in the United States under the Migratory Bird Treaty Act. This law prohibits harming, capturing or killing Canada geese without specific permits issued by the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service (USFWS). While Canada geese are protected, there are regulations that allow for limited control measures in certain situations.

Depredation Permits allow property owners to manage geese that become a nuisance. Licensed hunters can also harvest Canada geese during designated seasons, which helps manage local populations. Always consult local wildlife agencies for guidance on managing Canada geese legally.

Q: Now that Iowa’s official speed limit is 60 mph on two-lane highways, why hasn’t the speed changed on Highway 4 headed north out of Panora?

A: Highway 4 between Panora and 200th Road remains 55 mph — NOT 60 mph. The Iowa DOT is in the process of reviewing this road to determine what speed and signage is appropriate. Until the DOT declares otherwise, it is 55 mph. 

During the annual Bacoon Ride June 20, vendor booths and live music entertained cyclists as they stopped in Panora at the Pedal-In restaurant.

Q: When are the Panora Farmers Markets held?  

A: The Panora Farmers Markets are held every other Saturday on the grounds of the Guthrie County Historical Village at 206 W. South St. in Panora. If you have not attended, you should. It is a great experience. The next scheduled market is Saturday, July 18, from 9 a.m. to noon.  

Q: Does a stand-up paddle board need to be registered with the LPA like a kayak does?  

A: Standup paddleboarding is a water sport born from surfing. Participants stand on boards that are floating on the water and use a paddle to propel themselves. Variations include flat water paddling, racing, surfing, whitewater, yoga and fishing. 

At Lake Panorama, the board is typically used in a standing position with a single-sided paddle. Some less experienced users opt for a sitting or kneeling position, sometimes using a double-sided paddle.

We asked the LPA office whether these paddle boards need registered, and, yes, they do. We were told the $10 fee applies.  

Q: How many votes did you get in the Best of Guthrie County poll?  

A: As of press time, we had more than 1,000 votes cast, which was a new record! Last year, a total of 642 votes were cast. In 2024, our first year, there were 471. This year’s poll closed July 1. Look for the results in our September issue of Lake Panorama Times.  

Q: How many cyclists rode on the Bacoon Ride that went through Panora on June 20?

A: We are told that the exact number is difficult to measure, but Iowa Bicycle Coalition Executive Director Luke Hoffman says they typically expect 1,500 to 2,500 cyclists for the ride, which takes place each June on the Raccoon River Valley Trail in central Iowa. It covers about 70 miles and features bacon-themed food and drink stops in communities along the trail, which includes Panora. 

Q: Is a slowly alternating light on a boat that includes blue in the color rotation considered a flashing blue light and a reason to be pulled over?  

A: We asked this question of Lane Rumelhart at the LPA office, and he said this would come down to the DNR’s interpretation, but it could be considered “flashing” and result in being pulled over. We sent this question to Jeremy King with the DNR but did not receive a response by press time.  

Q: Does the LPA have any rules on camera drone usage — or for that matter, drones used for any reason — at the lake?  

A: Camera drone usage is not currently addressed in the LPA Rules and Regulations, and the LPA office confirmed that no specific rules are in place. 

Q: Do voters have to show ID at the polls? And if so, what about voters who don’t have an ID?

A: According to the Iowa Secretary of State, Iowa voters are required to show an Iowa driver’s license or non-operator ID, U.S. passport, U.S. military ID or veteran’s ID, tribal ID/document or Iowa voter ID card at the polls before they vote. A voter without one of the listed forms of ID may have the voter’s identity attested to by another registered voter in the precinct or may prove identity and residence using Election Day Registration documents. Voters without the necessary ID or an attester will be offered a provisional ballot and can provide ID up until the time of the county canvass of votes (Monday after election day for Primary and General Elections).

Any registered voter who does not have a valid driver’s license or non-operator’s ID issued by the Iowa Department of Transportation will be issued a Voter ID Card for free, automatically, in the mail. This also applies to anyone who registers to vote in the future. Upon receipt of the Voter ID Card, it should be immediately signed. Obtaining the Voter ID Card does not require any further documentation or action by the voter; voters simply need to be registered to vote in the county where they live. Any voter may request an Iowa Voter ID Card by contacting their County Auditor’s office.

Q: How much does the LPA spend to seal coat the roads?

A: LPA General Manager John Rutledge stated in the annual meeting that in 2025, six miles of roads were seal-coated with CRS-2P oil and pea gravel at an average cost of $45,808 per mile. Using that math, this would total $274,848. In 2026, Rutledge said CRS-2P oil will again be used, while clean dolomite chips will replace pea gravel in an attempt to offset inflation and control costs. The goal for 2026 is to seal coat 7.25 miles of roadway for $350,000, which is $48,275 per mile. Rutledge said the product is different but not inferior. 

Q: What is the speed limit on 200th west of Highway 4? I cannot locate one.

A: We checked with Guthrie County Sheriff Matt Harmann, and he stated that the speed limit for rural two-lane highways in Iowa is 55 mph, unless otherwise posted.  

Q: When do I need to pay my LPA dues by?

A: If you have not paid them by the time you are reading this, you are past due.  The 2026 LPA dues were due May 1. According to the LPA, a finance charge will be applied monthly on all unpaid dues starting May 1. 

Q: What year was the Guthrie County REC formed? 

A: According to the Guthrie County REC, the cooperative has been bringing electricity to rural Iowa for more than 75 years. In the 1930s, nearly 90% of urban dwellers had electricity compared to only 10% of the rural population. Private utility companies, which supplied electric power to most of the nation’s consumers, argued it was too expensive to string electric lines to isolated rural farmers. In 1935, the Rural Electric Administration (REA) was created to bring electricity to rural areas like the remote counties in Iowa. In 1938, nine area farmers represented the first Guthrie County REC Board of Directors. They adopted articles of incorporation, bylaws and policies that have governed the electric cooperative over the years. Then and now, members gather every year for the annual meeting of members, where they have a voice in choosing their cooperative directors and in how Guthrie County REC is governed. Today, Guthrie County REC serves more than 4,600 members in Adair, Audubon, Cass, Dallas, Greene and Guthrie counties. 

Q: I thought political campaigning was banned at Lake Panorama. I had a person come to my door and said it was not. Can you let me know?

A: According to the LPA, door-to-door campaigning is allowed at Lake Panorama. Section 7 of the rules prohibits solicitation, except for the U.S. Census Bureau or organizations designated by the LPA board of directors. The LPA board has taken the position that door-to-door campaign activities are permissible in order to maintain good relationships with elected officials. 

Q: I saw that you are publishing local birthdays and anniversaries on the Times Vedette email edition. How do I go about submitting them?

A: You are correct. Each Friday in the Times Vedette, we share birthdays and anniversaries for the following week of people with past or present ties to the area. To submit yours, or to notify us of any corrections, email rich@gctimesnews.com.

Q: When will RAGBRAI riders be riding through Panora?  

A: Most people know by now that RAGBRAI will be passing through Panora and Yale. A few months ago, RAGBRAI announced the full route information. On July 20, riders will cycle through Exira before coming into Guthrie Center on Highway 44 for the overnight stay. On July 21, riders will roll into Panora on Highway 44, then head north on Highway 4, then east into Yale. Departing Yale, riders will head east on Highway F25 as they traverse toward Perry on the way to the overnight in Boone. Full route details can be seen at www.ragbrai.com. 

Q: I am selling my boat. Should I take off the LPA sticker?

A: Yes. You are also required to turn the sticker into the LPA office, even if it comes off in pieces.  

Q: Is there a way to get notifications for when we should lower our American flags to half-staff?

A: Here is one you may want to consider: https://halfstaff.org. The volunteers at Halfstaff.org seem to provide accurate and timely information on properly displaying the flag of the United States of America, listed out by state. Their website says, “The United States flag represents all the people of America as does our organization. We do not support any political candidate, nor do we endorse any religious organization. This website was created out of a need. Over the years patriotic Americans have desired to show the proper respect for their American Flags. The problem has been in the inability to obtain timely information on when and how to fly their American flags. We base our notices on the Flag Code of the United States of America.”

Q: How many miles of shoreline does Lake Panorama have?

A:  Generally, Lake Panorama is considered to have more than 30 miles of shoreline.  

Q: I remember seeing a water safety video that was put together a year or two ago. I would like my grandkids to see that. How can I access it now?

A: The LPA Water Safety Video can be viewed on YouTube at https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=0kTqgEQxeoM.  A link is also available from the “helpful links” pulldown menu at www.lakepanorama.org. 

Q: When was Lake Panorama first filled with water?

A: The dam gate was closed and Lake Panorama began to fill at 5:30 a.m. on June 8, 1970.   

Q: I am intrigued by the work that the Lake Panorama Fin and Feather group does. How can I become a member?  

A: We agree, and that’s why we are members. We suggest you attend the annual banquet on Saturday, May 9 at the LPN Conference Center. Social hour begins at 5 p.m. with dinner and silent/live auction to follow at 6 p.m. All ages are welcome. Details on the event and membership can be found at www.panoramafinandfeather.com/banquet.