More than 1,000 voters weighed in on 91 categories in this year’s annual poll.

By Rich Wicks | Lake Panorama Times 

Once again, it is time to unveil the results of our annual Best of Guthrie County poll.

Each year, we keep the results under wraps until our Best of Guthrie County event. This year’s event was held Sept. 9, meaning the results remained safely under lock and key — or, more accurately, sealed in a mayonnaise jar on Funk and Wagnall’s front porch. (For our younger readers, that is a reference to a recurring gag on Johnny Carson’s “Tonight Show.” You are welcome to Google it.)

In all seriousness, we take steps to ensure our polling is conducted fairly, and we want the results to remain a secret until the night of our annual event. Before we get to the individual winners, however, here are a few broader facts about this year’s poll.

This is our third year conducting the Best of Guthrie County poll, and voter turnout once again exceeded expectations. The first year, 471 voters shared their opinions. Last year, that number climbed to 642. This year, an impressive 1,050 ballots were cast. Thank you to everyone who took the time to vote.

Each year, we make a few changes to the poll. Some categories become more or less relevant, while new ones are added and others are retired. As in previous years, some categories featured runaway winners, while others were decided by a much narrower margin.

The format of the poll is intentional. Unlike many surveys that provide multiple-choice answers, the Best of Guthrie County poll asks voters to write in their own selections. We do not provide suggestions or preselected options. That gives voters the freedom to decide for themselves which person, business or organization deserves to be called the best.

We also intentionally leave the definition of “best” up to each voter. For example, if someone decides the best gas station is the one closest to home, then that is their definition of best. Who are we to argue with convenience?

And that brings us to another important point: It is what it is. That phrase may be overused these days — and sometimes it is used as a convenient cop-out — but it accurately describes the nature of this poll. The results are a snapshot in time. Most of the votes were cast in June and July. Since then, someone may have moved away, a business may have closed or circumstances may have changed. But if a person, business or organization received enough votes during the voting period, they earned a spot as a finalist. In other words, this is not a scientific survey. It has even been called a popularity contest. Fair enough. But, as we said earlier, it is what it is.

This year’s poll includes 91 categories. We make adjustments from year to year, and we welcome your feedback about categories you would like to see added, removed or changed in the future.

The poll also does not strictly adhere to the boundaries of Guthrie County. Communities such as Linden, Stuart, Casey and Adair are included, even though all or most of their municipalities actually lie outside the county.

Finally, the results below list the winners and runners-up. We do not announce which runner-up finished second or third. In a few categories, only one runner-up is listed because there was no third-place finisher.

So, without further ado, here are the winners and runners-up from the 2026 Best of Guthrie County poll. Congratulations to all of the finalists — and a special thank you to the 1,050 people who took the time to cast a ballot.

 

Best Guthrie County Nurse

Carrie Stein

Runners-up: Joci Berger, Stephanie Reinhart

 

Best Guthrie County Dentist

Larry Spray

Runners-up: Ames Cross, Daniel Nelson

 

Best Guthrie County Chiropractor

Bailey Schreiber 

Runners-up: Andy Allen, Josh Calmer

 

Best Guthrie County Eye Doctor

Cassie Martinson

Runner-up: Kyle Stalder

 

Best Guthrie County Veterinarian 

Abby Frels 

Runners-up: Tom Blair, William Frels

 

Best Guthrie County Pastor 

Father Ray Higgins 

Runners Up: Trevor Nunn, Jeremy Polland

 

Best Guthrie County Health Club/Gym

Guthrie County Hospital Fitness Center

Runners-up: Active Health Solutions, Reshape Fitness Studio

 

Best Guthrie County Boutique

B&B Marketplace 

Runners-up: Pearls & Lace Boutique LLC, Tribe Boutique LLC

 

Best Guthrie County Retail Store

Old Soul Millennial 

Runners-up: B&B Marketplace, Dowd Drug

 

Best Guthrie County School District

Panorama

Runners-up: ACGC, West Central Valley

 

Best Guthrie County Park

Springbrook State Park

Runners-up: Michael Mills Memorial Park (Panora), Mitchell Park (Guthrie Center)

 

Best Guthrie County Place for Pizza

The Lake Panorama Pizzeria

Runners-up: Casey’s, Tin Lizzie’s Sports Bar

 

Best Guthrie County Parent/Child Date Spot

Pedal-In 

Runners-up: Casey Creamery, The Captain’s Pick

 

Best Guthrie County Bank

Guthrie County State Bank

Runners-up: Farmers State Bank of Yale, Peoples Bank

 

Best Guthrie County Hair Salon

HairJesser 

Runners-up: The Color Nook, Main Street Hair Design

 

Best Guthrie County Doctor (person)

Josh Strehle

Runners-up: Steven Bascom, Cody Silker

 

Best Guthrie County Farmers Market

Panora

Runners-up: Guthrie Center, Stuart

 

Best Guthrie County Farmers Market Vendor

MJ’s Bakery

Runners-up: Toasted Bakery, Tripple Berry Farm

 

Best Guthrie County Place for a Field Trip

Springbrook State Park

Runners-up: Early Morning Harvest, Guthrie County Historical Village 

 

Best Guthrie County Community Festival

Panorama Days

Runners-up: Guthrie County Fair, Yale 4th of July

 

Best Guthrie County Teacher

Maddyson McAtee (WCV)

Runners-up: Bob Bolton (ACGC), Cameron Little (Panorama)

 

Best Guthrie County Coach

Cody Matthewson (ACGC)

Runners-up: Cooper Anderson (Panorama), Josh Beardsley (Panorama) 

 

Best Guthrie County Church 

Panora United Methodist

Runners-up: Faith Bible Church, Lutheran Church of Hope

 

Best Guthrie County Spot for Dessert

M&L Ice Cream

Runners-up: Café on the Hill, Casey Creamery

 

Best Guthrie County Spot for Breakfast

Café on the Hill

Runners-up: Crafty’s Coffee & Gifts, The Sunny Spoon

 

Best Guthrie County Spot for Lunch

Café on the Hill

Runners-up: Prime Time Restaurant, The Captain’s Pick

 

Best Guthrie County Spot for Dinner

Prime Time Restaurant

Runners-up: Pioneers Pub & Grub, The Captain’s Pick

 

Best Guthrie County Ice Cream Place

M&L Ice Cream

Runners-up: Casey Creamery, Pedal-In

 

Best Guthrie County Daycare

Little Panther Daycare & Preschool

Runners-up: Little Charger Early Learning Center, Panorama Daycare Center

 

Best Guthrie County Library

Panora Public Library

Runners-up: Mary J Barnett Memorial Library, Stuart Public Library

 

Best Guthrie County Chamber of Commerce

Panora Chamber of Commerce

Runners-up: Guthrie Center Chamber of Commerce, Stuart Chamber of Commerce

 

Best Guthrie County place to camp

Springbrook State Park

Runners-up: Lenon Mill Park, Nations Bridge County Park

 

Best Guthrie County Photographer

Betty Cooper Photography

Runners-up: Ada Schauer Photography, Rachelle Little/Serenity & Bliss Photography

 

Best Guthrie County Place to Take Mom & Dad

Prime Time Restaurant 

Runners-up: Café on the Hill, The Captain’s Pick

 

Best Guthrie County Place to Hold an Event

Guthrie County Fairgrounds Event Center

Runners-up: Guthrie Activity Center, The Captain’s Pick

 

Best Guthrie County Car Wash

All Seasons Car Wash, Panora

Runners-up: Stuart Car Wash, The Washing Machine, Guthrie Center

 

Best Guthrie County Barge Service

Lake Panorama Barge Services

Runners-up: Deluxe Docks & Lifts, Van Houten Barge Service

 

Best Guthrie County Place to Take Kids or Grandkids

Guthrie Center Aquatic Complex

Runners-up: Guthrie County Fair, Springbrook State Park

 

Best Guthrie County Auto Service Center

Panorama Tire

Runners-up: Leonard Automotive LLC, M&L Service

 

Best Guthrie County Auto Parts Store

Panora Auto Parts (NAPA)

 Runners-up: Guthrie NAPA Automotive, NAPA Auto Parts Stuart

 

Best Guthrie County Place to Purchase Gifts for Her

B&B Marketplace

Runners-up: Dowd Drug, Tribe Boutique LLC

 

Best Guthrie County Vehicle Detailing Business

Detailers Eye, Panora

Runners-up: Collision Concepts Inc. Bagley, Revive Mobile Detailing, Panora

 

Best Guthrie County Realtor (person)

Dee Powell

Runners-up: Laura Kemble, Kane Powell

 

Best Guthrie County Bar

The Captain’s Pick

Runners-up: Owl’s Nest, Tin Lizzie’s Sports Bar

 

Best Guthrie County Bowling Alley

IncrediBowl

Runner-up: Stuart Bowl

 

Best Guthrie County Place for Guests to Stay

Lake Panorama National Resort 

Runners-up: Brick Street Loft Casey, Midway Motel Guthrie Center

 

Best Guthrie County Coffee Shop

Crafty’s Coffee & Gifts

Runners-up: B&B Marketplace, Ruthie’s Coffee House

 

Best Guthrie County Florist

Panorama Gardens

Runners-up: B&B Marketplace, Stuart Flowers & Gifts

 

Best Guthrie County Nonprofit

Tori’s Angels

Runners-up: 10 Squared Men, Timber Creek

 

Best Guthrie County Landscaping Company

Lakeside Landscaping LLC 

Runners-up: Hackfort Landscaping LLC, Leiferman Outdoor Services

 

Best Guthrie County CPA (person)

Lisa Calvert

Runners-up: Janet Dickson, Sarah Langgaard

 

Best Guthrie County Insurance Agent (person)

Chris Arganbright

Runners-up: Robert Carr, Connie Sloss

 

Best Guthrie County Pharmacy

Dowd Drug

Runners-up: Medicap Pharmacy, Wright Pharmacy

 

Best Guthrie County Volunteer

Steve Smith

Runners-up: Roger Dorr, JoAnn Johnson

 

Best Guthrie County Grocery Store

Hometown Foods Panora 

Runners-up: Hometown Foods Guthrie Center, Hometown Foods Stuart

 

Best Guthrie County Nursery or Garden Center

Panorama Gardens

Runners-up: Grandma Marie’s Greenhouse, Red Maple Greenhouse

 

Best Guthrie County Senior Living Facility

The New Homestead Guthrie Center

Runners-up: Community Care Center & The Willows (Stuart), The Lakeside Village (Panora) 

 

Best Guthrie County Home Builder

Donovan Construction LLC

Runners-up: JRL Builders, Laughery Construction, Kevin Laughery

 

Best Guthrie County Hardware Store

Lake Lumber

Runners-up: Bayard Building Supply, Tractor Supply

 

Best Guthrie County Home Improvement Contractor

Donovan Construction LLC

Runners-up: KHL Builders, Laughery Construction, Kevin Laughery

 

Best Guthrie County Plumber (business)

Doug’s Plumbing & Heating

Runners-up: J5 John Hutchins, Miller Plumbing, Heating & Electric

 

Best Guthrie County Electrician (business)

Miller Plumbing, Heating & Electric 

Runners-up: Berger Electric, Powell Electric

 

Best Guthrie County HVAC Company

Doug’s Plumbing & Heating

Runners-up: Controlled Environments, Miller Plumbing, Heating & Electric

 

Best Guthrie County Lawn Care Business

Rhoades Lawn Services, Keaton Rhoades

Runners-up: S7 Residential Lawn & Snow Removal LLC, Schwingers Lawn
Care

 

Best Guthrie County Attorney or Law Firm

Eric Reinhart

Runners-up: Bump & Twillman LLC, Beverly Wild

 

Best Guthrie County Financial Planner

Dave Grove, Edward Jones, Panora

Runners-up: Brandt Gebel (Guthrie County State Bank), Melissa Loest (Edward Jones, Guthrie Center)

 

Best Guthrie County Pest Control Company

Cyclone Pest Management

Runners-up: Colin’s Pest Control, Paul’s Pest Control

 

Best Guthrie County Dog Boarding Facility

Mitzie Rue’s Canine Corral

Runner-up: Guthrie County Veterinary Services

 

Best Guthrie County Golf Course

Lake Panorama National Golf Course

Runners-up: Guthrie Center Golf Course, Panorama West Golf Course

 

Best Guthrie County Massage Therapist (person)

Jade Irlmeier

Runners-up: Brianna Beardsley, Erica Matthies

 

Best Guthrie County Esthetician (skin care professional)

Lexi Blakely

Runners-up: Amy Bassett, Courtney Claussen

 

Best Guthrie County Mexican Restaurant

Los Altos Mexican Restaurant (Panora)

Runners-up: Los Altos Mexican Restaurant (Stuart), Orchard Family Restaurant (Guthrie Center)

 

Coldest Beer in Guthrie County

The Captain’s Pick

Runners-up: Owl’s Nest, Tin Lizzie’s Sports Bar

 

Best Guthrie County Home Painter

Kunkle Painting

Runners-up: Deb Moylan, Jeremy Riggens Painting

 

Best Guthrie County Elected Official

Maggie Armstrong

Runners-up: Matt Harmann, Steve Smith

 

Best Guthrie County Employer

Guthrie County Hospital

Runners-up: Guthrie County State Bank, Panora Fiber

 

Best Guthrie County Real Estate Company

Lake Panorama Realty

Runners-up: Sunset Realty, Whitetail Properties Real Estate

 

Best Guthrie County Customer Service (overall)

HairJesser

Runners-up: Lake Panorama Realty, Old Soul Millennial

 

Best Guthrie County Local Band or Musician

Kile Jackson 

Runners-up: Brick Imerman, Dale Menning & the Stardusters

 

Best Guthrie County Artist

Kelly Nielsen

Runners-up: Joy Hasbrouck, Ginger Lindstrom

 

Best Guthrie County Caterer

Café on the Hill

Runners-up: Brown Dog BBQ, The Captain’s Pick

 

Best Guthrie County Unsung Hero

Dennis Flanery

Runners-up: Brandi Rockwell, Steve Smith

 

Best Guthrie County First Date Spot

The Captain’s Pick

Runners-up: Pioneers Pub & Grub, Prime Time Restaurant

 

Best Guthrie County Happy Hour

The Captain’s Pick

Runners-up: Owl’s Nest, Tin Lizzie’s Sports Bar

 

Best Guthrie County Bartender or Server

Max Monthei

Runners-up: Stacey Nelson, Kayla Nemmers

 

Best Guthrie County Wine Selection

Twin Vines

Runners-up: Local Liquor, The Captain’s Pick

 

Best Guthrie County Place to Take your Dog

Whispering Willows Dog Grooming

Runners-up: Lake Panorama Dog Park, Springbrook State Park

 

Best Guthrie County Place to Buy Meat

Guthrie County Quality Meats

Runners-up: Dahl’s Custom Meat Locker, Hometown Foods

 

Best Guthrie County Food Truck

The Bean Box

Runners-up: Backroads Grill, Deardorff Highland Cattle

 

Best Guthrie County Collision Repair

Collision Concepts Inc.

Runners-up: Guthrie Auto Body, Hummel’s Auto Body

 

Best Guthrie County Dog Groomer

Ashley Drake, Whispering Willows Dog Grooming

Runner-up: Cindy Zieser, Pretty Paws

The Lake Panorama Dog Park has become a destination where friendships are forged, tails wag nonstop and a community’s vision comes to life.

By Susan Thompson | Lake Panorama Times

In the 2025 Best of Guthrie County poll, the Lake Panorama dog park ranked first as the best place to take your dog. 

For two years, Jeff Betts’ daily routine was taking two dogs to the park early each morning before work, regardless of the season. This is what it looked like with his dog, Otto, in late November last year. 

The park opened June 10, 2022, and is located at the corner of Sage Trail and RV Road near the east campground.  

In a survey conducted this spring by the Lake Panorama Association, 49 respondents said they use the dog park, which is open daily during daylight hours. 

The park features a 6-foot-high chain-link fence enclosing an area measuring 400 feet by 150 feet. There are two sections — one for small dogs and one for large dogs. Once inside the main gate, visitors can enter either the large- or small-dog area.

Each section includes three shade trees, a picnic table, a bench, two dog waste bag dispensers, a water bowl and a receptacle for pet waste. The water bowls are activated by pushing a button on the side. Water drains after about 90 seconds to prevent standing water.

A 5-foot-wide crushed-rock walking path runs along the fence line and serves as a weed barrier. A small gravel parking lot is adjacent to the park. 

THE BEGINNING 

The idea of a dog park on LPA property was discussed off and on for nearly a decade. 

In April 2019, Friends of Lake Panorama conducted a survey to gather input from LPA members on possible future projects. After the survey results were tabulated, the Friends board approved several action items. 

One involved exploring the development of a dog park on LPA property. Although a dog park did not rank as highly as other projects, it received strong support from a segment of the membership. The Friends board recruited volunteers to serve on a task force to study possible locations, design, costs and operating rules.

By early September 2019, a task force had been assembled, with Julie Tibbles as chair. 

“I wanted to help guide the task force because I really believe in having a nice, safe place for dogs in our community. Our narrow roads are not the safest to walk our dogs. Plus, dogs love to socialize,” she says.

At the time, Julie and Jim Tibbles had a Labrador named Ozzie.

“Sadly, it wasn’t done in time for him to use it very many times,” she says. “Now I take my granddogs, Olive and Pepper, there. They love all the new scents to investigate.”

As part of its research, the task force conducted a 15-question online survey conducted in November 2019. About 100 people responded with 75 people saying they and their guests would use a dog park. 

At its June 2020 meeting, the Friends board received the task force’s report and unanimously voted to endorse the project and advance it to the LPA board. The LPA board gave final approval at its August meeting. 

FUNDRAISING

In September 2020, Friends of Lake Panorama launched a $50,000 fundraiser for a dog park. 

A volunteer committee was formed to help raise the needed funds. During the next year, volunteers held four special events that generated nearly $14,000 for the dog park. 

By Dec. 1, donations had reached $19,000. By Jan. 1, they totaled $30,000. By late July when the 2021 Beach Ball was held, the campaign had raised $45,000. The Friends board allocated $5,000 of Beach Ball proceeds to the dog park. 

Construction began in September 2021, and the gates opened in June 2022. Another $4,500 raised at the 2022 Beach Ball was used to purchase benches and trees for the dog park. 

Jan Reinicke, president of the Friends board, said raising the needed $50,000 in less than a year was possible because of the many volunteers who supported the effort. 

“The members of the dog park task force took a very high-profile role once the project was approved,” she says. “What resulted was a group of people who recruited other dog lovers to the cause. It demonstrates what a small group of committed people with some well-defined goals can accomplish to make their community a better place for them and their furry friends.”

Learn more about some of the many dogs and owners who spend time together at the Lake Panorama dog park.  

Ann and Mike Appleseth

Ann and Mike Appleseth were early advocates for a dog park at Lake Panorama. Ann served on the task force that developed the proposal for this new amenity. 

“We’ve lived at Lake Panorama since June 1999, and we’ve always had at least two dogs. As much as we love walking them, it’s not always practical when there is a lot of traffic, poor weather conditions or when you don’t want to deal with the unexpected, such as deer, rabbits or fox wandering out from a ravine,” Ann says. 

The couple’s two current dogs are Lucy, a 10-year-old black Lab, and Leo, 14, a Maltese mix. They also have three “granddogs” that visit and enjoy the park.

“We use the park year-round anywhere from two to 10 times each month, depending on work schedules and weather,” Ann says. “You’ll see us there frequently if we are pet sitting our kids’ dogs, as it is not possible to safely walk that many at once.”

“We appreciate the waste bags, waste bag receptacles and water fountains,” she says. “I also like that there are two separate areas so if we need to have a little more control, we can usually take one side to ensure everyone is comfortable.”

Ann says, like any new project, the Lake Panorama Dog Park had both supporters and detractors in the beginning. 

“We found out quickly that people who love their dogs were quite supportive and looking for a safe environment for their pets,” she says. “It’s great to see the park being used and to meet new people and their dogs who are trying it out for the first or 20^th time.” 

Jeff and Michele Betts

Jeff and Michele have a Lake Panorama home not far from the dog park. For two years, Jeff’s daily routine was taking their two dogs to the park early each morning before work, regardless of the season.

“They looked forward to it every morning and wouldn’t let him miss a day,” Michele says. “The sunrises are beautiful out there.” 

The couple lost Scout to lymphoma last October. Otto, now 11, has severe arthritis and can’t run as hard these days, so the family doesn’t visit the park as often. 

“We sure enjoyed it for them the past couple years,” Michele says. 

Janis and Dale Hochreiter

Janis and Dale Hochreiter helped with early dog park fundraising events, where their Newfoundland, George, was a featured attraction. Once the park opened, George was a frequent park visitor until his death a year ago. 

The couple now enjoys the park with three dogs: Arlo, a 10-year-old English cream retriever; Walter, a 5-year-old Great Pyrenees; and Rosie, an 8-month-old mini goldendoodle. Janis says all three dogs get excited when they realize they’re going to the park.

“We come once a week or so,” she says. “All three play well by themselves, but they also like to meet other dogs. We encourage more dog parents to bring their dogs to the park. It’s a wide-open area where the dogs can run, fetch, chase each other. We’re really lucky to have this place.”     

Traci Kauffman

Traci Kauffman was one of several volunteers who helped with events to raise money for the dog park. She also made a donation in memory of her dog, Ozzie. 

She and her current dogs, Winston and Javy, live on the west side of Lake Panorama. The 7-year-old mini schnauzers have been with her since they were 8 weeks old. 

The trio visits the dog park a couple times each week.

“My boys love all the smells and freedom to run,” Kauffman says. “I use the gravel around the fence line as a walking track. They end up following me around, and we all get some exercise in. We go on a lot of walks in our neighborhood, and I worry they get bored with it. I really enjoy taking them to the dog park for something different.”

Kauffman says her dogs know exactly where they’re going. 

“Every time I ask them if they’d like to go to the dog park, they get very excited and run to the door and make all those excited dog sounds,” she says. 

Mike and Jennifer Krysa

Mike and Jennifer Krysa live on Panorama Terrace with their two golden retrievers. Duke is 8, and River is 5. Their daughter also has a golden retriever, Chief, 3, that often visits. 

“We love this park,” Mike says. “We come almost daily. The dogs love to run, chase balls, meet other dogs. We go to our home in Florida in the winter, and there isn’t a dog park in our area. We and the dogs really miss this when we’re gone. We’re so happy to have the Lake Panorama dog park here.” 

Mike says he and the dogs also enjoy the recreational trails on the south shore. 

Steve and Danielle Navarro 

Steve and Danielle Navarro were early supporters of the dog park. They made a personal donation and participated in every fundraiser.

Their bernedoodle, Cash, was just a puppy when fundraising began. He’s now 5 years old.

“We knew Cash would love an area to run and play,” Danielle Navarro says. “And we knew there were many dogs large and small in our community who would also enjoy a play area. We visit at least twice weekly year-round. Cash loves running in both sunshine and snow.”

The Navarros appreciate the separate areas for large and small dogs, the walking path around the perimeter, the waste bags stations, and the trees, picnic tables and benches.

“Cash loves the large space to run and chase balls,” Steve Navarro says. “He starts whining and getting excited the minute we turn the corner from Panorama Drive, knowing where we are going. Our community is fortunate to have such a nice area for our dogs. Cash starts running as soon as he’s through the gate.”

Galen and Carol Redshaw

Galen and Carol Redshaw’s dog Bella is a shichon, commonly referred to as the “teddy bear” breed. She’s 2 years old and weighs 13 pounds. 

“Bella gets very excited when we turn down Sage Trail and are heading to the dog park. She loves to run and chase balls,” Galen says. “She also enjoys playing ‘catch me if you can’ with other dogs. It’s been fun to meet other dogs and people there.”

Except during the hottest part of the summer, the family visits the dog park several times each week.

“I love going there with her. She can play while I put in some time walking around the perimeter of the fenced-in area,” he says. “It’s a safe place for us to go where I can let her off leash and she can enjoy freedom in the outdoors. It also allows her to get some good exercise while I get some of my own.” 

 

Carmen Siers and Jon Groom

Mayhem is an 8-year-old boxer-pug mix. His owner, Carmen Siers, has had him since he was 6 weeks old. 

“I had his name picked out before I ever saw him,” she says. “I got the idea from those insurance commercials where the main character is always talking about mayhem. When I saw photos of this guy, I thought he fit the name pretty well.” 

Carmen and Mayhem moved to Lake Panorama four years ago to be with her life partner, Jon Groom. They settled into Jon’s parents’ home on McDermott Lane, and soon discovered the nearby dog park, which they visit several times each week. 

“He loves it,” Carmen says. “We can’t say the words ‘dog park’ without him getting very hyper and wanting to go immediately. He is a little dog with short legs, but he loves meeting big dogs at the park. Jon and I have enjoyed meeting people and their dogs there. It’s nice to be around other dog lovers.”  

Jim and Mary Theisen

When Jim and Mary Theisen made an early donation to the dog park, they did so in honor of Buttons, Kia and Nora. All three are English Cocker Spaniels. 

“Kia enjoyed the lake and the dog park very much. It was one of her favorite places,” Jim says. “Buttons never made it to the lake. He would have enjoyed the laidback vibe.”

Nora belongs to the couple’s daughter, Laura. 

“Laura and Nora were living in California, until Laura took a job dancing for Tokyo Disney,” Jim says. “Nora moved in with us for the past year-and-a-half. Laura recently moved back from Japan, and they now split time between the lake and Omaha.”

Another Theisen granddog is Luna, a black Lab belonging to daughter Grace, who lives in Omaha with her husband. Both are nurses. 

“Since Laura and Grace both live in Omaha now, we watch the dogs throughout the year when the girls are busy or traveling,” Jim says. “Luna is our chuck-it gal and will chase the ball until she drops. Nora is our investigator and sniffs the entire park. They both love a golf cart ride to the dog park and can hardly contain themselves when they know that’s where we’re going.”

The Theisens say they appreciate the large, fenced area that allows the dogs to run freely. In the summer months they like having water accessible. 

Kirk and Lori VanKirk

Kirk and Lori VanKirk were among the 86 donors who helped make the dog park possible. They have two dogs: Macchi, a shih tzu, and Lizzy, a black Lab. Both are 11 years old. 

“We use the dog park four to five times a week,” Kirk says. “Our dogs love it. Once we start down the gravel to the park, they realize where we are going and both start to whine.”

Kirk says it’s nice the park has two areas for dogs of different sizes. 

“It is enjoyable to talk to the other folks that are at the park with their dogs,” he says. “It has been a good way to meet people. I think the dog park is a great asset for the Lake Panorama Association.”

Christopher and Jaimie Waddle

The Waddle family moved to a home on the west side of Lake Panorama in July 2020, just a few months before fundraising for the dog park began. 

“We moved here from Phoenix where we were used to having a dog park nearby,” Jaimie Waddle says. “We chose to donate to the park here because we knew it would be a good amenity for the community. Dog parks give both dogs and their owners opportunities to socialize.” 

Dusty, an 11-year-old goldendoodle, no longer visits the dog park as often as when he was younger but still makes occasional trips. 

“It gives him a chance to roam,” Jaimie says. “We like the rock walking path, and having the water bowls available is a nice feature.”  

 

Dan and Gretchen Wilhelmi

Gretchen and Dan Wilhelmi helped make the dog park possible with a donation. Their two dogs, Rosie, a 6-year-old English setter, and Daisy, a 3-year-old shih tzu-bichon mix, enjoy running and playing together at the park.

“It’s nice to bring them here so they can run and play on their own,” Gretchen says. “Having the fenced area makes it easy for them to be off leash without worrying about them running away.”

Wilhelmi says she appreciates the water bowls, the basket of toys for playing fetch, and the readily available pet waste bags. 

What does she think Rosie and Daisy enjoy most? 

“The smell of so many other dogs,” she says.  

 

Jolene Wright 

Jolene Wright and her late husband, Neil, were early donors who helped make the Lake Panorama dog park a reality. 

Their Yorkshire terrier, Phoebe, was one of the first dogs to visit the park when it opened in 2022.

Back then, she liked to run and play. Now 13, Phoebe prefers to walk around exploring where other dogs have been. Sometimes she simply lies in the grass and enjoys the sunshine or sits on a bench with Jolene. 

The Lake Panorama Dog Park was built for dogs, but its greatest success may be what it has done for people. What started as an idea shared by a handful of volunteers became a community-wide effort fueled by donations, fundraisers and countless hours of work. Today, every wagging tail, game of fetch and conversation between neighbors is a reminder that the project accomplished exactly what its supporters hoped it would. It gave dogs a safe place to run, owners a place to gather and Lake Panorama another reason to be proud to call this community home. Sometimes the best community investments are measured not in dollars, but in muddy paws, happy barks and the smiles that greet visitors every time the gate swings open.

 

 

Panorama Days celebrates Panora’s 175-year history with a packed weekend of entertainment from July 31 through Aug. 2.

By Rich Wicks | Lake Panorama Times

Panorama Days is an annual highlight of summer fun in the area, and this year looks to be no exception. So much is planned for this year’s Panorama Days that it could not all fit into one calendar month. Therefore, events begin on Friday, July 31 and wrap up on Sunday, Aug. 2. The Panora town square and Main Street area will be the hub for most of the Panorama Days events, with some events elsewhere, especially at Lake Panorama.

The events included in Panorama Days can be grouped into three main categories: 1) Watch and listen, 2) Compete, and 3) Eat, drink and have fun.

 

Watch and listen 

Attendees are welcome to bring lawn chairs to enjoy many events, including the parade, live music, the car show, the waterski team performance, Citizen of the Year announcement, UTV parade and more.

 

Compete 

For those who enjoy the thrill of competition, Panorama Days includes the 5K run/walk, cribbage tournament, bass fishing tournament for adults, fishing derby for kids, bingo, chicken drop bingo, pickleball tournament, bags tournament, golf tournament and the Little Miss/Mister announcement, to name a few.

 

Eat, drink and have fun 

Panorama Days will offer many opportunities to enjoy a meal, snack and refreshments. Attendees can enjoy the pancake breakfast, family fun zone, alumni banquet, food and drink vendors, “chalk the block” and more.

 

A blend of the old and new

The theme of this year’s Panorama Days is “A Panoramic View of 175 Years: Celebrating our Decades of History.” Erica Stamp-Matthies, who serves as coordinator on the Panora Chamber of Commerce, shared the plans for this year’s celebration. The 2026 event will be a blend of the popular offerings that locals have enjoyed for years, along with some new and improved options.

“A lot of the same things are happening. We have the cribbage tournament that starts the day on Friday at 2 p.m. with registration at 1:30 p.m.,” Matthies said. “Last year we had asked for some feedback, and one thing we heard was people wanted more kids’ things to do on Friday afternoon on the town square. So, we took that and ran.”

Matthies said the 2026 Panorama Days will again include some of the popular kids’ activities from previous years, such as mini golf, yard games and “chalk the block.”

“And we have giant Jenga and Tetris and other things for the kids on Friday from 2-9 p.m.,” she said. “We also have live music all afternoon. Starting at 3:30 p.m., we have Kile Jackson. Starting at 5:30 p.m., we have Brick Imerman. And then our headliner and street dance will be Tank Anthony Band.”

Matthies noted a few other changes and some new events. 

“We’re bringing in axe throwing and a gaming trailer,” Matthies said. “Wine and Yoga with Reshape Fitness will take place at Boulder Beach this year, so that is a change of location.” 

Matthies shared that due to many requests, a pickleball tournament has been added. She also noted that an event from last year’s Panorama Days was so popular that there are plans to expand it this year.

“Chicken drop was brought back last year. We have a fenced-in area with a board of 100 numbers on it. You buy a square for $10, and we put the chicken in, and wherever it poops, that person wins the 50-50 pot,” Matthies said. “We’re looking to do that three times. The first will be Friday evening at 9 p.m., then at 1 p.m. on Saturday and at 3 p.m. on Sunday, pending that the squares get purchased. The proceeds will go toward the Chamber scholarships that we give out to the senior class.”

 

The parade

The Panorama Days parade is an annual favorite. The 2026 parade will follow the same route as in past years. This year, parade registration begins at 9 a.m., and the parade begins at 10 a.m. Matthies noted that the parade theme focuses on celebrating the community’s decades of history. 

“We are hoping that people grab ahold of this decades theme, and they can do their float like whatever decade they want to highlight,” she said. 

Regarding the parade lineup, Matthies encourages all parade entries to arrive from the east via Clay Street to avoid traffic congestion.

“You go to the four-way no matter which direction you’re coming from,” she said. “From Casey’s, go north to Clay Street, then take that to the parade lineup.”

 

Other highlights

This year marks 175 years of Panora history, and Matthies noted a Friday event related to that milestone.

“The Guthrie County Historical Village’s cabin is turning 175 years old this year, so they are having hayrides from the square to the village every 15 minutes or so, and an open house at 5 p.m. with free root beer floats,” Matthies said. “They are taking donations, because they are hoping to get the cabin reroofed.”

The bags (cornhole) tournament will be a doubles tourney, round robin format, with registration at 11:30 a.m. on Saturday and will begin at noon. The cost is $40 per team, and each team will play a minimum of six games.

Classic car enthusiasts will again have many sweet rides to ogle at. 

“The car show was huge last year,” Matthies said. “It continues to get bigger.”

For those who enjoy watching artistic endeavors, Matthies shared information on an event that helps support the Chamber directly. 

“We’re also going to have a wood carver come,” Matthies said. “We pay for his time and give him the wood, and then we get the carvings at the end of it. Our intention is to bring them to the gala we have in the winter, and then we’ll auction them off.” 

Panorama Days continues through Sunday with several very popular events on the final day, including the kids’ fishing derby, golf tournament and more.

“On Sunday, there will be a come-and-go praise band event, and a freewill donation lunch by Tori’s Angels,” Matthies said.

A celebration such as Panorama Days is greatly dependent on the weather. Although some of the individual events could be moved indoors in case of inclement weather, others may need to be postponed or canceled if Mother Nature intervenes. According to Matthies, the best options for anyone wanting an update on any schedule changes is to visit the Facebook page of the Panora Chamber of Commerce or listen to a local radio station. 

Another challenge is parking. Because of street closures, attendees should be prepared to walk a few blocks. 

“Parking can be kind of interesting,” Matthies said. “Main Street will be closed down, and a little bit north and south of there, at the square. There will be handicapped parking to the north of the square, and our porta-potties will also be there.”

In the age of cell phones and GPS, data is available about where people go, how long they stay and from where they came. Matthies shared data from Tracer AI regarding attendance at the 2025 Panorama Days. 

“Last year, we had 6,200 visits to Panora’s Main Street on the dates of Panorama Days,” Matthies said. “And the average time they were here is 117 minutes.”

The complete schedule of Panorama Days is viewable on the Panora Chamber page on Facebook. Matthies also explained that individuals and organizations are welcomed to take a role in Panorama Days as volunteers and/or sponsors. 

“If people want to become a sponsor, that would be great,” she said. “We always try to keep as much of Panorama Days as free as possible.”

 

Jay and Amy Ganske’s dream was to retire and spend their summer months somewhere cooler.  

By Susan Thompson | Lake Panorama Times

Many working Iowans spend their adult years dreaming of a retirement that allows them to spend winter months somewhere warmer. Yet for one Lake Panorama couple, their dream was to retire and spend their summer months somewhere cooler.  

Jay Ganske was born in Sumner, Iowa. He spent his early childhood in Sacramento, California, before his family moved back to Iowa when he was 9 years old. They settled in New Hampton where his father started a plumbing business. 

Amy Silseth was born and raised in Fridley, Minnesota. The two met in October 1981 at Luther College in Decorah when Jay was a senior and Amy was a sophomore. Jay graduated in 1982 with degrees in accounting and economics. Amy graduated in 1984 with a degree in nursing.

The couple married in 1984 and two weeks later moved to Phoenix, Arizona.

“We decided to move to Arizona mostly because of the weather,” Jay says. “We were young and just wanted to try something different in a warmer climate. We weren’t sure how long we might stay, but we came to love it there. We had good jobs and lots of opportunity, so we stayed and raised a family.”

The couple has two sons. Trevor, 35, is married to Rebecca and lives in Las Vegas, Nevada. Carsten, 33, is single and lives in Portland, Oregon.

Amy is a registered nurse. When the Mayo Clinic opened in Arizona, she was among the first employees. She retired from Mayo in 2019 after 32 years. 

Jay started his career as a CPA and worked two years in Minneapolis, then three years in Arizona. Eventually, he got into banking, financing commercial real estate for 35 years before retiring in 2025.

 

The introduction to Lake Panorama 

Jay and Amy Ganske’s first introduction to Lake Panorama came from Jay’s sister, Peg Carr. 

Robert and Peg Carr bought a house on Burchfield Cove in 2016. Their move from Solon to Lake Panorama happened when Robert joined the State Farm Insurance Agency office in Guthrie Center. 

“Bob and I were high school sweethearts and have been married nearly 40 years this June,” Peg says. “He, his brother and three sisters and I and my two brothers all grew up in New Hampton. After our parents passed away when I was in high school and my older brothers were in college, Bob’s parents offered to let us use their home as our home base while we finished college.”

Once the Carrs were settled at Lake Panorama, Jay, Amy and their boys visited several times over the next few years.

“We really enjoyed our time at the lake,” Jay says. “We talked about the possibility of buying a home there now and then, but never seriously. But, with retirement approaching and a desire to avoid the hot summers in Arizona, we thought about it more and more.” 

In 2021, the couple made an unsuccessful offer on a lake home. 

“We were beginning to think it wasn’t meant to be,” Jay says. “A year later, Peg heard of a home three doors west of them that would be coming up for sale soon. We bought it in August 2022, sight unseen.” 

The Ganskes aren’t the first couple to purchase a home at Lake Panorama because of Robert and Peg Carr.

Robert’s sister Barb and her husband, Dave Boeding, bought their first home at the lake in 2021. They lived in a couple of different homes before moving into a new house on Burchfield Cove in 2024. The Boedings also own a home in North Liberty where their three children live.

And there’s more. 

Doug and Sue Jennings, Robert’s younger sister, live in Davenport. In 2024, they purchased a home on the east side of the lake just before the Narrows. Now both the Boedings and the Jennings are a two-minute drive or a 12-minute walk from the Ganskes and Carrs. 

 

The likes

Jay and Amy Ganske spend May to October at Lake Panorama, returning to Scottsdale for the rest of the year. What do they like about their summer home at Lake Panorama? 

“More than anything, having family nearby,” Jay says. “Plus, we enjoy the golf, pickleball, boating, biking, walks, gardening and never-ending projects around the house. We’ve also met a lot of really nice people here, and have enjoyed getting to know them.”

Amy and Jay both play pickleball and are golfing members at Lake Panorama National and Panorama West. To enjoy the lake, they have a pontoon, a jet ski, paddleboards and kayaks.

“It’s quite a learning curve to live on a lake for the first time,” Amy says. “We also enjoy getting to know the area more, whether it be walking, biking the Raccoon River Valley Trail or driving around Iowa.”

Amy likes photography, especially nature and landscape photos. 

“Iowa provides a lot of opportunities to take photos of old barns and buildings, as well as beautiful landscapes that are very unlike those in Arizona,” she says. “I like to document many of our experiences with photographs.”

This is the third year the couple has had a garden near their lake home. 

“It’s challenging to grow vegetables in Arizona,” Amy says. “Gardening here has been a lot of work but also a lot of fun. I learned how to can some foods and love making salsa. We love having colorful flowers around the yard and fresh veggies on the counter. Our life in Arizona is quite different from our life in Iowa, but we appreciate them both. It’s great to be able to experience both lifestyles.”

Another thing the Ganskes do during their months in Iowa is host guests. 

“We’ve had friends from Arizona visit and we try to do our best to show them the Lake Panorama and Iowa lifestyle,” Jay says. “Some of them have never been to Iowa. It’s a place you have to visit to appreciate, and we can say all those who have made the trip have really enjoyed it.”

 

Family gatherings

Amy has two brothers, one in Minnesota and one in Arizona. The Minnesota brother, Paul, and his wife, Anne, along with some of their children, also come to visit. And then there is the annual Ganske Family Weekend, held each July. 

“It’s well attended. Our boys have both made it here,” Jay says. “Peg and our brother Tim each have three children who generally attend. Many of them are married with kids, so it ends up being a big group. We have had a great time with over 1,000 water balloons broken during the annual water ballon fight, which has become a tradition. Some of us golf while some shop in town.”

The Ganskes also prioritize travel to places beyond their homes in Scottsdale or at Lake Panorama. 

“We’ve been very fortunate to visit many places over the years. We’re working hard to balance time in Iowa, Arizona and fulfilling our bucket list of travel opportunities,” Jay says.

Peg Carr says she and Robert feel lucky to have the chance to live at Lake Panorama and to now have family members who feel the same way.

“Dave and Barb were the first to join us, and it has been so great to have them and Jay and Amy and Sue and Doug so close,” she says. “We get to see them so much more. We often trade tools, help when someone is away, get together for dinners, coffee or wine, mow lawns for each other and so much more.”

Robert Carr has two siblings who don’t own property at Lake Panorama but who enjoy visits to the lake. His sister Jane and her husband, Joe Paulus, live on a farm near Ionia, Iowa. Brother Dave and his wife, Liz, live in Wisconsin. 

“Everyone comes for the Carr family reunion in July, and we get to see some of the family here a few other times in the year,” Peg says. “Of course, all the Ganskes are invited to the Carr family reunion, and all the Carrs are invited to the Ganske family reunion.”

Jay and Peg’s brother Tim lives with his wife, Mary, in Clive. 

“We’re trying to get them to buy a place at Lake Panorama, too, but they say they already have at least two places they can stay, why would they want another?” Peg says. “Although Tim did join the Panorama West men’s league this year to play golf with Jay, Robert and our son, Ben.”

Robert Carr’s mother is the only living parent of the Ganske and Carr siblings. 

“I know she is proud that we are all together,” Peg says. “I’m sure my parents would be, too.”

 

Lake Panorama watercraft have evolved over 56 years from simple runabouts to high-powered vessels.

By Susan Thompson | Lake Panorama Times

June 8, 1970, marked the closing of a dam gate and the start of a boating culture that has evolved for more than five decades on Lake Panorama. What started with modest outboard runabouts and inner-tube rides has grown into a high-powered, high-tech fleet — a transformation traced through the experiences of longtime marina owner Lyn Coulter and current owner Phil Watson Jr.

 

The beginnings

Construction on the Lake Panorama dam began in mid-April 1969. The work, expected to take three months, stretched into 13. On June 8, 1970, the dam gate was closed, and Lake Panorama began to fill.

A marina opened Aug. 1, 1970. A structure of three floating docks where boats could moor was built at the southeast corner of the main lake basin, then floated to the northeast corner behind the jetty. A boat ramp was nearby. The marina included 68 slips plus four service docks. 

The first year boat stickers were issued by the Lake Panorama Association (LPA) was 1972. An annual registration fee of $2 was charged for nonmotorized vessels, plus the first “power” boat. Property owners could register up to four powerboats with the second costing $15, the third $25, and the fourth $50. 

 

Stories of boating

Since then, there has been steady change in the watercraft on the lake. Two men are uniquely suited to help tell the story of boating on Lake Panorama through the years. 

One is Lyn Coulter, who owned and operated Coulter Panorama Marine from 1983 to 2023. The other is Phil Watson Jr., who purchased Panorama Marine from Coulter in the fall of 2023. Both have fond memories of boating on Lake Panorama when they were young. 

Lyn Coulter was 18 years old in 1977 when his father, who owned a Lake Panorama lot, bought a boat. 

“It was a Pipestone 16-foot runabout with a Chrysler 115-horsepower outboard motor,” Coulter said. “We did a lot of skiing and tubing behind that boat. It came with water skis and trick skis. The trick skis were short and wide, and you could spin in circles with those. For tubing, we used old tractor inner tubes. The fun tubes you see today didn’t exist back then.” 

Phil Watson Jr. also has a longtime connection with Lake Panorama. His parents, Phil and Judy Watson, purchased a house at Lake Panorama in 1972, the year he was born. The couple still owns that home in Hughes Cove with their fulltime residence being in Indianola. 

“The first boat our family owned was a 16-foot with a closed bow and a 50-horsepower Mercury outboard motor,” Watson said. “My dad said he paid $800 for it. I was really young, but I can remember that black motor looked like Darth Vader to me.” 

Years later, in 2008, Watson proposed to his wife Cindy while on Lake Panorama in his parents’ 1985 Century Resorter. 

 

Coulter’s notebook lists 4,670 water vessels sold over 40 years

In 1982, Lyn Coulter and his brother Jon ran the gas dock at the LPA-owned marina. A lease agreement called for the pair to stock the dock with basic marine accessories and keep consistent business hours. 

The Coulters stocked water skis, tubes
and ropes, and, in that one summer, became the largest Connelly ski dealer in Iowa.

“People asked if we knew someone who could work on their boat. Jon is a pretty good mechanic, so we started doing that. Then a couple of guys said they would buy a boat from us if we had some available,” Lyn said. 

Coulter Panorama Marine was founded in 1983 with the $7,000 profit from that first year running the gas dock. 

Lyn Coulter has a notebook filled with details on every boat sold by Coulter Panorama Marine. That notebook lists 4,670 water vessels sold over 40 years including pontoons, fiberglass boats, used boats and personal watercraft. 

Coulter said several other entities sold boats to Lake Panorama buyers before he got his start. 

“There were two businesses in Panora that sold boats for a few years, beginning in 1972. Tom Shroyer owned the Panora Service Center, where he worked on cars and had a body shop,” Coulter said. “Once the lake filled, he saw an opportunity. He sold Starcraft and Invader boats, plus VW dock and Shore Station lifts.” 

The other business was Acme Boat Company, which operated out of the metal building north of the Heartland Coop gas pumps, a building Coulter now owns.  

“Frank Spuzello owned the company and sold Tahiti brand jetboats,” Coulter said. “There were about 20 of those on the lake when we started selling boats in the early 1980s.”

Lake Panorama buyers also purchased boats from S&J Marine and Regency Company, both in Des Moines, Reynoldson Marine in Boone, and DC Boats in Dallas Center. 

“From 1972 until about 1984, most of the boats on Lake Panorama were 16-to-18-foot outboard runabouts with motors from 60 to 115 horsepower,” Coulter said. “By the early 1980s, there started to be more fiberglass runabouts with inboard/outboard (IO) engines.” 

Early options at Coulter Marine were Century and Invader boats and Harris Flote Bote pontoons. 

Power boating began in the 1920s with Century and Chris-Craft among the predominant boat builders. Early boats were made of wood with the industry transitioning to fiberglass in the 1950s and 1960s. 

“The use of fiberglass brought the cost of boats way down, making them more affordable to more people,” Coulter said. “One of the most popular early fiberglass boats was the Century Resorter, produced from 1948 to 1993. We sold six of those on Lake Panorama.” 

Coulter said his boat business didn’t really take off until he added the Four Winns brand in 1987. 

“It was a dominant company offering IO engines. I am not sure we would have made it without Four Winns,” he said. “For a while, we were selling 65 to 75 Four Winns boats each year. Buyers were coming from all over. About half were sold to Lake Panorama residents and half to others.” 

From 1987 through 2023, Coulter sold 1,860 Four Winns boats. 

“The most popular was the 18-foot 180 Horizon,” he said. “We sold more than 500 of those units.” 

The first Mastercraft boat was sold by Coulter’s Marine in 1988. 

“We sold 54 Mastercraft inboard Prostar 190s,” Coulter said. “These boats were very popular with water skiers because they made almost no wake. The downside was the inboard engine was in the middle of the vessel, which really reduced the amount of interior space available for passengers.” 

The most popular selling boat on Lake Panorama in the 1980s was the Century 19-foot 3000. 

“It was fiberglass with an inboard engine and sold for $19,000,” Coulter said. “It was very luxurious with a powerful MerCruiser V8 engine. We sold 65 of those from 1983 to 1989. Fiberglass runabouts reached their peak in 2008. That year 500,000 were built. In 2025 there were 35,000 built.” 

Coulter said triple tube, high horsepower pontoon boats are all the rage now. But before those, from 1983 through 2015, two tube pontoon boats were popular. 

“Most pontoons were sold with hardtops from 1983 through 1999. After that, Bimini fold-down sun tops became popular,” Coulter said. “Those hard tops made it difficult or impossible to get pontoons onto lifts. We sold more than 450 Harris Flote Boats from 1983 through 2011. After that, we started selling Godfrey pontoons.” 

Coulter said deck boats were popular on Lake Panorama from 1988 through 2014. 

“These had large, open cockpits and no windshield. We sold more than 230 Four Winns deck boats,” he said. “The triple tube pontoons with even more interior room displaced deck boats.” 

Ask Coulter what his favorite boat was during his 40 years in the business, and he doesn’t hesitate for long. 

“The 24-foot open bowed Four Winns,” he said. “That boat did everything well. It had plenty of room, lots of power. It didn’t stick its nose in the air when you accelerated; it would plane out.” 

 

New owner Watson fulfills his dream

Growing up on Lake Panorama planted the seeds for Phil Watson’s adult career in the boat business. 

After high school graduation in Indianola, Watson attended Southwest Missouri State in Springfield, Missouri. The first Bass Pro Shop is in Springfield, and where Watson got his start selling boats. Next came a boat sales job in Kansas City. 

In 1999, Watson took a job with Water’s Edge Marine in Johnston. He was the company’s sales manager for two years before purchasing the business and moving it to Polk City in 2011. Cindy Watson joined the business in 2017, helping with bookkeeping, benefits and other human resources duties. She now does the same at Panorama Marine. 

In December 2022, the Watsons sold Water’s Edge to Hicklin Power Sports. 

“My dream has always been to have a boat shop at Lake Panorama,” Phil said. “In March 2023, I started looking for property here and purchased the land on Highway 4 where Panorama Marine now is located.” 

On Sept. 26, 2023, the LPA board of directors approved a 2024-2028 lease between LPA and Watson for operation of the LPA-owned marina.

Boat lines carried by Coulter’s still are carried by Watson and include Mastercraft, Four Winns, Godfrey pontoons and Kawasaki jet skis. A new line of pontoons, Barletta, was added in 2024. 

“When I was a kid, we had a fishing boat on Lake Panorama,” Watson said. “I was 12 years old when I would take that boat out by myself to fish. As a teenager, I worked some summers at the marina gas dock.” 

The first Kawaski jet skis introduced in the early 1970s required the operator to stand up. 

“We had a stand-up jet ski I used a lot as a teenager,” Watson said. “I remember seeing a couple of wetbikes on the lake, too. Those were a cross between a motorcycle and a jet ski. I thought they were pretty cool.” 

Beginning in the mid-1980s, “wave runner” models were introduced that allowed the operator and one or two passengers to sit down. Watson said wave runner models now are the most popular personal water craft (PWC). 

Watson said boats on Lake Panorama in its first few years would have been small outboard motors that didn’t provide a lot of power. 

“Change started in the early 1980s when sterndrive boats were introduced,” he said. “These combined the components of both inboard and outboard systems and could run faster on the same horsepower.” 

Watson’s knowledge of boating trends mirrors the boat sales listed in Lyn Coulter’s notebook. 

“The 1980s saw Century Boats produce lots of new models, including the Bronco in 1983 and the Mustang in 1984,” Watson said. “Those were sterndrive fiberglass boats that were mostly 18 to 20 feet long. Four Winns was another company that produced popular sterndrive boats through the 1980s and into the 1990s.” 

The evolution of Mastercraft boats shows how water recreation has changed. 

“First it was the Mastercraft Prostar 190 with an inboard motor in the middle of the boat,” Watson said. “These closed-bow boats made almost no wake and were loved by skiers, especially slalom skiers.” 

Once wakeboards were introduced, people wanted boats that created more wake.

“Ballast tanks were added that could be filled with water to lower the boat in the water for more wake,” Watson said. “That led to the idea of surfing and adding more weight to boats to create even more wake.” 

Pontoon boats also have evolved from earlier days. 

“Pontoons weren’t very popular when I first started selling boats,” Watson said. “They usually were fitted with 90 or 115 horsepower outboard motors and were 20 feet long. These were OK for slow cruises, but you couldn’t make sharp turns. Once the triple tube pontoons were introduced in the late 1990s, things started to change.” 

Watson said these newly designed pontoons offer more horsepower and can make sharper turns. These factors improved the image of a pontoon for water sports, since tubes can be pulled and boat captains can make sharper turns to give riders more of a thrill. Tritoons also made it possible to increase passenger capacity with some now capable of handling 17 passengers. 

Beyond boat sizes and designs, Watson said many changes have occurred in the way boat engines are built. 

“In the earlier days, most boats had two-stroke engines, which required a gas-oil mix to operate,” he said. “In the years I worked the Lake Panorama gas dock, there was a big barrel of oil there. We would have to add gas to a boat, then figure out how much oil was needed to get the proper mix.” 

The advent of four-stroke engines eliminated the need to mix gas and oil to fuel boats. And fuel injection technology made it possible to start a boat without first having to “choke” it. 

“The technology on boats is so much more sophisticated now,” Watson said. “Now to service a boat, our guys have to hook everything up to a computer for testing and diagnostics. Our mechanics attend training sessions on a regular basis to keep up with changes in boat technology for each brand we sell.” 

While Panorama Marine doesn’t sell fishing boats, Watson said those also have evolved over time. 

“It used to be a flat bottom boat with a small outboard motor was all you needed for fishing,” he said. “Now fishing boats are larger and offer more horsepower. The biggest change is the electronics available. These can come with live scope technology that allows those fishing to actually see fish in the water. And with the push of a button, trolling motors can hold boats in place without dropping anchor.” 

It’s no surprise that as boats increase in size, horsepower and technology, prices also increase.

“I started selling boats at Water’s Edge Marine in Johnston in 1999,” Watson said. “That year we were selling open-bow Bayliners for $9,999. For a while, we were selling 70 to 80 of those each year, mostly to people who used them on Saylorville Lake. Now a similar boat costs $50,000.” 

 

Boat sizes and showrooms

In Lake Panorama’s early days, no one looked into a crystal ball and saw how boat sizes would grow in coming years. 

After their first season running the LPA gas dock in 1982, the Coulters asked LPA to build a building to house a showroom and two service bays. The LPA agreed, and the result was the now-empty building near the marina boat ramp. 

“That building was designed for us to be able to sell and service 18-and-20-foot boats,” Lyn Coulter said. “As boats got bigger and longer, we weren’t able to get those tritoon pontoons and Mastercraft boats into the building. Boaters of the 1980s and 1990s wouldn’t recognize what’s on the lake today.” 

This is the second season for Panorama Marine to be in its new location along Highway 4. The L-shaped building is about 17,000 square feet and includes both sales and service with six service bays on the north end. 

“This is a big improvement over the previous building,” Watson said. “Now we have more bays for service work, and we’re able to bring new boats inside to prep for the showroom.”  

A raised walkway runs along the east and south sides of the showroom. Customers can walk up a few steps to the dock, then directly into new boats available for purchase. Watson said boat sales have been strong. 

“We did really well in 2025,” he said. “Having this showroom where people can easily walk onto the boats has made a big difference. By mid-April this year, we have already sold 36 new boats. Most of those have been triple tube pontoons, plus three or four wake boats.” 

As boats are sold from the showroom, new ones are moved in. Watson said customers also can order boats. 

“This allows them to choose colors and features they want,” he said. “For custom orders, it’s best to do that in the fall or at least by January or February. That way we can have their new boats ready in the spring.”  

Custom ordering, just one more way, of many, that owning a boat on Lake Panorama has changed over 56 years.

 

Patrick and Deb Moylan have made multiple trips to Ireland, enjoying the rugged landscapes and friendly locals.

By Susan Thompson | Lake Panorama Times

Each year as March 17 rolls around, people with little or no connection to Ireland don green attire and celebrate St. Patrick’s Day. In stark contrast, Patrick and Deb Moylan celebrate their Irish roots year-round. 

The Moylans have lived at Lake Panorama since 1992, though they purchased their first lot here in 1979. 

“I worked for the Lake Panorama developers for six summers while I was in high school and college,” Patrick says. “Then I went on to sell real estate here for 37 years.” 

Patrick grew up north of Panora along with seven siblings. Deb grew up on a farm southwest of Guthrie Center with five siblings. 

“We knew each other through sports in high school,” Patrick says. “A few years later, we ran into each other at the Bamboo Lounge in Guthrie Center. We started dating in 1974 and married in 1975.”

 

The Irish connection

Patrick’s great-grandfather on his father’s side, Michael Moylan, emigrated to the United States from Ireland in 1872, settling on a farm in the Bayard/Coon Rapids area. His great-great-great grandfather on his mother’s side, Maurice Carberry, came from Ireland in 1849 during the Great Potato Famine and settled on a farm south of Panora. The first Catholic Mass in Guthrie County was said at Maurice’s farm in 1859. 

Deb Moylan had four grandparents on her grandmother’s side of the family from Northern Ireland. Her great-great grandfather Samuel Sloss came to the U.S. in 1870, along with her great-great-great grandparents and five siblings. Samuel eventually homesteaded land in Guthrie County.  

Many other Irish names appear in both Patrick and Deb Moylan’s family ancestries — O’Brien, Flynn, Lawler, Connelly, Clennon, Carberry, Walter, Hughes, McAllister, Bailey, Bunting and Wallace.   

The Moylans’ delight in their Irish roots can be seen in signage near the home where Patrick’s family moved a month before he was born. His father, William, brought his wife, Mary, and their growing family to Panora from Guthrie Center when he took a job managing the local elevator in 1952. 

The family lived in the house on Highway 4 just north of Panora that stands beside the Moylan Field sign. Though it’s now a large grassy area, when Patrick and his siblings were growing up, it was a regulation-sized baseball field with a sand infield, pitcher’s mound and back stop. The Moylan Field sign features two shamrocks plus family names. 

Outbuildings behind the home feature a large shamrock sign and a wooden version of the national flag of Ireland. A green shamrock was added to the white stripe between the green and orange stripes.

 

The annual celebration

St. Patrick’s Day is big for the Moylans. 

“We’ve not been in Ireland for St. Patrick’s Day,” Patrick says. “But, we have been to Dublin, California. We’ve also been in Chicago a couple of times, once to Kansas City, several times to Omaha, and, of course, we’ve gone to Des Moines to celebrate. We dress in our Irish hats and clothing. We typically have some family and friends with us. We’ll enjoy a few pints, maybe a hot Jameson whiskey, shepherd’s pie or Irish stew.”  

While they haven’t been in Ireland for St. Patrick’s Day, Patrick and Deb have spent lots of time on the Emerald Isle. 

The first journey

“Our first interest in going to Ireland was after my siblings and I sent our parents to Ireland for their 30^th wedding anniversary in the late 1970s,” Patrick says. “They had such a great time. It was fun listening to them talk about the culture, people, scenery and pubs — and Dad talking about having to drive on the wrong side of the road.” 

Patrick’s first trip to Ireland was in August 1984, when he traveled with his youngest brother, Brian. 

“We rented a stick shift car that had a cassette player,” Patrick says. “It was my first time driving on the opposite side of the road. The first day I lost the mirror on the passenger side when I drove too close to a parked car. Brian had his window rolled down and his arm out. Thank goodness he was able to bring his arm in fast before he lost it.” 

The brothers visited castles, abbeys, ruins, historical sites and pubs. 

“That trip marked the first time, of many, when I ran along the Cliffs of Moher, one of the most popular tourist attractions in Ireland,” Patrick says. 

They also kissed the Blarney Stone at Blarney Castle, another spot Patrick Moylan visited in subsequent trips. Those who know him won’t be surprised that each time he visits, he kisses the stone. 

“It’s believed those who kiss the stone are endowed with the ‘gift of gab’ and a talent for great eloquence, charm and persuasive flattery,” he says, with a smile.

 

British soldiers and machine guns 

In 1985, Patrick returned to Ireland, this time with Larry Squires, his partner in the real estate business. 

“Larry was a pretty good-sized lad,” Patrick says. “He earned the nickname ‘Gentle Giant’ in a pub we frequented. We visited many of the same sites Brian and I had visited the year before. But, this time, we went further north. I told Larry I wanted to drive into Northern Ireland.” 

Ireland consists of 32 counties with six of those in Northern Ireland that are ruled by the United Kingdom. To drive into Northern Ireland, the pair had to cross a border checkpoint. 

“There were two British soldiers surrounded by sandbags; each had a machine gun. One asked what our business was, and I said we just wanted to say we’d been here,” Patrick says. “They let us pass. I pulled over about 20 yards in and stopped. I told Larry he should take a picture of those guys, because nobody at home will believe this. He got out of the car, and just as he was about to take a picture, the soldiers both turned toward him with their guns pointed. They said if he took the picture, he wouldn’t leave with his camera. He didn’t take the picture.” 

A couple of years later, Patrick made his third trip to Ireland. 

“I decided to ride a bicycle to the southeastern part of the country,” he says. “That was my toughest trip, as it rained almost every day I biked. I came home early and never tried that again.”

 

The couple’s first trip and the family tradition

Deb and Patrick’s first trip to Ireland together was in 1990. 

“We visited castles, gardens, churches, pubs and took several hikes,” Patrick says. “During another trip in 2004, we were in a pub the evening the no-smoking ban in Ireland took effect. It was a great day for us, but there were a lot of upset pub patrons.” 

The Moylans say Ireland has changed since their first visits more than 40 years ago.

“The first several trips to Ireland felt like we had stepped back in time. It was like going back to the late 1950s and early 1960s growing up in rural Iowa,” Patrick says. “There was very little new construction or infrastructure. Around 1995, the Celtic Tiger was born. There was an economic boom, driven by foreign investment and tech, transforming Ireland into a wealthy nation.” 

Deb and Patrick Moylan have three children, seven grandchildren and a great-grandchild on the way. Daughter, Lynnea, and her husband, Shane Andersen, live in the home just south of Moylan Field. Shaun and his wife, Julie, live in Danville, California. Devan and his wife, Kelsey, live in Johnston. 

“Several of our trips to Ireland have been with our children, my siblings and some of our friends. We’ve also developed friendships with several Irish families during our visits,” Patrick says. 

The couple’s most recent trip was in the fall of 2025, as part of their 50^th wedding anniversary celebration. That was Patrick’s 27^th trip to Ireland and Deb’s 17^th. They were joined by their daughter and son-in-law, Lynnea and Shane, and their granddaughter and her husband, Kennedy and Justin Rolfes. It also was a time to celebrate milestone birthdays for Deb, Lynnea, Shane and Kennedy.

 

The King and Queen and the castle dungeon

One highlight of that trip was Patrick and Deb being chosen to serve as King and Queen at the Bunratty Castle Medieval banquet with more than 250 others. 

“As King, one of my tasks was to taste the food before it was served to my subjects,” Patrick says. “Another was to throw someone in the dungeon. After listening to some very talented performers and musicians, I released the prisoner from the dungeon, but only after he sang a song.” 

This wasn’t the first time the Moylans had attended a Bunratty Castle banquet. 

“Over the years, three of my brothers and our son, Devan, have had the honor of spending time in the castle dungeon,” Patrick says. “They each had to a sing a song to get out.” 

 

Favorite sites

Ask the Moylans about places they have visited, and you’ll get a list of more than 140 sites that includes castles, churches, pubs, distilleries and breweries.

“Some of our favorite sites are Powerscourt, Muckross Estate, Kylemore Abbey, Ashford Castle, St. Kevin’s, Bunratty Castle and Folklore Park,” Patrick says. “Repeat visits to many of these sites are almost a must because of new additions to gardens and renovations to estates.

“There are between 6,600 to 6,800 pubs in the country,” Patrick says. “The pubs are always lively, with traditional music sessions, great beer and food. Some of our favorites are Durty Nelly’s, The Creamery, Gus O’Connors, McGann’s, Foxy John’s, Matt Malloy’s, Johnnie Fox’s, and Pat Cohan Bar, which was featured in the movie ‘The Quiet Man.’ ” 

On one of the couple’s trips, their goal was to visit pubs with a significant distinction. That took them to Irish pubs that were the furthest north, west, southwest and southeast. They also visited the highest elevation pub, plus Sean’s Bar in Athlone, the oldest pub in Ireland. Along the way, they had a few pints in two different Moylan Irish Pubs.

Ireland is known for its dramatic, emerald-green pastures and rugged landscapes. 

“We really enjoy the Wicklow Mountains and Glendalough area with great national parks offering nature trails for hiking,” Deb says. “There are all kinds of exotic plants, moss hanging from the trees, gnarly tree trunks and little streams and waterfalls. We’ve hiked Croagh Patrick twice, which offers spectacular views of Clew Bay below. And, we truly love the Doolin Walk to the Cliffs of Moher.” 

 

The bookings and things to know

The Moylans book every part of their Ireland trips themselves. 

“First, I book our places to stay when we arrive and depart,” Patrick says. “We prefer staying in B&Bs, enjoying a filling breakfast. The hosts usually provide us with local hidden-treasure sites to visit or suggest something on our route. Next, I book the flights, then the vehicle we’re going to lease.”   

Over the years, the Moylans have enjoyed helping others plan trips to Ireland. 

“This past year we helped several people who were going for the Iowa State football game in Dublin in August,” Patrick says. “We shared places they might want to see and information on lodging, airlines, car rental agencies, what clothing and shoes to take. We also talked about what to expect, and explained that driving in Dublin, Ireland’s largest city, can be challenging.” 

Moylan lists some of the most important things he wants travelers to Ireland to know. 

“First, check your health insurance coverage before leaving the U.S., in the event of sickness or an accident. If you’re going to rent a car, make sure you get the super collision damage waiver insurance. Your insurance in the U.S. will not cover your vehicle in an accident in Ireland,” he says. “And, remember, look the other direction before pulling out in an intersection as you’re driving on the opposite side of the road.” 

For lodging, the Moylans prefer to stay at least two or three nights at each B&B. 

“Not having to pack up each day makes the trip more enjoyable and relaxing,” Patrick says. “You can take day-trips from where you’re staying to see the different sites you want to visit.”   

Ireland’s peak tourist season is the summer months of June through August. 

“We prefer the spring or fall when there aren’t as many tourists,” Patrick says. 

For the last few trips, the Moylans have taken a cell phone. 

“We have a global cell plan with our provider,” Patrick says. “The cost is about $12 for 24 hours. It’s well worth it to have access to phone, text, email and most of all, GPS.” 

 

A couple of weeks of relaxation 

The Moylans have visited all 26 counties of the Republic of Ireland and the six counties of Northern Ireland.  

“Our trips have always been to get away for a couple of weeks of relaxation, seeing the sites and countryside, Atlantic Ocean and Irish sea, and listening to Irish music in the pubs in the evenings,” Patrick says.    

“Traveling in Ireland offers a mix of stunning, rugged landscapes, and incredibly friendly locals,” he says. “You will be driving on the left side of the highway, on narrow and winding roads, with vibrant, historic cities offering a stark, enjoyable contrast to the slower-paced, breathtaking countryside. We both feel very fortunate to have been able to take these trips to Ireland over the last 40-plus years.” 

Currently, Patrick and Deb Moylan are busy making plans to return to Ireland this spring.