By Lyndy Holt | Iowa Water Watch

In 2023, as a part of the Iowa Healthy Lakes Initiative (IHLI), the Iowa Water Recreation Survey (IWRS) was shared online to collect data on recreators throughout Iowa. The survey aimed to gain a better understanding of what Iowans know about harmful algal blooms (HABs) and their potential toxic effects. Additionally, the IWRS assessed behavior in response to a HAB and the effectiveness of current risk communication methods. Dispersed to a wide network, the IWRS was shared with university students, faculty, and staff, non-profits, public health departments, conservation groups, and recreational clubs through social media, newsletters, flyers, email blasts, and word-of-mouth.

Key findings

• An increased awareness of the negative health effects associated with HAB exposure, as compared to similar surveys in Iowa (Center for Agricultural and Rural Development, 2021).
• Recreation, particularly water-based, is important to Iowans, although a majority expressed concern regarding the quality of water resources in the state.
• Communication preferences are largely similar to current systems, with an emphasis on signage and increased use of social media.

Respondents were concentrated in Iowa’s urban centers. The average respondent was most likely to be female, holding an advanced degree, and working in healthcare. The demographic bias reflects the researcher’s network and the target audience, those who recreate in Iowa lakes as they would be the most likely group of people to be exposed. Additional effort needs to be made to reach underrepresented groups that may have a high likelihood of exposure or be more likely to utilize resources at a state park.

So, can I go swimming?

Only 2.8% of land in Iowa is public, ranking 47th compared to the other states. Despite this, Iowans place a large value on recreation; $1 billion in direct spending is generated from visits to Iowa lakes each year (Iowa Lakes Valuation Project, 2019).

• Predominantly, Iowans are utilizing the recreational areas available to them, visiting at least twice a year. Many visit monthly or even weekly.
• Most people engage in activities like hiking, swimming, walking their dog, or bird watching and are often near the water, if not in it.

More than 36% of residents surveyed are leaving the state to seek their quality time with water elsewhere, nearly the same amount remains, as an out of state trip isn’t feasible for many families. A total of 75% of respondents indicated concern for the quality of water in Iowa. Nearly the same proportion of Iowans interviewed in “Water Issues in Iowa” (Conservation Learning Group) viewed the quality of surface water as fair or poor. 

The majority of those with concern said they would use Iowa’s resources more if the quality of water improved; some were still unsure.

Duckweed or danger?

Largely, Iowans have heard the term “HAB.” Perhaps from events like the 2014 Toledo Water Crisis receiving national news coverage or a sign at their local beach warning that “swimming is strongly discouraged.”

Half of respondents indicated they know what HABs are or what they look like, often described as looking like pea soup or spilled paint on the water. When presented with a photo example of a HAB, about the same number of people confirmed seeing a bloom in Iowa. It’s common to mistake non-toxic green filamentous algae or duckweed for a HAB. Perhaps overly cautious but, over half of Iowans surveyed are aware how exposure to a toxic bloom could harm human or animal health.

• Symptoms of HAB-related illness can range from nausea, vomiting, or headache to a loss in coordination, dizziness, or tingling sensations. Severe cases can result in liver failure or death by respiratory paralysis.
• The severity of symptoms depends on the amount of toxin a person is exposed to in the water and the amount of time they were exposed.

Communicating risk

Iowans surveyed suggested a strong preference for the IA Department of Natural Resources (IDNR) to receive necessary recreational information. Social media was a close second. Most respondents reported typically using Facebook and following groups local to them like the Iowa City Open Water Swimming Club (iCows) or Johnson County Conservation.

Consistent with current usage, respondents prefer to check a specific website for lake conditions, such as the IDNR Beach Monitoring Program or Iowa Environmental Council’s (IEC) Water Watch. Respondents also indicated wanting to find their recreational information on social media, perhaps relying on a specific group to keep them consistently informed.

Despite the current age of social media, survey results showed the importance of physical signage. The last line of defense to warn recreators, ultimately letting them decide if the risk of getting sick is enough to refrain from using the lake, whether that decision be for themselves, children, or pets.

Some respondents, albeit a smaller number, suggested that the local news stations or Iowa Public Radio (IPR) should communicate this information. Some indicated wanting to receive a weekly text or email, the latter already available through IEC’s Weekly Water Watch newsletter.

• Children and animals are much more vulnerable to HAB-related illness due to their playful nature and smaller body weight.
• 85% of respondents reported changing their behavior in response to a HAB advisory by actively avoiding the water or not swimming. A small percentage said that they would still use the lake, but they wouldn’t put their head underwater.

Green doesn’t mean go

• Check the condition of the lake before you go.
• When in doubt, stay out.
• Do not let children or dogs swim in green water.
• Shower or rinse off after swimming in a lake.
• Call your doctor or visit an urgent care clinic if you experience symptoms associated with HAB-related illness.
• For more information and a full list of symptoms, visit the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC).
• For more resources on HABs in Iowa, visit @iowahabs online.

By Shane Goodman | Times Vedette

Members of Women For Panora’s Future (WFPF) held their spring highway trash pickup on Highway 4 north of Panora with help from high school students Miranda Laabs, Kelsey Laabs and Brayden Meinecke who donated their time.

Special to the Times Vedette

On Tuesday, April 9, 11 Sunshine Club members and one guest met at the Panora Public Library at 1 p.m. with Sandy Mortensen hosting. The meeting was opened with the roll call being “your favorite spring flower.” The minutes of the March meeting were read with changes on when the lady from the crisis center could meet with the group. The change will be sometime in May with details to be announced later. The treasurer’s report was given with some money returned from the Stuart Care Center bingo games. Linda Thompson said the first music jam at the Music Hall will be on April 21 at 2 p.m. with a free will offering. On April 28, Jonas Woodstock, a one-man band, will be performing at 2 p.m. with a $10 admission cost. The next meeting will be on May 7 for a Mother’s Day Brunch at the home of Gina Lloyd. Everyone is encouraged to bring a picture of their mother to share with others. The meeting was adjourned with delicious refreshments served, and those who could stay played cards for the remainder of the afternoon.

Special to the Times Vedette

The Guthrie Center cribbage players meet at Guthrie Center Library on Mondays at 8 a.m., at the assisted living rec room at 8 a.m. on Wednesdays, and at the Guthrie Center Activity Center at 1 p.m. on Fridays. Organizers say there is always room for more, and they will be glad to teach you how to play.

On April 10, a total of 13 players participated. Kathy Evans got a 23, Allen Pierce got three 16s, Roger Esbeck came up with a 17 and a 24, Lela Schwartz got a 17, and Rhonda Titus, Wayne Nickel, Dan Webb and Jane Bascus each got a 16. 

They play for quarters on Wednesday and Friday. For more information, email 58chevy@netins.net.

Key staff positions were filled with people who have worked at The Port and now have expanded roles. 

By Susan Thompson | Lake Panorama Times

The Port restaurant on the eastern edge of Lake Panorama’s main basin has a long history. In 1972, some lake property owners began discussions about a restaurant and lounge. A company was formed, and construction began in 1975. The restaurant opened in 1976 but closed at the end of the season because of steep losses.

David Garst took over the operation. Paul and Linda Wendl purchased The Port from Garst in 1982 and operated it for 12 years before selling it in 1994. The restaurant moved through several hands over the next 10 years before being purchased in 2004 by Dr. Mark Menadue.

In late 2023, it was announced The Port would be closing following a New Year’s Eve party Dec. 31. That led to rumors The Port had been sold. 

“The Port has not been sold,” says Hannah Menadue Johnson, president of Menadue Development. “This is the 20th year of ownership by our family. During the winter, it’s difficult to anticipate how many guests will come out, which makes staffing and food orders difficult. Closing for a few weeks helps us manage costs, clean, make menu updates, and look at event scheduling, staffing and training before the busy season.”

Menadue Johnson says all staff were laid off during the closure but are eligible to apply for re-hire. 

“Some chose to pursue different opportunities during that time,” she says. “We wish them nothing but the best.”

The Port restaurant doors reopened March 14 in time for St. Patrick’s Day. Menadue Johnson says key staff positions were filled with people who have worked at The Port and now have expanded roles.  

Kayla Valentine is The Port’s new general manager. 

“I started working at The Port in early 2015 as a front desk clerk. From there, I learned everything I could at both the hotel and restaurant. I began working as the event coordinator and soon took on the hotel manager position, too,” Valentine says. “As the general manager, I oversee the hotel and restaurant and will continue to run events. I’m very excited to begin this role. I have always loved The Port and the people we get to serve.”

Tory Thompson has worked in The Port’s kitchen for several years and returns in 2024 as the head chef. 

“Tory is an excellent chef with extensive experience,” says Valentine. 

Amanda Hemann is the front-of-house manager, and Amanda Rambo is the bar manager.

“Amanda Hemann worked with us as the lead bartender about 10 years ago and came back last year to help in the kitchen,” Valentine says. “She is a jack of all trades and loves the community. Amanda Rambo has worked with us for a few years and is an experienced bartender. She is very creative, and our patrons have really grown fond of her.”

A new menu for the 2024 season includes many of the dishes customers enjoyed last season, although Valentine says it will continue to be tweaked as the staff receives customer input this spring. The new menu offers six appetizers, nine entrees, six sandwiches, three salads and eight side dishes. 

“We brought back some old favorites like Broccoli Alfredo, The Port Asian Stir Fry and the Atlantic Salmon,” she says. “We are excited about some new additions like our classic Caesar Salad, Tory’s Creamy Cheddar Penne and the pulled pork sandwich. All indoor seating, including the bar, will be served the full dinner menu. In addition, Amanda Rambo will be working on some fun drink specials and possibly a happy hour, but that is still in the works this spring.”

The popular tiki bar is set to open Memorial Day weekend. As was the case last year, a simple grill menu will be available during busy hours to take pressure off the kitchen. Entertainment will include one band each weekend. Bands that were booked prior to the winter closing are being considered for the upcoming season and will be announced on The Port’s Facebook page as dates approach. 

A fire in October 2018 had the restaurant closed until the following summer. Reconstruction of the building resulted in a new layout, equipment and furniture. Menadue Johnson says this year will bring new paint for the tiki bar, and updates are in the works for the boat docks and parking lot.

On a side note, The Port hotel has had some recent upgrades. 

“We got new paint in all rooms and hallways, new tile in the lobby and beautiful stone work on our fireplaces and hot tubs,” Valentine says.

Current restaurant hours are Thursday, 5-8 p.m.; Friday and Saturday, 5-9 p.m.; and Sunday, 8 a.m. to noon. Hours will expand in May.

“We look forward to serving old and new customers with great food, drinks and the best view this year,” Menadue Johnson says. “We hope locals and visitors to the lake feel welcome to join us for live music, drinks at the tiki bar, and casual, upscale dining inside.” 

Valentine says The Port staff members are happy to be serving patrons again. 

“Our goal is to be more family oriented and locally involved in the community, while still maintaining our fun and vacation-like atmosphere,” she says. “We are looking into more ways to connect and support our community. We hope to bring new activities to The Port, including during our off season. Stay tuned to our Facebook page to keep updated on our hours, plans and upcoming events.”

The Facebook page is “The Port on Lake Panorama.” The business website is experiencetheport.com and offers contact information, hours of operation, menus and online ordering. Event, wedding and other inquiries can be emailed to Kayla Valentine at kaylav@experiencetheport.com. The hotel and restaurant phone number is 844-888-7678.