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New management structure put in place for Lake Panorama golf operation

Oct 26, 2026 | News

Special to the Times Vedette

A new management structure for the 18-hole Lake Panorama National golf course has been created, according to a release from the Lake Panorama Association, which noted that the change was made as an effort to continue refining the business model and working toward profitability. 

The new structure includes the creation of a director of golf position. Joe Wells has been hired to fill this new position and will assume the role Nov. 1. Management of the 9-hole Panorama West golf course is not impacted.

Wells will oversee daily LPN golf activities and manage the golf department budget. He will provide leadership for golf tournaments, leagues, outings, stay-and-play golf packages and special golf events, and build relationships with annual passholders, guests, staff and resort partners.

Another key responsibility for the director of golf, according to the release, is maintaining a strong working relationship with Topside Lake, Inc., which is Lake Panorama National’s food and beverage tenant. Wells’ longstanding relationship with Topside Lake, Inc., which operates The Captain’s Pick bar and restaurant, banquet facilities in the LPN clubhouse and the Spikes snack shop, will provide an opportunity to achieve shared success for both entities.

“One of our goals for this new structure is to improve coordination between the LPN golf operation and the LPN food and beverage operation,” Royce Shaffer, LPN Director of Operations, said. “We believe having Joe in this role will lead to continued growth in golf outings, special events and resort revenue. Although LPN, LLC and Topside Lake, Inc. remain separate entities, we believe this restructuring effort will create a synergy that benefits both our customers and our bottom line.”

A lifelong golfer with deep ties to Lake Panorama, Wells brings 20 years of executive leadership in hospitality and multi-unit operations to the role. He is entering the PGA Professional Golf Management program and will serve as a PGA Associate while pursuing Class A PGA status.

Implementation of this new management structure eliminated the position of head golf professional. This position was held for the last six years by Rob Riggins, who departed the LPN, LLC at the end of the 2026 golf season.

Michael Kleinwolterink has served as the pro shop manager since 2018. Kleinwolterink remains on the LPN staff as golf operations manager, taking on expanded responsibilities in support of the director of golf.

LPN, LLC is a limited liability company wholly owned by the Lake Panorama Association.

406 Market fills gaps in Adair

Oct 26, 2026 | News

Melanie Byers welcomes the public to the newest store in Adair.

 

New downtown store offers local foods, gifts, services and space for community events.

By Rich Wicks | Guthrie Center Times, October 2026

The new 406 Market in Adair is difficult to adequately describe. The best way to experience it is to go see for yourself. Customers can browse gift items, locally made and Iowa-made products, locally produced foods, dairy, meats and other refrigerated foods, flowers, handmade items, seasonal items, décor and more. With such a wide array of offerings, there is bound to be something to catch the eye of most any visitor.

The store is located at 406 Audubon St. in Adair in the downtown business district. As with most buildings, the site has been used in many ways over the years. Owner Melanie Byers shared her knowledge of the building’s history.

“Cory Schafer and his wife had used this building mainly for roofing supplies for a while. Before that, apparently, Fay Pharmacy used it also for storage,” she said. “But I’ve been told, back in the day, this main part was a hardware store, and the other part was a small diner.”

The store’s grand opening was Sept. 19. The business is reminiscent of Hometown Basics in Casey, operated by Stacey Wedemeyer. But Byers explained the differences.

“I went and spoke with Stacey to make sure we’re not carrying the same things. I want it to be different,” Byers said. “She focuses more on clothes, and so I focus more on food. So, it’s really complementary.”

Because opening a storefront can be a risky endeavor, Byers has wisely diversified her career.

“I’ve worked as a software engineer for years, and I’m now an IT project manager, and I do websites for small businesses,” she said. This makes it possible for Byers to work on other tasks at times when no customers are in the store.

Byers noted that her husband, Dustin, has a degree in marketing, which helps in her new venture. She explained how the couple ended up in the Adair area.

“I found a house we liked, and I said to my husband that we’re between the moms. His mom is in Milo (south of Des Moines), and mine is in Council Bluffs,” she said. “It’s also on the way to Boone, which is where he works. He drives there every other day.”

Byers noted that Adair offers the best of both worlds. The community is obviously a small town, but its location right on Interstate 80 makes it easy to zip into Des Moines or Council Bluffs/Omaha for the various things that only larger cities offer.

For Byers, this is her first venture in running a store, but she has plenty of retail experience.

“I’ve had my own business for a few years; I have not operated a retail store before. But I worked in retail for a long time when I was younger, going through college and anytime I needed a side gig,” Byers said.

One unique offering in the store is Amish-made wooden baskets and similar items.

“Most of our baskets are done by an Amish fellow from southern Iowa. We wrote letters back and forth when I was trying to see if I could sell his woodwork items here. He makes baskets, furniture — basically whatever wooden items you can imagine,” she said.

Asked about the most common feedback she has heard from customers at the new store, Byers said she hears gratitude that customers can buy what they need close to home.

“People have been very appreciative that now they can get fresh produce without leaving Adair,” she said.

Looking to the future, Byers hopes to begin offering delivery options so she can bring needed items to customers unable to come to the store.

The 406 Market offers locally grown beef from BC Angus. Byers noted that she is working to add more meat options. The challenge is to find producers that have the correct license or certification to allow sales at her store. She has become fluent in Iowa’s “cottage law” and other legal requirements for her business.

“Besides the BC Angus beef, we just got a pork and chicken supplier,” she said.

In addition to the store in the front half of the building, Byers has plans for the back room, which she hopes to open before the end of the year. The space is intended to be an option for those looking to use it for family gatherings, graduation and similar parties, and other small groups.

“Since we call this store the 406 Market, the back area is going to be called the 406 Event Space,” Byers said. “We’re working on opening a separate entrance. We’ll have capacity for about 50 people, so it will be for smaller events. I’m planning on a $50 rental fee. It has a full kitchen and bathroom, and we’re working on obtaining more tables.”

Byers shared another offering.

“The Adair News actually moved their copier over here because they don’t have space for it anymore. So, we are also making and selling copies for people. It’s good to have that option for people,” she said.

Another service Byers offers is not aimed at profit but simply at helping serve the needs of the local community by allowing space for local nonprofit and/or school groups to display informational resources.

“If a school or organization wants to do a fundraiser, I’m trying to keep space available, so they can have a space for free,” she said. “I want to promote that as much as possible.”

Store hours are weekdays 10 a.m. to 7 p.m. and Saturdays 9 a.m. to 1 p.m. With a wide and diverse array of products and services, the 406 Market is worth a visit.

Décor items at 406 Market.

Seasonal items at 406 Market.

Refrigerated and frozen items save a trip out of town.

Fresh produce is a popular seller.

Guthrie County Sheriff’s Office Weekly Report — Oct. 19-25, 2026

Oct 26, 2026 | Guthrie County Sheriff's Report

10-19-26

  • 2:12 a.m. Stuart Police assisted Adair County on I-80
  • 4:08 a.m. Stuart Police responded to a single vehicle accident on I-80
  • 7:11 a.m. Guthrie County Deputy assisted a motorist in Guthrie Center 
  • 9:04 a.m. Stuart Police responded to a family situation 
  • 9:10 a.m. Stuart Police responded to a report of a domestic situation
  • 9:59 a.m. Panora Police assisted a motorist 
  • 10:20 a.m. Guthrie County Deputy responded to a complaint in Guthrie Center
  • 11:13 a.m. Guthrie County Deputy responded to a car alarm going off in Guthrie Center 
  • 11:25 a.m. Panora Ambulance responded to a medical call in Guthrie Center 
  • 11:27 a.m. Panora Police responded to an animal complaint 
  • 11:30 a.m. Stuart Police responded to a report of a hit and run 
  • 11:31 a.m. Guthrie County Deputy responded to a two-vehicle accident at Lake Panorama 
  • 12:15 p.m. Guthrie County Deputy responded to a complaint in Jamaica
  • 12:49 p.m. Panora Ambulance responded to a medical call in Bayard
  • 1:08 p.m. Guthrie County Deputy performed traffic control on Highway 25
  • 1:28 p.m. Guthrie County Deputy transported an inmate to the Dallas County Jail
  • 2:01 p.m. Guthrie County Deputy responded to a complaint at the elementary in Guthrie Center
  • 2:33 p.m. Guthrie County Deputy assisted an individual in Guthrie Center
  • 3:50 p.m. Guthrie County Deputy assisted a motorist on Highway 25
  • 4:16 p.m. Guthrie County Deputy assisted Iowa State Patrol with traffic control on I-80
  • 5:23 p.m. Guthrie County Deputy served civil papers in Stuart 
  • 5:39 p.m. Guthrie County Deputy served civil papers in Bagley 
  • 6:28 p.m. Panora Police performed a case follow-up 
  • 6:54 p.m. Guthrie County Deputy assisted a motorist on Highway 4

 

10-20-26

  • 12:20 a.m. Guthrie County Deputy performed a welfare check in Guthrie Center 
  • 4:23 a.m. Panora Ambulance responded to a medical call in Panora 
  • 7:29 a.m. Panora Ambulance responded to a medical call in Guthrie Center 
  • 8:54 a.m. Guthrie County Deputy responded to a scam call in rural Guthrie Center 
  • 9:10 a.m. Panora Ambulance responded to a medical call at Lake Panorama 
  • 9:55 a.m. Panora Ambulance Unit 2 responded to a medical call in Panora 
  • 10:40 a.m. Guthrie County Reserve pick up a prisoner at Polk County Jail 
  • 11:02 a.m. Guthrie County Deputy assisted a pedestrian in Panora 
  • 11:09 a.m. Guthrie County Deputy performed a case follow up in Guthrie Center 
  • 11:50 a.m. Guthrie County Deputies responded to a complaint at the elementary in Guthrie Center
  • 12:32 p.m. Panora Ambulance and Guthrie County Sheriff and Deputy responded to a medical call in Guthrie Center
  • 12:35 p.m. Panora Ambulance Unit 2 responded to a medical call at Lake Panorama 
  • 2:25 p.m. Stuart Rescue and Guthrie County Sheriff responded to a medical call in Casey
  • 3:08 p.m. Stuart Police responded to a theft complaint
  • 4:15 p.m. Stuart Police took a theft report 
  • 4:32 p.m. Panora Ambulance transported a patient from the Guthrie County Hospital back to Lakeside Village
  • 4:45 p.m. Guthrie County Sheriff performed a welfare check in Guthrie Center 
  • 6:19 p.m. Panora Ambulance transported a patient from the Guthrie County Hospital to Iowa Lutheran
  • 6:50 p.m. Panora Ambulance Unit 2 responded to a medical call at Lakeside Village
  • 7:55 p.m. Panora Ambulance Unit 2 responded to a medical call at St. Gregory’s in Bayard
  • 8:15 p.m. Guthrie County deputy took a suspicious person report
  • 10:11 p.m. Stuart Ambulance responded to a medical call in rural Adair 
  • 10:41 p.m. Panora Ambulance, Guthrie County Sheriff and Deputy responded to a medical call in Guthrie Center
  • 11:27 p.m. Stuart Police responded to a driving complaint on I-80

 

10-21-26

  • 5:31 a.m. Stuart Police performed a welfare check 
  • 6:04 a.m. Stuart Ambulance responded to a medical call in Stuart 
  • 6:32 a.m. Stuart Police transported one male to Adair County Jail 
  • 8:09 a.m. Panora Ambulance responded to a medical call in Guthrie Center 
  • 8:19 a.m. Stuart Police performed a case follow-up 
  • 9:02 a.m. Stuart Ambulance and Police responded to a medical call in Stuart 
  • 9:24 a.m. Stuart Fire provided mutual aid for a hay fire in rural Dexter
  • 10:15 a.m. Guthrie County Deputy assisted an individual in Guthrie Center
  • 11:17 a.m. Stuart Police responded to a parking complaint at the high school
  • 1:13 p.m. Panora Ambulance responded to a medical call in Panora 
  • 2:50 p.m. Stuart Rescue responded to a medical call in Stuart 
  • 5:14 p.m. Motorist assist by Stuart Police 
  • 5:20 p.m. Guthrie County Deputy served civil papers in Menlo 
  • 5:29 p.m. Guthrie County Deputy assisted with a civil issue
  • 5:36 p.m. Panora Ambulance responded to a medical call in Bayard 
  • 5:41 p.m. Stuart Police investigated a suspicious person 
  • 6:39 p.m. Bayard Fire Department investigated a controlled burn that was not reported
  • 6:59 p.m. Panora Police responded to a stray dog call
  • 7:07 p.m. Guthrie County Deputy responded to a complaint in Bagley 
  • 7:13 p.m. Panora Ambulance and Guthrie County Deputy responded to a medical call at Lake Panorama 
  • 7:43 p.m. Guthrie County Deputy responded to a complaint in Yale
  • 8:49 p.m. Guthrie County Deputy transported a prisoner from Estherville to the Guthrie County Jail 
  • 9:55 p.m. Stuart Fire/Rescue and Police responded to a fire alarm call 
  • 10:06 p.m. Panora Ambulance transported a patient from Guthrie County Hospital to Lutheran 

 

10-22-26

  • 12:11 a.m. Stuart Police assisted a motorist on I-80
  • 6:46 a.m. Panora Ambulance responded to a medical call in Guthrie Center 
  • 7:34 a.m. Panora Ambulance Unit 2 responded to a medical call in Bayard 
  • 9:27 a.m. Stuart Police responded to a complaint 
  • 10:46 a.m. Guthrie County Deputy performed a civil standby in Guthrie Center 
  • 12:11 p.m. Panora Police assisted a pedestrian 
  • 1:42 p.m. Panora Police, Fire and Ambulance responded to a report of a gas leak in Panora
  • 2:15 p.m. Stuart Police responded to an animal complaint 
  • 2:18 p.m. Guthrie County Deputy took a complaint from Casey 
  • 4:26 p.m. Panora Ambulance transported a patient from Guthrie County Hospital to Iowa City 
  • 5:39 p.m. Stuart Ambulance responded to a medical call in Stuart 
  • 8:34 p.m. Stuart Police responded to a report of a suspicious vehicle 
  • 9:37 p.m. Stuart Police responded to a family dispute 
  • 10 p.m. Panora Ambulance responded to a medical call in Bayard 
  • 10:12 p.m. Guthrie County Deputy responded to a driving complaint in Guthrie Center 

 

10-23-26

  • 1:57 a.m. Panora Ambulance transported a patient from Guthrie County Hospital to Lutheran 
  • 10:50 a.m. Stuart Rescue responded to a medical call in Menlo
  • 12:02 p.m. Stuart Ambulance and Police responded to a medical call in Stuart 
  • 12:06 p.m. Panora Police responded to a complaint 
  • 1:22 p.m. Stuart Police responded to a trespass complaint
  • 1:34 p.m. Stuart Police performed a case follow-up 
  • 2:18 p.m. Guthrie County Deputy responded to a report of a suspicious person in Casey
  • 2:22 p.m. Panora Ambulance responded to a medical call in Jamaica
  • 2:50 p.m. Stuart Fire, Rescue and Police responded to a report of a grass fire in Stuart
  • 4:02 p.m. Panora Police responded to a complaint at the high school
  • 4:52 p.m. Guthrie Center Fire and Panora Ambulance responded to a report of a combine fire in rural Guthrie Center
  • 6:24 p.m. Stuart Rescue responded to a medical call in Stuart
  • 7:01 p.m. Guthrie County Deputy responded to a car vs. deer accident in rural Guthrie Center
  • 7:10 p.m. Guthrie County Deputy assisted an individual in Guthrie Center
  • 7:20 p.m. Guthrie County Deputy responded to a complaint in Bayard
  • 7:40 p.m. Guthrie County Deputy assisted an individual in Guthrie Center
  • 8:05 p.m. Panora Ambulance Unit 2 responded to a medical call in rural Panora
  • 8:06 p.m. Stuart Police assisted Dallas County with a search in Redfield
  • 9:59 p.m. Panora Ambulance responded to a medical call in Bayard
  • 10:57 p.m. Stuart Police assisted a motorist

 

10-24-26

  • 12:52 a.m. Guthrie County Deputy assisted an individual in Menlo
  • 7:02 a.m. Guthrie County Deputy performed a welfare check in Guthrie Center
  • 11:35 a.m. Guthrie County Deputy and State Patrol responded to a family situation in Menlo
  • 11:57 a.m. Stuart Rescue and Stuart Police responded to a medical call in rural Dexter
  • 12:55 p.m. Guthrie County Deputy and Stuart Police responded to a suspicious person on the west edge of Stuart
  • 2:08 p.m. Stuart Rescue responded to a medical call in Stuart
  • 2:20 p.m. Guthrie County Deputy assisted an individual in Guthrie Center
  • 2:21 p.m. Guthrie County Deputy assisted an individual in rural Coon Rapids
  • 4:33 p.m. Bayard Fire and Panora Ambulance responded to a report of a bailer fire in rural Bayard
  • 6:30 p.m. Stuart Police attempted to locate an individual for a welfare check
  • 7:51 p.m. Guthrie County Deputy transported an inmate from Indianola to the Guthrie County Jail on an arrest warrant
  • 8:10 p.m. Guthrie County Deputy transported an inmate from Linden to the Guthrie County Jail on an arrest warrant
  • 8:28 p.m. Guthrie County Deputy responded to a trespass complaint in rural Dexter
  • 10:10 p.m. Panora Police responded to a report of suspicious activity
  • 11:28 p.m. Guthrie County Deputy attempted to locate individuals for a welfare check in rural Panora

 

10-25-26

  • 1:33 a.m. Stuart Police responded to a report of a theft 
  • 1:43 a.m. Guthrie County Deputies and Audubon County Deputies responded to a driving complaint in rural Guthrie Center
  • 4:08 a.m. Panora Ambulance transported a patient from Guthrie County Hospital to Des Moines
  • 5:58 a.m. Stuart Rescue responded to a medical call in Stuart
  • 11:18 a.m. Panora Ambulance responded to a medical call in Yale
  • 2:14 p.m. Guthrie County Deputy investigated possible stolen vehicle out of Bagley
  • 3:32 p.m. Stuart Police Department responded to an open door at business
  • 4:34 p.m. Stuart Police Department assisted with tenant removal from residence
  • 5:38 p.m. Guthrie County Deputy investigated suspicious activity in rural Stuart
  • 6:08 p.m. Panora EMS, Bayard First Responders responded to medical call in Bayard
  • 6:18 p.m. Panora EMS U2, YJB First Responders responded to medical call in Jamaica
  • 8:49 p.m. Guthrie County Deputies responded to disturbance in Guthrie Center
  • 9:39 p.m. Stuart Police Department requested Stuart EMS for a medical call in Stuart

Kepple selected for Opus Honor Choir 

Oct 23, 2026 | News

Special to the Times Vedette

Zoey Kepple was recently selected for participation in the 40th annual Opus Honor Choir Festival. More than 3,000 students were nominated by their directors for 720 positions in the four Opus Honor Choirs. Selections were made by means of a recorded audition.

Guest conductors of the choirs include Joy Augustine, 5th/6th Grade Treble Clef Honor Choir; Ryan K. Riewerts, 7th/8th Grade Bass Clef Honor Choir; Jorie O’Leary, 7th/8th Grade Treble Clef Honor Choir; and Dr. Jeremy Manternach, 9th Grade Mixed Honor Choir.

The 2026 Opus Honor Choirs will perform at 4 p.m. on Nov. 19 at Stephens Auditorium in the Iowa State Center in Ames.

The Opus Honor Choir Festival is made possible by the Iowa Choral Directors Association, Inc.

GCH Stuart Rehab Clinic celebrates grand opening in new location

Oct 23, 2026 | News

Special to the Times Vedette

The Guthrie County Hospital Stuart Rehab Clinic celebrated its grand opening with a ribbon-cutting ceremony on Oct. 16 during the Chamber Coffee event at its new location, 211 S.W. Seventh St. in Stuart. Community members enjoyed refreshments, clinic tours and the opportunity to learn more about the clinic’s rehabilitation services.