Special to the Times Vedette

The Lake Panorama Association (LPA) will lower Lake Panorama by approximately 5 feet in October to perform scheduled maintenance on the dam. This follows a routine inspection conducted in December 2024 that revealed wear on hydraulic cylinders that have been in service for 20 years.

LPA management says repairs will include cylinder replacement and other minor improvements to hydraulic lines and the spillway. The Weitz Company, which handled the previous replacement of the dam cylinders, was awarded the contract with engineering support from Shive-Hattery.

LPA Members who own boats, docks and boat lifts were encouraged by LPA to contact their service providers before Labor Day to schedule removal and winterization. While lake use is not prohibited during the drawdown, LPA strongly discourages boating due to exposed underwater hazards. Members who have not yet contacted their service providers are advised to do so immediately.

The lake drawdown will also impact downstream users of the Middle Raccoon River. Beginning Oct. 1, river flow into the Middle Raccoon River will exceed seasonally normal levels. This will continue until the lake has been lowered by 5 feet, which should take 10 to 14 days. Recreational users, especially kayakers and fisherman, are advised to exercise caution during this time. For questions about safe flow levels and river access points, LPA recommends contacting Guthrie County Conservation for guidance. Guthrie County Conservation manages public entry and exit locations along the river and is a resource on responsible use of the Middle Raccoon River.

Once the cylinder replacement project begins, flow in the Middle Raccoon River will be variable depending on the phase of the project and rainfall that occurs. LPA management says they will continue to discharge water to ensure the minimum required flow will be met, or exceeded, at all times and that they are committed to meeting all Iowa Department of Natural Resources guidelines for minimum outflow to ensure uninterrupted operations for the City of Panora’s potable water treatment facility and the protection of aquatic life that exists downstream.

LPA management says the timeline for refilling the lake will depend on rainfall received within Lake Panorama’s watershed, noting that they cannot forecast if the lake will freeze at normal pool level or at a lowered level. They stated confidence in projecting that the lake will return to full pool level prior to the 2026 boating season. If the lake freezes below normal pool level, LPA says that level will be maintained throughout the winter and until the ice has melted from the lake.

Those with questions are encouraged to contact the LPA Office via email at lpa@lakepanorama.org.

Special to the Times Vedette

“Chrome Horse: The Bob Dylan Tribute” is a chronological trip through the career of Bob Dylan. It will be performed at the Warren Cultural Center, 154 Public Square, Greenfield, with sincerity, vintage style and engaging in-character presentation. No cheat sheets, no iPads. This is a time-capsule recreation. Mark your calendars for Friday, Oct. 3, 7 p.m. for this second show of WCC’s 2025-26 “Locals and Legends” series.

Texas-based veteran musician Drew Gabbert has set the table and is serving up an authentic Dylan experience with a repertoire that spans six decades of material.

Gabbert offers up a mysterious ability to embody the many voices of Dylan with accuracy and reverence — as if singing through a hall of mirrors. Close your eyes and you’ll be thoughtfully carried through the young man in old man’s clothes, drifting past the country croon, and held firmly by the elder statesman. These eras with their ancient muses are captured by Gabbert fluently.

It must be said, by deliberately eschewing present day technology and electronics, the musical presentation remains intact and precise. Visually, the performance is striking; musically, the performance is unmatched.

Tickets are $25 for adults with free admission for students (high school and younger). Tickets are available at warrenculturalcenter.com or at the door.

Special to the Times Vedette

On Sept. 5, a total of 10 players participated. Roy Carl got four 16s; Bill Sheeder, Robert Klever and Lela Schwartz each got a 16; Sandy Rumelhart got a 20; and Rhonda Titus got two 16s and a 20.

On Sept. 8, a total of 14 players participated. Sandy Rumelhart had a 16; Bill Sheeder had two 16s; and Joanne Zieser had a 20. 

The Guthrie Center cribbage players generally meet at Guthrie Center Library, 400 Grand St., on Mondays at 8 a.m. and at the New Homestead independent living dining hall, 2306 State St., at 8 a.m. on Wednesdays and 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. They play for quarters on Wednesday and Friday.

By Rich Wicks | Times Vedette

During the regular meeting of the Panora City Council on Sept. 8, the councilmembers had a discussion regarding the Title VI Physical Environment (Utilities Sanitary System, and the Water System) pertaining to the updates 2025 City Code of Ordinances. City Administrator Lisa Grossman and Public Works Director Ismael Galvan highlighted the most significant changes. One area of discussion was private citizens having water/sewer work done that involves the city’s right of way.

“The big one that I want to talk about, we don’t really have a specific permit. We have an application for work in the right of way,” Grossman said. “The fees are $150 to hook up to the water and the sewer each.”

Galvan said he feels those fees are in line with other municipalities in the area.

Grossman also said that the city could require an excavation permit and could require a bond from whoever is doing the actual work. That way, if problems arise that impact the city, they could have some options to cover the costs.

After discussion, Grossman said the ordinance could be worded to say the city “may require a bond.” She explained this would allow the city some discretion based on the work to be done and the individual or company that would do the work. The council consensus was for Grossman to pursue that wording and bring it to an upcoming council meeting for consideration.

Galvan reported that the city completed the repair on the 12-inch sewer pipe along Highway 44, and the blockage has been cleared. He said the city will now be able to “camera” the area to inspect for any issues.

Grossman reported on progress at Michael Mills Park. She said the basketball court is installed, and the painting of lines is yet to be done.

The next regular meeting is set for Monday, Sept. 22 at 5:30 p.m. The public is welcome. Interested persons may attend in person or electronically by visiting the website https://meet.goto.com/cityofpanora or by phone 1-312-757-3121 (Access Code 295-099-701, Audio PIN 220#).

By Rich Wicks | Times Vedette

During the regular meeting of the Guthrie Center City Council on Sept. 9, Mayor Mike Herbert reported on the city’s determination regarding the Ludwig/Winkleblack nuisance violation status. He said the city consulted with the city attorney for guidance. Renea Winkleblack and Dennis Ludwig Jr. have previously stated that others in the city have similar items on properties on a trailer and/or under a tarp, and those properties are not being dealt with as violations of the city ordinance.

“Keeping things in the trailer and the back of the truck, it’s our legal counsel that that is not OK,” Herbert said.

“It won’t be a change; it’ll just be further action,” Ludwig said.

The council voted 2-1 to inform the property owner of a 14-day window to bring the property into compliance with the ordinance. Garold Thomas and Ian Steensen voted in favor; Fidel Hernandez voted against.

Streets Department Director Darin Sloss was asked when the city park’s public restrooms will be closed for the year. He said likely around Oct. 1. Sloss also reported on fence repairs needed at the Little League ballfield. He said the repair would cost $3,000. The council voted 3-0 to approve the repair.

City Administrator Kris Arrasmith reported that staffing at New Opportunities has been cut back somewhat because of decreased federal funding. She said New Opportunities continues to operate, but hours may be decreased. She said that anyone coming to donate items can leave them with city staff if the New Opportunities office is closed at a particular time.

The next regular meeting is set for Monday, Sept. 22 at 6:30 p.m. The public is welcome.

Gary and Linda Thompson welcome friends new and old to Raccoon Ridge.

Gary and Linda Thompson are in the RidgeRunners band, which plays a blend of country and bluegrass music

By Rich Wicks | Panora Times, August 2025

Gary and Linda Thompson live on 40 acres of beautiful timberland near Nations Bridge Park in southern Guthrie County. But, instead of keeping all that beauty to themselves, they welcome others to come enjoy it with them. Gary opened Raccoon Ridge 3D Archery, and the couple later opened Raccoon Ridge Music Hall, at 3281 298^th Lane. Because the Thompsons live a mile off the main road, it is a well-kept secret but definitely worth the drive.       

Linda explained that the idea for the music hall came to her from God on a sleepless night. So, the couple built and opened the music hall, which also rents out as a wedding venue or for engagement parties, graduations, fundraisers, reunions and other events. But the most commonly recurring events are the Sunday music jams and dances. The music hall includes seating for up to 200 people, sound and lighting equipment, and a full kitchen. 

“We built it in 2001, right before the Twin Towers fell,” Linda said. “He already had his archery three years before that.” 

The Thompsons now play in a band called RidgeRunners, which plays a blend of country and bluegrass music. RidgeRunners band members include Gary and Linda, Diana Wilson, Al Wilson and Mark Howard. 

Gary grew up playing music.

“I was in a high school band, playing rock and roll,” Gary said.

However, Linda was not initially musical.

“Not me. My family liked music, but nobody played it,” Linda said.

Linda explained that her introduction to playing music came at Gary’s urging. During a music jam at their place, there was a shortage of musicians, so Gary encouraged Linda to learn to play. Although Linda was initially unsure about playing in front of others, she said everyone was encouraging as she learned.

Through the fall months, the music hall maintains a schedule of Sunday afternoon dances. The schedule of bands can be seen at Raccoon Ridge Music Hall’s Facebook page. Upcoming scheduled dances include Aug. 31, Sept. 7 and Sept. 28. The Sunday events run from 2-5 p.m., and attendees are welcome to bring their own snack and beverage, and/or enjoy food provided in the kitchen. Some Sundays ask a $10 admission fee, while others ask a freewill donation. 

“We are so blessed out here, and God has done it, and that’s what we are trying to share. We’ve met so many wonderful people. They come from all over,” Linda said.

Because the Thompsons enjoy their land, music and visitors, they plan to continue what has brought fun and fellowship to so many.

“As long as we can do it, we’re going to do it,” Linda said. n