Special to the Times Vedette
The Panora Chamber of Commerce has recognized an outstanding member of the Panora/Lake Panorama community since 1989. The year 2020 was the only year the recognition did not take place.
Criteria for Citizen of the Year:
- Any service performed for the betterment of Panora that the nominator deems worthy.
- No restrictions on the number of years a person can be nominated.
- Winners cannot be considered again for 10 years.
- Nominees must be a citizen of Panora or Lake Panorama.
- Nominees must be nominated in writing, signed by the nominator.
Paid city employees are eligible, but their nomination must not be for their regular duties.
The following statement applies to all nominees: Anyone who works for the promotion and betterment of our community rather than excellence in profession or job.
Nominations must be received by Friday, July 11, 2025. Mail nomination letters to the Panora Chamber of Commerce, P.O. Box 73, Panora, IA 50216.
The 2025 Citizen of the Year will be announced during Panorama Days, Saturday, Aug. 2 after the parade in the gazebo.
Previous Citizen of the Year winners:
- 1989 Kass Duis
- 1990 Galen Bymer (D)
- 1991 Duane Miller (D)
- 1992 Mary Beidelman
- 1993 Mary Jones (D)
- 1994 Hugh & Merna Teale (D)
- 1995 Dave Arganbright
- 1996 Ron Reynolds
- 1997 John Dungan (D)
- 1998 Dale Grotjohn (D)
- 1999 Cheryl Castile
- 2000 Frank Teale
- 2001 Dave Olson
- 2002 Carolyn England
- 2003 Pat Finnegan
- 2004 Julie Dent-Zajicek
- 2005 Dave Beidelman
- 2006 Judy Contner
- 2007 Chris Arganbright
- 2008 Vickie Ditsworth (D)
- 2009 Barb Wollner
- 2010 Bette Donahey
- 2011 Joan Allen (D)
- 2012 MJ Brown
- 2013 Karen Sievers
- 2014 Joe Scheiring (D)
- 2015 John Rutledge
- 2016 Josh Arganbright
- 2017 Curtis Thornberry
- 2018 Jaime Waddle
- 2019 Bill & Connie Ridgley
- 2020 COVID YEAR (NONE)
- 2021 Chaille Crandall
- 2022 Tom & Ellen Campbell
- 2023 Kirby Klinge
- 2024 Matt Harmann