Dam Repairs to Begin with Lake Lowering
Lake Panorama will be lowered for dam repairs beginning the evening of October 13. The initial lowering will be slow and bring the lake down about 6 inches by Tuesday evening, October 15. More rapid lowering will bring the lake down a total of four feet by Monday the 21st.
       
       The lake is being lowered so that repair work can be done on two items. The hydraulic lines that are used in operating the bascule gate which controls the lake level are being replaced. The concrete sections in the dam spillway will have sealant replaced between them to protect them from water working between and underneath them. At the same time some cracks in the spillway walls will be sealed.
       
       Work is expected to take about a month. It is largely dependent on good weather.
       
       Lake levels will probably remain low throughout the fall.

Winter Security Checks
The LPA security department offers winter home checks for members convenience. The service includes checking the home twice weekly to see if doors and windows are secure and if the inside temperature is at the proper level. (This is done by viewing a thermometer placed so that it can be seen from outside.)
       There is a fee for the service. For details, contact the LPA office at 641 755 2301 or LPA Security supervisor Jeremy Bennett.
       
       

Mosquito Tips
Even though it has been a very dry year and mosquitoes have not been a large problem, news of a virus spread by mosquitoes prompts ideas about how to reduce their numbers.
       
       Usually the mosquito population diminishes considerably after a hard freeze. However, continued warm weather can still produce a new hatch of mosquito adults and there are some that will survive a freeze. Here are some tips:
       
        The house mosquito is an insect that stays relatively close to its hatching place, often not moving more than a quarter mile from that spot. It is one of the mosquito species identified as a carrier of the West Nile virus that has been in the news. In addition, the house mosquito lays its eggs in stagnant water. There are a number of spots that are likely spots for the house mosquito to breed. By checking and draining or disposing of them periodically, mosquitoes can be discouraged:
        They are: 1. Eaves troughs that do not drain completely. 2. Bird baths. 3. Cans, bottles, old tires, and other containers that hold water. 4. Holes in ground, ditch, inside culverts, drain tile, or holes in trees that collect water. 5. Window wells. 6. Grills, boat covers, cloth or plastic covers for woodpile, garden or other purpose. 7. Any spot that collects water and remains stagnant is ideal for mosquito egg-laying and hatching. All mosquitoes require water for hatching and development into adults.
       
        Another important tip to stay away from mosquitoes is using repellent containing DEET, a chemical repulsive to mosquitoes. It is the most common repellent. Avoiding early morning and late afternoon hours outside, wearing long sleeve shirts and long pants while working or playing in mosquito prone areas, and spraying lighter clothing with repellent will help to reduce the chances of being bitten.
       
        Although very rarely do infected mosquito bites result in infections, it is a good idea to reduce the risk associated with mosquito bites.

Deer Hunt Underway
The controlled special deer hunt is underway again at the lake development. Hunting for deer has been allowed in order to reduce the excess population of the animals. Heavy population has caused predation of member's landscaping and problems with trampling and droppings.
       
       The hunt is limited to certain areas of the lake development, mostly away from homes. Bow hunting is allowed during the main period of the hunt with muzzle-loader hunting allowed during the appropriate weekends.
       
       The LPA has received cooperation from the Iowa Department of Natural Resources to provide for the special hunt. For information, call the LPA office at 641 755 2301.

Island Vegetation Removal Completed
Willow and cottonwood trees and other heavy vegetation on silt deposits in the upper basin of the lake have now been removed.
       
       A contractor from Louisiana with special "swamp" equipment was engaged to float the equipment out to the island deposits and dig up the trees. The material, along with some silt, was hauled to shore on large barges pushed by LPA work boats. That material was unloaded on shore and will dry over the winter and be regraded and seeded next spring.
       
       The clearing process will allow the LPA dredge, the HORIZON, to begin removing the islands and help to open the upper basin to boating again, probably in 2004.
       
       The Lake Panorama Rural Improvement Zone is funding the project and will be funding rip rap of LPA owned property in the upper basin. Private property owners with lakefront property will be required to repair rip rap or renew it.
       
       

Water Department Tips for Winterizing
Lake Panorama Water Company supervisor Rod Scott recommends that members leaving their homes for the winter should have their water turned off at the curb. This protects the home from damage from leaking pipes that may result from freezing conditions. The service is free. Call the LPA office to make arrangements at 641 755 2301.