Living as masterpieces
Nathan Countryman Mount Vernon-Lisbon Sun nathan.countryman@mvlsun.com
Live your life like the masterpiece you are.
That was the advice from the selected faculty graduation speaker, Ed Timm, to the graduating class of 2025.
Timm explained that through most of our lives, we live our lives as washing machines.
“There’s nothing wrong with washing machines,” Timm said. “Except they do one thing and do that very well.”
The issue becomes when those machines break. Suddenly, that skill you’ve devoted to a career that was your identity evaporates because you’re no longer doing that thing well.
Timm held up a handprint turkey piece of art to drive home the importance of his message.
“This piece may not be the most important thing in the world for everyone,” Timm said. “But to some people in the world who see this piece this one person made, that was a masterpiece. We should be living a life as a masterpiece, doing the things that make us shine for others, not just as a washing machine.”
Betsy Louwagie was one of two student speakers for the class of 2025. Louwagie had a list of 10 reasons Mount Vernon class of 2025 will be successful in the future. Those skills included “being able to google or ask Siri, having a playlist for everything, knowing the value of team effort, being comfortable with change, being adaptable, understanding the importance of balance, having an amazing support system, knowing the importance of helping others, being excited to pursue their dreams and passions and being ready to make a difference.
“We’ve learned so much, made so many amazing friends and figured out some of our strengths and weaknesses,” Louwagie said. “Now we are ready to use all of these tools and go and be successful as we go and change the world.”
Lisbon repeating track champions
MV girls second at state meet
The Lisbon boys track team had a repeat of their class 1A win at the state track tournament Thursday, May 22 through Saturday, May 24.
Mount Vernon girls track team was in that first-place spot at the end of Thursday and Friday’s events, but dipped to a runner up status in the Class 3A meet. There was plenty for the Mustangs to be smiling about throughout the weekend, though, including Libby Dix winning the discus throw with a throw of 148 feet 10 inches and Cali Whitaker placing third in the 400 meter dash. For the full story on all the placement at the track meet and more photos, turn to pages 10 & 11.
Des Moines Saturday, May 24.
Natalie Thuerauf was the second student speaker for the class of 2025.
Thuerauf said one of the biggest pieces of wisdom she got at school came in her ninth grade year, auditioning for the school musical. Director Tom Stephens said “you’re always auditioning.”
“I remember when he said it, I was a five foot freshman and intimidated,” Thuerauf said. “It wasn’t until I sat down to write this speech that I really thought about what it meant. This one simple phrase that seemed so insignificant actually means so much more. It means you are auditioning for things for the rest of your life. From scholarships, to job interviews, internships and making new friends. You even audition for a date.”
Thuerauf said that advice and the advice of other teachers are what helps make every graduate who they are today and ready to make the next steps in the world.
“You are going to be a student for life,” Thuerauf said. “You are always going to be learning, whether you go to college, trade school, the military or straight to the work force. Life is all about learning. There might be days that go by that you never think about these four years in high school, but I can promise you there won’t be a day that goes by that you aren’t learning.”
Superintendent Matt Leeman left students with two things to keep in mind moving forward – live your life with character and be courageous. When it came to character, Leeman
Mount Vernon-Lisbon
Nathan Countryman | Mount Vernon-Lisbon Sun
Payton Woodland (center) leads the graduates down the music hallway where teachers are there to congratulate the graduates.
Addi Whisner | Mustang Moon
Members of the Mount Vernon girls track team including Cali Whitaker and Kara Swantz run to collect the runner-up trophy at the state track tournament in
Jennifer Tischer | Contributed photo
The Lisbon track team gathered at home Lisbon Saturday evening to denote their first place finish as a track and field champions for 2025, winning the Class 1A competition again this year.
MV resident donates kidney to person in need
Nathan Countryman
Mount Vernon-Lisbon Sun
nathan.countryman@mvlsun.com
Mount Vernon resident Cathy Hufford has mostly recovered from donating her kidney to a person in need, with a surgery completed in late April of this year.
Hufford saw the post from Lisa Christiansen on Facebook in February, even though she didn’t know Christiansen directly.
“I was compelled at that time to see if I could help Lisa,” Hufford said.
In the Facebook post, Christiansen explained that she was in need of a kidney. Christiansen was born with only one kidney. In fall 2021, Christiansen was hospitalized with COVID pneumonia. During that hospitalization, Christiansen had a bowel rupture that went undiagnosed. Christiansen was found to have necrotizing fasciitis, which gave her a 1 percent chance to survive.
Christiansen did, going through a coma and eight different surgeries in the period of a month.
That lead to 10 more surgeries for Christiansen in 2022, including several that required contrast and anesthesia.
“That combination caused my kidney to fail,” Christiansen wrote. “I started dialysis in June 2023.”
For the next several months, Christiansen went through dialysis three times a week for three and a half hours of treatment.
“I’d like my life back,” Christiansen wrote in that original post. “After three years of watching me recovering and the last year of getting Piper through her own transplant… my family would like our normal life back.”
Christiansen posted that message to her 88 friends in January, in the hope it would reach others who saw it and shared the message with wider social circles.
And that’s how Hufford found the post and clicked on the associated QR code.
Within the next day, Hufford was talking to a living advocate about the process and videos of what donating a kidney would entail.
“When they called back to follow up two days later after receiving
that information, I told them I was all-in,” Hufford said.
Hufford said she has down on her own driver’s license that she is an organ and tissue donor after her death, and she signed up with Be the Match in the early 2000s for donating liver, kidneys and bone marrow to any matching donors, but had heard nothing in the 25 years since then.
“When I read Lisa’s post, that was what spurred me to take action,” Hufford said. “I knew I only needed one kidney to live the rest of my life, and this was a way to make a donation that counts earlier in life.”
Hufford and her family were going on vacation for a few weeks in early February, and after Hufford got home in the third week of February, she went in for a blood draw and a urine collection test to make sure her kidneys were functioning properly to proceed down this road.
That was followed by a full day of tests at Loyola University Hospital in Chicago in early March, which went from 7 a.m. to 3:30 p.m.
“We went through blood tests, heart tests, CT scans, and then there were meetings with the living donor advocate, dietitian, registered nurse and surgeons during that day,” Hufford said.
Those representatives were her team in this process, and she was assured she could stop at any point of the donation process if things weren’t working for her anymore.
At the end of that round of testing, Hufford had one more test, which was meeting with a psychologist.
In the third week of March, Hufford was noted as a suitable donor for Christiansen.
“I got the call from them on April 1 that I was a definite match for Lisa,” Hufford said. “When they wanted to schedule surgery, I asked if it would be possible before Easter, and they told me that wouldn’t work because of the type of surgery we would be doing.”
Because of Christiansen’s high number of previous surgeries, the donation had to be from a living donor. And that process meant the two would be in separate operat-
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ing rooms, and the organ would be walked from one room to the other to be placed.
Hufford went in for the surgery on April 30, and was discharged the next day.
“I’ve had ACL and shoulder surgery in the past, and this was nothing compared to those surgeries,” Hufford said. “There were some weight restrictions, due to the incision that I had to follow as the site healed, but it’s had minimal impact on me.”
Christiansen was discharged from Loyola on May 3, her birthday.
And for Hufford, who has not had a health issue that has impacted her life the way it has Christiansen, it was a relief to help someone be able to be off dialysis and living a normal life again.
“There are so many people out there who are still looking for a donor,” Hufford said.
Hufford said more than 20 people had signed up when they read Christiansen’s story to donate an organ, and she was the only one who made it through the process.
“I told Lisa I don’t know if this is divine intervention or not, but finding a match and getting to surgery doesn’t happen this quickly for a lot of people,” Hufford said.
The wait time for most kidney donations is between five to seven years.
And once Hufford had been in the operating room, there had been another person who was potentially waiting if the surgery didn’t
go as planned.
“Once they remove an organ, they have 24 hours to transfer to another individual, and I told them if it didn’t work for Lisa, that they should give it to the next person in line,” Hufford said.
Christiansen, in a follow-up post after the surgery, encouraged people who had clicked on her QR code and were rejected because they were not a match to still look into donations in the future.
“I can’t put into words the feeling of going from despair to joy in the space of a day,” Christiansen wrote. “Knowing that good people are willing to give such a gift to save a stranger’s life.”
Christiansen wrote that she was able to find her match in 20 donors was incredible enough, and those willing to donate should consider being a voucher candidate for others or signing up for someone else they know.
“This is a gift I will spend the rest of my life working to deserve and determined to pay forward,” Christiansen wrote.
Hufford and Christiansen will have follow-up appointments this July to see how they are faring.
Hufford said that if people have a kidney they’d consider donating, they should definitely look into it.
“There is a lot of need for donors in the world,” Hufford said. “I know that one of my kidneys is out there now helping someone else live their life.”
Marion man injured in motorcycle crash with deer
Jason Waddell, 44, Marion, was transported to UIHC Trauma by Anamosa Ambulance and UIHC Aircare following a crash with a deer Sunday, May 25.
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First responders investigation of the scene showed Waddell was southbound on Hwy. 151 and
According to Sgt. Jim Gale of the Linn County Sheriff’s Office, first responders were paged to a crash north of Quaker Lane on Hwy. 151. When emergency personnel arrived, they discovered Waddell close to his motorcycle conscious and breathing.
passed Linn/Jones Road when a deer entered the roadway in front of the motorcycle. Waddell hit the deer, and his Yamaha XV1900 entered the middle median. Waddell was able to maintain control of the motorcycle until he hit an access crossing in the median, causing the
motorcycle to flip and eject Waddell.
Others responding to the crash include Linn County Sheriff’s Rescue, Anamosa Police, Springville Fire Department and Mount Vernon-Lisbon Police Department. The crash remains under investigation.
Contributed photo
Lisa Christiansen (left) and Cathy Hufford (right) met before the surgery was to take place.
Mount Vernon Dairy Queen hits new milestone
Henik says it was a mixture of fond childhood memories and a commitment to the community.
“My husband remembers going to Dairy Queen with his grandparents and throughout his life, we also have taken all of our children there as well,” said Henik. “So after talking it over we decided to purchase Dairy Queen in hopes of keeping it open full time, and I think we have been doing a great job of that in the last year.”
Henik has only lived in the Mount Vernon area for eight years, but she feels like it is the perfect place for her and her husband to raise their three children and a great opportunity to build community ties.
“I am not originally from Mount Vernon like my husband Clint is, so I have enjoyed getting to know more people in the community,” Henik said. “I know we are a franchise, but it doesn’t feel like that, it feels like a small town business that just happens to be a Dairy Queen.”
May 17 marked one year for Henik family owning Dairy Queen
Ella McEntaffer
For the Mount Vernon-Lisbon Sun
MOUNT VERNON— Clint and Angela Henik took over the Mount Vernon Dairy Queen one year ago this May, and the community is ready to celebrate.
In celebration of the anniversary, the restaurant had specials all day on the 17th, with Giggles the clown making balloon animals between 12-4.
“We just wanted to do something fun as a thank you to everyone who has come out to support us over the last year,” said Angela Henik.
According to Henik the most popular order is a cookie dough
or Oreo Blizzard, but the special menu is also a big hit in the community.
“It’s a fun way to use ingredients we already have and mix it up a little bit,” Henik said about the special menu. “The key lime Blizzard is probably one of the most popular secret menu items and was a good way for us to use the lime flavoring for Mistys which isn’t very popular.”
Despite their success this year, the Henik family do not have a background in the food or service industry.
“My background has been all in the medical field and my husband owns his own business doing chainsaw carvings and making custom wood furniture,” said Angela Henik. “This was quite the change for us.”
As far as what inspired the couple to take on this challenge,
The small-town family feel stems from the staff the Mount Vernon Dairy Queen has. Henik says that all of their employees are from Mount Vernon or Lisbon, with the exception of one from Solon.
The staff of twenty is also primarily local high school students who work after school or in the summer, with the exception of the manager.
“All [employees] are high school students who juggle working, sports, and many extracurricular activities,” said Henik. “So we have a big staff just to make sure we are always able to be open.”
The summer season is by far the busiest for the restaurant, with Henik saying that November through January was slow in comparison.
“We have a decent lunch crowd with all of the local businesses around, so it’s hard to average,” said Henik. “But right now we see a few hundred people a day.”
Although the Henik’s are cele-
brating a year in business, there are still challenges that the couple has had to endure. Besides the learning curve of getting used to life in the food industry, the constant demand of running a restaurant has been a new experience as well.
“Dairy Queen is almost a 24/7 job between handling call ins when they happen, making sure equipment is working properly,” said Henik. “Inevitably the few times we have left town, something major has happened with some of our freezers.”
Henik also credits her manager Alivia Studt for the success of the business, as she has been on staff
at the Dairy Queen since before the ownership transition.
“Our manager Alivia has been great for keeping everything running when we are away,” she said. Overall, what Henik wants the community to take away from their business after its one year mark is the love that the Henik family has for Mount Vernon.
“I just love the community and really enjoy being a part of it and having an impact,” Henik said. “Dairy Queen is here to stay and hopefully it can be a business that continues to be part of the community for many generations to come.”
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Contributed photo
Angie and Clint Henik and their children at the Dairy Queen during the celebration
Ella McEntaffer | For the Mount Vernon-Lisbon Sun Top: Grant Tucker helps a customer at Dairy Queen Saturday, May 17. The day was the one-year anniversary for the Henik family as owners of the chain restaurant. Above: Sparkles the Clown was on site for balloon animals for the celebration.
OPINIONS
Ants don’t
eat peonies… really
Living in Iowa
Dan Brawner
I know it may look like it, but ants are not actually eating your peonies. This time of year, peonies, sometimes called “the king of all flowers” are in full and glorious bloom. And, somewhat alarmingly, this exquisite display is accompanied by swarms of black ants. According to garden folklore, ants “tickle the buds” to make the flowers blossom. This is, first of all, nasty and secondly, not true. Peonies do not require ants to, um, stimulate them into blooming. But ants do perform a vital service.
Humans are suspicious of ants for good reason. They invade picnics, creepily crawl on bare skin and sometimes they even bite. But ants aren’t evil, just hungry (and perpetually in motion). They will eat anything, especially if it contains sugar—and who can blame them? It turns out peonies secrete nectar in their early “marshmallow” stage. (If you lightly pinch the early bud, it is spongy like a marshmallow.) Ants love the nectar, but do not bite the buds. In fact, they love the nectar so much that, to protect their food source, they will viciously attack anything that threatens the peonies--like aphids, which are known to damage the flowers. This mutually beneficial system keeps peonies healthy and beautiful and the ants get to have their marshmallow nectar in between layers of crunchy aphids—a kind of aphid s’more.
You will notice that as soon as your peonies grow out of the marshmallow stage, the ants pack up and leave to find something else to devour. This spring ants have set up camp in our lawn and nothing we tried could get rid of them. Then a friend suggested using something called “diatomaceous earth” or DE. This natural-occurring nontoxic white powder is mostly silica, derived from fossilized remains of diatoms that have accumulated over millions of years. We tried it and it worked like magic. Little did I know at the time how monstrous the stuff really is. A more benevolent alternative to using DE would be to pour gasoline on the anthill, light it on fire and dance around the flames in a loincloth, cursing the ants to everlasting perdition. But I digress.
Diatoms are ocean algae that leave behind a hard silica shell. Diatomaceous earth kills insects like ants because the abrasive material cuts their exoskeletons—like crawling over broken glass, causing them to slowly dry out and die. If there was an international criminal court run by ants, I’d be in trouble.
The interaction between ants and peonies is only one example of symbiosis in nature. Bees and even mosquitoes collect nectar from flowers and help them pollinate. Clownfish hide from predators by living among the venomous tentacles of the sea anemones who in turn benefit from eating bits of their leftover food and clownfish poop. (Yum!) Another clownfish trick is that they are all born male. When a female in their colony dies, the largest male transforms into a female and takes her place. It almost seems as if nature already knows what it’s doing and doesn’t need any interference from us.
SUN EDITORIAL
Organ donation is still a need
In this week’s Sun, we have the story of Cathy Hufford, who helped out by donating one of her kidneys to someone in need.
In the interview, Hufford noted she had signed up to donate items like bone marrow on a registry in the past, but never been asked. Many citizens sign up to be an organ donor on their drivers licenses with the State of Iowa when you register, but as Hufford pointed out, depending on the way someone is to pass away or the speed in which those organs can be retrieved and passed to someone else on the list, well, that may not go as planned for the individual. OrganDonor. gov reiterates that point with only 3 in 1,000 people dying in a way that allows for deceased organ donations.
According to OrganDonor.gov, there are currently 103,223
people on the national transplant waiting list, and waits for organs can be upwards of seven or more years. For a lot of donors like Lisa Christiansen, it’s on the donors themselves to advocate for themselves and find potential matches.
In 2024, 48,000 transplants were performed across the nation.
The greatest need for organ transplants is kidneys, with more than 89,000 people waiting for a donation.
While 170 million have signed up to be donors, there’s still a great need for donors to help other individuals.
If it’s something you’re interested in doing, check out resources about becoming an organ donor at organdonor. gov and about the importance of keeping your information up to date and that your loved ones know if that is your wishes.
Being okay with not being okay
Nathan Countryman
May is Mental Health Awareness Month. This month, I have ended up watching three pieces of content that dealt with subjects about mental health that have stuck with me. One of them was Marvel Studios “Thunderbolts*,” which I hadn’t anticipated to have a subplot that revolved around mental health and grief. The entire third act was such a unique pivot for a comic book movie that got higher marks for me for championing that as the message they wanted to give to viewers.
One of the other pieces was “Every Brilliant Thing” at Starlighters Theater, presented by Mount Vernon’s Tiffany Clark-Zafrikar. At the talk back after the show, which dealt with suicidal ideation and the highs and lows of a person’s life, I was honest about how hard that show was at times remembering a friend’s own death by suicide. Even eight years on, pieces that deal with suicidal ideation are harder watches for me, and I still feel I’ve not grappled with everything I should have from that unexpected death years ago.
The third piece was a presentation of “Next to Normal” that was part of the Great Performances series on PBS, a documentary all about the ups and downs of bipolar disorder. And it is a riveting performance, but not one you step into watching lightly.
We don’t talk about mental health enough in this country. That sometimes it’s okay to not be okay.
I’ll be the first to admit I deal with a fair amount of anxiety
and stress. I’ve had three anxiety or panic attacks in my life, two within the past year. Those in the past year have been related to my sister’s health. One happened after I broke a pint glass in my garage when trying to carry too much into the house. It was one of those “I really liked that glass, and who gave it to me?” moments that one minute I was fine, the next I was a puddle on the garage floor near those shards of broken glass I was trying to pick up.
The anxiety/panic attack roughly 16 years ago now was related to work when I was on an unpaid furlough from the newspaper after the market downturn in 2009. At the time, I didn’t know what was happening. I was at my apartment during the weekend, just playing Beatles Rock Band on my Nintendo Wii, and my brain just popped onto something work related at the time. And within that spiral of thoughts about my worries about work and what I had to get done with fewer hours for the coming week, I couldn’t stop my body’s fight or flight response. I was sitting on my couch as my heart was racing unbelievably fast, and feeling like something was holding me to that couch that I couldn’t even stand and get away from. After a few minutes it finally subsided, but I was still uneasy for the next few days.
Again, with distance, it became clear what happened. I was panicked about finances being tighter when I thought about work. That panic attack was what got me out of my apartment more, though. It pushed me to joining more theater in Mount Vernon and judging speech contests, finding things outside the job so I wasn’t stuck alone with my thoughts as often. There are days I’m not at my best. Sleepless nights spurred on by anxiety for some reason or another, and days where I’m flying high on great news I want to share. It’s finding ways to be okay with the not great days and not letting them take over your entire being that is important. And not being afraid to talk about those things that are bothering you with friends, family and mental health professionals.
Struggles facing libraries discussed following film screening
Nathan Countryman
Mount Vernon-Lisbon Sun nathan.countryman@mvlsun.com
Lisbon Public Library was the site of a PBS Independent Lens pop-up screening for the documentary “Free For All: The Public Library” Wednesday, May 21.
The documentary, directed by Dawn Logsdon and Lucie Faulknor, outlined the history of libraries in the early portions of this country to today, as well as the challenges they’ve faced along the way. That included how the start of opening libraries to women was tied with the suffrage movements and pushes to desegregate libraries in the 1960s to be more fair and equal.
The documentary also highlights how the changes in 1980s have impacted rural and small town libraries more, by having less funding but asked to do more for their communities, as well as the push for challenges to books on shelves.
Megan Goldberg, Lisbon Library board member, said that
Lisbon Public Library has not seen challenges to the material on their shelves, and if that were to happen, the library has a policy that would allow board members and other local control to review the material and come to a decision.
Grace Chamberlain-Rowray, director of Cole Library in Mount Vernon, said there have been minimal challenges to materials at the public library as well.
An attendee asked how they could best support their public libraries.
Goldberg said that the best advice is even if you have the ability to purchase books on your own, to still make it a point to go to your local library and bring your friends to the library.
“Everyone who visits libraries makes them stronger,” Goldberg said. “It shows it is a public good and public service important to the community.”
Chamberlain-Rowray agreed, noting that the libraries need their resources to be used to help them highlight what is important to the community to share with the state.
“How we budget for the library is based on what materials
get checked out,” Chamberlain-Rowray said.
When it comes to challenges at the state level, Goldberg said that contacting elected officials is the best course of action.
“On some of the smaller bills trying to fly under the radar, it doesn’t take much to change the mind of a legislator,” Goldberg said. “Even five constituents saying they disagree with a bill may make them look at it closer.”
Chamberlain-Rowray said that Mount Vernon and Lisbon have both been very supportive communities for the libraries.
“I know how much of our funding comes from our local government for support of our library,” Chamberlain-Rowray said. “If there’s an issue you are passionate about that impacts your libraries, go to city council meetings, talk to city council members, email your local newspaper.”
Goldberg and Chamberlain-Rowray said one of the reasons that the book ban bills did not pass for public libraries this year at the state level is due to the support people have for local control of their own libraries.
“People have trust in the local control they have and trust the librarians in charge of these institutions,” Goldberg said.
“Iowa is unique compared to other states in the funding in how it is allocated for libraries,” Chamberlain-Rowray said. “We have cities that receive funding for their libraries, as opposed to just county branches.”
Chamberlain-Rowray said that the federal funding
impacted by the Information Museum Library services has impacted a number of digital resources for the libraries this year, and reduced the number of Iowa Shares shipments from once a week as opposed to twice a week.
“It’s still a loss for our patrons of some of those resources, but it didn’t impact something like Interlibrary Loan,” Chamberlain-Rowray said.
Summer reading programs kick-off for local libraries
Lisbon public library’s summer reading kick-off is Wednesday, May 28 at 7 p.m. at Lisbon City Park, with story teller Darrin Crow and a campfire with s’mores. Storytime will be held at the Lincoln Park Gazebo every Tuesday at 11 a.m. through the summer, and Lisbon Public Library and Southeast Linn Community Center are again partnering for children’s movies every Thursday at 1:30 p.m. at Lisbon Heritage Hall through July. Wednesday, June 11, at 7 p.m. will feature a program about bats around the world at Lisbon Heritage Hall. Cole Library’s summer reading program kick-off party is Saturday, May 31, at Cole Library from 10 a.m. to noon. Sign-up includes this year’s t-shirt and other fun and activities.
June through July, every time you come to the library you will get a entry slip to place in a box in front of the prize you hope to win at the end of the summer. Entry slips are handed out at the first floor circulation desk. The more you come to the library the greater your chances of winning.
On Monday, June 2, the Tails and Tales story hour is held at Cole Library’s second floor at 10 a.m. Science, Technology, Engineering and Math events are Wednesdays at 10 a.m. and 11 a.m. at Cole Library (pre-registration is required).
Earlier this year, the Iowa Cancer Registry released its annual Cancer in Iowa report which
stated Iowa has the second-highest age-adjusted rate of new cancer cases in the country. This statistic calls for attention and action. In response, Linn County Public Health (LCPH) is participating in the 99 Counties Project—a statewide public health initiative dedicated to enhancing cancer education.
On May 29, the 99 Counties Project team will deliver a public presentation in Linn County. The session will provide:
• cancer data specific to Linn County
City general obligation bonds sold for MV
Interest rate roughly 3 percent
Nathan Countryman
Mount Vernon-Lisbon Sun nathan.countryman@mvlsun.com
The City of Mount Vernon approved the sale of $2.5 million in general obligation bonds to Northland Securities, with an interest rate of roughly 3.9315 percent.
Maggie Burger with Speer Financial said there were four bidders for the city, and that Northland Securities, Inc., did have a portion of Mount Vernon Bank and Trust working with them on the bid for the city.
The bonds would run from 2026 to 2040, and be callable after 2032 or beyond.
Burger also said the city’s rating remained at A+.
The general obligation bonds are being used for the Rachel Street intersection improvements and the uptown Mount Vernon lighting project infrastructure requirement for the city.
The uptown lighting project remains on track for completion ahead of Heritage Days, with contractors installing the necessary light pole bases in the uptown currently.
Parking alongside Second Avenue NW under review
The Mount Vernon-Lisbon Police Department and city will be looking at parking along Second Avenue N.W.
Council member Paul Tuerler made the request, noting that the road can get close to impassable if vehicles park on both sides in the angled parking spots.
“The increase in the size of SUVs and vans make it hard for vehicles to traverse,” Tuerler said.
Tuerler asked about installing only a compact cars parking along that stretch of road. City administrator Chris Nosbisch and police chief Doug Shannon said that has been problematic for law enforcement to enforce, noting there was a similar compact only space in front of Bauman’s a few years ago that has disappeared.
Nosbisch said he was willing to have Shannon look at changing the parking along the west side of Second Avenue N.W. to be parallel only. That tpe of shifting of parking in the area would result in a loss of roughly three
parking spots in the uptown.
Tuerler said that by doing that, the city would improve the traffic flow and safety of that roadway for motorists, and be worth losing those spots.
The street can’t be all parallel parking, as the curbs on the east side of the street are higher than traditional curbs, and wouldn’t allow doors to open smoothly.
The matter will be reviewed by chief and brought back to council at a later meeting.
Request to look at speed along A Avenue
Citizen Gretchen Reeh Robinson was asking for possible signage near the roads that lead to the Skate Park.
“It’s one of those items that people may not remember the speed there is 25 miles per hour on that road, and the roads eventually lead to a skate park,” Reeh-Robinson said.
She was asking if law enforcement could look at placing better signage in that area to better protect children and remind motorists of the speed limits.
She also wanted the city to consider a potential prairie habitat near the dog park and Meadow Lane Court.
“It would be less maintenance for city crews for that small sliver of grasses along that street and be in a very visible spot in town to offer beautification,” Reeh-Robinson said.
The questions were asked during citizens opportunity to address the council.
Requests for changes to city website
Citizen Sonja Conklin was unable to make it to council to address the council during citizens opportunity to address the council because of errors on the city’s website.
Conklin said that the city website had the location of city council meetings still at Mount Vernon Lisbon Police Department on one portion of the website she referred. Additionally, the agenda for Monday, May 19’s council meeting was not posted on the website. The agenda, however, city administrator Chris Nosbisch noted, had been updated in city hall.
Assistant city administrator Lori Boren said she would
• information on risk factors and prevention
• local resources for cancer support
• potential policy strategies
Community members will also have an opportunity to ask questions, share concerns, and offer ideas. The presentation will take place May 29 from 10–11 a.m. either virtually or in person at Linn County Public Health (1020 6th St. SE, Cedar Rapids).
Members of the public interested in attending can register here: https://canceriowa.news/linn.
make the updates to the wrong information on the website.
Conklin’s request for information had to do with recycling that is collected by Republic Waste Management and how much was not used due to spoilage.
Nosbisch said it was better than 10 percent that was collected by the city and sent to transfer stations.
Nathan Countryman | Mount Vernon-Lisbon Sun
Grace Chamberlain Rowray (left) and Meg Goldberg (right) discuss issues facing libraries after the screening of “Free For All” at Lisbon Public Library Wednesday, May 21.
STUDENT BRIEFS
Lisbon resident earns masters degree from Northwestern College
Tierney Rowe was among 163 graduate students who were awarded a Master of Education degree from Northwestern College during commencement ceremonies Saturday, May 10.
Dr. Jenelle Dunkelberger, a 2011 Northwestern College graduate and geneticist with Topigs Norsvin, gave the commencement address.
Rowe, of Lisbon, graduated with a master’s degree in educational administration + principal endorsement from Northwestern College.
MV resident accepted into Wartburg’s teacher education program
Trystin Lashley has been accepted into the Wartburg College Teacher Education Program.
Lashley, of Mount Vernon, had to demonstrate effective reflective components in teaching and complete several other requirements to be considered for the program.
Admission to the Teacher Education Program allows students to begin professional education courses in their field.
Locals honored at Mount Mercy pinning ceremony at Mount Mercy
On May 16, Mount Mercy University pinned over 50 nursing graduates at the Nursing Pinning Ceremony.
Graduates Grace Lamont ’25 and Anna Horsfall ‘25 were featured as student speakers at the event. The Sister Mary Edward McConohy Nursing Award, which signifies high scholastic ability, professional integrity and the spirit of
Spots
MV locals featured in PBS Iconic Iowa book
Mount Vernon graduates Amanda Dake and Cheryl Dake have photography featured in the PBS Iconic Iowa: Snapshots by Iowans photo book published by PBS. The book is a thank you gift for donors at the $10 a month level for Iowa PBS.
Recreational fires in Lisbon restrictions
Fire rings must be used for recreational fire use only and must not be more than three feet in diameter. Firewood must be good clean wood only. Fires must be located at least 10 feet from any structure. All other fires require a burn permit issued through Linn County.
For
Rent
House for Rent in Lisbon. 4 bedrooms, 2 bathrooms, 1.6 acres in town. First month’s rent + security deposit. No Pets. Available July 1. 319-361-9872
Wanted
WANTED: JUNK APPLIANCES. Will pick up for free. Farm clean-up, batteries. Will buy junk cars. 319-331-8122
Miscellaneous
Does your basement or crawl space need some attention?
Call Thrasher Foundation Repair! A permanent solution for waterproofing, failing foundations, sinking concrete and nasty crawl spaces. FREE Inspection & Same Day Estimate. $250 off ANY project with code GET250. Call 1-866554-1730
nursing, was given to Maddy Reid ’25.
Locals honored include:
Brenna Stoops of Lisbon and Emma Rodman of Mount Vernon.
Kirkwood Community College graduates announced
The 2025 Kirkwood Community College Commencement Ceremony was held on Saturday, May 17, at 10 a.m. at the Alliant Energy PowerHouse in downtown Cedar Rapids. Locals who graduated from Kirkwood and their degrees include:
Lisbon
Cayden Beatty, certificate
Brayden Boots, associate of applied science
Brayden Boots, certificate
Kaden Caspers, associate of applied science
Tanner Frank, associate of applied science
Nicole Hasselbusch, associate of applied science
Nicole Hasselbusch, certificate
Amber Herboldsheimer, associate of applied science
Joe Hrabak, associate of applied science
Joe Hrabak, certificate
Tyler Lind, diploma
Kia McNeal, associate of arts
Gabi Moehlman, associate of applied science
Brenda Morillo, associate of applied science
Hunter Rottman, associate of arts
Hunter Rottman, associate of science
Andrew Santis, certificate
Caleb Snyder, certificate
Riley Stone, certificate
Mya Whittenbaugh, associate of applied science
Mya Whittenbaugh, certificate
Lisbon brush pick-up
Brush pickup will be the first week of every month March through November. Small sticks, twigs and branches need to be placed in neat piles on the curb to be chipped. This is performed by Lisbon Public Works Department. Yard Waste pickup will be the second Monday of every month March through November. Garden debris needs to be placed in a rigid container or a yard waste bag for easy pick up. This work is completed by Johnson County Refuse.
Pool filling in Lisbon
Reminder to call Lisbon City Hall prior to filling your personal pool for the first time. The City allows for a onetime reduction each year on filling personal pools over 1,000 gallons. Please call City Hall to receive this reduction at 319-455-2459.
Miscellaneous
Safe Step. North America’s #1 Walk-In Tub. Comprehensive lifetime warranty. Top-of-theline installation and service. Now featuring our FREE shower package and $1600 Off for a limited time! Call today! Financing available. Call Safe Step 1-844-376-4154.
Prepare for power outages today with a Generac Home Standby Generator. Act now to receive a FREE 7-Year warranty with qualifying purchase. Call 1-855-954-5087 today to schedule a free quote. It’s not just a generator. It’s a power move.
Class Action Lawsuit
IF YOU HAD KNEE OR HIP REPLACEMENT SURGERY and suffered an infection between 2020 and the present time, you may be entitled to compensation. Call Attorney Charles H. Johnson 1-800-535-5727
Aidan Winders, certificate
Gavin Wollum, associate of applied science
Gavin Wollum, certificate
Renae Woods, certificate
Mechanicsville
Bella Feaker, associate of science
Elyssa Wallace, diploma
Mount Vernon
Abi Clark, associate of arts
Logan Eriksen, associate of applied science
Logan Eriksen, diploma
Alex Fencl, diploma
Mundo Guardado Alfaro, certificate
Mundo Guardado Alfaro, diploma
Maddalen Hall, associate of applied science
Rachel Harken, associate of applied science
Rachel Harken, associate of arts
Jordan Holtz, associate of arts
Sarah Homrighausen, associate of science
Caelan Hunter, associate of applied science
Caelan Hunter, certificate
Caelan Hunter, diploma
Kelsey Kamerling, certificate
Josey Kosman, associate of arts
Brittany Lass, associate of applied science
Delaney Lawrence, diploma
Connor Myers, diploma
Jorie Randall, certificate
Madison Schnipkoweit, associate of applied science
Mollie Snedden, certificate
Stanwood
Aleah Carnes, associate of science
Olivia Carr, associate of applied science
Bulky item clean-up day in Lisbon
Lisbon will hold it’s bulky item clean-up day Saturday, Jan. 21, from 7 a.m. to 10 a.m.
This is limited to residents who live within the city limits – verification of address required, one load per address.
Large item drop off at city shop - Vehicles should approach area going East on Market Street to City Shop.
Restrictions: no tires or trees will be accepted. Appliances limited to 2 per household or business and tanning beds go to the city shop with the bulbs removed. Any small motorized equipment brought in needs to be drained of gas and oil.
Deloras Marie Viktor, 72, of Colorado Springs, Colo., formerly of Mount Vernon, passed away Friday, May 16, 2025, in Colorado. Visitation is 5-7:00 p.m., today (Thursday, May 29, 2025) Stewart Baxter Funeral & Memorial Services in Mount Vernon. Burial will happen at Barker Cemetery, in Downing, Mo.
Deloras was born on July 19, 1952, in Bloomfield, the daughter of Elmer and Lucille (McDonough) Wilson.
Deloras graduated from Kennedy High School in 1971. After High School, she worked at Rockwell Collins and Junction Auto. Deloras gave birth to her daughter, Marie, in December 1979 and has always lived close by her daughter in Mount Vernon. Deloras later worked for many years at the Mount Vernon Post Office. After retirement, Deloras moved to Colorado in 2017 with her daughter, Marie. She enjoyed traveling home to Iowa to see family and friends and being with Marie! She enjoyed driving through Garden of the Gods and stopping to get that fudge! Chocolate, of course! She was always there to help out however she could. She enjoyed laughing, pranks, and being sassy. Deloras also enjoyed good old 50’s rock and roll Music, traveling, and researching family history.
Deloras left a lasting impression on all that she met and will be deeply missed by all of her family and friends. Deloras is survived by her daughter, Marie (Michael Novak) Viktor; brother, Miles (Marilyn) Wilson; niece, Tiffany (Corey) Elwick; nephews, Austin (Kirby Patten) Wilson, and Logan Wilson; great-nephews, Brantley and Axel; and longtime friend, Sherin Novak; and her dog, Lucy.
Deloras was preceded in death by her parents, brother, Robert Wilson, and ex-husband/longtime friend, Joseph Viktor.
Joanne W. Karns made a grand entrance Sept. 10, 1933, in the streets of Cedar Rapids, to Milo V. and Mary E. Wolrab who didn’t make it to the hospital in time. The location was the backseat of a 1933 roadster convertible, with the fire department assisting. Nobody was alarmed. The new family returned to Wayside Farms located a mile south of Mount Vernon. A young Joanne, was struck by polio at the ripe age of seven, way before vaccines were cool. She sported a leg brace and turned it into a fashion statement starting a new trend. It was her close companion for two years. Joanne learned to cook on a cookstove fired with wood and corncobs and then an iron range that also used coal. At ten, Joanne unflinchingly assumed the title of “family chef,” whipping up meals for farmhands and kinfolk because, let’s face it, someone had to feed the crew while her folks tended to the fields and livestock.
As her skills grew, she acquired a profound curiosity about the effects of food on good health, which led her to pursue an Iowa State University education in home economics, a background she called upon to update treasured family recipes. The essence of each recipe has been preserved through the years in light of changing attitudes toward meal preparation. In her later years she said, “So much of what we use now has been preprocessed, No longer do we expect to cook everything from ‘scratch’.”
While acing her studies in home economics and textile clothing at Iowa State University in 1954, Joanne crossed paths with Dean Karns when they were both taking organ lessons from Professor Snodgrass. She developed a great fondness for blowing organ pipes, which led to a life-long passion for organ music. She and her husband Dean promptly tied the knot in January 1955, and honeymooned at the iconic Niagara Falls. Their adventures led them from Rochester, New York, to Shepherdsville, Kentucky, when Dean was inducted into the Army as a chaplain’s assistant at Fort Knox. Shortly after arriving Joanne became the University of Kentucky’s Home Demonstration Agent in Bullitt County. It was here she discovered fine Kentucky Bourbon. Joanne drove down dry creek beds in her modest 1950 Plymouth station wagon to reach her clients. She affectionately named it “Lulu Belle.” In Kentucky, Meredith and then Morgan were born.
In 1960, the family moved to the bustling hub of Cedar Rapids, where Joanne taught classes on everything from upholstery to chair caning to men’s tailoring for the YWCA. She was also a regular judge for 4-H exhibits at the Linn County Fair. The couple then welcomed two
more children, Garret and Risë.
In 1972, Joanne unleashed her inner entrepreneur and opened Joanne’s Knit Fabrics on 1st Avenue in Cedar Rapids, to share her passion for sewing and textiles. What started as a modest sewing haven soon morphed into Joanne’s Fine Fabrics, a treasure trove of woolens, silks, Ultrasuede® and Pfaff sewing machines. But wait, there’s more! While sharing her passion for sewing and textiles Joanne became a guru in flat pattern making, tailoring, and even the fine art of crafting silk flowers from China silk. Move over, Martha Stewart!
After fourteen years in business Joanne closed the retail store and became a Realtor® with Skogman Realty in Cedar Rapids for twenty years beginning in 1987. She also served as a board member (the first woman to do so) with Mount Vernon Bank and Trust of Mount Vernon, and in Cedar Rapids the first woman on the Chamber of Commerce.
During her retirement from Real Estate, Joanne penned a culinary masterpiece with her son, Meredith, titled Comfort Food and All That Jazz. It only took a very short eighteen years to complete. The cookbook is a blend of family tales and recipes, because apparently, food tastes better when drenched in sentimentality. She was often quoted as saying, “These make great Christmas presents! and they are available on Ama zon!” Joanne also said, “Of all things I have ever done, my greatest accomplishments are my four children.”
Joanne transitioned from this life in the early morn ing hours of May 12, 2025, following a lengthy stay at the Hiawatha Care Center. She was alert and awake until the very end when her body gently found rest. her departure, Joanne expressed deep gratitude for the loving care of the staff at Hiawatha Care Center. family invites you to a gathering visitation from 4-7 p.m. Friday, June 13, 2025, at Stewart Baxter Funeral & Memorial Services, Cedar Rapids. 2025, her life will be celebrated with a service at 2 p.m. followed by a reception also held at the funeral home. For those unable to attend in person, the service will be available via livestream. Please find the livestream link on Joanne’s Tribute Wall and share your support and memories with her family at com under Obituaries.
Joanne’s legacy lives on through her offspring, Dean Karns the love of her life, Meredith Karns, Morgan (Tracy) Karns, Garret (Rose) Karns and Risë (Paul) Stokstad; eight grandchildren; and five great-grandchildren, as well as her surviving siblings, Mike (Sandy) Wolrab of Mount Vernon, and Vincent (Ardyce) Wolrab of Solon, who probably still can’t believe the family chef made it this far.
Memorials are suggested to Linn Community Food Bank, HACAP, or any organization dedicated to helping with food insecurity in our community.
Larry Ray Hotz, 87, of Mount Vernon, passed away Thursday, May 15, 2025, at Rehabilitation Center of Lisbon. Visitation was Friday May 23, 2025 at Stewart Baxter Funeral & Memorial Services with funeral following, and burial at Mount Vernon Cemetery.
Larry was born on June 30, 1937, in Cedar Rapids, the son of Raymond and Irma (Starry) Hotz. He graduated from Mar ion High School in 1955. Larry worked for the Iowa Department of Transportation for almost 50 years before retiring.
Cole Corner
Cathy Boggs Cole Library
Sign up for Dolly Parton Imagination Library today
Cole Public Library and the Lisbon Public Library have a wonderful cooperative relationship that benefits both communities - a cooperative effort to support our youngest patrons –Dolly Parton’s Imagination Library. What is the Dolly Parton’s Imagination Library? It is a program designed to inspire a love of reading by sending every enrolled child a free book every month until their
Larry was united in marriage to Donna Marie Clemensen Nov. 2, 1963. They lived in Marion, before they settled in Mount Vernon. In 2022, Donna and Larry moved into the Rehabilitation Center in Lisbon, Iowa. They were married nearly 60 years until her passing in 2023. Larry loved Donna very much and is now with her in heaven.
Larry loved traveling, especially to Arizona where he and Donna made yearly trips after they retired. He also loved golfing, going to the casino, NASCAR, and spending time with his family.
Larry is survived by his son, Jerry (Elvira) Hotz; daughter-in-law, Stephanie Hotz; sister-in-law, Peggy (Larry) VanOverschelde; brother-in-law, John (Cathy) Clemensen; grandchildren, Maddison, Alexia, Gavin, Boni, Thomas, Jennifer, and Ernie; great-grandchildren, Hayden, Kolby, Colin, Hudson, Audra, Nora, Anthony, Lillian, Wyatt, and Warner; and several, nieces, and nephews.
Larry was preceded in death by his parents; wife, Donna; children, Janice Belle, Joanne Sidoreus, and Matt Hotz; siblings, Robert Hotz, Richard Hotz, and Charles Hotz; and brother-in-law, Peter Clemensen.
Those unable to attend are invited to watch the service via livestream. Please find the livestream link on Larry’s Tribute Wall and share your support and memories with his family at www.stewartbaxter.com under Obituaries.
The Lisbon community has had this program for several years because of the efforts of the Friends of the
Due to the way Cole Library is structured--along with federal tax laws--our library isn’t able to participate without partnering together. The Friends of the Lisbon Library, with the cooperation and support of Cole Library, have graciously added the 52314 zip code to the program so that children from both communities
If you would like to enroll your children under 5 years of age, there are forms at both libraries. There is no cost to the families participating. We only ask that you take
Thursday, May 29: 8am-4pm Friday, May 30: 8am-4pm Saturday, May 31: 10am-2pm Sunday, June 1: Closed Monday, June 2: 8am-8pm Tuesday, June 3: 8am-8pm Wednesday, June 4: 8am-4pm Thursday, June 5: 8am-4pm
Deloras Viktor
Joanne Karns
Larry Hotz
Cousin’s cancer journey inspires UI student’s career choice
When a beloved family member died of cancer, Iowa native Lillian Wischmeyer knew what she wanted to do with her life — and that the University of Iowa was the best place to prepare her for it.
Sara Epstein Moninger For the Mount Vernon-Lisbon Sun
With her hands clasping her mouth and her eyes brimming with tears, first-year University of Iowa student Lillian Wischmeyer showed the world what it looks like to have a dream come true.
In a recording of herself opening an email to find out if she was admitted to the university’s radiation therapy program, she turns toward her phone camera and whispers, “I got in!”
Wischmeyer, who posted the video on TikTok in March 2025, began dreaming of becoming a radiation therapist when her cousin and best friend, Elise, was diagnosed with anaplastic astrocytoma in 2020 at age 13. Elise received treatment at UI Health Care — and Wischmeyer often was by her side.
“I saw firsthand the personal connection Elise made with the radiation therapist, and it really stuck with me,” says Wischmeyer, who is from Mount Vernon. “I knew I wanted to work in the field of cancer treatment, so I did some exploration with job shadows, but ultimately it came back to what initially drew me in: radiation therapy.”
Wischmeyer’s video also was significant because the two-year Iowa program only accepts up to 10 students a year, usually sophomore applicants.
“Although my circumstances as a freshman were very different than those of typical applicants, I was still very surprised when I got into the program,” she says. “I knew if I got in, I would want a way to remember it and relive the experience. So, I quickly set up my phone when the email came.”
Wischmeyer knew she wanted to attend Iowa, which was close to home and had a top radiation therapy program, so in high school, she worked with a guidance counselor to plan for classes that would satisfy the program’s prerequisites. She also pursued opportunities she thought would further boost her chances of admission: job shadows and, once on campus, employment in guest services at UI Health Care.
Jared Stiles, director of radiation therapy education in the UI Carver College of Medicine, says good grades in prerequisite courses, experience in patient care, and demonstrated knowledge of the profession do indeed strengthen a prospective student’s application to the selective program.
“We look for students who are highly motivated, compassionate, and committed to patient care,” says Stiles, who completed the radiation therapy program at Iowa in 2009. “These qualities are essential for success in a field where both technical skill and human connection are equally important.”
Stiles says that while many similar programs offer certificates or associate degrees, Iowa offers a baccalaureate degree — and it also reports some of the best outcomes in the country for students of radiation therapy, from high first-attempt exam pass rates to a 100% job placement rate.
“Being at Iowa has taught me a lot about perseverance in academics. Medical fields are known to be harder to get into, but I constantly told myself I could do it throughout the application process. It’s really rewarding to see that pay off and get into this program.”
Wischmeyer isn’t sure yet what setting she’d like to practice in — a hospital or a clinic — but she does have a professional goal.
“As a provider, I hope to bring comfort and love to each patient. I want them to know that they’re in a safe, comfortable space in a situation that’s usually not very comfortable,” says Wischmeyer, adding that staying close to family in eastern Iowa is a priority. “I want to build strong relationships with patients by making them feel at home and showing them I’m there to help them get better and work toward their future success.”
Right now, Wischmeyer simply is eager to start the program and learn the profession.
“Being at Iowa has taught me a lot about perseverance in academics. Medical fields are known to be harder to get into, but I constantly told myself I could do it throughout the application process,” she says. “It’s really rewarding to see that pay off and get into this program.”
Elise passed away in 2023, but Wischmeyer says she feels her cousin’s presence every day.
“Elise is always with me,” she says. “She is motivation whenever I hit a wall. Whether I’m tired or I don’t want to do something, thinking of her helps me push through. I never directly told her that radiation therapy was my end goal, but I know that she’s with me now and can see that she helped me get here.”
In Lillian Wischmeyer’s words ...
On influential teachers:
“This year I took Human Anatomy with Kelli Taeger and Human Physiology with Clayton Peterson, which are two classes that students usually don’t want to take at the same time because they are very rigorous. But I got really lucky with my professors. Kelli Taeger genuinely wants everyone to do their best, so it was fun to work with her, get feedback, and improve in areas where I was lacking. Clayton Peterson was great with office hours. I was in there bugging him all the time, and he never shooed me away. He was always available to help me understand things from class.”
On living in Mayflower:
“My roommate and I were distraught when we learned we were assigned to Mayflower. But we’ve grown to be best friends with our suite mates, and we all call it home. We look forward to going back there at the end of the day. I think it’s funny how in the beginning it seemed like the worst-case scenario and now I almost don’t want to leave the community that I’ve built there.”
On advice for students:
“Keep working for what you want. Don’t let your doubts of being too young or being behind or not as experienced as others hold you back. If it’s something that you’re set on and you can reach it, then go for it, because you never know what could happen.”
Richardson-Hanson & Hotz Insurance Agency and IMT Insurance award $2,000 to Mount Vernon
IMT Insurance, a leading provider of personal and commercial insurance products in the Midwest, recently announced its list of 2025 Community Contest winners, distinguishing Mount Vernon Volunteer Firefighters Association, submitted by Richardson-Hanson & Hotz Insurance Agency, as one of the $1,000 recipients. Richardson-Hanson & Hotz Insurance Agency has graciously matched the $1,000 Community Contest award, for a total donation of $2,000.
For 28 years, the IMT Community Contest has awarded monetary gifts to community projects and organizations within the states the company does business. This year, entries were submitted for consideration from March through April, and 38 awards of either $500 or $1,000 were gifted to local projects and organizations in need.
With many community entries submitted and $30,000 awarded to worthy causes, Mount
Vernon Volunteer Firefighters Association’s training facility submission was chosen as one of the $1,000 winners.
“We are incredibly grateful to IMT Insurance and RichardsonHanson & Hotz Insurance Agency for their generous support,” said Nathan Goodlove, Mount Vernon Fire Chief.
“This funding will help us build a cutting-edge training facility right here in Mt. Vernon, giving our volunteers and neighboring fire departments the handson experience and advanced techniques they need to fight fires more safely and effectively. Ultimately, this means better protection for our community, and our neighbors.”
IMT Insurance is honored to partner with Richardson-Hanson & Hotz Insurance Agency. The agency’s superior performance and enduring commitment enable IMT to continue making a meaningful impact in Midwest communities.
Justin Torner | Contributed by Lillian Wischmeyer Growing up, UI student Lillian Wischmeyer (right) and her cousin Elise were best of friends. In 2012, they arrived at a cousin’s wedding in matching outfits and headbands
Justin Torner | Contributed by Lillian Wischmeyer In 2021, after spending some time apart, the two were thrilled to reconnect at the graduation party of Elise’s brother (Wischmeyer on the left). When Elise died from cancer in 2023, Wischmeyer was inspired to make a difference in the lives of cancer patients by becoming a radiation therapist. In 2025, she was admitted to Iowa’s selective two-year radiation therapy program.
Contributed photo
Jeremy Hotz with Richardson Hanson and Hotz Insurance, Dan Dittmar with IMT Insurance, Mount Vernon Fire Department chief Nathan Goodlove, Mount Vernon Fire Department assistant chief Derek Boren and Mount Vernon Fire department assistant chief Jacob Buster.
Jack Koehn, first University of Iowa Kid Captain, from Mount Vernon — 16 Years Later
Koehn’s Kid Captain experience inspired a career in social work and advocacy.
Ruden recalls that she was told, “There wasn’t a dry eye in the conference room.”
“It was a no-brainer,” she said. “Once they read my essay aloud, there was no doubt that Jack was the one.”
MOUNT VERNON -- In September 2009, 13-yearold Jack Koehn of Mount Vernon made history as the first-ever Kid Captain for the University of Iowa Children’s Hospital and the Hawkeye football program. The recognition is a milestone that continues to hold special meaning for both the program and Koehn, in his journey with hemophilia and hydrocephalus.
Now 29, Koehn pursues a collegiate career in social work—knowing the impact the Children’s Hospital had on him. Koehn’s story is one of resilience, community, and how a single moment in time can shape an entire life.
A Journey of Strength: Jack’s Story
Julie Ruden, Koehn’s mother, was referred to the UI Children’s Hospital by her physician, Dr. Jerry Rozeboom, after prenatal tests revealed that her unborn son had hydrocephalus. This serious condition causes a buildup of fluid in the brain, which can lead to significant brain damage if left untreated.
Following extensive research and conversations with specialists, Ruden and her care team made the difficult but necessary decision: Jack would undergo surgery immediately after birth to place a shunt—a device designed to drain the excess fluid and relieve pressure on his brain.
Months before Jack’s arrival, Ruden and her family met with the head of the Neonatal Intensive Care Unit (NICU) at the hospital, now called the UI Stead Family Children’s Hospital. This meeting brought a sense of peace during an uncertain time.
“We immediately felt comforted knowing he would be in good hands,” Ruden said.
After birth, Jack faced another daunting diagnosis: a severe form of hemophilia.
“Hemophilia is a disorder in which you are lacking a clotting protein in your blood cascade,” explains Brooke Loving, the executive director of Bleeding Disorders of the Heartland, an education and advocacy organization. Loving further explains, “If you have hemophilia, you’re missing the factor eight or the factor nine protein,” depending on the type of hemophilia.
“You don’t bleed more than someone else, you bleed longer,” said Loving, discussing some of the misconceptions that go along with blood disorders like hemophilia.
Koehn was the first patient the UI Children’s Hospital had with both hydrocephalus and hemophilia; a complex situation for the care team, especially in the context of surgery, according to his family. Nevertheless, at just six days old, the boy underwent a successful procedure to place the shunt.
A Pioneering Honor: Becoming the First Kid Captain
In the spring of 2009, the UI hospital, in partnership with the football program, was looking for a way to honor young patients. The idea of the Kid Captain program was born out of the desire to connect the hospital’s young patients with the university’s beloved football team. The hospital and the football team collaborated, seeking a way to celebrate the children facing difficult medical challenges and share their courage with the community.
Ruden recalls the unique process of Jack being chosen for this honor. She was approached by the Hemophilia Treatment Center, who were working with a marketing team to create this inaugural program. They asked her to submit a brief essay about Jack—his health journey, overcoming adversity in his young life—but most importantly his Hawkeye pride.
Julie wrote about her son’s fight against severe hemophilia and hydrocephalus, a condition that required multiple surgeries and ongoing medical treatments since his birth at the Children’s Hospital.
The application process was straightforward, with a strict 250-word limit. Julie wrote the essay in the spring, and over the summer, the hospital’s selection committee made their decision. As she later learned, over 300 applications had been submitted nationwide.
A Day to Remember: Jack’s First Game as Kid Captain
The day Jack was introduced as the first-ever Kid Captain on September 5, 2009, remains vivid in his mind. At just 13, he was stepping onto the Duke Slater field at the filled 70,000 seat Kinnick Stadium, about to experience something that would shape his life forever.
“Walking out onto the field and seeing the entire stadium was surreal,” Koehn said in a recent interview. “It was unlike anything I had ever experienced. It wasn’t just a field or a game anymore. It was a moment that brought everything together—the fans, the players, the stadium, the history.”
The Koehn-Ruden family remembers the excitement of the day, which began with the traditional tailgating before the game. Then as Koehn was introduced on the field, the crowd roared with applause. The image of the teen, standing beside legendary coach Hayden Fry, arms raised in excitement, is one that remains ingrained in his memory.
“It was an overwhelming feeling,” Koehn said. “The crowd’s energy, the cheers—it was like nothing I had ever felt. I remember thinking, ‘This is a big deal,’ and it was just so cool.”
Ruden recalls the moment fondly, adding that Jack’s joy was palpable.
“When they introduced him on the Jumbotron, I couldn’t help but be proud. He was just so happy to be there, to be part of something so special,” she said. “There were so many emotions. It was a perfect day, one that we’ll all remember forever.”
Adding to the special nature of the day, the family had the opportunity to meet some of the players up close. Ruden remembers the football players high-fiving Jack as they lined up for warm-ups. And after the game, Jack and his family had a moment with Coach Fry, who signed a book —a memento Ruden still cherishes.
Family Support and Community Spirit
The Kid Captain program has always been about more than just a single moment or a game.
“With children’s medicine, what I’ve learned is that there’s a sense of community,” Ferentz said during the 2024 Kid Captain Day at Kinnick Stadium in August 2024, according to a transcript by HawkeyeNation.com.
For Koehn, the experience of being the first Kid Captain helped cement the strong bond between him and his family. Ruden explains, “It brought us together in ways we didn’t expect. It wasn’t just Jack’s health issues that brought us closer; it was also the program itself and the people we met along the way.”
As the family reflects on those early years, they talk about the lasting impact the Kid Captain program had on their lives.
The Koehn-Ruden family is proud of the role they played in supporting Koehn through surgeries, treatments, and recovery. It wasn’t easy, especially with the demands of managing his health conditions, but they were committed to making Jack’s life as normal as possible. “It’s been a journey for sure,” Ruden said. “But it’s also been incredibly rewarding to see how far Jack has come.”
Koehn’s health issues never defined him, and he credits much of his success to the support of his family and community.
“It’s all about advocacy,” Koehn said. “If you manage your condition well, it doesn’t have to be a roadblock. You can still live a normal life, and I’m really grateful for all the support I’ve had along the way.”
The Importance of Normalcy and Advocacy
One of the key lessons Koehn and his family have learned over the years is the importance of normalcy.
“You have to find a way to live your life, even with a chronic condition,” Koehn said. “It’s about creating a routine, managing your health, and advocating for yourself.”
Ruden echoes these sentiments, recalling how Jack’s experience has influenced not only him but the entire family.
“Whether it’s chronic illness or any other challenge, having a sense of normalcy is crucial. It’s what keeps you
going,” she says. “The Kid Captain program helped Jack realize that he’s not just his condition. He’s so much more than that.”
The Koehn-Ruden family also emphasizes the ongoing importance of the Kid Captain program in fostering a sense of community.
“It’s amazing to see how much the program has grown over the years,” Ruden said. “Back when Jack was first selected, there wasn’t a big system in place. Now, they do so much more for these kids, and I’m happy to see how the program has developed.”
Ruden said she’d love to see a reunion of past Kid Captains. “It would be great to see all the different classes come together and celebrate what we’ve been through,” she says. “It’s a community, and it’s something that has lasted far beyond that one day in 2009.”
A Legacy of Hope and Resilience
Sixteen years later, Koehn’s legacy as the first Kid Captain continues to resonate. Not only did his selection launch a program that has now honored approximately 200 children, but it also highlighted the importance of resilience, advocacy, and community.
For Koehn, being the first Kid Captain was just the beginning. Since then, he has continued to pursue his passion for social work, working to give back to the community that supported him. Koehn is currently living independently, managing his health, and helping others. Koehn is currently a part of a study at the UI Hospital’s Hemophilia Center regarding a new medication for hemophilia by which a preventative, monthly injection has reduced his hemophilia episodes.
Koehn’s understanding of what patients go through is much deeper than many others, and he hopes to use this unique perspective to support those who are going through tough times. Koehn is open to working in either a children’s or adult hospital, but his heart remains in the medical field.
“I feel like this is a way I can give back to the community,” he explains. “By helping others who are going through similar struggles, I can make a real difference.”
When Ruden served as vice president of the Hemophilia of Iowa organization, now known as Bleeding Disorders of the Heartland, Ruden and Koehn traveled across the country, learning about the latest advancements in hemophilia care and providing input to pharmaceutical companies. These experiences also gave Koehn insight into the larger medical field and fueled his desire to work in healthcare.
Reflecting on his journey, Koehn is grateful for the opportunities that have come his way. “I’ve learned that it’s all about perspective,” he says. “Life doesn’t always go as planned, but you can still find ways to make it meaningful. I’m proud of the person I’ve become and excited for what the future holds.”
Christine Valora For the Mount Vernon-Lisbon Sun
Contributed photos
Above: Jack Koehn was the first Kid Captain for the University of Iowa Children’s Hospital. He’s pictured with the jersey he received at that event. Left: Jack Koehn today in 2025.
Jack Koehn and his family in 2025.
SPORTS
Lisbon boys threepeat Class 1A win
Ryan Suchomel Mount Vernon-Lisbon Sun ryan.suchomel@mvlsun.com
When you win three straight state track titles, each one is going to be a little different.
The Lisbon boys’ track team used its powerhouse sprints, and sophomore 800 sensation to win a Class 1A State Meet crown for the third consecutive year. Lisbon scored 54 points to beat Adair-Casey/Guthrie Center (ACGC) by 10 points.
There could have been panic after a dropped baton in the sprint medley Saturday morning that disqualified the Lions from an event they came in with the second-best time in 1A.
“After that little mishap we had to refocus,” Boots said. “We really locked in on the next couple events and locked in on the team title.”
Fortunately for the Lions, in the very next event, sophomore Anthony Armstrong placed fifth in the 800 in 1 minute, 55.58 seconds.
“That took pressure off some of our other open events and relays,” Boots said. “He did that in the slow heat. He got after it.”
Boots placed second, and Quinn Coleman was eighth, in the 100. Boots finished in 11 flat. William Anderson of Logan-Magnolia won it in 10.92 seconds.
Then Gage Holub finished third in the 110 hurdles in 14.39 seconds.
The Lions capped things off by finishing second in the 4x100 in 42.81 seconds. New London won in 42.50. That foursome included Quinn Coleman, Dakota Clark, Boots and Chase McFarlane.
“We had to beat ACGC in the 4x100 to lock in the team title,” Boots said. “We really focused on getting around. We could’ve maybe stretched the handoff to get that relay,
but we were focused on the team and making sure we had a good, consistent race.”
The gold came Friday, when the Lions set a state record in the 4x200. Coleman, Clark, Boots and Daylin Schaefer ran that in 1:28.44.
“We were really confident going into that race,” Boots said. “We knew we’d drop a great time.”
Armstrong, so big in the 800 on Saturday, also ran the 800 anchors on the second-place distance medley and fifth-place 4x800 for the Lions.
Schaefer completed the scoring by finishing fourth in the long jump.
The threepeat matches the threepeat Lisbon pulled off from 2015 to 2017 and makes it six titles over an 11-year span.
“I’m happy with how it ended,” Boots said. “I’m hoping we set a good example for some of the younger classes coming up. A good standard for Lisbon.”
Lisbon boys - Class 1A boys
Team scores – 1. Lisbon 54; 2. ACGC 44; 3. South Hamilton 35; 4. Riverside 31; 5. (tie)
Saint Ansgar 30, Columbus 30, Woodbine 30, New London 30.
100 – 2. Tiernan Boots 11.00; 8. Quinn Coleman 11.32. 110 hurdles – 3. Gage Holub 14.39. 800 – 5. Anthony Armstrong 1:55.58. 3,200 – 16. Sawyer Feldman 10:13.82. High jump – 16. Justin Snyder 5-11. Long jump – 4. Daylin Schaefer 21-1; 11. Gage Holub 20-4.25.
Distance medley – 2. Dakota Clark, Chase McFarlane, Jackson Powers, Anthony Armstrong 3:31.16. 4x100 – 2. Quinn Coleman, Dakota Clark, Tiernan Boots, Chase McFarlane 42.81. 4x200 – 1. Quinn Coleman, Dakota Clark, Tiernan Boots, Daylin Schaefer 1:28.44. *state record Shuttle hurdle – (prelim) 22. Riley Stone, Kage Fox, Ian Kelsey, Gage Holub 1:05.14. 4x400 – (prelim) 9. Caleb Ross, Gage Holub, Jackson Powers, Daylin Schaefer 3:27.15. 4x800 – 5. Drayden Nunemaker, Aiden Morrill, Brody Speidel, Anthony Armstrong 8:17.39.
Jennifer Tischer | Contributed photos
Left: Lisbon’s Daylin Schaefer celebrates the boys winning the 4x200 at state.
Above: Quinn Coleman, Dakota Clark, Tiernan Boots and Daylin Schaefer on the podium at Des Moines for the first place finish of the 4x200 race.
Joel Kellar | For the Mount Vernon-Lisbon Sun
Above top: Justin Snyder jumps over the bar for the Lions. Snyder placed 16th by jumping over 5’-11”
Above: Sawyer Feldman runs during the 3200-meter run. After eight laps around the track, Feldman placed 16th.
Left: Tiernan Boots puts the finishing lean on his 100-meter dash at the state meet. Boots placed second with a time of 10.992 seconds.
MV boys, Lisbon girls state track finishes
Jennifer Tischer | Contributed photo
Mount Vernon’s Grady Olberding and Chasen Caskey race in the 1,600 meter race.
Ryan Suchomel
Mount Vernon-Lisbon Sun
ryan.suchomel@mvlsun.com
Mount Vernon boys state track finishes
Mount Vernon ran a blazing fast 4x800, but finished second in 7 minutes, 54.16 seconds.
Pella won the 3A relay in 7:53.08.
The foursome of Seamus O’Connor, Chasen Caskey, Grady Olberding and Dawson Scheil helped score most of the 13 team points that placed Mount Vernon in 17th in 3A last weekend at the State Meet in Des Moines.
The distance medley of Colin Bentley, Logan Stanerson, Holden Hlavacek, and Olberding finished in sixth, and Olberding was seventh in the 1,600.
Class 3A boys
Team scores (top 5) – 1. Newton 60; 2. Pella 56; 3. (tie) Clear Creek Amana 55, Gilbert 55; 5. Western Dubuque 53. 17. (tie) Mount Vernon 13. Mount Vernon 800 – 10. Dawson Scheil 1:57.46. 1,600 – 7. Grady Olberding 4:22.16; 11. Chasen Caskey 4:27.77. High jump – 16. Erik Lamb 5-11.
Distance medley – 6. Colin Bentley, Logan Stanerson, Holden Hlavacek, Grady Olberding 3:33.18.
4x400 – (prelim) 20. Holden Hlavacek, Dawson Scheil, Erik Lamb, Jaks Lee 3:29.70. 4x800 – 2. Seamus O’Connor, Chasen Caskey, Grady Olberding, Dawson Scheil 7:54.16.
Lisbon girls state track finishes
The Lisbon girls’ track team got all their points at state from Emersyn Reiter and Mykala Luzum-Selmon, who both jumped 5 foot in the high jump to tie for fifth place. Lisbon finished tied for 36th in 1A.
Class 1A girls
Team scores (top 5) – 1. Council Bluffs St. Albert 46; 2. Saint Ansgar 40; 3. (tie) Fort Dodge St. Edmond 36, Nashua-Plainfield 36; 5. (tie) HLV/TC 31, Maquoketa Valley 31, Madrid 31. 36. (tie) Lisbon 6. Lisbon
100 hurdles – (prelims) 13. Brynn Epperly 16.77. High jump – 5. Emersyn Reiter 5-0; 5. Mykala Luzum-Selmon 5-0. Sprint medley – 18. Paige Epperly, Brynnley Patterson, Brynn Epperly, Addie Clark 1:55.92. 4x200 – 12. Brynn Epperly, Brynnley Patterson, Quinn Roos, Addie Clark 1:49.49.
Tischer | Contributed
Mustang girls’ track finishes second at state meet
Ryan Suchomel
Mount Vernon-Lisbon Sun ryan.suchomel@mvlsun.com
Mount Vernon girls’ track coach Kory Swart takes the glass halffull approach.
The Mustangs had a big Saturday at the Class 3A State Track Meet, and ended up finishing runner-up to ADM.
“We thought at one point we’d finish in fourth, and not get a trophy,” Swart said. “We knew Gilbert, Marion and ADM all had a lot left.
“We had some great stuff happen. A lot of outstanding performances. At state, some events get away from you a little bit. That’s part of the roller coaster ride at the State Meet.”
Junior Cali Whitaker came up with a second-place finish in the 200, finishing in 24.81 seconds.
“Once she got us those eight points, we thought, okay, maybe we can do this,” Swart said.
Then sophomore Evelyn Moeller placed second in the 1,500 run in 4 minutes, 38.20 seconds.
“The whole crowd went nuts,” Swart said. “That was huge for us.”
Mount Vernon ended up scoring 58 points at state, tying Gilbert for second. ADM won it with 67 points and Marion was fourth with 50 points.
The nine-point margin may help keep the what-ifs at bay.
“I’m kind of a big believer if it is meant to be … it’ll be,” Swart said. “We were meant to be runner-up this year.
“I appreciate it all. We went through it all in three days at the state meet. But it was so rewarding to have the finish we did.”
The Mustangs scored a lot of points all weekend, and came home with a team trophy. They also came home with one gold medal – Libby Dix won the discus with a throw of 148 feet, 10 inches.
And the senior won a state title after finishing second at the State Qualifying Meet the week before.
“Libby shines the brightest when the lights are on,” Swart said. “We knew she was capable of it.”
As well as her second in the 200, Whitaker placed third in the 400 in a school-record
56.34 seconds. Moeller added a second-place in the 800 and a strong anchor on the third-place distance medley and third place 4x800 relays for a four-medal weekend.
“She pushed us into contention,” Swart said.
Other points came from sophomore Lucy Wischmeyer in the long jump (seventh), senior Sydney Maue in the high jump (eighth), sophomore Eastin Whisner in the 400 hurdles (eighth), and the sprint medley placing seventh. That was senior Olivia Haverback, junior Grace Hale, senior Kara Swantz and Whitaker.
“Every point counted,” Swart said. “Lot of events cored points, even if it didn’t go as well as we hoped. It all allowed us to be runner-up.”
Joel Kellar | For the Mount Vernon-Lisbon Sun
Top: Cali Whitaker celebrates her second place finish in the 200 meter dash. Whitaker also placed third in the 400 meter dash and set a new school record
Left: Evelyn Moeller passes a Sioux Center foe on the final stretch to win silver in the open 800-meter run.
Jennifer
photo
Lisbon’s MyKala Luzum Selmon tied for fifth place with Emersyn Reiter with a 5 foot zero inch leap.
Jennifer Tischer | Contributed photo
Members of the Lisbon girls’ track team include Maleeah Adams, Ava Ahrendsen, Addie Clark, Holley Dighton, Paige Epperly, Brynn Epperly, Payton Feldermann, Jordyn Jarchow, Carly Long, Mykala Luzum-Selmon, Leila Mayhew, Gretchen Moehlman, Ava Mollenhauer, Janissa Morillo, Brynnley Patterson, Emma Pleasant, Emersyn Reiter, Hallie Ries, Quinn Roos, Alexa Roos, Savanna Welch. Members of the Lisbon boys track team include Colin Applegate-Clark, Anthony Armstrong, Asa Bee, Drew Bixler, Tiernan Boots, Caiden Bosenberg, Caleb Brown, Kael Chappell, Dakota Clark, Quinn Coleman, Sawyer Feldman, Kage Fox, Cade Happel, Kyler Happel, Ethan Hoekstra, Gage Holub, Gavin Hove, Ryker Jackson, Hayden Jackson, Carew Kamaus, Ian Kelsey, Chase McFarlane, Ryder Meeks, Logan Mitchell, Elliott Moehlman, Tristan Morgan, Aiden Morrill, Drayden Nunemaker, Tate Petersen, Jackson Powers, Henry Reiling, Luke Robinson, Leon Rogers, Caleb Ross, Wesley Sadler, Daylin Schaefer, Justin Snyder, Caleb Snyder, Brody Speidel, Riley Stone, Ethan Stone, Jacob Walerius, Grayson Wollum
Mustang Moon
Members of the Lisbon Golf team include Grace Bausch, Ellie Beatty, Abby Bock, Eryn Jackson, Carie Johnson, Kyla Kahl, Kelsie Marks, Avery Thurn, Avri Trumblee-Looney, Savanna Wright.
Mustang Moon
Team members for the Mount Vernon girls track team include - Josie Bothell, Nora Brase, Edith Dawson, Libby Dix, Bella Donatti, Taylor Franck, Alexi Glaza, Grace Hale, Olivia Haverback, Madison Hoffert, Lillian Hotz, Jaylee Jaspers, Elliotte Kinion, Cora Martin, Sydney Maue, Chloe Meester, Evelyn Moeller, Abbie Moss, Sophia Patten, Quinn Pershing, Avery Pershing, Adrienne Ruhland, Caroline Rupe, Sam Schoff, Sarah Sharif, Annabelle Smith, Cora Smith, Maciann Stoner, Kara Swantz, Kiersten Swart, Sorell Telecky, Adeline Whisner, Eastin Whisner, Cali Whitaker, Ava Willems, Lucy Wischmeyer.
Mustang Moon
Team members for the Mount Vernon boys track team include - Matthew Bany, Colin Bentley, Trae Bielefeld, Alex Briesemeister, Chasen Caskey, Kaleb Coon, Mason Cossolotto, Caysen Curran, Maddox Curran, Andrew Dix, Danny Dye, Logan Ericson, Andrew Errington, Kolter Flockhart, Gabe Grafft, Ryan Hepker, Holden Hlavacek, Landon Johanningmeier, Stanley Krob, Erik Lamb, Ryker Lee, Jaks Lee, Gabriel Mahoney, Brogan Meyer, Mason Miller, Seamus O’Connor, Grady Olberding, Luke Paulus, Xander Riniker, Luke Rushford, Cayden Scheil, Dawson Scheil, Jayden Scieszinski, Logan Stanerson, Leo Tharp, Maddox Thede, Cole Thurn, Graham Vavricek, Brady Weaver, Asher Webster, and Logan Weldon.
Lisbon girls golf advances to state tournament
Ryan Suchomel
Mount Vernon-Lisbon Sun
ryan.suchomel@mvlsun.com
Last year, the Lisbon girls’ golf team missed out on a state tournament spot by one stroke.
On Wednesday, May 21, the Lions won Class 3A Region 4 by one stroke, and punched their ticket to the 3A State Meet this week in Solon.
“It is special,” Lisbon Coach Andy Kahl said. “Not only going to state, but winning the regional.
“It was a sour taste last year and I think the girls still feel that. So, I’m happy for them.”
Lisbon carded a 353 round Wednesday at Stone Creek Golf Course in Williamsburg. The hosts finished one shot back at 354, and also qualified for the state meet.
“We knew we had a really good shot at making it,” sophomore Carie Johnson said. “We knew it was going to be super close, and we knew that we all had to just do our part.”
Johnson has seen her game grow during the season to become a reliable third score behind senior Eryn Jackson
MV GIRLS’ SOCCER
Mount Vernon girls’ soccer stamp past Clinton
Ryan Suchomel
Mount Vernon-Lisbon Sun
ryan.suchomel@mvlsun.com
Mount Vernon girls’ soccer was dominating their Class 2A regional quarterfinal against Clinton on Friday, May 23 at Armstrong Field.
But it was still 0-0 at halftime.
“We had 22 shots in the first half,” Mount Vernon coach Angie Knies said. “I was like, I know it is going to come. I had faith in my team. You can’t have 22 shots on goal and not have one go in eventually.”
and sophomore Kyla Kahl.
In fact, Johnson was meet medalist on Monday, May 19, in a quadrangular at Solon, where the Lions beat the Spartans by nine strokes. The Spartans had won the Wamac Super Meet a week earlier.
“That gave us a lot of confidence, winning that,” Johnson said.
“It gave us a good gage on what kind of team we had,” Coach Kahl said.
At the Region 4 meet, Jackson finished runner-up with an 84 and Kyla Kahl tied for fifth with an 87. Both would have advanced as individuals, had the Lions not qualified as a team.
But Lisbon did, counting Johnson’s 90 and sophomore Avery Thurns’s 92. Junior Grace Bausch carded a 93 and junior Abby Bock a 100.
“That was a total team performance,” Coach Kahl said. “From one to six. This is phenomenal.”
Thurn said it can be stressful knowing the team is counting on her for a good round to finish off the team score.
“It’s a lot of pressure; I’m not going to lie,” Thurn said. “Most of the time, we know what the top 3 girls are going to shoot.
“But I just have to remember to focus. Every shot is a new one. You can’t dwell on the past.”
Thurn and all the Lions were all keeping close watch on their phones, tracking scores on the app to see if they had pulled it off.
“I try not to look at the scores when we’re golfing,” Johnson said. “When we’re done it is really nice to see.”
Coach Kahl doesn’t forbid phones on the course, and trusts his golfers to be smart.
“I tell the kids, don’t be score-watching,” Kahl said.
Clinton (2-13-1) was a wild card. Not a great record, but they played in a big 3A conference.
“The shots were there, they just weren’t falling,” junior Courtney Franck said. “I felt we did a good job of moving the ball, passing it.”
“I wasn’t really nervous,” senior Clare Nydegger said. “I was just getting kind of frustrated.”
Finally, with 14 minutes into the second half, the Mustangs got on the scoreboard. Nydegger lineup for a corner kick, and scored on her long, spinning kick.
“That was pure luck, I’m going to be honest,” Nydegger said. “I was trying to get it to someone to head it in. It just decided to go in.”
Coach Knies wasn’t so sure it was just luck.
“She always says that, but I think she practices that at home,” Knies said. “I have full confidence in her. The whole front line. We trust in them. I know they are going to score when they get the ball.”
The Mount Vernon baseball team is out to a 2-0 start this season thanks to a lot of hitting.
On Monday, May 19, in the season opener, the Mustangs won at North Scott, 6-5.
Trailing in the top of the seventh inning, Mikey Ryan reached on a hit by pitch, and Erik Lamb brought him in with a two-run home run.
Ryan Suchomel
Mount Vernon-Lisbon Sun
ryan.suchomel@mvlsun.com
Lamb was 3-for-4 with four RBIs. Colin Bentley had two doubles and Garet Swartzendruber had two singles. Cael Foreman got the pitching win. A second game was cancelled due to weather.
Lisbon baseball takes wins against Prince of Peace
Ryan Suchomel
Mount Vernon-Lisbon Sun
ryan.suchomel@mvlsun.com
Lisbon baseball opened the season with two big wins over Prince of Peace on Monday, May 19, at Nelson Corp Field in Clinton.
The Lions won 19-1 and 15-5, both in five innings.
Ian Whittenbaugh won the first game, giving up three hits and striking out seven. Ethan Stone won the nightcap,
giving up five hits and striking out seven. In the 19-1 win, the Lions had nine hits. Jackson Knapp hit a double and a triple and had two RBIs. Carew Kamaus had a single, double and triple, and four RBIs. Bryce Boots had two hits and three RBIs. In the second game, Stone and Boots led the team with three hits each. Wesley Sadler and Ethan Hoekstra each had two hits, and Hoekstra had five RBIs. A home doubleheader against Maquoketa Valley on Tuesday, May 20, was rained out.
“Focus on your score, don’t worry about what everyone else is shooting.
“But it is hard not to look. It is right there. I think we’ve got smart enough girls that realize where their focus needs to be at.”
The 3A State Meet is Thursday, May 29 and Friday, May 30, at Saddleback Ridge Golf Course in Solon.
Of the 10 teams qualified, Lisbon ranks fifth in 18-hole average with a 348.8 score. Above them are Cedar Rapids Xavier (326.29), Dubuque Wahlert (329.50), MOC-Floyd Valley (337.00) and Gilbert (341.00).
“I don’t think we want to be the favorites,” Coach Kahl said. “We want to be an underdog, under-the-radar. The course is 15 minutes down the road and we’re going to use that to our advantage.
“It is a great opportunity, especially for our fans to show up.”
Class 3A Region 4
5. Dike-New Hartford 392; 6. Ballard 415; 7. Bondurant-Farrar 443; 8. North Polk 445; 9. Hampton-Dumont-CAL 502. Also: Grinnell, Saydel, Washington. Top 6 – 1. Brooklyn Lee (CCA) 79; 2. (tie) Kenzi Driscoll (Wburg) 84, Eryn
(Lisbon) 84, Seeri Smith (DNH) 84; 5. Kyla Kahl (Lisbon) 87; 6. (tie) Izzy
Franck scored with about 15 minutes left, getting an insurance goal off a rebound in front of the goal.
The final 3-0 score came after sophomore Miranda Sellner scored on a long shot in the final minute.
“I knew we could do it,” Nydegger said. “As long as we all work together, it’ll happen.”
It was been an up-and-down season for Mount Vernon (8-5-3). The Mustangs advance to the regional semifinals, and played at North Scott (9-7-1) on Wednesday, May 28.
“We are doing incredibly wello,” Nydegger said. “We are moving the ball, communicating and playing really well. I’m proud of us.”
The first-year coach is happy with the progress her team has made.
“I’m just having fun and the girls are having fun,” Knies said. “And I don’t think the senior want to be done. And that’s always a good thing.”
On Friday, May 23, Mount Vernon beat Fort Madison, 12-2, in Six innings at Ash Park.
The Mustangs piled up 13 hits. Lamb had two doubles and Swartzendruber had three RBIs. Mount Vernon (2-0) had seven stolen bases, including two for Bentley.
Five pitchers were used, with AJ McDermott recording the win.
“Our bats have come alive,” Mount Verno Coach Charles Chatman said. “We’re a veteran team this year. It is nice to win games while we are still figuring things out.”
Team cards – 1. Lisbon 353; 2. Williamsburg 354; 3. Clear Creek Amana 372; 4. Solon 380;
Jackson
Frees (Solon)
CHURCHES
MOUNT VERNON
St. Paul Lutheran Church L.C.M.S.
600 Fifth Avenue South
Pastor: Rev. Sean Hansen www.splcmv.org; send e-mail to info@splcmv.org
Sun.: 9:30 a.m. In-person worship
Please refer to our website or contact the church directly for additional worship information.
First Presbyterian Church 301 1st St. N.W. www.firstpresmv.com 319-895-6060
Pastor: Rev. Lori Wunder
Sun.: 9:30 a.m. in-person worship.
Online services stream beginning at 9:20 a.m. on Facebook
St. John the Baptist Catholic Church
Rev. Andrew Awotwe-Mensah, parish priest Sun.: 8 a.m. Mass
Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints
Justus Hallam, Bishop
Meeting at: 4300 Trailridge Rd. SE, Cedar Rapids Sun.: 11:30 a.m. in person services. Also an option for digital worship services.
United Methodist Church
Pastor Vicki Fisher www.umcmv.com
Sun.: 8:30 a.m. Praise Worship
11 a.m. Traditional worship
Both worships available online at UMCMV.com
An LGBTQ affirming congregation
Community Bible Church 940 W. Mount Vernon Rd. www.mvcbc.org, 895-6269
Teaching Pastor Brandon Glaza
Discipleship Pastor Dennis Fulkerson
Youth Pastor Stephen Thomas
Sun.: 9:30 a.m. In-Person Worship Service
Wed. - 6 p.m. Encounter and Youth Group
Linn Grove Presbyterian
2000 Linn Grove Rd., Mt. Vernon Sun: 9 a.m. in-person worship, also, weekly readings, prayers and sermons are posted on the church’s Facebook page.
Baha’i Faith
Nina Scott, Group Secretary, 319-270-9230
CrossLife Community Church
Pastor Erik Bennett Sun.: 10:30 a.m. – In-person worship service. Services also livestream on Facebook page.
LISBON
Living Hope Global Methodist Church 200 E. Market St., 455-2000
COMMUNITY CALENDAR
Thursday, May 29
Story Time, Cornell College Cole Library Browsing Room, 9:30 a.m.
Fiber Friends, Southeast Linn Community Center, 10:30 a.m.
Mount Vernon District Roundtable meeting, Mount Vernon High School, 6 p.m.
Friday, May 30
Final day school for Mount Vernon
Bingo, Southeast Linn Community Center, 10-11:30 a.m.
Linn Lunch Bunch, Southeast Linn Community Center, 11:30 a.m. to 12:30 p.m.
Mount Vernon eighth grade graduation ceremony, Mount Vernon High School, 11:30 a.m. Mount Vernon all staff appreciation and retiree celebration, Mount Vernon High School Commons, 1:45 p.m.
Saturday, May 31
Farmers Market at Rhubarb Botanicals, 681 Hwy.
1 Mount Vernon, 9 a.m. to noon.
Summer reading kick-off party, Cornell College Cole Library, 10 a.m. to noon
David Osterberg book release party, Abbe Creek Gallery, 6:30 p.m.
Monday, June 2
Tails and Tales, Cornell College Cole Library second floor, 10 a.m.
Southeast Linn Community Center free lunch, Mount Vernon United Methodist Church, 12:15-1:15 p.m.
Tuesday, June 3
Learn to play bridge, Cornell College Cole Library
livinghopegmc.org
Pastor Andrew Bee
Services live streamed at Living Hope Global Methodist Church’s YouTube page Sundays at 9:45 a.m.
Sun.: 9:45 a.m. — In-person worship.
Seeds of Faith Lutheran Church, ELCA
798 Brenneman Lane, 455-2599
(Off Hwy. 30 on eastern edge of Lisbon) www.seedsoffaithlutheran.org/
Pastor Erika Uthe 9 a.m. — In-person worship. Services also livestream via Seeds’ Facebook Page.
BERTRAM
United Methodist Church
319-365-8077
Rev. Darwin Moore, Pastor Sun.: 10 a.m. — In-person worship service
MARTELLE
Christian Church Sun.: 10:30 a.m. — in person worship service
Services also stream online at Martelle Christian Church’s YouTube page.
United Methodist Church Sun.: 10:30 a.m. Worship service. No Sunday school.
SPRINGVILLE
United Methodist Church Sun.: 9 a.m. Worship service. Wed.: 6:30 p.m. Praise service
Faith Christian Fellowship
Pastor Joseph Bielema Sun.: 9:30 a.m. worship at Springville Memorial Library, in the Buresh Room (264 Broadway Street)
St. Isidore Catholic Church Sat.: 6 p.m. Mass
MECHANICSVILLE
Living Hope Bible Church
Mechanicsville Memorial Building
First Presbyterian Church 408 E. First Street.
Christian Community Church of Mechanicsville 307 East First Street
563-432-7716
Sun: Sunday School 10-11am and in-person Worship Services at 11:15am with Fellowship to follow.
St. Mary’s Catholic Church
Pastor: Father James Flattery
Wed.: 8:30 a.m. — mass Sun.: 8 a.m. Mass
Room 410, 7 p.m.
Lego Club, Cornell College Cole Library second floor, 10 a.m.
Lisbon Summer storytime, Lincoln Square Gazebo, 11 a.m.
Southeast Linn Community Center free lunch, SELCC, 12:15-1:15 p.m.
Southeast Linn Community Center S.T.E.A.M. Activities, SELCC, 1:30-3:30 p.m.
Wednesday, June 4
Cards, Southeast Linn Community Center, 10-11:30 a.m.
Linn Lunch Bunch, Southeast Linn Community Center, 11:30 a.m.
Learn to play bridge, Cornell College Cole Library room 108, 1 p.m.
Cole Library STEAM Wednesday Workshops “Paper Chain Pythons,” Cornell College Cole Library, 10 a.m. and 11 a.m. (pre-registration required).
Southeast Linn Community Center free lunch, SELCC, 12:15-1:15 p.m.
Southeast Linn Community Center Enrichment Classes, SELCC, 1:30-3:30 p.m. (pre-registration required)
Thursday, June 5
Story Time, Cornell College Cole Library Browsing Room, 9:30 a.m.
Fiber Friends, Southeast Linn Community Center, 10:30 a.m.
Southeast Linn Community Center free lunch, SELCC, 12:15-1:15 p.m.
Southeast Linn Community Center and Lisbon Public Library free afternoon movie, Lisbon Heritage Hall, 1:30-3:30 p.m.
Across
1 “Interview With the Vampire” and “Prince of Thorns”
6 “Borat” and “This Is Spinal Tap”
14 Like some experimental music
16 Deferential
17 Valentine’s Day sentiment
18 More than a mere grudge
19 They might be all over the map
21 Animal known for freezing under pressure
22 Noted criminal extradited to the U.S. in 2017
25 Locale for a cochlea
28 Deadpan
29 “You Come ___” (Robert Frost collection)
30 ___ Holden, U.S. soccer player-turnedcommentator
31 Kind of cucumber that isn’t a vegetable
33 Dither
35 “Lady Bird” and “Stand By Me”
39 Actress ___ Taylor-Joy 40 Bundle of paper or grain
Some 44 –
46 Eponymous Italian designer Mario 47 Prefix with soul or classical 48 Spanish letter before te 50 One of many listed on the back of a tour shirt
51 Atlanta sch. 54 “Get that away from me!” 56 Grid lines, perhaps 58 Mythical forge locale 60 Get 62 Second calling? 65 Items that gather lather 69 Person with the shift after a long one of yours 70 1980s New York mayor
1 Dollop 2 Verb that sounds like a number ... and is a letter backward
CD follower
Potato turnover 5 –6 “Outta my way!” 7 Overly big
One of 10 in a millennium: Abbr.
Put to work
Like some socks and chess players
Return to a PC keyboard?
–
Sprang (at)
“Nice one, you got me”
Singer James
Selection at the butcher’s
“The Thursday Murder Club” and “A Killer Sundae” 26 Cher’s catchphrase in “Clueless”
The Knights of ___, shadowy side group in “Star Wars” 32 Food thickener
One-named singer who’s a former member of One Direction 36 Poetic contraction that omits a “v”
Might, to Shakespeare
–
Stash
42 Button added to Apple’s Messages app in 2022 43 Jokesters 45 Go out with 46 “Downton Abbey” and “Shogun” 49 Far from fresh 51 Mixing thematic elements and tropes … or a feature of this puzzle?
52 Dave ___, seven-time All-Star pitcher for the Blue Jays
53 Mr. Reed, to Jane Eyre
55 People celebrated worldwide on March 8
57 Skinny white mushroom
Similar 61 Floating mass
63 Subject of Homer’s loathing on “The Simpsons”
64 Bird-related prefix
66 One of “them”
67 Sports org. that now includes U.C. Berkeley and Stanford, strangely enough
68 “There ___ Goes” (1988 hit by the La’s)
SUDOKU
To play: Complete the grid so that every row, column and every 3x3 box contains the digits 1 to 9. There is no guessing or math involved, just use logic to solve.
$40.00
GENERAL ASSISTANCE
$900.00
WHITEBOOK, JEFFREY PEO WAGES/ MILEAGE
$360.00
WHITEFORD, MARCIA PEO WAGES/MILEAGE
$54.06
WILKIE, GERALD KELLIS PEO WAGES/ MILEAGE
$59.06
WILSON, BRYCE A TRAINING EXPENSE
$440.00
WITT, JERRY W MILEAGE REIMB
$131.60
WOLRAB, ANITA D PEO WAGES/MILEAGE
$63.94
WONG, ARK GENERAL ASSISTANCE
$900.00
WRIGHT, RHONDA PEO WAGES/MILEAGE
$299.48
WYATT, THOMAS M PEO WAGES/MILEAGE
$347.33
YOUNG PARENTS NETWORK CONTRACT LABOR
$28,763.03
ZAHN-HOUSER MD, ARLEEN A MEDICAL
$1,980.00
EXAMINER FEES
TOTAL $5,534,694.49
Published in the Sun May 29, 2025.
LINN COUNTY BOARD OF SUPERVISORS
CEDAR RAPIDS, LINN COUNTY, IOWA MONDAY, MAY 19, 2025 10:00 A.M.
(These are the minutes in their entirety. Archived minutes can be found at www. linncountyiowa.gov).
The Board met in session at the Linn County Jean Oxley Public Service Center. Present: Chairperson Meisheid, Vice Chairperson Running-Marquardt and Supervisor Scheetz. Board members voting “AYE” unless otherwise noted. Chairperson Meisheid called the meeting to order.
Public Comment: Ron Corbett, Cedar Rapids Metro Economic Alliance, thanked the Board for having the Resolution on the agenda supporting the Cedar Rapids Community School District’s proposed bond referendum for school improvements. Last Friday the Board of Education moved forward with asking voters to support a $117 million bond issue to renovate Wilson,
McKinley & Roosevelt along with some improvements to Kennedy High School. They had originally proposed $211 million, but they listened to the residents related to the amount of the bond issue. They were sensitive to some of the concerns about what taxpayers have now about inflation and the economy. They lowered the amount of the bond issue to make great improvements to address safety and security for the students and teachers from intruders and also to preserve some of the historic aspects of the buildings. They appreciate the Supervisor’s support of the petition drive today. Motion by Meisheid, seconded by Scheetz to approve minutes of May 14, 2025 as printed.
Jason Siebrecht, GIS Mgr., presented the Small Government Enterprise Agreement (SGEA) between Environmental Systems Research Institute, Inc. (Esri) and Linn County IT for the renewal of Esri term license software subscription for Geographic Information System (GIS) technology. The total subscription amount is $541,200 for a term of 3 years and funding is in the budget. Legal has reviewed the contract and the Boad will approve on Wednesday.
Supervisor Running-Marquardt arrived at 10:05 a.m.
Nichole Baker-Jones, Ryan White Program, presented the Care Facility (CF) Agreement between Linn County Community Services, Ryan White program and Riders Club of America (RCA) for a ride share program providing transport to and from medical appointments for Ryan White clients. The contract term is April 1, 2025, through March 31, 2026. Funds are covered with a grant and legal has reviewed.
Motion by Meisheid, seconded by Running-Marquardt to approve Care Facility (CF) Agreement between Linn County Community Services, Ryan White program and Riders Club of America (RCA) for a ride share program providing transport to and from medical appointments for Ryan White clients.
Dave Thielen, LCCS Dir., presented Iowa’s Medicaid Quality Improvement Organization Home and Community Based Services Periodic Review for Options of Linn County conducted on April 21, 2025. The Board will approve on Wednesday.
Supervisor Running-Marquardt expressed her sincere appreciation to Thielen and his staff for taking care of the most vulnerable citizens of Linn County.
Lisa Powell, HR Dir., presented the FY26 Wellmark Blue Cross Blue Shield Renewal Agreement indicating a 6.95% increase. She stated that this is a one-year renewal.
Supervisor Running-Marquardt thanked Powell for all of her hard work and noted that Linn County has excellent
insurance. The Board will approve on Wednesday.
Powell also presented the FY26 - FY28 Delta Dental Renewal contract. She stated that the administrative fee is 2.3% for all three years and there are no significant changes other than increasing the maximum out of pocket to $1500 annually. The Board will approve on Wednesday.
Darrin Gage, Dir. of Policy & Admin., presented a Resolution in Support of the Cedar Rapids Community School District’s Proposed Bond Referendum for School Improvements.
Supervisor Scheetz stated that he appreciates Ron Corbett’s comments and that unfortunately the schools have not had the proper repairs and upgrades for decades. The kids deserve top notch education, and he is very supportive of the bond issue.
Supervisor Running-Marquardt concurred that kids deserve to have good quality schools (ADA compliant, working HVAC systems) and balancing that with what citizens of Cedar Rapids wanted. The school district went back and looked at their plan, revised it, and she is very much looking forward to supporting it.
Chairperson Meisheid also thanked Ron Corbett for this comments and appreciates the school district listening to the taxpayers. She too supports the project.
Motion by Meisheid, seconded by Running-Marquardt to adopt Resolution 2025-5-77
A RESOLUTION IN SUPPORT OF THE CEDAR RAPIDS COMMUNITY SCHOOL DISTRICT’S PROPOSED BOND REFERENDUM FOR SCHOOL IMPROVEMENTS
WHEREAS, the Cedar Rapids Community School District (CRCSD) Board of Education unanimously approved petition language for a proposed November 4, 2025, bond referendum to fund essential updates to existing schools, including: Renovation of McKinley Middle School, Conversion of Wilson Middle School into a modern elementary facility for Cedar River Academy and Grant Elementary students, Renovation of Roosevelt Middle School to welcome Wilson’s current middle school students, and Upgrades to Kennedy High School’s commons and creation of a 9thgrade wing, and WHEREAS, the approved petition language that asks the CRCSD Board of Education to call for an election on the bond proposal reflects the voices of thousands of residents, families, staff, students, and leaders in faith communities, neighborhoods, and businesses who participated in surveys, focus groups, forums, and planning over the course of more than one year; and WHEREAS, Iowa Code requires at least 25 percent of the number of registered voters in the school district, which serves Cedar Rapids, Hiawatha, Palo, and Robins, who voted in the last
election for school officials to sign a petition to place the proposed school bond referendum on a ballot, and WHEREAS, the proposed investment in Cedar Rapids schools is about more than buildings, it’s about creating environments that inspire learning, foster connection, reflect the dignity of every student, and help ensure that everyone can participate fully in life of our schools and community, and WHEREAS, the Linn County Board of Supervisors recognizes the CRCSD Board of Education’s efforts to improve facilities, programs, services, and activities and believes that the proposed improvements will help the school district provide safe and modern learning environments. BE IT THEREFORE RESOLVED the Linn County Board of Supervisors expresses its support for the CRCSD Board of Education’s proposed school improvements and encourages CRSCD voters to consider signing the petition that calls for an election on the school bond proposal.
Gage presented a proposal for architectural and engineering services from Design Dynamics, Inc. for the Linn County Courthouse Floors 2 and 3 Phase 1 Remodeling Project. They plan to bid the project in September with work starting in November/December. The Budget is within the Capital Improvement Plan. The Board will approve on Wednesday.
Gage presented a proposed Services Agreement with L&L Murphy Associates and Grant Consulting, LLC for consulting and advisory services with no changes in the amount of $60,000/year. The Board will approve on Wednesday.
Motion by Meisheid, seconded by Running-Marquardt to approve payroll authorizations (detail is available upon request).
The Board recessed at 10:25 a.m. and reconvened at 11:30 a.m. for a joint meeting with the Linn County Conservation Board at Pinicon Ridge Park, Ridgewood Cabin, 1759 Firefly Lane, Central City. Present: Board of Supervisors and Conservation Board members; Dennis Goemaat, Daniel Gibbins; Randy Burke, Aaron Batchelder, Ryan Schlader, Steve Estenson and Jessie Black.
Goemaat explained the process for the ITC Midwest easement request to cross the Cedar Valley Nature Trail near Ely and explained the history of the property purchased for the cabins. The group watched a demonstration of three pieces of equipment (Track Chair, Forestry Mulcher and Tree Shear) and then toured the following: Coneflower and Ridgewood Cabins; Firefly campground; Flying Squirrel Campground; Backwater dredging project; White Oak Shelter; Mountain bike trail (representatives of Backyard Trails present); and the fire damaged storage building (Estenson gave an insurance report). Adjournment at 1:36 p.m.
Respectfully submitted,
TODD E. TAYLOR, Linn County Auditor By: Rebecca Shoop, Deputy Auditor Approved by: BRANDY Z. MEISHEID, Chairperson Board of Supervisor Published in the Sun May 29, 2025.
LINN COUNTY BOARD OF SUPERVISORS
CEDAR RAPIDS, LINN COUNTY, IOWA
TUESDAY, MAY 20, 2025 9:00 A.M.
(These are the minutes in their entirety. Archived minutes can be found at www. linncountyiowa.gov).
The Board met in session at the Linn County Jean Oxley Public Service Center. Present: Chairperson Meisheid, Vice Chairperson Running-Marquardt and Supervisor Scheetz. Board members voting “AYE” unless otherwise noted. Chairperson Meisheid called the meeting to order.
The Board received updates from the following Department Heads: Luke Fischer, Facilities Dir. – Strategic planning and next quarterly goal (digital scanning and organizing of all paper construction related documents); budget is on track; two vacant positions; current activities include: Building automation, Comm. Serv. Bldg. lighting upgrade to LED, Courthouse Reno Dry, Winter Weather Shelter project, Sustainability office buildout is 90% complete, Planning & Development training office complete as well as Correctional Center 4/5 floor isolations cells, Correctional Center walk in cooler floor replacement, Public Serv. Center Deposit Safe is 90% complete, Juvenile Detention Center on security enhancements, Lighting updated in small Courtyards, Courthouse Exterior Renovations, Bidding Phase, Sheriff’s Office Repair Garage trench drain replacements 100% complete; Salt storage expansion; ADA operators installed on 1st floor restrooms at Public Service Center and Treasurer’s office, Bottle fillers drinking fountains installed at Lifts and Com. Serv. Bldg., Storage at 18th St.; EMA Building flat roof replacement is 100% complete; EMA Building dividing fence installed (still need screening) and EMA next steps – city water hookup, septic, bathrooms, HVAC, insulation.
Supervisor Running-Marquardt commended Fischer and Beverly Hayden for the digitization of documents noting that it is a huge job. She also stated that GIS is assisting in this endeavor as well. Charlie Nichols, Planning and Development Dir. – working on videos for homeowners that need to choose contractors; budget is on track (discussion continued regarding revenues); Planning Intern will start May 28th; Building Div. was well represented at the Build My Future Iowa event; in the process of integrating cloudbased permitting solution; clerical staff member invited to join two committees; starting process of updating Comprehensive Plan; waiting for final approval from FEMA on the Multi-Jurisdictional Hazard Mitigation Plan; Historic Preservation Commission will present their recommendations to the Board in June; new ordinance language was discussed at the Planning & Zoning Comm. meeting last evening regarding nuclear energy generating facilities and nuclear waste storage uses; drafting updates to the Accessory Dwelling Unit ordinance language related to recent state legislation; Zoning Commission member openings; and permit activity statistics. Steve Estenson, Risk Management Dir. – attended joint Board of Supervisors/ Conservation Board meeting yesterday and working with insurance company regarding burned storage facility and con-
tents; working on renewals for property insurance (July); and there are five FEMA projects remaining from the Derecho. Joi Alexander, Communications Dir. – Learning Institute joint project (Board & Comm. Vacancy process); editorial calendar explained in detail; State of the County is Thursday at 3:00 p.m.; Sec-
Iowa. A copy of the proposed amendment is available at the City Clerk’s office, 213 First Street NW, Mt. Vernon, Iowa, 52314. Individuals wishing to attend via Zoom may contact City Hall at (319) 895-8742 at least one day in advance of the meeting.
GRADUATION from 1
said that is what people will most remember about a person after school, not all the grades or awards they earned, but the way they live their lives when no one is watching.
“Hopefully you got a start on that life here these past four years,” Leeman said.
When it came to courage, Leeman encouraged students to not wait for something to be 100 percent safe before taking a leap.
“Life is going to be filled with choices where people will always regret not taking a leap or a chance, not the choices they did make,” Leeman said.
Above: Ed Timm holds up the example of a “masterpiece” many students have made in their lives as an artist, which has sentimental value.
Below: Colin Bentley helps Hailey Bock attach her tassel to her mortarboard at the graduation ceremony.
Above: Gunnar Fishler is congratulated by Ed Timm in the music hallway.
Left: Natalie Thuerauf presents her speech from the podium.
Below: Violet Olinger shares a hug with speech coach and instructional support teacher Tawnua Tenley.
Right: Betsy Louwagie receives her diploma from school board member Lance Schoff.
Below: Annaleaha Daugherty is congratulated by Paul Fugate.
Photos by Nathan Countryman | Mount Vernon-Lisbon Sun
Above: The Mount Vernon Class of 2025 at the start of the commencement ceremony. Below left: Members of the Mount Vernon choir including seniors sing “The Times They Are A Changing” by Bob Dylan. Below right: (from right) Alimatou Cisse, Cora Magdalene Campanelli and Caitlyn Elizabeth Buchanan listen to a class speaker.
Lisbon scholarships and awards
• Bernie Saggau Award - Gage Holub
• Cathy Whitman Family Scholarship - $500 - Sarah Dietsch
• CR Area Association of Realtors – Deanna Long Scholarship - $500 - Kasey Nevins
• Ciha Family Farm Scholarship - Iowa State $600Kaitlynn Hasselbusch and Dakota Clark
• Clark Family Scholarship in memory of Kara Ann Clark
- $500 - Gretchen Moehlman and Addie Clark
• Don Nost Memorial/Sutliff Bridge Authority Scholarship - $1,500 - Aislin Andrews
• 4-H Leadership and Community Service Scholarship
- $800 - Sarah Dietsch
• Frances Vittetoe Bales Scholarship - $500 - Kolsie Bixler and Addie Clark
• Governor’s Scholar Recognition Program - Wesley Sadler
• GCRF College Opportunity Scholarship - $500Addison Mullis
• GCRF Kelley Scholarship - $1,000 - Kolsie Bixler, Dakota Clark and Kaitlynn Hasselbusch
• Hills Bank and Trust Company Scholarship - $750Kaitlynn Hasselbusch
• Hills Bank Youth Salute Scholarship - $500 - Sarah Dietsch
• ImpactLife Scholarship - $500 - Kolsie Bixler
• Iowa State Bar Association, American Citizenship Award - Sarah Dietsch
• John and Thelma Rife Scholarship - $1,500 - Kolsie Bixler
• Kylie Hall Memorial Scholarship - $500 - Tiernan Boots
• Lisbon American Legion Cyclops Post 109 Scholarship - $200 - Dakota Clark, Gage Holub, Gretchen Moehlman and Kaitlynn Hasselbusch
• Lisbon Education Association and Staff Scholarship$200 - Kolsie Bixler and Kaitlynn Hasselbusch
• Lisbon Community School District Foundation Dollars for Scholars Scholarship - $675 - Aislin Andrews, Rachel Bartels, Keira Bergmann, Kolsie Bixler, Tiernan Boots, Addison Clark, Dakota Clark, Evan Coleman, Sarah Dietsch, Brynn Epperly, Ella Farrington, Madison Flockhart, Lillain Gaiser, Kaitlynn Hasselbusch, Gage Holub, Hayden Jackson, Madison Kruse, Gretchen Moehlman, Aiden Morrill, Addison Mullis, Daniella Padilla Toro, Kayla Ries, Wesley Sadler, Tyer Sauser, Daylin Schaefer, Brianna Turkington, Savannha Valdez, Jacob Walerius, Grayson Wollum
• Lisbon Mat Pack Scholarship - $500 - Tiernan Boots, Gage Holub and Wesley Sadler
• Lisbon high School Student Council Scholarship$250 - Kolsie Bixler
• Lisbon Music Boosters Scholarship - $500 - Kayla Happel
• Mike and Sue Kortemeyer Family Scholarship - $1,500
- Kayla Ries
• Missy Jordan Memorial-Lisbon Sauerkraut Days, Inc, Scholarship - $1,000 - Sarah Dietsch
• Mitch Thompson Memorial Scholarship - $1,000Ethan Hoekstra
• Morningstar Family Scholarship - $1,000 - Kaitlynn Hasselbusch
• Mount Vernon Bank and Trust Company - $2,000Kaitlynn Hasselbusch
• Mount Vernon-Lisbon Community Charitable Development Group Scholarship - $1,000 - Kaitlynn Hasselbusch
• Mount Vernon/Lisbon Masonic Lodge 112 - $1,000Kolsie Bixler and Gage Holub
• Robert “RB and Mary Burnett family scholarships$500 - Kaitlynn Hasselbusch
• Wayne Bennett Family Scholarship - $500 - Gretchen Moehlamn
• Wayne Cooley Award - Kaitlynn Hasselbusch
• Wayne and Diana Novak Family Scholarship - $750Quinn Coleman and Ethan Hoekstra
• William Stork/Arlo Whitman Families Scholarship$500 - Addie Clark
Mount Vernon scholarships and awards
• Adrienne Smith ‘11 STEM Scholarship, $750 - Selah Loyd
• American Legion Hahn Howard, $500 each* - Caitlyn Boren and Olivia Haverback
• Barbara A. Neal Resiliency Scholarship, $500 each - Nova Lane and Skye Rodman
• Bernie Saggau Award, non-monetary*Gunnar Fishler
• Biderman Scholarship, $2,000* - Emrie Johnson
• Blaine Schumacher Memorial Scholarship, $500 each - Lily Amthauer
• Blaine Schumacher Trade School or Apprenticeship Memorial Scholarship, $500 - Jake Hartman
• Boy Scout - Mount Veron Troupe 40 Eagle Scout* - Seamus O’Connor and William Stevenson
• Carol Van Metre Scholarship, $2,00Dylan Robinson
• Cedar Rapids Area Association of Realtors Mindy and Chad Martin Scholarship, $500* - Lily Amthauer
• Cedar Rapids Association of Realtors Amy Eaton Scholarship, $500* - Payton Woodland
• Charles H Halsey Gift, $500 - Abigail Moss
• Class of 2025 Alumni Representatives, $250 each - Elizabeth Louwagie and Colin Bentley
• Dave Spellerberg ‘89 Memorial Scholarship, $3,000 - Nicholas Alles
• Dave Thumm ‘79 Scholarship, $300Elizabeth Dix
• Dave Van Metre Scholarship $2,000Olivia Haverback
• Des Moines Register Academic All-State Recognition, non-monetary - Graham Vavricek
• Determination Scholarship $1,000Sarah Esbaum
• Donna Jacob, Gladys Rife, Ruth Michaud and Maggie Quinn Ellison ‘62 Award, $500
- Renee Vig
• Eldean (Dean) Borg Scholarship $1,000
- Seamus O’Connor
• Elk’s Lodge 251, $4,000* - Selah Loyd
• Evans-Moffit Scholarship $500 - Hailey Bock
• E. Wayne Cooley Scholarship, nonmonetary* - Eryn Jackson
• Exceptional Man Scholarship, $1,000 each - Emmett Jordan and Anthony McDermott
• Extraordinary Woman Scholarship, $1,000 each - Elizabeth Louwagie, Violet
Olinger, Kara Swantz,Samantha Schofi
Eryn Jackson, Paige Schurbon
• Gary Leopold Good Human Scholarship, $1,300 - Charlotte Hand
• Governor’s Scholar Recognition - Molly Bany
• Greater Cedar Rapids Community Foundation Merveaux Academic Excellence Scholarship, $500* - Olivia Haverback
• Greater Cedar Rapids Community Foundation Outstanding Student Leadership Scholarship, $500* - Elizabeth Louwagie
• Harold and Dolores Suchomel Memorial Scholarship, $500 - Cole Thurn
• Hills Bank Leadership Grant, $1,000 each* - Selah Loyd and Elizabeth Louwagie
• Hills Bank Scholarship, $750* - Lauren Hepker
• Hills Bank Youth Salute, $200 - Penelope Vig
• IGHSAU Basketball Sportsmanship Award, $250 - Sydney Huber
• IGHSAU Volleyball Sportsmanship Award, $250 - Chloe Meester
• Iowa 2nd District American Legion Auxiliary Merit Award, $300* - Seamus O’Connor
• Iowa 4-H Foundation and Hills Bank & Trust Leadership Training Scholarship, $1,000* - Selah Loyd
• Jeff Butterbaugh Memorial Scholarship, $250 each - Anthony McDermott and Cole Thurn
• John ‘60 & Thelma Rife Scholarship, $1,500 - Dylan Robinson
• Kay Woods Memorial Award, $500 eachSkye Rodman and Alexandria Lashley
• Koppenhaver Business Award, $500 each
- Gabriel Mahoney and Lincoln Alles
• KWWL Best of the Class - Selah Loyd
• Linn County Farm Bureau Scholarship, $1,000* - Elizabeth Dix
• Lions Club Scholarship, $750 eachElizabeth Moff and Elizabeth Dix
• Margaret Garry ‘79 Memorial Scholarship, $3,000 - Graham Vavricek
• Mark Kraus Timberline Manufacturing Entrepreneurial Scholarship, $1,000*Isabella Hasley
• Mediacom Worldclass Scholarship, $1,000* - Josef Briesemeister
• Megan Cox Klaus ‘08 Scholarship, $1,000* - Elizabeth Louwagie
• Megan Teague Technical Theatre Award, $500* - Megan Teague
• Melchert Book Scholarship, $275 - Clare Nydegger
• Mississippi Valley Regional Blood Center IMPACT Award* - Elizabeth Morf and Selah Loyd
• Mount Vernon Archery Club Scholarship, $250, - Jaks Lee
• Mount Vernon Area Arts Council Scholarship, $500 each - Lily Amthauer and Ellia Oesterle
• Mount Vernon Bank & Trust Company Scholarship, $2,000 - Molly Bany
• Mount Vernon Community School District Foundation Scholarships, $500 each - Andrew Barns, Aaron Bellamy Caitlyn Buchanan, Kael Riniker, Elizabeth Mort, Luke Paulus, Jack Simmons, Cyrus Johnson, Elisha Koster, Jakob Haugse
• Mount Vernon Education Association (MVEA) Scholarship, $500 , Laney Myers
• Mount Vernon Fine Arts Association Scholarship, $500 each - Cana Safo, Isabella Hasley, Natalie Thuerauf, Penelope Vig, Emmett Jordan, Simon Gillespie
• Mount Vernon Mustan Booster Club Scholarship, $500 each - Josef Briesemeister and Elizabeth Dix
• Mount Vernon Technical Theatre Scholarship, $500 - Megan Teague
• Mount Vernon Volunteer Fire Fighters Association Scholarship, $500 each -
Hailey Bock and Abigail Moss
• MV-L Community Charitable Development Group Award, $1,000Emrie Johnson
• MVHS Faculty Scholarship, $250 - Garet Swartzendruber
• Mount Vernon High School Grit and Greatness Scholarship, $1,000 - Marquez Ireland
• National Merit Scholarship - Finalists: Graham Vavricek and Selah Loyd
• P.E.O. Chapter DT Leadership Gift $500
- Margaret Dye
• Perreault Family Annual Quality of Character & Distinction of Passion Award, $500 - Graham Vavricek
• Quill & Scroll Journalism Honor Society, non-monetary - Renee Vig
• Reid Hanley ‘64 Memorial Scholarship, $1,000 - Renee Vig
• Ruth Michaud Scholarship, $300 - Elsie Owen
• Teaching Creativity Award, $500 - Zara Larsen
• Thriving Mustang, $10,000 - Mallory Kaiser
• TTT Scholarship, $500 - Simon Gillespie
• U.S. Nameplate Scholarship, $1,000 each
- Zara Larsen and Brody Nosek
*indicates scholarship chosen by outside organization
Science fair held at Lisbon
School may have been winding down at Lisbon, but that didn’t stop the science fair for kindergarten students at the Lion’s Den. Students had the ability to visit a number of stations with adults important to them to show what they had learned in science classes over the year. Pom-pom catapults, domino trains, and insect sorting were some of the hopping activities at the event this year.
A student lines up his dominoes extra carefully to build a train that was more than 10 dominoes in length.
A number of scientists reviewed different tools like rulers, scales, magnifying glasses, goggles, magnets and more that scientists use in their work.
A duo works on the animal maze at the kindergarten science fair, where students have to direct an animal from the first point to a food source with a sense of directions.
Leliani gets water moving like a tornado in the pop bottle funnels at this station.
A family looks through a bug eye kaleidoscope to see what life looks like for a fly.
Photos by Nathan Countryman | Mount Vernon-Lisbon Sun