MVL Sun — 7.17.25

Mount Vernon-Lisbon

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THURSDAY, JULY 17, 2025 • $1.50

Citizens voice anger over digital banners

Y2K

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From electronic signs, garbage can locations, tax reforms and more, city council members and Mount Vernon residents went back and forth on issues for over two hours.

Ella McEntaffer Mount Vernon-Lisbon Sun MOUNT VERNON — Digital banners, garbage receptacle placement and water meter radio reads were among the topics covered at the Monday, July 7, Mount Vernon city council meeting.

Mount Vernon resident Catherine Kennedy kicked off the meeting addressing her and her husband Jim’s concern regarding the new electric street light and sign system in Mount Vernon.

“The first time we saw anything about the street lights they were being installed, and a few days later the banner went on,” Kennedy said. “It is a very bright and blinding light, and one of those lights is about forty feet from our bedroom window, so we see those flashing lights all day and all night.”

Kennedy also believes that the new electric signs are damaging to the historic charm that the city of Mount Vernon provides to the community.

“It’s our feeling that MV has a certain historic atmosphere to it,” Kennedy said.

“It doesn’t seem like it’s appropriate [to have the banners].”

Representative Cindy Golding also visited the council meeting to discuss property tax reform. “I visit all of the communities in my district… and ask for feedback,” Golding said.

Water meter radio reads hearing held Several public hearings regarding different city ordinances were also ongoing during the meeting, and one of which was regarding the switch to smart water meters throughout Mount Vernon.

Although the majority of water meters BANNERS | 2

INSIDE Mount Vernon-Lisbon

Katie Henry | For the Mount Vernon-Lisbon Sun - Left top & bottom:

The Mount Vernon Bank and Trust float featured musical artist Prince on this year’s float for the Y2K theme. The Mount Vernon softball team dressed up as fairies for the parade this year and encouraged the town to attend their post-season game.

Ella McEntaffer | Mount Vernon-Lisbon Sun - Above top: A young

boy named Parker pets a couple of ponies at the Slaughter 2 Success Equine Rescue booth.

AJ Dolan | Mount Vernon-Lisbon Sun - Above: Kids joyously sprint

to the finish line during the Heritage Days Kids Fun Run at the Martha Parsons and Family Activities Complex in Mount Vernon on Saturday, July 12.

Nathan Countryman Mount Vernon-Lisbon Sun

nathan.countryman@mvlsun.com

The Mount Vernon Heritage Days festival took place Saturday, July 12, after a few hiccups Friday.

A severe storm rolled through Mount Vernon Friday, July 11, canceling many of the events for the festival planned for that evening at the Lester Buresh Family Community Wellness Center.

The drone show and kids fun run events were both shuffled to Saturday’s events, with the drone show relocat-

ing to uptown Mount Vernon Saturday evening. Streets remained closed on First Street East to provide a great view point for families to watch the event.

When the storm clouds cleared Saturday morning, however, temperatures were near perfect for the parade and activities to kick the festival off in uptown Mount Vernon.

This year, the Heritage Days committee rolled the Community Development Group’s annual awards to be announced at the Heritage Days festival.

Opinions - 4 | Records - 7 | Heritage Days Photos - 8 & 9 |

“Volunteering and dedication to our community are part of this community’s heritage,” said director Jessie Thurn. “It felt right to move these awards to this festival.”

Volunteer of the year was Amy Haney, citizen of the year was Mary Evans, committee of the year was the Lisbon Sesquicentennial committee, business of the year was Yock’s Landing and Gary’s Foods was recognized for an Above and Beyond award. Full stories on each of those awards will be featured in the July 24 issue of the Sun.

Favorite events, including the bean bag tournament and car show also returned to the festival, as did a street dance headlined by Crazy Delicious.

Both the Mount Vernon baseball and Mount Vernon softball teams also had post-season games Saturday night, the baseball teams game postponed from Friday evening, as the game was in the bottom of the fifth inning when the storm rolled in.

See pages 8 & 9 for more Heritage Day photos

10 | Public Notices - 12 & 13 | Sports 14-16

NEWS

2 | THURSDAY, JULY 17, 2025

BANNERS

a low efficiency transmission,” Nobisch said. “The $50 fee is not intended to punish anybody.” within the city have been replaced, Nobisch said that smart meters resident Sanja Cooklin joined the are also beneficial to the city and meeting to discuss her concerns residents for their quick water regarding the new meters with leak detection, so it seems that the council. the meters will be an ongoing dis“Just because smart water cussion in the community for the meters are currently legal, doesn’t time being. make them necessarily safe,” Cooklin said. “I would like us to Garbage bin placement be a little bit more cautious.” ordinance discussed Besides the safety concerns that Cooklin has about the smart water Another topic discussed Monmeters, she is also opposed to day night was the ordinance the monthly $50 fee imposed on amending Chapter 106 Resource those who have not adopted the Recovery and Refuse Disposal. new water meters. The $50 would The big issue that city officials are be an additional charge on top of facing is disagreements between resident’s water bills and helps residents about the appropriate the city pay for manual reading of place for trash receptacles to be those meters. placed for pickup.

“I’m not telling you what to Nobsich said that the city has do… but fifty dollars a month also received complaints regardseems like extortion to me,” ing how long trash receptacles are Cooklin said. “I cannot afford $50 left out for before and after trash a month.” pickup. Another part of the debate City administrator Chris Nos- centers around the potential litter bisch says that the new smart that could spread around the city meters eliminate the need for due to trash receptacles being left staff to have to physically monitor out and blown or knocked over. water meters at different Mount “The only time some move is Vernon properties. when the garage trucks pick them “It’s proven to be safe and it’s up and dump them,” said counfrom 1

cil member Paul Tuerler. “Mount Vernon is the little version of Chicago and quite the windy city.”

While the majority of the council members are in favor of the ordinance, City council member Scott Rose voiced his opposition to the plan during the meeting, and also voted against the passing of the ordinance.

“I’ve got significant concerns with the entire project,” Rose said. “It’s a short leap from that to I don’t like the color of my neighbor’s house. I have a visceral reaction to telling people what they can and can’t do outside of safety on their properties.”

Parks and recreation completes park audit The Parks and Recreation Department also played a large role in the meeting.

Matt Siders, Parks and Recreation Director, presented the council with a slideshow regarding needed improvements for the city parks. “We’re always celebrating our parks, but we’re going to talk about some negative sides today,” Siders said.

In Bryant Park the department said the slide needs repaired, trees

MOUNT VERNON-LISBON SUN | MVLSUN.COM

trimmed, and bathroom doors repainted. In Davis Park tripping hazards will be addressed and what Parks and Rec describes as a very loud swing will be removed.

“We’ve noticed that all of our playgrounds could probably use a pretty good power washing,” Sider said.

Parks and Rec is also looking to add more trees to the dog park, redesigning the disk golf course in the nature park, and repairing the baseball and softball fields as needed in Elliot Park. Staff also aims to work on repainting the dugouts at Elliot field, in order to create a more cohesive look.

A fun fact Parks and Rec shared is that the classic paint color the city uses for the dugouts is saved under ‘mustang maroon’ at ACE Hardware for staff to easily order.

Council members are very appreciative of the work the Parks and Rec Department is doing to maintain the city parks, and expressed their gratitude during the meeting.

“Putting this list together is a huge undertaking and a giant step,” Rose said at the conclusion of the presentation.

The next Mount Vernon City Council meeting will take place on July 21.

One injured in crash

Mount Vernon. Sanchini was driving a silver Kia Soul across the intersection of Hwy. 30 and Kepler Drive. Sanchini failed to yield to oncoming traffic as they were entering Kepler Drive, and were struck by a westbound black Ford Ecosport driven by Jiawen Cai, 45, Lisbon.

Paula Sanchini, 74, Cedar Rapids, was injured in a two-vehicle crash and The Soul ended up in the south ditch with rear end damage, while the transported to a local hospital with minor injuries by Lisbon-Mount Vernon Ecosport had significant front-end damage and came to rest on the shoulder Ambulance Service. of the roadway.

According to Sgt. Kevin Louis of the Linn County Sheriff’s Office, first Sanchini was charged with failure to yield upon entering through highway responders were paged to a crash at Hwy. 30 and Kepler Drive in rural and failure to prove security against liability (accident).

Man cited for reckless use of firearm

108 1st St SW, Mount Vernon, IA 52314 Phone: 319-895-6216 news@mvlsun.com The Mount Vernon-Lisbon Sun strives for accuracy and fairness in reporting news. If we’ve made an error or a report is misleading, let us know about it: news@mvlsun.com

STAFF

Publisher Jason Brummond jason.brummond@dailyiowan.com Editor Nathan Countryman nathan.countryman @mvlsun.com Sports Ryan Suchomel ryan.suchomel@mvlsun.com Advertising Sales Paul Rowland paul.rowland@mvlsun.com Office/Sales Assistant Rochelle Ferguson rochelle.ferguson @mvlsun.com Reporter Interns AJ Dolan Ella McEntaffer Natalia Scales Design Intern Emma Calabro Production Manager Heidi Owen heidi.owen@dailyiowan.com Business Manager Debbie Plath debra.plath@dailyiowan.com Official Newspaper: Mount Vernon, Lisbon, Bertram, Linn County, Mount Vernon Community School District, Lisbon Community School District The Mount Vernon-Lisbon Sun (USPS 367-520), a division of The Daily Iowan, is published weekly every Thursday by Student Publications, Inc., 100 Adler Journalism Building, Room E131, Iowa City, Iowa 52242.

Periodicals Postage Paid at the Mount Vernon Post Office and additional offices. POSTMASTER: Send address changes to Mount Vernon-Lisbon Sun, 108 1st St SW, Mount Vernon, IA 52314.

Subscriptions: Contact Rochelle Ferguson at 319-895-6216 or rochelle.ferguson@mvlsun.com for additional information. Subscription rates: Linn and adjoining counties – $55 annually; elsewhere in Iowa – $75 annually; out of state – $85 annually.

Copyright 2025 Mount VernonLisbon Sun, a division of The Daily Iowan and Student Publications, Inc. All articles, photographs and graphics, both in print and online editions, are the property of Student Publications, Inc., and may not be reproduced or republished without written permission.

Child injured in serious but stable condition Kevin Lawrence Gouchee, 62, was arrested for reckless use of a firearm in an incident in rural Mount Vernon Monday, July 7, at 1:35 p.m.

According to Sgt. James Gales of the Linn County Sheriff’s Office, first responders were paged to an accidental shooting along the river at River Bay in rural Mount Vernon.

Upon emergency personnel’s arrival, they discovered a 12-year-old male with a gunshot wound to the back of the head.

The child was conscious and breathing and was transported by Lisbon Mount Vernon Ambulance service to University of Iowa Hospitals and Clinics in Iowa City.

Volume 156 I Issue 29

Investigation at the scene of the incident, along with witnesses of the accident, show that the child was fishing along the river behind a row of bushes. Gouchee saw movement in the bushes and thought it was a groundhog. Gouchee aimed a .410 shotgun approximately 90 feet from the bushes and shot one shell containing birdshot into the bushes, striking the child in the back of the head.

Other responding agencies include Iowa State Patrol, Iowa Department of Natural Resources, Mount Vernon-Lisbon Fire Department, Mount Vernon-Lisbon Police Department and Linn County Sheriff’s Rescue.

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NEWS

Cornell hires Levis as new vice president, CFO, treasurer Cornell College is proud to announce the hire of Rob Levis as the new vice president, chief financial officer, and treasurer.

Levis comes to Cornell with nearly four decades of experience in finance, leadership, and operations. Most recently, he has worked with AmeriCorps since 2008, leadLevis ing budgeting and operations of the program and residential campus in Vinton. He also supported policies and programs to train youth for service projects around the country.

Prior to his time with AmeriCorps, he served as a finance officer with the U.S. Army. During that time, he worked at Tarleton State University, developing its ROTC program, teaching leadership classes to students, and supporting those who chose to become Army officers.

“I am just thrilled that Rob is joining Cornell,” said president Jonathan Brand. “His strong business and financial acumen, combined with his action-oriented mindset, thoughtful listening, team-building skills, and creative thinking, will serve Cornell well. He brings a genuine passion for supporting students.

He gets us and what we are working to accomplish.

I join others in looking forward to working with and supporting him.”

Levis began work at Cornell July 14.

“In my life, I’ve discovered a deep passion for service and for helping young people grow and thrive,” Levis said. “While my new role may be less directly student-facing, it’s no less critical. I’m excited to bring my financial expertise and collaborative approach to Cornell, helping to ensure we continue to offer affordable opportunities that set students up for a lifetime of success. The future of our country and our communities lies in these young people. It’s great to be able to take my years of experience to help Cornell deliver on its mission and keep costs down.”

Levis will oversee Cornell’s Division of Business and Enterprise Services, which consists of the Offices of Business Services, Facility Services, Human Resources, and Information Technology. He’s ready to get started with his new team.

“I’ve always been drawn to building and leading effective teams. Whether in the Army or AmeriCorps, teamwork has been at the heart of everything I’ve done. I’m innovative, a problem solver by nature, and a consensus builder. I enjoy working with people and leading teams to be more efficient.”

Levis and his wife, Nancy, have four grown children. He enjoys being involved in his community, and his service record includes a dozen years on the local school board and fifteen years as a high school swim coach. Plus, he’s active in multiple veterans groups, the Vinton Lions Club, Knights of Columbus, his church, and serves as a Boy Scout leader.

Julian Johnston scholarships awarded The United Methodist Church of Mount Vernon Memorial committee awarded four students Julian Johnston Scholarships of $750 each for the 2025-26 academic year.

Michael Briesemeister is a junior at Iowa State University. He is majoring in genetics. He is the son of Eric and LeAnn Briesemeister. Ben Nydegger is a junior at Wartburg College. He is the son of Loren and Renee Nydegger. Ben is a mechanical engineering major. Jesse Schwiebert is a junior at the University of Iowa. He is pursuing a double major in screenwriting arts and cinematography with an additional writing certificate. He is the son of Rick and Kim Schwiebert. Lauren Swartzendruber is the daughter

STUDENT BRIEFS George Washington University graduate Eliza S. Carter from Lisbon graduated magna cum laude with a degree in political science May 17 from George Washington University in Washington, D.C. Her mother is Sara Carter, formerly of Lisbon, now of Iowa City.

Her grandparent are Greg and Mary Anne Carter of Lisbon.

University of Wisconsin-Platteville graduate Brennen Kreel of Mechanicsville graduated from University of Wisconsin-Platteville with a degree in mechanical engineering.

Thank you

Whether you kept us in your thoughts, sent a beautiful arrangement, made a memorial donation, or helped us in any way. Please know that your love and kindness has brought us great comfort and will always be remembered.

— Cathy, Darrell, Donna and Jordan family

of Darin and Angela Swartzendruber. She is a senior at St. Ambrose University. Lauren is pursuing a doctor of physical therapy degree The scholarship was established by Julian E. Johnston, a well-known Mount Vernon businessman. Mr. Johnston was very appreciative of the financial support he received from the local Methodist Church as a Cornell College student during the 1930’s and set up this scholarship to help others. This is the 28th year the Memorials Committee has offered the scholarship.

A certificate and check were presented to each of the scholarship recipients during the June 22 worship services.

Spots

THURSDAY, JULY 17, 2025 | 3

Iowa Donor registry meeting Seeds of Faith Lutheran Church is hosting a presenter from the Iowa Donor Network Sunday, July 20, from 10:30-11:30 a.m. This is open to the public and Cornell community.

Are you curious about what organ/tissue donation involves but aren’t sure where to find the best information? Do you ever wonder about the impact that donation can make on an individual? We welcome you to please join us for this presentation from the Iowa Donor Network. We will cover why you might consider becoming an organ and tissue donor, the legalities of signing up to be a donor, how to register, and the impact that organ and tissue donation has across the state of Iowa.

Seasonal Plant-Based Cooking Class with Mariah Andrews Join local chef Mariah Andrews to celebrate the launch of her new cookbook, “The Plantiful Pantry Family Favorites,” and cook something delicious together Saturday, July 19 from 1-3 p.m. at Southeast Linn Community Center kitchen. You’ll join her in preparing a seasonal plant-based meal using fresh summer produce and learn tips for eating more plants.

Registration is required and space is limited. If you sign-up and can’t make it, please let us know so we can allow someone from the waitlist to attend. For more information, contact Lisbon Library director Elizabeth Hoover de Galvez at elizabeth@lisbon.lib.ia.us.

Bill Stamats Artist Talk July 19, 11:30 a.m., Abbe Creek Gallery On Saturday, July 19, the Abbe Creek Gallery will host painter Bill Stamats as he gives an artist talk about his current exhibit “Back Roads and Blue Skies / Paintings and Assemblages”. His 16-piece exhibit runs through August 23 at the gallery, 105 First Street NW. Admission is free.

Stamats is a Midwest artist who creates neo-regionalist artwork, images which are intensely colored, passionately created and playfully designed.

Productions include pieces from series based on the Sac and Fox trail, barns and bridge on Rosedale Road in SE, Cedar Rapids, Three Forks, Montana, Deerfield, Massachusetts, and Watkins Glen, New York

4 | THURSDAY, JULY 17, 2025 | MOUNT VERNON-LISBON SUN

OPINIONS/NEWS

OPINIONS

MVLSUNCOM

How to make Kudos to new Fareway, a dictator congratulations to Gary’s Foods as well chuckle SUN EDITORIAL

Living in Iowa Dan Brawner

n

Have you ever noticed that Donald Trump never laughs? I used to worry that in spite of getting his way most of the time, Trump wasn’t having much fun. Sure, he was trying. But it was almost as if he didn’t know how.

Trump did tell a lot of “jokes”. For example, after he publicly invited Russia to hack Hillary Clinton’s emails (and they did), he insisted he had been joking. I personally didn’t see the humor in that, but okay. Then, he suggested people treat Covid by injecting themselves with disinfectants. If anybody had tried that, they would probably have died. When reporters were alarmed at this, he claimed he had only been taunting them with sarcasm.

In 2017, Trump told police, “Don’t be too nice” when making arrests and that they could whack suspects’ heads against the patrol car’s door frame when guiding them into the back seat. He later insisted this was obviously “a joke”.

I saw Trump speak in Iowa City when he first campaigned for president. Everybody in the crowd seemed polite and attentive. This was Iowa after all. Then out of the blue, he said if we saw anybody protesting to “knock the hell out of them” and he’d pay the legal fees. Was he serious? Nope. Another of his jokes. But who jokes this much about hurting people?

Dictators. Who can forget Joseph Stalin’s famous joke, “Death solves all problems. No man, no problem”? That was a real knee slapper—except for the mass executions. Then there was Uganda’s dictator, Idi Amin who quipped he eats human flesh “because it is more salty than leopard meat.” Was it true? You could probably take that with a grain of…well, you know. North Korea’s Kim Jong-il came up with the one-liner that famines are “a good way to get rid of the lazy.” (North Korea’s version of DOGE?) In 2020, when Trump hinted to the people of North Carolina they should vote for him “twice”, his press secretary claimed Trump had been “clearly joking.” And the year before when he announced, “Maybe I’ll just stay in office forever,” he mocked his critics for having “no sense of humor.”

Sure, it’s a sign of power when you can get away with dismantling your government and crashing the economy. But you’re not a real dictator until the free press goes along with every crazy thing you can think of. Hattian immigrants are eating our pets. Gosh, that’s terrible, sir. California is having electricity blackouts every week. Not one reporter challenged this obvious lie. When Trump told NBC’s Kristen Welker that he brought down the price of gasoline to $2/gallon, she let it slide as if it was actually true. He claimed eggs are now 94 percent cheaper—which would make them 38 cents a dozen. Now Trump tells us his tariffs are making Americans rich and still nobody has the nerve to say what every economist knows— that no country can tax another country and that Americans are paying the tariffs.

Trump must be tickled that his press corps have become so tame. He may be scowling on the outside. But on the inside, you know Trump is finally laughing his head off.

and Lisbon as well. It’s one of those things where people look for outside of schools is the proximity to a grocery store.

And we know many shoppers will still default to Gary’s Foods themselves, because of the track record the Dietrich family has had in being involved in these communities with their efforts over the years (the editor among The new Lisbon Fare- parking lot at the store full in the area until this store them), and how fitting it is for way store looks absolutely again, after Brothers Market opened, as well as offering Gary’s to be recognized with terrific. lot sat empty at times. more than 50 jobs to the an above and beyond award A huge kudos to the City And the social media team community, this store is this year from the Mount of Lisbon, Fareway and all selling the sizzle of the store already doing a lot for the Vernon-Lisbon Community entities who took a bad sit- had nothing to worry about community.

Development Group. uation from back in March when it comes to eventually We agree with Brandon These communities have and turned this into some- selling the steak.

Siggins view that a store benefitted and will benefit thing for the community to By hiring many of the like Fareway coming to a from these grocery stores be excited about. former Brothers Market community like Lisbon is in our community and Over the past week, it’s employees and giving them a multiplier for the com- their focus on us as part of been so exciting to see the jobs at other Fareway stores munities of Mount Vernon their families.

GUEST COLUMN

What makes Mount Vernon special Tom Wieseler Mount Vernon Mayor

Recently I listened to a series of podcasts put on by the League of Cities. This involved conversations and Q and A with local city leaders, some elected and some employed, by a wide variety of sized cities across the whole state.

One thing that struck me as odd was the answers given to the one question they were all asked, and that was “what makes your community special”. Honestly, some of the answers weren’t very good or thought out or noteworthy. So I asked myself, “what makes Mt. Vernon special?” I couldn’t give just one answer, but I could reply with these:

Hosting Tuneful Tuesdays every June at the Memorial Park gazebo Having 3 historic preservation districts and an active Historic Preservation Commission Having an outdoor sand volleyball court Having a sculpture garden and trail that is growing Having the graduating seniors’ parade around town after their graduation ceremony Having multiple “ little libraries” spaced throughout the community Having our own artist in residence Having a fully staffed volunteer fire department Having our own 42 seat movie theater with an additional outdoor screen Having an active theater community from high school productions, to Odyssey theater in summer, and yearly productions from our Community Theater group Having an active sustainability committee Having a focus on offering a wide variety of housing options, including low to moderate income housing.

Having a huge decorative rock outside our elementary school where birthday greetings can be painted by parents.

Having a fairy garden display on the path to the elementary school.

Having our own 24/7/365 police force, shared with Lisbon

Having a citizenry that is very engaged Having a college with 1000+ students as residents Having the First Street Building as a business incubator and housing a wide variety of small businesses Having a downtown that is a Main Street community and having an active Community Development Group Having a strong school district that takes pride in being a district of choice Having a full slate of yearly festivals, starting with the unique Chalk the Walk in May Being located at the intersection of 2 major state highways Having our own town poet laureate Being a monarch-friendly Bee City USA, and a Trees ForSo, if asked to be a part of this podcast series, I won’t have ever city Having an indoor fitness facility - the Lester Buresh Well- to think too hard. I can just distribute this list, noting that it is not all-inclusive. ness Center

Linn County accepting applications for economic & community development funds The Linn County Board of Supervisors is now accepting • Demonstrate a sustainability plan for project continuapplications for Linn County’s Economic & Community ation beyond Linn County funding Development Fund. Linn County created the Economic & Community Development Fund to foster and support economic growth and enhance quality of life in Linn County.

The deadline to apply is August 7 at 4:30 p.m.

This competitive grant process is open to eligible orgaApplication information is available on Linn County’s nizations in Linn County or those with a branch location website LinnCountyIowa.gov. in Linn County and whose work benefits Linn County residents. This year $100,000 is available.

Grant funds must be used for projects or programs that Correction benefit Linn County residents. Applications for programmatic and capital projects will have priority over requests The letter to the editor from the July 3 issue on the Big Beautiful for operating support. Preferred applications will be for Bill discussion at Voices United of Rural Linn County was projects/programs that accomplish the following: attributed to the wrong letter writer. That letter to the editor • Promote economic growth and/or community developwas from Sue Astley, not Shirley Heiserman as was printed. ment in Linn County Heiserman is not associated with Voices United of Rural Linn • Demonstrate return on investment dollars County.

• Do not duplicate current economic development The Sun apologizes for the error in attribution. initiatives

MVLSUN.COM | MOUNT VERNON-LISBON SUN

NEWS

THURSDAY, JULY 17, 2025 | 5

Lisbon passes first reading of 503 plan Ella McEntaffer Mount Vernon-Lisbon Sun

LISBON — The biggest meeting topic discussed was the new legislation that the state of Iowa is looking to implement in schools this fall regarding mobile device usage. Policy 503 limits students’ usage of mobile devices to outside of instructional time or at teacher discretion.

The policy that the board reviewed was just a draft and was sent by the Department of Education. Pino said that local districts are working together to format the policy in a way that makes the most sense for their students.

“There is some flexibility,” Pino said. “This mimics a lot of what you see in handbooks.”

The specific policies are broken up by grade and still permit students to have their phones and smartwatches on their person. Concerns about this policy include what to do during field trips, 504 plans, and how students are able to contact their parents during the day.

“There are times in a 504 or IEP when a phone or electronic device is written in for a specific reason,” Pino said. “It’s not common, but it could happen.”

Lisbon elementary school principal Justin Brown asked about students who use their phones to monitor different medical conditions, such as diabetes.

“There’s more and more health devices that students can use,” Brown said. “It’s a good thing for them to be able to regulate.”

The legislation went into effect on July 1, and Pino said the district recognizes the reconditioning period that both staff and students will have to undergo.

“All teachers need to unify their efforts,” board member Allan Mallie said.

Another change for the upcoming school year will be a new math class offered for students. A transi-

tional algebra class will now be available for students to enroll in and is aimed mostly at grade 11 students.

“Juniors sometimes miss out on taking a math class, so this allows us to put a transitional algebra class in there,” said Lisbon secondary school principal Jack Leighty. Board members were overall in favor of the new class, which aims to increase testing scores and create a better transition between the currently offered math classes at the high school level. “Anytime we have the opportunity to provide our students with something extra, I’m in favor of it,” board member John Prasil said.

There will also be a new business teacher next year, which Leighty is excited about.

“High school business teachers do not grow on trees,” he said.

The candidate will be finishing their degree and student teaching during the fall semester and will begin teaching business classes in January 2026. Business classes usually held in the fall will be pushed to the spring semester, and different Kirkwood Community College classes will be utilized in the meantime.

Furthermore, elementary summer school began classes last week, with 87 students and 10 teachers in the building for around six hours each day.

“It was good to have kids back in the building and get things rolling again,” Brown said.

Brown also offered an update on the school supply ordering program and said that around 25% of elementary students are utilizing the program for the upcoming school year. Brown also gave a special thanks to Christine Barr with South East Linn, who donated more than 30 supply kits to the program.

“That’s a really big deal for kids to get started on the right foot and have all of their stuff on the first day,” Brown said.

The board also discussed the budget and prices for different school-related passes and rentals. The rental

price of band instrument equipment will remain the same as last year. However, family and adult athletic passes will see a small increase in price. Adult passes will now be $135, and family passes $265, up $10 and $15 from last year, respectively.

Furthermore, another important topic was discussed early in the meeting: the estimated cost bids for lunchroom milk. Lisbon Superintendent Autumn Pino said the district received bids from both AE Dairy and Prairie Farms, and the district considers both price and product availability when choosing a company.

Ultimately, the board approved the bid from Prairie Farms, as it is the only company that currently offers strawberry milk.

“Strawberry milk is very popular at the elementary level,” Pino said.

Finally, the board members discussed the ongoing building renovations, and board member John Baker gave an update on the progress. Starting July 21, the kitchen equipment will be removed so that the week of July 28, workers can start painting and preparing for the new epoxy floors to be installed.

The goal is for the new floor to be installed by Aug. 11, with Pino saying that staff may have to get creative with how they grill and serve food for the first week of school. The new gym floor is installed, renovations to display cases in the legacy hall are in the works, and leaks by the new weight room have been addressed.

“It’s exciting to see things completed,” Pino said.

BUSINESS SERVICES

German with local ties speaks about Ukraine refugee help Nathan Countryman Mount Vernon-Lisbon Sun

nathan.countryman@mvlsun.com

When Ukraine refugees started pouring into Germany in 2022, Sylvie Thompson knew she needed to do something to help.

And she did that by falling back on her knowledge of the Russian language.

“I don’t speak it extremely fluently, but I learned the language in school,” Thompson said. “A lot of Ukrainian refugees were unable to speak German or English as a secondary language, but they know enough Russian that they can communicate in that language.”

Thompson was the presenter at the Voices United of Rural Linn County meeting Wednesday, July 9, at Whitey’s Bar and Grill.

Thompson said that the attack from Russia on Ukraine in 2022 had been a surprise, and shortly after, many Ukraine refugees started coming to Germany. Many of them women and children and some elderly people as well, most from eastern Ukraine.

“They were seeking shelter from a war they did not want,” Thompson said.

Germany made sure that those fleeing from the war were given refugee status, allowing them the ability to work in the country, as well as find other assistance.

Thompson volunteered once a week in a food bank in Munich.

She recounted the story of an elderly man having trouble asking for one of the vegetables he was looking for, not being able to find the word for cucumber in German. Thompson knew the word cucumber in Russian and was able to communicate that with others about what he was looking for.

Thompson said that Germany was very cautious to send weapons to aid Ukraine in their fight at first, but have since done more.

“Public opinion on support for Ukraine was split in the country,” Thompson said. “There are some that view the Ukraine conflict as one representative of all of Europe, that if Putin invaded Ukraine and got his way, he may do so to other countries.”

Germany is now one of the biggest weapon suppliers to Ukraine in the conflict.

A question asked how Germany helped refugees resettle.

Germany instituted a law providing temporary protection for refugees shortly after the conflict started, allowing refugees to apply for housing, work and other assistance.

“Most of these refugees only want to be here as a temporary status,” Thompson said.

Another questioner asked if she was worried that Putin may attack other countries. Many of the other neighboring countries to Russia’s west border are part of the North Atlantic Treaty Organization, meaning if they are attacked, other countries would come to their defense.

“Putin still fears NATO,” Thompson said.

She said that Trump talking about not allowing Ukraine to be part of NATO or walking out of the agreement for the United States emboldens Putin’s objectives.

Thompson was also asked about how she felt seeing the results of the 2024 election and Trump re-elected.

“My jaw has dropped a number of times since he took office again,” Thompson said. “The real worry was the press conference that Zelenskyy and President Trump and Vice President Vance was a real eye opener of how far things have fallen.”

Thompson said she’s worried that Trump damaged the trans-Atlantic partnerships of the United States to a degree that is not known yet.

She also took issue with Trump’s envoy to Russia/ Ukraine.

She was asked about communication many Ukraine refugees have with their families. Because many of their family are in an active war zone with limited electricity, that greatly limits communication channels.

Most of the refugees have arrived in Germany by train.

Others have come through countries like Moldova and Poland to arrive at Germany.

Because Germany is the largest economy in Europe, they are taking on more refugees.

Thompson said there is a far-right presence in Germany opposed to this, though.

She was asked if she was scared to travel to the United States, and Thompson said no, primarily because of her skin complexion and hair color that she was not one to be targeted.

Thompson said many Germans realize that the refugees are helping to benefit the economy, taking many jobs that otherwise would not be completed.

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NEWS

6 | THURSDAY, JULY 17, 2025

MOUNT VERNON-LISBON SUN | MVLSUN.COM

Lisbon Fareway officially open

Ribbon cutting held at new location July 8 Nathan Countryman Mount Vernon-Lisbon Sun

nathan.countryman@mvlsun.com

The new Lisbon Fareway is officially open, cutting the ribbon on the location July 8.

The grocery store spent the last few months updating the former Brothers Market location in Lisbon to a Fareway grocery store.

“We are proud to call this community home,” said Elias Johnson, vice president of corporate outreach and communications at Fareway.

Johnson thanked the partnerships that they have had in the community, including the Mount Vernon-Lisbon Community Development Group and City of Lisbon for all the help along the way. And for the workers at Cabin Coffee for the numerous cups of coffee throughout the months and remaining on with the Fareway store.

Fareway regional manager Roger Wirtz said the partnership with the City of Lisbon included one of the store’s largest interview pools that were hosted at Lisbon City Hall. The new Fareway store is hiring more than 50 employees in the community. Several of those employees previously worked at Brothers Market and spent time working in other Fareway stores in the interim until the local Fareway has opened.

“The community support we’ve seen already has just been amazing,” Wirtz said.

He also thanked Snyder Construction for the quick turnaround on the store in a few short months.

Dustin Lechtenberg, director of market operations of the Lisbon Fareway has said he has spent the past month or so helping to build excitement about the store opening by selling the sizzle of the steak.

“Tomorrow, we begin selling the steak to the commu-

nity,” Lechtenberg said. “Just super happy to be part of this opening.”

“The store turned out beautiful and we can’t wait to ingrain ourselves into the community and surrounding communities,” said Kurt Vavricek of Lisbon Fareway.

“I just want to welcome Fareway to our new community,” said Lisbon mayor Doug O’Connor at the event.

Fareway CEO Reynolds Kramer also welcomed the communities of Lisbon and Mount Vernon to the Fareway family.

“We have to thank the mayor, everyone on city

council and those who helped make this a reality,” Kramer said.

The VIP ribbon cutting had representatives for Senator Joni Ernst, Rep. Cindy Golding, Linn County supervisor Brandy Zumbach-Meisheid, mayor Tom Wieseler and a number of Lisbon and Mount Vernon city council members in attendance, as well as family and friends of many of the employees at the new Fareway store. When the event was over, people were encouraged to do their shopping at the store ahead of their grand opening Wednesday, July 9.

Photos by Nathan Countryman | Mount Vernon-Lisbon Sun

Top: The ribbon is cut at the new Lisbon Fareway Tuesday, July 8.

Above: Members of the Mount Vernon-Lisbon Community Development Group who were at the ribbon cutting include Lisbon Fareway manager Kurt Vavricek, Jake Krob (Mount Vernon Bank and Trust), Tom Wieseler (Mount Vernon mayor), Whitney Schreder, Lisa White (Cornell College), Courtney Frye Speed (Bridge Community Bank), Jessie Thurn (Mount Vernon-Lisbon Community Development Group), Brittney Edwards, Kim Heeren (Pearson and Virlee), John Bardsley (City of Lisbon) and Michelle Zaruba (Hills Bank and Trust).

Above top to bottom: Customers in the produce aisles immediately following the ribbon cutting. Lisbon mayor Doug O’Connor provides brief comments at the ribbon cutting ceremony. The outside of the new Lisbon Fareway store.

Left: Representative Cindy Golding, Mount Vernon city council member Mark Andresen and Mount Vernon mayor Tom Wieseler were among the political candidates at the ribbon cutting.

MVLSUN.COM | MOUNT VERNON-LISBON SUN

RECORDS

THURSDAY, JULY 17, 2025 | 7

OBITUARIES Francis E. Conner, 86, of Lisbon, passed away Tuesday, July 8, 2025, surrounded by his family. Funeral Mass was Saturday, July 12, 2025, at St. John the Baptist Catholic Church in Mount Vernon.

Burial followed in Lisbon Cemetery.

Francis was born May 20, 1939, in rural Mount Vernon, the son of Francis M. and Francis Conner Luella Hazel (Dorcas) Conner.

Francis met the love of his life, Loretta Supple, in 1956 at Highway Gardens, and they were married two years later. He was a devoted husband for 67 years; Francis and Loretta were known around Lisbon for their love of one another, dancing, and having fun.

Francis graduated from Morley High School in 1957.

While growing up on a farm, he still found time to play baseball and basketball, earning all-conference honors as a catcher in 1957. Upon graduation, Francis entered the workforce and retired from Goss in 2001, and in his younger years he served as a volunteer firefighter in Stanwood and Mechanicsville.

Francis shared his love of sports with anyone in earshot and was forever cheering on his Dodgers, Celtics, and any team associated with the University of Iowa (Go Hawks). Attending Lisbon High School athletic events was also a passion, with Lisbon Wrestling being his favorite. Francis also had a lifelong love of fishing and trapping, and could run sturgeon and land monster flatheads with the best of them. Scores of lucky people enjoyed his smoked sturgeon and deep-fat-fried catfish with the help of Loretta’s coleslaw and ice-cold beer.

Francis also delivered his fish to friends and family and was widely known for helping anyone in need.

Francis was fiercely proud of and loyal to his family.

Carrying the name Conner on the back of his jersey was a source of pride that he instilled in his family, and he was never shy with his expectations. He and Loretta spent a lifetime together creating a cohesive family, and Papa Francis’ wonderful smile was at its brightest while spending time with his cherished grandkids and great-grandkids. Francis had the gift of gab and leaves behind hundreds of people who were captured by his willingness to listen and ability to offer advice that was seasoned with down-to-earth humor and a glint in his eye.

Francis is survived by his wife, his children, Julie (Steve) White and Dan (Michelle) Conner; grandchildren, Alexandra Conner and Shelby (William) Bills; step grandchildren, Grady Gross and Aisling Gross; great-grandchildren, Isabel Ramsey, Savannah Ramsey, Tommy Bills, and Ellie Jo Bills; siblings, Nelda (Keith) Techau, Joe (Deb) Conner, Dale (Ronda) Conner, and Mike Conner; and several nieces and nephews.

Francis was preceded in death by his parents, son, Todd Conner, grandson, Matthew White, and siblings, Laurene (Dean) Bohr and Robert Conner.

In lieu of flowers, memorials may be sent to the Lisbon High School wrestling team.

Those unable to attend are invited to watch the service via livestream. Please find the livestream link on Francis’s tribute wall and share your support and memories with his family at www.stewartbaxter.com under obituaries.

Darrel Arle Morf, 81, of Mount Vernon died of pancreatic cancer Thursday, July 10, at his home surrounded by his family. A celebration of life will be held at 10:30 am Monday, July 28, at the Church on Northland (First Baptist Church—Church of the Brethren) with Pastor Patrick Jackson officiating. There will be a visitation at the same Darrel Morf church Sunday, July 27, from 4 to 7 pm. A livestream of the service will be available at thechurchonnorthland.com Born Dec. 24, 1943 to Arle and Ruth Vaala Morf in Fredericksburg, Darrel lived a life filled with joy, achievement, and service.

Darrel’s growing-up years were spent in small- town Iowa. He graduated from Fredericksburg High School in 1962 and continued his education at the University of Iowa where he majored in political science, graduating in 1966 with highest distinction. He graduated with the storied class of 1969 from the U of Iowa College of Law. In 1968 Darrel married Middie Mae Petersen, daughter of Martin and Madge Thompson Petersen of Cushing. It was a lifelong partnership, lasting 56 years. After law school, Darrel clerked for U.S. Court of Appeals Judge Donald Lay in Omaha. He then took a

position with the firm of Simmons Perrine Albright and Elwood in 1970, which later became Simmons Perrine Moyer and Bergman. It was another life-long partnership—he never retired, and he practiced law for 55 years.

He also taught estate planning courses at the U of Iowa Law School for nearly 20 years as an adjunct professor.

Darrel and Middie lived in Cedar Rapids for six years before choosing to move to Mount Vernon. It was a move they never regretted. After living in town for 10 years they moved to the countryside in rural Mount Vernon where Darrel resided until his death. It was in Mount Vernon that they raised their three sons, Paul, Andrew, and Alex.

Darrel immersed himself in church and community affairs. He was a long-time member of the First Baptist Church-Church of the Brethren in Cedar Rapids.

Darrel’s faith was the foundation of the way he lived his life and the way he treated other people. His interest in enriching his community led him to serve as a board member of the Hall Perrine Foundation, Mercy Hospital, Mercy Hospital Foundation, the Herbert Hoover Presidential Library Foundation , and the University of Iowa Law School Foundation. He also served on the American Baptist Ministers and Missionaries Benefit Board, the General Board and the Home Missions Board of American Baptist Churches USA. Darrel was a long-time member of the Mount Vernon Lions Club. He was well known for calling bingo on Mount Vernon’s Main Street on Heritage Days.

Darrel had many passions. He loved to travel, to take in live theater, and to work in his yard and garden. He was an ardent Hawkeye fan, especially football and wrestling. He loved cross-country skiing. He loved to celebrate his Norwegian heritage. He loved the family’s restored prairie, mowing walking trails, and riding with family members in his Gator to seek out the latest wildflowers, birds, and butterflies. He loved to be with people whether in large groups or a few close friends, and he maintained friendships from all the seasons of his life. However, his greatest passion was his family.

His wife, 3 sons and daughters-in-law, and his 9 amazing grandchildren were the light of his life. He was very close to his brother who helped to give him such loving care during his final weeks of life.

He was preceded in death by his parents, Middie’s parents, and his beloved aunts and uncles.

He leaves to mourn his passing and to celebrate his life his wife, Middie; his three sons-- Paul, (Amy Friedl) of rural Mount Vernon, Andrew, (Reagan Morf) of rural Mount Vernon, and Alex (Charise Greene) of Putnam Valley, New York; his grandchildren: Nellie, Abbie, Betsy, Ingrid, Hannah, Annika, Mariah, Eli, and Weston; his brother, Dano Morf, a nephew, Eric Morf, and a niece, Ali Morf Sparks (Asa).

Memorial gifts may be directed to The First Baptist Church-Church of the Brethren or the Mercy Hospital Foundation.

Cole Corner Cathy Boggs Cole Library

Monarch nursery celebrating a decade at Cole

This summer marks the 10th year that Cole Library has had a monarch nursery at the first-floor circulation desk. Patty Ankrum and Andria Cossolotto helped start the nursery allowing us to draw attention to the dwindling numbers of monarchs and to teach patrons – both young and old- how make a difference.

If you think you want to help butterflies leave the milkweed you see in your yard or garden. If you see it growing wild, leave it there for fluttering monarchs to lay their eggs on. It is the only plant the monarchs lay eggs on and that the caterpillar can eat. You can also help all butterflies by putting your herbicides and pesticides away. You don’t want to plant milkweed and other butterfly friendly plants, enticing them to your garden, and then spray poison on their buffet.

If you think you want to raise monarchs we have several books about them and how to do this successfully.

Monarchwatch.com is also a wonderful resource. If you don’t want to raise monarch in your home, you can still stop in and enjoy our nursery. It is an amazing transformation to watch.

Thursday, July 17: 8am-4pm Friday, July 18: 8am-4pm Saturday, July 19: 10am-2pm Sunday, July 20: Closed Monday, July 21: 8am-8pm Tuesday, July 22: 8am-8pm Wednesday, July 23: 8am-4pm Thursday, July 24: 8am-4pm

ate Ann br e l e C Thuerauf’s

90th y rth23rd)da Bi(July

by sending her a card!

1408 Ivanhoe Road, Mount Vernon, IA 52314

POLICE CALLS July 7 – Medical, 200 blk Lincoln Hwy, Mount Vernon July 7 – Agency assist- medical, Linn Co July 8 – Accident, S. Hwy 1, Mount Vernon July 8 – Medical, 500 Truman St, Lisbon July 8 – Alarm, 200 blk W. Main St, Lisbon July 8 – Suspicious activity, 100 blk Ink Rd, Mount Vernon July 8 – Accident, 300 blk Seventh St NE, Mount Vernon July 8 – Juvenile issue, 200 School St, Lisbon July 9 – Disturbance, 100 blk E. Business 30, Lisbon July 9 – Accident, 900 blk Lisbon Rd, Mount Vernon July 9 – Agency assist- fire, Linn Co July 9 – Suspicious vehicle, 300 blk Palisades Rd SW, Mount Vernon July 9 – Medical, 500 blk business 30, Mount Vernon July 9 – Juvenile issue, 100 blk Second St NE, Mount Vernon July 9 – Suspicious vehicle, 200 School St, Lisbon July 10 – Traffic hazard, Franklin St, Lisbon July 10 – Medical, 300 blk First Ave NW, Mount Vernon July 11 – Welfare check, 700 blk First Ave SW, Mount Vernon July 12 – Car unlock, 300 blk Third Ave NW, Mount Vernon July 12 – Alarm, 100 blk Ink Rd, Mount Vernon July 12 – Suspicious vehicle, Sixth Ave, Lisbon July 12 – Car unlock, 200 blk S. First Ave, Mount Vernon July 12 – Suspicious vehicle, 100 blk E. Business 30, Lisbon July 13 – Welfare check, 300 blk First St, Mount Vernon July 13 – Disturbance, 1225 blk First Ave NW, Mount Vernon July 14 – Suspicious activity, 200 blk E. First Ave, Mount Vernon

HERITAGE DAYS 2025

8 | THURSDAY, JULY 17, 2025

MOUNT VERNON-LISBON SUN | MVLSUN.COM

Heritage Days 2025

Photos by Ella McEntaffer | Mount VernonLisbon Sun

Left: Members of the Mount Vernon High School Marching Mustangs perform during the parade.

Photos by AJ Dolan | Mount Vernon-Lisbon Sun

Top: Overlooking the crowd during Heritage Days in the Historic Downtown in Mount Vernon on Saturday, July 12. Above: Parents observe kids attempting a punt during the Heritage Days Punt, Pass & Kick challenge at the Martha Parsons and Family Activities Complex in Mount Vernon on Saturday, July 12.

Right: Bingo host Paul Fugate calls out numbers to participants during Heritage Days in the Historic Downtown in Mount Vernon on Saturday, July 12.

Below: Young kids take off running during the Heritage Days Kids Fun Run at the Martha Parsons and Family Activities Complex in Mount Vernon on Saturday, July 12.

Above: Children race to pick up candy tossed from parade floats during the parade in Mount Vernon.

Many came prepared with bags and buckets.

Right: A couple checks out a pink 1967 Ford Mustang at the Mount Vernon Heritage Days car show.

MVLSUN.COM | MOUNT VERNON-LISBON SUN

HERITAGE DAYS 2025

THURSDAY, JULY 17, 2025 | 9

Photos by Nathan Countryman | Mount Vernon-Lisbon Sun

Above: Young dancers at Dance Arts Iowa dance to Britney Spears “Oops, I Did it Again” at the main stage. Below: The new owner of Spot-On Nutrition puts finishing touches on her ride in the parade Saturday, July 12.

Gary’s Foods was honored with the “Above and Beyond” award for their efforts to support the community at Heritage Days. Full stories on award winners are coming in the July 24 issue.

Yock’s Landing was named the business of the year from the Mount Vernon-Lisbon Community Development Group.

Above: Women for Water in Mount Vernon hosted the Iowa State University Extension Service’s Conservation Station at uptown Mount Vernon Saturday, July 12.

Left: Killaim pulls a block of wood from a game of giant Jenga along First Street. Killaim was visiting Mount Vernon from France.

Right to left: Barb Ihde reads off some of the accomplishments of volunteer of the year Amy Haney at the event in uptown Mount Vernon at Heritage Days. Citizen of the year was Mary Evans for 2025, noting her influence in the Mount Vernon community.

Above: A cook at Scorz grills burgers in their outdoor booth during Heritage Days.

Right: Kids play on the playground equipment at Memorial Park on Saturday, July 12.

CALENDAR & PUZZLES

10 | THURSDAY, JULY 17, 2025

MOUNT VERNON-LISBON SUN | MVLSUN.COM

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 An LGBTQ affirming congregation Sundays in June: 8:30AM Praise Service; 10:15AM Traditional Service Sundays in July and August: 9:30AM All Worship We will return to our 8:30AM Praise and 11AM Traditional service times starting September 7.

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

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

COMMUNITY CALENDAR Thursday, July 17

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.

Voices United of Rural Linn County standing parade, uptown Mount Vernon, 6-7 p.m.

Friday, July 18

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.

Southeast Linn Community Center free lunch, First Presbyterian Church of Mount Vernon, 12:15-1:15 p.m.

MVLCT presents “Jesus Christ Superstar,” First Street Community Center auditorium, 7:30 p.m.

Saturday, July 19

Mount Vernon Farmers Market, Rhubarb Botanicals farm, 9 a.m. to noon.

Seasonal Plant-based cooking class with Mariah Andrews, Southeast Linn Community Center kitchen, 1 p.m.

MVLCT presents “Jesus Christ Superstar,” First Street Community Center auditorium, 7:30 p.m.

Sunday, July 20

MVLCT presents “Jesus Christ Superstar,” First Street Community Center auditorium, 2 p.m.

Monday, July 21

Southeast Linn Community Center free lunch, Mount Vernon United Methodist Church, 12:15-1:15 p.m.

Cole Library Matinee movies for adults “Mickey 17,”

Edited by Will Shortz No. 0612

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.

Cornell College Cole Library Room 108, 1 p.m.

Lisbon City Council, Lisbon City Hall, 7 p.m.

Tuesday, July 22

Lego Club, Cornell College Cole Library second floor, 10 a.m.

Tuesday Morning Book Club, Cornell College Cole Library Room 108, 9:30-11 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, July 23

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 “Folded Fans,” 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) Lisbon Public Library “Dog Tales,” Lisbon Public Library, 4-5 p.m.

Thursday, July 24

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, 1:303:30 p.m.

Across

1 Actress Green of “Casino Royale” 4 Play ground?

9 Edible part of okra 12 Word before or after “open” 14 “Weeping” giant 15 Tick off 16 Condition that Simone Biles has described as giving her a “superpower,” in brief 17 Ticked off 18 ___ Wister, the so-called “father of western fiction” 19 Like some “On Air” signs 20 They draw people 21 Guarded 22 “Principle of parsimony” philosopher 24 Pick up 25 ___ white (lightbulb specification) 26 Sixth word in the Gettysburg Address 27 Exemplar of excellence 30 Cries of wonder 32 She was named the U.S. Soccer Female Player of the Year five years in a row 33 Adds power to, as an engine 34 Writer Capote, to friends 35 Correspondants, fréquemment 37 Stone used in ancient Greek jewelry 38 Orchestra tuner 39 Mini-brawl 40 Owned (up) 41 “___ are like sausages. It is better not to see them being made” (quote attributed to Otto von Bismarck) 42 Visionaries 44 Dining places 45 Some hot spots 48 Phys. or chem.

50 Major basketball feat … or a feature shared by 3-, 6- and 9-Down 57 Sephora competitor 58 Handle, as questions 59 “Hold your horses!”

60 Breaking a tie, informally 61 Article about a photo?

62 Rainbow, to some 63 P, in the NATO alphabet 64 The Titanic disaster partly inspired its invention 65 Org. that developed the “pumpkin suit”

Down

1 McGregor who played Obi-Wan Kenobi 2 Output from Blizzard Entertainment 3 Temporarily established panel 4 Do laps, say 5 Low pressure indicator 6 You can go anywhere with one of these 7 Briefly experienced, with “of” 8 She-eep 9 Gridiron game for young tykes 10 Risks an interception, say 11 Just say “no” to 13 Pulitzer winner Ferber 15 What you have to pony up to play?

23 Oscars V.I.P.s 25 Motor oil brand 26 Epiphanic moments 28 Have one’s feet up, maybe 29 Told “You’re on!,” for example 31 Brings an action against 36 Excel function 38 N.B.A. great Hakeem who is one of only four players ever to achieve a 50-Across (1990) 43 Big thing in California?

44 ___ Max 46 Fans 47 ___ Agnew, vice president who resigned in 1973 48 City that’s an anagram of SALEM 49 Farmer’s squeeze?

50 Pithy remark 51 Leg : fibula :: arm : ___ 52 Crowning 53 Cut and trim 54 Tuscaloosa’s Tide, to fans 55 They may be white or naked 56 High point of a trip to Italy?

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.

PUZZLE SOLUTIONS ON PAGE 2

MVLSUN.COM | MOUNT VERNON-LISBON SUN

NEWS

THURSDAY, JULY 17, 2025 | 11

Names make it tough to ignore human impact of news Randy Evans

One longtime truism of journalism is “Names make news.”

That shorthand stems from the fact people better understand the significance and context of news when they learn about events and issues through the eyes and experiences of people they know or with whom they can identify.

The late Iowa Supreme Court Justice Mark McCormick described the importance of this news tenet by noting how disclosing even sensitive private facts and names offers “a personalized frame of reference to which the reader could relate, fostering perception and understanding” and lends “specificity and credibility.”

Here are two heartbreaking examples from recent events: First, while news reports in the last week focused on the 125+ people who died and some 150 others who remain missing after flash floods swept through the hill country of central Texas, the magnitude of the loss hits harder when you put names with the grim statistics.

Names like 8-year-old twins Hanna and Rebecca Lawrence, who died at Camp Mystic, a summertime haven for girls; camp counselor Claire Childress, 18, who lost her life trying to protect young campers; Richard Eastland, 70, the camp director, who gave his life while trying to save the young girls who filled the camp’s picturesque cabins; and sisters Blair and Brooke Harber, ages 13 and 11, whose bodies were found 15 miles downriver, still holding hands, after being swept from their grandparents’ vacation cabin.

The grandparents, Mike and Charlene Harber, 76 and 74, died, too.

Second, and closer to home, Pascual Pedro, 20, of West Liberty gave Iowans a heart-wrenching names-make-news lesson about the impact of the federal government’s push to deport undocumented immigrants.

Pascual was 13 years old when his father brought him to the United States from Guatemala. His father was deported later, but over the past decade the federal government permitted young Pascual to remain in West Liberty with his grandparents, who have resided there for more than 30 years.

During the presidential campaign last year, Donald Trump vowed at one rally after another that he would seal the U.S. border with Mexico to keep immigrants from entering the U.S. without permission. He also vowed to swiftly deport what he portrayed as hardened criminals — the rapists, murderers, drug dealers, terrorists, crooks and thugs — who are destroying our country and taking jobs from U.S. citizens.

Iowa officials from our governor to our congressional delegation embraced the Trump promise.

Yet, Pascual Pedro was not one of Trump’s “animals.”

He was, according to his friends, school staff, church leaders and neighbors, a well-mannered, well-liked, respectful, hard-working and religious member of the community.

Pascual graduated from West Liberty High School in 2024. There, he excelled in the classroom and on the athletic field. He played on the school’s soccer team that advanced to the state tournament.

After graduating, Pascual began working for his grandfather’s siding company.

There is another important detail about Pascual you need to know: He had a spotless criminal record and never received even a traffic ticket.

Even so, U.S Immigration and Customs Enforcement

Linn County Planning & Zoning to discuss nuclear energy zoning code updates The Linn County Planning & Zoning Commission is meeting Monday, July 21, at 6 p.m. at the Jean Oxley Linn County Public Service Center (935 Second St. SW, Cedar Rapids) to discuss proposed zoning regulations for nuclear energy generation and nuclear waste storage facilities in Linn County. There will be opportunities for public comment during this meeting. This is the second public discussion of a draft zoning code that would establish local standards for reviewing land use proposals involving nuclear power or waste storage in Linn County. The Planning & Zoning Commission will make a recommendation to the Linn County Board of Supervisors at a future meeting.

The proposed zoning code outlines application requirements, review procedures, and host community agreement requirements. The U.S. Nuclear Regulatory Commission (NRC) sets and enforces nationwide standards for designing, constructing, and operating nuclear facilities safely. Local governments, however, retain authority over land-use issues–such as where a facility may be sited, how it fits into surrounding

2025 Iowa State Fair Corndog kickoff benefit auction “stirs up” fundraising success The Iowa State Fair Blue Ribbon Foundation cooked up significant fundraising success at the 2025 Corndog Kickoff Benefit Auction and Fair Food Grazing Party.

The July 12 "Stir It Up" event raised a total of $889,713 toward the renovation and preservation of the historic Iowa State Fairgrounds.

More than 2,000 Iowa State Fair supporters gathered for a night of food and fun in the William C. Knapp Varied Industries Building to raise money for various projects

neighborhoods, and what community benefits or impact-mitigation measures are required. The proposed Linn County zoning code focuses on these local considerations while leaving radiological safety to the NRC. Linn County values resident and stakeholder engagement. Residents are encouraged to review the draft zoning code on the Linn County website before the Planning & Zoning Commission meeting on July 21 and send their feedback, questions, or concerns to Linn County Planning & Development Director Charlie Nichols by email at Charlie.Nichols@LinnCountyIowa. gov. The feedback received will be presented to the Planning & Zoning Commission at their meeting on July 21. Residents can also share their feedback during public comment at the meeting.

The Board of Supervisors will review the proposed zoning code at a future public meeting. The date for the Board of Supervisors meeting(s) has not been set. The Board of Supervisors has the final decision on zoning regulations for nuclear energy generation and nuclear waste storage facilities in unincorporated Linn County. around the Fairgrounds. The Blue Ribbon Foundation auctioned off 31 live and 316 silent auction packages for totals of $335,500 and $121,784, respectively. Patron contributions totaled $381,300.

The Blue Ribbon Foundation encourages the public to attend this year's Iowa State Fair, August 7-17. As you explore the Fair, please enjoy the most recent improvements to the Fairgrounds including window and restroom renovations in the Horse Barn, construction of a new inclusive Variety Star Playground in the Fun Forest and the creation of the Ron and Bev Shivers Family Plaza, which will feature new seating and restrooms.

Iowa State Fair advance admission tickets can be purchased online at www.iowastatefair.org and can be printed at home without fees before August 7. Tickets can be ordered online and mailed with a fee. Adult and child advance admission tickets are also available at participating Iowa Hy-Vee and Fareway stores (while supplies last).

The Iowa State Fair Blue Ribbon Foundation is a nonprofit 501(c)3 organization. Since its inception in 1993, the Foundation has generated more than $210 million for renovation and preservation of the historic Iowa State Fairgrounds. For more information, please contact the Blue Ribbon Foundation at 515-262-3111 Ext. 371 or Info@BlueRibbonFoundation.org.

agents took Pascual into custody on July 1, when he voluntarily showed up in Cedar Rapids for a routine annual check-in with ICE. But this time, ICE took him to the jail in Muscatine.

Within a few days they moved him to a federal detention center in Louisiana. Then, over the July 4 holiday weekend — before the family’s attorney could ask for a court hearing — Donald Trump’s federal government flew Pascual to Guatemala.

Since then, hundreds of people in eastern Iowa have held rallies and vigils to try to pressure the government and members of Iowa’s congressional delegation to return Pascual and to support reasonable and compassionate treatment of law-abiding immigrants who enrich their communities, contribute to Iowa’s economy and lack a criminal record.

Pedro’s supporters include his parish priest in West Liberty and Bishop Dennis Walsh, who heads the Catholic diocese of Davenport.

Their calls for humane and just outcomes sound reasonable simply because they are.

Republican leaders in Iowa, including Gov. Kim Reynolds and U.S. Senator Chuck Grassley, made statements in support of the president’s promise on July 3 at the State Fairgrounds to protect undocumented, law-abiding immigrants working on farms and meat processing plants from deportation.

They echoed the president’s statement that he never wants to “hurt our farmers. Our farmers are great people. They keep us happy and healthy and fat.”

The president put a good spin on that when he told reporters, “We can’t put the farms out of business. And at the same time, we don’t want to hurt people that aren’t criminals.”

Tell that to Pascual Pedro, if you can find him.

His story is not nameless, faceless or victimless.

REAL ESTATE

PUBLIC NOTICES

12 | THURSDAY, JULY 17, 2025 IowaPublicNotices.com LINN COUNTY BOARD OF SUPERVISORS

CEDAR RAPIDS, LINN COUNTY, IOWA MONDAY, JUNE 30, 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.

Motion by Meisheid, seconded by Running-Marquardt to approve minutes of June 25, 2025 as printed.

Motion by Running-Marquardt, seconded by Scheetz to approve claims for accounts payable check dated 6/29/25 #71018286 in the amount of $100.00 and to approve voided check totaling $100.00.

Erin Foster, Mental Health Access Center Dir., presented a contract between Iowa Primary Care Association (PCA) and Linn County for fiscal year 2026 funding for the Linn County Mental Health Access Center.

The old behavioral health system sunset today and the PCA is taking over all contracting for Mental Health and Substance Abuse services. This contract is for the triage, peer services and Linn County’s portion of the Access Center. The contract does not include all their services since the other services provided are billable and those contracts will be presented to the Board next week for the specific services they provide to the Access Center.

This contract is for roughly $1.3 million, noting that the original request was closer to $1.6 million, and they have removed any growth that they wanted to add to this year’s funding request. PCA will revisit the contract and amount for calendar year 2026 to see if there is room in their budget to justify additional positions.

Discussion continued regarding the funding breakdown that was negotiated.

Supervisor Running-Marquardt stated that the work Foster has done has been astounding. She thanked those that have been involved advocating for the contract.

People come to the Access Center to be provided with quality care in a time of crisis. She looks forward to the possibility of upcoming amendments to the contract and thanked everyone once again for their hard work.

Supervisor Scheetz noted that this has been a turbulent process with a lot of moving pieces. He has confidence in Foster being in charge and navigating the county through this. It is a very important service for the area, not just Linn County. He thanked Running-Marquardt and others for their work on this.

Supervisor Meisheid also thanked everyone for their work on this contract.

Motion by Meisheid, seconded by Running-Marquardt to authorize the Chair to sign a contract between Iowa Primary Care Association and Linn County for fiscal year 2026 funding for the Linn County Mental Health Access Center.

Luke Fischer, Facilities Dir., presented an Order Form between Linn County and RenoDry to install a RenoDry Dehydration System in the Jean Oxley Public Service Center for an amount of $57,000. This is the same system that is being installed at the Courthouse just a separate contract.

Supervisor Meisheid asked how this will benefit the Public Service Center (PSC) and Fischer responded that the PSC is the county’s oldest building with a lot of limestone with the foundation. Water has come through the east wall foundation in the past and this is a way to protect the foundation.

Supervisor Running-Marquardt stated that she spoke with Fischer and Darrin Gage and this system will increase the life of the PSC and save the county money down the road.

Motion by Meisheid, seconded by Running-Marquardt to approve an Order Form between Linn County and RenoDry to install a RenoDry Dehydration System in the Jean Oxley Public Service Center for an amount of $57,000.

Tracy Houdeshell, Deputy Treasurer, presented a Resolution to Approve Financial Institutions as Depositories for Linn County Funds noting that the county has not done a resolution for a couple of years.

The resolution is for institutions that have presence in Linn County to accept public funds (checking account, savings account, money market account, etc.). They pledge collateral to secure Linn County’s funds.

There have been changes since the last resolution including bank names and deposit limits.

The Board will approve Wednesday.

Luke Maloney, Building Official, discussed setting a public hearing date of July 7, 2025, at 10 a.m. for an ordinance amending Chapter 105, Article III of the Linn County, Iowa Code of Ordinances, pertaining to the Linn County Electrical Code. They are switching to the new version of the National Electrical Code to stay in compliance with state law. The Electrical Board of Appeals does recommend approval.

Motion by Meisheid, seconded by Running-Marquardt to set public hearing date of July 7, 2025 at 10 a.m. for an ordinance amending Chapter 105, Article III of the Linn County, Iowa Code of Ordinances, pertaining to the Linn County Electrical Code.

Motion by Meisheid, seconded by Running-Marquardt to open public hearing on a proposed ordinance amending the Code of Ordinances, Linn County, Iowa, by amending provisions in Chapter 107, pertaining to Variances/Special Exceptions and Accessory Dwelling Units Stephanie Lientz, Planning & Development, discussed the proposed ordinance amending the Code of Ordinances, Linn County, Iowa, by amending provisions in Chapter 107, pertaining to Variances/Special Exceptions and Accessory Dwelling Units due to recent state legislative changes. Proposed changes for the Accessory Dwelling Units (ADU) include: revising language related to the allowed size of the ADU; removing the requirement that either the ADU or associated single-family detached dwelling, whichever is larger; removing the requirement that the ADU or an associated principal dwelling be owner

occupied and allowing a mobile/manufactured home to be used as an ADU in any zoning district where a single-family dwelling is allowed. Proposed changes for Variances/Special Exceptions include the state adding a practical difficulty standard, which Linn County already has, and a variance standard is a necessary hardship.

They are taking the opportunity to update standards, combine some standard and remove any duplications. Proof of publication was presented and there were no oral or written objections.

Supervisor Meisheid asked if everything being changed is being driven by state code and Lientz responded that is correct.

Motion by Meisheid, seconded by Running-Marquardt to close public hearing.

Motion by Meisheid, seconded by Running-Marquardt to approve upon First Consideration an ordinance amending the Code of Ordinances, Linn County, Iowa, by amending provisions in Chapter 107, pertaining to Variances/Special Exceptions and Accessory Dwelling Units.

Motion by Meisheid, seconded by Running-Marquardt to open public hearing on a request to change the rural land use map designation of a property located at 1212 Stoney Point Road, Cedar Rapids, Iowa, from Critical Natural Resource Area (CNRA) to Metro Urban Service Area (MUSA).

Mike Tertinger, Planning & Development, discussed a request to change the rural land use map designation of a property located at 1212 Stoney Point Road, Cedar Rapids, Iowa, from Critical Natural Resource Area (CNRA) to Metro Urban Service Area (MUSA) noting that this request and the next two run together. The Planning & Zoning Commission approved these items on July 16th and Planning & Development recommend approval as well. This was triggered by a property owner that is combining two parcels into one. Proof of publication was presented and there were no oral or written objections. They did receive one inquiry during the process but that is it.

Motion by Meisheid, seconded by Running-Marquardt to close public hearing.

Motion by Meisheid, seconded by Running-Marquardt to open public hearing on a request to rezone .26 acres located at 1212 Stoney Point Road, Cedar Rapids, Iowa, from Rural Residential 1-Acre (RR1) to Urban Services Residential (USR).

Tertinger stated that this is associated rezoning for the case, and they have approval from everyone. Proof of publication was presented and there were no oral or written objections.

Supervisor Running-Marquardt stated that this request is changing from RR1 to USR and asked what else is changing.

Tertinger responded that RR1 districts were created with a one acre minimum and USR puts a cap on residential lot size with a maximum now instead of a minimum.

Motion by Meisheid, seconded by Running-Marquardt to close public hearing.

Motion by Meisheid, seconded by Running-Marquardt to approve upon First Consideration a request to rezone .26 acres located at 1212 Stoney Point Road, Cedar Rapids, Iowa, from Rural Residential 1-Acre (RR1) to Urban Services Residential (USR).

Motion by Meisheid, seconded by Running-Marquardt to open public hearing on the fiscal year 2025 fourth proposed budget amendment.

Sara Bearrows, Budget Dir., presented proof of publication and there were no oral or written objections. This is a last minute amendment to cover expedited ARPA expenditures and Mid-American inspection pipeline fees which the county will receive reimbursement for.

Board members thanked Bearrows for her work on this.

Motion by Meisheid, seconded by Running-Marquardt to close public hearing.

Motion by Meisheid, seconded by Running-Marquardt to approve the fiscal year 2025 fourth proposed budget amendment and adopt Resolution 2025-6-99 Expenditures cannot exceed the following fiscal year 2025 appropriations by organization:

2025-6-100 Expenditures cannot exceed the following fiscal year 2026 appropriations by organization:

Motion by Meisheid, seconded by Running-Marquardt to approve Retail Tobacco License for the Troy Store, 5913 Main Street, Troy Mills, IA. Motion by Meisheid, seconded by Running-Marquardt to approve the Employment Change Roster (detail is available upon request).

Motion by Meisheid, seconded by Running-Marquardt to enter into a closed session to discuss pending litigation, pursuant to Code of Iowa 21.5(1)(c), and Iowa Code Section 21.5(1)(j) to discuss the purchase or sale of real estate.

VOTE: Meisheid – Aye, Running-Marquardt – Aye, Scheetz – Aye Motion by Meisheid, seconded by Running-Marquardt to go out of closed session.

VOTE: Meisheid – Aye, Running-Marquardt – Aye, Scheetz – Aye Adjournment at 11:06 a.m.

Respectfully submitted, TODD E. TAYLOR, Linn County Auditor By: Amanda Brown, Deputy Auditor Approved by: BRANDY Z. MEISHEID, Chairperson Board of Supervisors Published in the Sun July 17, 2025.

LINN COUNTY BOARD OF SUPERVISORS

CEDAR RAPIDS, LINN COUNTY, IOWA TUESDAY, JULY 1, 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 Elected Officials: Nick Maybanks, County Attorney – Case filings have been stable; three interns have been hired (thanked Gayle Keiser for encouraging and developing this program); truancy case work continues; renewed commitment in rocket docket; reviewing I-Subpoena program; new handsfree law took effect July 1st; changes to penalties for sexual exploitation and felon in possession of firearm cases.

Carolyn Siebrecht, Recorder – Recorder’s fee modernization legislation did not go through (pending Senate action for next year); their office chose to support the non-profit charity Mason’s Lighthouse this year; new law changes gender designation on birth and marriage certificates (no longer include optional); more flexible hunting and fishing rights for licenses; new property fraud alert went into effect due to scams on the rise.

Brent Oleson, Treasurer – Legislative changes have allowed their office to process any county title transfers and they are on track.

Jen Hebert, Deputy Treasurer – New appointment system is live as of July 1st with the first appointments to begin on July 10th. Their office will be closed on July 9th due to the software changes for online scheduling. Hebert emphasized that walk-in services will still be allowed.

They are also collaborating with the Sheriff’s Office regarding these changes.

Todd Taylor, Auditor – Working through fiscal year end; payroll is on track with early submittal due to the holiday; ongoing conversations about the drop box vault; two new staff members joining the team prior to the end of July due to retirements.

Adjournment at 9:28 a.m.

Respectfully submitted, TODD E. TAYLOR, Linn County Auditor Approved by: BRANDY Z. MEISHEID, Chairperson Board of Supervisors Published in the Sun July 17, 2025.

LINN COUNTY BOARD OF SUPERVISORS

Bearrows also presented a Resolution Approving the Appropriation of the Fiscal Year 2026 Budget. This resolution sets the appropriations that begin tomorrow with previously approved budget amounts and is a yearly occurrence at the end of the fiscal year.

Motion by Meisheid, seconded by Running-Marquardt to adopt Resolution

CEDAR RAPIDS, LINN COUNTY, IOWA WEDNESDAY, JULY 2, 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 and led the Pledge of Allegiance.

Motion by Meisheid, seconded by Running-Marquardt to approve Consent Agenda as follows: Resolution 2025-7-101 A Resolution Approving Financial Institutions as Depositories for Linn County Funds WHEREAS, Iowa Code Section 12C.2 states, “The approval of a financial institution as a depository of public funds for a public body shall be by written resolution or order that shall be entered of record in the minutes of the approving board, and that shall distinctly name each depository approved, and specify the maximum amount that may be kept on deposit in each depository.”

BE IT THEREFORE RESOLVED by the Linn County Board of Supervisors that pursuant to all applicable provisions of Iowa Code Chapter 12C, the financial institutions listed below are approved as depositories for Linn County, Iowa public funds for the deposit limit specified for each respective financial institution.

Depository Home Office Location Deposit Limit Bankers Trust Des Moines, Iowa................ .......................................$200,000,000.00 Bank Iowa Independence, Iowa.................. .........................................$30,000,000.00 Bridge Community Bank Mechanicsville, Iowa....................................$1,500,000.00 Cedar Rapids Bank and Trust Cedar Rapids, Iowa...........................$10,000,000.00 Central State Bank Coralville, Iowa............. ...........................................$7,500,000.00 Citizens State Bank Springville, Iowa......... ...........................................$2,000,000.00 Community Savings Bank Edgewood, Iowa..................................$15,000,000.00 Corda Credit Union Cedar Rapids, Iowa..... .........................................$10,000,000.00 Exchange State Bank Springville, Iowa...... ...........................................$1,500,000.00 Fairfax State Savings Bank Fairfax, Iowa.... ...........................................$5,000,000.00 Farmers and Merchants Savings Manchester, Iowa.....................$15,000,000.00 Farmers State Bank Marion, Iowa.............. .........................................$15,000,000.00 GreenState Credit Union North Liberty, Iowa..................................$25,000,000.00 Heartland Bank and Trust Company Central City, Iowa......................$7,500,000.00 Hiawatha Bank and Trust Hiawatha, Iowa... ...........................................$4,500,000.00 Hills Bank and Trust Lisbon, Iowa.............. .........................................$50,000,000.00 Iowa Public Agency Investment Trust (IPAIT) Des Moines, Iowa........$5,000,000.00 Kerndt Brothers Bank Cedar Rapids, Iowa ...........................................$5,000,000.00 Mount Vernon Bank and Trust Mount Vernon, Iowa..........................$30,000,000.00 Ohnward Bank Cascade, Iowa.................... .........................................$30,000,000.00 Depository Home Office Location Deposit Limit Solon State Bank Solon, Iowa.................... ...........................................$1,500,000.00 US Bank Des Moines, Iowa........................ .......................................$200,000,000.00 BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED Linn County officials are hereby authorized to deposit Linn County funds in amounts not to exceed the deposit limit as listed above for each respective financial institution.

Resolution 2025-7-102 AN AMENDMENT TO THE LINN COUNTY 2000 RURAL LAND USE MAP BE IT RESOLVED by the Board of Supervisors, Linn County, Iowa, that the following amendment, Case PA25-0002, be made to the Rural Land Use Map of the Linn County Comprehensive Plan, dated July 19, 2013: Amend the Rural Land Use Map designation from Critical Natural Resources Area (CNRA) to Metro Urban Service Area (MUSA) on the Linn County Rural Land Use Plan Map as shown below.

Resolution 2025-7-103 A Resolution Awarding the Contract to Peterson Contractors Inc. for the Matsell Park Road Bridge 797 Replacement for an amount of $3,699,622.95 and authorize Bradley J. Ketels, Garret A. Reddish, or Curtis A. Logan, County Engineer or Assistant County Engineer, to execute the contract. Project FM-C057(173)—55-57 WHEREAS, the Board of Supervisors, hereafter referred to as “the Board”, believes the FM-C057(173)- -55-57, hereafter referred to as “the project” is in the best interest of Linn County, Iowa, and the residents thereof. The project is defined as a replacement of bridge 797 and approaches – steel girder on Matsell Park Road; and WHEREAS, the Board has sought appropriate professional guidance for the concept and planning for the project and followed the steps as required by the Code of Iowa for notifications, hearings, and bidding/letting; and WHEREAS, The Board finds this res-

MOUNT VERNON-LISBON SUN | MVLSUN.COM olution appropriate and necessary to protect, preserve, and improve the rights, privileges, property, peace, safety, health, welfare, comfort, and convenience of Linn County and its citizens, all as provided for in and permitted by section 331.301 of the Code of Iowa; and IT IS THEREFORE RESOLVED by Board to accept the bid from Peterson Contractors Inc. in the amount of $3,699,622.95 and awards the associated contract(s) to the same; BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED that all other resolutions or parts of resolutions in conflict with this resolution are hereby repealed. If any part of this resolution is adjudged invalid or unconstitutional, such adjudication shall not affect the validity of the resolution or action of The Board as a whole or any part thereof not adjudged invalid or unconstitutional. This resolution shall be in full force and effect from and after the date of its approval as provided by law; and BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED by the Board of Supervisors of Linn County, Iowa, that after receiving the necessary contract documents, including but not limited to, the contractor’s bond and certificate of insurance, Bradley J. Ketels, Garret A. Reddish or Curtis A. Logan, the County Engineer or Assistant County Engineer for Linn County, Iowa, be and is hereby designated, authorized, and empowered on behalf of the Board of Supervisors of said County to execute the contracts in connection with the afore awarded construction project let through the DOT for this county.

Resolution 2025-7-104 A Resolution Recognizing, Commending, and Thanking Becky Shoop for 50 Years of Dedicated Service to Linn County WHEREAS, Becky Shoop began her distinguished career with Linn County on May 27, 1975, and has provided exceptional service to residents and employees of Linn County for 50 years; and WHEREAS, throughout her 50 years of service, Becky has demonstrated unwavering commitment and professionalism, earning the respect of her colleagues and the community; and WHEREAS, Becky has played a vital role in the success, and positive reputation of Linn County, holding key positions such as First Deputy Auditor and Interim County Auditor, consistently going above and beyond in service to the public and her fellow employees; and WHEREAS, Becky has been a mentor and role model to Linn County staff, exemplifying loyalty, integrity, hard work, and dedication; and WHEREAS, achieving 50 years of service is a rare and remarkable accomplishment that is worthy of special recognition and celebration.

BE IT THEREFORE RESOLVED that the Board of Supervisors hereby recognizes and commends Becky Shoop for her outstanding 50 years of service and extends its deepest gratitude for her invaluable contributions, exceptional dedication, and lasting impression on Linn County.

Resolution 2025-7-105 A Resolution Approving the Contract and/or Payment Bonds for the Linn County Courthouse Exterior Restoration Project WHEREAS, the Linn County Board of Supervisors (“Board”) on June 4, 2025, awarded a contract for the Linn County Courthouse Exterior Restoration Project (“Project”) to TNT Tuckpointing & Building Restoration, LLC (“Contractor”), and fixed the amount of the performance and/ or payment bonds required for the Project; and, WHEREAS, the Contractor duly signed the contract for the Project, and the contract appears to be in proper form; and, WHEREAS, the Contractor filed satisfactory performance and/or payment bonds in the amount fixed by the Board.

BE IT THEREFORE RESOLVED the Board hereby approves the aforementioned contract and performance and/ or payment bonds, authorizes the Board chairperson to execute said contract, declares the contract and performance and/or payment bonds binding upon the parties thereto, and authorizes the Board chairperson to execute a Notice to Proceed.

Approve and authorize the Chair to sign a Certificate of Self-Insurance to allow Linn County employees and agents working with Early Learning and Development services to provide professional development supports.

Approve and authorize the Chair to sign a Certificate of Self-Insurance to allow Linn County employees and agents working with Healthy Families Nurturing Parenting Program intended to provide long-term home visitation family support services to Linn County families.

Approve and authorize the Chair to sign a Certificate of Self-Insurance to allow

Linn County employees and agents working with Linn County Community Services Child Development Center to increase access to extended day and wraparound care for Linn County families.

Approve and authorize the Chair to sign a Certificate of Self-Insurance to allow Linn County employees and agents working with My Care Community (Coordinated Intake Services) to provide coordinated intake services for early access supports prior to release for individuals with children under the age of 6 that are exiting correctional facilities.

Approve and authorize the Chair to execute a Listing Change and Sold Form with Skogman Realty, extending the listing period for the Fillmore Building through December 30, 2025.

Approve and authorize the Chair to sign an agreement between Linn County Board of Health/Public Health and Linn County Community Services/Home Health for the amount of $106,745 effective July 1, 2025, through June 30, 2026. LPHS_ LCCS_2026.

Approve and authorize the Chair to sign a service agreement between Linn County and the Linn County Juvenile Detention (LCJD) Medical Director to provide the final medical judgment regarding health care delivery to inmates at the LCJD center for the amount of $32,500 effective July 1, 2025, through June 30, 2026.

Approve and authorize the Chair to sign a Service Agreement between Linn County and the Linn County Correctional Center (LCCC) Physician to provide medical treatment to patients referred by the LCCC staff in the amount of $30,000 annually, effective July 1, 2025, through June 30, 2026.

Approve and authorize the Chair to sign a Service Agreement between Linn County and Linn County Correctional Center (LCCC) Medical Director to provide the final medical judgment regarding health care delivery to inmates at the LCCC in the amount of $56,429 effective July 1, 2025, through June 30, 2026.

Approve Class C Retail Alcohol License for Edith Lucille’s Bait Shack, 6913 Mount Vernon Rd SE, noting all conditions have been met.

Approve application for Display Fireworks permit for Darrell Merta to conduct a display at 967 East Bertram Rd, Mt Vernon on July 5, 2025, noting all conditions have been met.

Motion by Meisheid, seconded by Running-Marquardt to remove from the agenda: Third and Final Consideration of an ordinance amending the code of Ordinances, Linn County, Iowa, by amending provisions in Chapter 105 Article III, pertaining to Electrical Installations.

Lisa Powell, HR Dir., presented the Policies and Procedures for Management, Non-Bargaining and Confidential Personnel effective July 1, 2025 that was previously discussed at a Board meeting and summarized the updates.

Motion by Meisheid, seconded by Running-Marquardt to approve revisions to the Policies and Procedures for Management, Non-Bargaining and Confidential Personnel effective July 1, 2025.

Powell presented the Group Insurance Policy PM-028 that was previously discussed at a Board meeting and summarized the updates.

Motion by Meisheid, seconded by Running-Marquardt to approve revisions to the Group Insurance Policy PM-028.

Powell presented the Family Medical Leave Act Policy PM-009 that was previously discussed at a Board meeting and summarized the updates.

Motion by Meisheid, seconded by Running-Marquardt to approve revisions to the Family Medical Leave Act Policy PM-009.

Powell presented the Employee Recognition and Training Policy PM-007 and summarized the changes and updates.

Supervisor Meisheid is in favor of the updates noting that it is the little things that will help employees to feel like they are valued. She thanked all of Linn County’s employees.

The Board will approve next week.

Powell presented the Promotions and Transfers Policy PM-025 and summarized the changes and updates. Clarification was given that the budget impact would be minimal.

Supervisor Running-Marquardt stated that she appreciates all the work that Powell and her staff have put into these policy updates.

The Board will approve next week.

Rhonda Betsworth, Deputy Auditor, presented and explained the approval of additional 2024 Homestead and Military Allowances and Disallowances.

Supervisor Running-Marquardt added that this is an important thing they do.

Motion by Meisheid, seconded by Running-Marquardt to approve additional

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2024 Homestead and Military Allowances and Disallowances.

Betsworth also presented the property tax levies for FY2025-2026 tax collections and explained the process. Levy rates are published on Linn County’s website and the Board can approve and/or accept them as part of the motion.

Supervisor Running-Marquardt thanked Betsworth for checking with our counties. She added that the Board has the ability to approve publication of the tax levies.

Motion by Meisheid, seconded by Running-Marquardt to change the wording of the agenda item from approve to accept.

Motion by Meisheid, seconded by Running-Marquardt to accept the property tax levies for FY2025-2026 tax collections.

Sara Bearrows, Budget Dir., presented the fiscal year 2026 amendment request and a request to set a public hearing on the proposed amended budget for July 23, 2025 at 10 a.m. She stated that this is not a normal amendment request noting that they typically wait until December to do an amendment. There are some carryover projects and a large grant for Planning & Development that need to be funded earlier than December and there are not enough funds to cover the payouts.

Motion by Meisheid, seconded by Running-Marquardt to set public hearing on the proposed amended budget for July 23, 2025 at 10 a.m.

Stephanie Lientz, Planning & Development, stated there have not been any changes or comments received.

Motion by Meisheid, seconded by Running-Marquardt to approve upon Second Consideration an ordinance amending the Code of Ordinances, Linn County, Iowa, by amending provisions in Chapter 107, pertaining to Variances/Special Exceptions and Accessory Dwelling Units.

Mike Tertinger, Planning & Development, stated there have not been any changes or comments received.

Motion by Meisheid, seconded by Running-Marquardt to approve upon Second Consideration a request to rezone .26 acres located at 1212 Stoney Point Road, Cedar Rapids, Iowa, from Rural Residential 1-Acre (RR1) to Urban Services Residential (USR).

Motion by Meisheid, seconded by Running-Marquardt to appoint Luke Swanson to the Plumbing Board of Appeals for a three-year term, ending December 31, 2027.

Motion by Meisheid, seconded by Running-Marquardt to enter into closed session pursuant to Iowa Code Section 21.5(1)(k) to discuss information contained in records in the custody of a governmental body that are confidential records pursuant to section 22.7(50).

VOTE: Meisheid – Aye, Scheetz – Aye...

Running-Marquardt – Aye Motion by Meisheid, seconded by Running-Marquardt to go out of closed session.

VOTE: Meisheid – Aye, Scheetz – Aye, Running-Marquardt – Aye Adjournment at 11:13 a.m.

Respectfully submitted, TODD E. TAYLOR, Linn County Auditor By: Amanda Brown, Deputy Auditor Approved by: BRANDY Z. MEISHEID, Chairperson Board of Supervisors Published in the Sun July 17, 2025.

CLASSIFIEDS

LINN COUNTY BOARD OF SUPERVISORS

CEDAR RAPIDS, LINN COUNTY, IOWA MONDAY, JULY 7, 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.

Motion by Meisheid, seconded by Running-Marquardt to approve minutes of June 30, July 1st & July 2nd, as printed.

Motion by Running-Marquardt, seconded by Scheetz to approve claim dated 7/3/25 for payroll deduction checks #71018287 - #71018292 in the amount of $10,516.39, ACH in the amount of $22,988.93, an EFT wire in the amount of $28,591.33 and a Ceridian ER Funds Trust Wire in the amount of $2,236,307.78, for a total of $2,298,404.43.

Rhonda Betsworth, Deputy Auditor, presented a Resolution Fixing Township Compensation. The code of Iowa requires that the Board pay township clerks and trustees noting that the rate has been the same since 2020. There was a change made to add per diem for meetings due to new IPERS guidelines. Turnover has been high for the last several years with clerks and trustees and a recent situation regarding a clerk submitting more hours than others, so they are recommending a limit on hours. This resolution does not change the pay rate; it defines what a meeting is for the purpose of pay. Darrin Gage and Lisa Epp are reviewing the resolution.

Discussion continued regarding the length of meetings and what the hourly limit should be.

Supervisor Running-Marquardt

thanked Betsworth and staff for their work on this along with the township clerks and trustees who keep things running. They appreciate all the work that is done to keep the community together.

Supervisor Scheetz thanked Betsworth for the presentation and background information she provided.

Supervisor Meisheid thanked all the local individuals who serve the community. She invited others listening to today’s meeting to consider working as a township clerk or trustee.

Motion by Meisheid, seconded by Running-Marquardt to open public hearing on a proposed ordinance amending Chapter 105, Article III of the Linn County, Iowa Code of Ordinances, pertaining to the Linn County Electrical Code.

Luke Maloney, Building Official, recapped the updates to the ordinance that he discussed at a recent Board meeting.

Motion by Meisheid, seconded by Running-Marquardt to close public hearing.

Motion by Meisheid, seconded by Running-Marquardt to approve upon First Consideration an ordinance amending Chapter 105, Article III of the Linn County, Iowa Code of Ordinances, pertaining to the Linn County Electrical.

Public Comment: Kirsten Running-Marquardt, 3515 Fieldstone Place SW, CR, stated that she had a reflective weekend with her birthday and the 4th of July. She thought about things she’s appreciative of with her colleagues and all of the staff at Linn County. The level of excellence in serving Linn County is something she is grateful for. Watching the news this weekend took her back to the flood of 2008. She highlighted the devastation in Texas with the lives lost and missing people. She is sending love and prayers to the Texas community and asked others to do the same. If people would like, donations can be made to the American Red Cross and the World Central Kitchen (donate.wck.org). She asked for a moment of silence for those families and communities.

Supervisor Meisheid expressed appreciation for Running-Marquardt’s comments and wished her a happy birthday on Sunday.

Supervisor Scheetz also thanked Running-Marquardt for her comments and wished her a super happy birthday.

Motion by Meisheid, seconded by Running-Marquardt to approve Employment Change Roster (detail is available upon request).

Motion by Meisheid, seconded by Running-Marquardt to appoint Chris Meader to the Board of Adjustment to fill an unexpired term, ending December 31, 2028.

Supervisor Running-Marquardt added that at some point they will need to address the new laws that have changed requirements for people who are appointed.

Adjournment at 10:19 a.m.

Respectfully submitted, TODD E. TAYLOR, Linn County Auditor By: Amanda Brown, Deputy Auditor Approved by: BRANDY Z. MEISHEID, Chairperson Board of Supervisors Published in the Sun July 17, 2025.

NOTICE OF MEETING FOR APPROVAL OF DEVELOPMENT AGREEMENT WITH GOOSE BAY PROPERTIES, LLC AND AUTHORIZATION OF ANNUAL APPROPRIATION TAX INCREMENT PAYMENTS

The City Council of the City of Lisbon, Iowa, will meet at the Lisbon City Hall, on July 28, 2025, at 7:00 p.m., at which time and place proceedings will be instituted and action taken to approve a Development Agreement between the City and Goose Bay Properties, LLC (the “Company”) in connection with the construction by the Company of new manufacturing and office space facilities for use in its business operations in the Lisbon Urban Renewal Area, which Agreement provides for certain financial incentives in the form of annual appropriation incremental property tax payments in an amount not to exceed $1,500,000 under the authority of Section 403.9(1) of the Code of Iowa.

The commitment to make annual appropriation incremental property tax payments to the Company under the Development Agreement will not be a general obligation of the City, but such payments will be payable solely and only from incremental property tax revenues generated within the Lisbon Urban Renewal Area.

Payments under the Development Agreement will be subject to annual appropriation by the City Council.

At the meeting, the City Council will receive oral or written objections from any resident or property owner of the City. Thereafter, the City Council may, at the meeting or at an adjournment thereof, take additional action to approve the Development Agreement or may abandon the proposal.

This notice is given by order of the City Council of Lisbon, Iowa, in accordance with Section 403.9 of the Code of Iowa.

Christina Eicher City Clerk Published in the Sun July 17, 2025.

Condo For Sale

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Quiet Neighborhood. $690 month + deposit. Available August 1. Call 319-361-9872.

THURSDAY, JULY 17, 2025 | 13

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Julie’s Jamboree July 31

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Friends of Iowa CASA & ICFCRB announces the first annual Julie’s Jamboree fundraiser, which will take place from 5:30-8:30 p.m. on July 31 at Morgan Creek Park (7212 E Ave. NW, Cedar Rapids).

This night out at the park is for the whole family - join us for an evening of fun with inflatables, yard games, food, music, and a one-mile fun run/walk.

All proceeds will further the Friends of Iowa CASA & ICFCRB mission: supporting volunteer advocacy programs for children who experience abuse and neglect.

Since 1998, Friends has served as the non-profit partner for the Iowa Child Advocacy Board and aided in sustaining and growing Iowa’s court-appointed special advocate (CASA) and foster care review board (FCRB) programs, comprised of 500 volunteers.

Julie’s Jamboree is named for Julie Hansen, Friends’ board Vice President and local long-time CASA volunteer, who passed unexpectedly last November.

“Julie would have loved this event,” Meghan Malloy, Friends’ Executive Director, said. “Her dedication to juvenile justice and the well-being of children was wellknown in the Cedar Rapids area, and our organization continues to miss her. We feel immensely honored to remember her legacy with Julie’s Jamboree.”

Friends’ support to CASA (court-appointed special advocate) and FCRB (foster care review board) volunteers is provided in a variety of ways – providing gas cards to volunteers to off-set travel costs to visit children, volunteer recruitment across Iowa, volunteer appreciation efforts, and educating Iowans on why the CASA and foster care review boards are critical. There are 27 volunteer advocates in the district (Linn, Johnson, Jones, Benton, Iowa, Tama, Poweshiek Counties) advocating for 66 children, although there are 1,635 total children in Linn and Johnson Counties alone residing in out-of-home placement. Out-of-home placement includes licensed foster care, relatives or family friends, and shelter care, among other arrangements.

As with all of Friends’ events, all are welcome.

Tickets are $40/each or make it a four-pack for $120.

Each admission includes a ticket for food and a commemorative T-shirt. To purchase tickets, please visit www.iowacasafriends.org.

You’ll find it all under the Sun.

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14 | THURSDAY, JULY 17, 2025

MOUNT VERNON-LISBON SUN | MVLSUN.COM

LISBON BASEBALL

HOLE IN ONE Lisbon baseball season ends Ryan Suchomel Mount Vernon-Lisbon Sun ryan.suchomel@mvlsun.com

Lisbon baseball wanted to keep the season going, but Midland had other plans.

The Eagles won 5-2 in a Class 1A District quarterfinal on Monday, July 9, at City Park.

“We would’ve liked to play at least one more,” Lisbon coach Lance Kamaus said. “Things don’t always go your way.”

Midland rolled the dice with their No. 2 pitcher, Kael Cress against the Lions, saving All-State pitcher Anthony Herrington for No. 5 North Linn the next night. (The Lynx beat the Eagles anyway, 13-3, in six innings.)

Cress kept the Lions at bay, limiting them to just two hits.

“He threw well,” Kamaus said. “We hit him earlier in the year. It’s just one of those things. He just had our number tonight.”

The lone Lion to put a dent in him was No. 9 hitter Jackson Knapp, who hit two triples.

“It just wasn’t our night,” Knapp said. “We came in feeling pretty good. We played them earlier in the year and put up a good fight, so we were confident.”

Midland won the Tri-Rivers doubleheader against Lisbon back on Juen 23, 13-3 and 12-11.

The Eagles got on the scoreboard in the first inning thanks to two walks and an error. In the third inning, Masyn Brodersen and Alexander Eldred hit RBI singles.

Then in the fourth inning, a walk, stolen base and a passed ball allowed Anthony Harrington to score on a sacrifice fly by Dane Ballou.

Ian Whittenbaugh, Wesley Sadler and Carew Kamaus shared the mound duties for Lisbon. Coach Kamaus felt the strike zone might have been squeezed a little tight. The Lisbon pitchers gave up 11 walks.

Cress, who pitched a complete game, gave up five walks.

“That was tough,” Kamaus said. “But ultimately, that wasn’t a factor in who won the game.”

For a Lisbon team that hit .307 on the season, it was just a tough night at the plate.

Despite being one-and-done in district play, Kamaus felt good about the progress the Lions made finishing 11-15 after going 5-24 last year.

“A couple of games got away from us towards the end of the season,” Kamaus said. “But I know that step was made. And we have a nice nucleus coming back next year.”

Knapp, a junior, felt the program got better.

“Overall, it wasn’t perfect, but we improved a lot,” Knapp said. “We’ll miss our seniors. They’ll be hard to replace.”

Lisbon graduates Dakota Clark, Sadler and Ethan Hoekstra, who batted first, second and fourth in the order Monday.

Midland 102 101 0 – 5 7 0 Lisbon 001 010 0 – 2 2 2 Kael Cress and Dane Ballou. Ian Whittenbaugh, Wesley Sadler (3), Carew Kamaus (4) and Kamaus and Ethan Stone (4). 3B – Jackson Knapp 2 (L).

!

E R SCO

Lukas Lengwin of Corinth, TX, a 2013 Mount Vernon High School graduate made his first hole in one this month on the par 4 seventh hole at Kernoustie Golf Club while home visiting family. Club member Darin Vig of MV was golfing with Lukas at the time and cheered his lefty golf partner on a terrific drive! Two Mount Vernon middle school students witnessed the ace as the ball hit the hole.

Pictured with Lukas is owner and mentor Mark Kerr.

MV BASEBALL

Nathan Countryman | Mount Vernon-Lisbon Sun

Teammates wait to congratulate Erik Lamb (No. 8) for his homerun at the bottom of the seventh inning.

MV wins quarterfinal game 8-0 Ryan Suchomel Mount Vernon-Lisbon Sun ryan.suchomel@mvlsun.com

At the movies, the Lambs are known for Silence.

At Ash Park, Mustang senior Erik Lamb, made a lot of noise.

Lamb crushed a two-run home run in the fourth inning against Central DeWitt on Saturday, July 12, and Mount Vernon baseball ended up with an 8-0 victory in a Class 3A substate quarterfinal.

“It is really hard,” Lamb said of hitting one over the fence at Ash Park. “We play on a college field. It is 400plus to center. You really have to poke one.”

Consider it poked.

It was a big momentum shift right off the bat in the bottom of the fourth inning. The game had started the day before, Friday, July 11, but only got in 3-and-a-half innings before it was rained out.

Friday’s game was a pitcher’s duel. Central DeWitt No. 1 starter Caden Huff faced just one hitter over the minimum, giving up a single to No. 9 hitter Cael Foreman.

For Mount Vernon, senior A.J. McDermott was even more impressive, and was working on no-hitter through four innings with six strikeouts.

“We would’ve loved to see A.J. finish,” Mount Vernon Coach Charles Chatman said. “I think we would’ve scored some runs for him.”

But due to pitch counts, neither starter was available

MVLSUN.COM | MOUNT VERNON-LISBON SUN

when the game resumed Saturday afternoon.

The Mustangs took it easy Friday night.

“A couple of us went over to one of our buddies’ hot tubs,” senior Colin Bentley said. “We hung out together.

Relaxed. Regrouped. Got a good night of sleep.”

They woke up ready, and got in the batting cage before the Sabers returned.

“I couldn’t sleep last night, I had so much adrenaline going,” Lamb said. “Then I come back (Saturday), that adrenaline was still going on.”

Mount Vernon came up to bat right away Saturday.

Senior Garet Swartzendruber reached on an infield single. Then Lamb crushed it to left-center.

“You hit one here, it’s got to be a poke,” Chatman said.

“Erik is an exceptionally good ballplayer.

“To score like that, that changes the momentum.”

The Mustangs then broke the game open the next inning when they sent 10 batters to the plate. Bentley had an RBI double, Swartzendruber had an RBI single, and then junior Kellen Haverback came up with the bases loaded and emptied them with a three-run triple.

Senior Cole Thurn added an RBI double to make it a six-run inning.

“Everybody was on; everybody was dialed in,” Bentley said. “I think (Saturday) it was a little lighter, and we could see the ball better.”

Eighth-grader Cael Foreman pitched two innings, and Swartzendruber finished off the Sabers in the seventh inning. McDermott got the well-deserved pitching win, one day later.

Central DeWitt (17-19) ended up with just five hits.

The win moved Mount Vernon (18-12) to the substate semifinal Monday, July 14, against No. 3 Marion (24-8).

The Wolves swept the Mustangs 6-3 and 13-0 back on June 12.

“We’re not worried about it,” Bentley said. “We can put a good gameplan together, and find ourselves on top.”

Win, and the substate final was Wednesday, July 16.

Earlier last week, the Mustangs closed the regular

SPORTS

THURSDAY, JULY 17, 2025 | 15

season with a pair of non-conference wins, beating Fairfield on Monday at Ash Park, 7-3, and taking down Mount Pleasant 9-6 on the road.

Against Fairfield, sophomore Will Huber got the pitching win in relief. Swartzendruber hit 3-for-4 with two doubles. Lamb hit 2-for-3 with three RBIs. Bentley and Michael Ryan also hit doubles.

Against Mount Pleasant, Swartzendruber got the pitching win. Junior Hudson Morrissey also threw three innings.

Ryan hit 3-for-4 with two doubles and four RBIs and Lamb hit 3-for-3 with a double. Haverback hit 2-for-4 and Bentley hit 2-for-5 with a double.

Central DeWitt 000 000 0 – 0 5 0 Mount Vernon 000 260 x – 8 10 1 Caden Huff, Jacob Meier (4), Jameson Gregoire (5) and Dawson Petsche; A.J. McDermott, Cael Foreman (5), Garet Swartzendruber (7) and Gabe Grafft. W – McDermott. L – Meier. 2B – Cole Thurn (MV). 3B. – Colin Bentley (MV), Kellen Haverback (MV). HR – Erik Lamb (MV).

Photos by Nathan Countryman | Mount Vernon-Lisbon Sun

Top: Mount Vernon’s Porter Chatman (No. 22) waits for the throw to get the tag on a Central DeWitt player. Above: Mount Vernon’s Cael Foreman (No. 17) pitches Saturday at home.

MV SOFTBALL from 16

Haverback said.

Haverback scored on a single by Gookin, and it was 5-1.

It was a fun day for the Haverbacks, who about 2 hours earlier, saw Kellen hit a bases-clearing triple in a substate baseball game at Ash Park.

“Liv is a senior and she’s on a mission, and has a vision,” Brand said. “She’s going to step up and do her job when she needs to.”

Solon (17-20) managed to get a few more runs across, but Gookin and the Mustang defense kept the Spartans from making a big rally. Gookin finished with 10 strikeouts and held Solon to six hits.

Haverback added two more RBIs to finish the day 2-for-4 with 5 RBIs. Gookin hit a blast in the fourth inning that hit the top of the fence in right-center and hit 3-for-3 with two doubles and two RBIs. Mount Vernon (26-11) started its postseason journey with a 10-0, 4-inning win over Union Community (3-23) on Thursday, July 10, at Van Metre Field.

Gookin pitched a no-hitter, striking out 11.

Patten hit a double and a triple, Brynlee Bettcher hit 2-for-2 with a double and four RBIs. The Mustangs were schedule to play No. 13 Center Point-Urbana (24-12) Tuesday, July 15, at Van Metre Field.

CPU was the team that knocked MV out of the region last season, for what it’s worth.

“I wouldn’t even compare us to last year,” Brand said.

“We’re not even the same. We were broken down last year. This year we’re firing. Ready to go.”

Solon 100 020 1 – 4 6 1 Mount Vernon 050 203 x – 10 11 1 Emerson Miller and Adelyn Miller; Hayden Gookin and Brynlee Betcher. W – Gookin. L – Miller. 2B – Adelyn Miller (S), Hayden Gookin 2 (MV), Annabelle Smith (MV), Olivia Haverback (MV). 3B – Izzy Frees (S).

Chris Umscheid | Solon Economist

Junior Carly Elliott puts the tag on Solon’s Harlow Meade after the freshman tried to dive back to second base in the Mustangs’ 3A Regional Semifinal game against archrival Solon Saturday evening.

Ella McEntaffer | Mount Vernon-Lisbon Sun

Mount Vernon coach Robin Brand speaks with her team following the win at the game Saturday, July 12.

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16 | THURSDAY, JULY 17, 2025

MVLSUNCOM

LISBON SOFTBALL

Lisbon SB wins quarterfinal over Northeast

Ryan Suchomel Mount Vernon-Lisbon Sun ryan.suchomel@mvlsun.com

There’s some quality insurance out there.

Progressive, Blue Cross/ Blue Shield, State Farm … but have you tried Emma Pleasant?

The L isbon senior pr o v ide d ple nt y of insurance for the Lions during a Class 2A regional quarterfinal win over Northeast, smacking a grand slam in the bottom of the sixth inning.

No. 8 Lisbon closed it out, winning, 11-4, at Bunting Field to advance.

“It felt really good to help the team out,” Pleasant said. “My other at bats didn’t seem to go the way I really wanted them to.”

This one went her way.

Way, way over the fence. It capped a pretty impressive hitting night for the Lions.

Lisbon had 11 hits against the Rebels, a team they squeaked past, 6-5, back on June 18.

“Hits are contagious,” L isbon coach Abbey Shultz said. “They feed off each other really, really well. Once one does it, they all do it.”

The Lions had five doubles, in addition to Pleasant’s home run.

Senior Sarah Dietsch started the big hitting

with a two-run double to right field in the second inning.

“We are a very closeknit team and we all have fun together,” Dietsch said. “So, when one of us finds success, it really pushes the next, the next, the next …”

Junior Kamryn Kahl started the bottom of the third inning with a double, and that was followed

by RBI doubles from junior Alexa Roos, senior Kaitlynn Hasselbusch and freshman Kyla Kahl.

That made it 6-2. The Rebels cut the lead to 6-4 by plating two in the fifth inning, keeping it uncomfortably close.

Until Pleasant. It was her second HR of the week, hav ing hit her first Monday, July 7, in a makeup game at Central City. The Lions won, 8-0.

Lisbon (26-12) finished the week with a Class 2A regional semifinal win over No. 14 Jesup (25-11) on Saturday, July 12, at Bunting Field.

The game, delayed one day by rain, was a little closer. Pleasant hit 3-for-3 with a double and two RBIs. Roose hit 2-for-2 with a double and two RBIs. Kyla K a hl got t he pitching win, scattering eight hits and one walk over seven innings.

Northeast 002 020 0 – 4 7 2 Lisbon 033 005 x – 11 11 1 Luxi Coutu, Raelyn Schroeder (3) and Jaycee Witt; Kyla Kahl and Emma Dietsch. W – Kahl. L – Coutu. 2B – Cadence Driscoll (NE), Leah Mangelsen (NE), Jordan Tegeler (NE), Sarah Dietsch (L), Kamryn Kahl (L), Alexa Roos (L), Kaitlynn Hasselbusch (L), Kyla Kahl (L). HR – Emma Pleasant (L).

That set up a regional final Monday, July 14, at No. 5 Durant (20-12). Win, and the Lions are heading to state for the eighth straight season.

“I feel like we are very prepared,” Dietsch said.

“We’re ready to hop on the road and show them who’s boss.”

That win at Central City included Pleasant and eighth grader Alexis Je n s e n s h a r e d t h e pitching chores, holding the Wildcats to three hits over five innings.

Pleasant hit 2-for-3 with a home run and two RBIs and Dietsch hit 2-for-2 with a home run and two RBIs. Kamryn Kahl hit 2-for-3 with a triple and two RBIs.

Photos by AJ Dolan | Mount Vernon-Lisbon Sun

Top: Lisbon pitcher Kyla Kahl winds up her pitch against in a regional game against Northeast on Wednesday, July 9. Above: Lisbon’s Alexa Roos begins to slide while stealing third base in a regional game against Northeast on Wednesday, July 9. Right: Lisbon’s Addie Clark makes contact with a pitch in a regional game against Northeast on Wednesday, July 9.

MV SOFTBALL

MV softball cruises past Solon 10-4 Ryan Suchomel Mount Vernon-Lisbon Sun ryan.suchomel@mvlsun.com

No. 3 Mount Vernon softball is on a mission.

The female athletes at Mount Vernon have already collected two state titles (volleyball, basketball) and two runners-up (wrestling, track) and one third place (cross country) this school year.

Maybe there’s still room in the trophy case?

“When it comes down to it, our team is on a mission,” Mount Vernon coach Robin Brand said. “And they are playing well together and playing for each other.”

The Mustangs moved one step closer to Fort Dodge on Saturday, July 12, beating Hwy. 1 rivals Solon, 10-4, in a Class 3A

regional semifinal at Van Metre Field.

There was zero panic when the Spartans plated a run in the top of the first on an RBI double by Adelyn Miller.

“We knew we’d have to score anyway,” senior Olivia Haverback said. “One run, we’re able to come back from that easily.”

She wasn’t wrong.

And Coach Brand was a little taken aback at the suggestion her team might get a little worried about falling behind.

“No, absolutely no,” Brand said. “We don’t flinch when something like that happens. We come out fighting.”

Freshman utility player Annabelle Smith lit the fuse. Starting at DH in place of Libby Dix – who was wrestling at Junior Nationals in Fargo – Smith hit a double to the wall and raced home when the ball got away from the Spartan outfielders. A “Little League” home run.

Chris Umscheid | Mount Vernon-Lisbon Sun

Solon senior Addie Miller tries unsuccessfully to tag out freshman Sophia Patten at home plate in the Mustangs’ 3A Regional Semifinal game against archrival Solon Saturday evening. Patten had one hit and scored two runs in Mount Vernon’s 10-4 win.

“Annabelle is a balanced player,” Brand said. “She has a lot of tools in her toolbox.”

Junior Carly Elliott and sophomore Lucy Wischmeyer followed that with singles, leadoff hitter Sophia Patten, a freshman, loaded the bases with a walk.

Then Haverback cleared the bases with a double to left-center.

“It was really exciting to see my teammates in the dugout going crazy,” MV SOFTBALL | 15