MVL Sun — 7.9.26

SPORTS | 8 Lisbon softball: Lions sweep Ed-Co

MVLSUN.COM

THURSDAY, JULY 9, 2026 • $1.50

Heritage Days returns this weekend Theme is “250 Years of America, and still one hill of a town” The Mount Vernon-Lisbon Community Development Group and Heritage Days Committee invite residents and visitors to celebrate Heritage Days 2026, July 10-11, with two days of family fun, live entertainment, and community traditions honoring America’s 250th anniversary.

This year’s theme, “250 Years of America, and still one hill of a town,” celebrates both our nation’s history and the hometown spirit that makes Mount Vernon special.

Friday, July 10 Festivities begin Friday evening at the Lester Buresh Community Center with bouncy houses, food and drink trucks, and the Heritage Days Pickleball Tournament. Live music by Full Moon Horizon will provide the soundtrack for the evening.

New this year, the Heritage Days Fun Run and Ice Cream Social will begin at 8 p.m. from the Martha Parsons Activities Center, following the Mount Vernon Bank Kids Fun Run. Participants and spectators are encouraged to stay for the spectacular Starlight Aerial Productions Drone Show at approximately 9:30 p.m.

Saturday, July 11 Saturday morning kicks off with the beloved Alumni and Community Breakfast at the Mount Vernon High School Commons, followed by the annual Heritage Days Parade celebrating 250 years of America.

Throughout the day, visitors can enjoy the Heritage Days Car Show and entertainment on First Street East, performances by the Lincoln Highway Chorale and Mount Vernon Brass Band in Memorial Park, Bingo hosted by the Mount Vernon-Lisbon Lions Club, and the bags tournament hosted by the Mount Vernon Wrestling Club. First Street West will feature enhanced youth games, increased shaded seating, and a partnership with Bon Appetit as the featured food vendor. In addition, enjoy cool treats from Bass Family Farms and Kona Ice, and freshly popped Iowa popcorn from The Bijou.

Families can cool off during the USA-themed pool night at the Mount Vernon Pool, while theatergoers are invited to enjoy a free matinee showing of After Ike at The Bijou Movie Theater.

Entertainment on the Main Stage begins with the CDG Volunteer Appreciation Awards after the parade, followed by performances from Dance Arts Iowa and the Mount Vernon-Lisbon Community Theatre. Evening concerts will feature Asking for a Friend and Crazy Delicious Band, keeping the celebration going into the night.

Additional event details and updates will be available at www.visitmvl.com/events.

INSIDE

Officer Todd Gehrke retires after decades of service Following a vacation and farewell celebration, Gehrke officially retired from the Mount VernonLisbon Police Department Grace Escritt Mount Vernon-Lisbon Sun news@mvlsun.com

On July 2, family, friends and local residents alike gathered at the Mount Vernon-Lisbon Police Department to celebrate the retirement of Todd Gehrke: a man who has dedicated decades of valiant service to the community as police officer.

Upon stepping foot into the lively event space, visitors were instantly met with a table displaying some of Gehrke’s greatest accomplishments. Neatly placed atop the patterned tablecloth were plaques, medals and awards outlining Gehrke’s career history. Most prominently displayed, however, were photos of his most prized treasures: his two daughters, Mira and Elena, which empowered and encouraged him to do his best in service to the community each day.

Gehrke has felt deeply passionate about the art of service since his childhood. He said his inspiration to pursue a life dedicated to helping others first emerged through his identity as a Boy Scout as well as a kid with family members in leadership positions.

“My mom was an ER nurse for a long time, and then she was a nurse practitioner, so I kind of started out with that,” he said. “My dad was a Boy Scout leader, my brother was an Eagle Scout, and I was a scout, too. I just always kind of was in that service role.”

For Gehrke, assisting and responding to the needs of others offers a sense of purpose. He said when he was younger, he wanted to leave an impact on the world and be the change he wished to see. As he transitioned into young adulthood, this translated to him serving as a Navy hospital corpsman, which is essentially a combat trauma medic.

After five years of active military service, Gehrke attended Kirkwood

Opinions - 4 & 5 | Records - 7 | Sports - 8 & 9 |

Todd Gehrke contributed photo

Todd Gehrke smiles with his two daughters, Mira and Elena, who gave him the strength and determination to work as an officer for so long.

Community College and Coe College to study sociology as well as public relations. He then worked with Coe, and later Cornell College, for a few years following graduation. It was not until 2003 — when Gehrke was in his 30s — that he became a full-time police officer, although he was a reserve officer for some time before this.

Gehrke very distinctly remembers his first few days working as a full-time officer with the Mount Vernon-Lisbon Police Department; more specifically, he recalls being a “sponge” for all information and advice given to him by former police chief Doug Shannon, who was the sergeant at the time. Now a man who has worked in the role of a police officer for over 20 years, Gehrke has recently filled these same shoes by serving as a guide for younger officers.

Looking back on their time working together, Shannon said Gehrke was an exceptional officer due to a natural instinct to lead with his heart. Shannon explained empathy and compassion are

skills that cannot be taught, so having these natural qualities made Gehrke a great fit for the job.

“It was an honor to work with him,” Shannon said. “He’s one of my best friends now, even now that we’re both retired.”

In addition to being a police officer, Gehrke began working as an emergency medical technician (EMT) with the Lisbon-Mount Vernon Ambulance Service. He also worked with the local fire department. Through a combination of these roles, he met current police chief Jason Blinks, who he later took under his wing when Blinks became a local officer around nine years ago.

“He was a good mentor,” Blinks said. “He worked well, went the extra mile to stay late or stay after his shift to make sure that all the new officers — me included — understood what we were doing or helped us with our work to make sure we got it done correctly.”

10 | Public Notices - 12-14

in your eyes?

It should be. . .

SUBSCRIBE - 319-895-6216

GEHRKE | 2

NEWS

2 | THURSDAY, JULY 9, 2026

MOUNT VERNON-LISBON SUN | MVLSUN.COM

Eastern Iowa officials discuss ongoing trash collection problems Issues with trash collection has been an ongoing issue for residents across several communities

problems residents have experienced and acknowledged delays and missed pickups, adding that improvements are underway.

The manager said LRS had hired seven drivers and expected additional drivers and managers from other locations to assist with operElla McEntaffer ations and training as the company Solon Economist worked to restore service. news@soloneconomist.com He also emphasized the company’s commitment to resolving the Residents and elected officials in issues.

Solon and Lisbon voiced growing LRS director of operations frustration with continued garbage Rupert Jemmott said he traveled and recycling collection problems from Indianapolis after learning of

by LRS during recent city council the problems and plans to remain in meetings, with both communities the area until operations stabilize. demanding improved service and Jemmott said he intends to stay stronger communication from the until the situation is resolved and is waste hauler. prepared to provide daily commuIn Solon, several residents nication updates if requested. addressed the council during pubHe added that experienced manlic comments, describing repeated agers are being brought in to help missed collections and inconsistent train employees and improve serservice. vice, while additional crews are During public comments in working to address staffing shortSolon, residents described repeated ages. missed garbage collections, inconsistent pickup schedules and the Council members say inconvenience of having to dispose patience has run out of overflowing trash themselves after weeks of missed service. One Council members acknowledged resident told council members his the company’s staffing challenges household had experienced eight but said residents have repeatedly missed garbage collections since been promised improvements while Jan. 1 and had been forced to trans- service problems continued. They port trash to another residence said the city continues to receive because it was not being picked up. complaints from residents who Mayor Dan O’Neil noted LRS expect reliable trash collection for representatives were present at the a service they pay for and urged meeting to respond to residents’ LRS to restore consistent pickups concerns. as quickly as possible.

Communication also emerged as one of the largest concerns during LRS promises staffing, the discussion. communication Solon city administrator Cami improvements Rasmussen said city staff spent much of the previous weekend Representatives from LRS told responding to resident complaints council members the company while coordinating with LRS. recognizes the seriousness of the “Cities are required to offer five ongoing service issues and is work- essential services,” Rasmussen ing to rebuild staffing and improve said. “Emergency services, water, operations. sewer, streets, garbage. When one One of the company’s new local of those five are not working as they managers said the company is should, it is a big deal.” actively working to correct the Rasmussen said city staff should

GEHRKE from 1

Despite the ups-and-downs of a career as a first-responder, Gehrke quickly realized this role helped him to achieve his sense of purpose to its fullest extent. After all, this role at its core is centered around being the first person to help someone who may be experiencing the most frightening moment of their life.

“You call and you expect or want somebody to show up, you know, and you hope that they will,” he said.

“That’s what drove me.”

All these overwhelming twistsand-turns aside, Gehrke emphasized his love for this job came from his ability to create connections with members of the community and put a face to the people protecting it; which he was able to do through things like the D.A.R.E. program with local schools.

“That was something that I always looked forward to, trying to have real conversations with students about decisions…just telling them they can always do better,” he said.

In addition to decades of memories, Gehrke retired with special recognition. At the Mount Vernon City Council meeting June 15, Blinks presented him an Award of Valor due to him demonstrating an act of

heroism in response to an incident Oct. 5, 2025.

The incident at hand involved a vehicle collision, attempted carjacking and armed subject, which put Gehrke’s life in immediate danger. This is a situation in which lethal force could have been used, but Gehrke exercised restraint. He was able to subdue the subject while preventing all involved parties and other civilians from being harmed.

“It was a pretty unique situation he was in that day,” Blinks said. “For him to hold himself the way he did was truly honorable.”

Thomas Wieseler, mayor of Mount Vernon, said he first met Gehrke when the two of them worked together at Coe. Reflecting on the history the two have as former colleagues and the longtime connection between them, Wieseler expressed surrounding communities are fortunate to have been under the care and protection of Gehrke for over two decades.

“They are very fortunate to have him working his shifts and taking care of his responsibilities in law enforcement to make a safer place for everybody,” Wieseler said. “I tip my hat to him there.”

Now freshly retired, Gehrke has multiple adventures he would like to pursue. Although he will con-

not have to spend entire weekends handling trash complaints and stressed residents deserve consistent collection times, timely delivery of carts, prompt notification of delays, and reliable communication when trucks break down.

“You’ve used it all up,” Rasmussen said, referring to residents’ patience after repeated explanations involving staffing shortages, equipment failures, and weather delays. “You got to fix it. You got to reestablish the trust of this community.”

Ma n a ger s ac k nowle d ge d communication had not met expectations.

Lisbon begins formal contract action Lisbon officials discussed similar concerns during the June 22 City Council meeting.

Lisbon city administrator Brandon Siggins said the city has documented complaints involving garbage, recycling, and yard waste collection for months, with problems escalating during the previous collection cycle.

“We do keep a log of every complaint that comes in for yard waste, recycling or trash issues,” Siggins said.

Siggins said city staff met with LRS crews on the morning of June 22 to ensure routes were completed after delays stretched through the weekend. During the final portion of the route, a truck experienced transmission problems before another vehicle was dispatched from Iowa City to complete collections.

Although LRS recently assigned two new operations managers to the area, Siggins said similar management changes have occurred several times over the past year.

“This is about the fourth group of new employees that they’ve had as supervisors,” he said.

Siggins also told council members the city dealt with a public urination incident involving an LRS employee during the latest collec-

tion cycle. According to Siggins, LRS informed the city the employee involved had been terminated.

Because of the ongoing service issues, Lisbon has formally begun documenting potential contract violations.

Siggins said that Lisbon’s city attorney reviewed the municipality’s contract with LRS, which runs through 2028, examined the city’s complaint logs, and prepared a formal notice of default identifying specific contract provisions the city believes had been breached.

Rather than immediately attempting to terminate the agreement, Siggins said the recommendation is to provide LRS an opportunity to correct the deficiencies to reduce potential legal risk.

LRS issues public statement LRS released a public statement June 20 from director of operations Rupert Jemmott outlining the company’s plans to address continued service interruptions.

“LRS will be picking up recycling in the city tomorrow. Please have your carts at the curb for service,” Jemmott said in the statement.

“LRS will also send trucks back through on Monday to pick up any customers that might have been missed.”

Jemmott apologized for the disruptions and said the company was working to restore normal service.

“We apologize for any inconvenience this may have caused. We appreciate your patience and we look forward to getting our valued customers back on their normal scheduled service days,” he said.

While both Solon and Lisbon officials acknowledged LRS’s recent staffing efforts and willingness to communicate, they said residents ultimately expect consistent, reliable trash, and recycling collection. Officials in both communities indicated they will continue monitoring the company’s performance as it works to resolve the ongoing service issues.

Volume 157 I Issue 28

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 Manager Paul Rowland paul.rowland@mvlsun.com Production Manager Heidi Owen heidi.owen@dailyiowan.com Advertising Director Juli Krause juli.krause@dailyiowan.com Reporting Interns Cadence Dighton Ella McEntaffer John Charlson Grace Escritt Digital/Social Media Interns Abigail Princehouse Breck Goodman 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 on Thursdays 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 Paul Rowland at 319-895-6216 or paul.rowland@ mvlsun.com for additional information.

Subscription rates: Linn and adjoining counties – $55 annually; elsewhere in Iowa – $75 annually; out of state – $85 annually.

Copyright 2026 Mount Vernon-Lisbon 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.

mvlsun.com

Contributed photo

Todd Gehrke (center), clad in uniform his rookie year, smiles with two of the students he worked with at Cornell College. tinue working as a local EMT, he plans to travel the world, learn to play guitar and spend time with his loved ones. Although he will no longer work for the police department, echoes of his daily dad jokes and positive energy will remain in both the space and minds of his former colleagues.

Reflecting on an exhilarating

rollercoaster of a career, Gehrke emphasized being a good police officer boils down to one thing: embracing empathy by humanizing every person, every story, and every call one is met with.

“Everybody’s got that story, and to invest your time in that is to invest in your community and give back,” he said.

MVLSUN.COM | MOUNT VERNON-LISBON SUN

NEWS

THURSDAY, JULY 9, 2026 | 3

Comments made at Gehrke’s retirement celebration Nathan Countryman Mount Vernon-Lisbon Sun

nathan.countryman@mvlsun.com

Todd Gehrke contributed photo

Former police chief Doug Shannon and Todd Gehrke — former colleagues and longtime friends — stand ready to respond (photo from Todd Gehrke).

Photos by Nathan Countryman | Mount Vernon-Lisbon Sun

Top: Sgt. William Daubs and retiring officer Todd Gehrke share a hug after Daubs comments at a retirement party.

Goodlove and Gehrke - (primary) Mount Vernon Fire Chief Nate Goodlove and officer Todd Gehrke talk at Gehrke’s retirement celebration. Center: Mount Vernon-Lisbon Ambulance director Jacob Lindauer and crew from LMVAS congratulate Gehrke on his retirement. Above: New Mount Vernon-Lisbon Police department officer Monet Roelle and officer Todd Gehrke talk at Gehrke’s retirement celebration.

Gehrke’s guidance for new officers is something chief Jason Blinks noted as a strength.

Mount Vernon-Lisbon Police chief Jason Blinks reiterated what he said in an earlier interview with the Sun, that Gehrke’s strength was as a great training resource for new officers to learn the ropes from.

Sgt. Willie Daubs, who has worked alongside Gehrke for the past two decades, spoke about what his friendship with Gehrke has meant over the years.

Daubs explained he views the friends as 5 p.m. friends, 11 p.m. friends and 3 a.m. friends. The 5 p.m. friends are people like coworkers, who you have a connection with during certain times of the day, but at the end of that work day, you go to your separate lives. The 11 p.m. friends are those who have a deeper connection with you, but aren’t necessarily the ones you’ll call about everything in your life. Those 3 a.m. friends are.

“Todd has been one of those 3 a.m. friends in my life, the person who will give a call during a late shift for help, and you say ‘yeah, I got you’ without hesitation,” Daubs said.

Gehrke himself spoke about his career at the event.

Gehrke said he discovered he had first responder ADHD before he discovered he had regular ADHD. Gehrke also thanked a number of officers and other first responders and agencies who have been there for him over the course of his career.

Nathan Countryman | Mount Vernon-Lisbon Sun

Mount Vernon Fire Chief Nate Goodlove and officer Todd Gehrke talk at Gehrke’s retirement celebration.

He especially thanked former chief Doug Shannon, for being there alongside him for numerous appointments when Gehrke was treated for non-Hodgkins lymphoma, a diagnosis that has changed Gehrke’s perspective on life and one of the reasons he is retiring now.

“Relationships are what always last,” Gehrke said.

“Thank you for the opportunity to serve this community.”

4 | THURSDAY, JULY 9, 2026 | MOUNT VERNON-LISBON SUN

OPINIONS/NEWS

OPINIONS It takes a village to raise a fawn

Living in Iowa Dan Brawner There are a lot of deer in Iowa. There are deer in the corn fields. There are deer leaping out of ditches into oncoming traffic. There are deer gliding silently at night like shadows through parks and private lawns.

Some towns have more deer than others. The Iowa Department of Natural Resources reports that Iowa City has one of the densest deer populations in the state with about 100 deer per square mile.

The human population in the city is 2,971 per square mile or around 30 people per deer. So, you know what that means. We have to share.

Last week, it was my turn to babysit two adorable fawns, all brown spots and spindly legs, curled up and remarkably well camouf laged under the shade of an apple tree. Early one morning their mother dropped them off the way mothers do at daycare, no doubt with last minute instructions: “Now be good and don’t fight with your sister. And eat lots of grass.”

This was not the first time I have been called on to babysit fawns. Before, I thought it was irresponsible of a mother deer to abandon her babies in people’s yards. But the reason they do isn’t about neglect. It’s about smell.

Not that most of us would ever notice, but it seems adult deer smell strongly of… presumably… deer. To predators like bobcats and coyotes, the smell of deer is like a dinner bell (if you could smell a dinner bell). Baby deer, on the other hand, don’t smell like much of anything at all. This serves as a kind of natural protection.

You know how everybody likes to hold new babies because they smell so nice (with certain occasional notable exceptions). Anyway, mother deer, not wanting to draw attention to their own delicious smell, stash their fawns in odd places for a couple of days until the little tykes are strong enough to run away from anything wanting to eat them.

Also, new-born fawns have not yet learned to be afraid of predators. I don’t know if humans could be considered predators but we are at least a bad influence. I mean, look what we’ve done to raccoons, getting them hooked on dumpster junk food. During the two days the fawns spent in our yard, whenever I walked by, they would come up expectantly like greyhound puppies at an animal shelter. But I refrained from petting them, cute as they were, because they are wild animals, not pets.

In her 1996 presidential campaign speech, Hillary Clinton quoted the African proverb, “It takes a village” to raise a child. She contended that neighbors, doctors, churches and schools all help bring up a child to adulthood. I was happy to do my little bit to help raise the fawns. I hope they learned some lessons during their stay in our yard. Like-- lawn mowers chew grass but they don’t eat it. And that your mom will always come back for you. The rest, they’ll have to learn from some other village elder.

MVLSUNCOM

SUN EDITORIAL

Linn County moratorium on data centers step in right direction We applaud Linn County for taking the steps to propose a moratorium on data centers in the unincorporated areas of Linn County for the next 18 months.

The Linn County Board of Supervisors already had a solid ordinance about data centers that they passed after significant feedback from members of the county, especially on outlining the need for knowing the impact on water and resources before a project moves forward.

That hasn’t stopped corporations like Google from moving forward with data center projects in the area, one of which involves the community of Walker. The city of Walford was recently approached about annexing a data center into their community, as a way to again sidestep the restrictions as laid out in Linn County’s ordinance. The mayor posted about the request on Facebook on July 2.

“The city council had a discussion at both the May and June council meetings and concluded that it is not in the best interest of the city to annex land into the city limits to accommodate such a request,” mayor Randy Bauer wrote. “We also discussed adopting a data center moratorium, but because there is no available land within the city limits and the city can deny annexation requests, Walford effectively has a data center moratorium. The city has also had discussion with Linn County regarding development of what is called a Fringe

Area Agreement with Linn County to at least have a seat at the table as the county considers development near Walford. Linn County has similar agreements with a number of other cities in Linn County.”

The City of Mount Vernon has also taken no action on establishing a moratorium on data centers, noting the proximity to a river or needed water source is likely not enticing these projects here.

We understand why supervisor Sami Scheetz voted no on the measure, because the ordinance already in place does put in a number of restrictions to protect the county and property owners.

But with a developer trying once again to find a way around the county’s restrictions of that ordinance by annexing into a city again, it seems prudent to place a moratorium in general in the county moving forward as this continues investigation.

As we stated earlier this year, the impact of data centers is something that will impact all the communities in Linn County moving forward. Right now, we’re seeing roadways backed up due to traffic from construction on some of those data centers towards the west end of the county, as well as more full campground sites at Palisades Keplar from some of the workers.

Impacts to the water resources for the county are something that needs to continually be watched.

Summer adventures abound ny side

Nathan Countryman It’s apparently the summer, and most of my weekends have been doing things to support friends since roughly Memorial Day weekend.

June 12 I was in Iowa City for Riverside Theatre’s “A Midsummer Night’s Dream” to support one of my friends in my Dungeons and Dragons crew. That was helped to happen because I had an intern covering the World Cup Soccer event at the Bijou Movie Theatre. It was a terrific show on an absolutely beautiful night, and apparently, I went on the night many Odyssey theater kids went to support one of their cast members, as there were a number of Mount Vernon people I knew I encountered after the show.

June 19 I was over at Tipton to see “Young Frankenstein” by Cedar County Stoplight Community Theatre to support a friend and fellow cast mate from “Jesus Christ Superstar” who was in the lead role. Since I was there, stopped in to see Ofelia, Elysia, Daijon and Andrea. We ended up grabbing supper before the show, and Elysia realized she knew one of the actors in the production I was going to and wanted to tag along if Daijon would as well.

As I stated on Facebook after the fact – this was one of those PG-13 shows that Uncle Nathan forgot about certain plot elements

until I was getting the stink-eye from Elysia about “is this an adult musical?” To which, I said we were at a PG-13 show and supporting friends…

Friday, June 26, it was supporting one of my college friends, Danel Luepke, who was being ordained as a pastor in the Lutheran church. He and his wife, Whitney, were my neighbors in my apartment building in Algona, so it was a kind of reminder of those times and church and him moving from a youth pastor to pastor.

Saturday, June 27 I bumped into my niece, Elysia, while covering Mechanicsville’s Pork Center Days. She was overnighting with a friend, whose dad was one of the vendors at the festival Saturday morning. Elysia and her friend watched the parade with me as I was working (if there was some curly hair in some of my parade shots, that was Elysia).

Last week, it was the “Weird Al” Yankovic concert in Cedar Rapids, as well as catching “Supergirl” in theaters and capped off with a morning Dungeons and Dragons session with my crew Saturday, July 4 in Coralville. The “Weird Al” concert was a delight, and as another Mount Vernon resident said in the merchandise line after the show – a lot of Mount Vernon residents made the trek for the concert as well.

A lot of these adventures have been helped by the six interns that are sharing my byline in the newspaper this summer. Some of them, like Grace Escritt, John Charlson and Breck Goodman have hit the ground running to help provide coverage and knocked it out of the park with early assignments. Others, like Abby Princehouse, Ella McEntaffer and Cadence Dighton – they’ve been on staff or helped cover these communities for a bit now and continue excelling as well.

Linn County passes temporary data center moratorium for unincorporated Linn County The Linn County Board of Supervisors has approved an 18-month moratorium on accepting new applications to rezone property to the EU-3 Large-Scale Data Center Zoning District in unincorporated Linn County. The moratorium takes effect immediately and will allow Linn County to complete a focused planning effort that includes technical studies, coordination with utilities and state agencies, regional planning, stakeholder engagement, and evaluation of potential amendments to the County’s land use regulations and Comprehensive Plan currently being updated.

The moratorium does not apply to cities within Linn County because the Board of Supervisors does not have jurisdiction over zoning regulations in cities.

Supervisor Brandy Z. Meisheid said the temporary pause will allow the County to carefully evaluate whether current regulations are strong enough to address emerging issues related to data center growth.

“Linn County is open for business, and we welcome responsible growth and investment. But being open for business does not mean saying yes to development

without fully understanding the longterm consequences for our residents, our resources, and our future,” Linn County Supervisor Brandy Z. Meisheid said. “This is not about being for or against data centers. It is about responsible leadership and making decisions that put people first. The impacts on water resources, infrastructure, and long-term growth do not stop at jurisdictional boundaries, which is why this conversation demands a thoughtful regional approach grounded in collaboration, transparency, and sound data.

Since passing our ordinance in February,

MVLSUN.COM | MOUNT VERNON-LISBON SUN

significant new information has come to light, and we have a responsibility to revisit these decisions accordingly.

We owe it to the people of Linn County to assess new information, ask hard questions, and ensure we are making informed decisions – not decisions driven by outside pressure or rushed timelines. Our residents are asking us to do our due diligence, and we are listening.”

In February 2026, the Board of Supervisors passed a data center ordinance for unincorporated Linn County.

That ordinance required large-scale data center projects to complete a water study during the planning process to show there is enough water for the project, to sign a water use agreement with Linn County that included tracking and reporting water use, and to sign an economic development agreement outlining community benefits.

Since then, additional information has become available regarding the potential cumulative impacts of largescale data center development on public infrastructure, water resources, electrical infrastructure, emergency response capabilities, transportation systems, and long-range land use planning. Because Linn County’s ordinance was adopted before substantial additional technical information and regional planning discussions became available, the Board of Supervisors finds it necessary to re-examine the regulations before accepting new applications. The temporary moratorium is intended as a planning tool rather than a permanent prohibition on large-scale data center development.

During the moratorium, Linn County intends to coordinate with

OPINIONS/NEWS

municipalities, utilities, regional planning organizations, emergency management agencies, state agencies, and other stakeholders; evaluate regional infrastructure and cumulative impacts; prepare technical studies; gather public input; and determine whether amendments to the Unified Development Ordinance or Comprehensive Plan are appropriate.

Additionally, Linn County is currently seeking public input on its Comprehensive Plan update and future land use map with a public survey and comment period open on Linn County’s website through July 17, 2026. County leaders use the Comprehensive Plan to guide long-term decisions about growth and development in unincorporated areas of Linn County. The decisions affect land use, natural resource protection, renewable energy, hazard planning, and community development. Linn County last updated its comprehensive plan in 2013.

“This pause will allow us to review our comprehensive plan alongside new studies about data centers that have come out since we passed our ordinance. A pause also gives us time to ask the Iowa legislature and a new governor to pass laws that provide clear and robust regulations across the state.

This is bigger than one county alone.

We are listening to the people of Linn County and putting their quality of life first,” Supervisor Kirsten-Running Marquardt said.

Although the Board approved the temporary data center moratorium, the decision was not unanimous.

Supervisor Sami Scheetz voted against the moratorium.

“I voted against the moratorium because I believe the comprehen-

sive data center ordinance this Board passed unanimously in February already gives us strong protections, including an independent water study, a binding water use agreement, and the Board’s authority to reject any project that isn’t right for our community. We built that ordinance to prove a point this Board has made repeatedly: that Linn County can be both pro-growth and pro-community, and that we don’t have to choose between welcoming investment and protecting our residents and our water. It’s the most comprehensive data center ordinance in Iowa, and communities across the state grappling with these projects have looked to the framework we built.”

Linn County’s data center moratorium is temporary. Linn County will use this time to evaluate existing regulations, gather additional technical information, engage with stakeholders, prepare technical studies, develop or update planning documents as appropriate, and determine whether amendments to the Linn County Unified Development Ordinance, Comprehensive Plan, or other County policies are appropriate.

The moratorium will remain in effect until 11:59 p.m. Central Time on January 1, 2028. The Board of Supervisors can extend the moratorium if more time is needed to complete its review.

The Board can also end the moratorium early if it amends the County’s Unified Development Ordinance for large-scale data centers, or if the Board determines that amendments are no longer necessary.

A copy of the resolution approving the moratorium is on Linn County’s website at LinnCountyIowa.gov.

THURSDAY, JULY 9, 2026 | 5

LETTER TO THE EDITOR Help support Pleasant Grove Heritage Park I want to give a huge shout out to the Steve McElmeel family of Lisbon for creating and saving Pleasant Grove Heritage Park! They are renovating the historic barns on the property, stocking the pond for fishing, creating a prairie with nature trails, and providing benches and gazebos for park goers.

This park makes Lisbon a more desirable place to live and increases property values.

This all takes a lot of money! Please consider supporting the park at https://www.pleasantgroveheritagepark.org Robert Zahorik Lisbon

BUSINESS SERVICES

Mount Vernon Celebrates America’s 250th Anniversary Locals kicked off the holiday by enjoying a reading of the Declaration of Independence and a special performance put on by the community choir Grace Escritt Solon Economist

YOUR AD HERE 319.895.6216

news@soloneconomist.com

Ringing in the holiday with a bang, locals gathered on the lawn of the First Street Community Center in Mount Vernon the morning of July 4 for a reading of the document that started it all: The Declaration of Independence.

This reading was organized due to a partnership between Voices United of Rural Linn County and the American Legion Hahn Howard Post from Mount Vernon. . Numerous voices from the community — including those of local youth and veterans — came together to share the story of America’s founding.

Sue Snyder, a volunteer organizer with the Voices United steering committee, explained the purpose of this reading was to do far more than acknowledge the nation’s past. She pointed out that donations — including non-perishable food items, personal hygiene products, monetary contributions, and more — were also collected to support the Iowa City Veterans Affairs Healthcare System (ICVAHS).

Along with the reading of the declaration and collection of donations, a special music performance was put

ADVERTISE OR SUBSCRIBE

319.895.6216

Grace Escritt | Mount Vernon-Lisbon Sun

Students Marlena Rodenburg, Ava Willems and Xander Riniker put their voices together as they sing the National Anthem at First Street Community Center July 4. on by the Lincoln Highway Chorale: Mount Vernon’s community choir.

Following the conclusion of these morning events, Voices United held its weekly stand up along Highway 1 and First St. Snyder expressed the group would be advocating for a few of the same things the colonists pursued 250 years ago.

“We are advocating for free speech and for voting rights,” she said. “We are advocating for people to be able to do what they need to do for their families and also other people — how we can help other people.”

In addition to holding stand-ups every weekend, Voices United regularly invites guest speakers to talk on issues of local importance.

“Our speakers always have a connection to what is for Iowa, from water to — you name it — cancer,” Snyder said. “Sometimes, we don’t have a speaker at all, and we just have an open mic.”

Reflecting on these Fourth of July festivities, Snyder explained the purpose of Voices United’s involvement was to connect with the community as

well as learn more about its wants and needs.

“We’re trying to let our community know that we want them to be involved with us,” she said. “Tell us who you’d like to hear from. Tell us who you want to have us come in and get a speaker for…just tell us those things, and we’ll get them in.”

For more information about this group’s mission and get involved, visit the Voices United of Rural Linn County Facebook page. To get involved with the American Legion, visit http:// ialegion.org/”ialegion.org.

Painting • Drywall • Siding Tile Floors • Tuckpointing • Decks • Replacement Windows Prefinished Hardwood Floors • Flat Roofs • Roofs Bath & Kitchen Remodel • Repairs • Insured

NEWS

6 | THURSDAY, JULY 9, 2026

MOUNT VERNON-LISBON SUN | MVLSUN.COM

1st Street Breakfast Company ribbon cutting At the ribbon cutting for 1st Street Breakfast Company were: Courtney Frye Speed (Bridge Community Bank), Lisa White (Cornell College), Brenda Langenberg (Hills Bank and Trust), Jake Krob (Mount Vernon Bank and Trust), John Bardsley (City of Lisbon), Michelle Rollinger, Ashtyn Rollinger, Kenna Rollinger, Maddox Rollinger, Michelle Zaruba (Hills Bank and Trust) and Tom Wieseler (mayor of Mount Vernon).

Michelle Rollinger said that they are working on getting an updated liquor

license for the establishment to offer drinks like mimosas, bloody mary’s and other beverages of the sort and that gift certificates to the restaurant are also on order. She is also considering hosting evening hours during one day of the week in the future (likely Thursday nights when other businesses are open later), but is still working on those details. She again thanks the community for the ongoing support of the restaurant, which is open every day but Tuesday, with hours 6 a.m. to 2 p.m.

Nathan Countryman | Mount Vernon-Lisbon Sun

Eulenspiegel Puppet Theater Company returns to Lisbon John Charlson Mount Vernon-Lisbon Sun news@mvlsun.com

Thursday marked this year’s annual puppet show inside Heritage Hall, put on by the Eulenspiegel Puppet Theater Company and hosted by the Lisbon Public Library, a collaboration that has lasted nearly thirty years.

“It’s kind of magical to be able to give life to an inanimate object,” said Elizabeth Hoover de Galvez, who has been the director of the Lisbon Public Library since 2024. Hoover de Galvez says their partnership with the West Liberty based puppet company began with the library’s previous director: Amy White.

“In the late 90s, Amy did the work to get it renovated, and set it up to return to its former glory,” said Hoover de Galvez about Heritage Hall, the performance space just upstairs from the library. It has been in this space that Monica Leo has performed for the Lisbon community for almost 30 years.

“I’d always liked puppets so I started making puppets and selling them, and then at some point, one of my neighbors said, ‘hey, why don’t you do some puppet shows with those puppets?’ and that’s how it started,” said Monica Leo, one of the original 1974 founding members of Eulenspiegel Puppet Theater Company.

Thursday’s show included a table, two curtains, cloth props, kazoos, and of course, puppets made of cloth and paper mache heads. A lot to keep track of if not for Leo’s

co-puppeteer and member of Eulenspiegel since 2018: Stephanie Veallez.

“We had a puppet show scheduled that she wasn’t able to perform because she had an opportunity to go somewhere else, and I was like, well maybe you could teach me something,” said Veallez, who started out as the company’s outreach director, but has since utilized her backgrounds in dance and performance art to learn puppeteering from Leo. The two of them ran the show Thursday, each performing different characters and operating different props. Veallez even sang a short song with ukulele when one of the show’s characters hangs her laundry up to dry, before spotting the protagonist duo: Nacho the dog and Yoyo the monkey.

Thursday’s show was one of Eulenspiegel’s bilingual performances, with Veallez giving a portion of her lines in Spanish.

“We’re located in West Liberty, and we have a really large Latino population, so that’s what first gave us the idea of having bilingual shows,” said Leo. The show followed the adventures of a lost dog, Nacho, and his new friend, an escaped circus monkey named Yoyo. The two of them run from Yoyo’s evil ringmaster, while exploring Nacho’s neighborhood, based around Iowa City’s barrio history.

“We came last year when they did one, same people,” said Becca Kruse, who came with her three young children to Thursday’s show. Out of the show’s wide cast of characters, the star, Nacho the dog, was a favorite.

John Charlson | Mount Vernon-Lisbon Sun

Monica Leo performs during a puppet show by the Eulenspiegel Puppet Theater Company and hosted by the Lisbon Public Library inside of Heritage Hall in Lisbon Thursday, June 25.

“Yeah, he was the funniest,” grins Kruse’s son Carson.

The Eulenspiegel Puppet Theater Company performs an average of two to three shows a week, around 100 every year.

“Some of them are home in West Liberty, but most of them are elsewhere,” said Leo,

who will be traveling to Alaska in October to perform a show, marking the 32nd state that Eulenspiegel has gone to.

What keeps Leo committed to puppet shows after 52 years? “They’re fun,” said Leo, and the laughter of Thursday’s young audience would have to agree.

Mount Vernon United Methodist Church lauded with congregation award

John Charlson | Mount Vernon-Lisbon Sun

Pastor Vicki Fisher poses for a portrait with the #BeUMC award for best congregation inside of the United Methodist Church of Mount Vernon Tuesday, June 23.

John Charlson Mount Vernon-Lisbon Sun

nathan.countryman@mvlsun.com

This year’s annual Iowa conference of the United Methodist Church, marked the first to present awards of outstanding achievement in three separate categories, to nominate United Methodist Churches across the state. The awards ranged from outstanding pastor, outstanding lay leader, and outstanding congregation, with the nominations

being judged on how closely they fit the Iowa UMC’s vision of loving boldly, serving joyfully, and leading courageously.

“It’s not just a friendly church, it’s a church where you can come find friends and make friends,” said Pastor Vicki Fisher, whose Mount Vernon congregation was the first to be named most outstanding in the state of Iowa.

Pastor Fisher says they do not know who nominated them, but she can list some reasons that the UMC Parish Development Council decided on their church to win this year’s most outstanding congregation award.

“In the past three years we’ve had three different ministry candidates come out of this church. Two of them are currently serving as pastors, and one is heading to college in the fall, thinking about the ministry pretty strongly,” said Fisher, who adds that it’s sometimes unusual to have such committed youth in the church. The church itself has a fairly young congregation, and Fisher mentions that their intergenerational approach is thanks, in part, to one individual in particular.

“The last Sunday of the month, we started a thing called Our Family Sunday, and that became a really important part of ministry at the church,” said Mandy Moellering, who is the Christian education coordinator at UMC Mount Vernon.

Moellering works with the church’s

youth, kids aged anywhere from nursery level to graduating high school seniors.

She says that those in her role do not normally get to connect with members of the church who don’t have children in Sunday School, like older or single adults.

“Family doesn’t necessarily mean this nuclear family that has kids who go to Sunday school, it means family, as in the church family,” adds Moellering.

Our Family Sundays offer church goers of every generation a chance to participate in group activities with the Sunday school, giving everyone a chance to feel more connected with one another. “It ended up being a churchwide event, and we love it so much.”

In addition to being connected with its congregation, Pastor Fisher says the church’s willingness to help those in the outlying community is another of its strengths. “We have quarterly fundraising drives to support the food pantry.

Last year we raised over $14,000,” said Fisher.

The UMC of Mount Vernon’s partnership with the Southeast Linn Community Center has been a vital asset to the food insecure, something that has stood out to Moellerin as she starts her third year with the church. “Southeast Linn is going to say, ‘we need 40 hams instead of 24 hams,’ and we’ll say, ‘okay,’ because we know that someone is going to find that service opportunity to be available to

them.”

The importance of showing up to help when it is needed, is also reflected in Mount Vernon’s congregational care coordinator: Julie Baty. “She takes care of a lot. Folks who are going through hard times, or folks who are going through life transitions, she will call on them with flowers or with treats,” said Fisher.

Baty has been working with the church for 18 years now. First as a Sunday school superintendent, then as a Christian Education director, and for the past 10 years now as a care coordinator. “My background is social work, and I just always felt like my calling was more in congregational care,” said Baty, who pays special care visits to the elderly and housebound members of the church, or anyone she thinks could use some extra encouragement. “My philosophy is that everyone in the congregation could use care, because we’re all dealing with something.”

The collaboration between the congregation, staff, and pastor, have all created a stronger community for churchgoers to enjoy. “I think that was just recognized at the conference level, that here’s a church that has stuck with things and are thriving, not just surviving,” explains Baty.

The United Methodist Church of Mount Vernon will display their award for the congregation to see, but more importantly, will continue to serve its community for years to come.

MVLSUN.COM | MOUNT VERNON-LISBON SUN

RECORDS

THURSDAY, JULY 9, 2026 | 7

Cole Library summer reading activity includes mini clay pots

Cole Corner

Nathan Countryman Mount Vernon-Lisbon Sun

Cathy Boggs

nathan.countryman@mvlsun.com

Cole Library

Cole Library’s summer reading program on Wednesday, July 1, included a chance for attendees to make mini clay projects.

The day started with assistant librarian Cathy Boggs reading “Planting the Wild Garden” by Kathryn Galbraith.

In the story, it accounts for how seeds can get from one location to another and form new plants.

“What is one way that seeds can get from one location to another?” Boggs asked.

“The wind,” said Willow.

Another way that seeds get transferred from location to location was via bird droppings, Boggs said.

Another was one by human help, which Boggs asked how many children blew on dandelions.

After the story time, library director Grace Chamberlain-Rowray explained that they would be making small clay pots. After rolling the dough and kneading it to the consistency to mold it into shape, attendees could then sprinkle some water on the clay and add pressed flowers into the clay pots. The pots would dry overnight.

Cool down with a new book at Cole Hot days need new books hot off the press by triedand-true authors. We have purchased these fiction and nonfiction titles to lure you into cool Cole Library: Fiction: The Last Mandarin – Louise Penn & Mellissa Fung A Deadly Episode - Anthony Horowitz A Pair of Aces – Marie Benedict & Victoria Christopher Murray Whistler – Ann Patchett Nonfiction: A World Appears – Michael Pollen True Crime – Patricia Cornwell The Land and It’s People – David Sedaris Strong Ground – Brene Brown

Photos by Nathan Countryman | Mount Vernon-Lisbon Sun

Above: Marla and Willow work at their clay pots Right: Librarian Cathy Boggs reads “Planting the Wild Garden.”

SELCC pantry partnership with City of Ely going strong In November 2025, the Southeast Linn Community Center (SELCC) and the City of Ely launched a pilot program to make food more accessible to Ely residents. After seven months, the partnership is going strong.

The food pantry located in the Ely Public Library closed in September 2024. The pantry operated in the library’s entrance during COVID as a temporary measure, but thousands continued using it after the pandemic. As the pantry grew beyond its space, organizers had to close it while searching for a new location that never materialized.

A representative from United Way of East Central Iowa reached out to Nicole McAlexander, executive director of Southeast Linn Community Center, on behalf of the City of Ely, to help come up with a solution.

McAlexander met with Ely city officials in October, and in just one month, they had a plan to provide better food pantry access for residents.

Ely residents are able to place a food pantry order for delivery once a month. SELCC delivers their orders to

City Hall, where residents pick up their food on the second Friday of each month. Due to lack of cold storage, Ely cannot accommodate refrigerated or frozen items.

During the other weeks, Ely residents are welcome to access SELCC’s food pantry in Lisbon.

According to Callie Stulz-O’Brien, director of parks and recreation for the City of Ely, the system has worked well.

“Extending these resources directly in Ely has been really beneficial for our residents who face challenges getting to Lisbon,” Stulz-O’Brien said.

More than 17 residents have taken advantage of the pilot program, “and we’re looking to reach more Ely neighbors,” said McAlexander. “We know there are more people who need to access the pantry, and we want to eliminate all the barriers, perceived and real.”

If you are an Ely resident who is in need of accessing SELCC’s food pantry, learn more at https://www.elyiowa.com/274/Food-Assistance. You may also contact the Southeast Linn Community Center at (319) 455-2844 or info@selinn.org.

Spots Book event in Anamosa features art of local artist Local author Richard Tapia will be hosting a book event at the General Store in Anamosa Saturday, July 11, from 1:30-4:30 p.m.

The book, “Art in Small Places,” highlights art in Jones County and features work from many artists, including Mount Vernon’s Bob Campagna.

The event includes Two Scoops Ice Cream and a cash bar, as well as music by The Mike Maas Group

SELCC holds free Community Eats! dinner July 16 Southeast Linn Community Center’s next Community Eats! will be held on Thursday, July 16, from 5 to 7 p.m. at SELCC. We’ll be serving sloppy joes, mac and

cheese, potato salad, cole slaw, chips, and fresh fruit.

Dine in or carry out. The free dinner is open to residents of Lisbon, Mount Vernon, and the surrounding areas. All ages are welcome, and there is no registration required.

Community Eats! is held the third Thursday of the month. The next Community Eats! will be on August 20. To learn more, contact Southeast Linn Community

Thursday, July 9: 8am-4pm Friday, July 10: 8am-4pm Saturday, July 11: 10am-2pm Sunday, July 12: Closed Monday, July 13: 8am-8pm Tuesday, July 14: 8am-8pm Wednesday, July 15: 8am-4pm Thursday, July 16: 8am-4pm

POLICE CALLS JJune 29 – Citizen assist, 300 blk W. South St, Lisbon June 30 – Medical, 900 blk W. Main St, Lisbon June 30 – Disturbance, 500 blk business 30, Mount Vernon June 30 – Suspicious vehicle, S. Jackson St, Lisbon June 30 – Medical, 600 blk W. Main St, Lisbon June 30 – Agency assist – traffic stop, Linn Co June 30 – Citizen assist, 200 blk W. Market St, Lisbon July 1 – Accident, 1000 blk N. First Ave, Mount Vernon July 1 – Medical, 500 blk E. South St, Lisbon July 2 – Suspicious vehicle, 100 blk Virgil Ave, Mount Vernon July 2 – Medical, 600 blk N. Washington St, Lisbon July 2 – Car unlock, 900 blk Commercial St, Lisbon July 2 – Welfare check, 200 blk First St NW, Mount Vernon July 3 – Disturbance, 500 blk business 30, Mount Vernon July 3 – Citizen assist, 2000 blk Palisades Rd SW, Mount Vernon July 3 – Medical, Oakridge Dr SE, Mount Vernon July 3 – Animal control, 400 blk Third St NW, Mount Vernon July 3 – Juvenile issue, 100 blk Seventh St SE, Mount Vernon July 4 – Welfare check, 100 blk Sixth St NE, Mount Vernon July 4 – Medical, 500 blk business 30, Mount Vernon July 4 – Suspicious vehicle, 200 blk Seventh St NE, Mount Vernon July 5 – Animal control, Jefferson St, Lisbon July 5 – Agency assist- accident, Linn Co July 5 – Medical, 100 blk Lincoln Dr, Mount Vernon July 5 – Welfare check, 600 blk Second St NW, Mount Vernon July 5 – Fireworks, 200 blk W. Market St, Lisbon July 5 – Agency assist- fire, 1225 blk First Ave NW, Mount Vernon July 5 – Agency assist- accident, Linn Co July 6 – Disturbance, 500 blk business 30, Mount Vernon

SPORTS

8 | THURSDAY, JULY 9, 2026 | MOUNT VERNON-LISBON SUN

MVLSUNCOM

LISBON SOFTBALL

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

You want to be playing your best when the postseason begins.

"We're very confident," Lisbon coach Abbey Shultz said. "The glass ceiling isn't there. They've already punched it out. Now just play our game and we'll be fine."

Unranked Lisbon softball is riding a 10-game winning streak into the playoffs after sweeping No. 12 (1A) Edgewood-Colesburg on Thursday, July 2, at Bunting Field.

The Vikings and Lions had to finish a game that was interrupted by rain back on June 18. After losing the first game, Lisbon was leading 4-3 in the bottom of the sixth inning in Game 2.

After Ed-Co pitcher Rachel Eglseder struck out the side in the sixth, Lisbon pitcher Kyla Kahl was tasked with shutting the door in the top of the seventh.

After giving up a leadoff single to Lauren Kirby, Lisbon got its first out on a sac bunt. Then Alexa Roos handled a grounder at first base unassisted before Kahl struck out Josie Diers to close out the game.

"That was a test for the postseason," Shultz said. "We had all the things on our side, we just had to perform."

And well, Ed-Co didn't drive an hour-plus just to play one inning, so the two teams battled in a nonconference game, with Lisbon winning 2-1 in eight innings.

Lisbon (24-9, 21-3 Tri-Rivers East) trailed 1-0 heading into the sixth inning.

The Lions found a way to tie it up.

Leadoff hitter Shea Benhart reached on a dropped fly ball in right field.

Courtesy runner Quinn Roos stole second, then was bunted over to third

by Ayla Blanchard.

"We did what we needed to score a run," Benhart said. "We had to work for it, but it was a job well done."

That brought up No. 3 hitter Kamryn Kahl. And when Coach Shultz asked her to bunt?

"I told her 'You are going to sacrifice yourself,'" Shultz said. "She was like,

'yup.' And I was like 'perfect!'

"This is a team sport and I think they see the value in that."

Her sacrifice bunt down the first base line scored Roos.

"I don't do it (bunt) a lot," Kamryn Kahl said. "When I do, it's fun, exciting.

Something new."

Tied 1-1, Ed-Co had two runners on in the top of the seventh. But shortstop Kamryn Kahl made a solid defensive play to get the second out, and with runners on second and third, left fielder Brynnley Patterson made a diving catch to end the threat.

Emma Pleasant singled in the bottom of the seventh, but the Lions couldn't score.

After holding the Vikings in the top of the eighth, Benhart got a one-out walk in the bottom half.

That was followed by a single by Blanchard, bringing up Kamryn Kahl once again.

This time the senior laced a walk-off single into the outfield.

"Absolutely nothing was in my head, and that's the key," Kamryn Kahl said.

"No pressure at all."

Eglseder -- who reached 1,000 career strikeouts in the Game 1 win back on June 18 -- had held the Lions two hits over seven innings and struck out five. Kamryn Kahl was 0-for-3 in Game 2 going up to the plate.

"You just have to have the goldfish mentality," Kamryn Kahl said. "After each at-bat, wipe it and move on to the next one."

Earlier in the week, Lisbon took two at Central City (15-4 and 4-3) on Monday, June 29, two at Maquoketa Valley (13-1, 13-2) on Tuesday, June 30, and two at Calamus-Wheatland (7-1, 12-1) on Wednesday, July 1.

That wrapped up the Tri-Rivers East title for the Lions.

"I told them we have not lost that in a long time, and we weren't going to start this year," Shultz said.

The Lisbon girls won the Tri-Rivers East crown in volleyball, basketball, golf and softball. The Lions were second in wrestling and third in track.

It was also the final Tri-Rivers title Lisbon will ever win, as they start play in the River Valley Conference in the

fall.

"It was good to win the last one," Benhart said. "Now we hope for some more in the other conference."

Against Central City, in Game 1, Benhart hit 2-for-3 with a double and 2 RBIs. Emma Pleasant hit 2-for-4 with a double and an RBI and Alexis Jensen hit 2-for-3 with 3 RBIs. In the second game at Central City, Lisbon scored in the top of the seventh to prevail. Blanchard hit 2-for-3 with a double and an RBI. Jensen and Pleasant hit triples.

In Delhi, Kyla Kahl pitched a 4-hitter in the opener, striking out seven. Jensen hit a home run, Lohgan Anderson hit 3-for-4, and Kamryn Kahl and Alexa Roos each had 2 RBIs. In the second game, Benhart hit 3-for-4 with a double, Blanchard had two doubles and Alexa Roos hit a single and a double. Kamryn Kahl had a home run and 4 RBIs. At Cal-Wheat, Kyla Kahl pitched another 4-hitter with seven strikeouts in Game 1. Anderson hit 3-for-3. Alexa Roos had a double and Jensen hit a triple.

In the second game, Sydney Techau got the pitching win. Benhart hit 2-for-3 with 3 RBIs. Kamryn Kahl, Alexa Roos and Patterson each hit doubles.

Now the Lions are off until their Class 2A Region 3 opener at home against West Burlington Notre Dame (14-17) on Wednesday, July 8. Lisbon is trying to reach state again after being denied an eighth straight trip last summer.

They'll likely have to play No. 5 Louisa-Muscatine in a regional semifinal and No. 10 Iowa City Regina is the favorite on the other side of the bracket.

"We can prove people wrong," Kamryn Kahl said. "We can accomplish so much more than people think."

Edgewood-Colesburg 010 000 00 - 1 4 3 Lisbon 000 001 01 -- 2 5 2 Rachel Eglseder and McKenna Hoefer; Kyla Kahl and Shea Benhart. W - Kahl. L - Eglseder.

Photos by Breck Goodman | Mount Vernon-Lisbon Sun

Top: Lisbon’s Ayla Blanchard catches a throw to second base against Edgewood Colesburg in Lisbon Thursday, July 2. Above: Lisbon’s Quinn Roos slides safe into second base against Edgewood Colesburg in Lisbon Thursday, July 2.

MV SOFTBALL

MV girls’ take sixth straight WaMaC East title Ryan Suchomel Mount Vernon-Lisbon Sun ryan.suchomel@mvlsun.com

Mount Vernon softball wrapped up its sixth straight WaMaC East title this past week.

The Mustangs earned it after a sweep against South Tama on Monday, June 29, at Van Metre Family Softball Complex, winning 18-0 and 28-0.

"Kudos to all the Mount Vernon kids who have gone through here," coach Robin Brand said. "They've really left a goal for everyone to reach. And our kids continue to meet those expectations."

Brand was quick to point out the WaMaC is always tough, but may have been tougher than ever in 2026.

"I'd say it was heads and tails better than the past, up and down standings," Brand said. "There were so many splits."

In the opener against the Trojans, Hayden Gookin pitched a no-hitter over four innings, striking out 10.

Mount Vernon had 13 hits, led by Sophia Patten, who hit 3-for-4 with a double, a triple and 4 RBIs. Rylee Rasmussen hit 2-for-2 with a double and 4 RBIs, and Kinley Nissen hit 2-for-2 with a double and 3 RBIs. Annabelle Smith hit 2-for-2 with a double.

John Charlson | Mount Vernon-Lisbon Sun

Mount Vernon first baseman Sophia Patten congratulates second baseman Carly Elliot after she scores a run during the second game in a softball double header between the Mount Vernon Mustangs and the South Tama County Trojans at Van Metre Family Softball Complex in Mount Vernon on Monday, June 29, 2026.

MVLSUN.COM | MOUNT VERNON-LISBON SUN

The lone senior, Carly Elliott, was honored on Senior Night.

"They don't come any better than Carly," Brand said. "She is a true Mount Vernon softball kid. I wish we had 100 Carlys. She is a quiet leader who does everything right."

In Game 2, Nissen pitched a 1-hitter over four innings, striking out eight.

The Mustangs had 19 hits, led by Nissen who hit 4-for-5 with three triples, a home run, and 3 RBIs. Brynlee Bettcher hit 3-for-5 with two doubles and a triple, Lucy Wischmeyer hit

SPORTS

3-for-3 with a double and 3 RBIs, Gookin had a triple and 4 RBIs, and Smith hit 2-for-3 with a triple and 3 RBIs. On Wednesday, July 1, No. 4 Mount Vernon split a doubleheader at No. 10 West Delaware. The Hawks won the opener, the Mustangs won the nightcap, and both scores were 5-2.

In the loss, Bettcher and Nissen each hit a home run. Patten and Nissen both hit 2-for3. Nissen took the pitching loss, but gave up just five hits.

In the second game, Gookin held West

THURSDAY, JULY 9, 2026 | 9

Delaware to two hits and struck out 11. She also batted 3-for-4 with a home run and 4 RBIs. Patten hit 3-for-4 with two doubles, and Wischmeyer, Smith and Sorell Telecky each had two singles.

On Thursday, July 2, Mount Vernon (307, 17-4) lost at Marion, 3-0. The second game was rained out and cancelled.

Gookin pitched a 6-hitter, striking out nine. Nissen hit a triple and Smith had a double.

"You want games that will make you

better," Brand said. "Every loss is a learning opportunity, and we had many things to take back to practice that will help us in the long run."

The Mustangs open Class 3A, Region 4 play on Thursday, July 9, vs. Union (2-16) at Van Metre Field. The other side of the region includes No. 14 Clear Lake and Center PointUrbana, the team that has knocked them out of regional play the last two seasons.

"We have the buy-in," Brand said. "We've had outstanding practices and there is a fire in their bellies. They are ready to roll."

MV BASEBALL

MV baseball wins against Central DeWitt, South Tama Ryan Suchomel Mount Vernon-Lisbon Sun ryan.suchomel@mvlsun.com

It has become a pattern for the Mount Vernon baseball program.

The season starts slow, but as the temperatures rise, the Mustangs get hot, too. They have gone 7-2 in their last nine games heading into a pair of nonconference games to close out the season.

They open Class 3A Substate 4 play with Central DeWitt on Friday, July 10, having just beat them, 7-6, on Tuesday, June 30.

"We're as ready as we're going to be," Mount Vernon coach Charles Chatman said.

Landon Wilson got the pitching win against the Sabers, despite giving up 12 hits and six runs and having zero strikeouts.

The Mustang offense had 12 hits, led by Gabriel Grafft with a home run and 2 RBIs. Michael Ryan hit 3-for-4, Noah Olsen hit 2-for-3 with two doubles, Cole McDermott hit 2-for-4 with a double, and Porter Chatman had two singles.

"I'm not a fan of playing your substate opener (matchup) the week before," Chatman said.

Mount Vernon (13-14, 9-10) started the week with a Senior Night win over South Tama, 15-0, on Monday, June 29.

Jakob Yock hit 3-for-3, Chatman and Grafft each had two hits. Koen Wiebel had a double.

The seniors honored included Ryan,

Cael Foreman, Drew Thurn and Wilson.

"I've got nothing but high praise for those guys," Chatman said. "It is difficult for graduated seniors. It can be hard to close out your career when you have other things going on (after graduation). It is easy to move on to be an adult, or get ready for college ... so for them to show up every day shows character.

"It is a small senior class, but they've had a real impact. And were great leaders."

The Trojans have had a rough summer, failing to record a win.

"They are in a bad place," Chatman said.

"It was a good job by our guys of respecting the game."

Mount Vernon lost a chance to add one more to the win column when the second game was rained out.

Likewise, a game against Linn-Mar on Wednesday, July 1, was cancelled, and a conference doubleheader at West Delaware on Thursday, July 2, was cancelled.

"We lost maybe 8 or 9 games this year," Chatman said. "It is just one of those things. You can only play who is front of you, and sometimes it rains."

Now things get real, and real serious for Mount Vernon. Last year they upset Marion in substate play. They have advanced to the substate final in 2 of the last 3 seasons.

"We have some talented boys," Chatman said. "And when they aren't focused on all of the other things, it turns out okay."

Photos by John Charlson | Mount Vernon-Lisbon Sun

Top: Mount Vernon pitcher Drew Thurn runs to catch the ball during a baseball game between the Mount Vernon Mustangs and the South Tama County Trojans at Ash Park Baseball Field in Mount Vernon Monday, June 29. Above: Mount Vernon outfielder Jakob Yock runs towards first base after batting the ball during a baseball game between the Mount Vernon Mustangs and the South Tama County Trojans at Ash Park Baseball Field in Mount Vernon Monday, June 29.

LISBON BASEBALL

Lisbon picks up two wins on week Ryan Suchomel Mount Vernon-Lisbon Sun ryan.suchomel@mvlsun.com

For Lisbon senior Carew Kamaus, the origins of his pitching career are humble, to say the least.

"I started pitching my sophomore year because we were bad, and we just needed somebody to eat up innings," Kamaus said.

"I just stepped in.

"It was interesting. I liked it."

Kamaus has developed alongside the program, and was set to take the ball in the district opener for the Lions.

That game was set for Friday, July 3, against North Cedar at Delhi, but it got rained out. It was moved to Monday, July 6, back in Delhi.

Lisbon baseball starts the postseason after a 17-9 season. That includes 13-6 in the Tri-Rivers East, good for second place.

It marks another big step for the Lions, who were 11-15 in 2025, and 5-24 in 2024.

On the mound, Kamaus is 6-0 this season with a 1.21 ERA. He has 32 strikeouts and 11 walks over 29 innings pitched.

"And he's tough," coach Lance Kamaus said. "He's pitched through some things this year. At Ed-Co, he couldn't feel his

hand."

Kamaus isn't a fireballer. But he throws hard, and knows how to spin it.

"He has confidence, and that's the biggest thing," Coach Kamaus said. "He just has that mentality he is going to throw strikes and I'm not going to give you anything free."

"I just throw strikes, at least that's what I try to do," Kamaus said. "And our defense has just gotten a lot better."

Kamaus was a catcher when he first started pitching, so he knows what the umpires like. And one thing they like is a pitcher who works fast.

"Sometimes umpires tell him he works too fast," Coach Kamaus said. "He throws a ton of strikes. He throws two different types of curveball, and throws hard enough to give batters problems."

The Lions haven't won a district game since Kamaus has played varsity. That's something they are definitely chasing to put a bow on the season.

"We're just focused on going 1-0 now," Kamaus said. "I definitely think we could go on a run, too."

The Lions closed the regular season with a pair of wins last week.

On Tuesday, June 30, they won at Maquoketa Valley, 12-0.

Sun file photo

Lisbon’s Carew Kamaus pitches against Easton Valley at home Monday, June 22.

Bryce Boots gave up three hits and struck out eight over seven innings.

"That was the best start he's had in high school," Coach Kamaus said. "The first legit base hit to the outfield was with two outs in the seventh. He was really, really good."

Ian Whittenbaugh led the offense, going 2-for-3 with a home run and 5 RBIs. Nathan Brown hit 3-for-4 with a double and 4 RBIs, Boots was 2-for-4 with a double, and

Kamaus hit 2-for-4 with 2 RBIs. Then on Wednesday, July 1, Lisbon beat Lone Tree at City Park, 19-2.

Lisbon used four pitchers and offensively had 13 hits. Boots hit 3-for-3 with a triple and 4 RBIs. Tyler Kubovec hit 2-for-3 with a double, and Ethan Stone and Elliott Moehlman each had two singles.

Two other final-week games were canceled by opponents.

CALENDAR & PUZZLES

10 | THURSDAY, JULY 9, 2026

MOUNT VERNON

MOUNT VERNON-LISBON SUN | MVLSUN.COM

CHURCHES

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 June worship times: 8:30 Praise, 10:15 Traditional July worship time: 9:30 All Worship August worship times: 8:30 Praise, 10:15 Traditional No Sunday School: June, July, August Follow our Facebook page.

Community Bible Church 940 W. Mount Vernon Rd. www.mvcbc.org, 895-6269 Teaching Pastor Brandon Glaza Discipleship Pastor Dennis Fulkerson Youth Pastor Lonnie Speidel 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

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. Jay Admundson, Pastor Sun.: 10:30 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.

CrossLife Community Church Pastor Erik Bennett Sun.: 10:30 a.m. – In-person worship service. Services also livestream on Facebook page.

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.

LISBON

St. Mary’s Catholic Church Pastor: Father James Flattery Thurs.: 8:30 a.m. — mass Sun.: 8 a.m. Mass

Living Hope Global Methodist Church 200 E. Market St., 455-2000 livinghopegmc.org Pastor Andrew Bee

COMMUNITY CALENDAR Thursday, July 9 Story Time, Cornell College Cole Library Browsing Room, 9:30 a.m.

Fiber Friends, Southeast Linn Community Center, 10:30 a.m.

SELCC Summer meals, SELCC in Lisbon, noon to 1 p.m.

Summer movie at Lisbon Public Library “The Bad Guys 2,” Lisbon Public Library, 1 p.m.

Mad Mixtures, Lisbon Heritage Hall, 6-7 p.m.

Friday, July 10 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.

SELCC Summer meal, First Presbyterian Church in Mount Vernon, noon to 1 p.m.

Heritage Days activities, LBC and Armstrong Family Sports Complex, 5 p.m. to 10 p.m.

Saturday, July 11 Heritage Days activities, Mount Vernon, all day Rhubarb Botanicals farm store, Rhubarb Botanicals farm, 9 a.m. to noon

Monday, July 13 Bingo, Southeast Linn Community Center, 10-11:30 a.m.

Garbage Crew rescue storytime, Cornell College Cole Library, 10 a.m.

Linn Lunch Bunch, Southeast Linn Community Center, 11:30 a.m. to 12:30 p.m.

SELCC Summer meals, Mount Vernon UMC, noon to 1 p.m.

Edited by Will Shortz No. 0604

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.

Mount Vernon School Board, Mount Vernon High School library, 6:30 p.m.

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

Tuesday, July 14 SELCC Summer meals, SELCC in Lisbon, noon to 1 p.m.

Summer activity in Lisbon’s Heritage Hall “Creative art with Tanager Expressive Arts,” Lisbon Heritage Hall, 1-3 p.m.

Lego Club, Cornell College Cole Library Room 108, 3:30-4:30 p.m.

Yarn Squad, Cornell College Cole Library, 6:30 p.m.

Wednesday, July 15 SELCC Summer meals, SELCC in Lisbon and First Presbyterian Church in Mount Vernon, noon to 1 p.m.

Wednesday workshops at Cole Library “Rainbow Twirligigs,” Cornell College Cole Library Room 108, 10 a.m. and 11 a.m. (pre-registration is required) Voices United, Whitey’s Bar and Grill, 5 p.m.

Thursday, July 16 Story Time, Cornell College Cole Library Browsing Room, 9:30 a.m.

Fiber Friends, Southeast Linn Community Center, 10:30 a.m.

SELCC Summer meals, SELCC in Lisbon, noon to 1 p.m.

Summer movie at Lisbon Public Library “Elio,” Lisbon Public Library, 1 p.m.

Community Eats meal, SELCC, 5-7 p.m.

Lisbon Public Library Board Meeting, Lisbon Library, 7 p.m.

Across

1 In “The Tempest,” when Miranda says “O brave new world, That has such people in’t!”

5 Middlemen in illicit transactions 11 Last over the line, say 14 Sushi wrapper 15 Waikiki welcomes 16 Indigenous people of the Great Basin 17 Forbidden idol 19 “American ___” 20 Neighborhood watering hole 21 Subj. for one aspiring to become bilingual 22 Particularly fine examples 23 Tolkien’s Treebeard, for one 24 Cards 26 Shamash holder 28 Really rips into 31 Become enamored with 32 Beguile 34 Bob who narrated “How I Met Your Mother” 35 Historic Bulgarian ruler 38 Faux flattery 40 Bob who hosted PBS’s “The Joy of Painting” 41 Broad-shouldered Titan 43 Most senior 45 Italian liquor distilled from winemaking leftovers 47 Downward dog and others 50 Exactly as desired 52 151, once 53 Discouraging words 55 They come in black, Belgian and double varieties 56 Path to spiritual harmony 58 Bring out 60 Lillehammer’s land: Abbr.

61 Large retail establishment …and a hint to four squares in this puzzle 63 Part of the conjugation of “être” 64 Candy heart phrase 65 Where “the man gave names to all … the birds in the sky and all the wild

animals” 66 “Told you!”

67 Containers in orchards 68 Run into

Down

1 It’s a matter of degrees 2 Beer brand with the slogan “La Playa Awaits” 3 Political leaflets 4 “The Four Seasons” composer 5 Altered excerpts of a film posted to social media, say 6 Sons of ___, exemplars of biblical wickedness 7 Site of an 1899-1909 gold rush 8 Deep fissure 9 Bald youngster?

10 Montreal-to-Boston dir.

11 Freudian censor 12 Conservative guesses 13 Links openings?

18 Imported beverage brand 22 Pint-size racers 25 ___ mold 27 “It Ain’t Hard to Tell” rapper 29 Six-winged angels 30 Like the appearance of armadillos and anacondas 33 Many a character on “The Pitt,” informally 35 “Just Do It” and “Think Different” 36 Fashion photographer’s direction 37 Not prix fixe 39 Movie theaters with many screens 42 Fancy hotel amenity 44 Nursery purchases 46 More pretentious 48 Disguise, in a way 49 Fancy affair 51 Soft rock?

54 Tube placed during angioplasty 57 Article that might be prewritten, informally 59 Bullet point 61 Airer of “The Graham Norton Show” 62 Small square

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 9, 2026 | 11

Mount Vernon student gets perfect score on ACT Grace Escritt Mount Vernon-Lisbon Sun news@mvlsun.com

Landon Johanningmeier, a soonto-be junior at Mount Vernon High School, earned a perfect composite score of 36 on his most recent ACT exam.

The ACT, which many students take to boost their chances of college admission, consists of three mandatory sections that must be completed: mathematics, English and reading.

The composite score, ranging from 1-36, represents the average of these three categories. In addition, students may optionally complete a science and writing section, although these are not included when calculating the composite score.

Having earned a 36, Landon is part of the less than 1% of students nationwide who achieve this score each year. In addition to preparation through AP and advanced courses, he said this feat was made possible due

to rigorous independent study and practice exams.

“I took a couple practice tests, and I just looked at what I missed on those and reviewed those areas,” he said.

Despite the pressure often associated with standardized tests, Landon said he was able to remain relaxed by employing the same lessons he learned during preparation and considering one question at a time. His strategy also consisted of answering simpler questions first and giving himself more time for those that were particularly challenging.

Jessica Johanningmeier, Landon’s mom, said she received an email about the ACT scores being in while she was cheering him on at a baseball game. Although she was confident Landon would perform well due to his ambition and past academic exceptionalism, she said receiving this news was “incredibly exciting.”

“I think I let out a sigh of relief,” Jessica said. “Knowing him, it’s not at all surprising, but it also — of course

— is a shock just because it’s so hard to do that well across all the sections.

I was very proud of him and really happy for him for all the hard work he put in…just to see the smile on his face made me feel really, really happy for him” Getting an early start to his future beyond high school, Landon has already toured multiple colleges and has many more he would like to visit. He said he would like to pursue mechanical engineering due to a longtime interest in design as well as “making things work.”

Reflecting once more on her son’s accomplishment, Jessica expressed to Landon the importance of selffaith in achieving his goals.

“I think that it’s really important that you believe in yourself and you acknowledge that you can do anything,” she said while looking at her Grace Escritt | Mount Vernon-Lisbon Sun son with a soft smile. “Have confidence in everything you do, because Jessica and Landon Johanningmeier smile while reflecting you are amazing and you can do any- on this incredible accomplishment at Cornell College — Jessica’s place of work. thing that’s hard.”

Local instrument repair shop keeps community in-tune How a small instrument repair shop helps to keep local communities in-tune with their love of music Grace Escritt Mount Vernon-Lisbon Sun news@mvlsun.com

For years, the identities of the Mount Vernon and Lisbon communities have been heavily defined by their love of music.

This harmonious legacy is made possible not only by local artists, but also by the tinkerers who help to keep these musicians’ instruments in-tune.

Mike Livingston, who moved to Mount Vernon two years ago, is one such repairman. Upon settling in town, he opened Mt. Vernon Repair Shop, which operates out of his home. Through his business, Livingston bolsters and supports the community’s passion for music by making instrument repairs according to client needs and selling instruments that have been revitalized.

Although he offers a broad range of services that may vary depending on an instrument’s condition, Livingston said repairs tend to fall in one of three categories: the first of which being play condition repairs. These are quick fixes that seek to isolate and resolve a specific problem or abnormality with the equipment.

A step beyond play condition fixes are clean, oil and adjust (COA) repairs, which are essentially “spa treatments” for one’s instrument. With COAs, Livingston completely disassembles the instrument to clean each of its individual pieces. As he puts it back together, he then adds oil and replaces any faulty felts, corks or pads; that is, to ensure a smooth performance and proper functionality later on.

The third, most extensive type of repair Livingston regularly provides is a repad, which he recommends to clients when they purchase an instrument secondhand or if they have not used the equipment for a few years.

Similar to a COA, Livingston disassembles and thoroughly cleans the instrument, but the major difference is that all pads and additional materials are replaced. He also makes a thorough inspection of the body tube to ensure there are no bent keys or other damages.

Although Livingston is best known locally as an instrument repairman and a reliable provider of equipment, he is

also a musician; which is a title he has held for most of his life.

“Music was in my family,” he said. “My father played, my brothers played, so I kind of grew up with music just sort of being part of the fabric of life.”

Livingston — who is originally from upstate New York — said that growing up, his childhood home was widely understood to be the “neighborhood rock band rehearsal space.” Beyond enjoying music as a hobby, he spent his middle and high school years studying the saxophone and playing in concerts as well as local festivals.

Following years of playing the saxophone in middle and high school, Livingston attended the Crane School of Music in Potsdam, N. Y.. After graduating, he spent a short time working as an apprentice under an instrument repair technician; that is, before he spent nearly two decades on tour playing in Broadway shows and festivals.

Along the way, Livingston further taught himself how to repair his own instruments. He also fixed up some equipment for his colleagues and even purchased old instruments from pawn shops to refurbish;. Each of these experiences combined with a former job with KB Saxophone Services in New York gave him the confidence to open his own business.

“It’s like a puzzle to me,” he said. “I’m a problem solver, I like working with my hands, and I think I can approach repairs as a performer. I know exactly what it should feel like and how it should respond, and I can playtest all of these instruments at a high level.”

In addition to his work with the Mount Vernon Repair Shop, Livingston teaches private music lessons through Music Works Iowa at the First Street Community Center. He emphasized that regardless of whether he is making repairs or teaching, he does everything in his power to ensure he is receptive to his client’s needs.

“Listening is a skill you have as a professional musician,” he said. “You’re listening to those around you and fitting in with them, and I think that applies to teaching very much with understanding where the student is at in life that particular day, but also with repair…if you listen to the human and understand where they’re coming from, you might see a bigger picture of what the instrument needs to fit into their life.”

As band and orchestra season

Photos by Grace Escritt | Mount Vernon-Lisbon Sun

Mike Livingston repairs a saxophone with precision at the Mount Vernon Repair Shop June 30. Livingston has operated the repair shop in Mount Vernon for the past two years. approaches for local school districts, Livingston is excited to continue working with students, families and band directors to ensure the upcoming academic year is a resounding success in the realm of music. Kristin Anderson, who teaches choir, band and general music at Mount Vernon Middle School, is one of many customers who recommends Livingston’s services.

“Mike has repaired and tuned up pretty

much all of my personal instruments…I like to go to him because he’s super fast, reasonably priced and does a really great job,” she said.

For more information about Mt. Vernon Repair Shop and to reach out to Livingston with requests, visit https://mikelivingston.net/mt-vernon-repair-shop/. Private woodwind lessons may also be booked with him at musicworksiowa.com.

PUBLIC NOTICES

12 | THURSDAY, JULY 9, 2026 IowaPublicNotices.com LINN COUNTY BOARD OF SUPERVISORS

CEDAR RAPIDS, LINN COUNTY, IOWA MONDAY, JUNE 22, 2026 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 Running-Marquardt, Vice Chairperson Scheetz and Supervisor Meisheid. Board members voting “AYE” unless otherwise noted.

Chairperson Running-Marquardt called the meeting to order.

Motion by Running-Marquardt, seconded by Scheetz to approve minutes of June 15 & 16th, 2026 as printed.

Motion by Scheetz, seconded by Meisheid to approve claims dated 6/18/26 for payroll deduction Check Nos. 71021637 to 71021640 in the amount of $3,507.35, ACH in the amount of $90,148.49, an EFT wire in the amount of $895,763.55 and a Ceridian ER Funds Trust Wire in the amount of $2,310,820.10, for a total of $3,300,239.49.

Will Wright, Juvenile Detention & Diversion Services Dir., discussed a contract for STEP Intervention Services between Linn County Board of Supervisors and the Iowa Judicial Branch acting through the Juvenile Court Services and the Chief Juvenile Court Officer for an amount of $602,848 effective July 1, 2026, through June 30, 2027. This is a new District 6 1-year contract with 5 additional renewal years.

Supervisor Scheetz asked if legal has reviewed the contract and Wright will double check with them.

The Board will approve Wednesday.

Lisa Powell, HR Dir., presented a Vacancy Form for the Human Resources Coordinator position included in the FY27 budget as an approved budget offer. This is a formality to allow them to get the position posted and filled.

Supervisor Meisheid stated that she talked to Powell about this and is supportive of the role. She appreciates the willingness to find creative ways to pay for the position and bring training in house and internally.

Supervisor Running-Marquardt added that she is excited for this position as well.

The Board will approve Wednesday.

Powell then discussed proposed revisions to the Linn County Policies and Procedures for Management, Non-Bargaining and Confidential Personnel Manual. Once a year they revise the Management Manual to reflect any changes that were made during the last fiscal year. The changes for this year for the most part directly relate to the changes that were made to the AFSCME contracts. A goal of theirs was to get the paid leave program the same across the board for all employees. The changes include: the recruitment section; adjusted salary administration section; clarification on flex time for managers; added a telework section; paid leave; added parental leave and personal days; elimination of holidays banks; and longevity.

Supervisor Meisheid asked how this will be communicated and Powell stated that it will be sent to affected employees after it is approved.

The Board will approve Wednesday.

Powell then discussed proposed revisions to the Promotions and Transfers Policy, Policy Number PM-025, effective July 1, 2026. The language in the policy was changed, that refers to steps since the contracts no longer have steps and it is a percentage.

Supervisor Running-Marquardt added that for those that have maxed out on steps, moving in this direction is a good thing to reward and encourage long term employees working for the county.

The Board will approve Wednesday.

Powell then discussed the proposed adoption of new Policy Number PM-031, Workplace Civility. This policy is a result of an investigation, and they needed a policy to regulate conduct in the workplace.

There were some concerns with the last policy they drafted. This version addresses all of the concerns. It changed from focusing on respect to specific behaviors that can be determined by civility and is much more easily identified. Disciplinary action was removed.

Supervisor Running-Marquardt stated that she appreciates Powell working with the labor union and making sure this is something their employees feel comfortable with and protects employees. She thanked her for her work at the Labor Management table as it is something she does very well.

Supervisor Scheetz thanked Powell for the changes that were made along with getting feedback from AFSCME. Discussion continued about the gap in the existing policy, what was being addressed and bullying behavior.

Supervisor Meisheid added that this gives managers a platform to address issues in their department. Powell and Steve Estenson are there to step in and help as well.

Steve Estenson, Risk Management Dir., discussed the Linn County CDL (Commercial Driver’s License) Medical Examination Policy, Policy Number RM011. This is a new policy for Secondary Roads, Conservation and LIFTS Departments that would keep their medical certification on file. The policy is effective July 1st and employees have until June of 2027 to be compliant. The only pushback Estenson received pertained to employees wanting to use their own providers, which is allowed.

The Board will approve Wednesday.

Public Comment: Jon Lee, 2510 Sisley Grove Rd. SW, Cedar Rapids, thanked the Board for scheduling the meeting Wednesday. When the rezoning request lands on their desk they will be voting on one thing, the land. They won’t be voting on jobs, growth or whether the plant gets built or if it’s the right use of this land. He referenced Meisheid and Scheetz directly, stating that he knows Scheetz wants growth and jobs and Lee respects that.

Lee doesn’t think a yes vote does what Scheetz thinks it is going to do. A yes vote doesn’t bring jobs a day sooner, it throws away the only card Linn County is holding.

The IDNR’s own experts found that the way the land sits could increase pollution.

Lee referenced a trip to Wisconsin and his

visit to 2 plants and the amount of greenhouse gas they emit. The question isn’t do they want growth. Is this gas plant the right thing to put on farmland next to these homes and the answer is no. Save Morgan Valley expects 3 people to vote no and stand with their community.

Kirsten Running-Marquardt, 3515 Field Stone Place SW, Cedar Rapids, stated that on Wednesday, June 24th at 6 pm. there will be a public meeting that Public Health and a doctor will present at. She asked Alliant to send people to the meeting would could answer questions.

Motion by Running-Marquardt, seconded by Scheetz to approve payroll authorizations (detail is available upon request).

Motion by Running-Marquardt, seconded by Scheetz to appoint Maggie Hartzler, Tracy Ehlert, Riley Cole, Kelsey Culver, and Sue Lowder to the Linn County Mental Health Access Center Advisory Board, for a three-year term effective July 1, 2026, through June 30, 2029.

Adjournment at 10:43 a.m.

Respectfully submitted, TODD E. TAYLOR, Linn County Auditor By: Amanda Brown, Deputy Auditor Approved by: KIRSTEN RUNNING-MARQUARDT, Chairperson Board of Supervisors Published in the Sun July 9, 2026.

LINN COUNTY BOARD OF SUPERVISORS

CEDAR RAPIDS, LINN COUNTY, IOWA TUESDAY, JUNE 23, 2026 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 Running-Marquardt, Vice Chairperson Scheetz and Supervisor Meisheid. Board members voting “AYE” unless otherwise noted.

Chairperson Running-Marquardt called the meeting to order.

The Board heard updates from the following Department Heads: David Thielen, LCCS Exec. Dir. – budget overview; General Assistance still seeing a high level of need; Disability Access Point employees transitioning to new employee of record next month; Early Childhood Iowa funded 12 separate contracts totaling over one million dollars; DECAT program contracts ending with majority of programs picked up by the state; Juvenile Detention licensing update; discussed contracts for Detention and the Access Center; Home Health and Options work rules approved; new LCCS board members.

Dennis Goemaat, Conservation Dir. – Morgan Creek Lodge planning an open house soon; Pinicon Ridge Mountain Bike Trail projected to be finished by August; Morgan Creek Park Wetland project update; five wetland projects have been completed this spring; discussed invasive species control including an IDNR Forest Resiliency grant that was awarded; Grant Wood Trail project slated to start this fall; continuing to work towards a cashless reservation system for campsites; campground reservations for next season are expected to begin on August 3rd; Conservation Board reviewed fees for next year and approved working with some community partners on local water quality projects; discussed the Office of Outdoor Recreation established by the Governor; Linn County Fair week begins this week; campgrounds have been very busy.

Supervisor Meisheid shared negative feedback she has received from citizens regarding the cashless reservation system for the county campgrounds of which Goemaat acknowledged the concerns.

Pramod Dwivedi, Health Dept. Dir. – thanked the Board for approving the recent Air Quality ordinance amendments; budget update; third cycle of National Public Health Accreditation launching; strategic planning process beginning August 11th; Guiding Team formed as a result of GAPM survey; Public Health Systems Alignment townhall update; discussed various community meetings including the upcoming Morgan Valley Energy Center meeting; shared May statistics and inspections; Ambient Air Monitoring numbers reviewed; laboratory operations overview including expected maintenance.

Dustin Peterson, Veteran Services Dir. – budget update; provided statistics on veterans served in May; Cedar Valley Veterans Network next career networking event scheduled for 5:30 p.m. on July 1st at Big Grove Brewery in Cedar Rapids; recent training to maintain national accreditation; Iowa Assoc. of Veteran Services was 1 of only 5 states invited for a round table discussion with the Deputy Secretary of VA; discussed recent Iowa Dept. of Veterans Affairs meeting; working with Communications on a more user friendly and informative website; drafting a formal policy governing the use of donated funds; first Reps with Vets event on July 2nd at the Veterans Memorial Building gym; have doubled the amount of money received monthly by Linn County Veterans since the PACT Act. Supervisor Scheetz congratulated Peterson on becoming president of the Iowa Assoc. of County Veteran Services, noting that it’s great for the entire state to have his leadership in the organization.

He thanked him for all his legislative work publicly and behind the scenes and that veterans across the state benefited from his advocacy.

Supervisor Running-Marquardt added that several legislators across the state have praised Peterson’s professionalism and communication skills. He is an amazing leader who can talk to everyone across the aisle which casts positive ripple effects. She thanked him for his leadership, advocacy, and always putting veterans first.

Phil Lowder, I.T. Dir. – budget update; two staff vacancies; KPIs tracking positively; phone update almost complete with only the Treasurer’s Office left to complete; discussed supply chain issues and cost increases; GIS staff is presenting at a national conference next month.

Supervisor Running-Marquardt requested Lowder look into how he can provide cybersecurity training to staff who have not yet received it, particularly those who work second and third shifts.

Adjournment at 10:19 a.m.

Respectfully submitted, TODD E. TAYLOR, Linn County Auditor By: Ana Brunscheen, Executive Assistant Approved by: KIRSTEN RUNNING-MARQUARDT, Chairperson Board of Supervisors Published in the Sun July 9, 2026.

LINN COUNTY BOARD OF SUPERVISORS

CEDAR RAPIDS, LINN COUNTY, IOWA WEDNESDAY, JUNE 24, 2026 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 Running-Marquardt, Vice Chairperson Scheetz and Supervisor Meisheid. Board members voting “AYE” unless otherwise noted.

Chairperson Running-Marquardt called the meeting to order and led the Pledge of Allegiance.

Motion by Scheetz, seconded by Meisheid to approve accounts payable PEO checks dated 06/23/26 #71021641 to 71021651 in the amount of $3,878.46; and ACH in the amount of $127,573.15; for a total of $131,451.61.

Motion by Scheetz, seconded by Meisheid to approve accounts payable checks dated 06/24/26 #71021652 to 71021719 in the amount of $187,780.88; and ACH in the amount of $2,288,046.09; for a total of $2,475,826.97.

Motion by Scheetz, seconded by Running-Marquardt to approve payment to Brandy Meisheid in the amount of $150.00.

Vote: Running-Marquardt & Scheetz – Aye Meisheid - Abstain Motion by Scheetz, seconded by Meisheid to approve payment to Kirsten Running-Marquardt in the amount of $135.00.

Vote: Meisheid & Scheetz – Aye, Running-Marquardt – Abstain Motion by Running-Marquardt, seconded by Meisheid to approve payment to Sami Scheetz in the amount of $195.00.

Vote: Running-Marquardt & Meisheid – Aye, Scheetz – Abstain Motion by Running-Marquardt, seconded by Scheetz to approve Consent Agenda as follows: Approve and authorize the Chairperson to sign a Mental Health Access Center Provider Agreement between Linn County and Area Ambulance Service for services at the Linn County Mental Health Access Center in the amount of $360,716.50 effective July 1, 2026, through June 30, 2027.

Approve and authorize the Chairperson to sign a Certificate of Self-Insurance for the Linn County Child Development Center for Early Learning and Development services.

Approve and authorize the Chairperson to sign a Certificate of Self-Insurance for Linn County Child Development Center for Community Collaboration and Administrative Services.

Approve and authorize Chairperson to sign Certificate of Self-Insurance for Linn County Child Development Center for Healthy Families Nurturing Parenting Program.

Approve and authorize the Chairperson to sign a Certificate of Self-Insurance for Linn County Child Development Center for Public Awareness and Community Engagement.

Approve and authorize the Chairperson to sign a Certificate of Self-Insurance for the Linn County Child Development Center.

Approve and authorize Phil Lowder, I.T. Director, to electronically sign a 3-year renewal contract between Linn County and Microsoft with Insight Public Sector as an agent effective July 1, 2026, through June 30, 2029 (PKG0942405).

Approve and authorize Phil Lowder, I.T. Director, to electronically sign a 3-year renewal contract between Linn County Public Health and Microsoft with Insight Public Sector as an agent effective July 1, 2026, through June 30, 2029 (PKG01695662).

Approve and authorize the Chairperson to sign an agreement between the Linn County Sheriff’s Office, Correctional Center and Polaris Pharmacy Services of Warrington, LLC to provide pharmaceutical services to the inmates at the Linn County Correctional Center effective July 1, 2026, through June 30, 2029.

Approve and authorize the Chairperson to sign a Fiscal Agent Agreement between Linn County Early Childhood Iowa Board (ECI) and Linn County Board of Supervisors on behalf of Linn County Community Services effective July 1, 2026, through June 30, 2027.

Approve and authorize the Chairperson to sign a contract between Linn County Early Childhood Iowa (ECI) Board and the Linn County Board of Supervisors on behalf of Family Transformation Services for the Healthy Families Nurturing Parenting Program to provide long- term home visitation family support services. Not to exceed $340,000 effective July 1, 2026, through June 30, 2027. Contract LINNECI-27-116.

Approve and authorize the Chairperson to sign a contract between Linn County Early Childhood Iowa (ECI) Board and the Linn County Board of Supervisors on behalf of the Linn County Community Services (LCCS) Child Development Center. Not to exceed $84,496 effective July 1, 2026, through June 30, 2027. Contract LINNECI-27-115.

Approve and authorize the Chairperson to sign a contract between Linn County Early Childhood Iowa (ECI) Board and the Linn County Board of Supervisors on behalf of the Linn County Community Services (LCCS) for Public Awareness and Community Engagement. Not to exceed $5,000 effective July 1, 2026, through June 30, 2027. Contract LINNECI-27-113.

Approve and authorize the Chairperson to sign a contract between Linn County Early Childhood Iowa (ECI) Board and the Linn County Board of Supervisors on behalf of the Linn County Community Services (LCCS) for Early Learning and Development to provide professional development. Not to exceed $35,000 effective July 1, 2026, through June 30, 2027.

Contract LINNECI-27-114.

Approve and authorize the Chairperson to sign a Vacancy Form for the Human Resources Coordinator position included in

the FY27 budget as an approved budget offer.

Approve the proposed revisions to the Linn County Policies and Procedures for Management, Non-Bargaining and Confidential Personnel Manual.

Approve the proposed revisions to the Promotions and Transfers Policy, Policy Number PM-025, effective July 1, 2026.

Approve the proposed adoption of new Policy Number PM-031, Workplace Civility.

Approve the Linn County CDL (Commercial Driver’s License) Medical Examination Policy, Policy Number RM-011.

Supervisor Meisheid read a letter recognizing Kenneth Thomas as the Linn County Veteran of the Month for June 2026.

Dustin Peterson, Veteran Services Dir., shared a story about Thomas during his 20-year military service pertaining to being assigned to the wrong boot camp and how that shaped his career. Thomas also helps veterans by serving as a mentor for those trying to find their way that have been recently discharged.

David Thielen, LCCS Dir., discussed a lease agreement between Linn County and Eastern Iowa Disability Alliance for office space located at the Community Services Building, 1240 26th Ave Court SW, Cedar Rapids, Iowa in the amount of $1,200 a month effective July 1, 2026, through June 30th, 2027. This agreement is due to payroll recording being moved to another entity and will save the current space they are in. The agreement was drafted by the county’s legal staff and is based on the indirect cost plan.

Jody Bridgewater, Mgr. for Eastern Iowa Disability Alliance, thanked Linn County for their support since 2014. Linn County has been a leader in building and maintaining the region. The partnership may look different, but she is excited to still be in the Linn County building.

Motion by Running-Marquardt, seconded by Scheetz to approve a lease agreement between Linn County and Eastern Iowa Disability Alliance for office space located at the Community Services Building, 1240 26th Ave Court SW, Cedar Rapids, Iowa in the amount of $1,200 a month effective July 1, 2026, through June 30th, 2027.

Luke Fischer, Facilities Dir., presented a proposal from Baker Group to furnish a building automation system for the Linn County Courthouse 2nd Floor remodel in the amount of $75,429 PROJ 65 - 2023CP002 BUILDING AUTOMATION Funds. This is pertaining to the controls option and will be funded with CIP funds.

Motion by Running-Marquardt, seconded by Scheetz to approve a proposal from Baker Group to furnish a building automation system for the Linn County Courthouse 2nd Floor remodel in the amount of $75,429 PROJ 65 - 2023CP002 BUILDING AUTOMATION Funds.

Motion by Running-Marquardt, seconded by Scheetz to open a Public Hearing on a Proposal to Dispose of Linn County’s Interest in Real Property Located at 650 Walford Road SW, Cedar Rapids, Iowa.

Darrin Gage, Dir. of Policy & Admin., discussed a Proposal to Dispose of Linn County’s Interest in Real Property Located at 650 Walford Road SW, Cedar Rapids, Iowa. Proof of publication was presented.

There were no oral or written objections.

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

Gage then discussed a Resolution Approving and Authorizing the Sale of Linn County-Owned Real Property and Authorizing the Execution of a Deed. The resolution authorizes the sale of this property ($1,195,000 and a $40,000 credit to the buyer related to the septic tank) and authorized the Chairperson to sign the necessary documents to execute the sale. He thanked Brian Rosteck with Skogman (in the audience) for his efforts in selling this property.

Supervisor Scheetz thanked Gage and Rosteck for their work and asked what the buyer plans to use the property for. Gage responded that they assemble the structures that go at the base of a cell phone tower.

Motion by Running-Marquardt, seconded by Scheetz to adopt Resolution 2026-6-89 A RESOLUTION APPROVING AND AUTHORIZING THE SALE OF LINN COUNTY-OWNED REAL PROPERTY AND AUTHORIZING THE EXECUTION OF A DEED WHEREAS, Iowa Code Section 331.361 authorizes and empowers the Linn County Board of Supervisors (the “Board”) to dispose of an interest in real property by sale; and WHEREAS, Linn County, Iowa (the “County”) is the owner of certain real property (the “property”) located at 650 Walford Road, SW, Cedar Rapids, Iowa, and legally described as: Lot 1, Dar-T Second Addition to Linn County, Iowa, except the Public Highway; and WHEREAS, Ryan N. Winter/Anchor Point Properties, LLC desires to obtain whatever interest the County may have in the property and submitted a Purchase and Sale Agreement (the “Purchase Agreement”), which is on file in the Board’s office at 935 2nd Street SW, Cedar Rapids, Iowa; and WHEREAS, the Board passed and approved Resolution No. 2026–6–83 on June 10, 2026, which sets forth its proposal to sell and convey the property by sale to Ryan N. Winter/Anchor Point Properties, LLC; and WHEREAS, the Board published a notice of the time and place of the public hearing on the proposal to sell and convey the property in the Cedar Rapids Gazette on June 17, 2026, in accordance with Iowa Code Section 331.305; and WHEREAS, in accordance with the above-described notice and Iowa Code Section 331.361, the Board conducted a public hearing on June 24, 2026, on its proposal to sell and convey the property by sale to Ryan N. Winter/Anchor Point Properties, LLC, at which time any interested person had the opportunity to appear to file a written or oral objection to the proposal.

BE IT THEREFORE RESOLVED by the Linn County Board of Supervisors as follows: The Board determines that there is no further public use by the County for the property.

The Board determines that it is in the

MOUNT VERNON-LISBON SUN | MVLSUN.COM best interest of the County to sell the property to Ryan N. Winter/Anchor Point Properties, LLC. The Board has considered all objections and comments received at the public hearing.

The Board approves and authorizes the sale of the property to Ryan N. Winter/ Anchor Point Properties, LLC, subject to the terms, conditions, and contingencies listed in the Purchase Agreement.

The Board hereby authorizes the Chairperson of the Board to execute the deed selling the property to Ryan N. Winter/Anchor Point Properties, LLC, and all other documents required to finalize the sale of the property.

Karen Heiderscheit, Asst. Finance Dir., presented a Resolution Approving the Appropriation of the Fiscal Year 2027 Budget. This resolution sets the appropriations that begin July 1st with previously approved budget amounts and is a yearly occurrence at the end of the fiscal year.

The resolution allows departments to start spending money on July 1st.

The Board expressed their appreciation to Heiderscheit for all her work getting them to this point and starting a new fiscal year as well as all the public meetings and transparency in the budgeting process.

Motion by Running-Marquardt, seconded by Scheetz to adopt Resolution 2026-6-90 Expenditures cannot exceed the following fiscal year 2027 appropriations by organization:

Public Comment: Ben Rogers, Senior Community & Public Affairs Specialist for Alliant Energy, thanked the Board for the opportunity to speak regarding tonight’s discussion on the air quality permitting process. Alliant Energy’s number 1 priority is delivering reliable energy to Iowa communities, something they’ve been doing for more than 140 years. As Iowa continues to grow with increasing demand from new and expanding businesses, they must ensure they have enough power along with the appropriate reserves to meet the need reliably. As it relates to the proposed Morgan Valley Energy Center, they take pride in their proven track record of meeting and exceeding rigorous regulatory standards that protect public health and the environment. At this stage, they have not yet submitted a complete air permit application to Linn County Public Health for formal review. Due to that, they are not able to address project specific questions. It is not due to a lack of willingness to engage. They look forward to sharing modeling results once the application is complete. The Board’s meeting this evening at 6 p.m. is a public information session featuring a panel of air quality experts available to address technical questions about the air quality permitting process.

It is not a public hearing on the Morgan Valley Center and is separate from the formal regulatory review process. Alliant is committed to ongoing transparency and engagement and will host an open house on July 30th at IBEW, 1211 Wiley Blvd.

SW, Cedar Rapids, with sessions from noon to 1:30 p.m. and 5:00 to 6:30 p.m.

Community members can learn more and speak directly with their team with additional details to follow. Linn County is home and for more than 140 years they have provided reliable energy in strong resilient communities. Their connection is grounded in people and they employ more than 600 people in Linn County. These are their neighbors, volunteers, parents and local business owners and their livelihoods along with the strength of the local economy are closely tied to decisions they make about infrastructure, investments and long-term planning. He thanked the Board for creating this public information meeting and he will be there representing Alliant to take notes and to listen to the community concerns.

Jon Lee, 2510 Sisley Grove Rd. SW, Cedar Rapids, stated that they have heard a lot over the last several months but haven’t heard what information gives the Board confidence to place this 720-megawatt plant where it is being proposed. He questioned what information the Board has reviewed and who informed them of the information. Many of those questions still don’t have an answer. He shared things they have learned pertaining to air and weather monitoring. There are significant questions being argued in front of the IUC. Lee requested that the Board direct their County Attorney to support the Office of Consumer Advocate with a letter of support for a study to find out what this would cost the people. Decisions are moving faster than the facts. Alliant just talked about willingness to engage but they aren’t engaging and giving answers to simple questions. Why is everything confidential? The City of Cedar Rapids also won’t share water information with them.

Supervisor Meisheid gave a shout out to the Kirkwood women’s basketball team.

On June 27th, Coach Kim Muhl will be inducted into the Women’s Basketball Hall of Fame for the all-time winningest coach in NJCAA women’s basketball history with

over 1,100 career wins and 9 national championships. She congratulated him on being induced into the Hall of Fame.

Kirsten Running-Marquardt, 3515 Field Stone Pl. SW, Cedar Rapids, reminded everyone that tonight there will be a meeting because of Alliant’s gas plant. Public Health and an expert will be present. She also invited Alliant Energy and hopes that they will answer questions that people have. This is separate from the regulatory process, but they are trying to be as transparent as possible with the people of Linn County. She expressed her appreciation to all of those putting work into making this meeting possible and those willing to show up and ask questions.

Motion by Running-Marquardt, seconded by Scheetz to appoint Brian Eschen to the Linn County Commission of Veteran Affairs for a term expiring on June 30, 2029.

Adjournment at 10:26 a.m.

Respectfully submitted, TODD E. TAYLOR, Linn County Auditor By: Amanda Brown, Deputy Auditor Approved by: KIRSTEN RUNNING-MARQUARDT, Chairperson Board of Supervisors Published in the Sun July 9, 2026.

LINN COUNTY BOARD OF SUPERVISORS

CEDAR RAPIDS, LINN COUNTY, IOWA WEDNESDAY, JUNE 24, 2026 6:00 P.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 Running-Marquardt, Vice Chairperson Scheetz and Supervisor Meisheid. Board members voting “AYE” unless otherwise noted.

Chairperson Running-Marquardt called the meeting to order.

Chairperson Running-Marquardt read a prepared statement explaining the meeting purpose and procedural guidelines in great length.

Pramod Dwivedi, DrPH, and Wanda Reiter Kintz, Ph.D., Linn County Public Health, gave a PowerPoint presentation on the Air Quality Permitting and Regulatory Review Process. They highlighted the history of the Air Quality Branch, The Clean Air Act, air permitting roles and responsibilities, explanation of Prevention of Significant Deterioration (PSD) and the permitting process, air dispersion modeling and National Ambient Air Quality Standards (NAAQS) criteria pollutants.

Dr. Peter Thorne, University of Iowa Distinguished Chair, Occupational and Environmental Health, gave a PowerPoint presentation on health effects associated with Gas Turbine Power Plants. He highlighted the health hazards, NAAQS, combined cycle gas turbines, and estimated pollutant releases in metric tonnes/year.

There was information exchanged pertaining to asthma in children and cardiac health issues, NAAQS levels, catalytic reduction systems, simple cycle turbines vs. combined cycle turbines and air pollution.

The Board of Supervisors invited the public to ask questions and provide comments about the proposed project. Approximately 125 questions and comments were received about topics including: existing air quality studies; existing air quality conditions; ongoing monitoring of operations emissions, and noise levels, response to elevated emission levels or other violations, enforcement, and compliance; the permit process, public notice, and public participation; air quality standards and human health and the potential effect of emissions on specific populations; site-specific air quality monitoring and ambient air monitors; modeling, background modeling data, and technical assumptions; Linn County Public Health’s role and responsibilities; air quality permit technical review data, process, and schedule; post-construction verification of emissions; pollution control technology; backup generators; plant operations; water use; the effect of emissions of agriculture and plant life; electricity demand driving need for the proposed plant; infrastructure costs and electric rates; emergency services, service coordination, and public safety; land use and site selection; potential community impacts; regulatory and permitting authority; and the proposed project schedule.

The complete list of questions and answers is available on Linn County’s website at https://www.linncountyiowa.gov Chairperson Running-Marquardt expressed her appreciation for all the county staff who helped to prepare for and those that attended tonight’s meeting.

Adjournment at 10:34 p.m.

Respectfully submitted, TODD E. TAYLOR, Linn County Auditor By: Amanda Brown, Deputy Auditor Approved by: KIRSTEN RUNNING-MARQUARDT, Chairperson Board of Supervisors Published in the Sun July 9, 2026.

CITY OF MOUNT VERNON PUBLIC HEARING NOTICE

The City of Mount Vernon will hold a public hearing to discuss an application for downtown revitalization funds from the Iowa Economic Development Authority. The hearing will be held prior to the Council’s final action regarding the filing of the application. These funds will be used for façade improvements to buildings in fair or poor condition along 1st St. Discussion at the public hearing will include: a. How the need for the proposed activities was identified, b. Source of funding, c. Date the application will be submitted, d. Amount of federal funds to be requested, e. Portion of federal funds benefiting low-to-moderate income households, f. Location of proposed activities, g. Plans to minimize displacement of persons or businesses from funding activities, h. Plans to assist those displaced, and i. The nature of the project. The hearing will also include discussion of housing and community development needs for Mount Vernon.

The Public Hearing will be held Monday, July 20th, 2026, 6:30 p.m., at Mount Vernon City Hall, 213 1st St. NW. The City of Mount Vernon will conduct all Downtown Revitalization-related public hearings in a public building that is accessible

PUBLIC NOTICES

MVLSUN.COM | MOUNT VERNON-LISBON SUN

to the disabled. Non-English speaking persons requiring translators or written translation after the public hearing should contact the City.

For more information, contact Joe Jennison at City Hall, 319-895-8742, or Tom Gruis at East Central Iowa Council of Governments, 319-289-0064.

Published in the Sun July 9, 2026.

DANIELS, SANDRA D PEO WAGES/MILEAGE...............................................$332.98 DAN’S OVERHEAD DOORS & MORE BUILDING MAINTENANCE.........$2,246.00 DAVENPORT, MARILYN J PEO WAGES/ MILEAGE.......................................$320.55 DAVIS, LYCAN PEO WAGES/MILEAGE....... .....................................................$554.01 DAVIS, VICKI TRAVEL EXPENSES............. .....................................................$114.19 DAY, MARY L PEO WAGES/MILEAGE......... .....................................................$574.14 DE NOVO ALTERNATIVE MARKETING ADVERTISING.................................$6,642.00 DEAN, DOUGLAS PEO WAGES/MILEAGE.. .....................................................$614.18 DEAN, NANCY A PEO WAGES/MILEAGE.... .....................................................$342.40 DELTA DENTAL OF IOWA - LEGAL PAYROLL DEDUCTION.....................$3,007.35 DENNIS, JEANNE ELIZABETH PEO WAGES/MILEAGE.................................$303.63 DEPAEPE, CAROL PEO WAGES/MILEAGE. .....................................................$545.84 DIAMOND DRUGS INC MEDICAL SUPPLIES............................................$903.64 PRESCRIPTIONS.....................$12,455.56 DIEBOLD, DAVID C PEO WAGES/MILEAGE .....................................................$312.76 DIETER, DANIEL DUANE PEO WAGES/ MILEAGE.......................................$501.97 DIETZ, CINDY PEO WAGES/MILEAGE........ .....................................................$315.81 DIGITAL DESIGNS OFFICE SUPPLIES........ .....................................................$325.26 DIGMANN, DIANA LYNN PEO WAGES/ MILEAGE.......................................$308.85 DOSCHER, THEODORE QTR4 CELL PHONE REIMB..............................$150.00 DREWELOW, KELLEE PEO WAGES/MILEAGE...............................................$362.12 DREWELOW, PATRICK J PEO WAGES/ MILEAGE.......................................$349.14 DUBOIS, TINA M PEO WAGES/MILEAGE... .....................................................$318.85 DUDAK, CHARLES J PEO WAGES/MILEAGE...............................................$330.80 DULANEY, MIKEL PEO WAGES/MILEAGE.. .....................................................$339.44 DVORAK, GARY F PEO WAGES/MILEAGE.. .....................................................$337.98 DVORAK, LINDA M PEO WAGES/MILEAGE .....................................................$346.97 DWIVEDI, PRAMOD QTR4 CELL PHONE REIMB...........................................$150.00 EASTERN IOWA HEALTH CENTER BEHAVIORAL HEALTH SERVICES.......$13,597.00 EGLI, TODD TRAINING EXPENSE.............. .....................................................$238.00 EHRISMAN, KELLY QTR4 CELL PHONE REIMB...........................................$165.00 EIBEN, THOMAS L QTR4 CELL PHONE REIMB.............................................$60.00 ELKIN, JEREMY QTR4 CELL PHONE REIMB...........................................$120.00 ELLIOTT, CRAIG PEO WAGES/MILEAGE.... .....................................................$427.23 ELWER, JANET L PEO WAGES/MILEAGE... .....................................................$367.94 EMC RISK SERVICES LLC WORK COMP EXPENSE.................................$27,289.51 ENDICOTT, CARROLL PEO WAGES/MILEAGE...............................................$304.72 ENGELKEN, MICHAEL J PEO WAGES/ MILEAGE.......................................$538.57 EQUIFAX INFORMATION SERVICES LLC BACKGROUND CHECKS................$432.12 EQUITABLE THE (CR CITY ASSR) PAYROLL DEDUCTION..........................$75.00 EQUITABLE THE (LINN CO ASSR) PAYROLL DEDUCTION........................$325.00 ERCEG, STEPHEN S QTR4 CELL PHONE REIMB...........................................$150.00 ERNZEN, MARY PEO WAGES/MILEAGE.... .....................................................$327.77 ESPE, VIRGINIA E PEO WAGES/MILEAGE. .....................................................$345.74 ESTENSON, STEVEN QTR4 CELL PHONE REIMB...........................................$120.00 EVEN, SAMANTHA KAYE PEO WAGES/ MILEAGE.........................................$78.70 EWERS, ANDREA C PEO WAGES/MILEAGE...............................................$419.60 EXPRESS EMPLOYMENT PROFESSIONALS ELECTIONS TEMPORARY EMPLOYEES............................................$4,584.06 FELDMAN, KATHERINE PEO WAGES/ MILEAGE.......................................$341.17 FINGER, NICOLE QTR4 CELL PHONE REIMB...........................................$180.00 FINLEY, STEVE PEO WAGES/MILEAGE...... .....................................................$724.80 FISCHER, LUKE J QTR4 CELL PHONE REIMB...........................................$180.00 FLIEDER, ALVIN PEO WAGES/MILEAGE.... .....................................................$112.98 FLOCKHART, NICOLE PEO WAGES/MILEAGE...............................................$317.69 FLYNN, CHRISTOPHER J PEO WAGES/ MILEAGE.......................................$312.98 FOSTER, ERIN E QTR4 CELL PHONE REIMB...........................................$180.00 FOUNDATION 2 INC CONTRACT LABOR.... ..................................................$7,014.34 FRASER, CHRISTOPHER PEO WAGES/ MILEAGE.......................................$549.16 FRASHER, GAIL L PEO WAGES/MILEAGE. .....................................................$354.15 FROEHLICH, HAYDEN PEO WAGES/MILEAGE...............................................$580.91 FULLER, LEAH CHRISTINE PEO WAGES/ MILEAGE.......................................$663.46 FURMAN, KATHLEEN PEO WAGES/MILEAGE...............................................$339.65 GAGE, DARRIN QTR4 CELL PHONE REIMB...........................................$135.00 GALLS LLC UNIFORMS................$822.12 GARDNER, BRIAN QTR4 CELL PHONE REIMB...........................................$120.00 GAZETTE COMMUNICATIONS PUBLICATIONS & LEGAL NOTICES............$409.02 GIBBINS, DANIEL QTR4 CELL PHONE REIMB.............................................$60.00 TRAINING EXPENSE.......................$15.00 GIBBS, BARBARA A PEO WAGES/MILEAGE...............................................$304.35 GILBERTSON, TIM PEO WAGES/MILEAGE .....................................................$338.92 GILCHRIST, DIANNA LORRAINE PEO WAGES/MILEAGE.........................$311.31 GODWIN, THERESA QTR4 CELL PHONE REIMB...........................................$165.00 GOEBEL, MARCY I PEO WAGES/MILEAGE .....................................................$348.35 GOEDKEN, PETE PEO WAGES/MILEAGE... .....................................................$339.72 GOEMAAT, DENNIS QTR4 CELL PHONE REIMB...........................................$195.00 TRAINING EXPENSE.......................$15.00 GORDON FLESCH COMPANY INC COPIER LEASE & FEES...........................$5,725.59 GOSNELL, KAREN M PEO WAGES/MILEAGE...............................................$572.63 GRAHAM, MICHEL QTR4 CELL PHONE REIMB...........................................$225.00 GRAINGER W W INC PARTS.........$122.70 GRANDON, PAUL D PEO WAGES/MILEAGE...............................................$526.90 GROTE, COREY CLOTHING ALLOWANCE FY26................................................$10.56

LINN COUNTY LIST OF BILLS PAID

FOR 6-18-2026 THROUGH 6-24-2026 https://www.linncountyiowa.gov/413/ Accounting-Services VENDOR DESCRIPTION AMOUNT 32 GENTLE DENTAL LLC DENTAL SERVICES............................................$525.00 AARHUS, ANTHONY QTR4 CELL PHONE REIMB.............................................$60.00 ABBE CTR FOR CMH CONTRACT LABOR.. ..................................................$2,400.00 MHAC SUD SERVICES.............$33,065.62 ABRAMS, JEFFRY L PEO WAGES/MILEAGE.................................................$40.00 ACTERRA GROUP LLC PARTS & FUEL TANK SERVICE...........................$1,504.14 ACTION PEST MANAGEMENT LLC PEST CONTROL......................................$500.00 ADOLPHSON, DEE A PEO WAGES/MILEAGE...............................................$360.31 AFFORDABLE HOUSING NETWORK GENERAL ASSISTANCE.......................$800.00 AHRENDSEN, MITCHELL L QTR4 CELL PHONE REIMB................................$90.00 AIR MANAGEMENT FILTERS........$237.38 ALLEN, NATHAN QTR4 CELL PHONE REIMB.............................................$60.00 ALLEN, ROGER L PEO WAGES/MILEAGE.. .....................................................$555.97 ALLIANT UTILITIES UTILITIES..$9,520.17 ALLIANT UTILITIES - ASSISTANCE GENERAL ASSISTANCE....................$6,910.44 ALLISON, KATHRYN C PEO WAGES/MILEAGE.................................................$40.00 ALTSCHWAGER, DIANE PEO WAGES/ MILEAGE.......................................$331.09 ALTSCHWAGER, DONALD PEO WAGES/ MILEAGE.......................................$120.56 ANAHEIM CORPORATION CONTRACT LABOR.......................................$9,614.76 ANDERSON ERICKSON DAIRY CO FOOD & PROVISIONS.............................$295.57 ANDERSON, JODY D PEO WAGES/MILEAGE...............................................$541.26 ANDERSON, MICHAEL PEO WAGES/ MILEAGE.......................................$317.04 ANDERSON, THERESA A PEO WAGES/ MILEAGE.........................................$77.61 ANDRESEN, KIMBERLY RENEE PEO WAGES/MILEAGE.................................$331.03 ANDREWS, COLLEEN M PEO WAGES/ MILEAGE.......................................$117.38 ANNEX ON THE SQUARE GENERAL ASSISTANCE.....................................$900.00 ANTON SALES PARTS....................$36.95 APPLEBY-SPARROW, BECKY PEO WAGES/MILEAGE.................................$341.46 AREA AMBULANCE MED EXAM FEES........ ................................................$11,064.50 MHAC 24/7 SOBERING SERVICE............... ................................................$30,059.68 ARMSTRONG, HEATHER RENT ASSISTANCE...........................................$850.00 ASH, MELISSA QTR4 CELL PHONE REIMB .....................................................$150.00 AUTONOMY TODAY LLC ANNUAL SUBSCRIPTION AND TRAINING.....$12,330.00 BAHNSEN, JAN K PEO WAGES/MILEAGE.. .....................................................$347.20 BAILEY, RHONDA M PEO WAGES/MILEAGE...............................................$561.32 BAKER GROUP CAMERAS & REPAIRS...... ................................................$15,405.00 BAKER, THERESA PEO WAGES/MILEAGE. .....................................................$321.68 BALANCED FITNESS & HEALTH LLC WORK COMP INVOICE.................$730.00 BALDUS-KOKONTIS, THERESA A PEO WAGES/MILEAGE.........................$307.91 BALL, ANTHONY M PEO WAGES/MILEAGE...............................................$329.80 BALVANZ, ANN E PEO WAGES/MILEAGE... .....................................................$333.14 BANACOM SIGNS AND MORE LLC EMBROIDERED HATS........................$310.50 BANOWETZ, KATHLEEN PEO WAGES/ MILEAGE.......................................$187.64 BARCZ, JAMES P PEO WAGES/MILEAGE.. .....................................................$379.75 BARNES, HAROLD A PEO WAGES/MILEAGE...............................................$348.71 BARNES, LANDON QTR4 CELL PHONE REIMB.............................................$60.00 BARRETT, RICHARD PEO WAGES/MILEAGE...............................................$557.20 BARVINEK, MARGARET A PEO WAGES/ MILEAGE.......................................$307.18 BATCHELDER, AARON FITNESS REIMBURSEMENT...................................$30.00 QTR4 CELL PHONE REIMB...........$135.00 BAUER BUILT INC TIRES & REPLACEMENT.........................................$1,155.06 BAUMANN, JASON J QTR4 CELL PHONE REIMB...........................................$150.00 BAYNE, CATHERINE PEO WAGES/MILEAGE...............................................$590.89 BEARDSLEY, DOUGLAS E PEO WAGES/ MILEAGE.......................................$341.31 BEARDSLEY, JILL L PEO WAGES/MILEAGE...............................................$353.49 BEARROWS, SARA QTR4 CELL PHONE REIMB...........................................$180.00 BEAZER, PAUL L SAFETY BOOT REIMB.... .....................................................$200.00 TUITION REIMBURSEMENT.........$500.00 BECK, PAUL PEO WAGES/MILEAGE.......... .....................................................$585.60 BECK, THERESE MARIE PEO WAGES/ MILEAGE.......................................$352.12 BEGLEY, ANTHONY M QTR4 CELL PHONE REIMB...........................................$135.00 BENYSHEK, CONSTANCE PEO WAGES/ MILEAGE.......................................$321.03 BERGEN, LAURIE PEO WAGES/MILEAGE.. .....................................................$312.55 BERGMAN, LOIS J PEO WAGES/MILEAGE .....................................................$338.12 BERNS, BARBARA PEO WAGES/MILEAGE .....................................................$347.33 BETSWORTH, RHONDA QTR4 CELL PHONE REIMB..............................$120.00 BEUTER, THEODORE D QTR4 CELL PHONE REIMB..............................$120.00 BICKNESE, JANET S PEO WAGES/MILEAGE...............................................$573.71 BINNS & STEVENS EXPLOSIVE INC DUST CONTROL...............................$488,691.78 BITUMINOUS MATERIAL & SUPPLY DUST CONTROL MATERIAL....$12,611.23 BJERKE, JODI PEO WAGES/MILEAGE....... .....................................................$311.89 BLACK HAWK COUNTY SHERIFF SERVICE FEES................................................$58.75 BLACK, JESSICA D QTR4 CELL PHONE REIMB...........................................$105.00 BLACKLEDGE-SHOOK, JANET D PEO WAGES/MILEAGE.........................$330.95 BLOEDEL, ALEXANDER R PEO WAGES/

MILEAGE.......................................$302.18 BLYTHE, GREGORY MED EXAM FEES....... .....................................................$555.00 BOB BARKER COMPANY INC FOOD & PROVISIONS.................................$996.22 BOGARD, CHARLES QTR4 CELL PHONE REIMB...........................................$135.00 BOOTH, PATRICIA K PEO WAGES/MILEAGE.................................................$40.00 BOREN, NICHOLAS L QTR4 CELL PHONE REIMB.............................................$90.00 BOTKIN, SARAH PEO WAGES/MILEAGE.... .....................................................$568.63 BOWDEN, MARK E PEO WAGES/MILEAGE .....................................................$551.76 BOWERSOX, RICHARD PEO WAGES/ MILEAGE.......................................$544.73 BRAWNER, NINA M PEO WAGES/MILEAGE...............................................$681.09 BRIDGEWATER, JODY FITNESS REIMBURSEMENT.................................$120.00 BRIGHT, SUZANNE PEO WAGES/MILEAGE .....................................................$304.06 BRISBINE, PETER B QTR4 CELL PHONE REIMB...........................................$195.00 BRISTOW, BENJAMIN JAMES PEO WAGES/MILEAGE...................................$40.00 BROWN, AMANDA QTR4 CELL PHONE REIMB...........................................$120.00 BROWN, COLLEEN K PEO WAGES/MILEAGE...............................................$102.61 BROWN, ELAINE K PEO WAGES/MILEAGE .....................................................$350.30 BROWN, NICHOLE QTR4 CELL PHONE REIMB...........................................$120.00 BURKE, RANDALL QTR4 CELL PHONE REIMB...........................................$165.00 BURNS, SUSAN J PEO WAGES/MILEAGE.. .....................................................$319.00 BURTON, MARK W PEO WAGES/MILEAGE .....................................................$114.50 BUSS, THOMAS J PEO WAGES/MILEAGE. .....................................................$320.45 BYERS, ROBIN PEO WAGES/MILEAGE...... .....................................................$310.01 CAIN, CAROLYN S PEO WAGES/MILEAGE .....................................................$318.20 CAMPAGNA, ROBERT PEO WAGES/MILEAGE...............................................$385.25 CAMPBELL, BRADLEY CLOTHING ALLOWANCE FY26............................$191.66 CAPITAL SANITARY SUPPLY - CEDAR RAPIDS CLEANING SUPPLIES..$2,261.01 CARR, ROBERT F PEO WAGES/MILEAGE.. .....................................................$323.86 CARTER BALDWIN QTR4 CELL PHONE REIMB...........................................$135.00 CARTER, PAUL D PEO WAGES/MILEAGE.. .....................................................$311.82 CEDAR MEMORIAL FUNERAL HOME COMPANY GENERAL ASSISTANCE............ ..................................................$4,000.00 CEDAR RAPIDS CITY OF CITY HR FEES.... ................................................$12,852.00 CITY VERIZON FEES .................$4,478.88 FUEL........................................$25,725.37 LEGAL SERVICES....................$68,250.00 SOFTWARE...................................$396.90 CEDAR RAPIDS CITY OF (INSURANCE) PAYROLL DEDUCTION...............$1,114.00 CEDAR RAPIDS MUNICIPAL UTILITIES ASSISTANCE GENERAL ASSISTANCE........ .....................................................$742.61 CEDAR TERRACE HOLDINGS LLC GENERAL ASSISTANCE............................$550.00 CENTRAL CITY CITY OF SENIOR DINING PROGRAM SUPPORT................$4,166.66 CENTURYLINK COMMUNICATIONS LLC PHONE SERVICE...........................$139.58 CERIDIAN ER FUNDS TRUST - GARNISH PAYROLL DEDUCTION...............$5,055.00 CERIDIAN ER FUNDS TRUST - NET PAY PAYROLL DEDUCTION........$1,669,586.34 CERIDIAN ER FUNDS TRUST - TAXES PAYROLL DEDUCTION...........$636,178.76 CHAMBERLIN, VALERIE S PEO WAGES/ MILEAGE.......................................$376.11 CHAMLEY, MARK PEO WAGES/MILEAGE.. .......................................................$40.00 CHAPEL RIDGE OF MARION GENERAL ASSISTANCE.................................$900.00 CHARM-TEX INC INMATE SUPPLIES......... ..................................................$1,051.80 CHENEY, JUDITH A PEO WAGES/MILEAGE .....................................................$340.52 CHILDSERVE THERAPY, INC CONTRACT LABOR.......................................$1,000.00 CHOSTNER, TERRANCE R PEO WAGES/ MILEAGE.......................................$627.73 CHOU, MARCI L PEO WAGES/MILEAGE.... .....................................................$610.64 CHRISTENSEN, JONATHAN W MILEAGE... .....................................................$188.50 CITY OF PALO PALO WATER SOURCE STUDY.....................................$47,422.00 CJ COOPER & ASSOCIATES INC PRE EMPLOYMENT DRUG SCREENS........$130.00 CLAASSEN, WALLETTA F PEO WAGES/ MILEAGE.......................................$341.31 CLAPP, SUSAN B PEO WAGES/MILEAGE... .....................................................$312.84 CLARK, BONNIE E PEO WAGES/MILEAGE .....................................................$336.96 CLEPPE, GEORGE J PEO WAGES/MILEAGE.................................................$81.67 COLE, JULIE M PEO WAGES/MILEAGE...... .....................................................$310.01 COLTON, KATHLEEN M PEO WAGES/ MILEAGE.......................................$350.74 COMMERCIAL APPRAISERS OF IOWA INC APPRAISAL SERVICES ....$16,500.00 CONES SOLUTIONS INC DOOR HINGE REPAIR.........................................$359.07 CONNOLLY CONSTRUCTION INC WORK COMPLETED- MCP WETLANDS................ ................................................$73,420.21 CONSOLIDATED ENERGY COMPANY FUEL GENERATOR........................$486.25 CONSTRUCTION MATERIALS INC EROSION CONTROL FABRIC ..............$495.00 COOK APPRAISAL LLC APPRAISAL SERVICES ........................................$4,800.00 COOK, JOANN PEO WAGES/MILEAGE....... .....................................................$315.16 CORPMAN, JEREMY PEO WAGES/MILEAGE...............................................$346.75 CORRIDOR ENERGY COOPERATIVE - ASSISTANCE UTILITIES ASSISTANCE............ .....................................................$193.81 COUNTY OF WAPELLO CLIENT ASSISTANCE...........................................$306.00 COVINGTON, DEBORAH J PEO WAGES/ MILEAGE.......................................$343.42 CRANDALL, ANGELA JANE PEO WAGES/ MILEAGE.......................................$699.02 CRAWFORD QUARRY ROCK....$13,032.11 CRAWFORD SUPPLY COMPANY COMMISSARY ITEMS...........................$977.64 CRITTENTON CENTER LINN COUNTY SHELTER MAY 2026.....................$793.05 CROW, DARRIN E PEO WAGES/MILEAGE .......................................................$40.00 CRUSH OF IOWA LORE PROJECT HOURS ..................................................$2,975.92 CUNNINGHAM, ROBERT J PEO WAGES/ MILEAGE.......................................$307.69 CURRAN, EDWARD DEAN PEO WAGES/ MILEAGE.......................................$605.16 DAKOTA SUPPLY GROUP (DSG) BLADES. ..................................................$5,000.00

GRUNEWALDT, AMY QTR4 CELL PHONE REIMB.............................................$90.00 GUIER, KATHY D PEO WAGES/MILEAGE... .....................................................$312.26 HAAS, BARBARA PEO WAGES/MILEAGE... .....................................................$318.27 HAAS, MICHELLE PEO WAGES/MILEAGE.. .....................................................$358.28 HACKBARTH, JOAN PEO WAGES/MILEAGE...............................................$343.05 HACKBARTH, PAMELA S PEO WAGES/ MILEAGE.......................................$352.77 HADDY, DEANNA LYNN PEO WAGES/ MILEAGE.......................................$354.00 HAGAN, JUDITH ANN PEO WAGES/MILEAGE...............................................$751.27 HAGERMAN, JILL H PEO WAGES/MILEAGE.................................................$40.00 HAIGHT, NICHOLAS S QTR4 CELL PHONE REIMB...........................................$105.00 SAFETY BOOT REIMB...................$200.00 HAJEK, JANEAN K QTR4 CELL PHONE REIMB...........................................$135.00 HALL, ANNE E PEO WAGES/MILEAGE....... .....................................................$300.95 HALVORSON, STEPHANIE HEALTH ASSISTANCE.......................................$50.00 HAMILTON, MONICA LEANNE PEO WAGES/MILEAGE.................................$487.99 HANDS UP COMMUNICATIONS CONTRACT LABOR...........................$1,228.50 HANSEN, ALAINA RENEE PEO WAGES/ MILEAGE.......................................$700.22 HARING, CYNTHIA A PEO WAGES/MILEAGE...............................................$332.98 HARTMAN, CHERYL PEO WAGES/MILEAGE...............................................$549.37 HARTMAN, RICHARD PEO WAGES/MILEAGE...............................................$374.59 HARTMAN, WEDNESDAY A TRAVEL EXPENSES........................................$510.07 HARVILLE, JACK T PEO WAGES/MILEAGE .....................................................$359.51 HASTINGS, LACEY N QTR4 CELL PHONE REIMB...........................................$150.00 HAUSKINS, CONNIE L PEO WAGES/MILEAGE...............................................$136.90 HAUSMANN, KATHRYN PEO WAGES/ MILEAGE.......................................$307.04 HAWKEYE ELECTRICAL CEDAR RAPIDS LIGHTING REPAIRS...................$1,978.60 HAWKEYE FIRE & SAFETY SAFETY SUPPLIES.........................................$1,422.17 HEALTHEQUITY INC PAYROLL DEDUCTION.........................................$22,752.41 HEBERT, JENNIFER L QTR4 CELL PHONE REIMB...........................................$105.00 HEIDERSCHEIT, KAREN M FITNESS REIMBURSEMENT............................$180.00 QTR4 CELL PHONE REIMB...........$180.00 HENDRICKS, ANDREA QTR4 CELL PHONE REIMB...........................................$165.00 HENDRICKSON, ERIK PEO WAGES/MILEAGE...............................................$339.57 HENNING, BROOKE QTR4 CELL PHONE REIMB...........................................$135.00 HENSON, SUSANNE PEO WAGES/MILEAGE...............................................$356.85 HEPNER, JOANN PEO WAGES/MILEAGE... .......................................................$47.30 HERDLICKA, PEGGY LYN PEO WAGES/ MILEAGE.......................................$301.89 HERNANDEZ, KARA S QTR4 CELL PHONE REIMB...........................................$105.00 HERSHNER, HILARY LOKEN PEO WAGES/ MILEAGE.......................................$562.69 HIEBER, CHARLES W PEO WAGES/MILEAGE...............................................$337.62 HILLS AND DALES CHILD DEVELOPMENT CENTER RENT...............................$556.42 HINZMAN, SARAH PEO WAGES/MILEAGE .....................................................$339.79 HOFMANN, SALLY PEO WAGES/MILEAGE .....................................................$405.80 HOKE, GLORIA ANN PEO WAGES/MILEAGE...............................................$313.85 HOLTZ, WILLIAM J PEO WAGES/MILEAGE .....................................................$355.16 HOLUB & SONS LLC MOWING ................. ..................................................$1,391.48 HORNING, JAYLENE JAE PEO WAGES/ MILEAGE.......................................$315.52 HORTON, DOUGLAS PEO WAGES/MILEAGE...............................................$331.31 HOUSING FUND FOR LINN COUNTY GENERAL ASSISTANCE....................$8,546.10 HOUTMAN, LEAH PEO WAGES/MILEAGE.. .....................................................$612.88 HOVDEN OIL INC OIL.................$1,025.00 HOWE, LARRY JAMES PEO WAGES/ MILEAGE.......................................$598.29 HUBIN, JAMES W PEO WAGES/MILEAGE. .....................................................$356.39 HUCK, ANDREW QTR4 CELL PHONE REIMB.............................................$60.00 HUCK, MEGAN J QTR4 CELL PHONE REIMB...........................................$120.00 HUDSON, WILLIAM C PEO WAGES/MILEAGE...............................................$316.17 HUFF, ELLA M QTR4 CELL PHONE REIMB. .......................................................$30.00 HUGHES, MARCIA PEO WAGES/MILEAGE .....................................................$300.95 HUGHES, PAMELLA A PEO WAGES/MILEAGE.................................................$40.00 HUGHES, SCOT A PEO WAGES/MILEAGE.. .....................................................$302.03 HUNTER, KIRRA MACKENZIE PEO WAGES/MILEAGE.................................$651.10 HUTCHINS, BRITT QTR4 CELL PHONE REIMB...........................................$135.00 HY VEE PRESCRIPTIONS...............$40.15 IA CONSULTING LLC GENERAL ASSISTANCE...........................................$550.00 IA PUB EMP RET SYS (CITY ASSESSOR EE) PAYROLL DEDUCTION......$10,060.78 IA PUB EMP RET SYS (CITY ASSESSOR ER) PAYROLL DEDUCTION......$15,099.23 IA PUB EMP RET SYS (CO ASSESSOR EE) PAYROLL DEDUCTION...............$4,893.74 IA PUB EMP RET SYS (CO ASSESSOR ER) PAYROLL DEDUCTION...............$7,344.54 IA PUB EMP RET SYS (LC EE) PAYROLL DEDUCTION...........................$216,677.99 IA PUB EMP RET SYS (LC ER) PAYROLL DEDUCTION...........................$325,189.56 IA PUB EMP RET SYS (PROTECTION OCCUPATION EE) PAYROLL DEDUCTION....... ................................................$11,725.88 IA PUB EMP RET SYS (PROTECTION OCCUPATION ER) PAYROLL DEDUCTION...... ................................................$17,001.14 IA PUB EMP RET SYS (SECO EE) PAYROLL DEDUCTION.................$129,992.81 IA PUB EMP RET SYS (SECO ER) PAYROLL DEDUCTION.................$127,332.27 IACVS MEMBERSHIP DUES...........$50.00 IMON COMMUNICATIONS INTERNET SERVICE.......................................$559.80 INGALLS, TRACY TRAVEL EXPENSES....... .....................................................$233.67 INSIGHT PUBLIC SECTOR PHONE LICENSES........................................$305.00 IOWA DEPARTMENT OF HEALTH AND HUMAN SERVICES HEALTH ASSISTANCE...... .....................................................$210.00 IOWA FIRE PROTECTION SERVICE REPAIR CALL ...................................$269.30 IOWA LAW ENFORCEMENT ACADEMY TRAINING EXPENSES...................$275.00

THURSDAY, JULY 9, 2026 | 13 IOWA OFFICE OF THE STATE MEDICAL EXAMINER MED EXAM FEES...$15,752.95 IOWA PRISON INDUSTRIES FOOD & PROVISIONS.................................$467.30 UNIFORM ITEMS............................$35.60 IRELAND, SHAWN QTR4 CELL PHONE REIMB...........................................$180.00 IRISH REPORTING INC TRANSCRIPTS..... .....................................................$143.00 ISRAEL, MORGAN PEO WAGES/MILEAGE .......................................................$40.00 JACE VOLZ REFUND.....................$100.00 JACKSON, KAREN L PEO WAGES/MILEAGE...............................................$340.30 JACKSON, KATHRYN G PEO WAGES/ MILEAGE.......................................$574.46 JOHNSON COUNTY - IOWA SERVICE FEES................................................$34.82 JOHNSON, DEEANN SCHWITTERS PEO WAGES/MILEAGE.........................$626.69 JOHNSON-OMARA, DANIEL GROVE PEO WAGES/MILEAGE.........................$310.88 JONES, LEE M PEO WAGES/MILEAGE....... .....................................................$553.93 JONES, SOLOMON H PEO WAGES/MILEAGE...............................................$513.86 JOYAL, DENISE A PEO WAGES/MILEAGE.. .....................................................$314.79 JUETT, JEFFERY C PEO WAGES/MILEAGE .......................................................$40.00 KABELA-COATES, LOIS PEO WAGES/ MILEAGE.......................................$618.94 KASPARI, DANIEL KENNETH PEO WAGES/MILEAGE.................................$662.21 KAST, LINDA PEO WAGES/MILEAGE......... .....................................................$339.79 KAWALA, KAREN V QTR4 CELL PHONE REIMB...........................................$135.00 KDM CONSULTS CONTRACT LABOR......... ..................................................$4,239.44 KEAST, KRISTIN PEO WAGES/MILEAGE.... .....................................................$389.89 KEEFE SUPPLY COMPANY COMMISSARY ITEMS........................................$2,341.60 KELLEY, CAROLYN A TRAVEL EXPENSES.. .....................................................$117.16 KELLEY, JERAD QTR4 CELL PHONE REIMB...........................................$180.00 KELLY CONCRETE COMPANY INC DIRT BACKFILL...................................$1,930.00 KEMP, LINDA PEO WAGES/MILEAGE........ .....................................................$359.95 KENYON, TIMOTHY R PEO WAGES/MILEAGE.................................................$77.69 KEPHART, DAVID W QTR4 CELL PHONE REIMB.............................................$60.00 KETELS, BRADLEY QTR4 CELL PHONE REIMB...........................................$150.00 KIECKS UNIFORMS......................$259.75 KILPATRICK, PATRICIA R PEO WAGES/ MILEAGE.......................................$579.72 KINCHELOE, THOMAS R PEO WAGES/ MILEAGE.......................................$341.46 KINDERCARE EDUCATION LLC CHAMPIONS CLIENT ASSISTANCE............$450.00 KINDL, VICTORIA A QTR4 CELL PHONE REIMB.............................................$90.00 KING, BRENDA KAE PEO WAGES/MILEAGE...............................................$598.63 KIRCHNER, JAMEE PEO WAGES/MILEAGE...............................................$317.04 KOFFRON, GRETCHEN M PEO WAGES/ MILEAGE.......................................$336.09 KOHTZ, TAMARA PEO WAGES/MILEAGE... .....................................................$322.33 KOSSAYIAN, STEPHEN E PEO WAGES/ MILEAGE.......................................$311.89 KOVATCH, BRENDA PEO WAGES/MILEAGE.................................................$30.00 KREASSIG, CYNTHIA PEO WAGES/MILEAGE...............................................$337.11 KRESS, DENISE RAE PEO WAGES/MILEAGE...............................................$331.96 KROB, NOAH QTR4 CELL PHONE REIMB.. .......................................................$60.00 SAFETY BOOT REIMB...................$200.00 KROUL FARMS LLC BUNDLES FIREWOOD ..................................................$1,600.00 KRUEGER, CATHERINE A PEO WAGES/ MILEAGE.......................................$578.99 KUCH, KEVIN ALAN PEO WAGES/MILEAGE...............................................$720.22 KURFIS, DANIEL J PEO WAGES/MILEAGE .........................................................$1.89 KUSTOM SIGNALS INC GARAGE CAR UPFITTING......................................$5,819.92 L L PELLING PREMIX..............$12,501.21 REPAIRS & RETAINAGE.........$455,743.30 LAFOLLETTE, JEFFREY R PEO WAGES/ MILEAGE.......................................$353.07 LAMERE, JOSEPH CLOTHING ALLOWANCE FY26......................................$53.63 LANGRIDGE, MICHAEL J PEO WAGES/ MILEAGE.......................................$605.40 LAW OFFICES OF JEFFREY L CLARK LLC ATTORNEY FEES...........................$275.40 LEAR, WILHELM ERICH QTR4 CELL PHONE REIMB..............................$105.00 TRAINING EXPENSE.....................$440.00 LEMKE, MARTIN W PEO WAGES/MILEAGE...............................................$406.61 LENSING, RICHARD PEO WAGES/MILEAGE...............................................$339.72 LEVERINGTON, DELBERT PRIVATE WATER WELL RECONSTRUCTION.....$626.80 LEWIS, PAMELA JO PEO WAGES/MILEAGE.................................................$80.71 LIEGL, KAREN L PEO WAGES/MILEAGE.... .......................................................$40.00 LIENTZ, STEPHANIE QTR4 CELL PHONE REIMB.............................................$90.00 LINCOLN NATL LIFE INSURANCE PAYROLL DEDUCTION........................$100.00 LINDHOLM, BRUCE F PEO WAGES/MILEAGE...............................................$474.43 LINGO, JAMES PEO WAGES/MILEAGE...... .....................................................$385.26 LINN COOP OIL INC #395000 (CONSERVATION) FALL COVER CROP BATCH.......... ................................................$20,626.80 FUEL & PARTS.........................$10,650.31 INVASIVE SPECIES CONTROL......$465.08 LINN COOP OIL INC #395050 (ROADS MISC) FUEL & PARTS..............$31,967.77 LINN COUNTY TREASURER BEHAVIOR MGT................................................$47.35 LIPOSCAK, RHONDA M PEO WAGES/ MILEAGE.......................................$305.73 LONG, MYRNA J RENT ASSISTANCE........ .....................................................$499.00 LOUGHREY, ROBERT PEO WAGES/MILEAGE...............................................$574.74 LOWDER JR, PHILIP J QTR4 CELL PHONE REIMB...........................................$135.00 LUTZ, JEREMY PEO WAGES/MILEAGE...... .....................................................$300.73 LYNCH FORD - MT VERNON INC BRAKE CONTROLLER INSTALL................$486.46 LYTTLE, DANIEL WAYNE PEO WAGES/ MILEAGE.......................................$358.57 MACQUEEN EQUIPMENT GROUP EQUIPMENT SERVICE.............................$825.00 MADISON NATL LIFE - LTD/STD PAYROLL DEDUCTION.............................$17,552.76 MADISON NATL LIFE (CITY ASSR LTD) PAYROLL DEDUCTION..................$338.51 MADISON NATL LIFE INS CO INC PAYROLL DEDUCTION...................$12,599.81 MAIER, MICHELE A PEO WAGES/MILEAGE...............................................$352.26

MAIER, VIRGINIA MARIE PEO WAGES/ MILEAGE.......................................$363.22 MAKINSTER, SUSAN PEO WAGES/MILEAGE...............................................$342.18 MALONE, MICHAEL PEO WAGES/MILEAGE...............................................$337.47 MANN, CARLYN PEO WAGES/MILEAGE.... .....................................................$302.69 MAQUOKETA VALLEY RURAL ELECTRIC COOPERATIVE INTERSECTION LIGHTS..... .....................................................$104.54 MARCH, DALE G PEO WAGES/MILEAGE... .....................................................$342.18 MARDORF, EUNICE PEO WAGES/MILEAGE...............................................$334.86 MARION MUNICIPAL WATER DEPARTMENT UTILITIES ASSISTANCE.....$187.17 MARTENS, RODNEY PEO WAGES/MILEAGE...............................................$544.29 MARTIN BROS. DISTRIBUTION CO INC FOOD & PROVISIONS...................$188.00 MARTIN GARDNER ARCHITECTURE LINN COUNTY DERECHO ASSESSMENT............ .....................................................$253.75 MARTINEK, SUSAN PEO WAGES/MILEAGE...............................................$356.61 MARX, BECKY QTR4 CELL PHONE REIMB .....................................................$105.00 MASON JR, RICHARD A PEO WAGES/ MILEAGE.......................................$342.40 MATHESON TRI-GAS INC ACETYLENE TANK.............................................$221.50 MATTESON, CARA L QTR4 CELL PHONE REIMB...........................................$165.00 MCCAULEY, KATHERINA ANN PEO WAGES/MILEAGE.................................$337.69 MCCLURE ENGINEERING CO CONTRACT LABOR..........................................$473.75 MCDERMOTT, LORI ANN PEO WAGES/ MILEAGE.......................................$557.28 MCELMEEL, STEVEN L QTR4 CELL PHONE REIMB..............................$135.00 MCGRAIL, DANIEL E PEO WAGES/MILEAGE...............................................$350.52 MCGRATH BUICK GMC CADILLAC DOCKING STATION & POWER SUPPLY.............. .....................................................$874.99 MCKESSON MEDICAL-SURGICAL GOV SOLUTIONS MEDICAL SUPPLIES.............. .....................................................$896.82 MCKNIGHT, CAMERON C QTR4 CELL PHONE REIMB..............................$195.00 MCMILLAN, CARLA W PEO WAGES/MILEAGE...............................................$271.75 MCMURRIN, KARLA K PEO WAGES/MILEAGE...............................................$312.04 MEISHEID, BRANDY Z QTR4 CELL PHONE REIMB...........................................$150.00 MERCY MEDICAL CENTER TORT LIABILITY.................................................$403.11 METIER MOHNI, NANCY PEO WAGES/ MILEAGE.......................................$311.39 MEYER, CASEY QTR4 CELL PHONE REIMB...........................................$150.00 MEYER, MICHELLE PEO WAGES/MILEAGE...............................................$384.80 MIDAMERICAN ENERGY UTILITIES.......... .....................................................$132.05 MIDAMERICAN ENERGY - ASSISTANCE UTILITIES ASSISTANCE..................$34.08 MIDWEST ALARM SERVICES FIRE ALARM SYSTEM INSPECTION.....$214.20 MIDWEST WHEEL COMPANIES SUPPLIES............................................$805.56 MIENE SEPTIC SERVICE INC SEPTIC DESIGN..........................................$1,800.00 MIKKOLA, MARY J PEO WAGES/MILEAGE .....................................................$339.65 MILESTONES AREA AGENCY ON AGING RENT.............................................$225.00 MILLARD, MARILYN JEAN PEO WAGES/ MILEAGE.......................................$751.46 MILLER, KIM PEO WAGES/MILEAGE......... .....................................................$305.08 MILLER, MICHAEL A PEO WAGES/MILEAGE...............................................$344.29 MINEART, JOSEPH W PEO WAGES/MILEAGE...............................................$325.67 MITCHELL, BERNICE PEO WAGES/MILEAGE...............................................$304.57 MITVALSKY, CONNIE J PEO WAGES/ MILEAGE.......................................$410.80 MOERMOND, PAULINE PEO WAGES/ MILEAGE.......................................$309.36 MOORE, PATRICIA H PEO WAGES/MILEAGE...............................................$305.37 MORAN, PAULA JEAN PEO WAGES/MILEAGE...............................................$331.53 MORAN, THOMAS LEE PEO WAGES/ MILEAGE.......................................$331.38 MORITZ, LAURIE PEO WAGES/MILEAGE.. .....................................................$312.47 MOROSKY, FRANK E PEO WAGES/MILEAGE...............................................$589.51 MORRIS, DIANE L PEO WAGES/MILEAGE .....................................................$337.91 MOSS, JACOB J QTR4 CELL PHONE REIMB.............................................$60.00 MOTE, GALE J PEO WAGES/MILEAGE....... .....................................................$623.97 MOUNT VERNON FAMILY COUNSELING HEALTH ASSISTANCE................$1,669.37 MOYNA MATERIALS LLC ROCK...$521.97 MUKENI KASONKO KITEKE, MARIA PEO WAGES/MILEAGE.........................$112.76 MUNGAI, FRANCIS RENT.............$350.00 MURDOCH FUNERAL HOMES MED EXAM FEES..............................................$395.00 MUSCATINE COUNTY SERVICE FEES........ .....................................................$259.30 NAVIGATE WELLBEING SOLUTIONS WELLNESS PROGRAM............$12,797.09 NELSON, DAWN QTR4 CELL PHONE REIMB...........................................$180.00 NEMMERS, ANTHONY QTR4 CELL PHONE REIMB.............................................$60.00 SAFETY BOOT REIMB...................$160.49 NEYENS, JACQUELINE R PEO WAGES/ MILEAGE.........................................$72.18 NF TIRE SOLUTIONS LLC ALIGNMENT..... .....................................................$728.16 NICOLAY, MARK ANTHONY PEO WAGES/ MILEAGE.......................................$329.06 NORTHEAST IOWA AREA AGENCY ON AGING INC RENT..........................$210.00 NTUMBA, FABRICE A PEO WAGES/MILEAGE...............................................$318.42 OBERBRECKLING, THOMAS QTR4 CELL PHONE REIMB................................$60.00 SAFETY BOOT REIMB...................$200.00 OBERREUTER, ELIZABETH PEO WAGES/ MILEAGE.......................................$540.09 OBRIEN, KATHERINE A PEO WAGES/ MILEAGE.......................................$382.64 O’CONNOR, HEATHER QTR4 CELL PHONE REIMB...........................................$165.00 OCONNOR, JAMES R PEO WAGES/MILEAGE...............................................$351.41 OHRT, CARMEN E PEO WAGES/MILEAGE. .....................................................$337.62 OHRT, CYNTHIA S PEO WAGES/MILEAGE .....................................................$299.71 OLESON, BRENT QTR4 CELL PHONE REIMB...........................................$240.00 OLSEN, SHERRI FITNESS REIMBURSEMENT..............................................$90.00 OMNILINK SYSTEMS INC RADIO EQUIPMENT RENTAL...........................$2,502.50 ORIGIN DESIGN CO CONSULTANT FEES... ..................................................$3,010.50

PUBLIC NOTICES

14 | THURSDAY, JULY 9, 2026 ORKIN LLC PEST CONTROL.........$392.28 ORTEGA, JOAN B PEO WAGES/MILEAGE.. .....................................................$335.80 OSBORN, KIMBERLY A PEO WAGES/ MILEAGE.......................................$377.49 OSHEL, DERIC E CLOTHING ALLOWANCE FY26..............................................$600.00 QTR4 CELL PHONE REIMB...........$135.00 OVERTURF, AFTAN C PEO WAGES/MILEAGE.................................................$40.00 PACKARD, TONI K PEO WAGES/MILEAGE .....................................................$330.67 PARKS, LOREN QTR4 CELL PHONE REIMB...........................................$210.00 PARRISH, ROBERT C PEO WAGES/MILEAGE...................................................$5.29 PARTS AUTHORITY LLC PARTS................ ..................................................$1,415.21 PATTERSON, JACOB J PEO WAGES/MILEAGE...............................................$341.24 PATTERSON, MARY PEO WAGES/MILEAGE...............................................$314.65 PAVELKA, MATTHEW QTR4 CELL PHONE REIMB...........................................$195.00 PAZERA, EMILY R PEO WAGES/MILEAGE. .......................................................$77.11 PEARSON, KATHY PEO WAGES/MILEAGE. .....................................................$292.49 PEARSON, ROBERT KOCH PEO WAGES/ MILEAGE.......................................$531.77 PEOPLE STATEMENTS LLC WORKSHOP... ................................................$13,299.00 PERFORMANCE FOODSERVICE LLC FOOD & PROVISIONS................$3,490.96 PERFORMANCE RESOURCES CONSULTING LLC CONSULTING SERVICES............. ................................................$24,000.00 PERLWITZ, MARK F PEO WAGES/MILEAGE...............................................$563.52 PETERSON CONTRACTORS INC 31ST STREET ROAD RECONSTRUCTION........... ..................................................$7,940.61 PETERSON, DUSTIN L QTR4 CELL PHONE REIMB...........................................$135.00 PEYTON, KRISTEN QTR4 CELL PHONE REIMB...........................................$165.00 PICTOMETRY INTERNATIONAL CORP CONTRACT LABOR..................$51,596.50 PIERCE, DANIEL DAVID PEO WAGES/ MILEAGE.......................................$563.99 PINK, TAMELA HOOVER PEO WAGES/ MILEAGE.......................................$622.49 PLATINUM PROPERTIES RENTALS INC RENT ASSISTANCE.......................$499.99 PLOTZ, ANITA J PEO WAGES/MILEAGE.... .......................................................$40.00 POLASHEK, ANTHONY G PEO WAGES/ MILEAGE.......................................$313.71 POLEHNA, THOMAS C PEO WAGES/MILEAGE...............................................$306.17 POLLOCK, NATE PEO WAGES/MILEAGE.... .....................................................$606.04 POPE, LILLIAN PEO WAGES/MILEAGE...... .....................................................$398.44 POTTER, DIANE PEO WAGES/MILEAGE.... .......................................................$78.88 POWELL, LISA QTR4 CELL PHONE REIMB .....................................................$195.00 POWERS, DEBRA M PEO WAGES/MILEAGE...............................................$199.14 POWERS, SCOTT R QTR4 CELL PHONE REIMB...........................................$105.00 POWICKI, DANIEL PEO WAGES/MILEAGE .....................................................$309.79 PRAIRIEBURG CITY OF PRAIRIEBURG FARM-TO-MARKET....................$7,834.72 PRIBYL, MARILYN JOAN PEO WAGES/ MILEAGE.......................................$333.56 PRIBYL, THOMAS EDWARD PEO WAGES/ MILEAGE.......................................$336.46 PRIOR, CHELSEA PEO WAGES/MILEAGE.. .....................................................$314.21 PROCHNOW, MARCIA PEO WAGES/MILEAGE...............................................$339.50 PUCCIO, BRANDON PEO WAGES/MILEAGE...............................................$559.74 PUSH PEDAL PULL FITNESS CENTER EQUIPMENT...............................$5,779.00 QUALITY AUTO REBUILDERS INC REPAIR & MAINTENANCE.......................$8,180.35 RACOM CORPORATION E911 MAINTENANCE CONTACT COMMUNICATIONS SYSTEM.................................$520,000.00 RANSFORD, BRADLEY QTR4 CELL PHONE REIMB..............................$195.00 RAPIDS WHOLESALE NEW FRIDGE & MOBILE HEATED CABINET & WARRANTY ..................................................$5,521.52 RECTOR, KENT QTR4 CELL PHONE REIMB...........................................$150.00 REDDISH, GARRET QTR4 CELL PHONE REIMB...........................................$150.00 REDIGER, SHANANNE G PEO WAGES/ MILEAGE.......................................$523.29 REINEKE, TIMOTHY J PEO WAGES/MILEAGE...............................................$483.63 REINHART, REBECCA PEO WAGES/MILEAGE...............................................$312.62 RESS, RANDI PEO WAGES/MILEAGE........ .....................................................$335.51 RETRIEVER LLC PARTS................$150.00 REU, JOSEPH QTR4 CELL PHONE REIMB .....................................................$120.00 SAFETY BOOT REIMB...................$200.00 RINDERKNECHT, DEVIN QTR4 CELL PHONE REIMB..............................$180.00 RIZZIO, AMY E PEO WAGES/MILEAGE...... .....................................................$334.93 ROBINSON, MICHAEL TODD PEO WAGES/ MILEAGE.......................................$398.95 ROCK STAR REAL ESTATE LLC RENT........ .....................................................$600.00 ROGGENDORF, DANIEL BRET PEO WAGES/MILEAGE.................................$592.63 RONEY, MECHELLE QTR4 CELL PHONE REIMB...........................................$120.00 ROSS, RODNEY DEWAYNE PEO WAGES/ MILEAGE.......................................$308.70 ROZINEK, RICHARD ALAN PEO WAGES/ MILEAGE.......................................$306.75 RSTOM, JONATHAN A QTR4 CELL PHONE REIMB...........................................$225.00 RUBLE, HOLLY MARIE PEO WAGES/ MILEAGE.......................................$306.17 RUFFRIDGE, DORIS J RENT.........$600.00 RUNNING, KIRSTEN A QTR4 CELL PHONE REIMB...........................................$135.00 RUNYAN, JANET RUTH PEO WAGES/ MILEAGE.......................................$340.44 RYAN, MICHAEL PEO WAGES/MILEAGE.... .....................................................$304.06 RYHERD, DANIEL PEO WAGES/MILEAGE.. .....................................................$279.74 SACKETT, RONALD J PEO WAGES/MILEAGE...............................................$335.51 SAFE PLACE FOUNDATION, THE GENERAL ASSISTANCE............................$900.00 SAITO, MARY PEO WAGES/MILEAGE........ .....................................................$362.99

SANDERS, CONSTANCE JOAN PEO WAGES/MILEAGE.................................$346.68 SANDERS, WINSTON S SAFETY BOOT REIMB...........................................$200.00 SANDVICK, MATTHEW CLOTHING ALLOWANCE FY26............................$584.11 QTR4 CELL PHONE REIMB...........$165.00 SANITY SOLUTIONS INC TECHNICAL SERVICES.......................................$50.15 SANKEY, JOSHUA PEO WAGES/MILEAGE .....................................................$326.83 SAUL, JESSICA PEO WAGES/MILEAGE..... .....................................................$102.90 SCANLON, MATHEW J SAFETY BOOT REIMB...........................................$200.00 SCHEETZ, SAMI P QTR4 CELL PHONE REIMB...........................................$195.00 SCHIEFEN, SHARON PEO WAGES/MILEAGE...............................................$343.63 SCHLADER, RYAN QTR4 CELL PHONE REIMB...........................................$180.00 SCHMID, DYLAN QTR4 CELL PHONE REIMB...........................................$150.00 SCHMIT, MARY A PEO WAGES/MILEAGE.. .....................................................$310.73 SCHMITT D’AMICO, AMY C QTR4 CELL PHONE REIMB................................$60.00 SCHMITZ, KIMBERLY N TRAINING EXPENSE...........................................$238.00 SCHMITZ, MICHAEL ANTHONY PEO WAGES/MILEAGE...........................$77.03 SCHOFF, CAMERON PEO WAGES/MILEAGE...............................................$309.21 SCHROEDER, CATHY J PEO WAGES/ MILEAGE.......................................$112.30 SCHROEDER, KATHLEEN J PEO WAGES/ MILEAGE.......................................$323.86 SCHUETTE, ROBERT DEAN PEO WAGES/ MILEAGE.......................................$584.15 SCHUETTE, SUSAN M PEO WAGES/MILEAGE...............................................$304.72 SCHUMACHER ELEVATOR CO INC FY26 ELEVATOR MAINT FOR ALL BUILDINGS... ................................................$51,842.24 SCHUTTE, SAMANTHA K PEO WAGES/ MILEAGE.......................................$550.99 SCHWARTZENBURG, KAYLEEN T PEO WAGES/MILEAGE...........................$40.00 SCOTT COUNTY SERVICE FEES......$36.53 SCROGGINS, NINA TRAVEL EXPENSES.... .....................................................$179.52 SEBETKA, PATRICIA PEO WAGES/MILEAGE...............................................$106.41 SHAMROCK APARTMENTS GENERAL ASSISTANCE..................................$1,100.00 SHAW, ARLENE PEO WAGES/MILEAGE..... .....................................................$332.25 SHAW, WAYNE REX PEO WAGES/MILEAGE...............................................$332.54 SHELTON, KATHLEEN STEINBACH PEO WAGES/MILEAGE.........................$343.13 SHEMA, VERONICA PEO WAGES/MILEAGE.................................................$76.02 SHERIFFS PROTECTIVE ASSOC PAYROLL DEDUCTION....................................$24.00 SHOVER, CHAD QTR4 CELL PHONE REIMB...........................................$105.00 SIMS, DONNA PEO WAGES/MILEAGE....... .....................................................$314.94 SIVERTSEN, DEBRA CAREGIVER REIMBURSEMENT FY26........................$150.00 SJULLIE, MICKIE L PEO WAGES/MILEAGE .....................................................$310.59 SKELTON, DEBORAH M ATTORNEY FEES.. .....................................................$340.00 SLAGLE, RONALD PEO WAGES/MILEAGE. .....................................................$311.46 SLATER, ASHLEY PEO WAGES/MILEAGE.. .....................................................$327.77 SLED SHED PARTS.........................$95.18 SLIPPY, TY PEO WAGES/MILEAGE............ .....................................................$517.18 SMITH, CHRISTOPHER W QTR4 CELL PHONE REIMB..............................$165.00 SMITH, MARCIA JANE PEO WAGES/MILEAGE...............................................$353.57 SMITH, MATTHEW J PEO WAGES/MILEAGE...............................................$568.00 SOPPE, ROGER A PEO WAGES/MILEAGE.. .....................................................$354.94 SPRINGVILLE READY MIX CONCRETE & SAND MIX................................$10,786.50 SQUIRES-WOLFE, PAMELA A PEO WAGES/MILEAGE.................................$341.31 SS APPLIANCE AND MATTRESS CLIENT ASSISTANCE.................................$278.45 ST LUKES WORK WELL SOLUTIONS PRE EMPLOYMENT PHYSICAL............$645.00 STANLEY-DOLAN, SHERYL M PEO WAGES/MILEAGE.................................$366.25 STARRY, DENISE PEO WAGES/MILEAGE... .....................................................$372.20 STEFFENS, ALEX CLOTHING ALLOWANCE FY26..............................................$261.40 TRAINING EXPENSE.....................$360.00 STEINES, DEREK QTR4 CELL PHONE REIMB...........................................$195.00 STEPHENS, JULIE QTR4 CELL PHONE REIMB...........................................$120.00 STEWART, SANDRA D PEO WAGES/MILEAGE...............................................$329.44 STIENTJES, MARCIA K PEO WAGES/ MILEAGE.......................................$546.39 STOBB, SONDRA C PEO WAGES/MILEAGE...............................................$306.02 STOBER, CATHERINE S PEO WAGES/ MILEAGE.......................................$353.78 STONE, DIANE M PEO WAGES/MILEAGE.. .....................................................$607.12 STOREY KENWORTHY VOTER REGISTRATION ENVELOPES......................$2,205.00 STUBBLEFIELD, MARY E PEO WAGES/ MILEAGE.......................................$346.61 STUELKE, JOHN PEO WAGES/MILEAGE.... .....................................................$633.83 STUMBO, CIRCE PEO WAGES/MILEAGE... .....................................................$571.91 STUMPF, MARCIE PEO WAGES/MILEAGE. .....................................................$348.71 SVATEK, MARIE E PEO WAGES/MILEAGE. .....................................................$302.18 SWALES, JAMES A PEO WAGES/MILEAGE...............................................$637.02 SWIDERSKI, MARY A PEO WAGES/MILEAGE...............................................$338.12 SWIMS, RHONDA PEO WAGES/MILEAGE. .....................................................$308.27 TALSNESS, LINDSAY NICOLE PEO WAGES/MILEAGE.................................$498.36 TAUKE, SHARON A PEO WAGES/MILEAGE .....................................................$338.78 TAYLOR, CASEY RENT..................$604.00 TAYLOR, TODD QTR4 CELL PHONE REIMB...........................................$165.00 TENNEY, GAIL M QTR4 CELL PHONE REIMB...........................................$120.00 THIELEN, DAVID QTR4 CELL PHONE REIMB...........................................$210.00 THOMS, AARON-MARIE PEO WAGES/

MILEAGE.......................................$323.42 THUMMA, KEVIN PEO WAGES/MILEAGE.. .....................................................$337.62 TIMM, ROGER E PEO WAGES/MILEAGE.... .....................................................$320.52 TIP RURAL ELECTRIC COOPERATIVE UTILITIES ASSISTANCE................$197.63 TIPTON, PEGGY ANN PEO WAGES/MILEAGE...............................................$306.82 TOOHEY, MICHAEL J PEO WAGES/MILEAGE...............................................$310.73 TOW, ANN MARIE PEO WAGES/MILEAGE .....................................................$599.21 TRILIX MARKETING GROUP INC TECHNICAL SERVICES...........................$1,600.00 TRINITY SERVICES GROUP INC FOOD & PROVISIONS............................$15,656.00 TRIPP, HEATHER L QTR4 CELL PHONE REIMB...........................................$225.00 TROENDLE, TRUDI A PEO WAGES/MILEAGE...............................................$358.93 TROUT, JOLENE PEO WAGES/MILEAGE.... .....................................................$332.54 TUCKER, ROBIN B PEO WAGES/MILEAGE .....................................................$344.94 TURNER, SUSAN B PEO WAGES/MILEAGE...............................................$335.66 TUTT, JULIEANA M PEO WAGES/MILEAGE .....................................................$334.15 UHRIN, MELISSA A PEO WAGES/MILEAGE...............................................$309.94 UNGS, CHARLES QTR4 CELL PHONE REIMB.............................................$60.00 UNITED FIRE & CASUALTY CO INSURANCE PREMIUM......................$22,743.00 UNITYPOINT HEALTH HEALTH ASSISTANCE...........................................$293.00 UNITYPOINT HEALTH - GRINNELL REGIONAL MEDICAL CENTER GENERAL SUPPLIES..................................$2,540.14 UPSHAW, EUNICE C TRAINING EXPENSE. .....................................................$126.00 US CELLULAR PHONE SERVICE................ ..................................................$3,223.74 USHER, MARCIA B PEO WAGES/MILEAGE .....................................................$343.20 VALIC/AIG RETIREMENT PAYROLL DEDUCTION.................................$30,445.61 VAN DEVENDER, JAMES E PEO WAGES/ MILEAGE.......................................$335.44 VAN GORP, LOWELL PEO WAGES/MILEAGE...............................................$301.67 VANGUARD APPRAISALS INC ANNUAL SERVICE FEES..............................$437.50 VANHAMME, JARED QTR4 CELL PHONE REIMB.............................................$60.00 VANN, EUGENE E PEO WAGES/MILEAGE.. .

$706.08 VANNATTA, ANGELICA SUMMER PEO WAGES/MILEAGE.........................$626.84 VISION SERVICE PLAN (CITY ASSESSOR) PAYROLL DEDUCTION..................$239.03 VISION SERVICE PLAN (COUNTY) PAYROLL DEDUCTION...................$10,654.20 VOLZ, JOSHUA QTR4 CELL PHONE REIMB.............................................$60.00 VUICHARD, GERALD GLENN PEO WAGES/MILEAGE.................................$355.89 WACKER, KIMBERLY PEO WAGES/MILEAGE...............................................$328.28 WALKER, SHAWNA K PEO WAGES/MILEAGE...............................................$555.75 WALTON, CARRIE PEO WAGES/MILEAGE .....................................................$335.22 WARFIELD, MATTHEW QTR4 CELL PHONE REIMB..............................$105.00 WATERHOUSE’S WATER COND SERV WATER............................................$30.00 WATERS, TRAVIS QTR4 CELL PHONE REIMB.............................................$60.00 WATKINSON, CHAD QTR4 CELL PHONE REIMB...........................................$225.00 WAY HOME APARTMENTS GENERAL ASSISTANCE.....................................$900.00 WAYPOINT DV HOUSING SUPPORT ......... ..................................................$2,916.66 WEAVER, AMY QTR4 CELL PHONE REIMB .....................................................$225.00 WEBBER, ATHINA TRAVEL EXPENSES...... .....................................................$379.60 WEBER STONE CO INC ROCK....$7,687.69 WEBER, ALISHA MED EXAM FEES............ ..................................................$7,705.00 WEBER-HOLDGRAFER, ANN M PEO WAGES/MILEAGE.................................$346.46 WELBES, MARY PEO WAGES/MILEAGE.... .....................................................$331.38 WELCH, MICHAEL K PEO WAGES/MILEAGE...................................................$7.40 WELLBORN, ANNE H PEO WAGES/MILEAGE...............................................$305.66 WELLMARK BLUE CROSS & BLUE SHIELD - CA PAYROLL DEDUCTION.......... ................................................$24,873.77 WENDLING QUARRIES INC ROCK............. ................................................$28,545.30 WERY, JUDITH QTR4 CELL PHONE REIMB .....................................................$120.00 WEYLAND-HENECKE, TERRI J PEO WAGES/MILEAGE.................................$334.79 WHITEBOOK, JEFFREY PEO WAGES/ MILEAGE.........................................$40.00 WHITEFORD, MARCIA PEO WAGES/MILEAGE.................................................$39.59

MOUNT VERNON-LISBON SUN | MVLSUN.COM WILKIE, GERALD KELLIS PEO WAGES/ MILEAGE.......................................$587.19 WILLETT, JODY PEO WAGES/MILEAGE..... .....................................................$332.99 WILLIAMS, SARAH QTR4 CELL PHONE REIMB.............................................$60.00 WILSON, KAREN PEO WAGES/MILEAGE... .....................................................$346.03 WINCHESTER, PAMALA REFUND.............. .....................................................$500.00 WISEMAN, CATHY PEO WAGES/MILEAGE .....................................................$335.15 WITZBERGER, GLORIA QTR4 CELL PHONE REIMB..............................$120.00 WOLFORD, ELENA QTR4 CELL PHONE REIMB.............................................$90.00 WOLRAB, ANITA D PEO WAGES/MILEAGE .......................................................$34.15 WOOD, BENJAMIN P PEO WAGES/MILEAGE...............................................$702.76 WOODALL, SIERRA PEO WAGES/MILEAGE...............................................$330.44 WOODS-BOREN, CAROL ANN PEO WAGES/MILEAGE.................................$711.52 WOOLDRIDGE, DEBORAH J PEO WAGES/ MILEAGE.........................................$78.05 WORKMAN, ROBYN A PEO WAGES/MILEAGE...............................................$304.64 WRIGHT, CLIFFORD CAREGIVER REIMBURSEMENT FY26........................$288.00 WRIGHT, JOSHUA PEO WAGES/MILEAGE .....................................................$313.42 WYATT, THOMAS M PEO WAGES/MILEAGE...............................................$335.44 WYMORE, KEVIN S PEO WAGES/MILEAGE...............................................$337.62 YACOUB, MOLLY PEO WAGES/MILEAGE... .....................................................$559.85 YES FIVE SEASONS CEDAR LLC * GENERAL ASSISTANCE............................$900.00 YOUNG PARENTS NETWORK GENERAL SUPPLIES..................................$4,586.23 YOUNG, MARY PEO WAGES/MILEAGE...... .....................................................$358.79 YOUNG, STEVEN PEO WAGES/MILEAGE... .....................................................$359.08 YUZA, LINDA K PEO WAGES/MILEAGE..... .....................................................$104.26 ZEIGLER, JUDY PEO WAGES/MILEAGE..... .....................................................$335.51 ZEIGLER, KEITH PEO WAGES/MILEAGE.... .....................................................$628.00 ZEVENBERGEN, SHERI PEO WAGES/ MILEAGE.......................................$315.37 ZIMMERMAN, LINDA PEO WAGES/MILEAGE...............................................$325.96 TOTAL.................................$5,907,518.07

Published in the Sun July 9, 2026.

NOTICE OF PROBATE

THE IOWA DISTRICT COURT FOR LINN COUNTY IN THE MATTER OF THE ESTATE: PROBATE NO. ESPR049203 OF NOTICE OF PROBATE OF WILL, OF APPOINTMENT OF EXECUTOR VINCENT C. RINIKER, DECEASED AND NOTICE TO CREDITORS To all persons interested in the estate of VINCENT C. RINIKER, Deceased, who died on or about May 4 ,2026.

You are hereby notified that on June 3, 2026, the Last Will and Testament of VINCENT C. RINIKER, deceased, bearing the date of August 25, 2023 was admitted to probate in the above-named court and that Chad V. Riniker was appointed Executor of the estate of VINCENT C. RINIKER. Any action to set aside the will must be brought in the District Court of said county within the later to occur of four months from the date of the second publication of this notice or one month from the date of mailing of this notice to all heirs of the Decedent and devisees under the will whose identities are reasonably ascertainable or thereafter be forever barred.

Notice is further given that all persons indebted to the estate are requested to make immediate payment to the undersigned, and creditors having claims against the estate shall file them with the clerk of the above named District Court, as provided by law, duly authenticated, for allowance, and unless so filed by the later to occur of four months from the second publication of this notice or one month from the date of mailing of this notice (unless otherwise allowed or paid) a claim is thereafter forever barred.

Dated June 3, 2026 Executor of Estate: Chad V. Riniker 423 16th Place SW Mount Vernon, Iowa 52314 Attorney for Estate: Douglas D. Wolfe, AT0008572 Wolfe Law Office 202 First Street SW, PO Box 174 Mount Vernon, Iowa 52314 Published in the Sun July 9, 2026.

Published in the Sun July 9, 2026.

YOU REALLY NEED TO GET SOME SUN. SUBSCRIBE - 319.895.6216

MVLSUN.COM | MOUNT VERNON-LISBON SUN

NEWS

Mount Vernon and Lisbon communities come together to support Steve Miller Cadence Dighton Mount Vernon-Lisbon Sun news@mvlsun.com

Steve Miller has spent decades leaving an impact on the Mount Vernon and Lisbon communities. However, the communities have decided that it is their turn to do what they can to help him as he faces a cancer diagnosis.

Miller currently works as the fulltime custodian at Mount Vernon High School (MVHS), and for many years, dedicated his time to helping out the Lisbon High School softball team.

Steve Miller’s impact on Mount Vernon schools Steve Brand, the principal of MVHS, has known Miller for 16 years, and in that time, Brand has only had good memories of Miller.

“He’s a custodian, which is an important job. People expect our buildings to look nice, people expect it to be kept up, and Steve does a phenomenal job with that,” Brand said.

However, for those at MVHS, it is important that Miller knows that he is more than just a custodian to them.

“This is his family. It’s not where he has to be; it’s where he wants to be.

And we’re lucky to have him. We’re very fortunate to have him,” Brand explained. “He’s just part of a culture that really tries to just make sure that people know that they’re valued.”

In Brand’s first years working at MVHS, Miller made sure Brand felt special by giving him a grand surprise for his birthday each year.

“He brought this triple layer cake of some sort that was just amazing.

I came to find out that he had done that for multiple people,” Brand said. “[Miller] is always building relationships and making sure that people know that they’re cared for.”

Miller cares about more than just the staff at the high school, though.

According to Brand, Miller builds relationships with all the students, too, by doing things like making connections with students who struggle to do so, or by celebrating the students’ birthdays.

Additionally, Miller is the students’ biggest supporter.

“He takes care of stuff during the day while all the students are here and oversees custodial needs during lunch, and usually, he is back here in the evenings for activities, supporting kids. [...] Most of the time, that’s off the clock,” Brand said.

Even when he’s not in the same room as the students, Miller still likes to pull jokes on them, especially using different voices.

Brand shared that one evening, while at the school with his own children after hours, Miller decided to pull a joke on them by evilly laughing and asking, “What are you doing in this building?” in a deep voice over the intercom.

“My kids just stopped and were like, ‘Dad, what is that?’ And I go, ‘Oh, I’m not 100% sure, but I’m about 99% sure Steve Miller’s in the building. He just found the intercom and is just trying to have fun with you,’” Brand said.

In the interviews Brand conducts when hiring new staff members, there is one thing that he looks for. Although he is not the one who interviewed and hired Miller, Brand feels like Miller fits the criteria perfectly.

“The question that I ask often [in

interviews] is, ‘When your time here is done, how do you want to be remembered?’ [...] I want to know whether they answer that with, ‘I want people to know that I cared. I want people to know that I was a relationship builder and wanted what was best for kids.’

And I feel like those statements summarize Steve,” Brand explained.

“We all know how much he cares, and in turn, through this trial for Steve, we want to make sure that he knows that we care, and that we’re there for him,” Brand said.

Steve Miller’s impact on the Lisbon community Miller’s impact has not just been on Mount Vernon High School, but has reached the neighboring community of Lisbon and their softball team as well.

Rachel Robertson has been an assistant softball coach for the Lisbon High School softball team since 1999, and this season is her first without Steve Miller by her side. “[Miller] was part of our program for years,” Robertson said. “He’d been here as long as I’ve known him. He was with the team longer than I’ve been here.”

However, Miller decided long ago that when Bob Bunting, the decadeslong head coach of the Lisbon Softball Team, was ready to be done, he would be done too. Bunting announced his retirement in 2023.

“Mr. Bunting’s last year, he was done. And then, he came back to kind of help get the diamond ready last year [2025], because we were struggling to find somebody to do that. He came and did varsity games last year out of the goodness of his heart,” Robertson explained.

While helping get the field ready last year, Miller passed some knowledge to Robertson and the team’s other assistant coach, Kim Blanchard.

Although Miller wasn’t technically part of the team, he became an important part of the program and even ended up with his name being dedicated to the ballpark where the softball team plays.

“It’s just everything that he did, and things that people didn’t see. He would be down there, meticulously getting the field ready for the games, and it didn’t matter the level of the game.

He would be out there getting the field ready,” Robertson said.

According to Robertson, Miller always took the time to do things like mowing the grass on the field, weed whipping, and chalking before the games took place. Once the groundskeeping work was complete, Miller would move on to grilling for the concession stand.

“People took that for granted, because when he’s not doing it—he’s not here now to do that—they don’t have somebody that’s willing to step up and grill,” Robertson said. “I’m glad we have people that stepped up to take care of the field, but we just need more people like him who did it all for nothing but because he loved the softball team and he loved Lisbon.”

Additionally, Miller showed he cared by carrying around what the softball players called his “Barney Bag,” in which he had things like hair ties for the players and snacks for Bunting.

Miller’s cancer diagnosis hit the team hard, as he has built strong relationships with the players over their

years on the team.

“I know the girls were in shock when I told them. [...] I wanted them to know that they didn’t hear it from a secondary source,” Robertson explained.

However, despite his diagnosis, Miller has still been determined to support the softball team when he can.

“We kind of figured he wasn’t going to help this year, just with his diagnosis and everything, but he has been at the games, which is good. I’m glad he’s been at games to watch,” Robertson said.

Before Miller decided to step back from the team, he would always be with them when he could, whether they were playing at home or away.

At the state tournament each year, Bunting decided that phones were not to be kept in the hotel rooms overnight, so in the mornings, Miller would make sure the girls were awake on time.

“He would be their alarms in the morning. [...] He would be their wake-up call, and he’d pound on the doors, and we’d be sitting there— [Bunting] and I, and one of the other coaches—we’d just be laughing,” Robertson shared.

Other times, when the team would be playing at early-morning tournaments, Miller would make sure that the players were fed by bringing them breakfast that he bought with his own money.

Miller cared about more than just his own team, however. According to Robertson, Miller would make sure that, on hot game days, both the Lisbon and visitor dugouts were stocked with coolers of towels and had fans ready to go by the start of the game.

What people saw was Miller making sure that the field was ready or that he would travel with the team, but the behind-the-scenes things were what went unrecognized.

“I think what people don’t realize is the little things that Steve did. [...]

You know, just those little things that I don’t think people saw or realized that it was him doing that, and not anybody from the school,” Robertson said.

Without Miller around to do the little things, it takes a team to do all that he could by himself.

“It takes more than one person to do what Steve could do, and you don’t realize that until he can’t help or isn’t here,” Robertson explained. “He kind of passed it on. We do have dads that have volunteered to help with getting the field ready. But, if it’s something like, where it’s wet, us coaches are here, we’re working on getting it ready and different stuff.”

Although Miller has shared some of his knowledge, the current crew completing what used to be his work has told Robertson that they can’t get it done as well as he was able to.

“It takes three to replace one, but that’s okay; that happens. That’s how impactful he was,” Robertson said.

Robertson wants Miller to know that the team is there for him, and that if he ever needs anything, to let her know.

A CauseTeam fundraiser was started in mid-May and ended on June 30, having raised $4,386.80 of the $5,000 goal. Miller has since expressed gratitude to all who have donated to his cause and have shown how much they care about him.

THURSDAY, JULY 9, 2026 | 15

CLASSIFIEDS Wanted

Miscellaneous

WANTED: JUNK APPLIANCES. Will pick up for free. Farm clean-up, batteries. Will buy junk cars. 319-331-8122 .

Does your basement or crawl space need some attention? Call Thrasher Foundation Repair! A permanent solution for waterproofing, failing founSporting Goods dations, sinking concrete and nasty crawl spaces.

GUN SHOW: July 24-26, FREE Inspection & Same Centre Hall, Waverly IA Day Estimate. $250 off ANY Fri 4-9pm, Sat. 9am-5pm, project with code GET250.

Sun. 9am-3pm. $10 (under C a l l 1 - 8 6 6 - 5 5 4 -1 7 3 0 .

14 FREE) . More info: 563-608-4401 www.mar- Jacuzzi Bath Remodel v krauspromo tions .ne t can install a new, custom bath or shower in as little Miscellaneous as one day. For a limited time, waiving ALL instalAudien Hearing. The lation costs! (Additional world’s first hearing aid terms apply. Subject to with touchscreen controls. change and vary by dealer.

No tiny buttons, apps or (Offer ends 12/31/25.) Call prescriptions. 45-day risk 1-866-456-3917. free trial. Free shipping.

Lifetime support. More Safe Step. North Amerthan 1.5 million happy ica’s #1 Walk-In Tub. customers. Call Audien Comprehensive lifetime 1-855-304-1545 warranty. Top-of-the-line installation and service.

Pr e pa r e f o r p owe r Now featuring our FREE outages today with a shower package and Generac Home Standby $1600 Off for a limited Generator. Act now to time! Call today! Financreceive a FREE 7-Year ing available. Call Safe warrant y with quali- Step 1-8 4 4 -376- 4 1 54. f ying purchase. Call 1-855-954-5087 today to schedule a free quote.

It ’s not just a generator. It ’s a power move.

CLASSIFIEDS 319.895.6216

NEWS

16 | THURSDAY, JULY 9, 2026

MOUNT VERNON-LISBON SUN | MVLSUN.COM

MV middle school student creating fidget spinners John Charlson Mount Vernon-Lisbon Sun news@mvlsun.com

Fidget toys are as popular as ever. Kids and adults across the country clamor for them, but where many might find shortages or discontinuances on store shelves, one Mount Vernon 5th grader has innovated her own solution.

“I always thought it was cool, because people would always bring those cool 3D printed dragons, and I always wondered how you would get them,” said Henley Neff, who will be starting her first year at Mount Vernon Middle School in August.

For the past month, Henley and her mom have been hard at work, doing something neither of them would have predicted: 3D printing their own fidget toys. It began last school year, when Henley’s teacher showed her class a video on 3D printing.

“The video was super informative, and it told us that you melt the filament into glue and it layers it on,” said Henley, who continued to develop an interest in 3D printing, but never got the chance to try it herself. That is, until her mom came into contact with a family friend who buys and fixes 3D printers in another part of the state.

“We kind of fell into a 3D printer,” said Dawn Elizabeth, Henley’s mom, who adds that after hearing about her interest, their friend gave Henley her first 3D printer. Elizabeth also mentions that it was through their friend that they learned you could make fidget toys, solely by printing them.

“I’m a mental health therapist, so I knew how helpful those can be, and also the fact that they were just printing their own was super cool,” said Elizabeth, who works as a supervisor for Tanager Place, a children’s human service agency based in Cedar Rapids.

The prospect of printing her own fidget toys appealed to Henley, but knowing how popular they are with her classmates, Henley’s entrepreneurial spirit took hold.

“I was really interested in printing fidgets, because sometimes I run lemonade stands, and I was like, ‘oh, I might get a really big turnout if I sell fidgets,’” said Henley, whose mom suggested that they create a Google form for people to fill out their orders on.

“When she started, I had her pick out 10 that we would print,” said Elizabeth.

Henley’s 3D printer works in tandem with an app, which allows Henley and her mom to pick out exactly which fidget toys they want to print.

They’ve produced toys ranging anywhere from simple daisy shaped spinners and gear cogs, to dragon scale eggs and starfish with mov-

able arms.

After sending the order form to friends and colleagues over a month ago, Elizabeth began to advertise their fidget toys on her Facebook.

“This week has been busier than when we started,” said Elizabeth, with Henley adding, “yeah we have eight orders going right now.”

The demand for their 3D printed fidget toys is thanks, in part, to the variety of toys they can create. If a customer has an idea for something new, Henley and her mom can just browse the 3D printer app to try and match the specifications as best they can.

“She just got an order last night. It’s for a baseball team, so they asked us if we could get little bats and balls,” said Elizabeth.

Henley only has the one 3D printer, and with some designs taking anywhere from 20 minutes to 13 hours to print, Elizabeth says the most valuable resource is time. “We don’t need to go crazy. She’s a busy kid and we’re busy. This doesn’t need to turn into a whole big thing.” That is one of the reasons Elizabeth reached out to the Mount Vernon Lisbon Mamas+Dads Facebook group to see if any retailers in the area were looking to house their product.

Elizabeth says she got

Photos by John Charlson | Mount Vernon-Lisbon Sun

Left: Henley Neff, 10, her mom, and sister watch the progress of their latest 3D printed toy inside their home in Mount Vernon Friday, July 3. Henley and her mom have 3D printed over 80 fidget toys to order. Right: Henley Neff, 10, poses for a portrait with her 3D printed fidget toys inside her home in Mount Vernon Friday, July 3. Henley and her mom have 3D printed over 80 fidget toys to order. Recently, the two have been contacting local retailers to help sell additional stock. the idea from their friends who gave them the printer.

“Our friends who do the 3D printing, they said, ‘we have some of our stuff just in a little shop here in town,’” said Elizabeth, who adds that selling through a retailer gives the two more of a set schedule, rather than filling individual orders as soon as they come in.

Henley and her mom have reached out to Bass Family Farms, Silver Spider, and Iron Leaf Press, but so far, none have accepted

the offer, either because of limited space, or they already have a similar deal in place.

“I think it would be pretty cool to have it somewhere that is in a retail space, but to still keep it pretty small,” said Elizabeth. In the meantime, Henley and her mom will still fill orders with the same care and attention they started with a month ago. “I think we’re also open to if it leads somewhere or if opportunities present, then we can explore that.”

k n a h T Y ou

to our sponsors and teams for supporting the MVLPD Golfing for the K9!

We couldn't do it without you!

­ ­

­

­

­