MVL Sun — 8.20.26

SPORTS | 16 Lisbon Sauerkraut Days 5K Results PLUS: Fall Volleyball and Cross Country Sports Previews

THURSDAY, AUGUST 20, 2026 • $1.50

Parking lot construction facing slight delays Nathan Countryman Mount Vernon-Lisbon Sun

Soggy-Kraut Days Nathan Countryman Mount Vernon-Lisbon Sun

nathan.countryman@mvlsun.com

nathan.countryman@mvlsun.com

The Mount Vernon Middle School parking lot project is facing some slight delays to it’s rush to completion before school officially starts.

Superintendent Matt Leeman said that the school will take possession of the parking lot project Monday, Aug. 17, just in time for teachers to be reporting back to school.

When the district takes possession of the majority of the parking lot, the bus lane adjacent to the Washington Elementary School will still be finished curing.

“We also have a fence that is to be in the medians between the parking lot in the school that is on back order,” Leeman said.

“The contractors will need to place temporary barriers up until that fence gets here.”

Leeman said he has been very forthcoming with his disappointment on the project’s delays, especially with the school noting the hard deadlines for completion.

A pre-construction meeting with Rise Construction for the Seventh Avenue parking extension was slated for Thursday, Aug. 13.

The crew from Rise Construction was planning for weekend work to happen on the project, and hoping for a fast turn around on the addition of the parking lane along Seventh Avenue.

On Thursday, Aug. 6, the school was impacted when a power line was struck during the construction project, taking buildings down from three phase power to one phase power until the line was repaired.

That also required an emergency call to Alliant Energy to fix the damaged line.

“The district is not responsible for that damage, that is something the contractors will be responsible for,” Leeman said. “We haven’t been able to determine if there was any damage to items, like what happened when the building went to two-phase electrical power a few years ago during a similar outage.”

While the line was fixed the same day, the district will be mindful of any items damaged to be reported.

A meeting was also held on the middle school exterior project for the district. Leeman said he will present ideas for design for some of the panels before moving forward with the project yet this fall at another coming school board meeting.

“The design with more of a mosaic theme is not drastically different, the panels are just longer,” Leeman said.

The rainy week couldn’t keep the Lisbon Sauerkraut Days celebration down.

Thursday evening the committee held the ice cream social and Celebrate Community events at the Lisbon Sports Complex. Fireworks were moved to Sunday evening instead.

According to chair Jerry Dietsch, that was done because of the humidity in the air, and the chances fireworks would end up firing much lower in the air.

“We have paid for the fireworks, we just didn’t feel that would be the best show,” Dietsch said.

The schedule for Friday and Saturday had rain throughout the days anticipated.

There were a few storms on Friday that rolled through, and clouds were there

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Friday evening.

But the committee was not looking for a repeat of 2025, when events were delayed by a few hours for a severe storm rolling through. A canopy was placed on the stage for the night to provide some protection from rain for those on the main stage.

And the rain held off for the King and Queen coronation, with Kolson Moore crowned king and Ava Scheil crowned queen.

John Bardsley was recognized as grand marshal for the parade.

Returning event Lisbon Take Down Wrestling tournament was held on wrestling mats in the Lloyds Table Company lawn, and band Haywire played the stage Friday evening. A few brief squalls hit after the king and queen competition, not lasting too long.

SAUERKRAUT DAYS | 8

Photos by Nathan Countryman | Mount Vernon-Lisbon Sun

Top: Queen Ava Scheil and King Kolson Moore, after being coronated at Lisbon Sauerkraut Days. Above: Megan Dietsch presents John Bardsley flowers for being the grand marshal for this year’s festivities. Left: The whole court of the 2026 Sauerkraut Days on stage following the coronation ceremony - Riley Funke, Silas Hansen, Ava Scheil, Kolson Moore, Emma Hagan, John Baxa, Josie Arch, Sophie Clark and 2025 Sauerkraut Days Queen Zoe Knight.

MV schools approves rental fees

anyone who wants to rent the building but does not fall in categories one through four.

One point that Thede said was overlooked was the cost for items like paper towels.

Nathan Countryman said. “To my knowledge, it was never the “We are seeing a high usage of those Mount Vernon-Lisbon Sun intent to exclude individuals from renting when items are rented, and those costs do nathan.countryman@mvlsun.com the space.” add up,” Thede said. “It was brought to my Stephens said that the policy for rentals attention and I didn’t have time to adjust The Mount Vernon School District was borrowed heavily from Solon, and was that amount.” approved new rental fees for Mount Ver- planned to always be offered at a first come Board member Jeremy Kunz moved to non School buildings. first serve basis for rentals with reasonable increase janitorial fees to $50 per hour to Teacher Tom Stephens had emailed after requests. help cover that additional cost for the tier reading about the discussion in the July Superintendent Matt Leeman and activi- 5 rental rates, and that was seconded. The school board meeting. ties director Matt Thede had done the work board approved that change.

“I was on the committee when the Per- the school board asked and came up with forming Arts Center was built,” Stephens a fee schedule closer to market value for RENTAL FEES | 2

INSIDE Opinions - 4 & 5

| Records - 7 | Sauerkraut Days Photos - 8-10 |

11 | Public Notices - 12-14 | Sports - 15 & 16

NEWS

2 | THURSDAY, AUGUST 20, 2026

RENTAL FEES

especially with not impacting our staff,” Clark said. “If we are to compete with the city, what does that look like with our relationship with the city Board member Jason Clark said he was still moving forward?” not on board with the rates, citing the agreement Thede said that part of the non competing between the district to not directly compete with clause when it was established with the city was the Lester Buresh Family Community Wellness because the school’s pricing for rental of facilities Center on rates. was so low compared to the LBC. “We’re also just not set up to host a lot of events, “This is raising our rates,” Thede said. “It’s from 1

MOUNT VERNON-LISBON SUN | MVLSUN.COM

going to make people consider the LBC more than they have before.”

Thede also clarified that the district’s usage of space for their own activities will always take precedence, that utilizing space is reserved for non-peak times.

The district approved the policy with some changes on the language of tier five level of rentals of facilities.

Handbook changes approved for Lisbon elementary, high school Nathan Countryman Mount Vernon-Lisbon Sun

fifth grade students to get those minutes of physical activity a day. nathan.countryman@mvlsun.com The other bill was Senate File 2428, which outlines how schools should handle student behavior Handbook changes were approved for Lisbon and classroom disruptions. That has meant lookElementary School and Lisbon junior high school ing at what is a violent or non-violent disruption and high school students. of a classroom, and how the district navigates At the elementary level, elementary princi- this. pal Justin Brown said, one of the areas that was If a student is removed twice from a classroom approved was addressing requirements from in a grading period, that requires a parent meetHouse File 2676 which implements the amount ing between teachers, parents, administrator and of screen time students face. guidance counselor.

“What we’ve been working with is determinAt the junior high and high school level, secing what counts as time on a device, and what is ondary principal Jack Leighty said that they are instruction,” Brown said. also addressing the student discipline portions The other part of changes make sure that stu- of the handbook, especially when it comes to dents are getting the required physical activity suspensions of students. There is also language requirements. Brown said that a second recess added to the non-violent and violent disruptions period is being added to the day for fourth and to classes.

A second point was removing Saturday school suspensions from the handbook, an item that has not been implemented in more than a decade now.

The third point addressed in the handbook was on junior high ineligibility. Leighty explained that they have been doing a weekly eligibility check for junior high students, and that has worked out well, but the district will now be working on a two week eligibility check.

“If a student is showing progress towards being back to eligible after a week after being placed as ineligible, then they will be allowed to continue to play with their teams,” Leighty said.

The final point was the open campus policy rolled out to junior students last year. Leighty said that still only applies to periods one through four, and does not include an open campus for lunch for juniors.

Lisbon approves first reading of eighth grade activities eligibility Nathan Countryman Mount Vernon-Lisbon Sun

nathan.countryman@mvlsun.com

One of the first tasks new Lisbon High School activities director Sarah Schlabaugh has been tackling has been the eighth grade activities eligibility process.

The move is tackling the legislature passed earlier this year, allowing for eighth graders to compete at high school activities.

Superintendent Autumn Pino said one of the items she and Schlabaugh have discussed has being upfront and honest with parents if a student is being considered to move to the high school level.

“This does not guarantee a certain amount of playing time,” Pino said. “We don’t want to move

Vehicle pursuit ends in Lisbon Driver was not located On Monday Aug. 17, at 12:32 a.m. Linn County Sheriff’s Deputies attempted to initiate a traffic stop with a speeding motorist on Hwy. 13 southbound, near Mount Vernon Road. According to Sgt. Kevin Louis of the Linn County Sheriff’s Office, the speeding motorist attempted to evade the deputy by turning off the headlights on their 2021 Dodge Charger and accelerate to speeds up to 135 miles per hour. The pursuit continued southbound on Hwy. 13, turning eastbound on to Hwy. 30 toward Mount Vernon.

The Mount Vernon-Lisbon Police Department were able to deploy spike strips as the Charger neared their city limits, and the pursuit ended at the exit ramp from Hwy. 30 and Lisbon Boulevard, when the Charger crashed. The driver exited the vehicle and fled on foot.

Assisting in the attempt to locate the driver was the Iowa State Patrol, Cedar County Sheriff’s Office and Tipton Police Department. The driver was not located, and a suspect has been identified.

The pursuit and accident are still under investigation and eluding and traffic charges are pending.

children from middle school to high school at the detriment of their own development.”

The policy would also take into consideration the impact to middle school sports teams as well.

If a student is to be moved to the high school level, that decision is made before the first high school game of the season, as middle school athletes will be giving up their ability to play at the middle school level for that season if they join the high school team.

This also applies to fine arts and performing arts opportunities for students. In Lisbon’s performing arts, the high school has already been offering opportunities for middle school students in previous productions.

Board member Travis Bagby wanted clarification that any final decision on if an athlete is to be allowed to participate in high school sports,

that Schlabaugh is one of the gatekeepers for that decision.

Schlabaugh and Pino said that was correct, that Schlabaugh would be talking with coaches about that decision before it is made.

“I will always be one of the gatekeepers for that decision,” Schlabaugh said.

Bagby also thought that language needed to be added to if an activities director has a child that might be involved in a sport, that someone besides them should be part of that decision process. Schlabaugh has no children in that age range, but Bagby was noting a future issue that should be included in the written policy.

While Lisbon approved the first reading, the policy is not fully adopted until it’s second reading is completed.

Cornell new students arrive, orientation begins • International Student Orientation begins Friday, Aug. 14.

• Each One Teach One begins Friday, Aug. 14.

• New Student Orientation begins Wednesday, Aug. 19.

• Returning students move in on Saturday, Aug. 22, and Sunday, Aug. 23.

• Block 1 begins on Monday, Aug. 24.

decor.

• A student who founded the DND Club at her school.

• An aerial artist (think trapeze and tightwire) for more than 10 years.

• An organizer of a new volunteer electronics repair service in his high school where he taught others how to troubleshoot common problems and held weekly workshops.

Cornell offers a wide variety of • A baseball player who comprograms, services, and events peted in the American Legion during New Student Orientation Baseball League this summer.

(NSO). It’s a tradition for athletes • A student who started a founalready on campus to help first- dation to support students in year students move into their his country with speech impediresidence halls, making the move ments. a quick and easy process. New stuEach One Teach One & Internadents will be assigned to a group tional Student Orientation called a Flock, and each Flock has The Office of Intercultural Life a Flock Leader. Flock Leaders are welcomes students for Intercurrent students trained to sup- national Student Orientation, port and guide new students to and Each One Teach One prohelp make the transition to Cor- grams the week before NSO. nell successful. New students will be moving to campus with excitReturning students ing talents and interests. Within the new class, there’s: The residence halls open at • A state competitor in yo-yo- 9 a.m. on Saturday, Aug. 22. ing.

Check-in for returning students • A member of the national will run from 9 a.m. to 9 p.m. honor society for student musi- on both Saturday, Aug. 22, and cians, Tri-M Music Honor Society. Sunday, Aug. 23. The Mail and • A dedicated crocheter who has Service Center will offer addimade clothes, plushies, and home tional move-in weekend hours

from 4 to 6 p.m. on Sunday, Aug. 23, to help students collect packages as they get settled into their rooms.

Class schedules Following the orientation programs and move-in, all students will start their Block 1 classes on Aug. 24. Course schedules are ready for students on our website.

New Cornell College students will also take part in a Meet Your Community night tonight (Thursday, Aug. 20), from 5-6:30 p.m.

Local business and organizations are invited to participate in this annual community welcome event by opening your doors, setting up a table, or sharing information with incoming students.

Approximately 300 new Cornell students will walk throughout First Street East and West with their orientation groups, stopping to meet local businesses and organizations.

Community organizations may reserve space in front of City Hall for a table or display.

Cornell Students will also receive a BINGO card featuring fun prompts that encourage them to visit and learn about participating businesses and organizations.

Volume 157 I Issue 34

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 John Charlson Grace Escritt Digital/Social Media Interns Abigail Princehouse

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.

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Lisbon new teachers 2026 Andrew Eichmeier High school social studies Andrew Eichmeier graduated from North Scott High School in Eldridge, and then attended the University of Iowa to major in education. Eichmeier resides in Coralville. This will be his first year teaching, having previously student taught at Iowa City Regina.

When he’s not in the classroom, EichEichmeier meier’s favorite activities include sports (golfing and fishing high among them), playing fantasy football, traveling and reading.

What do you love about teaching? “I love being able to step into kids lives, make a difference and give them lessons they can take with them for years to come. Not only teach them constant knowledge, but also personal skills, establishing goals and a solid direction that leads them to a fun, rewarding path.

What teacher influenced you growing up and what did you learn from them? The teacher I most admired growing up was Mr. Greenwood. His classes were fun, engaging and transformative. I not only learned history, but life skills as well.

NEWS

Kaufmann loves spending times being outdoors, watching baseball and watching track.

What do you love most about teaching? “Helping students find something they are passionate about and building relationships with them.”

What teacher influenced you growing up and what did you learn from them? “Mr. McCrary and Mrs. Erps. From Mr. McCrary I learned integrity and grit and a work ethic.

From Mrs. Erps I learned to do something in life you love and get there by working hard.”

Riley Boots Secondary art Riley Boots graduated from Lisbon High School in 2023 and attended University of Northern Iowa, graduating in the class of 2026. She has previously student taught at Harding Middle School and Prairie Crest Elementary School in art rooms. Riley lives in Lisbon and notes that this Boots summer she worked at the Lester Buresh Family Community Wellness Center with her mom, Sarah, and now works down the hall from her dad, Nick.

“I look forward to teaching my brother, Brogan, who is a sophomore in art this year,” Riley said.

Outside of teaching in the classroom, Riley said she loves making art and is always planning her next vacation, as she loves to travel.

What do you love most about teaching? I love that I’m able to share my passion for art with students. There’s always something new and exciting being made in the art room.”

What teacher influenced you growing up and what did you learn from them? “I loved having my dad as a teacher and seeing how much he loves his job really encouraged me. Anne Wagner, who I will be replacing, was the reason I ultimately decided to be an art teacher. I spent my days with her in the art room, and I couldn’t imagine having a better job than this. Lisbon has a great art program with Keri Speidel in the elementary, and I’m honored to be a part of it. I’m glad to be home.”

Delaney Fitzgerrel Fifth and sixth grade band Delaney Fitzgerrel graduated from Pleasant Valley High School in Bettendorf and then attended Coe College in Cedar Rapids to earn a bachelors of instrumental education. Fitzgerrel has previously served as a substitute teacher at Lisbon and Mount Vernon Schools and student taught at LisFitzgerrel bon, as well as served as an assistant Hannah Keith marching band director for Marion Independent School Seventh grade English/reading District. When she’s not teaching in the classroom, Hannah Keith graduated from Fitzgerrel can be seen playing with the Mount Vernon Muscatine High School and then saxophone quartet, volunteering with Theatre Cedar attended University of Northern Rapids, working at the aquatics manager at Camp LibIowa. She previously student taught erty, reading or knitting. and this is her first full year of teachWhat do you love most about teaching? “Seeing how ing. Outside of the classroom, she excited students get to play their instruments.” enjoys spending time with her What teacher influenced you growing up and what did family and friends, traveling and Keith you learn from them? “The teacher that influenced me exploring new places. the most was my high school orchestra teacher Mr. Swin“I also have a big interest in interior design, so I love ney. He was always willing to answer my questions about decorating, rearranging spaces and working on little college and music theory and would let me conduct the projects around my home. orchestra when we had a substitute.”

What do you love most about teaching? “What I love most about teaching is getting to build relationships Ky Kaufmann with my students and seeing their growth over time.”

Middle school science What teacher influenced you growing up and what Ky Kaufman graduated from Ana- did you learn from them? “Mark Rusch was a teacher mosa High School and then attended who really influenced me growing up. I was definitely Mount Mercy University. He resides one of the more talkative students in his classroom, in Solon with his fiancé, and his par- but I always loved being in his class. He taught me ents and sisters reside in the Anamosa that building relationships with students and making area. Kaufmann previously taught them feel comfortable can have a lasting impact. I will one semester at Wapello High School. be bringing these values with me into my first year When he isn’t in the classroom, teaching.”

Kaufmann

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Koppes

Cali Koppes Level 1 junior high special education Cali Koppes graduated from Anamosa High School and then graduated from Mount Mercy University. She substitute taught for one semester previously, and this is her first full year teaching. Outside of the classroom. She loves boating, volleyball, reading and spending time with

family and friends.

What do you enjoy most about teaching? Building connections with all of the students and co-workers.

What teacher influenced you growing up and what did you learn from them? “My second grade teacher. They taught me how much a positive attitude from the teacher can shift and change the whole classroom environment.”

Olivia Montague School nurse Olivia Montague has graduated high school from Benton Community High School, and then earned her associates in liberal arts from Hawkeye Community College and her associates degree in nursing from Kaplan University. She and husband Levi are celebrating their 10 year Montague anniversary this October, and the couple have two boys, Conway, 7, and Marshall, 5 and a half.

“We will all be together at the school soon, which is an incredible blessing,” Olivia said.

Olivia has been a registered nurse since 2018, and had the opportunities to work in several areas of nursing, including at the bedside, care coordination, and utilization review and most recently hospice.

“Being a mom has also brough an entirely different perspective to nursing—it has taught me more about patience, advocacy, compassion and seeing things from a child and family’s perspective,” Olivia said. “I’m excited to bring my experience into my new role as the school nurse.”

Outside of the classroom, Olivia enjoys being outside and has loved adding new vegetables to her garden over the last several years. She and her family also enjoy taking bike rides this summer.

“I am always happiest when I am doing something with my family!” Olivia said.

What do you love most about nursing? “I love helping people during their most vulnerable moments, building relationships, providing reassurance, figuring out what they need, and being someone they can trust. I have learned to meet people where they are, and have gained so much appreciation for the importance of listening to and advocating for children and families. I know that even something small I do can make a difficult day easier for someone.”

What teacher influenced you growing up and what did you learn from them? “I have been fortunate to work with and learn from many incredible nurse mentors over the years, and have taken something from each of them.

Some have taught me the importance of clinical knowledge, confidence and trusting my gut, while others have taught me that sometimes slowing down and being present for someone is just as important. My biggest takeaway is that being a good nurse isn’t only about knowing what to do, it’s about treating every person with compassion, dignity and respect.”

Changes to Novak Lisbon addresses courtyard drainage bus routes for Lisbon repairs, water wheel for practice field Nathan Countryman Mount Vernon-Lisbon Sun

nathan.countryman@mvlsun.com

Lisbon Schools will be running two Novak Route bus routes for drop-off this school year.

Lisbon elementary principal Justin Brown said that elementary students who live in the Novak subdivision will be released from classes five minutes earlier to catch a bus, which will leave from the school at 3:10 p.m., then drop students off at the Novak subdivision.

The bus will then return to the school district to run additional routes.

Board member Robyn Richey asked what if there were elementary students who need to be dropped off with older siblings instead. Brown said an exception can be made, allowing that elementary student to wait for their older sibling to catch the bus on the second route.

Superintendent Autumn Pino said that the district has accommodated well for all families with this plan.

“This was the best solution without students losing out on much instruction,” Pino said.

Nathan Countryman Mount Vernon-Lisbon Sun

their work in this issue.

“This has not been a band-aid approach, this is people nathan.countryman@mvlsun.com having a helpful dialogue and putting their expertise to work to find a solution,” Pino said.

Work will begin on courtyard drainage this fall, as The board also approved the purchase of a water Lisbon approved the low bid from Brecke Construction wheel to help with watering the practice fields and footof $82,970. ball field.

Brecke will be working on installing new drainage tile The cost for the water wheel was $9,892.97, plus a and replacing some of the turf in the courtyard in the freight fee and tax. Pino said that was close enough to center of the school’s building. her $10,000 threshold that it should be brought to the Work is expected to start just before school starts board for their approval. to get equipment into place, which includes moving a The district has looked at costs of an irrigation syscrane into the space. tem for the practice and football field, but those costs “This will allow parts of the courtyard to be used,” said are much higher. Also, the district has spent between John Baker, Lisbon school board member and member $31,000 and $41,000 to properly care for the fields each of the schools building improvement committee. year. This water wheel will help with proper hydration Baker said that the committee has been chasing a of the fields. water leak in the building over the past few years, and The district did borrow a water wheel prior to purthis fix on the drainage will hopefully fix that issue. chasing their own, and the practice field has looked Superintendent Autumn Pino thanked the team for better than it has in years, Pino said.

4 | THURSDAY, AUGUST 20, 2026 | MOUNT VERNON-LISBON SUN

OPINIONS/NEWS

OPINIONS

Halloween, Santa Claus and Chocolate Satans

Living in Iowa Dan Brawner There ought to be a law against stores promoting Halloween stuff in the middle of August. (It’s bad enough that they advertise “back-to-school” specials in July.) Halloween has become one of America’s most popular holidays—maybe because it’s fun to dress up as monsters and laugh at all the pretend scariness.

Now it seems that the Iowa Department of Administrative Services (IDAS) is also getting a jump on Halloween by tussling with the American Civil Liberties Union over the Satanic Temple’s display of the demon Baphomet in the state capitol along with various planned satanic-themed events the Temple describes as “family-friendly”. Like a Krampus costume contest. Who is Krampus? He’s like a satanic version of St. Nick, but with horns and hooves and claws. Krampus carries a bundle of sticks for punishing bad boys and girls and a bag for abducting the worst ones. Attorneys for the Temple assured Iowans that no children would be beaten during the party.

The IDAS director Adam Steen has referred to the Temple’s events as “filth” and “evil” and denied they are genuinely religious. But the ACLU is vigorously defending the Temple on religious grounds. Matt Kezhaya, general counsel for the Temple told the Des Moines Register, “The foundational principle of our republic is that governments many not pick and choose who gets to participate in the public forums,” regardless of how offensive or silly that are.

The ACLU has done some great and noble work in defense of our democracy and freedom of expression. And, in doing so, they have also defended some really goofy cases.

Like the time they successfully defended a church in Boston that was denied the opportunity to display a subway advertisement demanding that Christians should not believe in Santa Claus or elves or flying reindeer. Or fun, I guess.

In 2018, in Sibley, Iowa, Josh Harms published on his website that the town smelled like “rancid dog food” because of a local pig blood processing plant. City officials reasoned this portrayed the town unfavorably and tourists might avoid a town that smelled like rotten dog food. They threatened to sue Harms unless he removed his comments from the website. But the ACLU came to his rescue, and in a landmark case, defended Harms’ right to declare that his town stinks.

In 1999, Timothy Boomer was paddling his canoe on Michigan’s Rifle River when his boat capsized and he burst out with a volley of swear words. It seems a local sheriff’s deputy overheard him and issued Boomer a ticket based on a 1897 Michigan law against cursing in the presence of women or children. The ACLU swooped in, asserting that the statute was vague and unenforceable, allowing the old law to be struck down and the tippy canoeist to curse to his heart’s content.

I suppose it could be argued that the Satanic Temple displays aren’t legitimate because Satan is just make-believe. But then, there’s the whole issue about Santa Claus and the Easter Bunny. The ACLU is going to win this one so Iowa might as well stop fighting and start selling chocolate Krampus and Baphomet candies in time for Halloween.

But hurry, it’s already August.

MVLSUNCOM

GUEST OPINION

Support the local EMS district vote C. Sherene Hansen Player One of the most frightening moments I’ve ever had as a parent was when I was told that my baby daughter had stopped breathing. I was teaching summer school and the administrator came into my classroom to tell me that I had an urgent call in the office. This was 1998, before we carried cell phones, and so the babysitter called the school and the administrator rushed to get me to take the call.

I tore down the hallway and spoke to the babysitter and then to the ambulance crew that were at my house. They had revived Laura and I could hear her crying in the background. She had experienced a grand mal seizure and stopped breathing. Cassie, the babysitter, was of course startled by this and then this grew to alarm when Laura started to turn blue as she stopped breathing. She called her mother and then called 911.

We were living in Polk City at this time, a small town outside of Des Moines. I was teaching in Johnston, a suburb of Des Moines. Polk City had recently passed a levy to purchase a new ambulance and this was the first time it was used to go on a call. I was so relieved that our town had this ambulance with all of its up-to-date equipment there to assist my 5-month-old daughter.

As I spoke on the phone with the EMTs about what steps we should take, they

advised me that she should go to Blank Children’s Hospital to be checked out, especially since she could have another seizure. I told them that I would meet them there and drove as fast as I could to Blank. Of course they beat me, but I was so glad to greet all of them and offer my thanks for all that they had done for Laura.

Their speedy response to my home that day, helping her to breathe normally again, and then getting her to the hospital made all the difference. Laura went on to have 4 more grand mal seizures that day at the hospital. But thanks to the Polk City Ambulance Staff, we were safely at the hospital and these could be monitored.

She was on medication and under the care of a neurologist for 18 months, and then there was no further sign of any seizure activity. There were no issues for her when it came to learning or any physical activity. I’m sure that this all wouldn’t be the case if the ambulance hadn’t gotten to our house so quickly that day. Many of you probably know her if you frequent Fuel; she works there taking orders. She goes by Lee these days, so you would know her by that name.

We have the opportunity to give ourselves and other people in our community access to timely advanced care for critical health situations such as seizures, breathing problems, and cardiac arrest with the upcoming EMS District

Special Election. The main goal of this levy is to be able to staff a paramedic on site for rapid response. When minutes count, you don’t want to have to wait longer for emergency responders to come to your home.

Can you imagine if every time we needed to call 911 we had to wait for an ambulance to come from Cedar Rapids or Iowa City? That would be crazy! It would also probably cost a lot of lives.

We are so lucky to have an EMS District that is community focused in responding to emergencies and being there for the communities it represents.

Did you know that they respond to over 900 calls a year? Just because you might have never needed to call for an ambulance before, there may come a day when you will need to, just like I needed to 28 years ago. That seemingly insignificant ballot that I had cast to vote for a levy to purchase a new ambulance for Polk City likely saved my daughter’s life.

Yes, I know we pay a lot for our property taxes in Iowa. But this is something that I think we can all get behind. Seconds count when it’s a matter of life and death, especially when it’s your life or the life of someone that you care for deeply.

Please plan to vote on September 1st.

Polls are open from Noon - 8 p.m. If you will be unable to vote that day, you can go to the Linn County Auditor’s Office at the Jean Oxley Building in Cedar Rapids (935 2nd St SW) and vote early.

FROM THE STATE HOUSE

Legislature is not in session, but work continues Cindy Golding

House Representative District 83

This summer has been a whirlwind of activity. Family reunion, County fair, parades, and more parades. In addition to the usual summer activities, I make it a practice to visit every city council in my district. Although this is a “parttime” position, I believe I cannot do a good job representing my constituents’ interests unless I know the challenges they are facing.

While the media is full of national issues, the real impact of politics is felt at home. As I meet with the city councils in House District 83, I can share my experience in Des Moines and hear their concerns about serving the citizens in their communities.

Things that affect our small towns also have an impact on our rural residents and farmers. Decisions made by our county supervisors directly impact our rural communities—they are the only local voice for unincorporated Linn County.

Every bill we in the Legislature pass changes something. As much as we may try to avoid unintended consequences, it is impossible to anticipate every potential problem. For this reason, I don’t just go to the city council meetings to present my position. I stay for the entire agenda so I can understand how to better serve you when I return to Des Moines in January.

The “hot button” issue of the summer is data centers In the last session I proposed a “Data Center Transparency” bill. My bill was assigned to the House Commerce

committee, was amended slightly, and passed the committee unanimously.

HF2690 did not restrict the location, construction, or size of proposed data centers. It did not impose any taxes, limit any tax credits, require specific technology, or otherwise affect the proposed data centers in Linn County or anywhere else in Iowa.

My bill simply required TRANSPARENCY. It required that the corporations wanting to build data centers and hyper centers simply tell us how much electricity they would need, assure the availability of electricity for our homes, and that our home electric bills would not be adversely affected.

It required the corporations to disclose how much water they would need, the water source, and what they would do with the wastewater. Again, assuring your water availability, and that your water bill or wastewater treatment bill would not be adversely affected.

It required the corporations to disclose if they were going to utilize the excessive heat generated or let it drift into the local atmosphere, creating “heat islands.”

Unfortunately, HF2690 did not come to the floor of the House. The lobbyists for NextEra (owners of Duane Arnold Nuclear Plant), Alliant Energy, Google, QTS, Meta, and others objected to the transparency requirement. And they exercised their political clout.

In February 2026 this appeared to be “just a Linn County issue,” but since the end of the session, I have received calls and interview requests from all over Iowa and other midwestern states.

This issue is crossing all segments of our society. Farmers, rural residents,

city dwellers, students, retired folks are all contacting me about this potential threat to our state. City councils are trying to navigate an ever-changing environment as they prepare for the potential of a data center request in their town.

As with every “hot button” issue, it is very difficult to find reliable information in the whirlwind of headlines and social media “influencers.” My research has led me to conclude that our cities and counties MUST DEMAND transparency from these corporations before permitting any re-zoning or annexation. There are some corporations in this arena that have been good partners with their community hosts, but also those who abuse, use up, and destroy the hosting community. The stories of abuse and the resulting personal toll in various areas of the country are heartbreaking.

By requiring TRANSPARENCY and not participating in the practice of NDA (non-disclosure agreements) Iowans can have a better understanding of how these data centers would impact their homes and communities.

While these projects are touted as “necessary,” I am concerned about the extraction of our resources and tax dollars and the destruction of prime farmland. Is this benefiting Iowans or just corporate investors? Iowans need to decide if the risk, the strain on water, electricity, and rural environments is worth the promised benefits.

I believe in local control. This is a local issue. Contact your city council or county supervisor to let them know what you expect. Stay involved if you want to have a voice in the future of your community.

MVLSUN.COM | MOUNT VERNON-LISBON SUN

Water quality update Water quality has long been a concern for me and my family. Many constituents have contacted me with their concerns about water quality. This is another issue that is a target for misinformation. As I attend the city council meetings in my district, I have learned about the challenges and successes surrounding public water supply and treatment.

If your water comes from a city water department, it must be tested regularly. These test results are made public to every household on the system. The DNR requires daily and monthly testing. The reality is that all water sources are not the same. Some have more iron, calcium, or sulfur than others. This will impact the flavor but not the safety of the tap water.

OPINIONS/NEWS

HF2771 was passed by the House and Senate, and signed into law by the Governor on June 1, 2026. This appropriations bill included a water quality special project added to the existing water quality programs. An additional $500,000 annually was allocated to water quality monitoring (totaling over $5 million state-wide) and annual funding for the Wastewater and Drinking Water Financial Assistance Program was increased to over $12 million. $20 million in grants are now available. Several communities in Linn County have applied for additional funding for wastewater and drinking water infrastructure projects.

There are also huge concerns about the growth of cancer in Iowa and the possible relationship to water. The state paid the University of Iowa a large sum to study (conduct research) on this issue. The resulting report was

THURSDAY, AUGUST 20, 2026 | 5

a huge disappointment. As a former research scientist, I was amazed at the poor work and conclusions of the study. Clearly, additional work needs to be done, and I will continue to push improving water quality in the next legislative session.

I will continue to attend city council meetings in the district, attend parades, and support local events and fundraisers. If you see a bunch of people wearing red or blue Cindy Golding shirts, come up and say, “Howdy!”

It is an honor to serve the citizens in small town and rural Linn County as your Representative. I appreciate your prayers and words of encouragement. I seek your input, will tell you how I see things, and I will not be bought.

Write to me at Cindy.Golding@Legis.Iowa.gov

Blooming Acres Sewing Studio to relocate in early September The studio will hold its grand opening on Saturday, Sept. 12 at 113 First St. NE, Ste. C, in Mount Vernon

munity events, Owen will continue to sell fabrics and offer longarm quilting services. Now that she is operating out of a bigger space, she also hopes to increase the number of classes she teaches as well as provide a space for other crafters to come in and teach their skills.

While in the process of moving her inventory over to the new location, Owen has continued to maintain her regular hours every Tuesday through Thursday from 10 a.m. to 3 p.m. She also noted that although she will officially begin operating out of the new studio space on Sept. 12, the ribbon cutting will take place before then. Updates regarding this date will be posted on the Blooming Acres Sewing Studio Facebook page.

Altogether, Blooming Acres Sewing Studio is much more than a business to Owen. Rather, it is a space in which community is fostered, friendships are made and connections thrive. Owen also expressed the community created at Blooming Acres knows no bounds, as it is inclusive of individuals of all ages, backgrounds and experiences.

“You hear all these different conversations of just life Contributed photo happening,” she said. “Not only is it a sharing of ideas and A group of locals gathers together at Blooming Acres discussion of sewing, it’s just life discussions. Everybody’s Sewing Studio to work on individual projects and discuss relying on each other, sharing with each other, and that’s updates in their lives. probably what gets me out of the house: because I know I’ve created a space that people depend on.”

For more information about upcoming classes, retreats people, I’m really excited about coming here and being able and events, visit https://www.bloomingac resmv.com/ or to accommodate 20 people,” she said. chat in-person with Owen during her business hours.

In addition to having more space to accommodate guests, Owen said this new main street location will boost the stuGrace Escritt | Mount Vernon-Lisbon Sun dio’s visibility and offer better parking to guests. She said this move will also be beneficial in that it will make her busiBecka Owen and her dog, Obi, stand outside the new ness more accessible to those who use walkers, wheelchairs Blooming Acres Sewing Studio location on Aug. 11. Owen or other forms of mobility assistance. is eager to open this new space up to the community.

At this new location, Owen will continue to offer sewing classes, both open and themed. She said guests are welcome to bring their own sewing machines and other Grace Escritt equipment, although all materials needed to participate in Mount Vernon-Lisbon Sun the classes are provided by the studio as well. news@mvlsun.com “I like to keep it basic,” she said. “There’s a lot of other places around that teach more advanced-type classes. We On Saturday, Sept. 12, from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m., Blooming also do, but we really try to keep things simple so that everyAcres Sewing Studio will officially open for business at its body feels welcome based on ability. You don’t have to be new location at 113 First St. NE, Ste. C, in Mount Vernon. an expert seamstress or quilter to come in and take a class.”

YOUR AD HERE This new space, which is around double the size of the Blooming Acres offers open sew opportunities every previous studio, resides right next to Little Scratch Coffee Tuesday and Wednesday, plus one weekend each month.

319.895.6216 Roasters.

In addition, Owen said each Thursday is dedicated to a Becka Owen, owner of Blooming Acres, said there are specific topic. These topics include — but are not limited a plethora of reasons she made the decision to move her to — collage quilting, scrap quilting, paper piecing and even business to this location: the primary one being the need bag making. All activities are designed to be accessible to for more space to adequately house the community’s love guests regardless of skill level. for craft and creativity.

Looking ahead, Owen also looks forward to offering Prior to starting her sewing business, Owen ran the sewing retreats, which are opportunities for individuals Blooming Acres flower shop — and for a brief time, green- to come to town and dedicate a few days to working on house — for about 20 years. When her interest in sewing individual projects. was first piqued, she implemented a craft and sewing area “We do a lot of them that are Friday, Saturday, Suntoward the back of the flower shop. day,” she said. “They (guests) can leave their stuff. They When Owen closed the shop in 2023, however, she can be here as late as they want. They can come in as early moved all her sewing machines, fabric and in-progress as they want.” projects down to the building’s lower level. She had been Aside from regular classes, retreats and unique comoperating out of 221 First St. NE ever since; that is, until now.

“Going from where I could accommodate — kind of — 13

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6 | THURSDAY, AUGUST 20, 2026

MOUNT VERNON-LISBON SUN | MVLSUN.COM

Artist explores motherhood and impermanence in new Luce Gallery exhibit The Cornell College Peter Paul Luce Gallery will present “Be still, life.” by Cornell College professor and artist Susannah Biondo-Gemmell from Aug. 28 to Oct. 4.

In this multidisciplinary exhibition, Biondo-Gemmell uses ceramic and textile works to explore her own experience of motherhood as it intersects with historical still-life painting and the concept of memento mori (a Latin phrase that means “remember that you must die”).

Central to the exhibition is the reuse and recontextualization of the materials and objects from her own children’s early years. The work examines the fleeting nature of life and how caregivers and children assign value during early childhood. Themes of memory, nostalgia, care, and impermanence permeate the exhibition. References to the domestic space and experience are present visually and thematically.

Developed during Biondo-Gemmell’s sabbatical semester, the exhibition grew from research conducted while traveling abroad to study historical works of art, followed by an intensive period of studio practice in her McWethy art studio. Throughout the process, she embraced a sustainable studio practice by repurposing existing materials and emphasizing experimentation, play, and risk-taking as essential components of her creative process.

Biondo-Gemmell has been a professor in the Department of Art and Art History at Cornell College since 2010.

She teaches courses in 3D design, sculpture, ceramics, and

community-engaged art, in addition to senior capstone coursework, including the studio art senior seminar. For more than a decade, Biondo-Gemmell’s creative practice has examined the contemporary maternal experience through the lens of art historical objects and imagery.

Ceramic material experimentation has remained central to her work since the beginning of her artistic career, while her recent practice has expanded to include mixed-media and textile-based works. Biondo-Gemmell earned a Bachelor of Fine Arts from Washington University in St. Louis and a Master of Fine Arts in Ceramic Art from the New York State College of Ceramics at Alfred University.

Her work has been exhibited at the NCECA Conference, the Craft and Folk Art Museum, the Northern Clay Center, the Archie Bray Foundation, the San Diego Museum of the Living Artist, and the Lux Center for the Arts.

Biondo-Gemmell will discuss her work at an artist lecture on Friday, Aug. 28, at 3:30 p.m. in McWethy Hall’s Lecture Hall, Room 222. Following the lecture, a reception for “Be still, life.” will take place in the Luce Gallery from 4 to 6 p.m. Both the lecture and reception are free and open to the public.

Gallery hours are Monday to Friday, 9 a.m. to 4 p.m., Contributed photo and Sunday, 2–4 p.m. Luce Gallery is located in McWethy Hall on the Cornell College campus. For additional Susannah-Biondo-Gemmell’s work will be presented in information, contact Luce Gallery Coordinator Brooks “Be Still, life,” exhibit at Cornell College’s Peter Paul Luce Cashbaugh (bcashbaugh@cornellcollege.edu).

Gallery.

Lisbon High School Marching Band sees improvement as 2026 season begins Cadence Dighton Mount Vernon-Lisbon Sun news@mvlsun.com

Despite rainy weather, Lisbon High School held their annual marching band camp to prepare the Lisbon High School Marching Band for the 2026 season on Aug. 10-14.

This year, the high school band has about one-third of the students who attend Lisbon High School involved, with this year’s enrollment being 52 students.

According to Lisbon band director Joseph Arch, one-third of the student population is almost exactly where a band director would like their band to be.

Looking forward, if the elementary and middle school enrollment in band at Lisbon stays the same, the upcoming freshman classes will continue to make the band growth. This year due to the band’s growth at all levels, Delaney Fitzgerrel was hired as a second band director.

With growth often comes complications; however, according to all three of the 2026 drum majors—Gracie Cummings, Caleb Ford, and Natalie Pumphrey—the band has shown nothing but improvement. “[The freshmen] are showing lots of skill and knowledge on how to actually do things,” Ford said. “I feel like everyone as a whole has gotten better overall. It’s sounding a lot better than I was expecting.”

The improvement that the band has seen hasn’t come without hard work, however.

“We handed out music a lot earlier than we did in previous years, so I think people actually did put in quite a bit of work before band, and it seems like everybody that’s here wants to be here and wants to learn,” Cummings explained.

Although the band is getting better in terms of musicality, the bond among the band has improved as well.

The biggest goal of the band for the 2026-27 school year is to find community and develop a bond within the group, and according to Pumphrey, that is the best part of being both a member and drum major.

“My favorite part about band is definitely watching everybody come together and just putting aside all their differences and just being one big group that’s all here for music and to get better every day,” Pumphrey said.

With the band’s improvements, Cummings, Ford, and Pumphrey are excited for the upcoming season, all for their own reasons.

“When we did the Elvis show, we incorporated more of those moves into it, and I think Arch is trying to think of more of those to put in, so I’m excited to see what we do with those,” Pumphrey said.

Additionally, Ford is excited to see what is in store for the band.

“I’m very much looking forward to our first performance. I’m excited to see how far we go,” Ford said.

Cummings, however, is more excited for the relationships she’ll make within the band.

“I’m really excited to be able to kind of connect and interact with people as much as possible as a drum major,” Cummings explained. “I get to play still, so I get to kind of do both and be able to be in all parts of it!”

The 2026 Lisbon Marching Band show will be ABBA themed, featuring songs from “Mamma Mia!” such as “I Have a Dream,” “The Winner Takes It All,” and “Dancing Queen.”

Photos by Cadence Dighton | Mount Vernon-Lisbon Sun

Above: The Lisbon High School Marching Band practices parade marching at Lisbon High School’s Marching Band Camp on Aug. 14, 2026. Left: Lisbon High School Marching Band drum majors listen to directions from band director Joseph Arch at Lisbon High School’s Marching Band Camp on Aug. 14, 2026.

MV School board hears update on special education Nathan Countryman Mount Vernon-Lisbon Sun

via PowerSchool (so teachers can see them but have them more protected), K-12 instructional alignment, behavior nathan.countryman@mvlsun.com coaching, and analyzing student data with the PLC teams.

Hunt explained the different weighting for students with Barb Hunt presented an update on the special education special education requirements. A level 1 intervention is program for the Mount Vernon School District. weighted at 1.72, a Level 2 intervention is weighted at 2.21 Hunt said that items tackled in the past school year and a Level 3 is weighted at 3.74. Weighting has not changed included IEP compliance, a district developed service since 2004. delivery plan that the board approved in May, K-12 instruc“While the funding has not changed, students needs have tional alignment, behavior plans and their implementation, definitely changed in those 20 years,” Hunt said. associate professional development and working with ProLevel 1 interventions usually cover the cost of teachers fessional Leadership Teams in each building. for special education. Level 2 interventions cover the cost of In the current school year, focuses include working on the teachers, associates and any devices needed for behavioral Iowa Department of Education DA secondary transition, or communications needs for the students.

IEP compliance, making IEP accommodations accessible Mount Vernon has 133 students as of August of this year,

with roughly 35 percent of those students open enrolled to other districts (46 of the 133). The number of students with IEPs has fluctuated for the district over the past four years, with 99 in certified count in 2022, 90 in 2023, 82 in 2024 and 94 in 2025.

There are 88 Level 1 students at MV, 33 Level 2 and 10 Level 3. Washington Elementary has 52 students with some level of IEP, the middle school has 49 and high school has 32.

Hunt said that there may be a need for an additional teacher at the middle school level for support.

“We’re almost full at the middle school to handle the special education needs,” Hunt said.

The district has roughly 34 to 35 paraeducators to help with students as well.

MVLSUN.COM | MOUNT VERNON-LISBON SUN

CELEBRATION OF LIFE JAMES KENNEDY A Celebration of Life will be held for James Kennedy at 10 a.m.

Saturday, Aug. 22, in the First Presbyterian Church of Mount Vernon. A gathering will follow in the church basement.

Linn County Public Health facilitates second annual adaptive sports and recreation and inclusive wellness clinic Every Iowan deserves the opportunity to be active. To promote health for all Linn County residents, Linn County Public Health (LCPH) is facilitating an Adaptive Sports and Recreation and Inclusive Wellness Clinic, hosted by the Adaptive Sports and Recreation and Inclusive Wellness Coalition of Linn County and Cedar Rapids Parks & Recreation.

Event details When: August 29, 9 a.m. to noon Where: Northwest Recreation Center, 1340 11th St. NW, Cedar Rapids, Iowa 52405 Who: This event is for everyone: those with a disability (physical, mental, emotional, sensory, visual, hearing, etc.), their families and friends, and adults aging into disability.

Cost: Free Attendees will have the chance to try a variety of adaptive sports. They will also be able to learn about resources in Linn County: Linn County Conservation’s Wickiup Hill Learning Center, miniature service horses, social services, etc. The clinic event will also feature raffles and prizes.

RECORDS

St Peter and Paul calendars available now Calendars feature images of historic church Nathan Countryman Mount Vernon-Lisbon Sun

nathan.countryman@mvlsun.com

The Sts. Peter and Paul Historical Chapel is selling calendars and note cards featuring photos of the church taken by Bob Campagna.

Carol Woods-Boren, one of the organizers, said she and Campagna came up with the idea when she was going around for donations for the raffle/silent auction for the Fall Festival.

“We didn’t have time to pull this off last year, but followed up on it this year,” Woods-Boren said.

She said that she couldn’t have done this project without Campagna’s help.

Once the photos were chosen for the calendar, WoodsBoren pulled details from the history of the website to include with each month’s photo, and a pared down history is one of the back pages.

“I discovered so much info I didn’t know (or forgot) and even some windows that I didn’t remember seeing as Bob captured his artistic view of the chapel,” Woods-Boren said. “There are views he took that folks will find a surprise as they try to figure out where it was taken.”

The note cards are blank inside, allowing people to use them for birthdays, anniversaries, sympathy or other events with their own messages.

The cards and calendars are available now through the end of the year, including at Sts. Peter and Paul’s annual Fall Festival and the December Sing-A-Long events.

“If someone contacts me any time at woodsboren@ gmail.com - I can get the products to them,” Woods-Boren said. “We’re just trying a new way to fund raise in addition to our normal fundraisers.”

Mount Vernon Bank and Trust employee graduates from Graduate School of Banking

Krob

Jake Krob graduated this month from the Graduate School of Banking at the University of WisconsinMadison.

“I’m grateful that my bank made the investment to further my education and turbo-charge my community banking knowledge,” said Krob, a Senior Vice President at Mount Vernon Bank & Trust Company.

Chris Kerr, a bank vice president, finished his second year of the

program.

“Along with the board, I am proud of the commitment and sacrifice Jake and Chris have shown to our bank customers and shareholders by taking weeks away from their homes and families to learn high-level, industry-relevant community banking topics,” said Mount Vernon Bank & Trust president/CEO David Ryan. “The Graduate School of Banking program is thorough, academically rigorous, and will set the tone for the rest of their banking careers.”

Graduate School of Banking is a 25-month program comprised of three summers of two weeks of on-campus learning, as well as two years of intensive bank-related proj-

ects. The curriculum includes coursework in bank financial management, deposit growth strategies, loan portfolio management, economics, law and regulation, marketing and ethics. This summer, learning culminated with a bank simulation project, in which teams of students ran a community bank.

As a graduate, Krob also earned a certificate of executive leadership from the University of Wisconsin-Madison.

Krob’s banking career began in 2015, when he became a board member at Mount Vernon Bank. He joined the bank as an employee in 2019, and has duties in lending, marketing and management.

“I’ve learned a great deal about banking from my coworkers, and the culture of this bank provides the perfect setting to learn and grow as a banker,” Krob said. “Graduate School of Banking provided a deeper dive into today’s banking issues, and I’ve been excited to share them with my coworkers. I also appreciate the relationships built with bankers around the world – from South Dakota to South America – and how we learned from each other.”

Krob joins past and current Mount Vernon Bank and Trust Company leaders Ed Fordyce (Madison), Mike Ryan (Madison), Craig Smith (Boulder), and David Ryan (Boulder) as Graduate School of Banking graduates.

Kwik Star opening planned for September John Charlson Mount Vernon-Lisbon Sun

open Sept. 24, 2026. The store, which has broken news@mvlsun.com ground on the lot across from the Veterinary Clinic Kwik Star is coming to and Mercy Medical Clinic Mount Vernon in just a lit- on Highway 1 near the tle more than a month. The Highway 30 exit, will be the Kwik Trip, Inc. website has first Kwik Star in Mount announced on their grand Vernon. openings list that the Kwik Work on the Rachel Star on Rachel Street will Street intersection has

been finalized, including the stop lights and turning lanes that will give access to the gas station. While the west portion of Rachel Street is still closed, that is due to the construction work on Kwik Star still being finalized.

In anticipation of the opening, a hiring event was

held Wednesday, Aug. 19 at the Sleep Inn & Suites just northeast of the new store.

The event was open 10 a.m. to 3 p.m. and is focused on hiring a variety of positions for the new Mount Vernon location. Kwik Star asks that interested participants apply online in advance before attending the event.

THURSDAY, AUGUST 20, 2026 | 7

Creatives Connect returns Sept. 6 The start of the school year marks the return of several Cole Public Library programs that took a break over the summer. This includes Creatives Connect, a collaborative program led by the library and the Mount Vernon Area Arts Council’s Artist-in-Residence Angie Heuton.

Creatives Connect, a low pressure monthly gathering of local visual artists and creatives to connect and share, returns Sunday, Sept. 6, at 2 p.m. in Room 108 of Cole Library. The meeting will feature a workshop where participants make small art boxes that include a storytelling theme. All supplies are provided and there’s no fee to attend.

Creatives Connect meets the first Sunday of the month throughout the academic year. Meeting themes alternate between workshops, visiting speakers, and relaxed social gatherings. Creatives Connect is a wonderful way for visual artists of all mediums, experience, and styles to engage in a shared community.

Thursday, August 20: 8:00am-4pm Friday, August 21: 8:00am-4pm Saturday, August 22: 10am-2pm Sunday, August 23: 12pm-5pm Monday, August 24: 8am-10pm Tuesday, August 25: 8am-10pm Wednesday, August 26: 8am-10pm Thursday, August 27: 8am-10pm

POLICE CALLS Aug. 10 – Animal control, 380 Old Lincoln Hwy, Mount Vernon Aug. 10 – Motorist assist, Hwy 30, Mount Vernon Aug. 10 – Found property, 900 blk N. Second Ave, Mount Vernon Aug. 11 – Animal control, 700 blk Meadow Lane Ct, Mount Vernon Aug. 11 – Disturbance, 400 blk N. Monroe St, Lisbon Aug. 12 – Car unlock, Roosevelt St, Lisbon Aug. 12 – Juvenile issue, 600 blk N. Washington St, Lisbon Aug. 12 – Medical, 600 blk S. First St, Mount Vernon Aug. 12 – Welfare check, 500 blk Second St NW, Mount Vernon Aug. 12 – Abandoned vehicle, 400 blk W. Main St, Lisbon Aug. 12 – Alarm, 200 blk School St, Lisbon Aug. 12 – Suspicious vehicle, 1300 blk Bryant Rd, Mount Vernon Aug. 13 – Alarm, 200 blk School St, Lisbon Aug. 13 – Agency assist- traffic hazard, Cedar Co Aug. 14 – Suspicious person, 300 blk Sixth St NE, Mount Vernon Aug. 14 – Alarm, 100 blk W First St, Mount Vernon Aug. 14 – Disturbance, 300 blk First Ave NW, Mount Vernon Aug. 15 – Suspicious vehicle, W. Third Ave, Lisbon Aug. 15 – Medical, 400 blk Sixth St NW, Mount Vernon Aug. 16 – Alarm, 200 blk School St, Lisbon Aug. 16 – Car unlock, 700 blk S. First Ave, Mount Vernon Aug. 16 – Disturbance, 1300 blk Seventh St SW, Mount Vernon Aug. 16 – Alarm, 800 blk First Ave NE, Mount Vernon Aug. 16 – Suspicious person, 100 blk E. business 30, Lisbon Aug. 17 – Agency assist- pursuit, Linn Co

2026 LISBON SAUERKRAUT DAYS

8 | THURSDAY, AUGUST 20, 2026

SAUERKRAUT DAYS from 1

Rains rolled in early Saturday morning, and a fine sprinkling/mist was there during the Lisbon Sauerkraut Days 5K. By 10:30 a.m., the rain had let up, though many along the parade route still had umbrellas handy.

Throughout Saturday’s new events, like the children’s activities with Iowa Children’s

MOUNT VERNON-LISBON SUN | MVLSUN.COM

Museum and binSpire and the tricycle races, there wasn’t much in line of rain to damper the festival.

The bathtub races this year had three times the course was run by it’s five competing teams, and had a last minute sale on additional water balloons.

The evening concluded with Trophy Dads performing Saturday evening, but a brief thunderstorm rolled through the area.

Photos by Nathan Countryman | Mount Vernon-Lisbon Sun

Above: Candy gets thrown from the Casey’s float in the Lisbon Sauerkraut Days parade Saturday, Aug. 15. Top right: Margo and Milo enjoy some Bass Farms Ice cream Friday, Aug. 14, at Lisbon Sauerkraut Days. Right: Dozens of cars line the street for the Cabbage Head Car Show Saturday, Aug. 15, with the carnival rides seen in the background for Sauerkraut Days festival. Far right: Axel Martin gets a helmet fitted at the Celebrate Community fair Thursday, Aug. 13, in Lisbon, part of Sauerkraut Days.

Grace Escritt | Mount Vernon-Lisbon Sun Photos by Grace Escritt | Mount Vernon-Lisbon Sun

With a running start, Abe Kluver speeds across the inflatable “court” and hits a slam dunk at Lisbon Sports Complex on Aug. 13, 2026.

Above: Friends Hanna Macke and Emelia Richey squeal with joy — and perhaps a tinge of fear — as they ride the Sizzler at Lisbon Sauerkraut Days on Aug. 14, 2026 Right top: Crew Ehresman speeds through the finish line with a proud smile on his face during the big wheels race at Lisbon Sauerkraut Days on Aug. 15, 2026.

Right bottom: Theo Beyer plays with building blocks at the Iowa Children’s Museum’s tent — sponsored by the Lisbon Public Library — at Lisbon Sauerkraut Days on Aug. 15, 2026.

Grace Escritt | Mount Vernon-Lisbon Sun

Oliver and Tiffany Dirks, in a mother-son duo, laugh as they reach for ducks at Lisbon Sauerkraut Days on Aug. 14, 2026.

MVLSUN.COM | MOUNT VERNON-LISBON SUN

2026 LISBON SAUERKRAUT DAYS

THURSDAY, AUGUST 20, 2026 | 9

Photos by John Charlson | Mount Vernon-Lisbon Sun

Right: Kids play in the water during bathtub races sponsored by the Lisbon Fire Station during Sauerkraut Days in Lisbon on Saturday, Aug. 15.

Below: Firefighter Jonah Light sprays the crowd during the bathtub races sponsored by the Lisbon Fire Station during Sauerkraut Days in Lisbon on Saturday, Aug. 15. Below right: Brynnley Patterson steers the tub while the Bath Tub Baddies maneuver through the course during bathtub races sponsored by the Lisbon Fire Station during Sauerkraut Days in Lisbon on Saturday, Aug. 15. Below left: The White Collar Sissies celebrate after winning the bathtub races sponsored by the Lisbon Fire Station during Sauerkraut Days in Lisbon on Saturday, Aug. 15.

Photos by Cadence Dighton | Mount Vernon-Lisbon Sun

Top: Brant Baltes drives a tractor in the Lisbon Sauerkraut Days Lora Light Memorial Parade on Aug. 15, 2026. Above left: Caleb Brown and Brennen Mohrfeld wrestle at the Takedown Tournament at Lisbon’s Sauerkraut Days on Aug. 14, 2026. Above right: Sylvia Helmrich (left) and Sophie Clark (right) smile while riding a carnival ride at Lisbon’s Sauerkraut Days on Aug. 14, 2026

Photos by Cadence Dighton | Mount Vernon-Lisbon Sun

Jo

NEWS

10 | THURSDAY, AUGUST 20, 2026

MV looking to utilize flex funding for additional instructors Nathan Countryman Mount Vernon-Lisbon Sun

nathan.countryman@mvlsun.com

The Mount Vernon School district will be implementing a flex fund to help cover an additional full time employee for this school year.

Superintendent Matt Leeman said that they were looking to utilize the flex funding stream to help cover costs for additional teachers.

The district is looking at a potential difference of 30 students (127 in the graduating class and possibly 97 in the incoming kindergarten class).

That difference in students between the two grades would result to a roughly $250,000 difference.

Even so, numbers for the elementary classrooms still amount to needing five sections to help keep numbers closer to the 20 or lower on average class size.

Board member Jeremy Kunz said he doesn’t like seeing class sizes, especially in kindergarten, higher than 20.

Board member Maggie Hartzler asked if there was space for another section of kindergarten as well as the additional sections of other grades at the elementary level. Principal Kendra Parker said that is becoming an issue as well.

The district will be advertising for a kindergarten teacher for this school year to help find a teacher to keep five sections for kindergarten this year.

MOUNT VERNON-LISBON SUN | MVLSUN.COM

Lisbon capping unused well Cadence Dighton Mount Vernon-Lisbon Sun news@mvlsun.com

Lisbon is addressing concerns of the Iowa Department of Natural Resources in capping a well on Pleasant Grove Heritage Park.

Well No. 5 Lisbon City Engineer, Dave Schechinger, attended the Aug. 10 Lisbon City Council meeting to discuss another payment to Wendler, Inc. for their work on Well No. 5.

According to Schechinger, aside from waiting for some HVAC equipment and work on the inside, Wendler, Inc. is roughly 74% complete with the project, and this payment of $80,122.00 would get them paid current. The council unanimously approved the payment.

City administrator, Brandon Siggins, went on to discuss Well No. 5, sharing that the DNR requested an old well near Well No. 5 be capped.

“The DNR’s completed their inspection in reference to Well No. 5 for when it’s ready to go live. They requested the old well at [the] Pleasant Grove Heritage Park property- that it be capped to prevent contamination in the future,” Siggins explained.

The well, which is located between the two southern buildings on the property, is a cistern-type well that is between 19 and 26 feet deep.

According to Siggins, per city and DNR codes, the well requires certification; however, certification for the well cannot be found in city records, including from when the city purchased it.

“We’re not sure how or why this didn’t happen or what happened during that time, but they feel it’s in bad enough condition now that it needs capped,” Siggins said.

Siggins spoke with the owner of

Pleasant Grove Heritage Park, and the owner has decided to allow the city to proceed with the process of capping and abandoning the well.

With the abandoning of this well, the owner is requesting that a hydrant be placed on the property, since it is a city park. The city has not yet decided on their preferred procedure for providing access to a hydrant to the property.

Well No. 5 cannot be completed until the abandoning of the Pleasant Grove Heritage Park well is done.

The Lisbon City Council voted unanimously to approve the capping and abandonment.

City Bill Payments Due to an inability to obtain pennies from Hills Bank, the City of Lisbon will be changing the way in which payments get made.

For citizens who try to pay in cash, there will be two options: they can pay the exact amount, or pay an amount greater than the balance, and any change will be used as credit on the next bill. Payments made by check, debit card, or credit card will continue to be processed as normal.

The Lisbon City Council voted unanimously to approve this change.

Police Department Report At the Aug. 10 Lisbon City Council meeting, Mount Vernon-Lisbon police chief Jason Blinks shared that the current officers at the academy had less than two weeks left before graduation. At the end of August, the police department will be sending another officer to the academy for six weeks.

Additionally, Blinks explained that there will be new squad cars coming to town. There are two that have been ordered, one of which will be a K9 unit, as the current one has

Linn County will not move forward with changes to the EU-2 Zoning district After receiving public feedback gathered at the recent Linn County Planning & Zoning Commission meeting, the Linn County Board of Supervisors has decided not to move forward with amendments to the County’s EU-2 (Exclusive Use-Two) zoning district at this time.

During the Planning & Zoning Commission meeting on July 20, 2026, the County asked residents to share their thoughts on possible changes to the EU-2 zoning district. These changes could have allowed certain large data centers to locate with or support nuclear energy facilities. Currently, the primary allowed uses in the EU-2 zoning district in unincorporated Linn County are nuclear power generation facilities, nuclear waste storage for those facilities, and natural gas-fired electric generating facilities.

The purpose of the July Planning & Zoning Commission meeting was to gather community input before staff drafted any proposed changes to the EU-2 zoning district ordinance. Residents shared extensive feedback, including concerns that many of the unresolved questions that led the County to adopt the data center moratorium – including questions related to water, power and grid capacity, land-use compatibility, environmental impacts, decommissioning, and long-term regional planning – should be addressed before the County considers allowing data centers associated with nuclear power development.

The Board’s decision follows its July 1, 2026, approval of an 18-month moratorium on new largescale data center rezoning applications in the EU-3 zoning district in unincorporated Linn County. The moratorium gives the County time to study possible zoning updates; gather more public feedback; com-

some repair issues.

Fire Chief Report Lisbon Fire Department has been preparing for their Labor Day Pancake Breakfast, and according to fire chief Brandon Siggins, Fareway will be hosting a round-up at the register to raise money for the pancake breakfast.

Siggins also shared that t-shirts will be available for the pancake breakfast this year in which a retro-style logo and retro fire truck will be on the back.

“We’re going to do a pancake breakfast shirt with the two logos on it,” Siggins explained. The shirts cost $20 and will be available for pre-order to be picked up on the day of the breakfast.

City Administrator Report As the Lisbon City Administrator, Brandon Siggins addressed some issues regarding the fiber project in town and recent issues that have come along with it.

The company that was taking care of boring for the fiber project left the boring machine on in a resident’s yard overnight on Friday, Aug. 7, at which point the police department had to take care of the situation.

Additionally, a member of the boring crew urinated in a resident’s yard on the same day. According to Siggins, as a result of such issues, that crew has been relieved of their duties.

Other projects have come up in town, including giving attention to a small interior leak at the Lisbon History Center. Siggins explained that the leak at the History Center looks to be minor but still needs attention.

“We’re going to get some sort of sealant or caulk or concrete to fill in that gap where that water’s coming in. It’s when it’s a strong west penetrating rain, is when it comes in,” Siggins said.

center moratorium to gather additional information, evaluate potential impacts, and develop policies that allow us to make thoughtful, informed decisions that reflect both the long-term interests of Linn County and the voices of the people we serve.”

Members of the public can continue sharing input by emailing plan_dev@linncountyiowa.gov.

Residents can also watch recordings of Planning & plete a water resources study; review the County’s Zoning Commission and Board of Supervisors meetComprehensive Plan; and work collaboratively with ings and sign up to receive notifications of future neighboring communities, utility providers, and other meetings and agendas by visiting the Agenda & Minpartners; as well as study potential cumulative effects utes page on the Linn County website. of data centers on Linn County’s local resources. As part of this work, the Board of Supervisors directed County staff to review whether data centers that support nuclear energy facilities should be allowed in the EU2 district.

“The Board asked staff to look at whether data centers should be an allowable use only for nuclear power generation facilities that are already allowed in EU-2,” Linn County Planning & Development Director Charlie Nichols said. “Basically, the question the Board was asking the public is, do we make amendments to the EU-2 zoning district to allow for data centers that are enabling nuclear power before the moratorium ends.”

“Our community and state have a long history of supporting nuclear energy, and we recognize that data centers could play an important role in the proposed restart of the Duane Arnold Energy Center. At the same time, it was important that our residents have the opportunity to weigh in on how our community should support that restart. Opening this discussion to the public was a critical step in ensuring transparency and responsiveness to our constituents. Through that process, it became clear that there is not broad public support at this time for allowing large data centers co-located with nuclear power plants as a permitted use within the EU-2 zoning district,” said Linn County Supervisor Brandy Meisheid. “Based on that feedback, the Board of Supervisors has decided not to move forward with amendments to the EU-2 district at this time. Instead, we will continue using the county’s data

CALENDAR & PUZZLES

MVLSUN.COM | MOUNT VERNON-LISBON SUN

THURSDAY, AUGUST 20, 2026 | 11

CHURCHES MOUNT VERNON St. Paul Lutheran Church L.C.M.S. 600 Fifth Avenue South Pastor: Rev. Sean Hansen www.splcmv.org; send e-mail to info@splcmv.org Sun.: 9:30 a.m. In-person worship Please refer to our website or contact the church directly for additional worship information.

First Presbyterian Church 301 1st St. N.W. www.firstpresmv.com 319-895-6060 Pastor: Rev. Lori Wunder Sun.: 9:30 a.m. in-person worship.

Online services stream beginning at 9:20 a.m. on Facebook St. John the Baptist Catholic Church Rev. Ken Glaser, Pastor Sun.: 8:30 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 CrossLife Community Church Pastor Erik Bennett Sun.: 10:30 a.m. – In-person worship service. Services also livestream on Facebook page.

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

Services live streamed at Living Hope Global Methodist Church’s YouTube page Sundays at 9:45 a.m.

Sun.: 9:45 a.m. — In-person worship.

Seeds of Faith Lutheran Church, ELCA 798 Brenneman Lane, 455-2599 (Off Hwy. 30 on eastern edge of Lisbon) www.seedsoffaithlutheran.org/ Pastor Erika Uthe 9 a.m. — In-person worship. Services also livestream via Seeds’ Facebook Page.

BERTRAM United Methodist Church 319-365-8077 Rev. 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.

Christian Community Church of Mechanicsville 307 East First Street 563-432-7716 Sun: Sunday School 10-11am and in-person Worship Services at 11:15am with Fellowship to follow.

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

COMMUNITY CALENDAR Thursday, Aug. 20

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 “Lilo and Stitch (2025)” Lisbon Public Library, 1 p.m.

Washington Elementary meet teacher and popsicles on playground event, Washington Elementary, 3:30-6 p.m.

Lisbon Library Accessibility Conversation, Lisbon Library, 5:30 p.m.

Community Eats!, Southeast Linn Community Center, 5-7 p.m.

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

Friday, Aug. 21

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.

Edited by Will Shortz No. 0716

Saturday, Aug. 22

Rhubarb Botanicals farm store, Rhubarb Botanicals farm, 9 a.m. to noon Qi Gong with Catherine Quehl Engel at Palisades Keplar State Park, first pavilion at park, 10 a.m.

Monday, Aug. 24

First day of school for Lisbon, Mount Vernon Bingo, Southeast Linn Community Center, 10-11:30 a.m.

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

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

Tuesday, Aug. 25

Across

1 Smart 5 Sensation 10 Acquisition on the big day 15 “That’s a good one!”

16 Galápagos island that was home to Lonesome George, the last tortoise of his subspecies 17 Who knows what preceded the Big Bang 18 *Yes – three arduous ones 21 February 14, informally 22 Scratch that!

23 El ___ 24 Like novices 26 Spoil 28 Preceder of how, way or where 29 *Yes – sometimes more than 1,000 31 Patooties 33 Little dipper?

34 “Tout à fait!”

35 Tire 37 *Yes – exactly one, in common usage 42 First line on many a form 43 Common garnish in a chirashi bowl 44 Had at present?

47 Article of lab wear 50 *No – but it does have three feet 53 Elizabethan curse 54 Country that las islas Canarias are part of 57 Important blood line 58 “___ is the proper task of life”: Nietzsche 59 Business whose rewards program gives “Stackholder Perks” 60 Raving 61 Question during a brainstorming session ... or of the answers to the starred clues 67 Popular Japanese brew 68 Alcohol, slangily 69 Literary heroine who says “I would always rather be happy than dignified” 70 Its capital is Sanaa 71 Heavens 72 Debugging component?

1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10 11 12 13 14 19 20 24 25 26 27 30 32 35 36 38 39 40 41 45 46 47 48 49 50 51 52 55 56 60 62 63 64 65 66

Down

Letter after upsilon Trireme tool Cleared, as snow “Messiah” composer Neuter What a big hand indicates: Abbr.

Its colony can be considered one superorganism Struggle World’s most populous Creole-speaking country Pretty much assured Japanese drama Feline in a 2000s meme Dub ... or rub Fast-food restaurant that sells Frostys ___-pedi Oft-injured part of the knee, for short Clock-setting std. ___ Bravo (México/Tejas border) Certain tie score Mince words?

Frost piece Sound of dissatisfaction Botanist’s study Told stories Business ending Roll in dough Actress/union leader Drescher Symbol of spiritual insight, in Hinduism Class ___ Music genre with “walking” bass lines Steamy occasion?

Lugubrious Pioneers’ prairie pullers Harangues Store Worked sufferingly “Pipe down!”

Composure Attest ___-goat “Wait ... really?”

One of a kind Test for future Ph.D.s Not needing anything else

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

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

Thursday, Aug. 27

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

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

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

PUBLIC NOTICES

12 | THURSDAY, AUGUST 20, 2026 IowaPublicNotices.com LINN COUNTY BOARD OF SUPERVISORS

CEDAR RAPIDS, LINN COUNTY, IOWA MONDAY, AUGUST 3, 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 July 27 & 28, 2026 as printed.

Motion by Scheetz, seconded by Meisheid to approve claims dated 7/31/26 for payroll deduction Check Nos. 71021981 to 71021983 in the amount of $500.00, ACH in the amount of $22,610.47, an EFT wire in the amount of $1,386,887.18 and a Ceridian ER Funds Trust Wire in the amount of $2,556,221.29, for a total of $3,966,218.94.

Will Wright, Juvenile Detention & Diversion Services Dir., presented a Vacancy Form request for a full-time Correctional Center Nurse for the Juvenile Detention Center. The duties of the Correctional Center Nurse are more in line with the work than Public Health Nurse job class currently in use. It is anticipated that the employee in the current job class will move into this role and will not be backfilled. No additional funds are being requested.

The Board will approve Wednesday.

Carolyn Siebrecht, Recorder, presented a Vacancy Form request for a full-time Deputy Recorder for the Recorders Office.

A longtime Deputy in her office is retiring in December, with her last day in the office in November. In order to allow for a smooth transition, they would like to hire an additional Deputy to train in October.

Their existing budget can cover the overlap.

Supervisor Meisheid wants to ensure that those that apply for this position understand that if Siebrecht was not re-elected, the new Recorder might not choose this Deputy to work with them.

Supervisor Scheetz added that he appreciates the heads up and Siebrecht talking to the Supervisors individually.

Supervisor Running-Marquardt also appreciates Siebrecht letting them know about this position. She sent her sincere appreciation to Deputy Sackett for her 42 years of service to the people of Linn County.

The Board will approve Wednesday.

Elena Wolford, Asst. County Attorney, discussed an ordinance establishing an updated and standardized compensation rate for attorneys appointed by the court at county expense pursuant to Iowa law.

The State of Iowa has adopted a number of code sections providing for court appointed counsel for indigent persons to be paid at county expense without specifying a fee limit or notice to the county and there has been a steady increase in the number of attorney fee claims submitted to the county. Historically, payment has been handled with a resolution, and she is suggesting an ordinance. The ordinance includes reasonable attorney fees, a fee cap, travel, indigency, etc. and will benefit Linn County residents, the bar association and attorneys.

Discussion continued about efficiencies for the Auditor’s Office with this ordinance and budget impacts.

Supervisor Running-Marquardt feels this would be more efficient and is in support.

Wolford stated that she will move forward with the next steps.

Charlie Nichols, Planning & Dev. Dir., presented a 28E Agreement between the City of Walford and Linn County to provide property maintenance inspection services.

The Mayor of Walford requested this agreement which is done on an as needed request. It is a standard agreement that has been reviewed by legal staff.

Supervisor Running-Marquardt stated that she previously met with the Mayor and this topic was discussed. She would like to work with them as a good partner.

The Board will approve Wednesday.

Nichols added that a Resolution to Approve a 28E Agreement between the City of Walford and Linn County to provide property maintenance inspection services is another part of the process.

Motion by Running-Marquardt, seconded by Scheetz to open a public hearing on a Proposal to Dispose of Linn County’s Interest in Certain Real Property Located at 520 11th Street NW, Cedar Rapids, Iowa, 420 11th Street NW Cedar Rapids, Iowa, and 430 11th Street NW, Cedar Rapids, Iowa. Proof of publication was presented. There were no oral or written objections.

Jessie Black, Admin. Spec., discussed a proposal to dispose of Linn County’s Interest in Certain Real Property Located at 520 11th Street NW, Cedar Rapids, Iowa, 420 11th Street NW Cedar Rapids, Iowa, and 430 11th Street NW, Cedar Rapids, Iowa noting that this is the sale of the Fillmore Building. Discussion on the offer is the next step, and the potential buyer is requesting a 90-day period to complete due diligence.

Supervisor Running-Marquardt stated that this is a great neighborhood and she looks forward to whoever makes an offer and being good neighbors.

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

Motion by Running-Marquardt, seconded by Scheetz to open Public Hearing on the Preliminary Plat and Engineer’s Report Concerning the Lisbon - Mount Vernon Area Benefited Emergency Medical Services District for Parts of Bertram, Franklin, Linn, and Putnam Townships.

Proof of publication was presented. There were no oral or written objections.

Black then discussed the Preliminary Plat and Engineer’s Report Concerning the Lisbon - Mount Vernon Area Benefited.

The Board established the EMS district on November 5, 2025, Snyder and Associates prepared the Engineer’s Report, and the next step is the resolution giving the election date.

Supervisor Meisheid thanked everyone for working on this as it took a lot of time and effort.

Supervisor Running-Marquardt added that the point of this is to get better services to parts of Linn County. This allows people to make their own decisions on how best the community can serve EMS needs in rural areas. It is critical and they are doing it to the best of their ability.

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

Motion by Running-Marquardt, seconded by Scheetz to adopt Resolution 2026-8-105 A RESOLUTION APPROVING THE PRELIMINARY PLAT AND ENGINEER’S REPORT FOR THE LISBON – MOUNT VERNON AREA BENEFITED EMERGENCY MEDICAL SERVICES DISTRICT WHEREAS, on November 5, 2025, the Linn County Board of Supervisors (“Board”) adopted Resolution No. 202511-171 establishing the Lisbon – Mount Vernon Area Benefited Emergency Medical Services District (“District”), consisting of parts of Bertram, Franklin, Linn, and Putnam Townships, Linn County, Iowa; and WHEREAS, on November 5, 2025, the Board appointed Snyder & Associates, Inc. to prepare the preliminary plat and engineer’s report for the District in accordance with Iowa Code Section 357F.6; and WHEREAS, Snyder & Associates, Inc. filed the preliminary plat and engineer’s report with the Linn County Auditor pursuant to Iowa Code Section 357F.6 on December 15, 2025; and WHEREAS, pursuant to Iowa Code Section 357F.7, the Board held a public hearing on August 3, 2026, concerning the preliminary plat and engineer’s report for the Lisbon – Mount Vernon Area Benefited Emergency Medical Services District; and WHEREAS, the Board considered the preliminary plat, the engineer’s report, and any comments received at or concerning the public hearing.

NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED by the Linn County Board of Supervisors that the preliminary plat and engineer’s report for the Lisbon – Mount Vernon Area Benefited Emergency Medical Services District, as submitted by Snyder & Associates, Inc., are hereby approved.

Motion by Running-Marquardt, seconded by Scheetz to approve the request to carry over fiscal year 2026 funds in the amount of $22,997.56 for new licensing fees and food inspection equipment for Public Health.

Public Comment: Marlene Schmidt, 3550 Stone Creek Cir. SW, Cedar Rapids, stated that she is opposed to the Morgan Valley Power Plant as there are too many unknowns. She attended Alliant’s open house to get some answers, but they didn’t learn any new facts or get answers.

She is old enough to remember when the first computer was built. Technology changes so quickly and could be obsolete in a few years. What would they do with these buildings on farm land if that happened? She thanked the Board for listening to their concerns.

Jon Lee, 2510 Sisley Grove Rd. SW, Cedar Rapids, has a small business and is an intervenor for the Morgan Valley Power Plant. He asked the Board to not take a final vote on the rezoning application until it is finished. He read an excerpt from Linn County’s Comprehensive Plan about rezoning. They need to think about the health and safety of Linn County residents.

On July 21st, Alliant filed their 319-page air permit application. Alliant wants to skip air monitoring, and the DNR’s review isn’t done. Lee is asking that they don’t close the door before the science is in front of them. He is requesting a year of onsite air monitoring and putting it in writing.

Randy Krewson, 87 2nd St., Atkins, stated that he’s speaking about the Alliant power plant in Morgan Valley. He stands totally against this power plant. Krewson has lived in Benton County all of his life.

He used to work through contract union negotiations with Alliant on railroads and he knows how they operate. Alliant lies and they don’t tell anyone the truth. Alliant and the power plant can kiss his little white derriere.

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

Adjournment at 10:32 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 August 20, 2026.

LINN COUNTY BOARD OF SUPERVISORS

CEDAR RAPIDS, LINN COUNTY, IOWA TUESDAY, AUGUST 4, 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.

Motion by Running-Marquardt, seconded by Scheetz to approve the minutes of July 29, 2026 as printed.

The Board heard updates from the following Elected Officials: Brian Gardner, Sheriff – Jail is at maximum capacity due to recent legislation, looking into solutions with the County Attorney and Chief Judge; meeting with Facilities to discuss complaints surrounding Jail temperatures; received a federal grant for a body scanner in the Jail; upcoming tour of the Jail for local legislators; hiring detention officers and dispatchers, finishing up the process for hiring deputies.

A lengthy discussion ensued regarding temperature issues in the Jail and whether housing preference is given to ICE or state inmates.

Supervisors Running-Marquardt and Scheetz both expressed their appreciation to Gardner for his continued efforts at problem solving and remarkable communication skills.

Dawn Froese, Deputy Recorder – passports continue to be vital source of revenue; increase in passport renewal photos; low number of real estate transfers most likely due to interest rates; less people are buying houses but more people are recording documents; marriage applications

are holding steady, 12% increase in certified copy requests most likely tied to Real IDs; discussed DNR statistics noting new registrations are holding steady; recent Real Estate 101 class presented to Assoc. of Realtors, and trying to do a class every other month; upcoming staff retirement after 40 years so the replacement process has begun, however it will be difficult losing all of the institutional knowledge; interns have done a great job and are wrapping up this month; discussed indexed document statistics that have improved.

Teresa Sackett, Deputy Recorder – has been with the County for 42 years, is on her third Recorder, and has seen a lot of change. There has been growth and positivity in the Recorder’s Office and Sackett feels it has been wonderful to work for the County.

The Supervisors all expressed their sincere appreciation to Sackett for her work and dedication to the County.

Brent Oleson, Treasurer – provided a mockup of an insert to advertise online payments, appointment scheduling, and property fraud alerts; citizens have expressed frustration from walking in at the end of the day and seeing others walk in and go right to the window for their scheduled appointment; large increase in out of state customers seeking services; one of his Spanish speaking clerks will be out on an FMLA leave; fully staffed with one going through training; discussed upcoming tax statements being mailed.

Supervisor Running-Marquardt questioned if people are still able to do walk-in services and Oleson affirmed, saying that is still the majority of their transactions.

Todd Taylor, Auditor – participating in ISAC (Iowa State Assoc. of Counties) wide group of former legislators and county people across the state; discussed Tax List Abstract Summary which is a joint effort between the Auditor’s Office and Treasurer’s Office; provided current voter registration numbers; upcoming refresher course on Cyber Security Awareness with Risk Management for his entire office.

Adjournment at 9:33 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 August 20, 2026.

LINN COUNTY BOARD OF SUPERVISORS

CEDAR RAPIDS, LINN COUNTY, IOWA WEDNESDAY, AUGUST 5, 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.

Public Comment: Rick Moyle, 120 Meadow Breeze Ln., Center Point, stated that he is speaking as Executive Director of the Hawkeye Labor Council and a resident of Linn County. The Hawkeye Area Labor Council AFL-CIO has served as the official voice of the AFC-CIO in Northeast Iowa since 1958. They are proud to represent 86 affiliated unions from every sector of their economy. They work with elected officials, community leaders and organizations at every level to advance economic opportunity, fairness and justice for the working families of the community they serve. The Board has a long history of supporting working families. He remembers the support firsthand from during the 1990’s when he was on strike at Iowa Manufacturing and other strikes including Quaker Oats and Ingredion. Supporting working families is not a new concept in Linn County. The working people at Evergreen are members of this community and their well-being is and should always be a matter of concern for their elected representatives. The resolution today is not against any business; it simply puts into writing what has been the practice in this community for decades. It affirms that Linn County stands with the workers at the Evergreen plant and encourages both parties to continue negotiating in good faith so they can reach a fair agreement and quickly ratify a new contract. Moyle thanked the Board for their time, consideration and continued commitment to the working families of Linn County.

Motion by Scheetz, seconded by Meisheid to approve accounts payable checks dated 08/05/26 #71021984 to #71022060 in the amount of $557,704.94; and ACH in the amount of $2,575,760.02; for a total of $3,133,464.96 and voids totaling $14,835.00.

Motion by Running-Marquardt, seconded by Scheetz to approve Consent Agenda as follows: Receive and place on file the Sheriff’s Quarterly Report from April 1, 2026, through June 30, 2026, in the amount of $1,822,652.

Receive and place on file the Auditor’s Quarterly Report for the quarter ending June 30, 2026, in the amount of $379,647.83.

Resolution 2026-8-103 RESOLUTION 28E AGREEMENT BETWEEN LINN COUNTY AND CITY OF WALFORD FOR PROPERTY MAINTENANCE INSPECTIONS WHEREAS, the Board of Supervisors, Linn County, Iowa, pursuant to Iowa Code Chapter 28E, proposes that Linn County enter into an agreement with the City of Walford, Iowa under the title Linn County and City of Walford Agreement for Property Maintenance Inspections, and WHEREAS, the purpose for such agreement is to provide for the administration of the property maintenance code of the City of Walford by Linn County in order to protect the public health, safety, and welfare, and WHEREAS, such agreement is in the best interests of Linn County and the City of Walford, and NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT HEREBY RESOLVED by the Board of Supervisors, Linn County, Iowa, that Linn County, Iowa will join pursuant to Iowa Code Chapter 28E, with the City of Walford, Iowa into an

agreement entitled Linn County and City of Walford Agreement for Property Maintenance Inspections.

Resolution 2026-8-104 A Resolution approving a Residential Parcel Split for SHADY’S FIRST ADDITION. The following description is a summary of Resolution No. 2026-8-104 as passed and approved by Linn County Board of Supervisors, effective August 22, 2026.

SHADY’S FIRST ADDITION (Case # PF25-0014) to Linn County, Iowa, containing two (2) lots, numbered lot 1 and lettered lot A, a subdivision of real estate located in the NE NE of Section 5, Township 83 North, Range 5 West of the 5th P.M., Linn County, Iowa, described as follows: SHADY’S FIRST ADDITION TO LINN COUNTY, IOWA, IS A PART OF LOT 11, LOT 12, VACATED MARKET STREET, AND VACATED FIRST STREET, BOLTON’S PLAT OF PARALTA AND A PART OF THE NORTHEAST 1/4 OF THE NORTHEAST 1/4 OF SECTION 5, TOWNSHIP 83 NORTH, RANGE 5 WEST OF THE 5TH P.M., LINN COUNTY, IOWA, DESCRIBED AS FOLLOWS: COMMENCING AT THE NORTHEAST CORNER OF SAID SECTION 5; THENCE SOUTH 2°54’20” EAST ALONG THE EAST LINE OF SAID SECTION 5, A DISTANCE OF 1,165.21 FEET; THENCE SOUTH 89°49’47” WEST ALONG THE NORTH RIGHT-OF-WAY LINE OF BOLTON STREET, A DISTANCE OF 269.04 FEET TO THE POINT OF BEGINNING; THENCE SOUTH 2°45’18” EAST, 30.02 FEET; THENCE SOUTH 89°49’47” WEST, 165.00 FEET; THENCE NORTH 0°50’49” WEST,150.01 FEET; THENCE NORTH 89°49’47 EAST, 34.00 FEET TO THE NORTHWEST CORNER OF SAID LOT 11; THENCE NORTH 2°45’18” WEST, 26.03 FEET; THENCE NORTH 89°49’47” EAST, 126.00 FEET; THENCE SOUTH 2°45’18” EAST, 146.15 FEET TO THE POINT OF BEGINNING, CONTAINING 0.63 ACRES (27,651 S.F.) MORE OR LESS. PROPERTY SUBJECT TO ANY AND ALL EASEMENTS OF RECORD. The full text of the Resolution may be inspected in the Linn County Auditor’s Office located at 935 Second Street SW, Cedar Rapids, Iowa, during regular business hours, 7:30 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. Monday through Friday or on the Linn County website at www.linncountyiowa.gov.

Approve and authorize the Chairperson to sign the 28E Agreement between the City of Walford and Linn County to provide property maintenance inspection services.

Approve and authorize the Chairperson to sign an agency contract listing agreement, agency disclosure, appointed agency agreement, and authorization for the release of information with Gibbs Lamb Drown (GDL Commercial) related to the sale of Linn County Property at 1888 County Home Road, Marion, Iowa 52302.

Approve Class C Retail Alcohol License for Indian Creek Nature Center, 5300 Otis Road SE, Cedar Rapids, noting all conditions have been met.

Approve and authorize the Chairperson to sign the Vacancy Form request for a full-time Correctional Center Nurse for the Juvenile Detention Center.

Approve and authorize the Chairperson to sign the Vacancy Form request for a full-time Deputy Recorder for the Recorders Office.

Supervisor Scheetz read a Resolution in Support of the Members of the United Auto Workers on Strike at the Novolex Plant in Cedar Rapids, Iowa. He gave explanation of why he brought the resolution forward including spending time on the picket line last week. It is very challenging for families and the workers when they go on strike. These are billion-dollar corporations with no legal ramifications. The resolution says that the Board will stand with the workers in their fight against a company that is worth $6 billion dollars and recently told their employees they were making record profits. They should be able to pair a fair wage and make the workers whole.

Supervisor Meisheid stated that she is against this resolution being on the agenda. She has great respect for those working for their families. She doesn’t understand how this is a county issue and why the Board is putting themselves in this position with negotiations.

Supervisor Scheetz explained that almost all of the workers are Linn County residents and it would be support from the Supervisor’s as Elected Officials that represent them.

Discussion continued explaining additional reasoning for this resolution including wages and benefits.

Supervisor Meisheid read a prepared statement in opposition of this resolution.

Supervisor Running-Marquardt stated that the resolution before them today allows them a chance to show support as leaders in their community. She spent a lot of time going to picket lines and showing support. They cannot get involved in negotiations but show support and that matters to people. These are long term jobs with a significant impact on the community. These workers have children that go to school here and they spend their money in Linn County. She feels comfortable supporting the resolution as she knows what it is like when someone goes on strike.

Motion by Running-Marquardt, seconded by Scheetz to adopt Resolution 2026-8-105 VOTE: Running-Marquardt & Scheetz – Aye, Meisheid – Nay A RESOLUTION IN SUPPORT OF THE MEMBERS OF UNITED AUTO WORKERS ON STRIKE AT THE NOVOLEX PLANT IN CEDAR RAPIDS WHEREAS, at 7:00 a.m. on July 28, 2026, forty-nine members of United Auto Workers (UAW) Local 1024 began a strike at the Novolex packaging equipment plant located at 2400 Sixth Street SW in Cedar Rapids, and WHEREAS, the plant traces its roots more than a century to the Cherry-Burrell Corporation, later operated for many years as Evergreen Packaging Equipment, and today employs approximately 164 people, most of them from the Cedar Rapids area, who build the carton filling equipment used by dairy, juice, and beverage producers around the world, and WHEREAS, the members of UAW Local 1024 have stated that they are seeking fair wages, retirement benefits, vacation, and starting compensation for new hires that reflect the skill and value of their work and

MOUNT VERNON-LISBON SUN | MVLSUN.COM are in line with the broader market, and WHEREAS, the Linn County Board of Supervisors recognizes the longstanding contributions of both Novolex and the employees represented by UAW Local 1024 to the economic vitality of Linn County and acknowledges that the continued success of both is important to the community, and WHEREAS, federal law recognizes the rights of employees, including the right to engage in lawful concerted activity, and of employers, to participate in the collective bargaining process, and the Board supports the resolution of labor disputes through lawful collective bargaining and good-faith negotiations, and WHEREAS, the members of UAW Local 1024 are our neighbors, and a decision to walk a picket line is made at real cost to the workers and families who undertake it, and community members have come forward to support them with donations and supplies, including at the UAW Local 1024 union hall at 619 20th Avenue SW in Cedar Rapids, and WHEREAS, the Linn County Board of Supervisors believes that a mutually acceptable agreement reached through continued good-faith negotiations serves the interests of the employees, Novolex, and the Linn County community.

BE IT THEREFORE RESOLVED that the Linn County Board of Supervisors stands with the members of UAW Local 1024 and their families during this strike, encourages the Linn County community to do the same, encourages the parties to continue negotiating in good faith, and expresses its hope that they promptly reach a mutually acceptable agreement that benefits the employees, Novolex, and the Linn County community.

Public Comment: Jon Lee, 2510 Sisley Grove Rd., Cedar Rapids, stated that he will be talking about the Morgan Valley Energy Center. He discussed what Alliant told Wall Street last week that they didn’t hear at the hearing last week about 5 electrical agreements being signed for data centers across their systems with more additional agreements to come. Lee questioned how much of the gigawatts land in Linn County and if Alliant has told Linn County. He then referenced the 3 companies in the world that build turbines. Lee has several questions relevant to Alliant’s application that include a waiver for Public Health and the failing grade in Iowa with the American Lung Association. When does people’s health come ahead of something that is usually waived? He also emphasized that Alliant’s filings don’t add up.

Cindy Anderson, Fairfax resident, stated that she listened about the strike and resolution and understands that it is important. She and others have been coming to the Board for several months now about data centers and power plants.

Anderson would like to see the same support for them. Data centers have impacted her significantly including dealing with traffic, light pollution and the landfill filling up 8 years sooner. The billion-dollar companies are the only ones making more money. She emphasized that people have to matter in the process and be taken into consideration. She asked the Board please say no to Alliant’s rezoning application they filed.

Heather Keag, Illinois resident, and a UAW Region 4 Servicing Rep. at Evergreen, thanked the Board for passing the resolution noting that it will mean a great deal to their members. The members are just asking for a piece of that pie to make sure that their families still have a standard of living here in Linn County. They will put that money back into Linn County and can live with a decent wage.

Michael Houser, 66 Fleetwood Rd. NW, Cedar Rapids, stated that he is in favor of the UAW proposal. The constitution says, “We the people of the United States”, not we the businesses of the United States.

Sticking up for people is what the government should be doing always and that is why they are elected, for them and not businesses. Houser referenced an article that came up on his newsfeed this week about data centers relating to the Governor of Texas passing a moratorium on data centers for the state. If Texas, which is bigger than Iowa, can pass a statewide moratorium, shouldn’t Iowa?

Criag Rathje, 385 27th Ave., Cedar Rapids, stated that there has been talk about recycling water and all those people that have put in the work to building the data centers. The United States does have a problem with pollution, and they need people working together to try and resolve the problems. His dad was a member of the union and Rathje was as well. The union helps to improve the quality of life for the workers and the amount of money a company makes. The company succeeds when they pay what the employees need. As far as Elected Officials it comes down to the quality of life. With their support, the money will go a long way, so people spend their money in Linn County.

He also suggested that they pressure wash the emergency homeless shelter since it looks like it could use a bath. Rathje also questioned rules and regulations for feeding these people and if it is allowed.

Victoria Houser, Cedar Rapids resident, stated that she has severe asthma that has progressed over the last few years. The air quality was 112 today which for most doesn’t mean much but for her she has to wear an N95 mask. Medication for her asthma with no insurance is $900/month.

At the Alliant meeting for the Morgan Valley Energy Center last week, she asked how pollution would affect air quality.

Their response was tailored around wildfire smoke that had no relevance to the pollution and it’s not important to Alliant.

They already have poor air quality so why would they want to make it worse? She worked for many years and contributed to the community which is their home.

Changes in air quality could push her out of her home and that is crushing. The area for the energy center is the best farmland in the county. She can’t support turning this farmland into an industrial area. They know the power plant comes first. She is opposed to an increase in air pollution, light pollution, water pollution and noise pollution. She referred to a gas line that ran underneath the plant and an explosion in Nevada that she grew up near. She does not support the energy center.

Randy Krewson, 87 2nd St., Atkins, stated that initially he came today on behalf of Save Morgan Valley. He added that he is 40-year retired dues paying member, honorary member, of the International

Association of Machinists and Aerospace Workers and he appreciates what the Board has done passing the resolution.

When that contract expired, everything stopped. He continued to say that they don’t have to walk the picket line, they can drive by and give them a thumbs up and lay on the horn to show support. Contracts expire in the later part of the year by design. The corporate people don’t live here and are liars that can’t be trusted.

Tracy Meza, 7801 Wieneke Cir., Cedar Rapids, stated that she thinks it’s fantastic that Supervisor Scheetz went to the picket line and talked to those being affected and supporting them. She is asking for the same due diligence for the power plant and data centers. Meza invited Scheetz to the Save Morgan Valley event on August 11th.

She feels it would be good for him to get information from people that don’t stand to earn money from these situations. The event is 6-8 p.m. at Ushers Ferry.

Kirsten Running-Marquardt, Supervisor, invited the 2 Recorder’s Office interns, Clair Taylor and Aiden Farrell, to the podium. They dedicated their summers to transfer well log data in relation to water level and quality. This is foundational groundbreaking work. She appreciates all of their time and dedication on the work they have done that will help guide them in the future.

Motion by Running-Marquardt, seconded by Scheetz to enter into closed session pursuant to Iowa Code §21.5(1)(a) to review and discuss the terms of a draft economic development agreement. The Board expects the related materials to be confidential under Iowa Code §22.7(65).

Communications with counsel concerning such matters are intended to remain confidential and may be protected by attorney-client privilege under Iowa law.

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

VOTE: Meisheid – Aye, Running-Marquardt – Aye, Scheetz – Aye Adjournment at 12:04 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 August 20, 2026.

LINN COUNTY LIST OF BILLS PAID

FOR 7-30-2026 THROUGH 8-5-2026 https://www.linncountyiowa.gov/413/ Accounting-Services VENDOR DESCRIPTION AMOUNT 106 GROUP LTD DESIGN SERVICES......... ................................................ $11,235.00 32 GENTLE DENTAL LLC DENTAL SERVICES............................................ $662.00 901 OAKLAND INVESTMENT LC GENERAL ASSISTANCE............................ $900.00 ACCESS SYSTEMS OFFICE EQUIPMENT RENT............................................. $159.11 ACME TOOLS HAND TOOLS......... $249.00 ACTERRA GROUP LLC HAZMAT SUPPLIES......................................... $1,152.47 ACTION TARGET TARGETS............. $37.46 ADCRAFT PRINTING CO INC OFFICE SUPPLIES......................................... $1,126.00 AFFORDABLE HEATING & COOLING INC HVAC REPAIRS .............................. $90.00 AFFORDABLE HOUSING NETWORK GENERAL ASSISTANCE....................... $900.00 AHLERS & COONEY PC LEGAL SERVICES .................................................. $1,520.00 AJRAM, RAYANNA REFUND ..... $1,800.00 ALLIANT UTILITIES UTILITIES.................. .............................................. $107,296.09 ALLIANT UTILITIES - ASSISTANCE GENERAL ASSISTANCE.................... $3,876.61 ALLIED OIL & TIRE CO LLC HYDRAULIC OIL............................................. $1,312.30 ALTORFER MACHINERY CORP PARTS...... ....................................................... $20.48 AMN HEALTHCARE LANGUAGE SERVICES INC VIDEO LANGUAGE TRANSLATION SERVICES ............................... $3.16 ANAHEIM CORPORATION CONTRACT LABOR....................................... $9,614.76 ANDERSON ERICKSON DAIRY CO FOOD & PROVISIONS............................. $108.20 ANNE K. WILSON LAW OFFICE, PLLC ATTORNEY FEES............................... $388.40 ANTON SALES HARDWARE - PARTS........ ..................................................... $191.96 AREA AMBULANCE MED EXAM FEES....... .................................................. $8,147.00 AREA SUBSTANCE ABUSE FAMILY TREATMENT COURT RECOVERY COACH.. .................................................. $5,139.09 SAFE OPIOID SERVICES PROGRAM.......... ................................................ $14,823.54 ASH, MELISSA TRAINING EXPENSE......... ....................................................... $76.00 AUTO DAMAGE APPRAISERS OF EASTERN IOWA INC CONTRACT FEE.... $179.00 AUTO GLASS GUYS LLC WINDOW REPLACEMENT................................. $971.70 AZURE APARTMENTS GENERAL ASSISTANCE........................................ $1,800.00 B&B DRYWALL INC DRYWALL REPAIR & FINISHING ................................ $3,100.00 BAKER GROUP CONTRACT LABOR........... ................................................ $25,000.00 BALDRIDGE, JOSEPH K TRAVEL EXPENSE........................................... $296.80 BANACOM SIGNS AND MORE LLC DECALS............................................. $635.30 BASSWOOD PROPERTIES LLC GENERAL ASSISTANCE................................. $900.00 BAUER BUILT INC TIRE REPLACEMENT TIRE DISPOSAL......................... $1,416.40 BB PROPERTIES LLC GENERAL ASSISTANCE........................................... $900.00 BITUMINOUS MATERIAL & SUPPLY DUST CONTROL MATERIAL & DEMURRAGE...... ................................................ $33,037.60 BOWKER PINNACLE MECHANICAL, LLC SEWER REPAIR ...................... $12,775.33 BREATHING ROOM YOGA CONTRACT LABOR.......................................... $200.00 BRIDGEHAVEN PREGNANCY SUPPORT CENTER CONTRACT LABOR...... $3,060.34 CAPITAL SANITARY SUPPLY - CEDAR RAPIDS CLEANING SUPPLIES.. $3,219.96 CARAHSOFT TECHNOLOGY CO SOFTWARE ........................................... $849.33 CAREPRO HOME MEDICAL MEDICAL SUPPLIES..................................... $300.00 CARLTON MOBILE HOME CT GENERAL ASSISTANCE................................. $780.00 CARR, KAY C TRANSCRIPT ............. $8.50 CEDAR POND TOWNHOMES LP GENERAL ASSISTANCE................................. $700.00 CEDAR RAPIDS BRICKSTONES LLLP GENERAL ASSISTANCE................ $782.00 CEDAR RAPIDS CITY OF FUEL.. $6,719.04

PUBLIC NOTICES

MVLSUN.COM | MOUNT VERNON-LISBON SUN

IT SERVICES ........................... $13,502.50 CEDAR VALLEY HUMANE SOCIETY STRAY ANIMAL CALL-OUT & SHELTER CARE.......................................... $6,550.00 CENTER POINT CITY OF UTILITIES........... ....................................................... $87.34 CENTURYLINK COMMUNICATIONS LLC E911 BASIC PHONE SERVICE ........ $41.50 CERIDIAN ER FUNDS TRUST - GARNISH PAYROLL DEDUCTION............... $4,802.16 CERIDIAN ER FUNDS TRUST - NET PAY PAYROLL DEDUCTION........ $1,839,251.24 CERIDIAN ER FUNDS TRUST - TAXES PAYROLL DEDUCTION........... $712,167.89 CERRUTO, MATTHEW J TRAVEL EXPENSE............................................. $36.48 CHAMBERS PROPERTIES LC GENERAL ASSISTANCE................................. $900.00 CHAPEL RIDGE OF MARION GENERAL ASSISTANCE................................. $900.00 CHARM-TEX INC COMMISSARY ITEMS.... .................................................. $2,726.70 CHILDREN OF PROMISE MENTORING PROGRAM GIRLS AND BOYS MENTORING PROGRAM.......................... $1,460.00 CONES SOLUTIONS INC REPAIR/SERVICE.............................................. $724.00 CONRAD, RILEY L FITNESS REIMBURSEMENT............................................ $210.00 CONSOLIDATED ENERGY COMPANY VEHICLE EXPENSE......................... $1,776.50 CONTINUANT INC PHONE SYSTEM MANAGED SERVICES........................ $3,747.71 COOK APPRAISAL LLC PROFESSIONAL SERVICES.................................. $3,570.00 CORE-MARK MIDCONTINENT INC COMMISSARY ITEMS........................ $3,354.66 CORRIDOR ENERGY COOPERATIVE - ASSISTANCE GENERAL ASSISTANCE............ ..................................................... $120.00 COTTON GALLERY LTD GENERAL OFFICE ..................................................... $104.50 CRAWFORD SUPPLY COMPANY COMMISSARY ITEMS........................... $541.92 CRITICAL HIRE PLC CRITICAL HIRE PROFILE REPORT.................................. $90.00 CRITTENTON CENTER LINN COUNTY SHELTER JUNE 2026................. $1,399.50 CROWBARS PARTS...................... $343.73 CULLIGAN WATER CONDITIONING WATER BOTTLES............................... $404.85 CUMMINS SALES AND SERVICES COMMUNICATION TOWER REPAIR... $1,727.73 D&D REAL ESTATE HOLDINGS LC GENERAL ASSISTANCE....................... $451.16 DAVIS, VICKI TRAVEL EXPENSE..... $25.23 DELTA DENTAL LINN COUNTY DENTAL..... ................................................ $61,000.00 DES MOINES STAMP MFG CO OFFICE SUPPLIES....................................... $34.00 DESIGN DYNAMICS INC PROFESSIONAL SERVICES.................................. $1,774.19 DWIVEDI, PRAMOD TRAVEL EXPENSE..... ..................................................... $360.80 EASTERN IOWA HEALTH CENTER BEHAVIORAL HEALTH SERVICES......... $2,400.00 EASTERN IOWA TIRE INC TIRES.. $249.80 EDE LLC GENERAL ASSISTANCE.............. ..................................................... $900.00 ELITE FIRE AND AUTOMATION ANNUAL FIRE ALARM INSPECTION......... $7,200.00 EMERGENT ARCHITECTURE PLLC CONTRACT LABOR........................... $2,123.42 EQUITABLE THE (CR CITY ASSR) PAYROLL DEDUCTION.......................... $75.00 EQUITABLE THE (LINN CO ASSR) PAYROLL DEDUCTION........................ $325.00 EXPRESS EMPLOYMENT PROFESSIONALS SALARIES ............................. $742.28 FAHEY, NANCY TRAVEL EXPENSE.... $6.25 FIDLAR TECHNOLOGIES INC CONDOR INDEXING..................................... $387.53 FLOW SCIENCE LLC TRAIL MAINTENANCE & REPAIRS.................. $19,000.00 FRANKLIN COUNTY SHERIFF’S OFFICE SERVICE FEES................................ $30.00 FRESH START MINISTRIES RISE REINTEGRATION PROGRAM SUPPORT ............... .................................................. $2,500.00 FRIEDA COONROD EMBROIDERY UNIFORMS........................................... $84.00 GALLS LLC UNIFORMS................ $190.06 GARDNER, BRIAN TRAINING EXPENSE.... .................................................. $2,771.41 GAZETTE COMMUNICATIONS PUBLICATIONS & LEGAL NOTICES......... $2,879.18 GORDON FLESCH COMPANY INC COPIER LEASE & FEES........................... $6,169.10 GOVERNMENT FORMS AND SUPPLIES LLC GENERAL OFFICE SUPPLIES.............. ..................................................... $225.05 GRAINGER W W INC MAINTENANCE SUPPLIES......................................... $1,303.32 HACAP CONTRACT LABOR...... $26,647.01 GENERAL ASSISTANCE............. $1,800.00 HANDS UP COMMUNICATIONS CONTRACT LABOR.............................. $468.00 HAUSKINS, JOHN TRAINING EXPENSE..... ....................................................... $76.00 HAWKEYE FIRE & SAFETY FIRE EXTINGUISHER SERVICE & ANNUAL CERTIFICATION......................................... $377.60 HAYEK, MORELAND, SMITH & BERGUS LLP ATTORNEY FEES.................... $273.30 HEALTHEQUITY INC FLEX MONTHLY ADMIN FEE..................................... $1,038.75 PAYROLL DEDUCTION............. $22,610.47 HEARTLAND TIRE INC TIRES STOCK........ ................................................ $19,320.00 HIAWATHA ECONOMIC DEVELOPMENT CORPORATION REGISTRATION..... $50.00 HOBART SERVICE SERVICE & REPAIR..... ..................................................... $387.50 HOGLUND BUS CO INC PARTS..... $363.42 HOLUB, ANTHONY REFUND...... $2,352.00 HP INC PC/MONITORS.............. $1,331.08 HUNTER QUALITY CONTRACTING LLC INVASIVE SPECIES CONTROL .. $7,475.00 HY VEE FOOD & PROVISIONS...... $192.28 IA PUB EMP RET SYS (CITY ASSESSOR EE) PAYROLL DEDUCTION...... $11,337.50 IA PUB EMP RET SYS (CITY ASSESSOR ER) PAYROLL DEDUCTION...... $17,015.27 IA PUB EMP RET SYS (CO ASSESSOR EE) PAYROLL DEDUCTION............... $7,766.12 IA PUB EMP RET SYS (CO ASSESSOR ER) PAYROLL DEDUCTION............. $11,655.35 IA PUB EMP RET SYS (LC EE) PAYROLL DEDUCTION........................... $341,031.62 IA PUB EMP RET SYS (LC ER) PAYROLL DEDUCTION........................... $511,817.95 IA PUB EMP RET SYS (PROTECTION OCCUPATION EE) PAYROLL DEDUCTION....... ................................................ $23,587.84 IA PUB EMP RET SYS (PROTECTION OCCUPATION ER) PAYROLL DEDUCTION...... ................................................ $22,839.93 IA PUB EMP RET SYS (SECO EE) PAYROLL DEDUCTION................. $206,728.30 IA PUB EMP RET SYS (SECO ER) PAYROLL DEDUCTION................. $202,538.31 IBOSS INC SOFTWARE SUBSCRIPTION.... ................................................ $26,256.36 INGALLS, TRACY TRAVEL EXPENSE......... ....................................................... $94.16 INSIGHT PUBLIC SECTOR PHONE LICENSES........................................ $536.96 SOFTWARE RENEWAL........... $545,415.47 IOWA COUNTY ATTORNEYS ASSOCIATION REGISTRATION.................... $180.00

................................................ $24,547.04 SOUTH SLOPE COOP TELE E911 CIRCUIT SERVICE ........................................ $85.39 SPRINGVILLE COOP TELE ASSN E911 CIRCUIT SERVICE .......................... $81.24 STAR EQUIPMENT LTD PARTS....... $24.28 STEINES, DEREK TRAVEL EXPENSE ........ ....................................................... $75.86 STOP STICK LTD PARTS & SUPPLIES....... ....................................................... $56.00 STRYKER MEDICAL DIVISION MEDICAL SUPPLIES.................................. $6,054.87 SYN-TECH SYSTEMS INC FUELMASTER MAIN BOARD................................ $878.60 T MOBILE USA INC PHONE SERVICE ....... .................................................. $2,965.08 TANAGER PLACE CONTRACT LABOR........ ................................................ $61,753.31 THE DAILY IOWAN - THE SUN PUBLICATIONS & LEGAL NOTICES......... $2,879.18 THOMSON REUTERS-WEST PAYMENT CENTER SOFTWARE..................... $658.19 TIMEKEEPING SYSTEMS INC CONTRACT LABOR..................................... $16,315.00 TOPE, MARTY N TRAINING EXPENSE....... ....................................................... $70.97 TRINITY SERVICES GROUP INC FOOD & PROVISIONS............................ $16,087.30 TRUCK COUNTRY REPAIR............ $730.36 UNIFORM DEN INC UNIFORMS................. .................................................. $1,740.10 UNION AT WILEY LP GENERAL ASSISTANCE........................................... $900.00 UNIVERSITY OF IOWA HEALTH CARE MEDICAL SERVICES..................... $493.40 UNIVERSITY OF IOWA STATE ARCHAEOLOGIST SPEAKERS FEE.................. $138.90 VALIC/AIG RETIREMENT PAYROLL DEDUCTION................................. $30,568.99 VANDEUSEN, GEOFFREY J FITNESS REIMBURSEMENT............................ $120.00 VERIZON WIRELESS PHONE SERVICE ..... ..................................................... $911.05 WATERHOUSE’S WATER COND SERV DRINKING WATER.......................... $30.00 WATKINS, AMRA MILEAGE............ $88.16 WEBER STONE CO INC ROCK....... $349.47 WEBER, KEVIN J MED EXAM FEES........... .................................................. $2,354.03 WELLMARK BLUE CROSS & BLUE SHIELD LC WELLMARK PREPAY AUGUST 2026................................... $1,084,000.00 WENDLING QUARRIES INC ROCK............. ................................................ $21,080.18 WESTERN DETENTION PR PARTS............ .................................................. $2,596.40 WESTROCK APPRAISAL SERVICES INC APPRAISAL................................ $4,500.00 WHKS & CO PROFESSIONAL SERVICES... .................................................. $7,287.98 WISNOUSKY BRADFORD DO PC MEDICAL SERVICES........................... $2,000.00 YOUNG PARENTS NETWORK CONTRACT LABOR..................................... $29,611.26 YTT DESIGN SOLUTIONS LLC DESIGN SERVICES................................ $14,057.50 TOTAL................................. $7,099,683.90 Published in the Sun August 20, 2026.

IOWA COUNTY ATTORNEY’S CASE MNGMT PROJECT SOFTWARE.......... $5,640.00 IOWA DEPARTMENT OF NATURAL RESOURCES PERMIT FEES............... $550.00 IOWA DEPARTMENT OF PUBLIC SAFETY REGISTRATION............................... $85.00 IOWA LAW ENFORCEMENT ACADEMY TRAINING EXPENSE..................... $840.00 IOWA LEAGUE OF CITIES ANALYTICS SOFTWARE................................ $3,500.00 IOWA ONE CALL EMAILS................. $5.40 IOWA PRISON INDUSTRIES SUPPLIES..... .................................................. $5,211.21 JKH PROPERTIES GENERAL ASSISTANCE ..................................................... $900.00 JOHNSON, WAYNE L GENERAL ASSISTANCE........................................... $900.00 KARL CHEVROLET PARTS............ $811.78 KEEFE SUPPLY COMPANY COMMISSARY ITEMS........................................ $2,739.84 KEVINS WELDING LLC INSTALL PASS THROUGH DOORS ON CELL DOORS......... ..................................................... $845.00 KIECKS UNIFORMS...................... $229.70 KILBURG EQUIPMENT LLC FALCON HOT BOX TRAILER.......................... $42,315.00 KOONTZ, STACIA M FITNESS REIMBURSEMENT................................. $180.00 KROUL FARMS LLC BUNDLES FIREWOOD ..................................................... $800.00 L & L MURPHY ASSOCIATES CONSULTING SERVICES........................... $2,083.37 L L PELLING ASPHALT PREMIX - SEAL COAT PREP.............................. $10,235.62 HMA OVERLAY - WICKIUP HARD SURFACE........................................ $58,422.00 LASER TECHNOLOGY INC LIDAR LASERS .................................................. $4,305.00 LATINOS UNIDOS FOR COMMUNITY INCLUSION TABLE FEE....................... $50.00 LEVEL 3 COMMUNICATIONS, LLC, A LUMEN TECHNOLOGIES COMPANY INTERNET CONNECTION........................ $675.33 LEXIPOL LLC POLICEONE/CORRECTIONSONE ACADEMY ANNUAL CONTRACT ..... ................................................ $10,656.54 LINCOLN NATL LIFE INSURANCE PAYROLL DEDUCTION........................ $100.00 LINN COOP OIL INC #395000 (CONSERVATION) FUEL & DRONE SPRAYING......... .................................................. $6,628.53 LINN COOP OIL INC #395050 (ROADS MISC) FUEL & DRONE SPRAYING............. ................................................ $51,517.61 LINN COUNTY TREASURER CONTRACT LABOR....................................... $4,129.73 LINN NEWS LLC PUBLICATIONS & LEGAL NOTICES.................................... $2,879.18 MAINTAINER CORP OF IOWA MECHANICS SERVICE TRUCK............. $290,897.00 MAKA BLIND CO BLINDS.......... $4,560.00 MARGARET BOCK HOUSING GENERAL ASSISTANCE................................. $900.00 MARION LOFTS APARTMENTS GENERAL ASSISTANCE................................. $900.00 MARION MUNICIPAL WATER DEPARTMENT UTILITIES............................. $50.66 MARTIN MARIETTA MATERIALS INC ROCK............................................ $403.45 MARTIN, ANNETTE ATTORNEY FEES........ ..................................................... $340.00 MAXWELL INTERNATIONAL LLC GENERAL ASSISTANCE............................ $900.00 MCCULLOUGH CREATIVE INC WICKIUP LOBBY REFRESH CONCEPTS.. $53,983.00 MCKESSON MEDICAL-SURGICAL GOV SOLUTIONS MEDICAL SUPPLIES............. .................................................. $1,346.41 MERCY FAMILY COUNSELING TREATMENT FEES................................... $360.16 MERCY MEDICAL CENTER MEDICAL SERVICES..................................... $302.84 MIDAMERICAN ENERGY UTILITIES.......... ..................................................... $172.36 MIDAMERICAN ENERGY - ASSISTANCE GENERAL ASSISTANCE................ $151.76 MIDLAND CONCRETE PRODUCTS, LLC LIGHT POLE BASE & HARDWARE ............ ..................................................... $864.35 MIDWEST UNDERGROUND SUPPLY PART............................................. $247.15 MIENE SEPTIC SERVICE INC ANNUAL MAINTENANCE AGREEMENT........ $250.00 MIKEYS SUPER CAR WASH LLC CAR WASH ............................................ $91.00 MOUNT VERNON FAMILY COUNSELING HEALTH ASSISTANCE..................... $71.04 MOYNA MATERIALS LLC ROCK... $407.31 NETSMART TECHNOLOGIES INC IDENTITY & ACCESS MGMT............... $76,545.66 NORTHLAND PRODUCTS CO CLEANING SERVICES..................................... $245.70 OLESON, BRENT MILEAGE............. $34.22 ORKIN LLC PEST CONTROL......... $194.62 OTTSEN OIL CO INC DEF.............. $528.00 OVERTON, HANNAH J TRAVEL EXPENSE . ..................................................... $794.43 PALO COOPERATIVE TELEPHONE ASSOC INTERNET..................................... $100.95 PARTS AUTHORITY LLC PARTS... $816.80 PERFORMANCE FOODSERVICE LLC FOOD & PROVISIONS.......................... $4,325.95 PHYSICIANS CLINIC OF IOWA PC MEDICAL SERVICES.............................. $572.18 PIPE PRO INC REPAIRS............ $4,170.63 PITNEY BOWES INC - ACH POSTAGE........ ................................................ $50,000.00 POPE, RICHARD T PHYSICIAN AND MEDICAL ADVISOR FEES ................. $3,992.65 PROVANTAGE LLC CONFERENCE PHONE. ..................................................... $619.28 PRUITT.MD, JOSHUA MED EXAM FEES.... .................................................. $2,405.00 PSYCHOLOGY ASSOCIATES PLLC CRITICAL INCIDENT DEBRIEFING & MMPI REVIEWS........................................ $1,125.00 QUALITY CLEANING EQUIPMENT FLEET SHINE........................................... $498.83 RADIOLOGY CONSULTANTS OF IOWA, PLC MEDICAL SERVICES............... $31.92 RAY O’HERRON CO INC RAIN HAT COVERS............................................... $127.05 READ PHOTO INC BUS. SITTING............... .................................................. $1,530.00 RINDERKNECHT, DEVIN FITNESS REIMBURSEMENT................................. $360.00 ROOSEVELT THE GENERAL ASSISTANCE. ..................................................... $900.00 ROSSI, CHRISTINE A TRAVEL EXPENSE .. ..................................................... $120.00 ROWELL, SPENCER A FITNESS REIMBURSEMENT................................. $360.00 SAFE PLACE FOUNDATION, THE GENERAL ASSISTANCE............................ $900.00 SANITY SOLUTIONS INC TECHNICAL & PHONE SERVICES........................ $947.10 SCROGGINS, NINA TRAVEL EXPENSE ..... ....................................................... $74.78 SETPOINT MECHANICAL SERVICES LLC ANNUAL SERVICE AGREEMENT ............... ................................................ $19,790.00 SHERWIN WILLIAMS CO PAINTING SUPPLIES............................................ $206.63 SKELTON, DEBORAH M ATTORNEY FEES. ..................................................... $442.00 SMS POWER TRAIN AND HARDWARE PARTS........................................ $3,008.93 SNYDER & ASSOCIATES PROFESSIONAL SERVICES................................ $17,620.00 SOUNDOFF SIGNAL GSA PARTS...............

MOUNT VERNON CITY COUNCIL MEETING MINUTES

AUGUST 3, 2026 The Mount Vernon City Council met August 3, 2026, at City Hall, 213 1st Street NW, Mount Vernon, IA. A Zoom option was available. The following Council members were present: Engel, Rose, Andresen, Tuerler and Hansen-Player.

Call to Order. At 6:30 p.m. Mayor Thomas M. Wieseler called the meeting to order.

Agenda Additions/Agenda Approval.

Motion made by Tuerler, seconded by Andresen to approve the Agenda. Motion carries.

Consent Agenda. Motion made by Engel, seconded by Rose to approve the Consent Agenda. Motion carries.

Approval of City Council Minutes – July 20, 2026 Resolutions for Approval Resolution #8-3-2026A: Approving Ballot Language for the City of Mount Vernon Emergency Medical Services District Special Levy September 1, 2026.

This resolution establishes the ballot language for the Emergency Medical Service District special levy vote on September 1, 2026. If approved, the levy would fluctuate between $.667 and $1.00 per $1,000 of home valuation. The voted trustees will set the tax levy every year. Motion made

by Rose, seconded by Hansen-Player to approve Resolution #8-3-2026A. Roll call all yes. Resolution passes.

Resolution #8-3-2026B: Establishing Depositories of Public Funds with Hills Bank and Trust. The next three resolutions are done annually and recognize the three local banks to be used as depositories of public funds. Motion made by Engel, seconded by Andresen to approve Resolution #8-3-2026B. Roll call all yes. Resolution passes.

Resolution #8-3-2026C: Establishing Depositories of Public Funds with Bridge Community Bank. Motion made by Andresen, seconded by Tuerler to approve Resolution #8-3-2026C. Roll call all yes.

Resolution passes.

Resolution #8-3-2026D: Establishing Depositories of Public Funds with Mount Vernon Bank and Trust. Motion made by Rose, seconded by Andresen to approve Resolution #8-3-2026D. Roll call all yes.

Resolution passes.

Resolution #8-3-2026E: Approving the Disposal of Municipal Property. The Police Department is seeking to dispose of a 2018 Ford Explorer. The LMVAS has asked to take possession of the vehicle and staff is recommending in favor of this course of action. Motion made by Tuerler, seconded

by Andresen to approve Resolution #8-32026E. Roll call all yes. Resolution passes.

Old Business Discussion and Consideration of Pay Application #5 with Modern Concrete Sidewalk Improvement Project – Council Action as Needed. Motion made by Andresen, seconded by Rose to untable this item. Motion carries. Pay Application #5 is in the amount of $13,634.90. Motion made

by Engel, seconded by Tuerler to approve Pay Application #5 - Sidewalk Improvement Project. Motion carries.

Motions for Approval Consideration of Claims List – Motion to Approve. Motion made by Tuerler, seconded by Andresen to approve the Claims List. Motion carries.

PAYROLL CLAIMS................... 156,698.36 WORLDMAKER RESILIENCE INSTITUTE THRIVE TRAINING-PD GRANT.. 50,126.55 COMMUNITY DEVELOPMENT GROUP HOTEL/MOTEL TAX-ECON DEV.. 25,790.38 ALLIANT ENERGY ENERGY USAGE-SEW.. .................................................... 8,840.11 ALLIANT ENERGY ENERGY USAGE-WAT..

.................................................... 6,414.54 ALLIANT ENERGY ENERGY USAGE-POOL .................................................... 6,214.39 BRECKE MECHANICAL CONTRACTORS SINK HOLE REPAIRS-MEADOWLANE CT.. .................................................... 5,201.63 ALLIANT ENERGY ENERGY USAGE-ST LIGHTS........................................ 5,091.51 KROUL FARMS BEAUTIFICATION.............. .................................................... 4,681.80 IMWCA WORK COMP INSURANCE-ALL DEPTS.......................................... 4,353.00 CARRICO AQUATIC RESOURCES INC CHEMICALS-POOL...................... 4,200.00 VEENSTRA & KIMM INC WATER MISC ENGINEERING.............................. 4,059.00 EMPLOYEE BENEFIT SYSTEMS INSURANCE CLAIMS-ALL DEPTS.......... 3,998.31 ALLIANT ENERGY ENERGY USAGE-LBC... .................................................... 3,105.79 ASCENDANCE TRUCKS CENTERS VEHICLE MAINT-PW............................ 2,677.82 VEENSTRA & KIMM INC BRYANT ROAD SANITARY SEWER....................... 2,648.50 VEENSTRA & KIMM INC RACHEL STREET IMPROVEMENTS......................... 2,385.00 IOWA SOLUTIONS INC MONTHLY MAINTALL DEPTS.................................. 2,154.60 IOWA SOLUTIONS INC MONTHLY MAINT. PD................................................ 1,973.08 TOTAL TREE CARE OF IOWA CITY TREE MAINT-RUT.................................. 1,875.00 FERGUSON WATERWORKS METERS-WAT .................................................... 1,642.18 AHLERS & COONEY P.C. LEGAL FEESP&A............................................. 1,468.50 ALLIANT ENERGY ENERGY USAGE-CITY HALL............................................ 1,090.48 MOUNT VERNON ACE HARDWARE SUPPLIES-ALL DEPTS....................... 1,003.53 FOSTERS KRAUS PLUMBING-HEATING HVAC MAINT-CITY HALL................ 999.23 ATS AUTOMOTIVE VEHICLE MAINT-PD.... ....................................................... 977.49 NIGHT SHIFT LLC CLEANING SERVICE-CITY HALL............................. 959.21 ORIGINAL WATERMAN INC UNIFORMS-POOL................................. 946.00 ALLIANT ENERGY ENERGY USAGE-FD..... ....................................................... 944.13 DSG SUPPLIES-BRINE SHED......... 928.20 NIGHT SHIFT LLC CLEANING SERVICE-PD ....................................................... 920.70 POSTMASTER UTIL BILL POSTAGE-WAT,SEW,SW.......................... 744.10 IOWA SOLUTIONS INC MONTHLY MAINTLBC................................................. 730.00 STUDENT PUBLICATIONS INC ADS/PUBLICATIONS-P&A............................. 682.97 COLE-TAC LLC UNIFORMS-PD....... 666.40 EMPLOYEE BENEFIT SYSTEMS INSURANCE CLAIMS-ALL DEPTS............. 639.72 ALLIANT ENERGY ENERGY USAGE-P&REC.................................... 613.98 VEENSTRA & KIMM INC CITY ENGINEERING GENERAL................................. 544.00 VEENSTRA & KIMM INC WWTP PHASE 2 MODELING..................................... 520.00 ALLIANT ENERGY ENERGY USAGE-PW.... ....................................................... 458.85 MECHANICSVILLE FIBER PHONE/INTERNET-LBC......................................... 457.73 MOUNT VERNON BANK & TRUST CO ACH RETURN-WAT,SEW,SW................... 428.50 KONICA MINOLTA PREMIER FINANCE COPIER LEASE-P&A....................... 400.03 MECHANICSVILLE FIBER PHONE/INTERNET-PD........................................... 400.02 CULVERS GARDEN CENTER PLANTS-K9 MEMORIAL..................................... 381.42 MERCY PHYSICIAN SERVICES INC WELLNESS PLATFORM-ALL DEPTS........ 329.00 GREAT WESTERN SUPPLY CO SUPPLIES-LBC...................................... 319.24 T-MOBILE VEHICLE SOFTWARE-PW......... ....................................................... 319.20 RC TECH SERVICES-POOL............. 314.42 CARQUEST OF LISBON VEHICLE MAINTALL DEPTS..................................... 288.55 GREAT WESTERN SUPPLY CO SUPPLIES-CITY HALL........................... 276.30 VEENSTRA & KIMM INC WASTEWATER MISC ENGINEERING....................... 270.00 KONICA MINOLTA PREMIER FINANCE COPIER LEASE-PD.......................... 268.74 VEENSTRA & KIMM INC 2025 SIDEWALK IMPROVEMENTS............................ 265.00 POLICE RECORDS & INFO MANAGEMENT TRAINING-PD................................. 199.00 ALLIANT ENERGY ENERGY USAGE-RUT,WAT,SEW,P&A................. 197.92 CITY LAUNDERING CO SERVICES-CITY HALL............................................... 196.64 GREAT WESTERN SUPPLY CO SUPPLIES-SEW..................................... 185.81 CEDAR VALLEY OUTFITTERS CORP EQUIP-PD....................................... 179.97 VEENSTRA & KIMM INC INTERURBAN TRAIL.............................................. 177.00 IA DEPT OF INSPECTIONS, APPEALS ELEVATOR PERMIT/INSPECT-P&A....... 175.00 P&K MIDWEST INC EQUIP MAINT-PW..... ....................................................... 167.13 CHRIS NOSBISCH MILEAGE-ALL DEPTS.. ....................................................... 160.36 ALLIANT ENERGY ENERGY USAGE-PD..... ....................................................... 153.88 MOUNT VERNON BANK & TRUST CO NSF CHECK-WAT,SEW,SW..................... 150.00 TASC FSA ADJUSTMENT-PD.......... 130.76 RC TECH SERVICES-CITY HALL..... 123.05 BAUMAN AND COMPANY DRY CLEANING-P&REC..................................... 114.60 MECHANICSVILLE FIBER PHONE/INTERNET-PW.......................................... 114.45 MECHANICSVILLE FIBER PHONE/INTERNET-POOL....................................... 108.77 LYNCH FORD-LYNCH CHEVROLET VEHICLE MAINT-PD................................ 107.03 BANKCARD 8076 ACH DEBIT MTOT REFUND-POOL.................................... 105.00 VEENSTRA & KIMM INC BRYANT ROAD SANITARY SEWER.......................... 104.04 ALLIANT ENERGY ENERGY USAGE-CEM.. ....................................................... 100.79 TERMINIX PRESTO-X PEST CONTROL-FD. ....................................................... 100.14 CITY LAUNDERING CO SERVICES-CITY HALL................................................. 98.32 TERMINIX PRESTO-X PEST CONTROL-CITY HALL.............................. 97.93 STUDENT PUBLICATIONS INC ADS/PUBLICATIONS-K9.................................. 97.60 UNITED STATES TREASURY FORM 720 FILING-P&A...................................... 97.16 TERMINIX PRESTO-X PEST CONTROL-VC ......................................................... 82.75 BANKCARD 8076 ACH DEBIT MTOT REFUND-POOL,P&REC......................... 82.00 ALLIANT ENERGY ENERGY USAGE-SIRENS................................................ 81.91 STAPLES INC SUPPLIES-P&A.......... 80.65 GREAT WESTERN SUPPLY CO SUPPLIES-POOL..................................... 76.66 MENARDS SUPPLIES-K9 MEMORIAL....... ......................................................... 76.41 GREAT WESTERN SUPPLY CO SUPLIES-LBC........................................ 75.04 STUDENT PUBLICATIONS INC ADS/PUBLICATIONS-P&REC........................... 75.00

THURSDAY, AUGUST 20, 2026 | 13 MECHANICSVILLE FIBER INTERNET-CITY HALL................................................. 69.95 IOWA ONE CALL LOCATES-WAT,SEW....... ......................................................... 69.30 MENARDS TRAINING CENTER SUPPLIES-FD.......................................... 50.78 STAPLES INC SUPPLIES-PD,P&A.... 49.26 ALLIANT ENERGY ENERGY USAGE-P&REC,WAT.............................. 44.25 BANKCARD 8076 ACH DEBIT MTOT REFUND-P&REC................................... 42.00 AMAZON CAPITAL SERVICES SUPPLIES-LBC........................................ 40.54 IOWA SOLUTIONS INC MONTHLY MAINTSEW.................................................. 40.00 ALLIANT ENERGY ENERGY USAGE-SW.... ......................................................... 32.03 VESTIS JANITORIAL SUPPLIES-LBC......... ......................................................... 30.12 VESTIS JANITORIAL SUPPLIES-LBC......... ......................................................... 30.12 ST LUKE’S WORK WELL SOLUTIONS DRUG TESTING-WAT,SEW................ 30.00 IOWA SOLUTIONS INC MONTHLY MAINTPW.................................................... 20.00 P&K MIDWEST INC EQUIP MAINT-RUT.... ........................................................... 2.60 TOTAL...................................... 329,310.91 FUND EXPENSE TOTALS PAYROLL................................. 156,698.36 GENERAL FUND....................... 113,837.73 WATER FUND............................. 15,828.25 SEWER FUND............................ 13,086.19 ROAD USE TAX FUND................ 11,356.98 LBC.............................................. 5,636.86 ARPA LINN COUNTY GRANT....... 5,201.63 BRYANT ROAD SANITARY SEWER............ .................................................... 2,752.54 RACHEL STREET......................... 2,385.00 SOLID WASTE.............................. 1,943.35 SIDEWALK PROJECT...................... 265.00 LOST III TRAILS/PARKS................. 177.00 STORM WATER FUND.................... 142.02 TOTAL...................................... 329,310.91 Discussion and Consideration of Vermeer Brush Chipper – Public Works – Council Action as Needed. Staff is seeking approval to purchase a 2019 AX19 Vermeer brush chipper. This model is a bigger, heavier built machine than what the Public Works Department currently has and will be able to process material faster, easier and at a much larger capacity.

Motion made by Tuerler, seconded by Andresen to approve the purchase of a brush chipper from Vermeer in the amount of $65,000.00. Motion carries.

Discussion and Consideration of Computer Replacement Purchase – Police Department - Council Action as Needed. Staff is seeking to replace two desktop PC’s at the Police Department. Motion made by Rose, seconded by Tuerler to approve the purchase of two desktop PC’s from Iowa Solutions for a total of $4,140.00. Motion carries.

Discussion and Consideration of V&K Invoice # 51387-9 – Rachel Street Improvements – Council Action as Needed.

This invoice covers engineering and inspection work for the Rachel Street Construction Project. Motion made by Rose, seconded by Hansen-Player to approve V&K Invoice #51387-9 in the amount of $14,991.72. Motion carries.

Discussion and Consideration of V&K Invoice # 51361-24 – Hwy 1 Reconstruction – Council Action as Needed. This invoice covers engineering work for the Hwy 1 Reconstruction Project. Motion made by Rose, seconded by Andresen to approve V&K Invoice 51361-24 in the amount of $73,973.43. Motion carries.

Discussion Items (No Action) E-Bike Ordinances. Staff is seeking Council’s opinion as to whether Mount Vernon should consider an ordinance on E-bikes as they are becoming more commonplace, as well as the number of incidents associated with them. Council was given a copy of Bellevue’s E-Bike ordinance to use as a starting point for the discussion. It was the consensus of Council that further discussion was warranted to come up with a program that will make the use of E-Bikes safer for users and community members.

Reports of Mayor/Council/Administrator Mayor’s Report. Wieseler will meet with Linn County Conservation to discuss the possibility of a future REAP Grant for trails. Wednesday there will be a meeting with area mayors and the Cedar Rapids Economic Alliance regarding economic development. The Iowa DOT will be at the next meeting with information on the Hwy 1 Reconstruction project as will Linn County Public and SE Linn Community Center with presentations. Breakfast with the Mayor will be August 15th at the First Street Breakfast Club.

Council Reports. Hansen-Player reported on the 2nd annual reading camp at the library last week with 23 attending.

City Administrator’s Report. Report is available in the August 3, 2026 Council Packet on the City website.

As there was no further business to attend to, the meeting adjourned, the time being 7:29 p.m., August 3, 2026.

Respectfully submitted, Marsha Dewell City Clerk Published in the Sun August 20, 2026.

NOTICE OF LISBON-MT. VERNON EMS DISTRICT ELECTION

PUBLIC NOTICE is given to the Voters in the Proposed Lisbon-Mt. Vernon Area EMS Districts that an Election will be held on Tuesday, September 1, 2026 for the consideration of the Propositions: Shall the following public measure be adopted?

The City of Lisbon EMS District has been created to fund Emergency Medical Services within the District, to be provided

by Lisbon-Mt. Vernon Ambulance, and in order to pay the costs of this service it is necessary to levy an initial tax of $0.667 cents per $1,000 (One Thousand Dollars) of assessed value on all the taxable property (not including agricultural land or centrally assessed property) within the district. If you approve the levy of this tax, vote approve and if you disapprove of this tax, vote disapprove.

Shall the following public measure be adopted?

The City of Mount Vernon EMS District has been created to fund Emergency Medical Services within the District, to be provided by Lisbon-Mt. Vernon Ambulance, and in order to pay the costs of this service it is necessary to levy an ini-

tial tax of $0.667 cents per $1,000 (One Thousand Dollars) with a maximum levy of $1.00 dollars per $1,000 (One Thousand Dollars) of assessed value on all the taxable property (not including agricultural land or centrally assessed property) within the district. If you approve the levy of this tax, vote yes and if you disapprove of this tax, vote no.

Shall the following public measure be adopted?

The Lisbon-Mount Vernon Area Benefited Emergency Medical Services District has been created to fund emergency medical services within the District to be provided by the Lisbon-Mount Vernon Ambulance Service. To pay the cost of these services, it is necessary to levy an initial tax of $0.667 per $1,000 of assessed value on all taxable property within the District, excluding agricultural land and centrally assessed property. To approve the tax levy, vote “Yes.” To disapprove the tax levy, vote “No.” Additionally, those voting to approve the measure will write-in three names for to position of Trustee to the EMS district.

For each district, Lisbon, Mt. Vernon, and Rural Linn County as defined by the plat, the five residents within the district receiving the highest number of votes will be submitted to the respective jurisdictions.

Those jurisdiction’s governing bodies will then choose to appoint three members from their respective list.

The map for the proposed EMS Districts can be found at: https://www. linncountyiowa.gov/DocumentCenter/ View/28882 All registered electors of the City of Lisbon, City of Mt. Vernon, and the surrounding rural areas of the proposed Lisbon-Mt. Vernon Area EMS Districts residing in Linn County are hereby notified to appear at any of the following location: Lisbon City Hall – 115 N Washington St, Lisbon Mt. Vernon City Hall – 213 1st St W, Mt Vernon Camp Tanager – 1614 W Mt Vernon Rd, Mt Vernon The polls will be open from 12:00 P.M. until 8:00 P.M. Electors with a disability who are unable to enter the polling place may vote curbside, in a vehicle, at the designated sign.

All voters will be required to present an approved form of identification. Approved forms of identification include: Iowa Voter Identification Card, Iowa Driver’s License, Iowa Non-Operator ID, U.S. Military ID or Veteran ID, U.S. Passport, or Tribal ID Card/Document. For additional information about voter identification visit sos. iowa.gov/voterid or phone (319) 8925300, option #1.

The Pre-Registration deadline for this election is 4:30 P.M. Monday, August 17, 2023. Those eligible may register to vote at the Iowa DoT, via mail, or at the Linn County Elections office. See: linncountyiowa.gov/vote This notice is given by order of the Linn County Commissioner of Elections pursuant to Section 49.53, Code of Iowa.

For additional information on how to participate in this election, please contact Linn County Election Services at 319-8925300, ext. 1 or elections@linncountyiowa. gov.

Todd Taylor, Linn County Auditor and Commissioner of Elections Published in the Sun August 20, 2026.

CITY OF LISBON REGULAR COUNCIL MEETING MINUTES

AUGUST 10TH, 2026 CALL TO ORDER: The City Council of Lisbon, Iowa, met in regular session on August 10th, 2026, at 7:00p.m. with Mayor Doug O’Connor presiding. The following City Council members were present: John Bardsley, Nathan Smith, Kevin Steele, Rick Scott and Rawley Alger.

OTHERS PRESENT: Travis Bagby, Brandon Siggins, Drayton Kamberling, Dave Schechinger and Jason Blinks. Michael Miller was present via zoom.

CONSENT AGENDA: Motion by Alger, seconded by Smith to approve the consent agenda consisting of minutes of July 27th, 2026, list of bills, alcohol license for Sauerkraut Days/CDG, July Treasurer’s Report, and Utility Refunds. All Ayes. Motion carried 5-0.

Motion by Scott, seconded by Smith to approve payment to Wendler, Inc in the amount of $80,122.00 for Well 5 CFB Pay Estimate No. 7. All Ayes. Motion carried 5-0.

Motion by Bardsley, seconded by Scott to approve the bid from Northway Well & Pump Co. in the amount of $9,370.00 in reference to capping a well near Well #5.

All Ayes. Motion carried 5-0.

Motion by Scott, seconded by Alger to approve the FY26 Annual Financial Report.

All Ayes. Motion carried 5-0.

Motion by Scott, seconded by Smith to approve Resolution 29-2026 Approving a Cash Payment Policy. Roll call vote. Ayes: Bardsley, Steele, Alger, Scott, and Smith.

Absent: None. Nays: None. Motion carried 5-0.

Motion by Smith, seconded by Alger to approve the third and final reading of Ordinance 01-2026 Update to Electric Franchise. Roll call vote. Ayes:Bardsley, Steele, Alger, Scott, and Smith. Absent: None.

Nays: None. Motion carried 5-0.

Motion by Smith, seconded by Steele to approve the third and final reading of Ordinance 02-2026 Update to Natural Gas Franchise. Roll call vote. Ayes:Bardsley, Steele, Alger, Scott, and Smith. Absent: None. Nays: None. Motion carried 5-0.

Council was presented with the 2026 Bulk Item Day results.

The council received the following reports from city departments: Public Works Director Travis Bagby – splash pad will be closed for the week due to an incident and Sauerkraut Days. Have been sweeping the town, brush/storm debris, lost a tree at the park and locates.

Parks and Recreation Director Drayton Kamberling – fall registration deadline has been extended to August 14th, movie in the park Wednesday thanks to Hills Bank and Trust sponsoring the event, slow pitch tournament this weekend, back to school event Wednesday August 19th at the park from 5:30-7:30, mowing and weeding.

Thank you to the public works for assisting with a storm damaged tree at the park.

Police Chief Jason Blinks – July report submitted to council, two squad cars on

PUBLIC NOTICES/NEWS

14 | THURSDAY, AUGUST 20, 2026 order and two officer close to academy completion.

City Administrator Brandon Siggins – street washing, tub races, parade prep and round up event at Fareway for the fire department. Selling retro shirts at the pancake breakfast, tornado sirens have been active in recent weeks. Working on weeds at the complex, Highway 30 mowing, fiber project work, history center leak, E-bike research, city audit, and reminder to residents to use caution with kids and extra people in town this week.

Council thanked all volunteers involved with the preparation for Sauerkraut Days, reminded citizens that the library would be closed during the events, thanked the city works crews for their quick action during the storm cleanup and getting Gillette Lane open. Congratulations to Councilmember John Bardsley on being named Grand Marshal for the parade. Mayor O’Connor reminded everyone to have a safe and fun Sauerkraut Days.

Mayor Doug O’Connor adjourned the meeting at 7:32pm.

Christina Eicher, City Clerk Doug O’Connor, Mayor Published in the Sun August 20, 2026.

CITY OF LISBON LIST OF CLAIMS

8-10-2026 VENDOR NAME DESCRIPTION AMOUNT A-1 RENTAL INC CONCRETE SAW STREETS......................................... 178.91 ACCESS SYSTEMS TECH SUPPORT.......... ....................................................... 992.21 ACCESS SYSTEMS LEASING TECH SUPPORT.............................................. 525.44 AFLAC CANCER INSURANCE.......... 254.28 ALLIANT UTILITIES UTILITIES.... 4,073.87 ALTORFER INC ENDLOADER MAINTENANCE............................................ 268.90 BIG DECK MOWERS MOWER MAINTENANCE............................................ 342.90 CARQUEST OF LISBON OPERATING SUPPLIES.............................................. 412.82 CARROLL CONSTRUCTION SUPPLY GILLETTE ROAD MAINTENANCE.......... 324.21 CASEY’S BUSINESS MASTERCARD FUEL CHARGES.................................... 2,172.75 COLLECTION SERVICES PAYROLL DEDUCTION.......................................... 54.39 DELTA DENTAL OF IOWA VISION INSURANCE - EMPLOYEE............................. 7.36 DEMCO, INC. LIBRARY MATERIALS......... ....................................................... 143.61 DOLLAR GENERAL CORPORATION OFFICE SUPPLIES................................. 43.70 EMPLOYEE BENEFIT SYSTEMS EMPLOYEE BENEFITS..................................... 85.00 GRONEWALD, BELL, KYHNN & CO. AUDIT .................................................... 8,500.00 HAWKINS INC OPERATING SUPPLIES...... ....................................................... 417.25 HILLS BANK FEDERAL W/H......... 7,440.63 IMWCA WORKERS COMP........... 1,307.00 IOWA DNR NPDES WW PERMIT.... 210.00 IPERS IPERS-REG..................... 11,537.07 JOHNSON COUNTY REFUSE INC JULY REFUSE W/ CREDIT APPLIED.......... 9,582.75 JORDAN’S PROPERTY CARE INC LIFT STATION MOWING....................... 3,240.00 KROUL FARMS, LLC DOWNTOWN PLANTERS................................... 1,316.25 LYNCH DALLAS LEGAL ATTORNEY FEES.. ....................................................... 460.34 MECHANICSVILLE TELEPHONE CO. PHONE SERVICES.......................... 637.96 MENARDS CEMETERY TOP SOIL... 278.60 MIDWEST COMPUTER BROKERS BULK ITEM DAY ELECTRONICS............... 403.65 MIDWEST SAFETY COUNSELORS INSTRUMENT CALIBRATIONS........... 655.00 MIDWEST TAPE LLC LIBRARY MATERIALS................................................. 254.80 MISCELLANEOUS VENDOR BIGGS, SEAN :US REFUND................................... 138.54 MJ SPORTS DBA BLU TRACK LIBRARY PROGRAMS...................................... 25.00 MOYNA MATERIALS LLC GILLETTE LANE CLEAN STONE................................ 124.90 MT. VERNON ACE HARDWARE OPERATING SUPPLIES................................ 296.89 SCHUMACHER ELEVATOR COMPANY LIBRARY ELEVATOR MAINTENANCE............ ....................................................... 829.86 SIGGINS, BRANDON MILEAGE....... 441.52 SPRINGVILLE READY MIX, INC GILLETTE LANE ROAD WORK...................... 1,658.82

STATE HYGIENIC LABORATORY TESTING .................................................... 1,431.00 STORM STEEL PLAYGROUND MAINTENANCE............................................ 115.14 STUDENT PUBLICATIONS, INC. PUBLICATIONS - ADS................................... 590.26 SUN LIFE FINANCIAL LIFE INSURANCE EMPLOYEE....................................... 29.14 TREASURER STATE OF IOWA STATE W/H .................................................... 2,022.90 UMB BANK BOND FEES.................. 600.00 VEENSTRA & KIMM INC. WELL 5 ENGINEERING FEE............................... 5,480.70 WELLMARK BLUE CROSS HEALTH INSURANCE - EMPLOYEE.................. 831.42 WENDLER, INC. WELL 5 PAY EST. 7......... .................................................. 80,122.00 PAYROLL................................... 26,728.34 GRAND TOTAL:...................... $177,588.08 FUND TOTAL 001 GENERAL FUND................ 39,851.65 110 ROAD USE TAX................... 9,970.47 112 EMPLOYEE BENEFIT FUND............... .................................................... 6,880.63 339 NEW CITY WELL............... 85,602.70 600 WATER FUND.................... 10,632.65 605 UTILITY DEPOSIT FUND........ 138.54 610 SEWER FUND................... 12,059.23 670 SOLID WASTE FUND........ 12,452.21 GRAND TOTAL:...................... $177,588.08 JULY FUND REVENUES TOTALS 001 GENERAL FUND................ 259,065.08 051 EMA CAP EQUIP...................... 500.00 053 LIBRARY CAPITAL IMPROVEMENT.... ....................................................... 500.00 055 FIRE CAP IMP FUND........... 25,000.00 060 PARK CAP IMP FUND......... 50,000.00 110 ROAD USE TAX................... 26,322.10 112 EMPLOYEE BENEFITS........... 1,444.90 113 RD USE CAP EQUIP............ 15,000.00 121 LOCAL OPTION SALES TAX................ .................................................. 55,096.83 125 TIF FUND............................ 52,940.97 200 DEBT SERVICE FUND........... 1,923.91 337 SPORTS COMPLEX........... 235,000.00 338 WATER LINE REHAB........... 10,000.00 339 NEW CITY WELL............... 181,708.28 600 WATER FUND...................... 49,968.20 605 UTILITY DEPOSIT FUND....... 1,200.00 610 SEWER FUND..................... 30,485.54 611 SEWER SINKING FUND...... 15,230.53 670 SOLID WASTE FUND.......... 20,530.79 GRAND TOTAL:................... $1,031,917.13 Published in the Sun August 20, 2026.

CITY OF LISBON, IOWA NATURAL GAS FRANCHISE WITH FRANCHISE FEE

ORDINANCE NO. 02-2026 AN ORDINANCE REPEALING ORDINANCE NO. 06-03 AND GRANTING TO INTERSTATE POWER AND LIGHT COMPANY, ITS SUCCESSORS AND ASSIGNS, A NON-EXCLUSIVE TWENTY-FIVE YEAR FRANCHISE TO ERECT, CONSTRUCT, RECONSTRUCT, MAINTAIN, AND OPERATE PLANT AND SYSTEMS FOR THE DISTRIBUTION OF NATURAL GAS IN THE CITY OF LISBON, IOWA AND TO SELL, DISTRIBUTE, AND SUPPLY NATURAL GAS TO SAID CITY AND ITS INHABITANTS, AND REQUIRING SAID COMPANY TO PAY A FRANCHISE FEE TO THE CITY. PASSED and ADOPTED by the LISBON City Council on the 10th August, 2026.

Published in the Sun August 20, 2026.

CITY OF LISBON, IOWA ELECTRIC FRANCHISE WITH FRANCHISE FEE

ORDINANCE NO. 01-2026 AN ORDINANCE REPEALING ORDINANCE NO. 05-03, AND GRANTING TO INTERSTATE POWER AND LIGHT COMPANY, ITS SUCCESSORS AND ASSIGNS, A NON-EXCLUSIVE TWENTY-FIVE YEAR FRANCHISE TO ACQUIRE, CONSTRUCT, ERECT, MAINTAIN AND OPERATE AN ELECTRIC SYSTEM IN THE CITY OF LISBON, IOWA AND TO FURNISH AND SELL ELECTRIC ENERGY TO THE CITY AND ITS INHABITANTS, AND REQUIRING SAID COMPANY TO PAY A FRANCHISE FEE TO THE CITY. PASSED and ADOPTED by the LISBON City Council on the 10th day of August, 2026.

Published in the Sun August 20, 2026.

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MOUNT VERNON-LISBON SUN | MVLSUN.COM

Free training focuses on maintaining essential services during a cyberattack The goal is to create an action plan to limit disruption to daily operations

Getting started is simple and free Iowa is unique in its service-based approach. To have the greatest statewide impact, Jacobson’s team works directly with local leaders to identify vulnerabilities and assess existing security procedures (there is no requirement to have security procedures in place to participate in the program).

The team develops and conducts a Cybersecurity Incident Management Exercise – it could be a cyberattack or a natural disaster – to facilitate conversations among local government officials and community leaders who would have a role in the response. The exercise provides cities, counties and school districts with: • A shared understanding of essential services • Clear operational priorities • Practical workarounds for technology outages • Better communication across departments Panora City Administrator Lisa Grossman said the workshop provided actionable steps to improve her community’s cyber readiness.

“The content was practical, clearly presented and directly applicable to the challenges cities face in strengthening cybersecurity and preparing for emerging threats. The hands-on guidance and real-world scenario made it easy to understand where our vulnerabilities may be and how to address them,” Grossman said. “It was time well spent and a great resource for Iowa communities.”

Services offered through the Cyber Resilience Initiative are provided free of charge. Time is the only investment for local government leaders. Jacobson says the time commitment varies based on the size of the government entity and continuity exercises are generally two hours in length.

A cyberattack can cripple essential services provided by cities, counties or school districts when technology is disrupted for days or even longer. Local governments can reduce the impact by developing continuity plans to maintain operations.

Iowa State University is leading a statewide initiative that offers free training exercises for city administrators, county officials and school leaders. The goal of the exercise is to identify services that depend on technology and create an action plan to limit disruption to daily operations following a cyberattack.

“Unfortunately, there is no way to completely eliminate the risk,” said Doug Jacobson, director of Iowa State University’s Center for Cybersecurity Innovation and Outreach. “The goal of the Iowa Cyber Resilience Initiative is to make communities more resilient so that they can continue to operate when it happens.”

For example, Jacobson says around 75% of Iowa communities outsource information technology services. If that service is disrupted, local leaders will not be the ones fixing the problem. Instead, they need a plan to maintain essential services until the technology is restored.

The Iowa Cyber Resilience Initiative offers government entities a package of free services to ensure every community has access to cybersecurity tools, knowledge and support. Funding is provided through by the U.S. Department of Homeland Security through the Federal Emergency Management Agency’s State and Local Cybersecurity Grant Program.

“We know the needs are different, which is why the program is available to any government agency regardless of size and level of preparation,” Jacobson said. “The lessons learned during the continuity exercise can apply To learn more, local leaders need to complete an during a cyberattack or if a tornado or flood knocks out online form at https://www.cyio.iastate.edu/iowa-cytechnology in a community.” ber-resilience-initiative/services-request-form/.

Greater Cedar Rapids Community Foundation announces fall 2026 grant cycle Grant Deadline: Friday, September 11, 2026, at 4:30 p.m.

The Greater Cedar Rapids Community Foundation announces its fall 2026 grant cycle for local charitable nonprofits. Applications will be accepted through Friday, September 11, 2026, at 4:30 p.m.

The Community Foundation accepts applications from nonprofit organizations with a 501(c)(3) status, governmental organizations, and non-501(c)(3) organizations that have a current fiscal sponsorship agreement with a 501(c)(3) organization. Grant applications can be submitted online at www.gcrcf.org.

For this grant cycle, applications will be accepted for the following grant programs: • Program Support Grants: Support programs or projects of nonprofits serving Linn County. Grant

awards are a maximum of $30,000 per year. Award limits and eligibility are based on organization type and budget.

• Organization Support Grants: Provide general operating support for nonprofits based in Linn County.

Grant awards are a maximum of $30,000 per year.

Eligibility is based on organization location, type, and budget.

• Linn County Grants: Support programs or projects that enhance the quality of life and community development outside the Cedar Rapids metropolitan area. Grant award maximum is $15,000.

• Endowment Challenge Grants: Support nonprofit organizations with a $25,000 matching grant to help in their effort to create sustainable funding through an endowment.

• Competitive Donor-Advised Funds: Support nonprofits that align with the funding priorities of the donor-advisors. The Community Foundation accepts grant applications for a number of local corporations and family foundations. The programs, grant award sizes, and activities to be funded are determined by each donor-advisor and may include programmatic or operating support, capital campaigns, and event sponsorships. Applications are being accepted for the following competitive donor-advised funds: • Girls With Goals • McGrath Automotive Group For more information on the Program Support Grants or Linn County Grants, please contact Sanjana Raghavan at 319.200.2279 or sanjana.raghavan@gcrcf.org.

For more information on the Organization Support Grants, please contact Casey Baustian at 319.774.2378 or casey.baustian@gcrcf.org.

For more information on Endowment Challenge Grants or Competitive Donor-Advised Funds, please contact Rochelle Naylor at 319.774.2373 or rochelle. naylor@gcrcf.org.

For more information on funding opportunities and deadlines, visit gcrcf.org/grants.

MVLSUN.COM | MOUNT VERNON-LISBON SUN

FALL SPORTS PREVIEWS

THURSDAY, AUGUST 20, 2026 | 15

MV GIRLS’ VOLLEYBALL PREVIEW

LISBON GIRLS’ VOLLEYBALL PREVIEW

Coach: Maggie Willems

Coach: Lance Kamaus

2025 finish: 23-16, 3A state quarterfinals, 3-2 WaMaC, fourth

2025 finish: 34-10, 6-0 Tri-Rivers, first

Returning letter-winners (7): Mavrik Schweer, sr.; Sophie Meester, sr.; Madison Hoffert, sr.; Brynlee Bettcher, sr.; Alexis Boren, jr.; Madelyn Paulus, jr.; Ella Wilson, jr.

Returning letter-winners (3): Shea Benhart, jr.; Kyla Kahl, jr.; Quinn Roos, jr.

Outlook: Returning to state a year after winning it all in 2024 was a pretty solid achievement and extended the consecutive state trips to eight (which is the thirdbest streak in the state).

Can the 2026 Mustangs make it nine trips in a row?

“The biggest obstacle is the 3A field,” coach Maggie Willems said. “It is brutal and stacked this year.”

Mount Vernon returns its setter Madison Hoffert (8.7 assists per set) and its top attacker Sophie Meester (3.5 kills per set).

“Returning a setter is huge to cohesion,” Willems said. “Madi is more confident and has more clarity.”

And Meester, an all-state pick last fall, goes into her senior season with high expectations. Her older sisters, Emma (Kirkwood) and Chloe (Louisville) both played collegiately.

“She is an example what we want from the process,” Willems said. “She bought in, played her role, trained hard and as a result, expanded and succeeded in her role.”

Brynlee Bettcher (1.3 kills per set), Madison Hoffert (1.1 kills per set), and Ella Wilson (1.0 kills per set) return as the other top attackers. Five-foot-8 freshman Stella Merino will also be factor at the net.

“She has a high ceiling,’ Willems said.

And there is another Meester (or two), Aubree is a freshman. Adalyn is an eighth grader.

On defensive side, Mavrik Schweer returns as a top back-row star and all-state pick (4.9 digs per set).

MVL CROSS COUNTRY PREVIEW Coach: Kory Swart Girls 2025 finish: First in WaMaC, third at 3A state Girls returning letter-winners (8): Evelyn Moeller, sr.; Rose Pisarik, sr.; Miranda Sellner, sr.; Torie Johnson, so.; Josie Bothell, sr.; Caroline Rupe, sr.; Kate Martin, so.; Sorell Telecky, jr.

Outlook: Outlook: The Mustangs return one of the top runners in the state in senior Evelyn Moeller. She finished third at the 2025 state meet and won 3 titles this past spring at the state track meet (900, 1,500, 3,000).

“She’s going to be the favorite (in 3A) going in,” coach Kory Swart said. “And she is motivated to do so. She’s got to stay healthy, but she’ll put in the work.”

Mount Vernon graduated a few runners off the team that finished third at state, but have a few returning, too.

Seniors Rose Pisarik and Miranda Sellner should provide good times at No. 2 and 3 spots. After that?

“It’ll come down to how closely our 4-5 runners can be to our Top 3,” Swart said.

The Mustangs probably won’t have senior Caroline Rupe, who is out following surgery this summer. But sophomore Torie Johnson, who ran at state, and junior Sorell Telecky could be a big factor. Also sophomore Kate Martin, the latest cross country/wrestling combo athlete.

And there’s always a few freshmen siblings to consider. Miranda Sellner’s sister, Aubrey might be ready. And Violet Olberding, sister of Grady, an all-state boys runner, can makes noise as well.

Outlook: The same season Lisbon is moving into the loaded River Valley South, the Lions are dealing with a medium-sized rebuild.

The top five attackers from last year -- when Lisbon won its ninth straight Tri-Rivers Divisional title -- and both setters have moved on. In addition, top returning hitter, 5-foot-7 Quinn Roos, is the tallest hitter on the front line. She averaged 0.6 kills per set in 2025.

“I told the kids, in my 18 years this is the least amount of experience we bring back to the floor,” coach Lance Kamaus said. “But I think we have the potential to be as good as last year.”

It may be a little bit of a work in progress. Shea Benhart (0.4 kills per set) will have a bigger role. Ella Czarnecki, sister of all-state hitter Ava (now at Coe), is a freshman and could be a big help.

“She is light years ahead of where Ava was as a freshman,” Kamaus said.

She isn’t the only talented freshman either. Kinsley Kamaus is among a deep group of setter candidates. And Brynn Kahl, sister of Kyla Kahl, should help at the net.

Junior libero Kyla Kahl was a first-team all-conference pick last season.

“She is really good,” Kamaus said. “She is back, and she is better. We got an upgrade with the same kid.”

Then there’s junior Olivia Gogel, whom Kamaus called the best server on the team, and senior Sydney Techau.

The senior group also includes Holley Dighton, Leila Mayhew, Hallie Ries and Jenna Ries. All could be rotation pieces.

“We’ll see,” Kamaus said. “We have a lot of unanswered questions.”

The Lions are still working out the best offense for this group. Junior Brynnley Patterson, junior Carly Long and sophomore Kayla Bergmann should get their swings in. Junior Jordyn Jarchow and junior Mia Adams are possibilities, too.

“Our first match, you are going to see Shea and Kyla and Quinn,” Kamaus said.

“Everything else is up for grabs. The first night we’ll see who can do what.”

HOLE IN ONE!

Boys 2025 finish: First in WaMaC, second at 3A state Boys returning letterwinners (5): Ben Brinkmann, so.; Chasen Caskey, sr.; Anthony Armstrong, sr.; Kyler Happel, sr.; Connor Teague, so.

Outlook: Three of the runners from the runner-up state team are gone, but the foundation is there.

Unfortunately, Ben Brinkmann, who placed 17th at state as a freshman, is out with injury early on.

“We’ll have to have other kids step up,” Swart said. “We can’t replace Ben, but we can pack together to limit the effect.”

Swart said the depth is very good and a number of runners could make varsity.

Seniors Chasen Caskey, Anthony Armstrong and Kyler Happel, who all ran at state, all return. Swart said sophomore Conner Teague and freshman Dashtyn Caskey -- brother of Chasen -- should be ready to contribute.

The Mustangs also return Danny Dye, who was hurt last year, and Logan Erickson, who was on the state-qualifying 4x800 team in track.

“Our top three are solid, and we might have some diamonds in the rough,” Swart said. “There should be a lot of competition for varsity spots, and that helps everyone get better.”

FOLLOW MV-L SPORTS IN THE AND ONLINE AT MVLSUN.COM

Contributed photo

Matt Thede hit his first hole in one at Kernoustie Golf Club Wednesday, Aug. 12, on hole No. 8 (par 3) while playing a round of golf with John Rhomberg.

SPORTS

16 | THURSDAY, AUGUST 20, 2026 | MOUNT VERNON-LISBON SUN

Lisbon Sauerkraut Days 5K held

MVLSUNCOM

Nathan Countryman Mount Vernon-Lisbon Sun

nathan.countryman@mvlsun.com

Runners in the Lisbon Sauerkraut Days had a light rain to contend with throughout the run, but that didn’t stop Anthony Armstrong and Kyler Happel from putting in a neck and neck finish in the race.

The duo finished in 16:54, with Armstrong taking the top spot.

On the female finishers, Stephanie Brehm was the top finisher with a time of 20:50.

Several of the names placing in the event again this year were members of the Mount Vernon-Lisbon Cross Country team, getting some experience in on the out and back track.

But the racer many were waiting to finish was Dean Mallie, being pushed by his sons for the majority of the race in a wheelchair and finishing the final block with the aid of a walker, in 50 minutes. As he crossed the finish line, many

Nathan Countryman | Mount Vernon-Lisbon Sun

The 70 runners are off from the starting line on a misty Saturday morning for the Sauerkraut Days 5K race. of the racers and community cheered him on.

Mallie noted he has used the Lisbon Sauerkraut 5K route as a space to run in the evenings for a workout many times.

This year, he was using the 5K as a reminder of the importance of radon detection. Mallie has been diagnosed with stage IV lung cancer, and been battling that disease for the past two years.

“My sons came up with the idea on how to allow me to participate this year,” Mallie said. “I have to say the level of

support I’ve had in this community and across the country has been so immense.”

And he hopes this isn’t his final 5K. Mallie said the races he’s been proud of have been the five marathons he ran after reaching the age of 50, and that using the course in Lisbon as a training ground has been beneficial.

He encouraged people to do radon testing in their homes and mitigate that exposure.

Lisbon Sauerkraut Days 5K results 1 Anthony Armstrong 16:54, 2 Kyler Happel 16:54, 3 Ean Caskey 17:01, 4 Chasen Caskey 17:21, 5 Sawyer Feldman 17:22, 6 Brooks Kabela 17:28, 7 Michael Mallon 18:07, 8 Jeremy Martin 20:08, 9 Mike Kabela 20:12, 10 Stephanie Brehm 20:50, 11 Zavier Thies 21:13, 12 Tristian Weaver 21:23, 13 Cole Veeder 21:30, 14 Rylan Hall 21:59, 15 Matt Gogel 22:29, 16 Thomas Tharp 23:57, 17 Brandon Wolfe 24:05, 18 Noah Sporrer 24:19, 19 Emily Dux Speltz 24:21, 20 Sean Armstrong 24:26, 21 Briar Kabela 24:44, 22 Austin Hill Hill 25:10, 23 Brett Plughaupt 25:25,

24 John Brehm 25:48, 25 Alyssa Ball 26:05, 26 Kyle McEvilly 26:16, 27 Justus Hallam 26:25, 28 Denali Woolley-Hallam 26:25, 29 Tyler Roos 26:28, 30 Joe Brinkmann 26:41, 31 Eliza Moehlman 26:44, 32 Kimberly Stewart 27:36, 33 Kevin Steele 27:37, 34 Paul Reimann 27:46, 35 Aubrey Sporrer 28:01, 36 John Feldman 28:24, 37 Parker Davis 28:42, 38 Emilie Taylor 29:08, 39 Marvin Knoot 29:08, 40 Erin Mitchell 29:17, 41 Peyton Kohl 29:18, 42 Bella Butteriss 29:23, 43 Sophia Gogel 29:51, 44 Logan O'connor 29:54, 45 Talia Hartelt 29:55, 46 Alexa Roos 29:58, 47 Finn Holub 30:19, 48

Megan Holub 30:19, 49 Angela Tharp 31:04, 50 Michelle Schwenn 31:14, 51 Mike Overman 31:25, 52 Tabitha Matthiesen 31:28, 53 Hailee Sandberg 31:30, 54 Kaylie Kelchen 32:07, 55 Meegan Englund 32:17, 56 Ethan Speltz 32:50, 57 Jay Belding 33:08, 58 Kimberly McGuire 34:46, 59 Riley Nost 34:52, 60 Lois Cahill 35:43, 61 Adri Trimble 35:44, 62 Amy Larkin 36:36, 63 Ashtyn Nielsen 36:37, 64 Maude Overman 37:45, 65 Tim Cahill 38:20, 66 Taylor Schroeder 40:06, 67 Hannah Beggs 40:07, 68 Chloe Brown 41:25, 69 Carol Thumma 41:42, 70 Michelle Clark 41:43, 71 Candice Olores-Prevatt 56:35.

MV TENNIS

FEATURE

MV girls’ blank South Tama

MV alum helps Cleveland Browns Ryan Suchomel Mount Vernon-Lisbon Sun ryan.suchomel@mvlsun.com

John Charlson | Mount Vernon-Lisbon Sun

Mount Vernon’s Emily Schnoor motions the ball is out during a varsity round robin tennis meet between the Mount Vernon Mustangs, Grinnell Tigers, Maquoketa Cardinals, and the Marion Wolves at Mount Vernon High School Tennis Courts on Thursday, Aug. 6.

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

Mount Vernon girls’ tennis won their first match of 2026, blanking South Tama County 9-0 on Tuesday, Aug. 11 at Mount Vernon.

The match was delayed by rain. It went quickly once the Mustangs got on the court.

"All the varsity girls showed they've got what it takes," Mount Vernon coach Brenden VanWey said.

It was also the first doubles action of the season, and the Mustangs outscored the Trojans 24-6.

"The girls that are paired together are all good friends," VanWey said. "They know what they are doing."

A second match last week at home against Grinnell was rained out Thursday, Aug. 13. It was rescheduled for Wednesday, Aug. 19.

Mount Vernon 9, South Tama County 0 Singles - Stella Dvorak (MV) def. Mady Boriskey 8-0; Emily Schnoor (MV) def. Ava Boldt 8-0; Avery Thurn (MV) def. Presley Vest 8-3; Anna Stephens (MV) def. Catherine Hardon 8-0; Journey McCartt (MV) def. Kendra Svacina 8-3; Leah Morse (MV) def. Bralynn Rohrs 8-5.

Doubles - Dvorak/Schnoor (MV) def. Boriskey/Boldt 8-1; Thurn/Stephens (MV) def. Vest/Svacina 8-4; McCartt/Morse (MV) def. Hardon/Rohrs 8-1.

You never know where former Mustangs are going to turn up. Dr. Mikaela Lengwin recently spent a week in the Dawg Pound.

The 2015 Mount Vernon grad spent a week in training camp with the Cleveland Browns.

A Loras College graduate who is taking classes at Northwestern Health Sciences in Bloomington, Minn., Lengwin got the opportunity to help the NFL team through her boss at Northwestern.

"It is helpful for NFL teams to have an extra set of hands during camp," Lengwin said. "When he told me of the opportunity, I quickly said, 'yes, I want to do this!'"

Lengwin spent the first week of August, the real grind of training camp before the first preseason game, with the Browns.

"Every NFL team has a chiropractor," Lengwin said. "As well as athletic trainers, nutritionists and scientists, and more."

And it is a lot of work keeping an NFL team in working order.

"Since I'm not fully licensed in Ohio, I wasn't able to provide the full scope of care. But I was able to help with rehab, stretching, in the weight room, with the sports scientists.

"And on the practice field with hydration."

Lengwin said she did not do chiropractic adjustments for the Browns, but has worked with a few big linemen in Minneapolis. Her history as a softball player with the Mustangs and a swimmer with Linn-Mar helps in those situations.

"I'm tiny, but mighty," said Lengwin, who is 5-foot-4. "I can keep up with the big dawgs ... if you will."

And the NFL players embraced the tiny Iowan. First-year coach Todd Monken and many players interacted with her during the week. The days were long, at least 14 hours every day, and there was always more to do.

"On the hottest days, I was refilling water bottles 10 times," Lengwin said.

But it was a great opportunity. The job was right in her wheelhouse, since she is completing a sport chiropractic degree at Northwestern. The NFL team, of course, had

Contributed photo

Dr. Mikaela Lengwin in Cleveland Browns gear outside Northwestern Health Sciences University Human Performance Center. Lengwin is studying at Northwestern currently. state-of-the-art everything.

"My end goal is to continue working with athletes," Lengwin said.

She said despite their larger-than-life profession, the players were very down-to-earth.

"I was nervous, but they are still humans," Lengwin said.

"They love to have fun and welcomed me right away. I jumped in and worked with them on day one. A lot of them are big, goofy guys."

She did, however, keep it on the down-low that her dad was a big Pittsburgh Steelers fan.

"My favorite moment was when Coach Monken smacked me on the shoulder with his laminated practice schedule," Lengwin said. "He's got a lot of energy.

"And on the last day, one of the O-line guys thanked me. I had so much fun. I told him, 'I've got you big dog.'"