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Story on the farm Lisbon Homecoming court named, activities planned Nathan Countryman Mount Vernon-Lisbon Sun
Nathan Countryman | Mount Vernon-Lisbon Sun
nathan.countryman@mvlsun.com
Nathan Countryman Mount Vernon-Lisbon Sun
nathan.countryman@mvlsun.com
Lisbon Public Library and Cole Public Library hosted their third annual “Storytime on the Farm,” this year at new location Bass Farms in rural Mount Vernon. Balderdash Ditty (singers Kim Benesh and Braden Rood) led with “Thank you For Being a Friend” and “Be Outdoors.” Grace Chamberlain-Rowray, director of Cole Library, read the book “Apple Cake” by Dawn Casey and Genevieve Godbout. Balderdash Ditty sang “Be Curious” by Barenaked Ladies. Lisbon’s children librarian and assistant librarian at Cole Library Meredith Nehring read “If You Find a Leaf” by Aimee Sicuro. Before getting into the book, Nehring asked youth to determine what she had found before the story time had begun. Guesses included leaves, flowers, rocks, apples and caterpillars. Nehring’s caterpillar, however, exhibited some of those adaptations that keep them alive in nature – blending in and hiding. Chamberlain-Rowray was able to locate the insect while Nehring continued with her story. Nehring asked attendees to find different uses for leaves, like using them as a hat, crown, boat. Attendees were then able to decorate pumpkins provided by Bass Farms, as well as sample cider slushies at Bass Farms. See page 3 for more "Storytime on the Farm" photos
Members of the Lisbon Homecoming court include (back, from left) Ryder Meeks, Anthony Armstrong, Leon Rogers, Kyler Happel, Asa Bee, Ethan Stone, (front, from left) Lisbon’s Homecoming festivities are Morgan Sauser, Hallie Ries, Ellie Beatty, Leila Mayhew, Ava Ahrendsen and Jenna Ries. planned for this week. Wednesday, Sept. 16, there will be a homecoming parade at 6:15 p.m. The parade route begins at the high school King candidates this year include a home volleyball game against Durant then moves north along Jefferson Street Ryder Meeks, Anthony Armstrong, Leon on Tuesday, Sept. 15, the football game to Market Street. The parade moves east Rogers, Kyler Happel, Asa Bee and Ethan Friday, Sept. 18 against Cascade, with along Market Steet to South Jackson Stone. Queen candidates include Mor- the coronation of king and queen before Street. The parade then moves south gan Sauser, Hallie Ries, Ellie Beatty, Leila the varsity game, as well as induction of down Jackson Street back to East Main Mayhew, Ava Ahrendsen and Jenna Ries. Lisbon Alumni Association’s hall of fame Street, where the parade heads west Dress up days include Woke up Like members. back to Jefferson Street. The parade This Day (Monday, Sept. 14), Country vs The Lisbon Volleyball invite Saturday, then moves south on Jefferson Street to Country Club (Tuesday, Sept. 15), Class Sept. 19 at 9 a.m. at Lisbon Schools. School Street, east on School Street to Color Day (Wednesday, Sept. 16), Rhyme The weekend concludes with the LisWalnut Street then west on South Street without Reason (today, Thursday, Sept. bon homecoming dance from 8:30 p.m. to the north school parking lot. 17), and School Spirit Day (Friday, Sept. to 10:30 p.m. The annual powderpuff games begin at 18). PARADE ROUTE MAP ON PAGE 13 7 p.m. at Walmer Field. Sporting activities this week included
MVCSD Alumni Hall of Fame inductees for 2026 The Mount Vernon Community School Foundation will be inducting five members into the Alumni Hall of Fame as part of Mount Vernon’s homecoming activities Friday, Sept. 25. The induction ceremony will begin at 9 a.m. at the Mount Vernon Performing Arts Center auditorium, and the community is invited to attend. Inductees this year include Gary Koppenhaver (Class of 1972) for achievement, Will Teubel (Class of 2012) for athletics, Amy Friedel (Class of 2001) for fine arts, Donna Wood (Class of 1986) for service and Jeremy Elliott (Class of 1989) for community impact.
School, Koppenhaver pursued higher education at the University of Iowa, earning a bachelor of business administration in 1976 and a Ph.D. in economics in 1980. He went on to build a distinguished career in higher education and economics, serving as a tenured professor at both Iowa State University and Illinois State University. At Iowa State, he also provided significant leadership as assoKoppenhaver ciate dean of the College of Business. At Achievement - Gary Koppenhaver (Class of 1972) Illinois State University, he represented Gary Koppenhaver's remarkable career reflects the values 25 faculty as chair of the Department of Finance, Insurance of scholarship, leadership, service, and integrity that define and Law from 2007 to 2019. the Alumni Achievement Hall of Fame. A 1972 graduate of Beyond academia, Koppenhaver applied his expertise as a Mt. Vernon Community School District, Gary was an active senior economist with the Federal Reserve Bank of Chicago and accomplished student. He participated in concert band and as an economic consultant to the Federal Reserve Bank for four years, earned All-State Choir honors, was selected for of Dallas and the State Farm Foundation. His international the First Team All-Conference in both football and baseball, work included serving as co-chief of a U.S. Agency for Interand was a member of the National Honor Society. Inspired by outstanding teachers at Mount Vernon High HALL OF FAME | 2
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national Development project in Cairo, Egypt, and teaching graduate-level courses in Panama City, Panama. A dedicated educator, Koppenhaver received Iowa State University's Louis Thompson Distinguished Undergraduate Teacher Award in 2005 and Illinois State University's Outstanding MBA Professor Award in 2019. He credits his success to the work ethic and humility instilled by his family, especially his wife, Kay, and to the confidence and high standards fostered by his Mount Vernon teachers. Together, Gary and Kay have three married children and seven grandchildren. His career stands as a testament to lifelong learning, service, and the power of education making a lasting impact. Athletic Hall of Fame - Will Teubel (Class of 2012) A member of Mount Vernon High School's Class of 2012, Will Teubel distinguished himself as highly accomplished through an extraordinary combination of athletic achievement, Teubel leadership, and dedication. During his high school career, he earned 10 varsity letters in track and field, basketball, cross country, and football while helping lead Mustang teams to conference, district, and state success. Teubel’s senior year ranks among the finest athletic seasons ever recorded at Mount Vernon. He was a starter on the 2012 boys' basketball team that captured the school's first state championship in nearly 40 years. On the track, he won three Class 2A state titles in the 400 meters, 800 meters, and 4x800 relay while leading the Mustangs to a state runner-up finish. His school-record performances in the 400 (48.82), 800 (1:53.35), and 4x800 relay (7:57.66) still stand today. Teubel continued his athletic career at the University of Iowa, where he became one of the Hawkeyes' top middle-distance runners. A fivetime letter winner and multi-year team captain, he earned NCAA Division I All-American honors in the 800 meters, was a Big Ten medalist, qualified for multiple NCAA championship events, and helped Iowa win its first Drake Relays 4x800 title in 88 years. He remains among Iowa's all-time leaders in several events. Equally respected for his leadership and character, Teubel served as vice president of the Iowa Student Athlete Advisory Committee and dedicated hundreds of hours to community service. His legacy reflects the power of hard work, perseverance, teamwork, and excellence, making him a highly deserving member of the Mount Vernon Athletics Hall of Fame
time at Mount Vernon High School, Friedl built a distinguished career as a singer, actress, producer, and arts ambassador whose influence extends well beyond the local stage. Throughout her career, Friedl has earned acclaim for leading performances Friedl in numerous theatrical productions, including iconic starring roles as Eva Perón in Evita, Maria in The Sound of Music, and Mother in Ragtime. Her commanding stage presence and exceptional vocal ability have made her a sought-after performer in both professional and community productions across the region. In addition to her work in theater, Friedl has become widely known for her self-produced concert performances and annual holiday shows, which have become treasured traditions for audiences throughout Eastern Iowa. She has appeared as a featured guest artist with symphony and philharmonic orchestras and has performed at prestigious venues including Carnegie Hall and Birdland in New York City, as well as the Blue Strawberry in St. Louis. Friedl's artistry, entrepreneurial spirit, and commitment to excellence have made her a respected leader in the performing arts community. She continues to inspire audiences through her original productions, tribute concerts, and collaborations with young performers, including the Mount Vernon Concert Choir and Jazz Band. She serves as a board member at the Eastern Iowa Arts Academy, as well as secretary for the Mount Vernon Fine Arts Association. Her career exemplifies the talent, leadership, and dedication celebrated by the Mount Vernon Fine Arts Hall of Fame.
Service Hall of Fame - Donna Wood (Class of 1986) Donna Wood has dedicated decades of her life to leadership, community engagement, and service to others. Since graduating from Mount Vernon High School in 1986, she has Wood exemplified the generosity, commitment, and character that define the Alumni Service Award. Wood began her volunteer journey in the late 1990s through the Mount Vernon Jaycees, contributing to numerous community projects and initiatives. She also served as a Camp Fire USA leader in both Mount Vernon and Mechanicsville, mentoring youth and helping create meaningful opportunities for learning and community involvement. Her greatest impact has come through Lions Clubs International. After joining the Mechanicsville Lions Club, Wood quickly emerged as Fine Arts Hall of Fame - Amy Friedl a dedicated leader, serving as club president (Class of 2001) and secretary. She later became president of Amy Friedl has established herself as one of the Stanwood Lions Club and went on to serve Eastern Iowa's most accomplished and recog- the organization at the district level, including nizable vocal artists, captivating audiences a term as District Governor in 2015-2016. She through her extraordinary talent, versatility, and currently serves as the State Secretary of the dedication to the performing arts. Following her Lions of Iowa
Run for Pie returns Sept. 26 Nathan Countryman Mount Vernon-Lisbon Sun
nathan.countryman@mvlsun.com
The Run for Pie 5K and kids one mile fun run returns Saturday, Sept. 26, at Lisbon City Park. The run takes off beginning at 9 a.m. Saturday morning, with packet pick-up beginning at 7 a.m. the race day of the morning. Awards for the top three are presented for those under 10, those 14 and under, 15-19, 20-29, 30-39, 40-49, 50-59, 60-69 and 70 and over. Overall winners (top male and female finisher) will receive a piece of Haitian art, while age group winners will have their choice of
donated homemade pies. All participants receive a slice of homemade apple pie. Cost is $35 if you want a t-shirt (and t-shirts are not guaranteed) or $20 for no t-shirt for the 5K and $25 for the half-mile kids fun run with t-shirt or $10 up to the race day. The race is an out and back 5K that starts and ends at Lisbon City Park. The Run For Pie 5K and Kids 1 Mile Fun Run will be held rain or shine. In the event of nearby lightning, the race director may postpone the start of the races or cancel them altogether to ensure the safety of competitors, participants, spectators and volunteers. Because funds raised for the event are used to support the education of impoverished
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Wood's commitment to service extends beyond her local community through her involvement with the National Beep Baseball Association (NBBA). She has played a key role in coordinating volunteers and strengthening partnerships between Lions Clubs and the NBBA at Beep Baseball World Series events across the country. Her willingness to step forward wherever help is needed has made her a trusted leader and a valued volunteer on both the local and national levels. In recognition of her outstanding contributions, Wood has received numerous honors, including the Warren Coleman Award, the Melvin Jones Fellowship, the District Governor Excellence Award, the International President's Award Medal, the LCIF 50th Anniversary Medal and five international certificates of appreciation. Her lifelong commitment to service and helping others makes her a highly deserving recipient of the Alumni Service Award. Community Impact Hall of Fame - Jeremy Elliott (Class of 1989) Jeremy Elliott has made an extraordinary impact on the Mount Vernon community through more than three decades of service, care, and dedication to the health and well-being of Elliott local students and athletes. A lifelong Mount Vernon resident and 1989 graduate of Mount Vernon High School, Jeremy earned a Bachelor of Science degree from Iowa State University in 1994, passed the National Athletic Trainers Association board exam that same year, and later became a licensed Physical Therapist Assistant in 2004. Since the opening of Iowa Physical Therapy in 2005, he has been an integral member of that team. For the past 32 years, Elliott has served as the athletic trainer for the Mount Vernon Community School District, becoming a trusted and familiar presence on the sidelines, in training rooms, and at countless practices and competitions. Generations of Mustang athletes have benefited from his expertise, professionalism, and unwavering commitment to their health and success. Elliott’s impact extends far beyond treating injuries. He has guided young athletes through the challenges of recovery, offered encouragement during difficult moments, provided reassurance to families, and helped students develop confidence and resilience. Whether evaluating an injury, supporting an athlete through rehabilitation, or making difficult decisions in the best interest of a student's long-term health, Elliott has consistently demonstrated exceptional care, character, and compassion. Mount Vernon's athletic success over the years has been built on the efforts of many dedicated individuals, and Elliott has been a vital part of that foundation. Through his tireless service, leadership, and genuine concern for others, he has influenced thousands of students and families. His enduring commitment to the Mount Vernon community makes him a highly deserving recipient of the Community Impact Hall of Fame Award. children in rural Haiti, no refunds will be issued in the event the race is canceled or postponed. On Jan. 26, 2000, All Saints parish in Cedar Rapids was twinned with the parish of Notre Dame de Lourdes in Belle Fontaine, Haiti. There are around 50,000 people in the sister parish. In Notre Dame de Lourdes there are 24 chapels. Each has its own school, teachers and students. There are 105 teachers and about 4,500 students. Each teacher should earn a salary of about $360 a school year, if funds are available. The student’s families pay what they can, we work to raise funds to cover the rest. The churches send money three times a year to support the education system. In 2008 we started sending food, clothes, school supplies and a few other items down to our sister parish using a shipping program call the Sea-Crate.
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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 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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STORYTIME from 1
Nathan Countryman | Mount Vernon-Lisbon Sun
Front page: Attendees decorate pumpkins at the end of the story time at Bass Farms. Far right: Kim Benesh helps Grace Chamberlain-Rowray by holding a microphone during her story time. Right: Meredith Nehring reads her book at the story time. Below: Balderdash Ditty (Braden Rood and Kim Benesh) sing a song at the story time.
MV pool goes to the dogs for the day Nathan Countryman Mount Vernon-Lisbon Sun
nathan.countryman@mvlsun.com
The pool went to the dogs for one day, Tuesday, Sept. 8, as the Doggie Dip once again was held. The event is a fundraiser for the Nancy Doreen Huffman Dog Park, as well as a social hour for dogs and their owners. Of course, the only ones supposed to be getting fully submerged or as deep in the water as they want are the dogs. Humans are only to go to depths of their knees. Barking, splashing and plenty of chasing tennis balls happened at the pool on it’s last day in operation for the season. And, of course, the occasional accidents that would potentially close splash pads and pools during the day. Of course, since it was the last activity for the pool for this season, clean up was removing the mess and getting the pool ready to drain over the next few days for the winter.
Photos by Nathan Countryman | Mount Vernon-Lisbon Sun
Top: Goose and his owner get into a water fight at the pool. Goose was barking his enthusiasm and splashing just as much as he got splashed at the event. Above left to right: Reyna finds a way to try and stay out of the deep end with the help of her sibling and owner. Sawyer is initially skeptical about taking a dip in this large pool. He eventually got used to a more lengthy dip. Leia braves the slide in the shallow end of the pool to chase her toy. Left: It’s hard to enforce a no running alongside the pool rule when those running have four legs.
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OPINIONS/NEWS
OPINIONS
Cameras are everywhere— hidden in plain sight Living in Iowa Dan Brawner
They’re watching us all the time. And we hardly notice. There are CCTV cameras, red light cameras, speed cameras. And now there are Flock cameras—a private computer-based network that records all the vehicle license plates they see, along with the make and model, the time of day, even bumper stickers. This information is shared with state and national data bases. The system has been used to track kidnappers, arsonists and car thieves. It has also been used to track women who’d gotten an abortion and by certain police officers to stalk their girlfriends. Iowa alone is deploying over 870 Flock camera under the control of at least 62 law enforcement agencies. Cedar Rapids has around 75 active Flock cameras and the University of Iowa employs 30 cameras on its Iowa City campus. The Flock system isn’t cheap. A city running 10 cameras has to budget $25,000 to $30,000 a month, not including installation and relocation fees. Some police departments rave about how Flock is invaluable in solving and preventing crimes. They contend the money is well spent because one camera essentially does the work of several officers. But not every city is comfortable with the Flock surveillance system. Coralville cancelled its contract in February. Initially when it signed with the company, the city stipulated that Flock would not be allowed to share its data with federal immigration. But the Iowa Attorney General pointed out that it was against Iowa law to impede immigration enforcement. Coralville responded by taking down Flock’s cameras. Residents in other Iowa communities have expressed reservations about tracking residents who have committed no crimes and sharing that information with other agencies. Waukee declined to renew with Flock in August. Indianola, Osceola, Altoona and Keokuk also broke ties with Flock. Tiny, cheap cameras are popping up everywhere. And they are not always used responsibly. In June, the Albia Police Department arrested contractor, Kevin Zaputil for installing a hidden camera in the Just Teasin’ Hair Salon. For nearly three years nobody noticed the camera, which was aimed at the tanning beds, because it was disguised as a regular electrical outlet. Eventually, the owner of the salon overheard someone discussing videos of female customers disrobing and he called authorities. We are supposed to have what the law calls a “reasonable expectation of privacy.” Hotels can’t film customers in the shower. Private detectives can’t plant listening devices in your lampshades. But what about outside? Recently the Iowa Natural Resource Commission has approved a rule stating that private individuals will no longer be allowed to install trail cameras on public lands. It seems some hunters were using the cameras to track deer and other game. Some even sold the location of animals to trophy hunters. Wild animals have no choice but to live outside but aren’t they still entitled to a reasonable expectation of privacy? Trail cameras capture a deer’s most intimate moments, eating leaves, sleeping in people’s gardens. Rabbits are filmed happily hopping like nobody’s watching. I bet they would appreciate some privacy. You know-- what happens in the woods stays in the woods. Squirrels are different, of course. They are a bunch of show-offs. If squirrels ever figured out we were watching them, they’d create elaborate circus routines for us, endlessly rehearsing on our front porches. We’d be sorry we ever invented trail cameras.
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Striking the balance: Local freedom and statewide protections Brooke Boden
Iowa House Representative, District 21
As Chair of the Local Government Committee in the Iowa House, I am often asked: Where should decision-making power reside? I believe the answer lies in the principled balance that local entities should lead on local operational needs, but the state must ensure consistency when constitutional rights, taxpayer protections, or public safety are on the line. We must respect local flexibility while establishing a baseline framework that Boden protects the fundamental rights, safety, and pocketbooks of all Iowans, regardless of their zip code. Iowa recognizes that local officials are closest to the people. A rural county faces different operational realities than a metro area, and local leaders require proper elbow room to manage budgets, deliver services, and address community-specific needs. However, local control is not unlimited self-government. State consistency becomes necessary when local mandates create a confusing regulatory patchwork, undermine fiscal accountability, or encroach upon fundamental liberties. House Republicans have applied this balanced test across several key areas. First, because local government decisions directly impact family budgets, major property tax reforms
established consistent guidelines for tax growth, assessment limits, and budget reporting. This ensures taxpayers across all 99 counties understand where their hard-earned dollars go, while preserving local boards' ability to prioritize spending within reasonable boundaries. Second, protecting childhood innocence and empowering parents are non-negotiable principles requiring statewide uniformity. We have set clear, statewide standards to ensure parents remain fully informed and involved in their children's well-being, while still preserving local operational authority by allowing local school boards to determine the specific security measures, such as School Resource Officers or trained staff, that best fit them. Finally, public safety and economic stability require state law to be applied predictably. We have consistently opposed attempts to create a patchwork of conflicting local enforcement policies regarding immigration laws, identification standards, or commercial regulations, ensuring a thriving economy and safe communities where citizens, law enforcement, and small business owners operate under one clear, fair standard statewide. State legislators should not micromanage the daily operations of cities, counties, or school districts. Local leaders must retain the freedom to innovate and solve community problems within their proper scope. But when local decisions collide with constitutional rights, economic fairness, or equal protection under the law, state consistency must act as the ultimate safeguard. By maintaining these boundaries, Iowa strikes the right balance, empowering local governance while protecting our state's most vital unit: the individual and the family.
Democracy grows from the ground up Janice Weiner
Iowa Senate Democratic Leader
American democracy succeeds by trial and error. Our history is littered with flaws and mistakes, corrected and amended, re-broken, and fixed again, often thanks to citizen input. That is why local government – bottom up, grassroots democracy – provides the best opportunity for experimentation and correcting the mistakes that a top-down view of government too often misses. Yes, some things need to be uniform – Weiner things like traffic signs and rules of the road, public health, and our currency, for example. But many of the best ideas start local. Maybe it’s a commission, or a new approach to public transit. Maybe it’s stricter rules for storm water drainage based on regular, extreme rain events, a unique idea on how to multiply options for affordable housing, or an idea to offer incentives for entrepreneurs. Heck, even school boards are local and the legislature actually recognized that when it set a floor on the use of electronic devices for students – districts can build on that. That’s precisely why our best opportunities for collective self-improvement are often discovered not in the halls of Congress or the office of the governor, but in the city council chamber or the county administrative building; in the small rooms and local communities that serve as civic laboratories. And that’s why recent top-down efforts to strip those small, local rooms of their ability to experiment and innovate are so short-sighted. Our communities are different, counties are different – their local economies and their built and natural environments are different – and that is where local governance and public input come in. We’re different, and that’s a good thing. We’re not all square pegs to be shoved into round holes. Just look at my neck of the woods. Iowa City isn’t the same as Tiffin. Tiffin isn’t Solon. West Branch isn’t Riverside, which isn’t Coralville or North Liberty. And so on. Even for communities separated by less than 30 minutes of drive time, the community-based approach on any given policy issue can vary significantly. And when the legislature imposes a one-size-fits-all “solution”, it leaves little room for local governments to adjust to local needs. It’s like telling everyone in a household that they must all wear the same size or kind of shoe. In the past, preemption battles usually played out between the states and the federal government. Iowa doesn’t much
like it when the federal government imposes limits or a mandate. But recently, these fights have filtered down to states and municipalities. In the past ten years alone, dozens of preemption bills have become law in Iowa as Republican lawmakers in Des Moines sought to consolidate and centralize power under their governing trifecta. The statehouse slammed the brakes on local government efforts to enshrine workers’ rights, provide affordable housing, manage local elections, enhance civil rights protections, and codify electrical safety requirements. These exertions of state power aren’t made with each individual Iowan in mind – they impose a set of ideological goals and preempt local governance. Maybe they would like to sit in the mayor’s or the councilor’s chair and field public comment? Given how many opt out of basics like forums and town halls, that seems a stretch. In 2008, for example, the statewide minimum wage increased to $7.25, a number adopted shortly thereafter by the federal government. In 2015, recognizing that $7.25 was insufficient at both reducing poverty and meeting local cost of living needs, the Johnson County Board of Supervisors passed an ordinance establishing a higher, local minimum wage that would begin at $8.20 and rise to $10.10 by 2017. Then, in March of 2017, Gov. Terry Branstad signed a law preempting that ordinance, reducing the enforceable minimum wage in Johnson County back to $7.25. Our county adjusted and innovated based on local need, to provide a higher quality of life for local residents, and the state said no – we know better – under the guise of “needing uniformity” and “it would be confusing.” Establishing a floor, a minimum standard of regulation, allows localities to experiment and innovate while protecting baseline freedoms for everyone. The Smokefree Air Act, for instance, was passed in 2008. It established a floor to protect public health but didn’t prevent local governments from going further based on community demand. But establishing a floor is very different than simply saying no because someone in the legislature doesn’t like what a particular local government is doing. There are also other checks and balances at work here – voters weigh in every two years, and if an ordinance is at odds with state law or the state constitution, a court can strike it down. Our local communities are nimble – they can respond more quickly and with precision to local constituents’ needs. Let local governments experiment and let the state adjust based on the results. We might all just learn something. Will all of the ideas work? Of course not. But democracy, like flowers, grows and flourishes from the ground up, not the top down.
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THURSDAY, SEPTEMBER 17, 2026 | 5
FROM THE STATEHOUSE
CO2 Pipeline Update - Celebrating small victories to national historic registry Rep. Cindy Golding House District 83 When facing a major challenge, we need to step back and celebrate the small victories along the way. This gives hope and encouragement to continue the battle. A quick history: The terms “carbon sequestration” and “CO2 Pipeline” became part of our conversations back in 2020 -2021 when we received a notice of a pipeline coming through our farm. My husband and I attended our first meeting hosted by Wolf and ADM in the summer of 2021. We were told that our farm, along with our neighbors’ farms, and several friends’ properties were subject to eminent domain if we did not sign a voluntary easement for this potential pipeline. This initial meeting led to a deep dive into the facts behind the pipeline and the creation of several engaged-citizen groups across Iowa and South Dakota. We learned of the dangers posed by liquefied carbon dioxide under high pressure. We visited with folks harmed by ruptured CO2 pipelines in other states. The more we learned, the more it became obvious that this was a tax-funded boondoggle that would put our homes and families at risk while lining the pockets of the investors, many of whom lived far away from Iowa. We also discovered the potential damage to our water supplies from these pipelines and, later, from the rapid expansion of data centers. When I was elected in 2022, one of my priorities was the protection of private property rights. The first bill I sponsored called for the removal of eminent domain authority for CO2 pipelines. This concept was incorporated into a bill we passed with bi-partisan support in 2024. It failed in the Senate. We went back to the legislature in 2025 with more information, wider support, and a determination to protect private property from private profiteers. Our bi-partisan coalition (both Democrats and Republicans) of dedicated
We need to encourage responsible development that provides jobs but not at the expense of our rural communities and the safety of our families. As we look to the future of Iowa, we must decide – is our rural way of life worth protecting? Do we value our small communities or do we sell-out to the corporate giants? Is it worth the promise of high-paying jobs for a few, while sacrificing our environment? Should we protect our valuable water resources? citizens and elected officials participated in Iowa Utilities We are a “Government of the People” – but the people Commission (IUC) hearings and legal battles. We formed must continue to participate, or we will lose what we value. the “Republican Legislative Intervenors for Justice” and 44 This isn’t just for us…it is our responsibility to future genof us took on the legal battle to overturn a decision by the erations. IUC which allows eminent domain for this pipeline boonIt is an honor to serve the citizens in small town and rural doggle. We also passed HF639 with bi-partisan support in Linn County as your State Representative. I appreciate your both the House and Senate. After pressure from the ethanol prayers and words of encouragement. I seek your input, will industry, the Governor vetoed HF639, which I consider one tell you how I see things, and I will not be bought. of the biggest mistakes made by the Governor. Write to me at Cindy.Golding@Legis.Iowa.gov In 2026, the House passed HF2104, again with bi-partisan support. It’s interesting to note that it was the same language as my original bill in 2023. HF2104 was not taken up by the Senate; therefore, it died. While this may seem as if we haven’t made much progress, we need to celebrate the small victories along the way. • Our message of private property vs private profit has gained wide-spread support. • The ADM-Wolf pipeline was dropped (at least for now). • Summit Carbon Solutions (the largest of the companies trying to cash in on this federal largess) has withdrawn its request for more than 200 miles of pipeline in western Iowa. That significantly reduces the size of the project…and, therefore, the risk to Iowans. • Several ethanol plants withdrew from their contracts to sell their CO2 to Summit Carbon Solutions. • Not ONE FOOT of contested CO2 pipeline has been built in Iowa! • We will return to the Capitol in January 2027 with renewed determination to protect our citizens from abuse by corporate giants. It seems that the concept of private property rights vs economic development is a battle we face all across Iowa; in fact, across the Midwest. This is not a new problem, but one that raises its ugly head every few years. Our agricultural areas are viewed as “vacant ground” by corporate investors, driven by misguided tax incentives and other “economic development” initiatives.
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LETTER TO THE EDITOR Remembering 9/11 On Sept. 11, 2001, my family and I were living in Arlington, Va., while I was stationed at the Pentagon as an Air Force Lt Col. As luck would have it, my normal Pentagon workspace was under renovation at that time and my office had been moved to a civilian high rise two miles north of the "Puzzle Palace." There were always several TVs in our work space tuned to 24/7 news and word started circulating that some "idiot" just flew his airplane into one of the World Trade Center (WTC) towers. It didn't seem like a particularly big deal at the time but when it happened again a few minutes later, everybody rushed to a TV to see what the hell was going on. While standing around the TV watching the black smoke pour out of both WTC towers, we felt and heard flight 77 hit the Pentagon. At that point, we were all certain we had just experienced the opening shots of WW III. Chaos reigned for the next hour as senior leadership tried to assess the situation and form a plan of action. Eventually, we were told to go home and stay by a phone. Again, very fortuitously, I lived only two miles from the office and could walk home. Many of my work mates, lived further out in the Virginia burbs and
didn't make it home until early the next morning. My walk home was surreal. It was a beautiful sunny day interrupted by fighter jets overhead, scrambling in full afterburner as acrid black smoke rose from the Pentagon three miles away. I arrived home to an empty apartment as my wife had just arrived at Walter Reed Medical Center with
our son for an appointment. They locked the gates behind them as they were the last customers to be seen that day. Our daughter was being kept at school until someone could pick her up. I sat fixated on the TV as more drama unfolded. I was not certain where my family was for several more hours until they all arrived home safe and sound.
For the next several days we had a ringside seat to the dense, opaque, black smoke wafting up from the still smoldering Pentagon, while fully armed fighters flew combat air patrols over the city. A day that is indelibly etched in our brains for sure.
319.895.6216
Mike Bergman, COL, USAFR, (Ret) Mount Vernon
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6 | THURSDAY, SEPTEMBER 17, 2026
MOUNT VERNON-LISBON SUN | MVLSUN.COM
Lincoln Highway Arts festival returns Sept. 26 Nathan Countryman Mount Vernon-Lisbon Sun
nathan.countryman@mvlsun.com
The 20th Lincoln Highway Arts Festival is scheduled for Saturday, Sept. 26. “We’re excited to have more artists, lots of activities for kids, an opening poem by our Poet Laureate - Scott Russell Morris and the Lincoln Highway Chorale performing as well as two Live Bands- Asking for a Friend and Laid Back Band,” said Jean Lehman, one of the organizers of this year’s event. So far, 25 artists have signed up to be at the festival, which is quite a few more than last year’s festival. “Registration doesn’t close until Sept. 20, so we could see even more,” Lehman said. “Artists can register at mvaac. org/LHAF. It is only $75 to register for booth space.” Lehman said many of the events at the festival are free. Megan Dietsch will return with her face painting booth and Kira Moore will again host caricatures. Brant Bollman with Uplifting Puppet Company is also joining the festival again this year. “This is the second year that we have created a commemorative poster for the Festival,” Lehman said. “The poster features art by the 2025 ‘Best in Show’ winner, Shelly Bales. The posters will be for sale at the Information Booth for only $10.” Children’s activities include arts and craft projects. Cole Library (led by director Grace Chamberlain Rowray) will
lead kids in creating a Van Gogh inspired sunflower craft from 10 a.m. to noon. Nina Scott, owner of stART, will help kids make homemade paper from noon to 2 p.m. Elizabeth Hoover de Galvez of Lisbon Public Library will help kids make leaf art from two to 4 p.m. Food trucks, including That’s So Cheesy, The Crazy Greek and Street Bites will provide foods this year. “We will have a tent shared by our poet laureate Scott Russell Morris, our artist-in-residence, Angie Heuton, and Maria Hagan, Lincoln Highway Chorale Director,” Lehman said. “One of them will always be in the tent to share information about their activities around town letting people know how they can participate. It would not be surprising to see some demonstrations or examples of work if you stop by their tent. Each of these wonderful resources is sponsored by the Mount Vernon Area Arts Council.” Lehman said that this festival is held each year for local artists have a chance to showcase their work and sell to new and devoted fans. “All the free activities and entertainment is our gift to the community made possible by donations from our loyal supporters,” Lehman said. Alongside Lehman are Chris Childers of Abbe creek Gallery co-chairing the event this year. Lehman also said board member Marie DeVries and former board member Danielle Chargo have been indispensable. “Devries has been at the center of this festival for many years alongside longtime Arts Council board member
Sun file photo
An attendee looks at some of the art at Lincoln Highway Arts Festival in 2025. The festival returns Saturday, Sept. 26, in Mount Vernon. Steve Maravetz who passed away this past year,” Lehman said. “He is present in the heart, soul and planning of the festival and he will be missed.” The council also thanks the work of Rick and Trude Elliott from First Street Community Center for allowing usage of the community center lawn. “Stop by the Mount Vernon Area Arts Council Information Booth and say hello, purchase a poster or sign up to join us on the Board. We are always looking for new members and we are proud to be a part of a community that supports the Arts,” Lehman said.
SELCC wraps up 2026 summer meals program
Southeast Linn Community Center (SELCC) wrapped up their summer meals program on Friday, August 21, 2026.
donors who make this program possible.” SELCC served free lunches every weekday throughout the summer with the help of the First Presbyterian Church of Mount Vernon and the United Methodist Church of Mount Vernon (UMCMV). Meals were provided three days a week at SELCC in Lisbon; twice a week at First Presbyterian Church; and once a week at UMCMV. Meals were open to community members of all ages. All meals were prepared in SELCC’s commercial kitchen by staff and volunteers. One hundred and sixty-five volunteers assisted with meals “The summer lunch SELCC. “It is such a joy to throughout the summer, program has become one share delicious food with providing nearly 920 hours of our favorite projects,” our neighbors each day. of service. The program said Nicole McAlexan- We truly appreciate all of served 3,802 meals total, der, executive director of the volunteers, staff, and averaging 66 attendees per day. June 18 enjoyed peak attendance of 111 diners. Leftovers were packaged and distributed to community members through SELCC’s self-serve area. In addition to enjoying nourishing meals together with neighbors, participants were encouraged to select and take home fresh garden produce provided by SELCC’s community gardens and local growers. Children had the opportunity to socialize and to stay for free enrichment activ-
Contributed photos
Top: Some of the Ladies who Lunch who have helped with the serving of meals this summer for the summer meals program. Above: Families attend a lunch at Southeast Linn Community Center during a summer meal. The program will return next summer.
ities on Tuesdays, as well as movies on Thursdays, in partnership with the Lisbon Public Library. Partial funding was provided by grants from the Linn County Fund at
the Greater Cedar Rapids Community Foundation and the Iowa United Methodist Foundation. SELCC’s summer meals program will resume in June 2027.
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RECORDS
THURSDAY, SEPTEMBER 17, 2026 | 7
OBITUARIES JAMES KELLY Jan. 25, 1951- Sept. 3, 2026 James Christopher (Jim) Kelly, 75, passed away peacefully at his home after a long battle with cancer in Mount Vernon Thursday, Sept. 3, 2026. Born in Peoria, Ill., to Mary and Joseph Kelly, the third of nine children. Jim attended Bergan High School where he received All-State Honors in Football and Track. He attended the University of St. Thomas in St. Paul, Minn., where in 1969, he met the love of his life, Caroline (Locher) Kelly. They married in 1973. Jim joined the US Army in 1972, and he remained in the US Army Reserves for over 20 years. Jim was accomplished in many industries and worked as a longtime consultant in construction, business acquisition and receivership. Jim and Caroline moved down to San Antonio, Texas in 1981 where they resided for 16 years. In 1997 they moved up to Cedar Rapids and then to Mount Vernon in 2015. Jim will truly be missed. Those who knew him knew what it was to experience a person not simply alive, but living with spirit and exuberance. To hear his whistle, see him sing at weddings, parties- anything with a microphone and a speaker. Seeing him dance with Caroline, with his children, family and friends was to see someone dancing with unadulterated joy. He never left a party without giving everyone a hug and a kiss. His love was enormous, and his life was full with family and friends. Jim was preceded in death by his parents, Mary and Joseph. Survived by his wife, Caroline; and their five children, Laura, James and Adriana, Bart and Catherine, Daniel, Robert and Jody; and grandchildren, Yul Juaquin, Graciela, James, Anna Lucia, Moira, George, Brigid, Aoife, Deirdre, Simon, Orlaith, Maxwell, and Cecilia; as well as his brothers, sisters and their spouses: Pat and Bea, John and Amy, Liz and Jack, Ann and Steve, Paul, Jane and Jim, Margaret, Matt and Cecilia. Services will be held Saturday, Sept. 12, 2026, at: St. John’s Catholic Church 212 Seventh St SE, Mt Vernon, IA 52314 Visitation: 9:00 AM -10:15 AM Mass: 10:30-11:30 AM There will be a church luncheon for all from 11:45-12:45 PM. Followed by a gathering of family and close friends at the Kelly house.
THOMAS MCMAHON Thomas “Tom” Edward McMahon, 79 of Mount Vernon passed away peacefully on September 6, 2026, at Lantern Park Specialty Care in Coralville. Visitation will be held Friday, Sept. 18, from 5:30-7 p.m., with a rosary recited at 5 p.m., at Stewart Baxter Funeral & Memorial Services in Mount Vernon. A funeral mass will be held Saturday, Sept. 19, at 10:30 a.m. at Saint John the Baptist Catholic Church in Mount Vernon. Burial will be held at a later date. Stewart Baxter Funeral & Memorial Services of Mount Vernon is assisting with the arrangements. Tom was born April 15, 1947, in Oelwein, to Emmett and Mina (Odekirk) McMahon. He attended and graduated from Sacred Heart Catholic School in Oelwein. He was united in marriage to Gwendolyn Feldman on April 24, 1976, at Sacred Heart Catholic Church in Oelwein. Tom proudly served in the United States Army from 19661969 and was stationed in Vietnam during the Tet offensive. A highlight of his military career was being selected for the helicopter flight team that accompanied General Omar Bradley to France for the 25th anniversary of D-Day, an experience he would carry with him throughout his life. For 47 years, Tom worked as a heavy truck mechanic for Hawkeye International Trucks. A career that reflected his hardworking nature and ability to fix just about anything. Outside of work, Tom found joy in life’s simple things. He loved fishing, hunting, reading, woodworking, camping at Swiss Valley Campground, tinkering and fixing things. Paramount to all of this, Tom found the most pleasure and enjoyment in spending time with his family and friends in addition to making new friends anywhere he could. He loved a good chat with just about anyone. Tom will be remembered for how generously he shared his time, talents and love with those around him. He leaves behind a lifetime of memories that will be cherished by his family and friends. He will be deeply missed by his family
and those who knew and loved him. His memory will live on through the lessons he taught and moments spent together. Tom is survived by his beloved wife Gwendolyn McMahon; three daughters, Christina McMahon-Osborn, Cynthia (Andrew) Dunham, and Carrie (John) Cockrell; eight grandchildren Hannah, William, Dylan and Cadence Osborn, Owen and Adelyn Dunham, Hayden and Alayna Pumphrey; great-grandson Samuel; and many nieces, nephews, brothers-in-law, and sisters-in-law. He was preceded in death by his parents; brother, Michael McMahon; sister, Mary McMahon; father-in-law, Ralph Feldman; mother-in-law, Dorothy Feldman; brother-inlaw, James Gardner; and niece, Kim Kempf. Memorials in Tom’s memory may be made to St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital or Shriners Hospitals for Children.
Spots Free Illuminated Concert: Cactus Quintet Join Lisbon Public Library for a free illuminated concert with the Cactus Quintet presented by Red Cedar Chamber Music Thursday, Sept. 24, from 7-8 p.m. Christine Bellomy, clarinet Miera Kim, violin Renee Santos, violin Oliver Bostian, viola Carey Bostian, cello Another Bellomy bucket list item checked. The group has been waiting years to perform the exceptionally beautiful Mozart Clarinet Quintet with Christine Bellomy. The program also includes five dances from Gumboots by David Bruce, a piece inspired by the gumboot dance of oppressed miners in South African gold mines. Finally, we treat the audience to a Gershwin medley, arranged by Steve Shanley. Special thanks to Artist Sponsor The Giacoletto Foundation
Tuesday Movie Group First Presbyterian Church of Mount Vernon is hosting Tuesday Movie Group at the Bijou Movie Theater on the fourth Tuesdays of each month. The first movie planned is on Tuesday, Sept. 22, with “A Beautiful Day in the Neighborhood” from 2019. Doors open at 1 p.m., movies start at 1:30 p.m. Concessions are available for purchase. Discussion on the movies is available after the film for those who want to stay and discuss. For more information, contact Pastor Lori Wunder.
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Join embroidery workshop at Cole I think there’s no better way to celebrate the start of fall than cozying up with a warm drink and a fun seasonal craft. If this is also your idea of an ideal autumn activity, join Cole Public Library for an embroidery workshop Saturday, Oct. 3 from 10 a.m. to noon in Room 108. Participants will embroider felt leaves and bats to make ornaments or even a garland. Also included are hot drinks, seasonal treats, and fun conversation. This event is free and all supplies are provided. Only 15 spots available, RSVP to gchamberlain@cornellcollege.edu to attend.
Thursday, September 17: 8am-4:30pm Friday, September 18: 8am- 4:30pm Saturday, September 19: 10am-4pm Sunday, September 20: 12pm-5pm Monday, September 21: 8am-10pm Tuesday, September 22: 8am-10pm Wednesday, September 23: 8am-10pm Thursday, September 24: 8am-10pm
POLICE CALLS Aug. 31 – Car unlock, 400 blk B Ave NE, Mount Vernon Sept. 1 – Medical, 200 blk School St, Lisbon Sept. 2 – Medical, 200 blk business 30 SW, Mount Vernon Sept. 2 – Welfare check, 200 blk E. Main St, Lisbon Sept. 2 – Trespassing, 600 blk First St SW, Mount Vernon Sept. 3 – Suspicious person, 500 blk Palisades Rd SW, Mount Vernon Sept. 3 – Medical, 200 blk Fourth St SE, Mount Vernon Sept. 3 – Animal control, 1225 blk First Ave NW, Mount Vernon Sept. 3 – Medical, 600 blk S First Ave, Mount Vernon Sept. 3 – Agency assist- medical, Linn Co Sept. 3 – Medical, 400 blk S. Washington St, Lisbon Sept. 4 – Illegal e-bike, N. College Blvd, Mount Vernon Sept. 5 – Agency assist – disturbance, Johnson County Sept. 6 – Agency assist- traffic stop, Linn Co Sept. 6 – Medical, 100 blk Seventh Ave SE, Mount Vernon Sept. 6 – Medical, 400 blk Third Ave NW, Mount Vernon Sept. 6 – Agency assist- accident, Linn Co Sept. 6 – Medical, 500 blk W. Main St, Lisbon Sept. 7 – Animal control, 500 blk Davis Dr NE, Mount Vernon Sept. 7 – Welfare check, 100 blk N. Buchanan St, Lisbon Sept. 8 – Medical, 100 blk Lincoln Ave, Lisbon Sept. 8 – Welfare check, 300 blk First Ave NW, Mount Vernon Sept. 8 – Agency assist- alarm, Linn Co Sept. 8 – Accident, 100 blk Fourth St SE, Mount Vernon Sept. 8 – Welfare check, 800 blk First Ave NE, Mount Vernon Sept. 9 – Property damage, 700 blk First Ave SW, Mount Vernon Sept. 9 – Agency assist- traffic stop, Linn Co Sept. 10 – Accident W. Main St, Lisbon Sept. 10 – Juvenile issue, 500 blk Palisades Rd SW, Mount Vernon Sept. 10 – Agency assist- suspicious person, Linn Co Sept. 10 – Alarm, 500 blk Second St NW, Mount Vernon Sept. 11 – Motorist assist, Hwy 1, Mount Vernon Sept. 12 – Harassment, 100 blk E. Main St, Lisbon Sept. 13 – Disturbance, 500 blk business 30, Lisbon Sept. 14 – Alarm, 100 blk business 30, Lisbon Sept. 14 – Agency assist- accident, Linn Co
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8 | THURSDAY, SEPTEMBER 17, 2026
MOUNT VERNON-LISBON SUN | MVLSUN.COM
MVHS Homecoming information Dress up days for Mount Vernon Homecoming include: Monday, Sept 21 - Merica Monday Tuesday, Sept. 22 - Tired Tuesday Wednesday, Sept. 23 - Western Wednesday Thursday, Sept. 24 - Team Thursday (Ninth graders – purple, sophomores green, juniors blue, seniors pink, staff yellow). Friday, Sept. 25 - Spirit Friday
Important Dates for Homecoming 2026 Thursday, Sep 24 - Homecoming Parade - Starts at 6 p.m. (Line-up at Washington Elementary School at 5:30 p.m.) • Coronation & Powder Puff at the MAC following the parade. Friday, Sep 25 - Alumni Hall of Fame Inductee Ceremony – 9 a.m. in the PAC Friday, Sep 25 - Football Game vs
Maquoketa (JV Kick-off at 5 p.m.) Saturday, Sep 26 - Homecoming Dance – 8 p.m. to 11p.m. at Mount Vernon High School • Parade participants line-up starting at 5:30 p.m. • The 2026 Homecoming Parade will start at 6 p.m. The parade lines up at Washington Elementary, then proceeds south on Fifth St. The parade then turn lefts and heads north on Third Ave. SW. After Third Avenue S.W., the parade turns left and goes west on Fourth St. SW (turns into College Blvd). The parade then turns left and proceeds south on Seventh Avenue S.W. The parade continues through the new middle school and elementary school parking lot (a great place to park then walk to the coronation & powder puff game). The parade ends at 10th Ave in front of the high school
Mount Vernon Homecoming parade route map
Mount Vernon mayor outlines successes of city Nathan Countryman Mount Vernon-Lisbon Sun
nathan.countryman@mvlsun.com
Mount Vernon Mayor Tom Wieseler outlined the recent successes of the City of Mount Vernon at a Lester Buresh Family Community Wellness Center adult speaker series event Thursday, Sept. 10. The event had more than 30 in attendance. Wieseler said this is his fifth year as mayor of Mount Vernon. “There’s so much more to learn about city policies and how to deal with local governance,” Wieseler said. Wieseler said he was happy to see such a great turnout for the speaker series event, as elected officials should not turn down opportunities to address constituents and their issues. Wieseler said there were three main issues Thursday city government was addressing. A Union Pacific train had broken down across Hwy. 1 and Eighth Avenue crossings in the morning of Thursday, and the city’s only response was to put up signage to direct to other roadways to get around the blocked roads. The second issue was the recent EMS vote that was passed. Wieseler said this is a quality of life issue that will increase 24/7 coverage for the service, and is a way to help residents age in place in their residence. The third major issue was the transition for credit card and new water bills provided by the city. Wieseler said that many of these bills in July and August reflect the new water bills, which included a 3 percent increase for water and 12 percent increase for sewer bills. The increase in sewer bills are due to building up for the next phase of the wastewater treatment plant for nutrient reduction plans required by the Iowa Department of Natural Resources. If there are any questions on those bills, Wieseler said to contact city hall and they can look to see if there is an issue pertaining to water service.
Wins of the community Wieseler outlined a few wins for the community. The first was 1st Street Breakfast Company opening in uptown Mount Vernon. Second was the creation of Cottonwood Apartments, the new senior living apartments that opened last fall. First Street Community Center being established as a 501 C 3 organization and the work to line up grants and plans for the center’s future with it’s own board. The fourth item was the opening of Kwik Star, coming Sept. 24. Wieseler said that conversation started nearly two and a half years ago. “This is not a fast process,” Wieseler said. “But Kwik Star wanted to be in Mount Vernon.” Wieseler said while it’s positive for new employment, convenience and tax revenues, there may be negative consequences that haven’t been considered. Attendees noted competition with other local businesses, wages for workers and other ripples for the hiring practices. One concern that was brought up was if the gas station is a truck stop that allows trucks to stay there overnight, would that increase the possibility of human trafficking to happen? Wieseler and council member Craig Engel said the
MVLPD has had a long history working with Chains Interrupted, a local anti-trafficking group, and police may be mindful of that with more policing of the area. The completion of the sidewalk project, started almost seven years ago and going through the COVID-19 pandemic and derecho. The last retainage was recently paid.
Items still in process Items in process include the façade projects for a number of businesses on First Street, working alongside East Central Iowa Council of Governments (ECICOG). The interurban trail is something Mount Vernon continues working on, extending more along Bryant Street. That includes the approval of extending sewer lines to local residents, to provide for future development and property that can be used for the trail system. The pool improvements are happening over the past few years, and there will be some issues addressed for diving boards and paint peeling off contractors need to address. There are new housing developments going up around 10th Avenue and Third Street for residential properties to add more housing. Si Senor’s outdoor dining space has been approved by the Mount Vernon City Council and will begin in the next few months. One of the big projects on the horizon is the Hwy. 1 repaving by the Iowa Department of Transportation. Wieseler said even if people do not live on those roads, their traffic patterns are going to be impacted while that reconstruction happens. E-bike and scooter ordinances are being worked on by city attorneys. The streetscape project for uptown Mount Vernon is being considered for 2029 or 2030. Another project is annexing property to the west and south of Mount Vernon for future development. Infrastructure has not been extended to the south of Hwy 30 at the moment, but Wieseler expects there will be more interest once Kwik Trip officially opens.
Long-term plans Other items that are still being discussed include the Wayfinding signage for the community that has been under development for more than 10 years. The intersection at 10th Avenue and Summit Street are one of the streets that are looking to be bid in the future. The development of prairie to the west of the city is also an ongoing project, with plans to introduce a prairie in memory of Patty Ankrum and others in the future.
Nathan Countryman | Mount Vernon-Lisbon Sun
Mount Vernon mayor Tom Wieseler talks about some of the successes of the city of Mount Vernon over the past year, and items in development or long-term plans. One attendee noted that moving the department out of city hall has led to speed increases of motorists in the downtown. Lisbon City council member John Bardsley said that the merger of the Mount Vernon and Lisbon Police Departments had been one of the best items both communities accomplished.
Next up for speaker series
Today will feature Sean Ulmer, speaking about the Cedar Rapids Museum of Art, the home of Grant Wood. Join Cedar Rapids Museum of Art Executive Director Sean Ulmer as he discusses Iowa's most famous artistic son. The CRMA possesses the world's largest collection of works by Wood and continues to promote his life and work to current and future generations. Learn more Questions about Wood and his legacy from someone who has studOne of the questions that was raised was why the city ied Wood's work for more than 20 years. pays for fire chief and assistant chief salaries. Sept. 24 - University of Iowa’s Writers Workshop: Engel said that is because of leadership qualities they Reading and Conversation by Nina Dragicevic and Sang might not get from just volunteers with the service, as Young Park. Join us for a reading and conversation with well as the focus on training of members. Nina Dragičević, a poet, sound artist, and sociologist Wieseler said one of the questions he was asked about from Slovenia, and Sang Young Park, a prominent South is what if the hours were reduced for the local police Korean novelist and screenwriter. Dragičević and Park department. are currently taking part in the International Writing Wieseler said that was a short conversation for him, Program’s 59th Fall Residency at the University of Iowa. saying Cornell College’s presence requires having those Cate Dicharry, Director of the International Writers late hours of police. Workshop, will moderate the session.
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Five faculty join Cornell College Five new full-time faculty members will join the departments of kinesiology, music, biology, and sociology at Cornell College this fall. Among the scholarly interests they bring to the Hilltop are explorations of choral conducting and the role of movement in music, autism and autistic perceptions in the workplace, silent film accompaniment and composition, organismal biology, and sociological perspectives on health and equity. Amanda Huntleigh, visiting assistant professor in music, will lead Cornell’s Concert Choir and Chamber Singers, as well as teach Fundamentals of Music, History of Western Music, and Music Education Methods courses. As a Certified Laban/Bartenieff Movement Analyst, her creative work explores the functional and expressive roles of movement across conducting and singing pedagogies. Huntleigh holds a Doctor of Musical Arts degree in choral conducting from the University of Washington. Neil Krzeski, studio artist in piano, is a pianist and collaborative musician based in Iowa City whose work spans classical performance, jazz, composition, and popular music. His versatility has led to international performances,
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collaborations with members of the Chicago Symphony Orchestra, silent film accompaniments, featured solo appearances with orchestras, and projects with the band Arches and Outlaws. In 2025, he released his debut solo album, "The Piano Music of Marc Mellits". Krzeski is the principal keyboardist with the Peoria Symphony Orchestra and holds a Doctor of Musical Arts in piano performance, with a secondary area of jazz studies, from the University of Iowa. Patrick Lane, biology organismal lab coordinator, will assist with Vertebrate Zoology, Field Biology, Foundations: Organismal Biology, Population Genetics & Conservation, Conservation Biology, Entomology, and Biological Problems. Lane worked for the United States Forest Service as a wildlife technician, the Denver Downtown Aquarium as an interpreter, and the Iowa Neuropathology Resource Lab at the University of Iowa as a research assistant. He has also done research on the effects of annual anthropogenic flooding on cottonwood forests and habitat partitioning between species of native and invasive species of garter snakes. He has a Bachelor of Science in biology. Phil Tostado, visiting assistant professor in sociology, will teach Sociological Thinking, Community Health & Social Equity, and Health & Well-Being in Sociological Context. Tostado has researched autism and autistic perceptions in workplace environments, adolescent self-esteem, and the association between friendships and self-esteem. He holds two Master of Arts in sociology degrees, one from Portland State University and one from the University of Iowa, and is completing the dissertation phase for a Doctor-
THURSDAY, SEPTEMBER 17, 2026 | 9
Contributed photo
New Cornell faculty, from left: Doug Wohlstein (kinesiology), Neil Krzeski (music), Amanda Huntleigh (music), Patrick Lane (biology), Phil Tostado (sociology) ate of Philosophy in Sociology from the University of Iowa. Doug Wohlstein, lecturer in kinesiology, will teach Lifetime Physical Fitness and Activities, Coaching Endorsement or Authorization, and Sports and American Society. His research has centered around the primary factors that influence college choice for NCAA Division III student-athletes, and he is experienced in mentoring undergraduate students, advising majors, and supporting diverse learners. Wohlstein has a Doctor of Health Science degree from Radford University.
Lisbon School Board gives first 2026-27 school year reports Cadence Dighton Mount Vernon Lisbon-Sun
throughout the end of high school or look more closely at opportunities available post-high school. news@mvlsun.com The DCAP program will take place every other Wednesday, opposite the early dismissal days during students’ After addressing few discussion items, the Lisbon School 20-minute PRIDE time at the end of the day. Board went on to hear reports from secondary principal PRIDE time, formerly What I Need (WIN) time, is desJack Leighty, elementary principal Justin Brown, 7-12 ignated to allow students to focus on anything they need activities director Sarah Schlabaugh, and superintendent in order to succeed in their classes, or in the case of DCAP, Autumn Pino on Wednesday, Sept. 9. in their futures.
Secondary principal report
Elementary principal report
Secondary principal Jack Leighty led off the 2026-27 school year reports by sharing the process that the district has taken in regard to new legislation that requires graduates to have pass a civics test. Since learning of the civics test requirement, Leighty, secondary counselor Christina Meierotto and high school social studies teacher Lance Kamaus have all been working to make sure that this year’s seniors have the test taken care of as soon as possible. The civics test must be offered multiple times a year, with students having the option to request to take it at any time. In the first few weeks of the 2026-27 school year, however, Leighty, Meierotto, and Kamaus were able to get the majority of the senior class to take and pass the test. “Mr. Kamaus took all of his social studies classes, provided several resources, [...] gave [students] time in class, and really took his first five days of the year to go over all that,” Leighty said. “Shout out to Mr. Kamaus for helping with that. He did a lot of groundwork on it.” There are a few seniors that have yet to take the test, and the school hopes to have most of the current high school students pass the test this year. Since the test must only be taken and passed once throughout high school for students to graduate, the goal would then be for students to complete it their ninth-grade year. Additionally, Leighty shared that the District Career and Academic Plan (DCAP) has begun. DCAP allows students to use programs like Xello to plan their course schedules
Elementary principal Justin Brown went on to share that for the elementary students, the first few weeks were full of learning routines, procedures, and what is to be expected in the common areas of the school. However, as things shifted into classroom learning, students continued to thrive. “[It’s been] probably one of the slower first few weeks I’ve had as far as student conversations about behavioral choices, which is a shout out to all our kids for having a really good start,” Brown said. Already, the elementary students have begun taking their Formative Assessment System for Teachers (FAST) tests, and soon conferences will begin, with those taking place on Oct. 6 and 8. While conferences are taking place, the Scholastic Book Fair will be in place. Looking forward, Brown has been working with Lisbon’s elementary instructional strategist, Steph Schlotterbeck, and Lisbon’s Curriculum & Assessment Lead Teacher, Adam Hinrichsen, to address new legislation for TAG requirements. According to Brown, the requirements state that students must have access to alternative pathways in math and reading, so with Schlotterbeck and Hinrichsen, options for that are being explored for the 2027-28 school year.
7-12 activities director report Taking on the role of the 7-12 activities director for the
Lisbon School Board approves portrait of a graduate framework Cadence Dighton Mount Vernon Lisbon-Sun
provide students with what they need to lead a successful life after their time at Lisbon Schools is complete. news@mvlsun.com The Lisbon School Board unanimously voted to approve the adoption of the Lion Legacy as Lisbon’s The Lisbon School Board approved a number of items Community School District’s Portrait of a Graduate. in the September meeting, including the adoption of Lisbon School Board approves 28E Agreement Lisbon’s Portrait of a Graduate, a 28E Agreement with The Lisbon School Board voted unanimously on the City of Lisbon and second readings of school board Wednesday, Sept. 9, to move forward with the 28E policies. agreement that will be shared with the City of Lisbon to Lion Legacy: Lisbon’s Portrait of a Graduate be able to use the newly laid millings at the city shop to Adopting the Lion Legacy as their Portrait of a Gradu- park the district’s buses. ate, the Lisbon Community School District is an effort to According to Travis Bagby, a Lisbon School Board enhance the school’s Positive Behavioral Interventions member and the director of public works for the City of and Supports (PBIS) system. Lisbon, all that is left before the buses can begin parking By not only instilling respect, responsibility, safety, at the city shop is for poles to be put in place by Windand care, but also by giving students the skills like critical stream. thinking, communication and adaptability, the goal is to Board approves all action items, discusses facilities
2026-27 school year, Sarah Schlabaugh shared updates on the school’s sports and activities, including football, volleyball, marching band and choir. Junior high football, volleyball, and cross country began last week, while the high school football team had their first football game the prior Friday, Sept. 4, with the marching band performing their ABBA-themed half-time show. High school volleyball, however, has been playing for weeks already. According to Schlabaugh, being in a new conference for volleyball, Lisbon has seen a “big jump” in fan attendance. Additionally, at the volleyball games, the Lisbon High School Choir has been taking on the role of performing the National Anthem and are practicing for the Oct. 5 conference performance.
Superintendent report Closing out the meeting, Pino spoke on various points, including that the band is hoping to purchase a new band trailer to transport their equipment to marching bang competitions, as they have outgrown the singular trailer that they currently use. “It’s a good sign when your band completely outgrows the framework, so we’re hoping to support them and kind of giving them what they need as far as that’s concerned,” Pino said. Additionally, Pino shared words from Arch in which he expressed gratitude for the addition of a second band director for the elementary bands. Lastly, Pino extended thanks to everyone who contributed to getting the school year running smoothly. “There are so many things that go on behind the scenes that the community just doesn’t know about to make it all happen,” Pino said. “So, I just want to thank the community as a whole because every time it takes all of us to be off to such a good start.” Cadence Dighton is a junior in the University of Iowa’s School of Journalism and Mass Communication. Cadence is an intern with the Mount Vernon-Lisbon plan update The board unanimously approved the second reading of board policies 705.01 and 705.01R(2), which addressed food and nutrition according to state recommendation, and HF2591, which regarded eighth grade eligibility in high-school level activities. The board then went on to approve the portrait of a graduate and the shared 28E with the City of Lisbon for the relocation of district buses. Additionally, board member John Baker discussed the district’s facilities plan update, in which he explained that a water leak in the indoor concession stand has been cleared up, and the crane to fix the water leak in the cafeteria will be onsite on Sept. 28. The next Lisbon School Board meeting will be held Wednesday, Oct. 14 at 6 p.m. Cadence Dighton is a junior in the University of Iowa’s School of Journalism and Mass Communication. Cadence is an intern with the Mount Vernon-Lisbon Sun.
SPORTS
10 | THURSDAY, SEPTEMBER 17, 2026 | MOUNT VERNON-LISBON SUN
MVLSUNCOM
MV FOOTBALL
Spartans stymie Mustangs 41-7
Ryan Suchomel Mount Vernon-Lisbon Sun ryan.suchomel@mvlsun.com
No. 1 Solon looked the part. The Spartans came to Armstrong Field on Friday, Sept. 11, and left with a dominating 41-7 victory over No. 10 Mount Vernon. "We were thinking a little too much about who they are, versus who we are," junior Teddy Bonewald said. "That's not what we wanted to happen." Mount Vernon Coach Brad Meester knows if the next six games go according to plan, the Mustangs (2-1) will get another shot at the Spartans. "If we do things the right way, we'll end up seeing them again," Meester said. "But we've got to keep working and fix our mistakes." Solon (3-0) didn't have to punt. They rolled up 398 yards of offense, led by quarterback Maddox Kelley, who was 10-of-14 passing for 224 yards and also ran for 91 yards on 10 carries. "We knew the team we were playing and we knew the type of guys they had," Bonewald said. The game got off to a rocky start. On the second play from scrimmage, the Mustangs had a bad QB-RB exchange and Solon's Kelley recovered the fumble at the Mustang 13. Three plays later, Kelley scrambled for a touchdown. It was 7-0 Solon less than a minute into the game. "That's not how you want to start a ballgame," Meester said. "Especially a game like this. "Little bit of jitters. We're a young team. We've got to get over this stuff." The next Mustang drive was a 3-and-out. The ensuing punt was blocked, and Solon started their second drive on the Mount Vernon 32. Two plays later, Jackson Burk had a 25-yard TD run to make it 14-0 with 7:38 left in the first quarter. Solon added a third TD and a field goal in the second quarter and led 24-0 at halftime. "We thought too much about the other team, and not ourselves," junior quarterback Noah Olsen said. "We tried to push through, it just didn't go our way tonight." Solon scored two more touchdowns and got the continuous clock running at 38-0 midway through the third quarter. It was 41-0 before the Mustangs got on the scoreboard on a 43-yard pass from Olsen to Holden Hlavacek in the fourth quarter. "Solon is a really good team," Meester said. "They are No. 1 for a reason. The only way to get there is to work. We just have to get after it." Olsen shared QB duties for the third straight game with Easton Reasland. Olsen was 6-for-8 for 81 yards and Reasland was 2-for-4 for 17 yards. Senior running back Jakob Yock was a workhorse, gaining 85 yards on 22 carries. "We want to establish the run, we want to be a run-first team," Meester said. The defense, so solid the first two games, gave up some big plays Friday. Bonewald did come up with a late interception. "First one of my high school career," said Bonewald, who picked off backup QB Ryder Laing. "It felt good to finish on a high note and not give up." After recording nine tackles for loss against Monticello, and seven against Benton Community, the Mustangs had just four against Solon, two by junior Jackson Koehn. Mount Vernon has one last non-district game this week with a road trip to Fort Madison (2-1). The Mustangs beat the Bloodhounds 56-0 last season at Martha
Parsons Activities Complex. "It is week 3, it is not over," Bonewald said. "We know we're a good team. We're going to get back out there." Photos by Emma Reiter | For the Mount Vernon-Lisbon Sun
Top: Mount Vernon offensive lineman Seth Rushford makes a tackle during a football game between the Mount Vernon Mustangs and Solon Spartans at Mount Vernon High School on Friday, Sept. 11, 2026. Above: Mount Vernon offensive lineman Alex Briesemeister runs out with the American Flag before a football game between the Mount Vernon Mustangs and Solon Spartans at Mount Vernon High School on Friday, Sept. 11, 2026. Right: The Mount Vernon student section during a football game between the Mount Vernon Mustangs and Solon Spartans at Mount Vernon High School on Friday, Sept. 11.
S MV First downs 18 10 Rushes-yds. 26-145 36-114 Cmp.-Att.-Int. 14-20-1 8-12-0 Pass yds. 253 98 Total yds. 398 212 Fum.-lost 1-0 1-1 Punts-ave.0-0.0 4-21.5 Pen.-yds.5-40 4-40 Solon 14 10 14 3 -- 41 Mount Vernon 0 0 0 7 -- 7 S - Maddox Kelley 13-yard run (Collin McKie kick). S - Jackson Burk 25-yard run (McKie kick). S - FG 24 McKie. S - Owen Bock 70-yard pass from Kelley (McKie kick). S - Bock 25-yard pass from Kelley (McKie kick). S - Kaden Hoeper 4-yard pass from Kelley (McKie kick). S - FG 35 McKie. MV - Holden Hlavacek 43-yard pass from Noah Olsen (Jack Carnes kick). INDIVIDUAL STATS Rushing - Solon: Maddox Kelley 10-91, Jackson Burk 10-52, Foster Owens 1-2, Greyson Burg 3-1, Grant Milliman 1-0, Ryder Laing 1-(-1). Mount Vernon: Jakob Yock 22-85, Easton Reasland 6-12, Noah Olsen 5-(-6), Eli Casey 1-18, Holden Hlavacek 1-6, Luke Robinson 1-(-1). Passing - Solon: Maddox Kelley 10-14-224-0, Ryder Laing 4-6-29-1. Mount Vernon: Noah Olsen 6-8-810, Easton Reasland 2-4-17-0. Receiving - Solon: Owen Bock 7-174, Kaden Hoeper 2-40, Cody Milliman 2-14, Michael Bigelow 2-11, Paxton Holtkamp 1-14, Wyatt Young 1-4. Mount Vernon: Graham Yanda 3-20, Holden Hlavacek 1-43, Jakob Yock 1-12, Tysen Zacharakis-Jutz 1-12, Eli Casey 1-10, Andrew Dix 1-1.
MVLSUN.COM | MOUNT VERNON-LISBON SUN
SPORTS
THURSDAY, SEPTEMBER 17, 2026 | 11
LISBON FOOTBALL
Lions slash Sailors 21-16 Ryan Suchomel Mount Vernon-Lisbon Sun ryan.suchomel@mvlsun.com
One week after ending their losing streak, Lisbon football did something special. They started a winning streak. The Lions beat Waterloo Columbus 21-16 on Friday, Sept. 11, in Waterloo. "It is rewarding to see the hard work paying off," Lisbon Coach Alex Dean said. "We're taking it one week, one day at a time." It was a night for big plays. The first came when sophomore quarterback Tyler Kubovec hit senior receiver Leon Rogers for a 77-yard passing touchdown in the second quarter. Rogers caught the short pass and raced past the defense. "He's a hard worker," Dean said of Rogers. "He's put in a lot of work and it was nice to see him show his skills." The next big play was a 37-yard pick-6 by
defensive lineman Caleb Brown. Senior Ryder Meeks put the pressure on the Columbus QB, and the ball was tipped into the air. Brown got under it and scored a lineman TD. "I tell the guys on defense, good things happen to guys who hustle to the football," Dean said. "Caleb not only caught the football, he got on his horse to score. Pretty impressive." That tied the game at 14-14 at halftime. The Lions took the lead on a 17-yard touchdown run by Meeks. The Sailors added two points off a late safety when the Lions were backed up against their goal. But Lisbon was able to get the ball back and run out the clock. "They earned it," Dean said. "The kids were excited and they should be. Any time you get a win in someone else's stadium, its good." Meeks finished with 78 yards on 16 carries. Kubovec was 4-for-10 passing for 107 yards and added 59 yards on the ground. Ethan Stone had three catches for 30 yards.
Abigail Princehouse | Mount Vernon-Lisbon Sun
Above: Lisbon’s Tate Moore (No. 63), Lisbon’s Kaden Martin (No. 11), Lisbon’s Kooper Harms (No. 68), and Lisbon’s Spencer Fall celebrate after a tackle in play earlier this season. The Lisbon defense had 6.5 tackles for loss, with Brown providing 3.5 and Meeks 2.5. Ian Kelsey led the defense with 9.5 tackles. "We were flying to the football and I'm
proud of the way our guys stayed with it," Dean said. Up next is Class 1A District 5 foe Cascade (2-1), who is coming to Walmer Field for Homecoming on Friday, Sept. 18.
MV VOLLEYBALL
Solon nudges to five match win over MV
Ryan Suchomel Mount Vernon-Lisbon Sun ryan.suchomel@mvlsun.com
No. 4 Solon won a wild five-set showdown over No. 6 Mount Vernon on Tuesday, Sept. 8, 15-25, 25-22, 22-25, 25-14, 18-16. "I told the kids they have nothing to hang their heads about," Mount Vernon coach Maggie Willems said. It came with a 30-minute delay due to a tornado warning after the second set. "We were living it up in the locker room," senior Brynlee Bettcher said. "We had music and food, and were talking about things in the match. Although it did set us back, it helped us, too." The Mustangs got behind in the fifth set 11-7 and clawed their way back. A stuff block by Stella Merino and an ace serve by Madison Hoffert put Mount Vernon on top, 13-12. And then a Merino kill and a Sophia Meester kill made it 15-14 Mount Vernon. "We were down by a lot in the fifth set, but we decided to come back," Meester said. "That's just the type of team we are." But both times the Spartans had the firepower to turn momentum back. Sophomore Amelia Guinn had a match-high 19 kills and junior Charleigh Whitford added 16. Guinn had a big kill each time the Mustangs got up by one in the fifth set. "They have a heck of a lot more size than we do," Willems said. "Our kids are going to battle whomever is across the net from us. I loved how we responded to
this test tonight." Junior Madelyn Paulus and Meester each had 17 kills for Mount Vernon (13-4, 0-1). Hoffert tallied nine kills to go with 50 assists. Bettcher had five kills and Ella Wilson had four. Bettcher is second on the team in kills after missing most of her junior season with a broken finger, as well as making the move from right-side hitter to middle hitter this fall. "It did take a little while to adjust, like anything would," Bettcher said. "But me and Maddie had done it when we were younger and had that connection." Willems knew she needed Bettcher in the middle. "That was a big ask," Willems said. "But she's embraced the role and worked her tail off. She's a difference-maker for us." Mount Vernon and Solon were tied a set each when the town tornado siren went off around 8:50 p.m. Set 3 was tied 22-22 when Hoffert scored on a dump set and Bettcher closed it out with a quick-set kill. But the Spartans dominated the fourth set to force the fifth. "To go five sets is a hard thing to do, but we stuck with it to the end," Meester said. "We'd rather lose and grow as a team than win and not grow at all." The loss may have hurt Mount Vernon in the Wamac East race, but not in their ranking. They actually moved up one spot to No. 5 in the latest IGHSAU rankings. Solon moved up to No. 3. "It is always great to win conference, but that has never stopped anyone from having a great postseason," Willems said. "That's the gift of the Wamac. You are tested and getting better every match."
Photos by Emma Reiter | For the Mount Vernon-Lisbon Sun
Top: The Mount Vernon volleyball team celebrates a point during a volleyball game between the Mount Vernon Mustangs and Solon Spartans at Mount Vernon High School on Tuesday, Sept. 8. Above left to right: Mount Vernon libero Mavrik Schweer celebrates during a volleyball game between the Mount Vernon Mustangs and Solon Spartans at Mount Vernon High School on Tuesday, Sept. 8. The Mount Vernon volleyball fans celebrate a point during a volleyball game between the Mount Vernon Mustangs and Solon Spartans at Mount Vernon High School on Tuesday, Sept. 8. Mount Vernon outside hitter Madelyn Paulus receives the ball during a volleyball game between the Mount Vernon Mustangs and Solon Spartans at Mount Vernon High School on Tuesday, Sept. 8.
SPORTS
12 | THURSDAY, SEPTEMBER 17, 2026
LISBON VOLLEYBALL
MOUNT VERNON-LISBON SUN | MVLSUN.COM
MVL CROSS COUNTRY
Lisbon 4-1 MVL’s Evelyn Moeller picks up third win at Kepros Invite MVL girls’ fourth, boys’ third at CR invite Ryan Suchomel Mount Vernon-Lisbon Sun ryan.suchomel@mvlsun.com
Ryan Suchomel Mount Vernon-Lisbon Sun ryan.suchomel@mvlsun.com
Coach Lance Kamaus enjoys taking his team back to his old stomping grounds. And Lisbon volleyball did a little stomping, too, going 4-1 at the Kepros Invitational in Crestwood on Saturday, Sept. 12. "That's how we started going there," said Kamaus, who is from there, as is his wife. "But the kids like it, and we stay Friday night in Decroah and get pizza, ice cream, bowling ... all the things." In a round robin, Lisbon beat Kee High 21-13, 21-13, Riceville 21-10, 21-13, Crestwood 21-11, 21-10, and Forest City, 21-18, 21-13. They dropped a match to North Fayette Valley, 21-15, 21-8. "That was a good ballclub with seven seniors," Kamaus said. "But I was really pleased how we played over the course of the day. We tinkered with the lineup." The Lion freshmen started to get more and more work. Ella Czarnecki piled up (unofficially) 20 kills and Brynn Kahl had 14 kills. Setter Kinsley Jo Kamaus had 72 assists. "Ella stepped up and Brynn played some really good sets," Coach Kamaus said. "Just a good confidence boost for her, too." Quinn Roos, Kayla Bergmann and Shea Benhart continued to pace the attack, and junior Kyla Kahl piled up 60 digs on the day. Earlier in the week, the Lions dropped to 0-2 in River Valley play with a home loss to Tipton, 25-14, 25-7, 25-17, on Tuesday, Sept. 8. "They are good," Kamaus said. "We were pretty competitive, but set 2 got away from us. The kids were disappointed in how they played and that translated into how we played Saturday." Czarnecki led the offense with six kills against the Tigers, but the Lions (8-3, 0-2) had just 11 kills in the match, hitting at a .025 efficiency.
Mount Vernon-Lisbon senior Evelyn Moeller picked up her third win in as many meets Thursday, Sept. 10, winning the Cedar Rapids Invitational at Seminole Valley Park. Moeller set the meet record in 17 minutes, 32.50 seconds. "She's on fire," MVL coach Kory Swart said. "She's gone out more conservatively so she'll have competition. Then if she's feeling good, she rolls with it." No. 8 (3A) MVL placed fourth behind Davenport Central, No. 11 (4A) Cedar Rapids Prairie and No. 15 (4A) Iowa City West. Swart was happy to see Miranda Sellner place 28th in 21:18.80. "We had quite a few season bests and a few PRs," Swart said. "Our pack is tightening up." Pack running has been a strength for the MVL boys’, who finished third behind No. 10 (3A) Central DeWitt and No. 9 (4A) Davenport Central. Anthony Armstrong led the boys for the first time in 2026, finishing 13th overall in 16:50. Kyler Happel was 16th Cedar Rapids Invitational Boys team scores - 1. Central DeWitt 77; 2. Davenport Central 79; 3. Mount Vernon-Lisbon 103; 4. Dubuque Wahlert 142; 5. Cedar Rapids Kennedy 157; 6. Bettendorf 162; 7. Cedar Rapids Prairie 167; 8. North Scott 173; 9. Waterloo West 231; 10. Muscatine 246; 11. Davenport North 304; 12. Center Point-Urbana 318; 13. Cedar Rapids Jefferson 357; 14. Clinton 360; 15. Cedar Rapids Washington 364; 16. Maquoketa 454. Top 5 - 1. Andrew Heden (Bett) 15:11.40; 2. Zach Ryan (DC) 15:30.00;
Photos by Cole Mauskemo | For the Mount Vernon-Lisbon Sun
Above: Mount Vernon-Lison’s Evelyn Moeller in the lead at the Cedar Rapids Invite for the cross country meet. It was her third first place finish in just as many meets. Below: Mount Vernon-Lisbon boys’ cross country members are off from the starting line at the Cedar Rapids Invite. and Chasen Caksey was 19th. "We have to have a tight pack to score well," Swart said. "But we're staying pretty consistent." The strong day from Central DeWitt caught MVL's attention. "I think that'll keep us motivated,"
Swart said. The Mustangs have this week off, then compete Monday, Sept. 21, at the Solon Invitational. "It gives us a break and a chance to focus on training to get ready for the stretch run," Swart said.
3. Cole Carrizales (CRP) 15:34.70; 4. Sammy Lange (CRP) 16:00.10; 5. Burkley Ogreen (CRP) 16:08.80. MVL - 13. Anthony Armstrong 16:50.00; 16. Kyler Happel 16:54.80; 19. Chasen Caskey 17:07.00; 27. Casey Swart 17:16.30; 28. Connor Teague 17:16.50; 33. Adam Swart 17:21.90; 44. Dashtyn Caskey 17:54.90.
188; 9. Bettendorf 202; 10. North Scott 225; 11. Cedar Rapids Kennedy 293; 12. Central DeWitt 297; 13. Cedar Rapids Washington 316; 14. Cedar Rapids Jefferson 438. Top 5 - 1. Evelyn Moeller (MVL) 17:32.50; 2. Abigail Miller (Maq) 18:32.80; 3. Joley Sullivan (DC) 18:52.10; 4. Presley Moeller (DC) 18:55.50; 5. Rhemidy Brack (DC) 19:05.60. MVL - 1. Moeller; 18. Rose Pisarik 20:43.00; 28. Miranda Sellner 21:18.80; 36. Sorell Telecky 21:45.30; 45. Torie Johnson 22:17.60; 60. Josie Bothell 22:50.90; 64. Kate Martin 23:13.70.
Girls team scores - 1. Davenport Central 53; 2. Cedar Rapids Prairie 74; 3. Iowa City West 85; 4. Mount Vernon-Lisbon 121; 5. Dubuque Wahlert 146; 6. Maquoketa 166; 7. Center Point-Urbana 179; 8. Muscatine
SPORTS BRIEF
Meester cooking at Louisville Former Mount Vernon star Chloe Meester has stepped up in her second season with Louisville volleyball. Meester was named the ACC Offensive Player of the Week on Sept. 7. Meester had 37 kills (4.11 per set) while hitting .531 across three matches, including a sweep of Dayton, and wins over No. 18 TCU and No. 9 Texas. Her big week also earned her the American Volleyball Coaches Association National Collegiate Player of the Week. Overall Meester is averaging 3.24 kills per set and hitting .238 for the fifthranked Cardinals, who are 9-1 and on an 8-game win streak. Their match against Kentucky on Sunday, Sept. 20, is scheduled to be seen on ABC.
MVL CROSS COUNTRY
MV tennis remains undefeated Ryan Suchomel Mount Vernon-Lisbon Sun ryan.suchomel@mvlsun.com
Mount Vernon girls tennis stayed undefeated, beating Maquoketa 8-1 on
Monday, Sept. 7, in Mount Vernon. The Mustangs (8-0) travel to Independence Thursday, Sept. 17, for the WaMaC Meet. Regionals (individual) are Sept. 23 and regional team play begins Sept. 26.
Mount Vernon 8, Maquoketa 1 Singles - Stella Dvorak (MV) def. Adalee Vorbeck 8-0; Emily Schnoor (MV) def. Ava Vorbeck 8-3; Avery Thurn (MV) def. Kaylee Rekemeyer 8-0; Journey McCartt (MV) def. Avery Schnoor 8-6; Anna Stephens (MV) def. Selah Yoder 8-6; Chamberly Bock (M) def. Ellie Beatty 8-5. Doubles - Dvorak/Schnoor (MV) def. Vorbeck/Vorbeck 8-0; Thurn/ McCartt (MV) def. Rekemeyer/ Schnoor 8-0; Stephens/Leah Moore (MV) def. Yoder/Bock 8-5.
MVLSUN.COM | MOUNT VERNON-LISBON SUN
SPORTS/NEWS
THURSDAY, SEPTEMBER 17, 2026 | 13
Lisbon Homecoming parade route map
Photos by Nathan Countryman | Mount VernonLisbon Sun
Above left: Mount Vernon’s Stella Dvorak and Emily Schnoor celebrate a point in doubles competition Monday, Sept. 7. Above right: Mount Vernon’s Emily Schnoor prepares to return the ball against a Maquoketa opponent Monday, Sept. 7. Left: Mount Vernon’s Journey McCartt volleys a serve Monday, Sept. 7.
Linn County earns distinguished budget presentation award Linn County has received the Distinguished Budget Presentation Award from the Government Finance Officers Association of the United States and Canada (GFOA) for its fiscal year 2027 budget. The award reflects Linn County’s commitment to meeting and exceeding the highest principles of governmental budgeting through responsible financial management. To receive the award, Linn County had to satisfy nationally recognized guidelines for effective budget presentation. These guidelines assess how well a government’s budget serves as: • a policy document • a financial plan • an operations guide, and • a communications device Documents submitted to the budget awards program are reviewed by members of the GFOA professional staff and by outside reviewers with experience in public sector budgeting. A
budget document must be rated “proficient” in all four categories, and in the 14 mandatory criteria within those categories, to receive the award. In addition to the award, Linn County also earned special recognition for long-range planning. This recognition means that Linn County was awarded the highest possible rating in the long-range planning category by all three reviewers. According to the GFOA, award recipients have pioneered efforts to improve the quality of budgeting and provide an excellent example for other governments throughout North America. Each year, Linn County holds more than 20 public meetings when developing its budget. A final budget is then adopted by the Linn County Board of Supervisors. Linn County’s budget is available through Opengov on the Linn County website at LinnCountyIowa. gov. The online dashboard
provides an overview of the budget process, expenditure and revenue summary by department, the capital projects budget, and more. Linn County’s use of OpenGov is part of the County’s commitment to transparency and accountability.
CALENDAR & PUZZLES
14 | THURSDAY, SEPTEMBER 17, 2026
MOUNT VERNON-LISBON SUN | MVLSUN.COM
CHURCHES MOUNT VERNON St. Paul Lutheran Church L.C.M.S. 600 Fifth Avenue South Pastor: Rev. Sean Hansen www.splcmv.org; send e-mail to info@splcmv.org Sun.: 11 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.umcnv.com An LGBTQ affirming congregation Sundays: In-person and live stream at 8:30 a.m. (Praise Service) and 11 a.m. (traditional service); Sunday School (pre-k through eighth grade; Adult classes) at 9:45 a.m. Livestream link for both services can be found on the church website. Wed.: Rooted Youth Group at 6:30 p.m. (Sixth through eighth grade, multi-church youth group with First Presbyterian and Seeds of Faith Lutheran Church. Follow our Facebook page. Community Bible Church 940 W Mt. Vernon Rd. mvcbc.org, 895-6269 Teaching Pastor Brandon Glaza Discipleship Pastor Dennis Fulkerson Family, Youth, Children Pastor Lonnie Speidel Sun.- 9:30 Worship Service, 11 AM School, 6 PM Sr. High Youth Group Wed.- 6 PM Encounter and Jr. High Youth Group
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
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.
MECHANICSVILLE
Baha’i Faith Nina Scott, Group Secretary, 319-270-9230
First Presbyterian Church 408 E. First Street.
CrossLife Community Church Pastor Erik Bennett Sun.: 10:30 a.m. – In-person worship service. Services also livestream on Facebook page.
LISBON Living Hope Global Methodist Church 200 E. Market St., 455-2000
Living Hope Bible Church Mechanicsville Memorial Building
Christian Community Church of Mechanicsville 307 East First Street 563-432-7716 Sun: Sunday School 9 a.m. to 9:45 a.m. Worship service 10 a.m. to 11 a.m. St. Mary’s Catholic Church Pastor: Father James Flattery Thurs.: 8:30 a.m. — mass Sun.: 8 a.m. Mass
COMMUNITY CALENDAR Thursday, Sept. 17
Story Time, Cornell College Cole Library Browsing Room, 9:30 a.m. Fiber Friends, Southeast Linn Community Center, 10:30 a.m. Lester Buresh Family Community Wellness Center Adult Speaker series “The Cedar Rapids Museum of Art: Home of Grant Wood” by Sean Ulmer, LBC, 1 p.m. Write together, Lisbon Public Library, 1:30 p.m. Ram a Palooza, Cornell College Tri-Hall lawn, 1-4 p.m.
Friday, Sept. 18
Bingo, Southeast Linn Community Center, 10-11:30 a.m. Linn Lunch Bunch, Southeast Linn Community Center, 11:30 a.m. to 12:30 p.m. Lisbon Homecoming Coronation, Walmer Field, after junior varsity game (before 7 p.m.) MVLCT presents “The Mercy Seat,” First Street Community Center Theater, 7:30 p.m.
Saturday, Sept. 19
Rhubarb Botanicals farm store, Rhubarb Botanicals farm, 9 a.m. to noon MVLCT presents “The Mercy Seat,” First Street Community Center Theater, 7:30 p.m. Marching Mustangs Invitational, Martha Parsons Family Activity Complex, 5-9 p.m. Lisbon Homecoming Dance, Lisbon High School, 8:3010:30 p.m.
Sunday, Sept. 20
Mount Vernon Cemetery Walk, Mount Vernon Cemetery, 2 p.m.
Edited by Will Shortz No. 0813
Monday, Sept. 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. Trading Titles Book Club, Cornell College Cole Library Room 326, 1 p.m. Mount Vernon City Council, Mount Vernon City Hall, 6:30 p.m.
Tuesday, Sept. 22
Lego Club, Cornell College Cole Library Room 108, 3:30-4:30 p.m. Nourish and Flourish Walking and Cooking Club, Lisbon Public Library, 6 p.m. Yarn Squad, Cornell College Cole Library, 6:30 p.m.
Across
1 Take a quick turn 4 Sound from a monitor 8 One who’s definitely not being invited to the party 14 Letters indicating a texter’s P.O.V. 15 Fried side dish with catfish, perhaps 16 Cough drop brand whose name is yodeled in its commercials 17 Mafia members, e.g. 19 Gave a talking to? 20 Tiptoed, say 21 Bamboozle 23 Michigan, in Chicago: Abbr. 24 Messenger 26 Alimony recipients, say 28 Boil … or a sign of boiling 30 Important travel info, in brief 31 Dessert often eaten before the ides of March 33 Hold up 35 “Light” weapon 39 Verbalized shivers 41 Drinks at a pub 43 Kind of bean used in Egyptian falafel 44 ___ Ingebrigtsen, track gold medalist at the 2020 and 2024 Olympics 46 Teary-eyed expression 48 In need of training, say 49 Collect over and over, as resources in a video game 51 Pass, as time doing something 53 11th of a noted 12 57 Was especially wintry 60 Part of a slider 61 ___ Roy, “Succession” role for which Kieran Culkin won an Emmy 63 “It is not enough to be industrious; ___ the ants”: Henry David Thoreau 64 Smallest member of the genus Lynx 66 Evaluating, as an opponent … or a hint to “fitting” the answers to the italicized clues into the grid 68 Uncommon color on the red carpet 69 Draw together, as brows 70 Decline cookies, say, with “out” 71 Soaked up the sun 72 ___ Pictures (media giant) 73 Last term in a math lecture series?
1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9
10 11 12 13 18 22 25 27 29 31 32 34 36 37 38 40 42 45 47 50 52 53 54
55 56 58 59 62 65 67
Down
0 Love of Bologna Fly off the handle They might have deposits Pull (out), as a narrow victory Makes an oopsie Sticky stuff Query for Claude, e.g. Apple accessory announced alongside the removal of the iPhone’s headphone jack Record label owned by 72-Across Littlest bits Motrin alternative Epitome of a hot place Reacted to a bad taste, perhaps Like a bike without wheels “Gold” of the 21st century Org. focused on cloud security? Five stars on a scale, typically Sandwich that may be a bit crunchy, for short Apt name for an investor A.I. that has been trained with massive amounts of text, in brief Something to jump on Many a sleepless night Untapped, as talent Casual gaming site? Drains the life out of Overwhelming stream Compactness Ran amok Lunchtime, say Monastic superior Website that describes itself as “a place to share knowledge and better understand the world” Allow to post on a forum again, e.g. Uses caution while in public during flu season, say Go off with a bang Consideration when diving El ___ Channel that pioneered 24-hour TV reporting Grape whose “white” wine is actually pink, informally
Wednesday, Sept. 23
Mount Vernon Schools early dismissal, 1:15 p.m. Linn County Master gardener Talks: Planting in Fall for spring blooms, Cornell College Cole Library Room 108, 6:30 p.m.
Thursday, Sept. 24
Story Time, Cornell College Cole Library Browsing Room, 9:30 a.m. Fiber Friends, Southeast Linn Community Center, 10:30 a.m. Lester Buresh Family Community Wellness Center Adult Speaker series “Iowa Writers Workshop” by Nina Dragicevic and Sang Young Park, LBC, 1 p.m. Mount Vernon Homecoming Festivities (parade, coronation, powderpuff games), Martha Parsons Family Activities Center, 6 p.m. Free Illuminated concert: Cactus Quintet, Lisbon Public Library Heritage Hall, 7 p.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
MVLSUN.COM | MOUNT VERNON-LISBON SUN
NEWS
THURSDAY, SEPTEMBER 17, 2026 | 15
MV will look into restocking Quarry with fish
Nathan Countryman Mount Vernon-Lisbon Sun
nathan.countryman@mvlsun.com
The City of Mount Vernon will be looking to restock fish in the Mount Vernon Quarry this spring. City administrator Chris Nosbisch said that the quarry has had two significant fish kills over the last couple of years. “We’re one difficult winter away from seeing another fish kill,” Nosbisch said. “It doesn’t cost a huge amount of money to restock.” Council member Paul Tuerler asked if all the fish kills have been winter related. Nosbisch said not all of them, but the biggest culprit seems to be the extremely cold winter when it condenses the water in the quarry. The most recent fish kill at the quarry did see a number of the goldfish or koi, an invasive species in the quarry, see their
numbers thinned out. Nosbisch said that the quarry looks significantly better than it has in past years, due to the treatments applied to the quarry this year as well as having more significant rains this spring and summer. Nosbisch said the city will be ongoing maintenance this year. Tuerler said that he views he quarry as an asset to the community. “If we’re investing in treatment to the quarry, it makes sense in investing in restocking fish,” Tuerler said. Council member Scott Rose asked when there is a fish kill, is it the responsibility of public works or nature to help clean up the issue. Nosbisch said it was both. Public works crew reaches as many fish as they can around the quarry. “We have one of the healthiest turtle populations in the area, so they do take Nathan Countryman | Mount Vernon-Lisbon Sun care of a good deal of fish as well,” Nosbisch said. The City of Mount Vernon is looking to restock fish in the Nature Park Quarry this spring.
Gary’s Foods Round-Up to Support LMVAS Prehospital Blood Program For patients experiencing life-threatening bleeding, every minute without blood can reduce the chance of survival. The Lisbon-Mt. Vernon Ambulance Service is working to bring blood transfusions directly to critically ill and injured patients before they reach the hospital, and customers at Gary’s Foods can help complete the program. Gary’s is hosting a “Round-Up” fundraiser to support the LMVAS Prehospital Blood Transfusion Program. Customers can round up their purchase at the register, with the donated change helping LMVAS acquire the final equipment needed to safely store, transport, warm and administer blood components in the field. Unlike IV saline, blood components replace critical parts of the blood that a hemorrhaging patient is losing. Red blood cells carry oxygen to the brain, heart and other organs, while plasma helps restore clotting factors needed to control bleeding. Carrying these products on an ambulance allows treatment to begin during transport rather than waiting until the patient reaches an emergency department. LMVAS is partnering with ImpactLife, a regional nonprofit blood services provider, to supply blood components for the program. The partnership will also help ensure that the products are stored, mon-
itored, handled and rotated in accordance with established blood-banking and transfusion-safety standards.
A National Effort to Bring Blood to Rural Patients The LMVAS program reflects a growing national effort to make lifesaving blood products available before patients arrive at the hospital. The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration’s Office of Emergency Medical Services has identified prehospital blood transfusion as an important issue for the nation’s EMS systems. NHTSA has also announced a multimillion-dollar initiative aimed at expanding prehospital transfusion capabilities, with an emphasis on rural and Tribal communities where long distances and limited access to trauma centers can delay treatment. The initiative is intended to help civilian EMS systems apply lessons learned from military medicine, where blood products have been successfully administered during medical evacuation for years. It also recognizes a reality familiar to rural residents: advanced hospital care may be many miles away, but severe bleeding cannot wait. Patients served by LMVAS may face hospital transport times ranging from
approximately 10 to 40 minutes, in addition to the time required for dispatch, emergency response, patient assessment, treatment and extrication. In cases involving major traumatic injuries, gastrointestinal bleeding, obstetric emergencies or other causes of severe hemorrhage, beginning a transfusion in the ambulance could provide a significant head start and reduce the need for further blood transfusion. Research supports the importance of early treatment. In the PAMPer clinical trial, published in the New England Journal of Medicine, 30-day mortality was 23.2% among patients who received plasma during air-medical transport, compared with 33% among those receiving standard care. That represented nearly 10 additional survivors for every 100 similarly selected patients. Additional research has found that the benefit of prehospital blood products is most apparent when transport times are longer and when transfusion begins soon after the onset of life-threatening hemorrhage. That evidence makes prehospital transfusion particularly relevant for rural EMS systems.
Bringing Advanced Care to the Patient
LMVAS would use blood components only for carefully selected patients showing evidence of life-threatening blood loss or hemorrhagic shock. Potential cases could include serious motor-vehicle crashes, farm or industrial injuries, penetrating trauma, major gastrointestinal bleeding and obstetric hemorrhage. The program will operate under physician medical direction and detailed clinical guidelines. It will include strict temperature controls, patient-identification procedures, transfusion-reaction protocols, documentation requirements and continuous quality review by the LMVAS medical director in partnership with area hospitals. Prehospital blood is not a replacement for rapid transport or bleeding control. It becomes the final part of LMVAS’ coordinated treatment plan that includes tourniquets, wound packing, pelvic stabilization, tranexamic acid (medication to help stabilize blood clots in a bleeding patient) and rapid transport to definitive care. A few cents at the grocery-store register may seem small, but the combined support of the community can help place lifesaving blood in the hands of LMVAS paramedics. For a patient experiencing catastrophic blood loss, that small contribution could help provide the blood they need before time runs out.
PUBLIC NOTICES
16 | THURSDAY, SEPTEMBER 17, 2026 IowaPublicNotices.com LINN COUNTY BOARD OF SUPERVISORS
CEDAR RAPIDS, LINN COUNTY, IOWA MONDAY, AUGUST 17, 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 August 10 & 11, 2026 as printed. Motion by Scheetz, seconded by Meisheid to approve claims dated 08/14/2026 for payroll deduction Check Nos. 71022111 to 71022113 in the amount of $500.00, ACH in the amount of $24,494.03, an EFT wire in the amount of $32,634.53 and a Ceridian ER Funds Trust Wire in the amount of $2,652,303.33, for a total of $2,709,931.89. Heather Meador, Public Health, discussed a Vacancy Form request for a Temporary Nurse Practitioner for Public Health. The current Nurse Practitioner is leaving the county and has agreed to come back as temporary part time until the role can be permanently filled. The Board will approve Wednesday. Dustin Hinrichs, Public Health, discussed a 28E agreement between Iowa Department of Natural Resources and Linn County to establish terms and conditions for the evaluation and issuance of private water well construction and reconstruction permits. There is no change to this, and it is work they have been doing. Supervisor Running-Marquardt thanked Hinrichs and staff for the work they are doing. Supervisor Meisheid echoed Running-Marquardt’s comments. She asked if legal staff has reviewed this 28E agreement and Hinrichs responded no. He will reach out to legal prior to Wednesday’s meeting for their approval. Motion by Running-Marquardt, seconded by Scheetz to remove from the agenda: Discuss an amendment to the Community Development Block Grant Disaster Recovery services contract with East Central Iowa Council of Governments increasing project delivery funding by $14,114.82 for Dows Pocket Neighborhood housing project and extending the contract end date through August 31, 2026. Public Comment: Jon Lee, 2510 Sisley Grove Rd. SW, Cedar Rapids, stated that he is speaking about the Morgan Valley Energy Center. Alliant is asking for a waiver of air monitoring and that is a decision for Public Health and the DNR. He also mentioned Alliant building a new water and sewer main through the county’s right of way. They don’t know if the power plant will use Cedar Rapids water or if they will drill wells. Alliant is also asking to accept equipment that hasn’t been picked. Lee expects the rezoning request to be denied and hopes the Board votes no. He wants the Board to put their reasoning in writing and not just vote no. Lee cited Iowa Code related to the state making an extra finding. Is putting a facility at this specific site reasonably justified from a technical and social standpoint. He needs the Board to help him and the community. Motion by Running-Marquardt, seconded by Scheetz to approve payroll authorizations (detail is available upon request). Adjournment at 10:13 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 September 17, 2026.
LINN COUNTY BOARD OF SUPERVISORS
CEDAR RAPIDS, LINN COUNTY, IOWA TUESDAY, AUGUST 18, 2026 9:00 A.M. (These are the minutes in their entirety. Archived minutes can be found at www. linncountyiowa.gov) The Board met in session at the Linn County Jean Oxley Public Service Center. Present: Chairperson Running-Marquardt, Vice Chairperson Scheetz and Supervisor Meisheid. Board members voting “AYE” unless otherwise noted. Chairperson Running-Marquardt called the meeting to order. The Board heard updates from the following Department Heads: Charlie Nichols, Planning & Development Dir. – FY27 budget update, revenues are above where they would be expected to be mostly due to Morgan Valley Gas Plant application; discussed staff development in the Building Division; staff undergoing AI training testing out the capabilities on their processes; Comprehensive Plan and Future Land Use Map update with two open houses planned for the fall including a hybrid virtual option to attend; special Planning & Zoning Commission meeting for the Morgan Valley Energy Center on September 28th at 6 p.m., hoping to have it at the Hotel at Kirkwood Center but still need to confirm. Discussion followed as to why the Supervisors feel the Hotel at Kirkwood Center in the evening is a good choice and what steps will happen after that meeting is held. Nichols then discussed working with the City of Walford and ECICOG on a Fringe Area Agreement; will be part of a panel presenting on data centers at the Iowa State Assoc. of Counties conference and was also invited to the Rural Energy Academy for the same purpose; battery energy storage systems webpage going live today. Steve Estenson, Risk Management Dir. – working on updating current properties list to insurance policies; Employee Safety and Health Fair on September 17th at the Harris building; working with Finance on Derecho money coming in from FEMA, hoping to have it all closed out by the end of the calendar year; 10-year anniversary of the 2016 flood and shared statistics from that event; discussed the flood stage
of the Cedar River and how that affects county properties. Supervisor Running-Marquardt thanked Estenson for his countywide leadership during times of disaster noting he helps the County, the employees, and the citizens. She appreciates his hard work. Supervisor Meisheid expressed her heartfelt thanks to Estenson for his help in getting resources to Prairieburg after their tornado. She is grateful there are people willing to step up to the plate and help residents when it’s needed. Britt Hutchins, Purchasing Dir. – discussed KPI of pushing sustainable products; had a recent retirement of 41 years and new hire started yesterday making them fully staffed; currently on budget; provided postal statistics; discussed recent bids and new copiers; recent vehicle purchase needed to be auctioned off due to engine damage; involved with new state contract with Amazon that is utilized for office supplies; assisting Johnson County with creating a Purchasing Department; attending NIPG (Institute for Public Procurement) National Conference next week. Adjournment at 9:37 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 September 17, 2026.
LINN COUNTY BOARD OF SUPERVISORS
CEDAR RAPIDS, LINN COUNTY, IOWA WEDNESDAY, SEPTEMBER 2, 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: Rod Courtney, CRUSH Recovery Center, thanked the Board for recognizing September as recovery month. They see recovery happen every day in individuals and families throughout the community. It is not a one size fits all and many find recovery in different ways. He is grateful for everyone that works alongside them every day. It could be the most difficult times of their lives when they meet them. On behalf of CRUSH, he thanked the Board for standing with them and continuing to recognize the importance of recovery in their community. Motion by Running-Marquardt, seconded by Scheetz to approve minutes of August 25, 26 & 31, 2026 as printed. Motion by Scheetz, seconded by Meisheid to approve Accounts payable checks dated 09/02/26 #71022195 to #71022271 in the amount of $233,509.76; and ACH in the amount of $2,487,756.49; for a total of $2,721,266.25 and voids totaling $7,582.00. Motion by Running-Marquardt, seconded by Scheetz to approve Consent Agenda as follows: Resolution 2026-9-117 A Resolution approving a Final Plat for JORDAN SECOND ADDITION. The following description is a summary of Resolution No. 2026-9-117 as passed and approved by Linn County Board of Supervisors, effective September 2, 2026. JORDAN SECOND ADDITION (Case # PF25-0021) to Linn County, Iowa, containing six (6) lots, numbered lots 1 & 2, lettered lots A & B, and Outlots A & B has been filed for approval, a subdivision of real estate located in the SE SE of Section 14, Township 86 North, Range 07 West of the 5th P.M., Linn County, Iowa, described as follows: Part 1 Beginning the SE Corner of said Section 14; thence S89° 37' 34"W along the south line of said SE ¼ SE ¼, 1328.88 feet to the SW Corner of said SE ¼ SE ¼; thence N01° 22' 58"W along the west line or said SE¼ SE¼, 1317.64 feet to the NW Corner of said SE¼ SE¼ and the south bank of the Wapsipinicon River; thence S67° 32' 27"E along said south bank, 635.04 feet to the NW Corner of Jordan's Wolf Den, an Addition to Linn County, Iowa; thence S09° 10' 10"W along the west line of said Addition, 71.81 feet; thence S22° 37' 16"E along said west line, 196.70 feel; thence S79° 04' 16"E along said west line, 171.80 feel; thence S10° 11' 19"E along said west line, 163.33 feet; thence N88° 10' 52"E along said west line, 50.03 feet; thence S09° 36' 30"E along said west line, 100.03 feet; thence N88° 31' 20"E along said west line, 76.30 feet; thence N09° 12' 29"W, along said west line 74.77 feet; thence N88° 28' 31"E along said west line, 152.63 feet; thence S01° 31' 29"E along said west line, 200.00 feet lo the south line of said Addition; thence N88° 28' 31"E along said south line, 212.33 feet to the east line of said SE ¼ SE ¼; thence S01° 30' 53"E along said east line, 111.81 feet; thence S85°31'28'"W, 40.05 feet to the west right of way line of N. Alburnett Road; thence S01° 30' 53"E along said west right of way line, 200.53 feet; thence N88°29'08"E, 40.00 feet to said east line; thence S01° 30' 53"E along said east line, 94.45 feet to the Point of Beginning of Part 1; AND Part 2 Beginning the NE corner of said SE¼ SE¼; thence so1• 30' 53"E along the east line of said SE¼ SE¼, 97.05 feet; thence N75° 11' 10"W, 369.84 feet to the north line of said SE¼ SE¼; thence N89° 36' 14"E along said north line, 354.99 feet to the Point of Beginning of Part 2, containing 26.61 acres, which Includes 0.19 acres of road right of way. 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 an addendum to an existing contract between Bellefeuil, Szur & Associates, (BS&A) Inc. Software and Linn County for BS&A online payment system. Approve and authorize Colonel Dave Beuter to electronically sign, on behalf of the Board, the 2027 Byrne Justice Assistance Grant Program. The Grant award is in the amount of $154,000 and effective September 1, 2026, through June 30, 2027. #24-JAG-673360. Approve a Five Day (September 17 through 21, 2026) Special Class C Retail Alcohol License for Cliff's Dive Bar for the Farm Fresh Reggae Music and Arts Festival held at 838 Bolton Manor Road, Springville, Iowa. Supervisor Meisheid read Proclamation: 20th Annual Stand Down for Homeless, September 3, 2026. Motion by Meisheid, seconded by Scheetz to approve said Proclamation. Supervisor Scheetz read Proclamation: Recovery Month, September 2026. Motion by Scheetz, seconded by Meisheid to approve said Proclamation. Jessie Black, Admin. Spec., presented a Vacancy Form request for an intern in the Board of Supervisors office. This position will serve as someone who coordinates between the Board and Planning & Development due to the increasing volume, complexity and variety of work related to data center development. There is $10,000 already allocated for this position and also salary savings from the Policy & Admin. Deputy Dir. position. Supervisor Meisheid explained the plans for upcoming moratorium discussions including organizing and collecting data from constituents that the current staff are not able to take on. This position will fill a temporary need. Additional duties would include lessons learned across the US about how they are managing growth and the data centers including roundtable discussions. She is highly supportive of this. Supervisor Running-Marquardt added that this is something important to look at. This is a step forward in their commitment to make sure things are right when looking at the data center ordinance. They are looking for as much public participation as possible. This intern will help on the administration side. Motion by Running-Marquardt, seconded by Scheetz to approve a Vacancy Form request for an intern in the Board of Supervisors office. Public Comment: Jon Lee, 2510 Sisley Grove Rd. SW, Cedar Rapids, stated that he built his house himself and lives half a mile from the proposed Morgan Valley Energy Center. He spoke about numbers including how many days since they found out about this proposed project, how many times he has stood up and spoken about it; how many dates since Alliant hasn’t answered questions he has asked; how many days since the DNR hasn’t responded to him. No one is asking what this proposed project does for the people who live here. He asked who is responsible for what happens to human health. There are 3 elected officials in the entire process who answer to the voters and that is the 3 Board members. They have been asking for months now why others don’t seem interested in protecting people, so they are asking the Board instead. The people of the community deserve protection for their health and welfare. He asked the Board to please vote no when this comes before them. Adjournment at 10:17 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 September 17, 2026.
LINN COUNTY LIST OF BILLS PAID
FOR 8-27-2026 THROUGH 9-2-2026 https://www.linncountyiowa.gov/413/ Accounting-Services VENDOR DESCRIPTION AMOUNT 100 TAMA BRIGIT LLC GENERAL ASSISTANCE........................................... $900.00 ACCESS SYSTEMS OFFICE EQUIPMENT & TECHNICAL SERVICES.............. $1,936.12 ACME TOOLS HAND TOOL........... $579.00 ADCRAFT PRINTING CO INC OFFICE SUPPLIES............................................ $245.00 AHLERS & COONEY PC LABOR RELATIONS........................................ $2,100.00 ALL SECURE INC SECURITY SYSTEM MONITORING............................... $945.00 ALL TEMP REFRIGERATION WATER TREATMENT ............................. $5,956.25 ALLIANT UTILITIES UTILITIES.. $9,535.42 ALLIANT UTILITIES - ASSISTANCE GENERAL ASSISTANCE.................... $1,752.06 ANAHEIM CORPORATION CONTRACT LABOR....................................... $9,614.76 ANDERSON ERICKSON DAIRY CO FOOD & PROVISIONS............................. $110.23 ANTON SALES PARTS.................. $170.93 APEX STRUCTURAL LLC CONSTRUCTION DOCUMENT CHANGES.............. $2,080.00 AREA AMBULANCE MED EXAM FEES....... .................................................. $8,869.50 ASCENDANCE TRUCKS EASTERN IOWA LLC PARTS................................... $484.85 BAKER GROUP MAINTENANCE AGREEMENT......................................... $9,845.00 BAUER BUILT INC TUBE REPLACEMENTS - TIRE REPLACEMENTS................ $701.82 BEAMAN, CRYSTAL A TRANSCRIPTS....... ....................................................... $33.00 BENTON COUNTY MED EXAM FEES.......... .................................................. $5,795.00 BEZRENT LLC GENERAL ASSISTANCE...... ..................................................... $547.81 BITUMINOUS MATERIAL & SUPPLY DUST CONTROL MATERIAL............... $18,310.58 BLYTHE, GREGORY MED EXAM FEES....... ..................................................... $370.00 BRADLEY, ROBERT G ABANDONDED WATER WELL PLUG........................... $700.00 CAMBRIDGE LTD PARTNERSHIP II GENERAL ASSISTANCE....................... $900.00 CAPITAL SANITARY SUPPLY - CEDAR RAPIDS CLEANING SUPPLIES.. $2,310.17 CAREPRO HOME MEDICAL MEDICAL SUPPLIES..................................... $300.00 CARSON, JULIE TRAVEL/TRAINING REIMB............................................. $88.00 CEDAR MEMORIAL FUNERAL HOME
COMPANY GENERAL ASSISTANCE........... .................................................. $3,419.00 CEDAR RAPIDS CITY OF EAP SERVICES .. ....................................................... $22.24 SIGNAL MAINTENANCE............. $4,831.41 CEDAR RAPIDS CITY OF (INSURANCE) PAYROLL DEDUCTION............... $1,194.00 CEDAR RAPIDS MUNICIPAL UTILITIES ASSISTANCE GENERAL ASSISTANCE....... ..................................................... $211.14 CEDAR VALLEY HUMANE SOCIETY BOS CVHS CALL OUT AND SHELTER................ .................................................. $6,550.00 CELEBRATE LIFE IOWA GENERAL ASSISTANCE........................................ $1,695.00 CENTURYLINK COMMUNICATIONS LLC E911 BASIC PHONE SERVICE......... $39.50 CERIDIAN ER FUNDS TRUST - GARNISH PAYROLL DEDUCTION............... $4,745.28 CERIDIAN ER FUNDS TRUST - NET PAY PAYROLL DEDUCTION........ $1,798,080.41 CERIDIAN ER FUNDS TRUST - TAXES PAYROLL DEDUCTION........... $711,287.65 CHARM-TEX INC COMMISSARY ITEMS.... .................................................. $4,699.40 CHILDREN OF PROMISE MENTORING PROGRAM BOYS AND GIRLS MENTORING PROGRAM.......................... $1,868.50 COGGON MUNICIPAL LIGHT PLANT UTILITIES............................................... $60.89 COLEMAN MOORE COMPANY EROSION CONTROL MATERIALS............ $20,064.00 COLORADO HUNTSMAN TRANSPORT LLC INMATE TRANSPORTATION............... .................................................. $3,500.00 COMMERCIAL SHADING SYSTEMS LLC ROLLER SHADES INSTALL........ $7,500.00 COMMUNICATIONS ENGINEERING COMPANY INTERCOM REPAIR LABOR............. ..................................................... $672.00 COOK APPRAISAL LLC TESTIMONY & EXPERT WITNESS FOR APPEAL....... $600.00 COOK PROPERTIES GENERAL ASSISTANCE........................................... $900.00 CORE-MARK MIDCONTINENT INC COMMISSARY ITEMS........................ $6,119.25 CRAWFORD SUPPLY COMPANY COMMISSARY ITEMS........................... $887.76 CROWBARS PARTS...................... $181.34 CUMMINS SALES AND SERVICES GENERATOR SERVICE ........................ $325.62 CUSTOM HOSE & SUPPLIES INC HYDRAULIC HOSES....................... $1,012.97 D&D CONCRETE INC STRIP & RESEAL CONCRETE ................................ $5,420.00 DAVIS, VICKI TRAVEL EXPENSES.. $52.74 DELTA DENTAL LINN COUNTY DENTAL..... ................................................ $61,000.00 DELTA DENTAL OF IOWA - LEGAL PAYROLL DEDUCTION..................... $2,982.90 DESIGN DYNAMICS INC PROFESSIONAL SERVICES................................ $12,654.70 DIAMOND DRUGS INC PRESCRIPTIONS.. ................................................ $31,345.11 EASTERN IOWA TIRE INC TIRES............... ..................................................... $814.95 EASTERN RESEARCH GROUP INC VOC ANALYSIS VIA TO-15................. $3,285.00 ELY CITY OF ELY WATER CAPACITY PROJECT................................. $69,732.83 EMC RISK SERVICES LLC WORK COMP INSURANCE............................. $70,047.86 EQUITABLE THE (CR CITY ASSR) PAYROLL DEDUCTION.......................... $75.00 EQUITABLE THE (LINN CO ASSR) PAYROLL DEDUCTION........................ $325.00 ESCO ELECTRIC CO BUILDING MAINTENANCE.......................................... $524.86 EVER-GREEN LANDSCAPE NURSERY AND SUPPLY INC MULCH......... $4,230.00 EVORA ENERGY LLC UNDERGROUND STORAGE TANK INSPECTION....... $700.00 FINGER, NICOLE TRAVEL/TRAINING REIMB........................................... $280.00 FINLEY PROPERTIES LLC GENERAL ASSISTANCE.................................. $1,100.00 FLOW SCIENCE LLC PRP MTB MAINTENANCE..................................... $19,000.00 FOSTER, DEBBIE S TRANSCRIPT FEES..... ....................................................... $70.00 FREEDOMREMI GENERAL ASSISTANCE... ..................................................... $900.00 FRESH START MINISTRIES RISE REINTEGRATION PROGRAM SUPPORT................ .................................................. $2,500.00 FROESE, DAWN M TRAVEL/TRAINING REIMB........................................... $470.00 FUSIONSITE SERVICES LLC PORT O POTTIE................................................ $520.05 GAZETTE COMMUNICATIONS PUBLICATIONS & LEGAL NOTICES......... $5,803.89 GORDON FLESCH COMPANY INC COPIER LEASE & FEES........................... $1,688.89 GOVINVEST INC COMPENSATION MODULE............................................ $3,500.00 GRAINGER W W INC CARTRIGDES........... ....................................................... $63.66 GREATAMERICA FINANCIAL SERVICES CORP PLOTTER LEASE................. $242.50 HACAP GENERAL ASSISTANCE.... $550.00 HANDS UP COMMUNICATIONS CONTRACT LABOR.............................. $745.00 HANGER CLINIC MEDICAL SERVICES....... ..................................................... $378.98 HASTINGS, LACEY N TRAVEL/TRAINING REIMB........................................... $454.80 HAUSKINS, JOHN TRAINING EXPENSE..... ..................................................... $280.00 HAWKEYE FIRE & SAFETY MEDICAL WASTE REMOVAL..................... $1,530.00 HEALTHEQUITY INC FLEX MONTHLY A MIN FEE..................................... $1,042.50 PAYROLL DEDUCTION............. $22,636.08 HEBERT, JENNIFER L TRAVEL/TRAINING REIMB........................................... $280.00 HENDERSON TRUCK EQUIPMENT PART... .................................................. $1,084.98 HENDERSON-BARKER FUNERAL HOME MED EXAM FEES.......................... $400.00 HIAWATHA CITY OF EHR ODMAPS INTEGRATION....................................... $505.47 HOBSON, GRACE S TRAVEL/TRAINING REIMB........................................... $393.04 HOLUB & SONS LLC MOWING.................. .................................................. $2,782.96 HOVDEN OIL INC DEF................... $607.50 HUNTER QUALITY CONTRACTING LLC INVASIVE SPECIES REMOVAL .................. ................................................ $12,650.00 HY VEE FOOD & PROVISIONS...... $840.69 HYDRAFAB LLC CYLINDER REPAIR.......... .................................................. $2,680.50 IA LAW ENFORCEMENT INTELLIGENCE NETWORK REGISTRATION........... $750.00 IA PUB EMP RET SYS (CITY ASSESSOR EE) PAYROLL DEDUCTION........ $7,628.70 IA PUB EMP RET SYS (CITY ASSESSOR ER) PAYROLL DEDUCTION...... $11,449.12 IA PUB EMP RET SYS (CO ASSESSOR EE) PAYROLL DEDUCTION............... $5,586.01 IA PUB EMP RET SYS (CO ASSESSOR ER) PAYROLL DEDUCTION............... $8,383.44 IA PUB EMP RET SYS (LC EE) PAYROLL DEDUCTION........................... $231,518.02 IA PUB EMP RET SYS (LC ER) PAYROLL DEDUCTION........................... $347,460.61 IA PUB EMP RET SYS (PROTECTION OCCUPATION EE) PAYROLL DEDUCTION....... ................................................ $14,422.34 IA PUB EMP RET SYS (PROTECTION OC-
MOUNT VERNON-LISBON SUN | MVLSUN.COM CUPATION ER) PAYROLL DEDUCTION...... ................................................ $13,965.03 IA PUB EMP RET SYS (SECO EE) PAYROLL DEDUCTION................. $132,831.10 IA PUB EMP RET SYS (SECO ER) PAYROLL DEDUCTION................. $130,138.82 IACCB REGISTRATION .............. $2,250.00 INGALLS, TRACY TRAVEL EXPENSE......... ....................................................... $71.06 INSIGHT PUBLIC SECTOR SOFTWARE SUBSCRIPTION............................ $938.19 INTOXIMETERS INC SUPPLIES.... $405.00 IOWA DEPARTMENT OF TRANSPORTATION THERMAL PAPER/PATROL.. $315.36 IOWA FIRE PROTECTION INSPECTION & SERVICE CALL........................... $1,148.67 IOWA LAW ENFORCEMENT ACADEMY TRAINING EXPENSE..................... $550.00 IOWA OFFICE OF THE STATE MEDICAL EXAMINER MED EXAM FEES... $19,440.00 IOWA ORTHO WORK COMP INVOICE........ ..................................................... $600.00 IOWA PRISON INDUSTRIES SUPPLIES..... ................................................ $12,094.97 IOWA STATE ASSOCIATION OF ASSESSORS REGISTRATION............... $2,125.00 IOWA STATE SHERIFFS & DEPUTIES ASSOCIATION REGISTRATION.......... $250.00 IOWA WORKFORCE DEV USER FEES....... .................................................. $6,682.00 JOHNSON COUNTY - IOWA MED EXAM FEES.......................................... $1,624.78 JP GASWAY OFFICE SUPPLIES.... $201.04 KEEFE SUPPLY COMPANY COMMISSARY ITEMS........................................ $2,892.96 KELLEY, CAROLYN A TRAVEL EXPENSE.... ..................................................... $182.55 KETELS, AUGUST SAFETY BOOT REIMB... ..................................................... $200.00 KEVINS WELDING LLC FAB AND INSTALL SHOWER PANELS...................... $1,700.00 KIECKS UNIFORMS...................... $285.80 KILPATRICK, K JEANETTE EASEMENT LAND PURCHASE.................... $48,500.00 KING CONSTRUCTION & OVERHEAD DOOR INC CONTRACT LABOR................... .............................................. $133,948.26 KRUSE, TODD R MILEAGE........... $180.12 L & L MURPHY ASSOCIATES CONSULTING SERVICES ........................ $11,874.98 L L PELLING LAKESIDE RD PAVING & PREMIX................................. $378,930.84 LABASE LLC GENERAL ASSISTANCE........ .................................................. $1,135.50 LARSON, TAD D CISTERN PLUG.. $400.00 LAW OFFICES OF JEFFREY L CLARK LLC ATTORNEY FEES........................... $380.80 LEXISNEXIS RISK SOLUTIONS FL INC TRAX ......................................... $3,898.65 LIBERTY TIRE RECYCLING LLC TIRE PICK UP................................................. $887.68 LILLIAN HOMES LLC GENERAL ASSISTANCE........................................... $900.00 LINCOLN NATL LIFE INSURANCE PAYROLL DEDUCTION........................ $100.00 LINDER TIRE SERVICE INC TIRES............. .................................................. $2,992.08 LINN COOP OIL INC #395000 (CONSERVATION) FUEL............................ $3,881.91 LINN COOP OIL INC #395050 (ROADS MISC) FUEL............................... $4,199.04 LINN COUNTY SHERIFF CHARGEBACK PAYMENT........................................ $25.00 LINN COUNTY TREASURER PROPERTY TAXES ....................................... $9,112.00 LINN NEWS LLC PUBLICATIONS & LEGAL NOTICES.................................... $4,235.38 LIONBRIDGE TECHNOLOGIES LLC TELEPHONE INTERPRETING SERVICES... $2.85 LOGAN CONTRACTORS SUPPLY EPOXY REBAR....................................... $5,699.93 MACQUEEN EQUIPMENT GROUP UPFIT PARTS........................................ $5,604.00 MADISON NATL LIFE - LTD/STD PAYROLL DEDUCTION............................. $18,111.55 MADISON NATL LIFE (CITY ASSR LTD) PAYROLL DEDUCTION.................. $363.12 MADISON NATL LIFE INS CO INC PAYROLL DEDUCTION................... $12,483.16 MARION IRON COMPANY METAL............. ..................................................... $641.75 MARION MUNICIPAL WATER DEPARTMENT UTILITIES............................. $60.96 MARTELLE COOP TELEPHONE ASSN E911 - TWO TRUNKS INTO CENTRAL OFFICE ............................................... $63.24 MARTIN GARDNER ARCHITECTURE LINN COUNTY DERECHO ASSESSMENT............ ..................................................... $101.50 MARTIN MARIETTA MATERIALS INC ROCK......................................... $4,459.57 MCKESSON MEDICAL-SURGICAL GOV SOLUTIONS MEDICAL SUPPLIES............. ..................................................... $734.19 MEADOWVIEW DRIVE HOLDINGS LLC GENERAL ASSISTANCE................ $900.00 MEDIAQUEST OUTDOOR BILLBOARD ADVERTISING ................................... $600.00 MERCY FAMILY COUNSELING TREATMENT FEES................................... $935.50 MERCY MEDICAL CENTER MEDICAL SERVICES..................................... $866.74 PRE EMPLOYMENT PHYSICALS............... .................................................. $1,295.00 METAL CULVERTS INC CULVERT MATERIALS.......................................... $29,810.54 MICHAEL BAKER INTERNATIONAL INC SEVERE STORMS-PROF CONSULTING..... ..................................................... $900.00 MIDAMERICAN ENERGY UTILITIES.......... ....................................................... $86.09 MIDAMERICAN ENERGY - ASSISTANCE GENERAL ASSISTANCE................ $391.88 MIDWAY WELL SERVICE PRESSURE TANK REPLACEMENT - WATER SYSTEM REPAIRS.................................... $2,730.00 MIENE SEPTIC SERVICE INC CULVERT REPLACEMENT.......................... $4,704.00 MONTAGUE, RYAN L GENERAL ASSISTANCE........................................... $800.00 MOSSMAN, ASA GENERAL ASSISTANCE.. ..................................................... $637.37 MOUNT VERNON FAMILY COUNSELING HEALTH ASSISTANCE................... $200.00 MOYNA MATERIALS LLC ROCK................ .................................................. $3,464.88 MURDOCH FUNERAL HOMES MED EXAM FEES.......................................... $1,580.00 NAVIGATE WELLBEING SOLUTIONS WELLNESS PROGRAM............ $13,335.25 NEW CAPITAL GROUP GENERAL ASSISTANCE........................................... $900.00 NICHOLS, CHARLES TRAVEL/TRAINING REIMB........................................... $278.08 NIDEY ERDAHL MEIER & ARAGUAS PLC ATTORNEY FEES........................... $380.80 NORTHEAST DISTRICT ISAA TRAINING EXPENSE...................................... $300.00 NORTHLAND PRODUCTS CO USED OIL COLLECTION................................... $41.85 OCONNELL, COLLEEN APPEAL TRANSCRIPTS......................................... $14.00 OCV LLC SUPPORT & MAINTENANCE...... ................................................ $13,839.00 OMNILINK SYSTEMS INC RADIO EQUIPMENT RENTAL........................... $2,422.50 ORKIN LLC PEST CONTROL......... $363.64 OTTSEN OIL CO INC DEF.............. $528.00 OUTDOOR RECREATION PRODUCTS BENCHES................................... $3,527.70
P&K MIDWEST INC PARTS....... $1,698.49 PARAGON INTERIORS FURNITURE........... ................................................ $32,975.00 PARTS AUTHORITY LLC PARTS... $344.96 PEPPERBALL PEPPERBALLS....... $692.00 PERFORMANCE FOODSERVICE LLC FOOD & PROVISIONS.......................... $4,525.69 PERKINS, RUSSELL D ABANDONED WATER WELL PLUG........................... $700.00 PETERSON CONTRACTORS INC 31ST STREET ROAD RECONSTRUCTION........... ................................................ $27,958.07 PITNEY BOWES INC - ACH POSTAGE........ ................................................ $50,000.00 POPE, RICHARD T CONTRACT LABOR...... ..................................................... $455.16 \PHYSICIAN AND MEDICAL ADVISOR FEES.......................................... $3,992.65 PRAIRIEBURG CITY OF SEWER REHAB ... ................................................ $43,270.54 PROFESSIONAL HEALTH SERVICES PC MED EXAM FEES....................... $1,850.00 PROFESSIONAL OFFICE SERVICES TAX &. RENEWAL NOTICES................. $78,423.25 PROSECUTING ATTORNEYS TRAINING CRIMINAL LAW HANDBOOK........ $248.00 PUSH PEDAL PULL FITNESS CENTER EQUIPMENT REPAIR.................... $640.00 RADIOLOGY CONSULTANTS OF IOWA, PLC MEDICAL SERVICES............. $382.49 RAPIDS REPRODUCTIONS ADAPTIVE SPORTS CLINIC SPONSORS POSTER....... ....................................................... $70.00 RAY O'HERRON CO INC UNIFORMS.......... ..................................................... $455.50 REXCO EQUIPMENT INC PARTS................ .................................................. $1,403.44 RINDERKNECHT, DEVIN TRAINING EXPENSE........................................... $374.00 ROBERTS & EDDY PC ATTORNEY FEES.... ..................................................... $496.40 ROBINWOOD APARTMENTS LLC GENERAL ASSISTANCE............................ $900.00 SAFELITE FULFILLMENT INC WINDSHIELD REPAIR ............................. $92.00 SAM'S CLUB MEDICAL SUPPLIES............ ..................................................... $789.31 SANITY SOLUTIONS INC TECHNICAL SERVICES..................................... $168.00 SCHAUF, ANDREW A TRAVEL/TRAINING REIMB........................................... $264.32 SCHUMACHER ELEVATOR CO INC ELEVATOR REPAIRS .............................. $256.00 SCROGGINS, NINA TRAVEL EXPENSES.... ....................................................... $73.72 SHAMROCK APARTMENTS GENERAL ASSISTANCE..................................... $550.00 SKELTON, DEBORAH M ATTORNEY FEES. ..................................................... $170.00 SNYDER & ASSOCIATES PROFESSIONAL SERVICES ................................. $8,920.00 SOIL CONCEPTS INC HYDROSEED, AERATE & OVERSEED ................... $41,805.90 SOLUM LANG ARCHITECTS LLC ARCHITECTURAL DESIGN SERVICES ................. .................................................. $4,080.00 SOUTHVIEW, LLC GENERAL ASSISTANCE ..................................................... $900.00 SPRINGVILLE COOP TELE ASSN E911 CIRCUIT SERVICE .......................... $81.24 ST LUKES WORK WELL SOLUTIONS PRE EMPLOYMENT PHYSICAL............ $235.00 STEELE, KELLY D ATTORNEY FEES........... ..................................................... $850.00 STEWART BAXTER FUNERAL & MEMORIAL SERVICES GENERAL ASSISTANCE...... .................................................. $2,000.00 SYN-TECH SYSTEMS INC FUELMASTER DISPLAYS..................................... $337.60 T MOBILE USA INC PHONE SERVICE........ ..................................................... $565.12 TFD SUPPLIES INMATE SUPPLIES............ ..................................................... $410.00 THE DAILY IOWAN - THE SUN PUBLICATIONS & LEGAL NOTICES......... $4,438.97 TRINITY SERVICES GROUP INC INMATE WEEKLY MEALS...................... $15,247.50 TUNNING, MADISON TRANSCRIPTS........ ....................................................... $10.00 TYRRELL, SUSAN M INTERPRETER FEES ..................................................... $150.00 ULINE SUPPLIES.......................... $783.79 UNIFORM DEN INC UNIFORMS.... $319.75 UNITYPOINT HEALTH CONTRACT LABOR. ..................................................... $450.00 VALIC/AIG RETIREMENT PAYROLL DEDUCTION................................. $32,998.20 VERIZON WIRELESS E911 CELL SERVICE ..................................................... $910.92 VISION SERVICE PLAN (CITY ASSESSOR) PAYROLL DEDUCTION.................. $257.23 VISION SERVICE PLAN (COUNTY) PAYROLL DEDUCTION................... $10,458.96 WASHMOHR KIRKWOOD LLC CAR WASH ..................................................... $486.60 WEBER STONE CO INC ROCK.. $12,127.88 WEBER, ALISHA MED EXAM FEES............ .................................................. $7,705.00 WELLMARK BLUE CROSS & BLUE SHIELD LC WELLMARK PREPAY SEPTEMBER 2026..................... $1,084,000.00 WELLMARK BLUE CROSS & BLUE SHIELD - CA PAYROLL DEDUCTION.......... ................................................ $26,397.86 WENDLING QUARRIES INC ROCK............. ................................................ $32,078.79 WEXFORD APARTMENTS GENERAL ASSISTANCE..................................... $900.00 WHITTLESEY, ASHLEY MILEAGE REIMBURSEMENT................................... $35.67 WHKS & CO PROFESSIONAL SERVICES .. .................................................. $7,577.72 WILLIAMS, ROBERT A GENERAL ASSISTANCE........................................... $550.00 WINK, ALEX J TRAINING EXPENSE........... ..................................................... $374.00 WITT, JERRY W TRAVEL/TRAINING REIMB........................................... $166.40 ZAHN-HOUSER MD, ARLEEN A MED EXAM FEES................................ $1,665.00 TOTAL................................. $6,267,145.84 Published in the Sun September 17, 2026.
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MV council reviews EMS commission appointees
Looks at Sept. 21, Oct. 5 as dates to appoint new members Nathan Countryman Mount Vernon-Lisbon Sun
nathan.countryman@mvlsun.com
The City of Mount Vernon will work on appointing members to the newly established EMS district by Sept. 21 or Oct. 5. Matt Warfield, deputy commissioner of election services in Linn County, said the top five vote getters in the election were Richard George, Rose Hedges, Jacquelyn ( ), Michelle Zaruba and Alex Kurjatko. “We had to complete this election with an old school hand count,” Warfield said. “We have to thank the community for showing up, because we can’t do any elections without their support and participation.” When it came to the details surrounding this new commission, Linn County Election Services had a lot of unknowns, as this is one of the first of these districts to be approved in the state for a city. The measure passed in all districts with over 92 percent approval. The City of Mount Vernon will need to select three of those five names to serve on the commission, one for a one-year term, one for a two-year term and one for a three-year term. The city council wanted to have those who were elected to answer a form like others pursuing a spot on a commission about why they want to run and preference for the length of terms. Warfield explained that the committee needs to have their first meeting before November to get started on
a budget and establishment of a tax-exempt status so they don’t miss a year of funding for the newly formed EMS district. Lisbon, and the rural areas of Linn County and Johnson County will have to select their own commission members for the board. Warfield said the rural districts may merge together in the future into a single district, while Mount Vernon and Lisbon will retain their own commission members. The EMS district will also have to form a 28E agreement with the different boards that serve the district as well. City administrator Chris Nosbisch said the board this first year probably has the most responsibility, due to the clerical legwork needed in establishing the EMS district. Nosbisch also said to council members that once the board is established, the only control the council has in establishing future members who are elected or appointed in terms of vacancies to the board. Council member Mark Andresen said that the election had done what was asked of voters – provide names to serve on the commission and that they wanted to see this new EMS district formed. “We have the job of picking three from these candidates that will be a well-rounded team with the strengths we see are needed for forming this district,” Andresen said. Council member Sherene Hansen Player said she would like to see appointing members happens sooner than later. Nosbisch said the forms can be sent to those top five and see if the members can return the answers to questions ahead of when agenda is set for the Sept. 21 council meeting.
City of Mount Vernon replacing board in stop light Nathan Countryman Mount Vernon-Lisbon Sun
“The major issue is the motherboard in the control box reverts back to the factory settings,” Nosbisch said. “That nathan.countryman@mvlsun.com can lead to people sitting for exorbitant amount of time at the light.” If you’ve been sitting for a longer time at the stop light The warranty for the boards in the stoplight is usually at the intersection of First Street and Fifth Avenue, that’s one to two years. because the motherboard at the stoplight overheated. Council member Sherene Hansen Player said the City administrator Chris Nosbisch said that the camera boards in the light was replaced before COVID-19 and system at the light has also struggled with the shadows that she has had her daughter get out of the car to hit the and certain sunsets determining if cars are stopped at the crossing button to get the light to change. intersection or not. The cost to replace the board is $28,800.
City of Mount Vernon will look to participate in LAP-AID
include Cedar Rapids, Center Point, Hiawatha, Marion and Walker. LAP-AID’s Vision is to support the community’s preparedness, response and recovery activities and the mission is to provide collaborative leadership to strengthen area-wide ongoing disaster coordination in Linn County while advocating for those most in need. LAP-AID is a coalition of organizations seeking to build a better-prepared and more resilient Linn County. LAP-Aid was formed in response to the 2008 flood. Nathan Countryman LAP-AID works with Linn County Emergency ManageMount Vernon-Lisbon Sun ment Agency when a disaster strikes and help is needed. nathan.countryman@mvlsun.com LAP-Aid meets quarterly, the fourth Tuesday of the month (January and July virtually, April and October The City of Mount Vernon will be looking to par- in person). ticipate in the Linn Area Partners Active in Disaster Council member Paul Tuerler said there are a number (LAP-AID). Other cities currently part of LAP-AID of emergencies or things to prepare resiliency.
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Tips to lower your blood pressure as you age As you age, there’s a pretty good chance you’ll eventually develop high blood pressure, also known as hypertension. In fact, according to one study, about 60% of people get hypertension by the time they reach age 60. Fortunately, high blood pressure is highly treatable and manageable through a combination of lifestyle changes and, when necessary, medication. Unfortunately, it often appears without symptoms, putting people at risk of stroke, heart failure, kidney disease, and death, without them even knowing it. “High blood pressure is sometimes called the silent killer,” said Dr. Jennifer Ziemianin, chief medical officer for HealthSpring. “But we’re not going to be quiet about it. We want older adults to know about the risks and take action to manage hypertension.” The first step is to get your blood pressure checked. The
American Heart Association recommends adults get their blood pressure checked at least once a year. According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, high blood pressure is an upper reading of 130 or above or a lower reading of 80 or above. If your blood pressure is high, you should check it regularly using an automatic, upper arm cuff-style monitor. These monitors are widely available, affordable and easy to use. You can ask your doctor for tips if needed. Although hypertension generally can’t be cured, it can be effectively managed through a variety of measures, Ziemianin said, including the following: Exercise. Moderate activity, such as brisk walking or swimming, can lower high blood pressure. Always talk with your doctor before starting an exercise plan. If you belong to a Medicare Advantage (MA) plan, you may have access to a fitness program at no extra cost to you. Eat a heart-healthy diet. Having a higher body mass index is a risk factor for hypertension. That’s why it’s important to eat a balanced diet, including vegetables, fruits, grains, protein, dairy and oils. Cut down on salt. As you get older, the body becomes
3 Practical Ways to Build Financial Confidence Nearly everyone is carrying some level of insecurity about their financial future, even those who are trying to plan ahead. Economic uncertainty, fueled by persistent inflation, stagnant wages and a cooling job market, has led many Americans to feel like they’re falling behind, even when they’re doing many of the “right” things financially. Though many are paying down debt, saving for retirement and building an emergency fund, they’re still asking, “Am I doing enough?” In fact, only 21% of Americans are financially prepared and assured in their ability to protect their futures, according to Mutual of Omaha’s 2026 Protection Index Survey – a proprietary research study conducted with quantilope – which shows overall financial confidence has declined. “Many people believe they need to wait until they have more money, more certainty or the perfect plan before taking action,” said Nate Hobson, vice president of sales, Advisor Network at Mutual of Omaha. “But financial confidence is usually built through consistency rather than perfect timing. Even small steps today can make a meaningful difference over time.” While being financially secure means different things to different people, according to the survey – such as having little or no debt (34%), owning a home (29%), maintaining emergency savings (27%), saving for retirement (26%) or having insurance coverage (26%) – building financial confidence doesn’t have to translate to cutting out everything you enjoy. Instead, this expert guidance can help you be more intentional with the choices you make so your spending reflects your priorities.
Put Good Financial Habits on Autopilot One of the easiest ways to make progress is removing the need to make the same decision every month. Consider setting up automatic contributions to savings and retirement accounts, regular investment deposits and automatic bill payments, which can help you build financial security even during busy or uncertain times. Taking a look at everyday spending habits can also make a difference. The survey showed small, everyday choices add up over time, such as cutting non-essential spending (57%), using rewards programs (54%), comparing prices or switching providers (39%) and following a monthly budget (38%). That could mean bringing your lunch to work instead of grabbing takeout, taking a few extra minutes to compare prices at the grocery store or using rewards to get more value from the purchases you’re already making.
Protect What You’re Building
Saving and investing are important pieces of financial protection, but they’re only part of the equation. Protecting income, loved ones and other financial assets is equally important. For families, life insurance can provide financial protection during key earning and caregiving years, helping replace income if the unexpected happens. For those focused on covering final expenses, guaranteed whole life insurance can help cover funeral and other end-of-life costs. If you’re approaching or living in retirement, an annuity may provide a reliable stream of income that can complement other retirement resources and reduce uncertainty. Create a Financial Cushion A financial professional can help deterWhether it’s a car repair, medical bill mine which options best fit your goals and or temporary loss of income, unexpected circumstances. To see how much coverexpenses happen. age is right for your situation, Mutual of Having even a modest emergency fund Omaha’s Life Insurance Calculator can can reduce financial stress and reliance provide a personalized estimate based on on credit cards or loans. If saving several your income, financial obligations and months of expenses feels overwhelming, long-term goals. start with a smaller milestone. ConsisFor more practical advice to build tency matters more than the starting financial confidence, visit MutualofOamount. maha.com. Source: Mutual of Omaha
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more sensitive to salt. Too much salt can increase your blood pressure. Limit the amount of salt in your diet by choosing low-sodium seasonings when preparing meals. Drink less alcohol. Even moderate alcohol use can increase your blood pressure. The American Health Associations recommends no more than two drinks per day for men and one drink per day for women. Quit smoking or don’t start. Smoking increases your risk for high blood pressure, heart disease, stroke, and other health problems. It’s never too late to quit. If you have a Medicare plan, you have access to counseling services to help you quit. Additionally, a Medicare Part D plan may cover medications to help you stop smoking. Manage stress. Stress can increase your blood pressure. Medicare and MA plans cover counseling services, including telehealth in some cases, to help you cope with stress. Talk to your doctor about medication. There are several medications available to help lower your blood pressure. You may need to try several types or combinations before you find a plan that works for you. Once you find the right plan, always take your medication as prescribed. If cost is an issue, an MA plan with drug coverage, or a standalone drug plan, helps pay for most blood pressure medications. For more information about Medicare and MA benefits that can help you lower your blood pressure, visit https:// www.healthspring.com. “Lowering blood pressure, even a small amount, can make a big difference,” Ziemianin said. “That’s why it’s so critical for you to identify high blood pressure early and then work very closely with your primary care physician to develop a plan for managing your hypertension so you can live a longer, healthier life.”
Taking Action with an Extra $1,000 If you unexpectedly received $1,000, your response with the extra cash may reveal your financial priorities and where additional planning could strengthen financial resilience. Providing a window into Americans’ financial priorities, respondents in Mutual of Omaha’s 2026 Protection Index Report said they would: • Pay down debt (25%) • Add it to savings (21%) • Use it for everyday expenses (14%) • Invest it (9%)
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How to elevate your next get-together using these entertaining trends As the costs of wining and dining out continue to increase, home entertaining is enjoying a dramatic revival, evolving to become an art form or status symbol in its own right. The appeal of gathering in your own home is that a party is no longer just a party, but a creative expression of your personal taste and interests. Going beyond inviting friends over for a simple meal, many hosts aspire to create a unique, unforgettable experience. Tap into these recent trends to wow guests at your next get-together.
Invite them over for a listening bar experience. Make sure you have good quality speakers, moody ambient lighting and comfortable seating, along with a drink cart or two. The beauty of a listening bar is that you can choose whatever kind of music you want to feature, whether that's late '50s rat pack, early '60s lounge music, '70s easy listening make it your own! You can even start with one era or genre and morph into a different mood as the evening goes on.
Express yourself with bespoke drinks
Whether you're a wine connoisseur, wannabe mixologist, tea aficionado or closet barista, you can celebrate your The 1920s have resurged with the growing appeal of the passion for specific libations by throwing a drinks party Prohibition-era "speakeasy," a secret lounge where select centered around that obsession. While mocktails and other guests could enjoy prohibited alcohol in a swanky atmo- non-alcoholic (or low ABV) options are on the rise especially sphere highlighting jazz music, glamorous fashion and Art with Gen Z, other beverage trends to explore include using Deco vibes. sustainable ingredients and fresh produce. To create your own home speakeasy, you need a few cruFor your next gathering, hire an expert or use your own cial elements: A secret or hidden entrance where guests knowledge of the perfect cup of tea, coffee drinks or specialty need to know the password to enter, a moody atmosphere retro cocktails to impress your guests. You could also offer featuring dark colors and textures like velvet and leather, small tasters of a variety of your favorite drinks, then set swanky costumes reminiscent of the roaring '20s and up blind taste tests or trivia contests around your drink of sophisticated cocktails and/or mocktails. choice. Whether you go all in for a speakeasy room renovation or just rent (or make) decor to fit the theme, make sure your It's all fun and games guests have everything they need for full participation. Your invitation should include a dress code (with a limited color Board games are back, in a big way, and not just for family palette like black and white or black and gold, for example), game night. Millennials and Gen Z are embracing throwclues for finding the hidden entrance (perhaps a side door or back gaming nights with friends as an alternative to the bar garage) and of course, the all-important password. scene, according to the New York Times. And the variety of ways to play games with friends offers something for everyone, from standard board games to chess, Mahjongg, Cozy up to the listening bar murder mystery parties, escape room puzzle solving and Similar to the speakeasy trend, the listening bar is a classic role-playing games like Dungeons and Dragons. celebration of times gone by, inspired by Japanese "hi-fi Not sure which games will most appeal to your friends? lounges." They pay tribute to genres of music like jazz, soul, Consider setting up a few different rooms or zones for varifunk, blues and more. Rather than making alcohol the focus, ety, so guests can try more than one type of game during listening bars feature vintage vinyl, old-school stereo con- the night. soles and pure enjoyment of music as central to the social occasion. Bring music performances home Have a collection of LPs you'd like to share with friends?
The exclusive allure of the speakeasy
Tired of crowded venues and pricey concert tickets? The alternative is to bring live music (or an entertaining DJ) into your home for a house concert. This trend celebrates a more intimate experience of music that still offers the fun and energy of going to a live performance. Wherever you live, there are bound to be gigging musicians looking for opportunities to perform. Make sure to agree on the fee and timeframe ahead of the event. Ask what they need in terms of space (indoors or out) and access to electrical power. You can then invite guests and set a cover charge for the event to help cover the cost, if needed. It's clear that home entertaining is constantly evolving, and these recent trends can make your next gathering a night to remember.
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Local veterans awarded Quilts of Valor Cadence Dighton Mount Vernon Lisbon-Sun news@mvlsun.com
Monday, Sept. 7, Lisbon’s Tom Apel, Bob Caspers, Steve McElmeel, Ken Opatz, and Dave Prasil gathered with friends and family at the Lisbon History Center to receive Quilts of Valor for their service in the United States Military.
A brief history Don Dixson, a veteran, and both group leader and Quilts of Valor liaison of the Freedom Stitchers of Iowa, opened the ceremony by giving a speech about the Quilts of Valor Foundation history. According to Dixson, the Quilts of Valor Foundation began in 2003 when Catherine Roberts, whose son was deployed in Iraq, had a dream that stuck with her. Reading an excerpt from the Quilts of Valor website, Dixson shared that, according to Roberts, a young man was sitting on the side of his bed in the middle of the night, hunched over and distressed. “Then, as if viewing a movie, I saw him in the next scene wrapped in a quilt,” Dixson read. “His whole demeanor changed from one of despair to one of hope and well-being. The quilt had made this dramatic change. The message of my dream was: Quilts = Healing.” According to Roberts’ excerpt on the website, she knew that Quilts of Valor
must be quality-made and not used as a “charity quilt.” Instead, it must be hand or machine quilted, and “would say, unequivocally, ‘Thank you for your service, sacrifice, and valor in serving our nation.’” After Dixson completed reading a brief history of the Quilts of Valor Foundation, Apel, Caspers, McElmeel, Opatz, and Prasil were invited to share stories of their time in the United States military and receive their quilts.
Recipients share their stories Going first, Ken Opatz shared about his time in the United States Army, explaining that he joined not because he was drafted, but because he thought he wouldn’t be, as his draft number was 331. “I wanted to see the world and wanted some adventure,” Opatz explained, and that is exactly what he got. Opatz became military police in Germany and even got to see the Olympics when they were there in 1972. In 1975, Opatz returned home because he wanted to start a life with Ann Opatz, who he married in 1976. However, after returning to civilian life, and trying to find a job in civilian law enforcement, Opatz found himself missing the camaraderie of the military, so he joined the Army reserves. After deploying to Iraq while in the reserves, Opatz’s mil-
itary career came to an end in 2004. Bob Caspers, the only non-Army member of the ceremony, shared that he joined the United States Marine Corp in 1965. In 1966, Caspers married his late wife, Helen Caspers, and together they lived in Tennessee and North Carolina while he carried out his contract. Caspers served in Vietnam, but once his time overseas was complete, he and his wife returned to Lisbon permanently. Dave Prasil shared that he was not deployed to Vietnam like many of the others. After graduating in 1971 with Opatz, Prasil’s draft number was 14. Instead of getting drafted, Prasil decided to join the United States Army National Guard after a friend convinced him to do so. There, he became part of the signal battalion and stayed there for 25 years. After those 25 years, Prasil was] transferred to state headquarters to observe the training of insubordinates, which he did for 10 and a half years before he got out of the service. Unlike Prasil, however, Steve McElmeel spent his first couple of years after graduating high school in the workforce before he decided to enlist. “You get out of school and work a couple years, and your draft number keeps ticking on down,” McElmeel said. So, McElmeel thought to himself, “I’m going to try and beat that system.” To do so, McElmeel enlisted in the Army under a three-year contract in June, and was sent to basic training in November. “Basic training was the biggest eye opener and preparation for real life of anything I’ve ever experienced,” McElmeel said. Once he was about halfway through basic training, however, McElmeel realized what they were trying to do: break them down to the lowest possible part of human life and bring them back up into a soldier, according to
McElmeel. After basic training, he was sent to New Jersey to work on an aircraft missile base, before eventually returning to Cedar Rapids to join the Cedar Rapids missileers. While in the Army, McElmeel gained electrical experience that allowed him to work for Iowa Electric—now known as Alliant Energy—for 42 years. The last recipient of the ceremony, Tom Apel, was drafted in the fall of 1970 and married his wife, Diane Apel, after graduating from basic training and Advanced Individual Training (AIT). After doing so, Apel began hearing rumors that his class was headed for either Vietnam or Germany and was ultimately sent to the latter. According to Apel, he was asked where in Germany he would like to be stationed, to which he responded, “Just
send me somewhere nice.” Apel and his wife ended up in Heidelberg, Germany. “The highlight of that time: our oldest daughter Paula was born over there,” Apel said. Additionally, Apel went on to share that he was not accepting the quilt as his own. “I wasn’t dispatched to the
jungles of Vietnam. [...] So, I accept this quilt for their honor; for what they gave to this country,” Apel said. Cadence Dighton is a junior in the University of Iowa’s School of Journalism and Mass Communication. Cadence is an intern with the Mount Vernon-Lisbon Sun.
Photos by Cadence Dighton | Mount Vernon-Lisbon Sun
Above top to bottom: Steve McElmeel, Bob Caspers, Dave Prasil, Ken Opatz, and Tom Apel stand for a photo at the Lisbon History Center's Quilts of Valor ceremony on Sat. Sept. 7. Steve McElmeel stands wrapped in his quilt with family and friends at the Lisbon History Center's Quilts of Valor ceremony. Ken Opatz stands wrapped in his quilt surrounded by family at the Lisbon History Center's Quilts of Valor ceremony on Sat. Sept. 7. Left top to bottom: Bob Caspers stands wrapped in his quilt between Linda Nost (left) and Barb Dolan (right). Dave Prasil stands wrapped in his quilt between Linda Nost and Barb Dolan. Tom Apel stands wrapped in his quilt next to his wife, Diane Apel, at the Lisbon History Center's Quilts of Valor ceremony on Sat. Sept. 7