Development agreement with Kwik Trip moves forward
Nathan Countryman
Mount Vernon-Lisbon Sun
nathan.countryman@mvlsun.com
A development agreement with Kwik Trip/ Kwik Star moved forward, with the City of Mount Vernon committing infrastructure for the extension of Rachel Street S.E. to the west of Highway 1.
That infrastructure would include extending water, storm and sanitary sewer and the traffic light for the crossing of Hwy. 1 for the development.
Kwik Trip/Kwik Star will be constructing a 9,200 square foot gas and convenience store at a location along the new Rachel Street. A site plan is still being developed for the location, and will be reviewed and approved by the planning and zoning commission before it comes in front of Mount Vernon City Council.
The city will utilize Tax Increment Financing (TIF) for this project in the urban renewal area of the community.
In the development agreement, Kwik Trip/Kwik Star has said they expect to hire at least 20 full time equivalent employees at the location.
The minimum cost for all improvements to the site is expected to be $2.6 million.
“Kwik Star was the catalyst to extend development of Rachel Street,” said city administrator Chris Nosbisch. “We would have had to extend this infrastructure to the west of Rachel Street if anyone wanted to develop in that area.”
Nosbisch said the value that the new business entity will bring for taxes will offset the costs for bonding for infrastructure improvements for the city.
Council member Stephanie West said she was appreciative of the commitment of hiring 20 employees locally, especially since Kwik Trip/Kwik Star has been named a top workplace in the state of Iowa.
Casey Bondurant of Kwik Star/Kwik Trip thanked Nosbisch and assistant city administrator Lori Boren for their work on this development agreement and with the site plan still to come.
“We’re looking forward to getting these last approvals and this project moving forward,” Bondurant said.
Kwik Trip/Kwik Star has 890 stores in six states and continues to grow, and Bondurant said is one of the companies that gives the profit they make back to their employees.
Suessical takes stage Jan. 25, Jan. 26
Nathan Countryman
Mount Vernon-Lisbon Sun
Mount Vernon’s Junior Thespian troupe will be presenting its first ever show with “Suessical Jr.” Saturday, Jan. 25 at 7 p.m. and Sunday, Jan. 26 at 2 p.m. Tickets for the show at the Mount Vernon District Auditorium are $10 each
and available at the door or at mvhstheatre.ludus.com.
Director Kristin Anderson said the idea for doing a musical for middle school students has been something in the work for years.
“It’s kind of one of those missing bridge pieces for our department,” Anderson said. “We have the fifth grade musical every year, but for students who are
interested in acting, there was just this gap from middle school to high school. It just felt like time to give students that opportunity.”
With 47 in the cast and crew, Anderson said that is probably the biggest challenge of the show – getting time in these students busy schedules for rehearsals.
“They have done really well, however,” Anderson
said. “Because it’s mostly music in this musical, they were off book weeks ago, knowing their songs, and every practice they keep getting better.”
Ronnie Yeater, who plays JoJo of Whoville in the production, said she wanted to audition because she really loves theater.
“I get to be up here in so many scenes,” Yeater said.
Nellie Johnson plays the role of Gertrude McFuzz in the show.
“I just love dance and theater, and this was a way to do both,” Johnson said.
Her favorite part of the role is being on stage with so many of her friends and
Mount Vernon approves purchase of ladder truck
Purchase will take place in the next five years
Nathan Countryman
Mount Vernon-Lisbon Sun
nathan.countryman@mvlsun.com
The City of Mount Vernon will be looking into purchasing a ladder truck for the
Mount Vernon Fire Department.
The new truck will replace Engine 215, which was originally put into service in 1995. The base bid for the ladder truck would be $1.59 million.
This would be the first ladder truck for the Mount Vernon Fire Department, and ladder trucks are usually reserved for larger metropolitan departments.
City administrator Chris Nosbisch said
nathan.countryman@mvlsun.com Monday, Januar y 20th in
since COVID prices for replacing items like fire engines have only increased.
“What used to be closer to $500,000 purchases are now $800,000 or more,” Nosbisch said. “While the price of a ladder truck can look expensive, it’s not ridiculously higher than the cost of replacing an old engine.”
SUESSICAL from 1
classmates every day.
The hardest part is the vocal range for her character. She’s used to singing alto, and some of the notes for McFuzz are in the soprano range.
Claire Anne Elloren plays the role of Cat in the Hat in the show, one of the first shows she’s been a part of.
“I thought it would be a great chance to help me improve my singing,” Elloren said.
The biggest challenge as the Cat in the Hat, the mischievous role, has to be keeping track of the random lines and appearances the character has throughout the show.
“Everyone in this show is amazing,” Elloren said. “Their voices are great and it’s got so many great scenes.”
“It’s a really fun show,” Yeater said. “We’ve really worked hard on this show.”
“It’s a show with a lot of laughs,” Johnson said. “It’s got something in it for all ages.”
“The kids are doing such a wonderful job,” Anderson said. “It’s a fun show that has something for all ages.”
The Mount Vernon-Lisbon Sun strives for accuracy and fairness in reporting news. If we’ve made an error or a report is misleading, let us know about it: news@mvlsun.com
STAFF
Publisher Jason Brummond jason.brummond@dailyiowan.com
Editor Nathan Countryman nathan.countryman @mvlsun.com
Sports Ryan Suchomel ryan.suchomel@mvlsun.com
Reporting Intern Joel Kellar
TRUCK from 1
While there was a deal in price if the city were to pay upfront for the engine, Nosbisch said he wouldn’t recommend going that route.
“If we were to pay to purchase the engine today, we would have to borrow $1.1 million today,” Nosbisch said. “The interest we’d pay on that over the next four years and tapping our debt capacity isn’t a smart fiscal move.”
Instead, Nosbisch recommended allowing four more years of funds to be generated by the levy the fire department had renewed to help lower the amount the city would have to borrow.
By signing a commitment to purchase the ladder truck now, Nosbisch reminded council they would be committing a council four years from now to that obligation for this purchase.
The price for the ladder truck was slated to increase in February, but a contract would lock in the $1.59 million price.
In a presentation provided to the council, members of the fire
department outlined why a ladder truck was something they were looking to add to the department’s fleet.
The current compliment of ladders and reach does not match life safety concerns of buildings above two stories. That would include dorms and buildings at Cornell College, the new Cottonwood Grove apartment complex and Sleep Inn in the area that would benefit from a ladder truck in the fleet.
It would also allow the department to cut holes in roofs of buildings to allow superheated gases to exit a burning structure and improve conditions in the interior of buildings for firefighters and occupants.
The engine would also allow the department to be able to conduct more rope based rescues.
One of the areas this would have been beneficial was the grain bin rescue in March 2022. There are also a number of rescues at Palisades-Kepler State Park that could benefit from further horizontal or vertical reach. The engine would be one of the first out vehicles for
all operations that would require ropes or confined space rescues.
One of the ways that the department was looking at adding this truck was to provide additional resources to the fleet in mutual aid requests. Within a 3-mile radius, there are five fire engines to respond to most calls.
The department is looking to replace Engine 215 anyway, and replacing with a ladder truck now will keep the department’s engines on track for the next replacement of a fire engine in 2037.
The department will also retain an ISO rating of 4, with progress towards a 3. The department noted with Lisbon Fire Department purchasing a pumper tanker, the departments in mutual aid are equipped for suppression. Adding a ladder truck would help fill the gaps in life saving components.
Replacing with just a traditional fire engine would come at a $1 to $1.2 million cost, so the additional $300,000 to $500,000 price tag with the added benefits made sense for the department to consider.
Council member Paul Tuerler
Changes to Lisbon school calendar discussed
Nathan Countryman
Mount Vernon-Lisbon Sun nathan.countryman@mvlsun.com
Lisbon School board members discussed the 2025-26 school year calendar’s rough draft at January’s meeting. A public hearing on the calendar will be held at the February meeting, with the final calendar approved in March.
Superintendent Autumn Pino explained that the focus of the calendar was to make sure it has the proper amount of hours of instruction for the school while meeting the goals the community has expected.
The first day of school for students will be Monday, Aug. 25. The open house for meeting teachers and staff will likely be Wednesday, Aug. 20. Board
member Robyn Richey asked if it would be possible to extend hours of open house to begin earlier.
“It’s especially a challenge if you have more than one student and trying to meet all the teachers on the same night,” Richey said.
Elementary principal Justin Brown said that request will be brought to elementary teachers. Brown said the plan is for open house night always to be a few days before the start of any school year as well.
Discussion by the board also was on whether to add the four floating additional teacher contract days to
the beginning or end of the school year. Secondary principal Jack Leighty said allowing at least one day at the end of the school year where teachers can work on finalizing grades has been beneficial.
“By the time they turn in final grades, many teachers are ready for their summers to begin,” Leighty said.
One of the areas that was being addressed as well was winter break. The plan for this school year is for students to get out on Dec. 23 for winter break. Winter break for students would end Jan. 5, with students returning to school Jan. 6.
There would be no school on MLK Day Jan. 20.
The proposed early outs for the school for in service days will mostly fall
said he appreciated the thoroughness of the information provided by the department to rationalize the purchase.
“I appreciate that you outline the value this brings to all mutual aid partners,” Tuerler said. “It’s something we don’t think about every day.”
Tuerler said that looking at the 28E agreements and the way area agencies work together made this something that assists not only Mount Vernon, but other communities in the area.
Council member Mark Andreasen said the fire at Jordan Smith’s home Memorial Day weekend 2023 was another instance where having a ladder truck would have been beneficial to the community.
“That would have put firefighters trying to cut the roof in a safer position,” Andreasen said.
Tuerler moved for the contract to have a fire truck built and commit the city to paying for it when construction is finished in roughly four years time to allow funds to be bolstered to help pay for the piece of equipment.
but any changes like that would be communicated to the community well in advance.
May 18 will be the graduation date for the school year.
on the second and fourth Wednesdays of a month. There was discussion of shifting one of the early out days in the spring on a week where Lisbon hosts a home track meet to coincide with that day instead,
Corrections
Board president Jen Caspers said that the choice to end semesters at winter break was a great decision and one she wants to see carried over to the next school year.
“We have received a lot of positive feedback for that change this year,” Caspers said.
In the story on Jan. 2 about Lisbon Budget Presentations, SELCC did not increase their funding request to City Council. Additional days of the summer meal program will be funded by a grant received from the Greater Cedar Rapids Community Foundation and a private donor. The Sun apologizes for the error.
In the Dec. 19 briefs from Mount Vernon School Board meeting on evidence based reporting, the wrong speaker was attributed to standards based grading scores being converted to a letter grade. Matt Thede was speaking on the matter, not Michelle Boyden. The word confusing was also the wrong word to the practice. Controversial was the word the two used to describe that process. The Sun apologizes for the error.
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Official Newspaper: Mount Vernon, Lisbon, Bertram, Linn County, Mount Vernon Community School District, Lisbon Community School District The Mount Vernon-Lisbon Sun (USPS 367-520), a division of The Daily Iowan, is published weekly every Thursday by Student Publications, Inc., 100 Adler Journalism Building, Room E131, Iowa City, Iowa 52242. Periodicals Postage Paid at the Mount Vernon Post Office and additional offices. POSTMASTER: Send address changes to Mount Vernon-Lisbon Sun, 108 1st St SW, Mount Vernon, IA 52314. Subscriptions: Contact Rochelle Ferguson at 319-895-6216 or rochelle.ferguson@mvlsun.com for additional information. Subscription rates: Linn and adjoining counties – $55 annually; elsewhere in Iowa – $75 annually; out of state – $85 annually.
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mvlsun.com
Photos by Nathan Countryman | Mount Vernon-Lisbon Sun
Front: JoJo (Ronnie Yeater) and Cat In the Hat (Claire Anne Elloren) in the center of a choreographed number with fish in the Seussical, Jr. production.
Above: The Whos of Whoville work to let the crowd know they are there before they are boiled in beezlenut oil in the climax of Seussical.
The Scoop with MVL CDG
Jessie Thurn Director, MVLCDG
Happy New Year!
The CDG hopes our communities enjoyed the holiday spirit during Magical Night in Mount Vernon and the Christmas Parade in Lisbon. Let’s keep that spirit alive by continuing to support local businesses during the quiet, cold months of winter. Now is a great time to spend your Community Cash at Mount Vernon and Lisbon businesses. And for those that purchased a BOGO Book during Shop Small, the coupons are valid until Jan. 31.
If you would like to support the CDG but missed our Investment Drive, contributions are happily accepted year-round. Donations of $100+ received by Jan. 31 will be acknowledged in our 2024 Annual Report. Your contribution is essential for supporting various initiatives and resources of the CDG, including ribbon cuttings, Community Leaders Breakfasts, and event sponsorships. Scan the QR code for ways to contribute!
CDG awards $10,000 to local businesses through BIG Grant
The Mount Vernon-Lisbon Community Development Group (CDG), a Main Street Iowa organization, has announced financial grant awards to 5 Mount Vernon businesses and nonprofits through its Business Improvement Grant (BIG Grant).
The purpose of the BIG Grant is to improve the appearance of the business area and complement the historic architectural and cultural character of the community, with a focus on façade improvements.
A total of $10,000 will be awarded to the following businesses: United Methodist Church of Mount Vernon, The Bijou, Vintage 1891, Bauman’s, and Iron Leaf Press.
Fareway store coming to Lisbon
Fareway Stores is purchasing the Lisbon Brothers Market.
The purchase is expected to close in March, and the store will be closed for renovations following the purchase. Brothers Market will be closed beginning Feb. 15.
“As Fareway grows, we are committed to serving vibrant communities of varying sizes,” Fareway CEO Reynolds Cramer said. “We want to thank the DeVries family and city leaders in both communities for having confidence in Fareway to be their local grocery store.”
“For over a decade, Brothers Market has been proud to
“The BIG Grant is an excellent opportunity for the CDG to support local businesses and non-profits by helping cover the costs of exterior improvements that significantly enhance the overall appearance of our community,” said Jessie Thurn, Director of Main Street and Marketing for the CDG. “As in previous years, the Design Committee chose to distribute the funds as fairly as possible, and we look forward to seeing the progress made by our five winners this spring.”
Applicants are required to get the appropriate approvals from their City Zoning Administrator, Historic Preservation Commission and Linn County Building Department.
serve the communities of Denver and Lisbon, Iowa,” Jay DeVries, co-owner of Brothers Market said. “Our family-owned business would like to thank our customers and the community for their support through the years and we know they are in good hands for many more as we pass the baton to Fareway Meat and Grocery.”
“I would like to thank Brothers Market and the DeVries family for being a part of our community for over a decade. Over the past couple of months there has been a lot of time and energy by all parties put into this and to see Fareway in Lisbon become a reality, it is really exciting for our community and its residents,” Lisbon city administrator Brandon Siggins said. “This will not only benefit our community but surrounding communities by attracting visitors to shop here in Lisbon. This is a great opportunity for Lisbon!”
Cabin Coffee will continue to operate as a tenant at Lisbon.
Fareway also said it has been in contact with employees at both locations regarding employment opportunities.
Local bank executive Craig Smith retires from Mount Vernon Bank and Trust Company after successful 38 year career
After nearly four decades of service to the community, local banker Craig Smith has retired.
Smith, Mount Vernon Bank & Trust Company’s chief financial officer and executive vice president, retired Dec. 31 after serving the bank and its customers for more than 38 years.
“I think the thing I loved most about my time as a banker is the town and the culture we’ve had at the bank,” Smith said. “I had a great tag team partnership with president and CEO Dave Ryan, with his focus on the community and mine on the finance and operation of the bank. Dave and I didn’t always agree on every decision, but we made those decisions with the bank always in mind.”
A 1981 Lisbon High School graduate, Smith started his banking career in 1985 in Marengo, after earning a degree in agri-business from Iowa State University earlier that year. The local area called him back in December 1986 as Smith was hired by then bank president EJ Fordyce to join Mount Vernon Bank as an assistant cashier. That was the beginning of a career that saw substantial growth and technological change in the community banking industry.
Smith said that opportunity to come and work at the bank in his hometown was one he appreciated.
“Thirty-eight years of loyalty and leadership at one business doesn’t happen very often,” said bank president/ CEO David M. Ryan.
Ryan praised Smith’s career: “Craig Smith has been a key component of bank operations and bank management for nearly four decades. He has led a solid fundamental community banking model that ultimately has been of significant benefit to the Mount Vernon-Lisbon business and agricultural community. Our ability to perform well in a competitive marketplace is due to Craig’s steady and dependable hand, along with his technological and operational savvy, all of which have been of great benefit to our customers, staff and shareholders.”
Smith’s career at the bank started in general banking and grew to include several roles through the years, including bank compliance and managing the bank’s first actively used computer systems in the late 1980s. Lending responsibilities and supervisory roles followed as Smith continued his banking education, graduating from the Iowa School of Banking in 1993 and the Graduate School of Banking at the University of Colorado in 1999. This background earned his spot as a key part of the bank leadership team and becoming part of the bank’s management succession plans.
One of the biggest changes that Smith noted in his decades long career has been technology and regulatory environments that banks have used.
“When I started in banking, computers weren’t very
Orion Bancorporation, Inc. and Mechanicsville Bancshares, Inc. announce plans to merge
Orion Bancorporation, Inc., the parent company of BankORION, has announced its plan to acquire Mechanicsville Bancshares, Inc., the parent company of Bridge Community Bank. As part of this transaction, Mechanicsville Bancshares will be merged into Orion Bancorporation, with Orion Bancorporation, Inc. becoming the remaining entity. Under Orion Bancorporation, Inc., BankORION and Bridge Community Bank will both continue to operate as two separate independent community banks after the transaction is finalized. The transaction will bring together
two community banks with a combined 257 years of servicing customers in six counties across two states. The two community banks will have total assets of approximately $770 million. Completion of the transaction is currently expected to occur by the end of quarter two of 2025 and is contingent upon regulatory approval.
“Expanding our footprint further into eastern Iowa has been a strategic initiative of our organization,” said Matt Bollinger, President and CEO of Orion Bancorporation, Inc. and BankORION. “Bridge Community Bank is a great com-
common place,” Smith said. “Now, computers are an integral part in banking processes. Regulations have also increased.”
As the bank grew, so did Smith, as he was elected to the bank’s board of directors in 2002 and selected to co-manage the bank in 2005 as its executive vice president and cashier. Over the past 20 years of Smith’s executive management, bank assets have nearly tripled from $62 million in 2005 to $182 million today.
Smith and his wife, Jean, plan to remain residents of Mount Vernon during retirement, and Craig will remain on the boards of both the Mount Vernon Bank and Trust Company (chairman) and Mount Vernon Bancorp (executive vice president).
“I plan on using more of my time in retirement chasing some of my other interests, like bicycling,” Smith said.
As to what he is going to miss most, Smith said it’s working with the staff at the bank.
“Just the energy that we have at the bank is something I’m going to miss,” Smith said. “I used to be one of the younger guys at the bank, and we have such a great staff there to fill the roles.
“The plan for me retiring has been in the works for a while now, and I have great confidence in the bank’s financial situation and future to step down now.”
--Additional reporting contributed by editor Nathan Countryman
munity bank with values that mirror those of BankORION. Adding Bridge Community Bank to our family positions us excellently into the Cedar, Linn and Johnson counties and presents exciting growth opportunities. We are thrilled to bring our cultures and histories together while continuing to serve the financial needs of our communities.”
“All of us at Bridge Community Bank are excited about finding a partner who shares our culture, values and commitment to our customers, employees and the communities we serve,” said David Steen, president of Bridge Community Bank. “Orion Bancorporation, Inc. and BankORION have a stellar reputation, and we look forward to a future with them.”
TruStar Advisors, LLC., and Howard & Howard Attorneys PLLC., acted as the financial and legal advisors to BankORION, while Dickinson, Bradshaw, Fowler & Hagen, P.C., acted as the legal advisor to Bridge Community Bank.
Smith
OPINIONS
What counts for news in Iowa Busy week of mergers, developments moving forward
Living in Iowa
Dan Brawner
Maybe it’s the time of year. Or maybe Iowa is just a quiet place generally. But while Los Angeles burns to the ground and parts of Missouri are getting buried under 14 inches of snow, the stories that make headlines in Iowa have been more, well, relaxing.
Take the latest from Orange City and the battle between two brothers. This northwestern town, near Sioux City, population 6,762, known for its May tulip festival, gets its name from the Dutch Royal House of Orange. Prince William of Orange (born 1533), nicknamed “William the Silent” was famous for keeping his thoughts to himself. And yet, if only he could have kept silent instead of criticizing King Phillip II of Spain’s persecution of protestants, he might have avoided assassination by the Balthasar guard. Anyway, back to Orange City, it seems that on Jan. 8, 19-year-old Timothy Ryan Rose and his 22-year-old brother Aidan were riding in Timothy’s 2016 Ford Explorer on their way to their father’s house. According to the report, Timothy decided to stop his vehicle near the intersection of Boston Ave. Northeast and Second Street South. At this point (and we don’t exactly know why) Aiden decided to jump out, followed shortly by his brother. An argument ensued (and we don’t know about what). But, by all accounts, it must have been pretty loud because somebody called the police. The brothers were then abruptly charged with disorderly conduct. Timothy and Aiden later confessed to yelling and arguing. If only they could have kept silent about their disagreement—or at least kept the windows rolled up-- they might have avoided arrest. It’s like what happened to William of Orange. Sort of. Like what Mark Twain said, “History doesn’t repeat itself, but it rhymes.”
Meanwhile, a southwest Iowa farmer broke the story, announcing he would be planting more corn this year. Jeff Jorgenson of Fremont County made the local news with the statement, “We were strong in soybeans for 2024, which turns into strong for corn in 2025.” And there you have it. More corn. In Iowa. Who’d have thought?
In Atlantic, Registered Dietitian Sarah Andersen will be presenting “All About Glucose” for the January Cass Healthy U talk. “Managing your glucose levels can have an incredible impact on your overall health,” she said. Those interested are advised make their reservation soon. Space is limited! A free box lunch is provided for all attendees. There were no details as to what will be in the lunch. Low glucose carrot sticks and lentil salad? Will there be a cookie? What kind? (If it’s oatmeal/raisin, I’m not going.)
When Iowa governor Kim Reynolds recently announced she would be traveling to Mar-a-Lago to have dinner with Donald Trump, it set tongues to wagging. This would make it two times in two months. What will they talk about? Mass deportation? Invading Panama? Gold high tops and cryptocurrency? Isn’t Trump still mad at the Reynolds for endorsing weirdo Ron DeSantis for president? Maybe Trump is going to ask the governor if it’s better to plant corn or soy beans.
It’s been a busy week in Mount Vernon and Lisbon. We have news of two mergers and acquisitions alone on interior pages. Don’t take that the news isn’t on front page that it’s not important. It’s huge for these communities that we’re getting a grocery store like Fareway moving into the former Brothers Market location. Like Brandon Siggins said, that is going to draw customers to the Lisbon community in a lot of ways.
The bank merger was one we didn’t expect, but is also
welcome news, adding to the reach of smaller community banks to continue focusing on their communities.
Of course, the news most of the community is talking about has been the continued development of Kwik Trip/ Kwik Star. The development agreement states that will bring the equivalent of 20 full time jobs to our community, as well as draw people off of Hwy. 30 into the community.
The purchase of the ladder truck for Mount Vernon Fire Department is a huge deal for our area first responders. As the Mount Vernon Fire Department laid out in their presentation to Mount Vernon City Council, this purchase doesn’t just impact the Mount Vernon communities, but all the communities that these departments respond to. As a rural fire department, seconds matter in some of these fires, and waiting for a ladder truck from Cedar Rapids to more safely rescue people or help put down a fire is a long wait in an emergency situation. By spending the $500,000 more on this replacement vehicle and adding to the fleet that responds to many of these fires in our areas, these agencies who work together add more to their arsenal to battle fires of taller structures or rescues.
The plan on the purchase is also a smart fiscal move by the City of Mount Vernon, not bonding for a savings that may never be realized. Yes, it ties the hands of future councils on committing to a purchase, but it’s a purchase that many on the council recognize as needed for our communities first responders and adds another tool that many of us will appreciate being there in the future.
Roll initiative: Adventure awaits
Nathan Countryman
We all have ways to decompress from stress in our lives. A lot of my time off is spent watching movies and talking about movies with others on social media.
One of the other areas I’ve found a release recently has been playing Dungeons and Dragons with friends, as I mentioned in an October column in passing.
Or, as usually happens with most D and D groups, “acquaintances I knew from other places that have quickly become friends.”
There’s just something about throwing dice and collaborative storytelling that breaks down your barriers quickly. Even if the session seems to accomplish no combat, you still have fun joking and talking with your fellow players.
After a few weeks of not spending time around a table, you really crave that social interaction. It’s much like the
Civil case brought against Cornell College
Nathan
A civil lawsuit has been filed against Cornell College, including employees Ilene Crawford, Jackie Wilson and former professor Jim White.
Associate Professor of Philosophy Megan Altman filed a sex discrimination complaint with the Iowa Civil Rights Commission May 6, 2024, within the 300-day limitation period from the last discriminatory act. The Iowa Civil Rights Commission issued a right-to sue letter on Nov. 18, 2024. Altman is represented by Roxanne Conlin and Associates P.C. Altman, who filed the lawsuit on Dec. 16, 2024, was
story we have on the LBC’s impact in this community in this week’s newspaper – as social people, we all crave our communities, our friends, our niches and connections that many of those community members have found there. This is just one of those connections for me.
And because many of these friends are in plays, musicals, other activities—On the weeks I’m not playing and not busy elsewhere like at the Bijou for what they are showing, well, now other social opportunities arise. I think of my time in this community, much like I did in Algona, of finding that the connections we make start bringing you what you need in your life. As a journalist, the schedule can be wonky. It isn’t a traditional 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. job. Some weeks, I have five or six different activities throughout the week for the newspaper on my schedule, sometimes two or three things going on the same evening. But saying yes, I’m interested to someone who said I’m thinking of running a limited campaign has done wonderful things. Just like community game nights a few years ago when the Bijou was closed, it has given me something to plan and look forward to.
Getting good at cutting charcuterie before a session to share with the group and improve my dexterity/precision with a sharp knife, people to talk about what’s stressing me in a given week/weeks and then take time away from all of that at a table with friends.
hired as an assistant professor of philosophy for the college, and promoted to associate professor of philosophy in 2023. She also serves as chair of the philosophy department.
Altman had requested for an opportunity to work a remote winter in Europe in October 2022, which was approved by Genevieve Migelt, the chair of the philosophy department at Cornell College at that time.
Jim White, a former professor of philosophy at Cornell College, attempted to deny the request for working remotely in the winter semester, noting he would miss Altman during that time.
According to the lawsuit, that began a number of White’s non-professional conversations and harassment of Altman that stretched from May 2023 through September 2023 – which led to Altman filing a Title IX complaint and contacting human resources to resolve the matter.
Cornell College did not comment on the matter due to the matter involving personnel matters and the pending litigation.
Altman also received a no-contact order against White Sept. 26, 2023, which stipulated neither party would access Prall House, where both White and Altman’s offices were located, if the other person were to be present.
White decided to move out of his office on Nov. 7, 2023, and Altman was allowed to return to hers in Prall House. White filed his own Title IX complaint against Altman
in November 2023.
Altman was informed White would drop the Title IX complaint against her if she dropped her own claim. Altman discussed another complaint against White for acting against her in retaliation on Nov. 30, 2023. She was encouraged to drop her Title IX charges and accept an informal offer of resolution at that point, but the original Title IX case did move forward.
The Title IX case continued moving forward in Feb -
Classes being taught in some CTE spaces
Waiting for final punchlist finish for industrial arts and tech classes to move to new location
Nathan Countryman Mount Vernon-Lisbon Sun nathan.countryman@mvlsun.com
What a difference winter break can make on construction progress.
MV CITY COUNCIL BRIEFS
City approves infrastructure improvements for uptown
The City of Mount Vernon also approved moving forward with roughly $500,000 in electrical and fiber optic needs for the new light poles with Alliant Energy.
The additional fiberoptic and electrical line work were elements that would need to be addressed in a streetscape project in the uptown anyway, said city administrator Chris Nosbisch.
“I was hoping we’d get by with doing either just the fiber optic lines only,” Nosbisch said. “With what we’re doing with these new light poles, however, that will allow us to run electrical much easier for mobile vendors during festivals.”
Council member Mark Andreasen said this would likely remove some tripping hazards on sidewalks at festivals, as the electrical cords would not be run across sidewalks in the community.
Nosbisch said the timeline for bidding this work would probably happen fairly quickly, as the new light poles are expected to be installed ahead of Chalk the Walk in May.
Public works director Eldon Downs said by having additional power outlets on those light poles it would cut down on the work of electricians required at festivals, as power has to be connected from those light poles at every festival.
City approves site plan work for MV Brews MV Brews site plan was approved by City of Mount Ver-
ruary 2024, but Altman’s representation in the matter was out of state on the dates that the case would be happening, and Altman reaching out to Wilson, Crawford and others to postpone until her representative was present did not stop the item advancing. White requested an informal resolution Feb. 16, 2024, and the request was immediately granted by Wilson.
Wilson asked Altman to participate in the informal resolution, saying if “you go the formal route, then it’s
Lisbon Schools now has a certificate for occupancy for all the classroom spaces in the weight room and career and technical education wings of the building.
Board member John Baker said there are some final punch list items to the building contractors are working on finalizing in the spaces.
“The outside items are not being completed right now, due to winter, which includes the striping in the LECC parking lot and some of the curb work to the exterior streets,” Baker said. “Some of that will wait until later this spring.”
“That new industrial arts tech classroom feels vibrant, airy and spacious,” said superintendent Autumn Pino.
There are some final touches in that classroom that are ongoing, like installation of the welding booths and an air hose that needs to be installed and mounted.
Instructor Kirk Wischmeyer has chosen to begin his classes in the old space for the first few weeks of this semester, and will move students down to that space when some of the final work is completed.
“He just didn’t want students moving between the classroom space several feet down the hall and the space they’re using as a workshop,” Leighty explained.
The board is determining a date for an open house for the public to show off these new classroom spaces at the buildings.
“There is genuine excitement to have classes in some of these spaces, which is exciting to see,” Pino said.
non, as work is slated to begin this year on the renovation of the old Mount Vernon Fire Station into a brew pub and restaurant.
The planning and zoning commission recommended approval for the site plan, as long as the improvements comply to exterior lighting and signage regulations.
Changes to the exterior include the creation of a patio in front of the building and a canopy along the east side of the building for a proposed entrance to the business.
MV Brews received a grant from the Iowa Economic Development Authority for $100,000 in November 2023.
Water bills higher due to new water meters
Water bills were higher for the first month of the readings by the new radio water meter readers.
Mount Vernon city administrator Chris Nosbisch said most bills have a minimum amount that needs to be paid each month.
Nosbisch said if a water meter was 10 or 15 years old when it was replaced, there’s a good chance what is happening is actual water usage is being more accurately captured.
“What happens when water meters get old, is they slow down in their readings of the water being used,” Nosbisch said. “That’s now being more accurately captured.”
If bills are significantly higher, like seeing prices almost doubled, Nosbisch said citizens may want to investigate and determine if they have a leak.
If citizens have questions on their water bills, they are encouraged to reach out to Mount Vernon City Hall.
out of my hands and you could be found guilty of sexual misconduct. Jim could be found not responsible. And he would be right back in Prall House and there is nothing the college could do about that.”
On Feb. 29, 2024, the informal resolution was delayed while Wilson found an external, neutral party to mediate the process.”
Altman then withdrew her Title IX claim and proceeded to file a claim with the ICRC.
Gallery showcases collaborative works
The Cornell College Peter Paul Luce Gallery will present “An Echo and A Hum” by artists Lila Shull and Muriel Condon from Jan. 17 to March 2. The pair will present a mix of prints, drawings, ceramics, paper pulp sculptures, and quilts that examine memory and how objects reflect time.
Shull and Condon will discuss their collaborative practice at an Artists’ Lecture on Friday, Jan. 17, at 3:30 p.m. in McWethy Hall’s Lecture Hall, Room 222. Following the lecture, a reception for “An Echo and A Hum” will take place in the Luce Gallery from 4 to 6 p.m. Both the lecture and reception are free and open to the public. Gallery hours are Monday–Friday 9 a.m.–4 p.m. and Sunday 2–4 p.m.
Shull and Condon found each other as bookends of their graduate school years at the University of Tennessee-Knoxville with Condon just starting the summer after Shull’s graduation. They began working together through the pandemic with an oversized textile book project, making tongue-in-cheek compositions that held a sense of play and scrappiness. After finding ease and joy in working together, they continued their investigation on how material meaning and intentional color relationships can charge the work.
Muriel Condon
Condon graduated with an M.F.A. from the University of Tennessee- Knoxville in 2022 and a B.F.A. from Montana
State University in 2016. Between degrees, she assisted at Frogman’s Print Workshops in Omaha, Nebraska, and was a postgraduate apprentice at the Fabric Workshop and Museum in Philadelphia. She has been awarded residencies with Print Arts Northwest (Portland, Ore.), Eugeniusz Geppert Academy of Fine Arts in Wrocław, Poland, and the Morgan Paper Conservatory (Cleveland, Ohio.) She has shown internationally and participated in multiple print exchanges, including organizing a fabric-based quilt print exchange.
Lila Shull
Shull is a printmaker based in St. Paul, Minn. Working in printmaking, painting, and quilting, her practice pays particular attention to the shift between objects and patterns related to memory. This work wrestles with the problems (and possibilities) that arise from unreliable personal narratives. Shull holds her M.F.A. from the University of Tennessee-Knoxville and a B.F.A. from Winthrop University in Rock Hill, South Carolina. She has been awarded residencies at In Cahoots in Petaluma, California, Arrowmont School of Crafts in Gatlinburg, Tenn., and Eugeniusz Geppert Academy of Fine Arts in Wrocław, Poland. Her work has been shown nationally at the Foley and Unix Galleries in New York City, Coagula Curatorial in Los Angeles,
Hallmark Care Center earns top rating on Best Nursing Homes List
Hallmark Care Center, a long-term care leader in Iowa is pleased to announce it has been named to the U.S. News and World Report’s Best Nursing Homes in Iowa list for 2024-2025 with a ‘High Performing’ rating in Longterm Care. Hallmark Care Center is one of 23 nursing homes and skilled nursing facilities in Iowa to receive an overall rating of 5 out of 5.
“Since 2009, U.S. News’ annual Best Nursing Homes has supported American consumers and their families in making more informed choices about quality of care for their loved ones,” said Ben Harder, chief of analysis and managing editor at U.S. News. Harder went on to say, “These facilities set
the standard of quality care and should be commended for their commitment to improving the lives of their residents.” The 2025 edition of Best Nursing Homes feature ratings of more than 15,000 nursing homes across the country, determined by nurse staffing, patient outcomes, and whether steps known to be effective in avoiding harm and improving health were built into the nursing home routines. To be recognized as one of the 2025 U.S. News Best Nursing Homes, a home must have been “High Performing” in short-term rehabilitation, long-term care, or both.
The Best Nursing Home finder features ratings on both long-term and shortterm care. To calculate the Best Nursing Homes rat-
ings, U.S. News evaluated each nursing home’s performance using a variety of quality measures obtained from Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services (CMS). The U.S. News Best Nursing Home propriety ratings methodology factors in resident care, safety, outcomes, and other aspects of quality- including data on nursing staffing levels, consistency, and retention, as well as the use of antipsychotic drugs and success in preventing ER visits.
Of note in the 2025 Best Nursing Home ratings, those noted as a Best Nursing Home for long-term care, preserve resident’s self-reliance longer, with residents on average 50% less likely to lose the ability to perform self-care activities, such as feeding
Calif., Mint Museum in Charlotte, N.C., and the Devos Art Museum in Marquette, Mich. For additional information, contact Luce Gallery Coordinator Brooks Cashbaugh (bcashbaugh@cornellcollege.edu).
and washing themselves, compared to residents at facilities rated as below average. Those also ranked as a Best Nursing Home give residents antipsychotic medication 46% less of the time compared to facilities rated as below average.
Lastly, residents at Best Nursing Homes for longterm care, are more than 60% less likely to require emergency department care compared to residents at facilities rated as below
average.
“I am honored to be a part of the amazing team at Hallmark,” said Abbey Whalen, director of nursing at Hallmark Care Center. “Our team is dedicated to delivering outstanding care to our residents while offering support to their families, the residents themselves and the community.”
“I am incredibly proud of our Hallmark team,” said Jessica Vanderploeg, administrator at Hallmark
Care Center. “We have an awesome team of dedicated, caring staff who provide great care to our residents, which makes achievements like this possible.”
Additional information and access to the full article can be found at: https://www.usnews.com/ info/blogs/press-room/ articles/2024-11-12/u-snews-world-report-publishes-2025-best-nursinghomes-ratings
Alan Martin Shepley, 76, of Mount Vernon, passed away Wednesday, Dec, 25, 2024, in Cedar Rapids, Iowa following a short illness. Visitation is 4-7 p.m., Friday, Jan. 17 at Stewart Baxter Funeral & Memorial Services in Mount Vernon. Memorial Celebration is 1 p.m., Saturday, Jan. 18, at United Methodist Church in Mount Vernon. Burial will happen at Mount Vernon Cemetery at a later date.
Alan was born May 4, 1948, in Ottumwa, the son of Laurel “Jack” and Dorothy (Stevens) Shepley. He was united in marriage to Barbara Guinn of Milton, in 1968.
Alan started his career working as a stockboy at Mays Drug in Ottumwa. He continued working for Mays Drug after graduating college, serving as a pharmacist and store manager in Bloomington, Illinois, and Round Lake, Ill. In 1974 he moved back to Iowa and worked at the Fifth Avenue Pharmacy in Cedar Rapids as a pharmacist, store manager, nursing home consultant, and part owner. In 1980 he purchased the drug store in Mount Vernon, and remained there until retiring, and sold the business in 2014. He was also part-owner of Care Pro businesses in Cedar Rapids.
Shepley Pharmacy served as a rotation site for University of Iowa pharmacy students. He was a preceptor for the Pharm D Residency program with the University, mentoring and training pharmacy students for work in community pharmacy.
Alan was active in the Iowa Pharmacy Association, serving on numerous boards, committees, and was president of the association in 1999-2000.
Alan served on the Iowa Board of Pharmacy 1984-1993. For 20 years he served on the National Association Board of Pharmacy committee writing the law exam all pharmacy graduates from around the country take to become licensed.
In 1997 he was selected by the Iowa Pharmacy Association for the “Bowl of Hygeia” award for outstanding community service as a pharmacist. In 2014, he was awarded the Robert G. Gibbs Distinguished Pharmacist Award.
He was an active member of the United Methodist Church and the Lions Club in Mount Vernon. Alan was named the Merchant of the Year in 1997. He also served on the board of directors for the Mount Vernon Bank and Trust.
Even in retirement, his love of being a community pharmacist and serving his patients led him to work at the Community Free Health Clinic in Cedar Rapids.
Alan touched many lives and will be greatly missed. He is survived by his wife, Barb, of 56 years; children, Scot Shepley of Madison, Wis., Eric (Stacy) Shepley of Strawberry Point, and Sara (Joe) Baitinger, of Urbandale; grandchildren, Siôn, Robin, Corin, Rylynn, and Halie Shepley, and Jack and Charlie Baitinger; sister, Rene (Rick) Ragan; as well as several nieces and nephews.
Alan was preceded in death by his parents, brothers, Jack and Rohn Shepley; grandson, James Baitinger; and in-laws, Raymond and Nellie Guinn.
In lieu of flowers, memorials may be directed to the University of Iowa College of Pharmacy Scholarship fund, the Community Free Health Clinic in Cedar Rapids, or the Mount Vernon United Methodist Church. Those unable to attend are invited to watch the service via livestream. Please find the livestream link on Alan’s tribute wall and share your support and memories with his family at www.stewartbaxter.com under obituaries.
Lisbon approves offering early retirement again
Lisbon Schools has approved offering three early retirement slots for certified staff and three early retirement slots for classified staff for the school year. Those wanting to take early retirement should be age 55 or older before June 30, have 10 years of service to the Lisbon School District and be a full-time employee of Lisbon. Application deadline will be Feb. 3, 2025. Certified employees will be paid 50 percent of salary paid over the course of a school year in two payments. That payment will be placed in a health insurance account for paying health insurance premiums or a 403 B retirement account. Non-certified employees will be paid 66 percent of their salary.
Roughly eight employees are eligible/qualified for early retirement in the district.
Spots
Lisbon Pride Boosters Club
Help support the Lisbon Pride Boosters by joining our Lucky Lion Casino night on Saturday, Jan. 25, from 6-10 p.m. at Tin Roof Hideaway and Events Center. Admission is $45 in advance, $50 at the door. Event tickets include a commemorative Lisbon Lions Koozie, starting chips to gamble with, one free drink ticket and one free raffle ticket. Additional tickets can be purchased at the event or in advance. Get ready to try your luck at our casino-themed event, where you can enjoy a variety of games like poker, blackjack, and roulette. Must be 21 or older to attend this fundraiser.
Mount Vernon Booster Club youth basketball tournament
The Mount Vernon Booster Club will be hosting the annual youth basketball tournament on Saturday, January 18, and Sunday, January 19. The inaugural tournament was a tremendous success, raising more than $16,000 for the basketball programs and the Booster Club.
This year, the Booster Club is looking to grow on those efforts and once again support basketball programs, while also funding their commitment to the renovation of the middle school gym. The Booster Club is reaching out to ask for help/volunteers in staffing the tournament. The link below has opportunities to volunteer in the concession stands for the tournament and/or donate items that will be sold during the tournament.
https://www.signupgenius.com/.../10C0A45ACA929A0FEC61...
Cornell College winter spirit squad camp
Cornell College Cheer and Dance Team is hosting a winter spirit squad camp Feb. 22, 2025. Throughout the camp, kids will learn a dynamic and entertaining routine. Attendees will practice, build confidence, and prepare to showcase their hard work. The routine will be taught from 10 a.m. to 12:30 p.m. Participants will learn a dance routine and a cheer that they will perform at the halftime of the Women’s Basketball Game. The camp fee includes expert instruction from our experienced coaches and team members and a free t-shirt for each participant to remember their awesome experience.
Register by February 9 to secure your t-shirt. The registration fee is $35. If you have any questions please contact gmccoy@cornellcollege.edu or aklein@ cornellcollege.edu.
Dog Tales story time
Lisbon Library will be hosting a Dog Tales storyime Wednesday, Jan. 22, beginning at 4 p.m.
Independent readers are welcome to join us to read to an adorable four-legged friend. Tilly is a certified therapy dog (with their handler), and she’s more than excited to see you!
What you can expect:
Cole Corner
Cathy Boggs Cole Library
Winter seed sowing event Jan. 28 at Cole
Even though winter has us in its cold and icy grip, To help us think about spring -
The program is Tuesday, Jan 28 at 6:30 p.m. in Sue will teach participants how to make a functioning greenhouse for This technique allows you to When you are ready to put them in the ground in the spring, Sue will demonstrate how to prepare the jugs and Seeds and soil will be This
Thursday, January 16: 8am-10pm
Friday, January 17: 8am-5pm
Saturday, January 18: 10am-4pm
Sunday, January 19: 12pm-10pm
Monday, January 20: 8am-10pm
Tuesday, January 21: 8am-10pm
Wednesday, January 22: 8am-10pm
Thursday, January 23: 8am-10pm
This drop-in program invites emerging readers to read with Tilly. She and her handler will be available on a first come, first serve basis. Readers can select a book of their choice to read with Tilly. It’s an opportunity to both practice skills and to have positive and affirming experiences with books and with the library.
Readers are “old enough” to participate when they can engage with a book independently and be safe and respectful with our animal visitors–we’re not necessarily looking for a specific level of phonic fluency. Readers under 8 should be accompanied by an adult.
Please feel free to reach out with any additional questions about accessibility, accommodations or logistics.
Tickets on sale for “Who’s Afraid of Virginia Woolf?”
Mount Vernon Lisbon Community Theatre will start its 45th season of with a bang with its production of Edward Albee’s Who’s Afraid of Virginia Woolf?, February 7-8 & 14-15 at 7:30 p.m. and February 9 at 2 p.m. at the First Streety Community Center Uptown Theatre in Mount Vernon.
Director Jarrod DeRooi, last seen as the title character in MVLCT’s Shakespeare in the Park Production of Macbeth, takes the helm of this Albee classic. Starring Kim Benesh as Martha and Scott Humeston as George and featuring Grant Blades as Nick and Denise Cherry as Honey. This show is one you will definitely need to buckle up for!
This production is PG-13 for violence and sexual themes and runs approximately 2.5 hours with an intermission. Ticket price is $25 for adults, with student and senior discounts available.
Order tickets at https://mvlct.booktix.com/
Jan. 6 – Medical, 300 blk Wolfe Lane NE, Mount Vernon
Jan. 6 – Alarm, 200 blk W. First St, Mount Vernon
Jan. 6 – Agency assist, 700 blk Meadow Lane Ct, Mount Vernon
Jan. 7 – Shot fired, 700 blk Medow Lane Ct, Mount Vernon
Jan. 8 – Suspicious person, 400 blk S. Jackson St, Lisbon
Jan. 8 – Motorist assist, 100 blk S. Jackson St, Lisbon
Jan. 9 – Suspicious vehicle, 700 blk First Ave NW, Mount Vernon
Jan. 9 – Hit and run, 300 Seventh St NE, Mount Vernon
Jan. 9 – Car unlock, 300 blk business 30 SW, Mount Vernon
Jan. 9 – Motorist assist, N. Monroe St, Lisbon
Jan. 10 – Warrant, 100 blk S. Chestnut St, Lisbon
Jan. 10 – Agency assist, N. Monroe St, Lisbon
Jan. 10 – Medical, 200 blk W. Main St, Lisbon
Jan. 12 – Agency assist- suspicious vehicle, Linn Co
Jan. 12 – Car unlock, 500 blk N. Jackson St, Lisbon
Jan. 12 – Alarm, 400 blk Fourth Ave SW, Mount Vernon
Jan. 13 – Medical, 200 blk business 30, Mount Vernon
Alan Shepley
LISBON BOYS’ BASKETBALL
Lisbon boys’ dunk on Prince of Peace 80-56
Ryan Suchomel
Mount Vernon-Lisbon Sun
ryan.suchomel@mvlsun.com
Lisbon and Prince of Peace boys’ basketball entered last Tuesday night’s game (Jan. 7) chasing top-ranked Bellevue Marquette in the Tri-Rivers East.
The Lions proved to be the true No. 2, beating the Irish 80-56 in the Lions’ Den.
“This win is pretty big for conference,” senior Grayson Wollum said.
Wollum finished with 33 points, including hitting 5-of-7 from 3-point range, to outscore Prince of Peace senior Hakeal Powell, who had 21 points.
“They are a scary team,” Lisbon coach Levi Montague said. “They present a big challenge for us, especially with Hakeal. We threw three or four different guys at him.”
The two teams battled most of the first half, but the Lions closed the second quarter with a 13-5 run. Then Lisbon started the second half with a 10-2 run, with a pair of 3-pointers from Wollum.
“Grayson creates opportunities and mismatches,” Montague said. “He has size to go inside, and can also shoot from outside.”
The Irish made some hay giving it to big 6-foot-5 post Logan Detterman in the first half, when he was 6 for 6 from the field. Detterman shot 3-for-14 in the second half.
“I was trying to key on Hakeal,” Wollum said. “In the sec-
LISBON BOYS’ WRESTLING
Lisbon loses to Alburnett 63-12
Ryan Suchomel
Mount Vernon-Lisbon Sun
ryan.suchomel@mvlsun.com
Lisbon boys’ wrestling has felt it is better than the No. 12 dual team ranking it currently holds in Class 1A.
And that may still be true.
But what is definitely true is that Alburnett deserves its No. 1 ranking in 1A. On Thursday, Jan. 9, in Wyoming, Alburnett downed Lisbon, 63-12.
“They beat the No. 2-ranked team (Don Bosco) by 23 points,” Lisbon coach Aaron Helmrich said. “They beat us by 51. I think we’re still in the top five.”
The Pirates just had too much rizz Thursday. Alburnett has ranked wrestlers at 11 of the 14 weights. By comparison, the Lions have two ranked wrestlers.
“They just have a solid lineup,” senior Tiernan Boots said. “That makes it pretty tough.”
Boots is ranked No. 4 at 157 for the Lions. He came up with one of the two wins for the Lions against the Pirates. He pinned No. 7 Dawson Becker in 4:38.
“I knew he couldn’t match my pace,” Boots said. “I kept pushing the pace and wore him out. I really wore him down.”
Boots used his power in the third period to put Becker on his back.
“Tiernan has a motor that won’t stop,” Helmrich said. “He got a big takedown, and then capitalized.”
The other Lisbon win against Alburnett came from 106pound sophomore Jack Gogel, who pinned Jaxson Port in 1:18.
Otherwise, it was all Pirates. Alburnett won 12 matches, including seven by pin and three by technical fall. Lisbon’s
ond half, I started fronting (Detterman) more.”
Wollum did get a late technical for slapping the backboard, which delighted the Prince of Peace crowd.
The 6-foot-7 Wollum took it in stride with his mismatched shoes.
“They don’t come like that, you have to buy two pairs,” Wollum said. “It is a lot of money, but it looks good.”
The Lions certainly have plenty of footwear flair. Senior Daylin Schaefer wears pink shoes.
“I stay out of that,” Montague said. “That’s one thing I let them have. I try to limit other stuff. But they pay lots of money for shoes. I’m not the one willing to tell them no.”
Well, it may not be the shoes, but something is working for the Lions, who extended their win streak to seven games with a win over Durant (62-38) on Thursday, Dec. 9, and a victory at Edgewood-Colesburg (73-58) on Friday, Dec. 10.
Against Durant, Wollum had 30 points and nine rebounds as the Lions broke things open after being up 25-21 at halftime.
Wollum had 22 points, Jackson Powers added 18 points and Schaefer had 13 points and nine rebounds in the win over the Vikings. Lisbon trailed at half, 32-31, but won the third quarter, 27-9.
“It is coming together,” Wollum said. “At the beginning of the season it was rocky, but we are going good.”
It’ll be a big week for Lisbon. On Tuesday, Jan. 14, they hosted Tri-River West leader North Linn (11-1), and then travel to No. 1 Marquette (11-0) on Friday, Jan. 17. The Defenders won the first showdown 67-52 on Dec. 6.
other ranked wrestler, Wes Sadler, who is No. 7 at 120 pounds lost an 8-4 decision to Owen Henriksen, who is ranked No. 12 at 120 pounds.
“They have a heck of a team, up and down the lineup,” Helmrich said. “They have 14 guys that are really tough.”
Helmrich said he did see some things he liked in the loss, the first dual loss of the season for Lisbon (13-1). The Lions beat Midland in the double dual, 69-8.
Lisbon didn’t seem to carry the loss to the Tripoli Invitational on Saturday, Jan. 11. The Lions won the team title, topping Denver 235.5 points to 213.5.
Lisbon crowned three champions – Gogel at 106, Sadler at 120 and Jackson Knapp at 138. Five other Lions finished runner-up – Cael Stricker at 113, Carter Gadberry at 132, Boots at 157 and Gage Holub at 165, and Jacob Walerius at 215.
“We’ll use (the loss) as motivation the next three weeks,” Helmrich said. “We’ll try to get some more W’s the next three weeks.”
Lisbon 69, Midland 8 113 – Cael Stricker (L) won by forfeit. 120 – Wesley Sadler (L) tech. fall Nathan Rickels 18-1 3:13. 126 – Cade Happel (L) pinned Kolton Duffy 1:35. 132 – Carter Gadberry (L) pinned Nolan Zaehringer 1:14. 138 – Jackson Knapp (L) won by forfeit. 144 – Luke Robinson (L) maj. dec. Rylan Graves 14-1. 150 – Ian Kelsey (L) won by forfeit. 157 – Tiernan Boots (L) pinned Wyatt Christiansen 1:42. 165 – Gage Holub (L) won by forfeit. 175 – Dane Ballou (M) tech. fall Caleb Brown 18-2 3:10. 215 – Jacob Walerius (L) pinned Collin Hacke :46. 285 – Hudson Herboldsheimer (L) pinned Wyatt King 2:44. 106 – Jack Gogel (L) won by forfeit. Alburnett 63, Lisbon 12 120 – Owen Henriksen (A) dec. Wesley Sadler 8-4. 126 – Rowdy Neighbor (A) tech. fall Cade Happel 19-3 1:39. 132 – JJ Callahan (A) pinned Carter Gadberry 1:06. 138 – Preston Klostermann (A) tech. fall Jackson Knapp 18-1 4:36. 144 – Cooper Franklin (A) pinned Luke Robinson :37. 150 – Reece Klostermann (A) pinned Ian Kelsey :42. 157 – Tiernan Boots (L) pinned Dawson Becker 4:38. 165 – Hunter Sauer (A) pinned Gage Holub 3:41. 175 – Shayden Washburn (A) tech. fall Caleb Brown 18-2 4:00. 190 – River Williams (A) dec. Gavin Carmer 3-0. 215 – Eaghan Fleshman (A) pinned Jacob Walerius 5:10. 285 – Sevy Redel (A) pinned Hudson Herboldsheimer :47. 106 – Jack Gogel (L) pinned Jaxson Port 1:18. 113 – Atlee Dewitt (A) pinned Cael Stricker 3:57. Tripoli Invitational Team scores – 1. Lisbon 235.5; 2. Denver 213.5; 3. Nashua-Plainfield 174; 4. Woodbury Central 154; 5. Emmetsburg 97; 6. Wapsie Valley 89; 7. Belle Plaine 79; 8. South Winneshiek 70; 9. Sumner-Fredericksburg 69.6; 10. Waterloo Columbus 23; 11. Tripoli 6. 106 – Jack Gogel, 3-0, first. 106 – Kyler Happel, 2-2, fifth. 113 – Cael Stricker, 1-1,
Jennifer Tischer | Contributed photo Lisbon’s Dakota Clark (No. 3) scrambles for a rebound against Prince of Peace Jan. 7.
Jennifer Tischer | Contributed photos
Top: Lisbon senior Wesley Sadler wrestles at Tripoli Saturday. Sadler won his bracket at the event.
Above: Lisbon’s Tiernan Boots has a wrestler in the air at Tripoli.
second. 120 – Wesley Sadler, 3-0, first. 126 – Cade Happel, 2-2, fourth. 132 – Carter Gadberry, 2-1, second. 138
Jackson Knapp, 2-0, first. 144 – Luke Robinson, 1-3, Sixth. 150
Ian Kelsey, 2-2, third. 157
Tiernan Boots, 4-1, second. 165
Gage Holub, 2-1, second. 175
Caleb Brown, 2-2, fourth. 190
Gavin Carmer, 1-3, sixth. 215
Jacob Walerius, 2-1, second. 285 – Hudson Herboldsheimer, 1-2, fifth. 285 – Aiden Winders, 0-2.
GIRLS’ BASKETBALL
Lions slash Prince of Peace 69-25
The Lisbon girls’ basketball team opened the season with a 27-point win over Clinton Prince of Peace back on Nov. 25.
On Tuesday, Jan. 7, the Lions beat the Irish by 39 points, 69-25, and looked a lot better doing it.
“I feel like we’ve grown in a lot of different aspects,” junior Kamryn Kahl said. “I think we’ve definitely slowed our game a little bit. At the beginning of the year, we were really rushed with our offense.
“We’ve really slowed it down and calmed down a little bit on the court and that’s really helped out a lot.”
In the first game, Lisbon had 25 turnovers. This
Lisbon girls’ splits six duals over week
Ryan Suchomel
Mount Vernon-Lisbon Sun ryan.suchomel@mvlsun.com
Lisbon girls’ wrestling split six duals over two days last week, with a double dual at Midland on Thursday, Jan. 9, and the Lady Cat Duals on Friday, Jan. 10 at Benton Community.
The Lions beat Midland 40-24, and lost to Alburnett 42-30 on Thursday.
On Friday, Lisbon lost to Grinnell (48-30) and Mount Vernon (63-18) but beat Cedar Rapids Xavier (42-24) and Union Community (36-24).
“We did pretty good coming back from a long break in competition,” Lisbon co-coach Seth Hall said. “I wish we had won against Alburnett.”
MV girls’ have busy week of duals
Ryan Suchomel
Mount Vernon-Lisbon Sun ryan.suchomel@mvlsun.com
Mount Vernon girls’ wrestling celebrated senior Libby Dix on Thursday, Jan. 9, with a pair of dual victories on Senior Night, then stayed busy with four duals Friday, Jan. 10, in Van Horne, and a fourth-place finish Saturday, Jan. 11, in Anamosa.
“Libby is the prime example of what every coach wants on their team,” Mount Vernon coach Trevor Trende said. “She leads by example, shows up and works hard every day. She’s an amazing teammate, fierce competitor and just a joy to be around.
“We have a lot of season left, but Libby will be missed next season.”
Mount Vernon beat Grinnell 69-12 and topped Cedar Rapids Kennedy 37-36.
go-round, they had only 13.
“The big thing is fewer turnovers,” Lisbon coach Jack Leighty said. “That gives you more opportunities to score some points.”
Their 69 points was a season high. Morgan Sauser led the attack with 22 points. Emersyn Reiter added 14 points and Kamryn Kahl had 12 points. Kyla Kahl and Emma Pleasant each added nine points.
“We are becoming more balanced,” Leighty said. “Morgan got the Lions’ share (no pun intended) but we spread it around.
“We’ve got some others who have started to chip in and assert themselves.”
Lisbon (5-7) opened the game with an 11-0 run and never trailed. The Lions led 32-14 at half, then enjoyed a big third quarter, outscoring the Irish 25-7.
Sauser hit three of her six 3-pointers in the third quarter.
Thanks to fewer turnovers, and 35 offensive rebounds, the Lions were able to take 90 shots.
Pleasant led the rebounding with 14. Kyla Kahl had a team-high six steals.
“Every girl is becoming more of a threat, which really helps our team out,” Kamryn Kahl said.
Lisbon would take two losses to close the week. Durant beat them, 37-30, on Thursday, Jan. 9, and
Edgewood-Colesburg topped them, 61-58, on Friday, Jan. 10.
Against the Wildcats, Sauser had 20 points. The Lions were outrebounded 39 to 13, and only got two offensive rebounds.
Versus the Vikings, Sauser had 19 points, followed by Kyla Kahl with 14 and Reiter with 11. The Lions were outrebounded 43 to 23 but made 12 3-pointers.
At the Lady Cat Duals at Benton Community, the Mustangs continued to pile up dual wins. They beat Cedar Rapids Xavier (66-12), Union Community (66-12), Lisbon (63-18) and Benton Community (4836).
Their 0-7 start in duals is long forgotten. Mount Vernon improved to 6-8.
“The girls put on a show,” Trende said. “They won the Lady Cat Duals for the second season in a row.”
The Mustangs closed the busy three-day stretch at the Anamosa Tournament.
Gracie Pinckney (170) and Dix (190) won titles, and Kate Martin (110) and Kiersten Swart (115) were both runner-up at the 14-team event.
Swart lost to the topranked wrestler in 2A, Abi Meier of Pleasant Valley, 5-2, in the finals.
“I am extremely pleased with our performance over those three days,” Swart said.
The Lions were missing a few wrestlers, which forced them to give a few more forfeits than usual.
The loss to Mount Vernon had the former teammates wrestling each other, since the programs had been combined until this winter.
Lisbon 40, Midland 24
110 – Double forfeit. 115 – Jordyn Jarchow (L) won by forfeit. 120 – Lillian Gaiser (L) won by forfeit. 125 – Alyssa Eckhardt (M) won by forfeit. 130 – Olivia Coates (M) won by forfeit. 135 – Carlee Turkington (L) won by forfeit. 140 – Addison Clark (L) maj. dec. Milee Streets 11-0. 145 – Emma Dietsch (L) won by forfeit. 155 – Double forfeit. 170 – Gracee Thompkins (M) pinned Kaylee Jordan :54. 190 – Shyanne Crane 9L) won by forfeit. 235 – Double forfeit. 100 – Ann Marie Morgan (L) won by forfeit. 105 – Taelynn Gravel (M) won by forfeit. Alburnett 42, Lisbon 30
115 – Jassey Carter (A) pinned Jordyn Jarchow 4:21. 120 – Juliana Burds (A) won by forfeit. 125 – Lillian Gaiser (L) won by forfeit. 130 – Natalie Krohse (A) won by forfeit. 135 – Carlee Turkington (L) won by forfeit. 140 – Addison Clark (L) won by forfeit. 145 – Emma Dietsch (L) won by forfeit. 155 – Double forfeit. 170 – Kaylee Jordan (L) pinned Bree McCusker 3:49. 190 – Mya Heather (A) pinned Shyanne Crane 2:44. 235 – Double forfeit. 100 – Josie McGraw (A) pinned Ann Marie Morgan :57. 105 – Carlyn McGraw (A) won by forfeit. 110 –Mia Lapp (A) won by forfeit.
LADY CAT DUALS Grinnell 48, Lisbon 30
125 – Kyrie Chapman (G) won by forfeit. 130 – Kiaya Shuey (G) won by forfeit. 135 – Adriana Versendaal (G) pinned Addison Clark 5:09. 140 – Alina Mallie (L) pinned Jayla Westcott :59. 145 – Myla Kurk (G) won by forfeit. 155 – Kaylee Jordan (L) pinned Alejandra Hernandez 2:22. 170 – Abigail Hatcher (G) won
Mount Vernon 69, Grinnell 12 130 – Kiaya Shuey (G) pinned Liliana Grosse 2:39.
0-0 0, Carly Long 0-0 0-0 0 . Totals 25-83 7-8 69. Prince of Peace 5 9 7 4 – 25 Lisbon 17 15 25 12 – 69 3-point goals – PoP 3-13 (Smith 1-9, Evans 1-3,
“Our girls were a little nervous about it,” Hall said. “But (Mount Vernon) always supports our girls, they are always in our corner. It ended up being more fun for the girls than I expected.” Lisbon is now 6-4 in duals.
(MV) pinned Myla Kurk :33. 170 – Gracie Pinckney (MV) won by forfeit. 190 – Libby Dix (MV) pinned Abigail Hatcher :40. 235 – Josie Panos (MV) pinned Jahzarah Ward 1:16. 100 – Double forfeit. 105 – Carly Elliott (MV) pinned Piper Madren 2:16. 110 – Kate Martin (MV) pinned Peyton Davenport :29. 115 – Kiersten Swart (MV) pinned Addison Beckman :22. 120 – Baylee Boyd (G) pinned Rose Pisarik 3:05. 125 – Lexi Glaza (MV) pinned Kyrie Chapman 1:13. Mount Vernon 37, Cedar Rapids Kennedy 36 135 – Shannon Dolan (CRK) pinned Lyla Glaza :31. 140 – Meredith Kaump (CRK) pinned Hannah Jones :21. 145 – Addi Whisner (MV) pinned Lillian Cogdill 1:57. 155 – Kaylee Kintzel (MV) pinned Onyx VanderHorn 1:03. 170 – Gracie Pinckney (MV) pinned Sydnie Miller 1:20. 190 – Libby Dix (MV) dec. Joscelyn Stricker 7-0. 235 – Ella Brown (CRK) pinned Josie Panos 1:27. 100 – Double forfeit. 105 – Elizabeth Renshaw (CRK) pinned Carly Elliott 2:41. 110 – Kate Martin (MV) pinned Ern Arnold :39. 115 – Kiersten Swart (MV) dec. Olivia Hallam 2-0. 120 – Isabella Griffin (CRK) pinned Rose Pisarik :21. 125 –Lexi Glaza (MV) pinned Mariana Angeles 4:19. 130 – Jenna Steenblock (CRK) pinned Liliana Grosse 3:28. LADY CAT DUALS
Mount Vernon 66, Cedar Rapids Xavier 12 115 – Kiersten Swart (MV) won by forfeit. 120 – Lili Moses (CRX) pinned Rose Pisarik 1:40. 125 – Lexi Glaza (MV) won by forfeit. 130 – Liliana Grosse (MV) pinned Megan Talyat 1:48. 135 – Lyla Glaza (MV) won by forfeit. 140 – Hannah Pfab (CRX) pinned Hannah Jones :21. 145 – Addi Whisner (MV) pinned Aly Flack 3:21. 155 – Kaylee Kintzel (MV) pinned Elliana Casey :29. 170 – Gracie Pinckney (MV) pinned Katie Pilcher :56. 190 – Libby Dix (MV) won by forfeit. 235 – Josie Panos (MV) won by forfeit. 100 – Double forfeit. 105 – Carly Elliott (MV) won by forfeit. 110 – Kate Martin (MV)
fifth.
LISBON GIRLS’ WRESTLING
MV GIRLS’ WRESTLING
Photos by Lucy Wischmeyer | Mustang Moon
Left: Mount Vernon’s Kaylee Kintzle grapples with a wrestler at home last week.
Right: Mount Vernon’s Josie Panos works a wrestler on the mat at home last week.
Lester Buresh Family Community Wellness Center celebrates five years
A look on the impact to the community of center
Nathan
Countryman Mount Vernon-Lisbon Sun nathan.countryman@mvlsun.com
The Lester Buresh Family Community Wellness Center is celebrating five years in business this year.
The center officially opened to the public in February 2020, just before the COVID-19 pandemic hit the area.
Looking at the membership numbers year to year, however, the number of users always sees a steep increase with the beginning of the winter months of January through March, and then slowly tapers off during the summer when more activities are available outside.
Matt Siders, Mount Vernon Parks and Recreation director, said over the past several years, daily attendance numbers, much like membership has increased.
In January 2021, the center averaged 180 people per day. In January 2022, that increased to an average of 270 people per day. This January, average people per day was 413.
The most popular programs at LBC have been pickleball; the morning group fitness classes like cycling, Fit For Life, Total Body Blitz, Better Faster Stronger, Deep Peace Yoga, and Barre; the kid’s night out activities and the Thursday speaker series.
Mondays and Wednesdays are the busiest days for the center, and peak times of people visiting include 5:30-6:30 a.m., 9-11 a.m., and 3:30-5:30 p.m.
Many long-time members and supporters of the center, however, note that the community they build has been one of the positives for them with the center.
Jason Pershing said that playing basketball with his girls after school almost every day has been one of the things he looks forward to every day.
“It just makes it so easy for us all to get a workout in after school and have great family time,” Pershing said. “The girls are able to easily walk over to the LBC and we’re able to get in 30 to 45 minutes of play time right there.”
Pershing said that to do that at other centers, it would easily mean adding 15 to 20 minutes of travel time to get to an indoor court that’s available.
“And suddenly, that 30-to-45-minute workout that you planned for, it turns into an hour and a half to two hour commitment to getting a workout in,” Pershing said.
Pershing also said that the staff makes every visit worth it.
“So many of them know my daughters names and really make it a community based experience,” Pershing said. “We have a huge love for the center in our area.”
Delores Strieb said the community of friends she has built in the community because of the LBC has greatly added to her quality of life. She’s involved in many of the activities for senior citizens at the center, from senior tai chi to yoga for senior citizens and Qi Gong classes.
“Aside from all the exercising, it is the social and fun elements that has really improved my life,” Strieb said. “When I moved to the area three and a half years ago, I didn’t know too many people, but attending classes and things at the LBC has made a huge difference in my life.”
Strieb says she frequents the center four or more times in a week. Where she lived previously, she did frequent a gym with a friend on occasion.
Strieb said she is now one of the regulars at the LBC who explains to new attendees all that there is to do.
“I’ve definitely seen improvement for me physically from the classes I’ve taken that help me with things like balance or dealing with the arthritis in my knees,” Strieb said. “But getting to know so many more people has also given me so much more in this community.”
Katrina and Joel Anderson and their family have been long time members at the facility as well.
“Joel gets in pick-up basketball games with other community members throughout the week,” Katrina said. “For me, it’s early morning workouts. For our children, it’s the activities geared for them, like pickleball youth leagues, the e-wall, the climbing wall or things like kids’ night out activities.”
Katrina said prior to the LBC, they were busy just raising their young children, so their use of centers was less frequent, maybe some opportunities at First Street Community Center.
“This has become like a second home for our family,” Katrina said. “We see so many of our friends and neighbors at the center. There’s so much for all generations and ages to do at the center, that it’s hard not to see this as an important part of our community now.”
Brad Haverback said that his family gets so much use out of the LBC in general.
“One of the big ways has just been having family time on the court with my family,” Haverback said.
Haverback said that because their family has so many age ranges, they use different portions of the facility. Olivia, as a pitcher, might get some pitching in the green room
during the winter months.
Haverback said that prior to the LBC, his family was just less active in the winter months, as there weren’t spaces designated like the LBC for a wide range of activities.
“It has just filled such a void in our community, especially during the winter months, and we see so many of our friends there,” Haverback said. “It has greatly added to our quality of life by making healthy life style choices easier. Even if it is just stopping up for a quick workout during winter break.”
Haverback said it’s not unusual to see many families in the space, especially during the winter months.
“As our communities have grown, so has this center become such an integral part of the community,” Haverback said.
Diana Corcoran has been a long time member of the facility, and said some of her favorite activities have been the classes she takes in the evening and the weight lifting area.
“Prior to the LBC, we on occasion utilized the weights at the First Street Community Center,” Corcoran said. “It’s so nice to have the LBC, which is focused on so many different exercise options, from numerous class offerings to the weights.”
Corcoran said her mental health has also drastically improved with having so many people to interact with at classes or when working on weights.
“That’s the thing with being part of exercise classes that you don’t realize, is just how that social interaction and seeing people every day benefits you,” Corcoran said.
She said things like the craft programs and adult speaker series also help build that sense of community at the center, or the center hosting the Heritage Days kick off events in the community.
“It’s not just the physical aspects you gain, it’s also those social aspects they help build,” Corcoran said. “It’s been a wonderful addition to our community, having this space here.”
New owner for Spot On Nutrition
Nathan Countryman
Mount Vernon-Lisbon Sun
nathan.countryman@mvlsun.com
Ali Worrell is the new owner of Spot On Nutrition in Mount Vernon.
call this past September that she was selling, and bought the business.”
Aside from the change in ownership, the products and staff for the spot remain the same. They still offer energy teas and protein coffee and shakes.
Worrell said one of the small changes that has been made has been being closed on Mondays.
fer, they can still order the products to make shakes at home.
One new change that the shop is offering is delivery orders on Wednesdays to work places within the area.
Worrell owns a similar energy tea shop in North Liberty, and has always loved the Mount Vernon and Lisbon area.
“I told Machelle [Henneberry] that if she was ever looking to sell the location, I would be interested,” Worrell said. “I got that
“I don’t know if it’s just because so many other businesses in uptown are also closed on Mondays, but we’re just not seeing a lot of customers on that day of the week,” Worrell said. “We may revisit that in the future, though.”
People can still call their orders in advance of pick-up. Or if people pre-
Worrell is keeping the name of the business, but they have a new Facebook Page – Spot On Nutrition - Mount Vernon. Spot On Nutrition is located at 106 First Avenue North (behind Mount Vernon Pharmacy).
Spot On Nutrition is open 6:30 a.m. to 1 p.m. Tuesday through Friday and 8 a.m. to 1 p.m. on Saturdays. Orders can be called in at 319-8958045 or sent via Facebook Messenger.
Nathan Countryman |
Mount Vernon-Lisbon Sun
At the ribbon cutting for new owner of Spot On Nutrition were: John Bardsley (City of Lisbon), Tom Wieseler (Mount Vernon mayor), Jake Krob (Mount Vernon Bank and Trust), Courtney FryeSpeed (Bridge Community Bank), Ali Worrell (new owner Spot On Nutrition), Michelle Zaruba (Hills Bank and Trust), Jessie Thurn (Mount Vernon Lisbon Community Development Group director), Ashley Dunford (Mount Vernon Bank and Trust) and Brenda Langenberg (Hills Bank and Trust).
posed amendment of the US Business 30 Master Plan, designating Highway Oriented Commercial zoning on February 3, 2025, at 6:30 p.m. at City Hall, 213 First Street NW in Mt. Vernon, IA 52314. Individuals wishing to join via Zoom may contact City Hall at (319) 895-8742 at least one day in advance of the meeting. A copy of the proposed zoning amendment is available in the City Clerk’s office, 213 First St. NW, Mt. Vernon. Questions or comments may be directed to Leigh Bradbury, Zoning Administrator for the City of Mount Vernon, at 213 First Street NW, Mt. Vernon, Iowa, 52314; by phone at 319.895.8742, or email at lbradbury@cityofmtvernon-ia.gov. Published in the Sun January 16, 2025.
MOUNT VERNON
CITY COUNCIL MINUTES
213 1ST STREET NW
MOUNT VERNON, IOWA 52314
JANUARY 6, 2025
The Mount Vernon City Council met January 6, 2025, at City Hall, 213 1st Street NW, Mount Vernon, IA. A Zoom option was available. The following Council members were present: Andresen, Tuerler, West and Engel. Absent: Rose. Call to Order. At 6:30 p.m. Mayor Thomas M. Wieseler called the meeting to order. Agenda Additions/Agenda Approval. Mayor Wieseler noted that the reading of the Mayoral Proclamation may be moved once all parties have arrived. Nosbisch noted that the Resolutions on the agenda should be dated 1-6-2025. Motion made by West, seconded by Andresen to approve the Agenda as noted. Motion carries. Rose absent. Consent Agenda. Motion made by Tuerler, seconded by Engel to approve the Consent Agenda. Motion carries. Rose absent. Approval of City Council Minutes – December 16, 2024 Regular Council Meeting Approval of Liquor
Andresen to approve the first reading of Ordinance #1-6-2025A. Roll call all yes. Rose absent. West then made a motion to suspend the rules, waive the second reading and approve the third and final reading. Motion seconded by Engel. Roll call all yes. Rose absent. Ordinance #1-6-2025A passes it’s third and final reading. Resolutions for Approval Resolution #1-6-2025A: Determining an Area of the City to be an Economic Development and Blighted Area, and that the Rehabilitation, Conservation, Redevelopment, Development or a Combination Thereof, of Such Area is Necessary in the Interest of Public Health, Safety or Welfare of the Residents of the City: Designating Such Area as Appropriate for Urban Renewal Projects: and Adopting the Amendment No. 10 to the Mount Vernon Urban Renewal Plan. The City is amending the urban renewal plan to include projects associated with the Rachel Street public improvements extension. Traffic signals, sewer and water extensions and street construction are anticipated with the proposed Kwik Star development. Motion made by Tuerler, seconded by West to approve Resolution #1-6-2025A. Roll call all yes. Rose absent. Resolution passes. Resolution #1-6-2025B: Approving and Authorizing Execution of a Development Agreement by and Between the City of Mount Vernon and Kwik Trip, Inc. This resolution approves the development agreement between the City of Mount Vernon and Kwik Trip, Inc. The City, by approving this agreement, is accepting responsibility for constructing the necessary Rachel Street road extensions, traffic signals and utility improvements by June 2026.
CHECK-WAT,SEW,SW 115.00
HAWKEYE FIRE & SAFETY FIRST AID-PW 112.75
VEENSTRA & KIMM INC INTELLISTREETS LIGHTING IMPROV 111.50
MECHANICSVILLE TELEPHONE PHONE/ INTERNET-POOL 108.77
STUDENT PUBLICATIONS INC ADS/PUBLICATIONS-P&REC 107.73
AMAZON CAPITAL SERVICES SUPPLIES-PW 103.28
ALLIANT ENERGY ENERGY US-
AGE-RUT,P&A,WAT,SEW 95.02
MOUNT VERNON BANK & TRUST CO NSF
CHECK-WAT,SEW,SW 92.44
LYNCH FORD-LYNCH CHEVROLET VEHICLE MAINT-PD 91.75
VEENSTRA & KIMM INC 2024 BUSINESS
IMPROVEMENTS 89.00 VESTIS RUGS,SERVICES-FD 84.81
VERNON BANK & TRUST CO ACH
Discussion and Consideration of Necessary Electric and Fiber Optic Work for the Smart Streetlight Project – Council Action as Needed. Staff continues to work with Alliant Energy on the completion of the Uptown lighting project. Staff has identified approximately $500,000 in necessary electric and fiber optic needs to facilitate the project. The improvements will be incorporated into the streetscape project should it move forward. No action taken.
Discussion and Consideration of Pay Application #3 – Glenn Street Extension –Council Action as Needed. Pay Application #3 is in the amount of $133,256.98. The necessary construction and seeding work have been completed. Motion made by Engel, seconded by West to approve Pay Application #3-Glenn Street Extension. Motion carries. Rose absent.
Discussion and Consideration of Invoice #157163 – Uptown Streetscape Improvements – Council Action as Needed. This invoice is in the amount of $13,638.80. The rough draft is currently under review at the staff level. Motion made by Tuerler, seconded by Engel to approve Invoice #157163-Uptown Streetscape Improvements. Motion carries. Rose absent.
Discussion and Consideration of the Old Fire Station Site Plan – MV Brews LLC – Council Action as Needed. Staff provided a site plan for approval of the Old Fire Station site-MV Brews LLC. The site plan, as presented, meets all zoning requirements for businesses within the Town Center zoning district. A photometric plan and signage will be reviewed by staff and approved prior to issuance of the building permit. The Planning and Zoning Commission voted in favor of the site plan and staff is recommending approval by Council at this time, subject to compliance with exterior lighting and signage regulations. Motion made by West, seconded by Andre-
sen to approve the site plan as presented. Motion carries. Rose absent.
Discussion and Consideration of V&K Invoice #51378 - 2 – Rachel Street Improvements – Council Action as Needed. This invoice is in the amount of $9,261.45.
Motion made by Engel, seconded by Tuerler to approve V&K Invoice #51378-2-Rachel Street Improvements. Motion carries. Rose absent.
Discussion and Consideration of V&K
Invoice #51372 - 6 – Glenn Street Extension Project – Council Action as Needed. This invoice is in the amount of $7,589.02. Motion made by Tuerler, seconded by West to approve V&K Invoice #51372-6-Glenn Street Extension Project. Motion carries. Rose absent.
Discussion and Consideration of V&K
Invoice #51364 - 5 – 2024 Sanitary Sewer Rehabilitation Project – Council Action as Needed. This invoice is in the amount of $7,186.82. Motion made by Tuerler, seconded by West to approve V&K Invoice #51364-5-2024 Sanitary Sewer Rehabilitation Project. Motion carries. Rose absent. Discussion and Consideration of Ladder Truck Purchase Contract – Council Action as Needed. Chiefs from the Mount Vernon Fire Department were in atten dance to discuss a proposal to purchase a new ladder truck. This will replace Engine 215 that was put into service in 1995. Members of the Mount Vernon Volun teer Fire Department have spent multiple years researching the merits/logistics of incorporating a ladder truck into the fleet. The base unit price would be $1,594,071, with Reliant Fire offering
dresen to approve the purchase of a new ladder truck not to exceed $1,700,000, to be paid for when the unit is complete. Motion carries. Rose absent. Reports of Mayor/Council/Administrator Mayor’s Report. Wieseler reported that the City Administrator will be speaking at the LBC in January and reminded Council for their City Administrator reviews in January. Council Reports. Andresen would like to have the flag discussion at an upcoming meeting when all Council members are in attendance. City Administrator’s Report. Full report available on the
in full” in the time required for the build and cash reserves within the Fire Department equipment levy will be accumulating for an additional four years. This could potentially reduce the $1,100,000 borrowing by $400,000. Other Factors of Note: Delaying payment in full
purchases
on
if
mechanism can be identified. Staff would recommend forgoing the discount pay for the unit when it is complete. Council was in support of this purchase and the method of payment. Motion made by Tuerler, seconded by An-
CLASSIFIEDS
Auction
3-Storage units full of stuff (Oberbreckling, Holerud, Waltz/Akerman) and 2-trailers (Holerud) will be auctioned at Noon on Saturday, Jan. 25, 2025. Discount Storage Units, 945 W. Business Hwy 30 (beside the golf course), Lisbon. 319-895-8899
Wanted
WANTED: JUNK APPLIANCES. Will pick up for free. Farm clean-up, batteries. Will buy junk cars. 319-331-8122
Help Wanted-Government
POLICE
OFFICER: Indianola Police Department will begin taking applications for the positions of Police/Patrol Officer starting 1/6/2025. Obtain applications by visiting https:// indianolaiowa.applicantpro. com/jobs , choose Police Officer. Deadline 2/7/2025 EOE
Miscellaneous
Does your basement or crawl space need some attention? Call Thrasher Foundation Repair! A permanent solution for waterproofing, failing foundations, sinking concrete and nasty crawl spaces. FREE Inspection & Same Day Estimate. $250 off ANY project with code GET250. Call 1-866-5541730
Prepare for power outages today with a Generac Home Standby Generator. Act now to receive a FREE 7-Year warranty with qualifying purchase. Call 1-855-954-5087 today to schedule a free quote. It’s not just a generator. It’s a power move.
Safe Step. North America’s #1 Walk-In Tub. Comprehensive lifetime warranty. Top-of-the-line installation and service. Now featuring our FREE shower package and $1600 Off for a limited time! Call today! Financing available. Call Safe Step 1-844376-4154.
CALENDAR & PUZZLES
CHURCHES
MOUNT VERNON
St. Paul Lutheran Church L.C.M.S.
600 Fifth Avenue South
Pastor: Rev. Sean Hansen www.splcmv.org; send e-mail to info@splcmv.org
Sun.: 9:30 a.m. In-person worship
Please refer to our website or contact the church directly for additional worship information.
First Presbyterian Church 301 1st St. N.W. www.firstpresmv.com 319-895-6060
Pastor: Rev. Lori Wunder Sun.: 9:30 a.m. in-person worship.
Online services stream beginning at 9:20 a.m. on Facebook
St. John the Baptist Catholic Church Rev. Andrew Awotwe-Mensah, parish priest
Sun.: 8 a.m. Mass
Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints
Justus Hallam, Bishop
Meeting at: 4300 Trailridge Rd. SE, Cedar Rapids Sun.: 11:30 a.m. in person services. Also an option for digital worship services.
United Methodist Church
Pastor Vicki Fisher www.umcmv.com
Sun.: 8:30 a.m. Praise Worship 11 a.m. Traditional worship
Both worships available online at UMCMV.com
An LGBTQ affirming congregation
Community Bible Church 940 W. Mount Vernon Rd.
www.mvcbc.org, 895-6269
Teaching Pastor Brandon Glaza
Discipleship Pastor Dennis Fulkerson
Youth Pastor Stephen Thomas
Sun.: 9:30 a.m. In-Person Worship Service
Wed. - 6 p.m. Encounter and Youth Group
Linn Grove Presbyterian
2000 Linn Grove Rd., Mt. Vernon
Pastor Carla Burge
Sun: 9 a.m. in-person worship, masks requested Also, weekly readings, prayers and sermons are posted on the church’s Facebook page.
Baha’i Faith
Nina Scott, Group Secretary, 319-270-9230
CrossLife Community Church
Pastor Erik Bennett
Sun.: 10:30 a.m. – In-person worship service. Services also livestream on Facebook page.
LISBON
Living Hope Global Methodist Church
COMMUNITY CALENDAR
Thursday, Jan. 16
Story Time, Cornell College Cole Library Browsing Room, 9:30 a.m.
Fiber Friends, Southeast Linn Community Center, 10:30 a.m.
LBC Adult speaker series “City of Mount Vernon’s Major accomplishments” by Chris Nosbisch, Lester Buresh Family Community Wellness Center, 1 p.m.
Friday, Jan. 17
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.
Lisa Shill and Muriel Condon artists lecture, Cornell College McWethy Hall Room 222, 3:30 p.m.
“An Echo and a Hum” artists reception, Cornell College McWethy Hall Luce Gallery, 4-6 p.m.
Monday, Jan. 20
Lisbon, Mount Vernon City Halls Closed for MLK Day. No school Mount Vernon & Lisbon. Cole Library and Lisbon Public Library closed. Mount Vernon City Council, Mount Vernon City Hall, 6:30 p.m.
Tuesday, Jan. 21
200 E. Market St., 455-2000 livinghopegmc.org
Interim Pastors
Services live streamed at Living Hope Global Methodist Church’s YouTube page Sundays at 8:45 a.m. Sun.: 8:45 a.m. — In-person worship.
Seeds of Faith Lutheran Church, ELCA 798 Brenneman Lane, 455-2599
(Off Hwy. 30 on eastern edge of Lisbon) www.seedsoffaithlutheran.org/
Pastor Erika Uthe
9 a.m. — In-person worship. Services also livestream via Seeds’ Facebook Page.
BERTRAM
United Methodist Church
319-365-8077
Rev. Darwin Moore, Pastor Sun.: 10 a.m. — In-person worship service
MARTELLE
Christian Church Sun.: 10:30 a.m. — in person worship service Services also stream online at Martelle Christian Church’s YouTube page.
United Methodist Church Sun.: 10:30 a.m. Worship service. No Sunday school.
SPRINGVILLE
United Methodist Church Sun.: 9 a.m. Worship service. Wed.: 6:30 p.m. Praise service
Faith Christian Fellowship
Pastor Joseph Bielema Sun.: 9:30 a.m. worship at Springville Memorial Library, in the Buresh Room
(264 Broadway Street)
St. Isidore Catholic Church Sat.: 6 p.m. Mass
MECHANICSVILLE
Living Hope Bible Church
Mechanicsville Memorial Building
First Presbyterian Church 408 E. First Street.
Christian Community Church of Mechanicsville 307 East First Street
563-432-7716
Sun: Sunday School 10-11am and in-person Worship Services at 11:15am with Fellowship to follow.
St. Mary’s Catholic Church
Pastor: Father James Flattery
Wed.: 8:30 a.m. — mass Sun.: 8 a.m. Mass
Tuesday Morning Book Club, Cornell College Library Room 108, 9:30 a.m.
Lego Club, Cornell college Room 108, 3:30 p.m. Yarn squad, Cornell College Cole Library Room 326, 6:30 p.m.
Learn to play bridge, Cornell College Library Room 410, 7 p.m.
Community of Readers Book group, Cornell College Library Room 310, 7:30 p.m.
Wednesday, Jan. 22
Cards, Southeast Linn Community Center, 10-11:30 a.m.
Linn Lunch Bunch, Southeast Linn Community Center, 11:30 a.m.
Learn to play bridge, Cornell College Cole Library room 108, 1 p.m.
Lisbon Public Library Dog Tales story time, Lisbon Public Library, 4 p.m.
Thursday, Jan. 23
Story Time, Cornell College Cole Library Browsing Room, 9:30 a.m.
Fiber Friends, Southeast Linn Community Center, 10:30 a.m.
LBC Adult speaker series “Citizen Diplomacy Efforts in Iowa: Foreign Relations Begin at Home” by Del Christensen, Lester Buresh Family Community Wellness Center, 1 p.m.
1 Strike one!
Across
5 Word with slow or strawberry
8 “___ gusto” (“Nice to meet you,” in Spanish)
13 Can
14 Spanish article
15 Paella base
16 Domino pip, e.g.
17 Party crashers, perhaps
19 Part of a bat that produces the best contact
21 Small nail
22 Express publicly
23 Saint, in Rio
25 “A Beautiful Mind” director Howard
27 Balayage providers
32 ___ Swiatek, four-time French Open winner
33 Cake part
35 Fresh
36 Get serious hang time, as a skateboarder
40 Times for holiday parties
41 Boomer in a band
42 It makes Max profits
43 Italian dynasty that produced four popes
46 Bit of kitchenware
47 “Cleopatra With the ___” (Reni painting)
48 Hosp. staffers
50 Branch of a sort
52 Three-digit numbers in parentheses
57 Low-key place for gnocchi
58 Toon with a monkey named Boots
60 Matcha ___ (tea-based beverage)
61 Human thing to do
62 Waze figs.
63 Easy to understand
64 Hits up on Instagram, for short
65 Meeting, informally
Down
1 A family might have matching ones, for short
2 “D’oh!”
3 Strutted one’s stuff
4 Maze prompt
5 Line below a swoosh
6 Pantry problem
7 “I Feel Pretty” singer in “West Side Story”
8 Mind repeating that?
9 “Irresistible” feeling
10 Language from which we get “Manitoba” and “Saskatchewan”
11 Motorist’s warning
12 The “40” in a malt liquor 40: Abbr.
18 x, y or z
20 The world at your feet?
23 Order to an attack dog
24 Plant used in xeriscaping because of its tolerance to drought
26 Hogwarts exam after the O.W.L.
28 Nonexpert
29 “While we’re discussing it ...”
30 Novice gamers, informally
31 Word after one fell?
34 Extend, as a contract
37 Show with a “Cyber” spinoff
38 Suns that shine?
39 Roger B. ___, justice who infamously authored the Dred Scott decision (1857)
44 Sign of impact
45 Deets
49 Begat
51 Writes in C or R, say
52 Kazakhstan’s ___ Sea
53 Quoted figure
54 Pioneering blues guitarist Baker
55 Unyielding
56 ___ Tour, pop culture phenomenon of 2023-24
57 Pampering, for short
59 Tree with so-called helicopter seeds
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.
MV boys’ 4-3 in duals last week
Ryan Suchomel
Mount Vernon-Lisbon Sun ryan.suchomel@mvlsun.com
The path to state isn’t always straight.
The Mount Vernon boys’ wrestling team, ranked No. 8 in Class 2A, went 4-3 in dual matches last week, which included a loss to Clear Creek Amana at the Linn-Mar Duals on Saturday, Jan. 11. That was a 45-32 setback, and is notable, because
Mount Vernon 67, Center Point-Urbana 11 150 – Mikey Ryan (MV) won by forfeit. 157 – Will Goodlove 9MV) pinned Aiden Ortega 1:37. 165 – Cooper Hird (MV) pinned Brayden Hakert 1:13. 175 – Watson Krob (MV) pinned Cash Peterson 1:36. 190 – Caysen Curran (MV) pinned Danny Small 1:37. 215 – Kael Riniker (MV) maj. dec. Preston Thompson 11-2. 285 – Ethan Wood (MV) won by forfeit. 106 – Jackson McGonegle (CPU) tech. fall Cooper Krob 16-1 3:36. 113 – Kaleb Coon (MV) won by forfeit. 120 – Jake Haugse (MV) won by forfeit. 126 – Drew Thurn (MV) pinned Caden Steinkamp 2:45. 132 – CJ Martin (MV) dec. Jordan Wedo 11-9. 138 – Will Griswold (CPU) pinned Nolan Mercer 3:43., 144 – Jase Jaspers (MV) won by forfeit. Mount Vernon 70, Grinnell 8 144 – Jase Jaspers (MV) pinned Jack Vitek 2:51. 150 – Mikey Ryan (MV) pinned Mikeal Miller 1:55. 157 –Will Goodlove (MV) tech. fall Alejandro Cantillo 18-3 3:33. 165 – Cooper Hird (MV) tech. fall Alex Peiffer 18-3 2:32. 175 – Josh Ringler (G) dec. Watson Krob 4-1. 190 –Caysen Curran (MV) won by forfeit. 215 – Kael Riniker (MV) pinned Tyler Kostow 1:54. 285 – Ethan Wood (MV) won by forfeit. 106 – Cooper Krob (MV) pinned Eli Peiffer 1:38. 113 – Kaleb Coon (MV) pinned Bryston Reimers 1:12. 120 – Jake Haugse (MV) won by forfeit. 126 – Drew Thurn (MV) pinned Joshua Crecelius :48.
MV BOYS’ BASKETBALL
the Mustangs beat the Clippers, 49-24, back on Dec. 12.
“We lost to Pleasant Valley and Clear Creek Amana, and we’re better than both of those teams,” Mount Vernon coach Vance Light said. “But we weren’t better Saturday. “A couple kids got caught out of position and got pinned. If you take those matches away, we’d have won the meet. But that’s what you get. You have days like those, sometimes.”
132 – CJ Martin (MV) pinned Levi Jack 1:52. 138 – Logan McDonald (G) tech. fall Nolan Mercer 17-0 3:09. LINN-MAR DUALS
Mount Vernon 44, Cedar Rapids Xavier 29 190 – Caysen Curran (MV) dec. Dusty Cook 6-5. 215 –Jean Ngoma (CRX) dec. Kael Riniker 7-1. 285 – Ethan Wood (MV) won by forfeit. 106 – Taitumn Deppe (CRX) tech. fall Cooper Krob 18-2 3:19. 113 – Elliott Gnewuch (CRX) pinned Kaleb Coon 4:55. 120 – Jake Haugse (MV) pinned Miguel Astorga :46. 126 – Drew Thurn (MV) pinned Bryce Naber 1:08. 132 – Jack Foster (CRX) tech. fall CJ Martin 16-0 4:00. 138 – Kelso Brueck (CRX) pinned Nolan Mercer 2:44. 144 – Jase Jaspers (MV) pinned Kale Leymaster 1:12. 150 – Mikey Ryan (MV)
pinned Brady DeCamp 1:08. 157 – Will Goodlove (MV) tech. fall Germaine Ngoma 18-3 3:48. 165 – Cooper Hird (MV) pinned Marek McNamara 3:35. Dane Melchior (CRX) maj. dec. Watson Krob 10-0. Mount Vernon 42, Western Dubuque 29 106 – Caden Gotto (WD) pinned Cooper Krob 4:37. 113 – Isaiah Streif (WD) pinned Kaleb Coon 5:27. 120 – Jake Haugse (MV) pinned Ethan Schlichtmann 1:45. 126 –Kellen McKenna (WD) won by forfeit. 132 – CJ Martin (MV) pinned Bryce Kelly :58. 138 – Nolan Mercer (MV) tech. fall Preston Errthum 18-3 5:35. 144 – Jase Jaspers (MV) pinned Will Casey 4:30. 150 – Mikey Ryan (MV)
Mustangs stomp past ST, VS
Ryan Suchomel
Mount Vernon-Lisbon Sun
ryan.suchomel@mvlsun.com
While Mount Vernon boys’ basketball didn’t show up in the first IHSAA rankings of the season last week, that didn’t stop the Mustangs from adding to their win total.
“We are not bothered at all about rankings,” Mount Vernon coach Derek Roberts said. “We are very focused on getting better each day.”
Mount Vernon (9-1) beat South Tama 67-28 on Tuesday, Jan. 7, and downed Vinton-Shellsburg, 61-35, on
MV GIRLS’ BASKETBALL
MV girls’ beat
V-S, South Tama
Ryan Suchomel
Mount Vernon-Lisbon Sun
ryan.suchomel@mvlsun.com
The top-ranked Mount Vernon girls’ basketball team won a pair of blowouts last week, winning Tuesday, Jan. 7, at South Tama, 100-21, and beating Vinton-Shellsburg on Friday, Jan. 10, at home, 77-25. The Mustangs are riding a 10-game winning streak. Against the Trojans, Mount Vernon led 34-9 after one quarter, and 63-11 at halftime.
Chloe Meester led a balanced attack with 23 points and eight rebounds. Sydney Huber had 22 points, eight assists and seven rebounds. Meester was also recently named the Gatorade Player of the year for volleyball in Iowa.
Also at Linn-Mar, the Mustangs lost to No. 12 (3A) Pleasant Valley (35-33) and to No. 7 (3A) Linn-Mar (45-29). They beat Cedar Rapids Xavier (44-29) and No. 14 (3A) Western Dubuque (4229).
Earlier in the week, Mount Vernon (13-6) swept a pair of WaMaC duals, beating Center Point-Urbana (67-11) and
tech. fall Brady Rissman 19-3 4:14. 157 – Will Goodlove (MV) tech. fall Noah Nickol 17-2 3:23. 165 – Chase Brunscheen (WD) dec. Cooper Hird 12-8. 175 – David Theisen (WD) tech. fall Watson Krob 15-0 4:06. 190 – Caysen Curran (MV) dec. Daniel Kenneally 8-1. 215 –Alex Gassman (WD) dec. Kael Riniker 15-8. 285 – Ethan Wood (MV) pinned Garret Kluesner 2:00. Pleasant Valley 35, Mount Vernon 33 215 – Kael Riniker (MV) dec. Blake Vonderhaar 4-2. 285 – Ethan Wood (MV) dec. Cary Cox 1-0. 106 –Lucas Reeder 9PV) tech. fall Cooper Krob 17-2 3:09. 113 – Liam Fitzgibbon (PV) tech. fall Kaleb Coon 15-0 5:30. 120 – Jake Haugse (MV) pinned Karson Pulver 4:39. 126 – Carter Siebel (PV) def. Drew Thurn injury time. 132 – Soren Kelsall (PV) pinned CJ Martin 1:36. 138 – Greyson Willett (PV) maj. dec. Nolan Mercer 11-0. 144 – Jase Jaspers (MV) pinned Alijah Brown :44. 150 – Mikey Ryan (MV) pinned Logan Staats :22. 157 –Marek Kelsall (PV) tech. fall Will Goodlove 19-2 6:00. 165 – Cooper Hird 9MV) dec. Tanner Cournoyer 7-3. 175 – Chase Cournoyer (PV) maj. dec. Watson Krob 12-3. 190 – Caysen Curran (MV) pinned Harrison Fierce 1:11. Linn-Mar 45, Mount Vernon 29 106 – Ashton Landherr (LM) pinned Cooper Krob 1:27. 113 – Kaleb Coon (MV) pinned Aiden Kiesey :31. 120 – will Smith (LM) dec. Jake Haugse 13-7. 126 – Malik
Friday, Jan. 10.
In the win over the Trojans, Kellen Haverback had 23 points, four rebounds, six assists and five steals.
Brogan Meyer had 14 points and Josef Briesemeister had 10 points and five rebounds. Sophomore Maddox Thede had seven points off the bench.
“I think we played 11 players in the first half and all players got some minutes in the second half,” Roberts said. “I was pleased with our team chemistry and willingness to share the ball.”
Against the Vikings, Mount Vernon turned a narrow 25-22 halftime lead into a blowout by winning the third quarter, 27-9.
Haverback led the scoring with 15 points, followed closely by senior Cole Thurn with 14 points. Sophomore Stratton Ellyson had 11 points off the bench, including three 3-pointers. Briesemeister had 10 rebounds and three blocked shots.
“Stratton is coming off a long-term injury, and was so happy for him to have the moments of success that he did,” Roberts said. “Kellen had a solid floor game for us as well.”
Taylor Franck and Courtney Franck each added 10 points and Savanna Wright had nine points.
Off the bench, senior Erin Jackson added eight points and freshman Quinn Pershing had seven points.
“Speed was the name of the game,” Mount Vernon coach Nate Sanderson said. “Our defense created a number of live ball turnovers that allowed us to get a number of easy buckets in transition.”
Mount Vernon (10-1) got off to another hot start against the Vikings, leading 42-6 at halftime.
Wright led the scoring with 16 points. Huber had 14 points, Meester had 13 points and 10 rebounds, and Taylor Franck finished with 10 points.
Courtney Franck had six points, five rebounds, seven assists and seven steals, and Pershing added a career-best 11 points off the bench.
“2025 has been a good year for shooting the basketball,” Sanderson said. “That trend continued as we shot 56.1 percent.
“Since the new year, we are shooting 58.5 percent from the field, including 49.2 percent from beyond the arc.”
Mount Vernon hosted Center Point-Urbana on Tuesday, Jan. 14, and hosts Independence on Friday, Jan. 17.
Grinnell (70-8) on Thursday, Jan. 9, in Mount Vernon.
More duals await. The Mustangs travel to No. 6 (2A) Independence on Thursday, Jan. 16, for a double dual with Vinton-Shellsburg.
“Those days help you learn what you need to work on for the rest of the year,” Light said. “We’ll keep on working.”
DeBow (LM) won by forfeit. 132 – Evan Pulis (LM) pinned CJ Martin :55. 138 – Hud Turner (LM) pinned Nolan Mercer :43. 144 – Jase Jaspers (MV) tech. fall Aidan Ehlinger 19-4 3:09. 150 – Mikey Ryan (MV) dec. Noah Howk-Erwin 4-2. 157 – Will Goodlove (MV) dec. Brayden Fish
