Kicking off the New Year
First Day Hike draws crowd on fifth anniversary
Nathan Countryman
Mount Vernon-Lisbon Sun nathan.countryman@mvlsun.com
More than 160 people participated in a First Day Hike at Palisades-Kepler State Park in rural Mount Vernon. It was the fifth annual First Day Hike held at the state park.
This year’s hike utilized the Lodge Trail and Overlook Trails at the park, which highlighted some of the improvements that were made to the Palisades Kepler State Park this year.
One of those improvements was installing new railings and bridges along Overlook Trail at the park.
Dakota Bonelli was one of the workers with the Driftless Conservation Corps who worked on the installation of the new railings.
Nathan Countryman | Mount Vernon-Lisbon Sun
“Our work began in March and continued through mid-June,” Bonelli said.
The crew was working with black locust as the lumber for the fence railings.
“That’s a very solid wood, which meant we had a lot of drill bits that were broken in drilling holes,” Bonelli said.
Bonelli said that the project did get pushed longer due to the heavy rain this spring that delayed some of the work from happening.
The project initially had five workers with the conservation Corps helping, but eventually was only three workers who were around to finish work on the railings.
With the new railings along bridges and the overlook areas, it replaced far more aging infrastructure.
Gail Brown, president of the Friends of the Palisades-Kepler State Park, said this was one of the projects the group identified as a need in the park to be done this year.
The Friends group helped fund improvements with the installation of new fire pits at campground sites in the park, installation of new water pumps in the park, and helped fund some of the needed stair replacements on Cedar Cliff Trail. The First Day Hike also concluded a year full of activities at the park that the Friends have helped lead. The Friends group also provided concessions at the end of the First Day Hike at the Lodge, which also includes a fire in the lodge for s’mores and for hikers to warm up.
With roughly 160 on the trails at one time, the groups were split into roughly 70 people to traverse the trails. With ground temperatures still warm in the winter and recent rains, the footing on some areas of the trails was a little worrisome.
More than 160 hikers took part in First Day hikes at the Palisades-Kepler State Park Wednesday, Jan. 1. Hikes this year focused on improvements made to the Overlook Trail by members of the Conservations Corps.
Nathan Countryman
Mount Vernon-Lisbon Sun
nathan.countryman@mvlsun.com
Enrollment numbers for Mount Vernon and Lisbon schools were both released for the year.
Mount Vernon’s number of students in classrooms grew this year, up to 1,456 from 1,448 last year. Lisbon’s number of students in classrooms slightly decreased this year, down to 763 from 768 last year.
Mount Vernon
Superintendent Matt Leeman said the largest
decreases in grades came in the kindergarten to first grade class, which saw nine fewer students, and ninth to 10th grade, which saw a decrease of five students.
“Every other grade maintained its total or had increases,” Leeman said.
Mount Vernon’s number of students in seats is up, and so is the certified enrollment for the district at 1384.04, up from 1369.22 from last school year. Open enrolled students increased to 392.6 from 370.4 last year.
“While we are up in total served, our resident enrollment continues to be a number we will keep an eye on,” Leeman said. “We have continued to trend downward in our resident enrollment at about an average of -10 students/year for the past several years. We will continue to project out financially based on this potential
continued decrease. “
Leeman said his hope for the future of the district is to have the resident student population increase back towards a net of 0 or increase upwards slowly.
“We don’t gain bonding capacity for open enrolled students, which is why this is something to continue to be aware of,” Leeman said. “Ultimately, I’m thankful for our open enrollment population, as that does help with our programming and offerings for the District. It’s just a number that can fluctuate up and down each year and it makes it difficult for long-term planning.”
Leeman also said he is pleased that City leadership continue to have conversations about increases in res -
ENROLLMENT from 1
idential opportunities for families moving to Mount Vernon, as well as investigating daycare options.
“The potential addition to the LBC with a focus on daycare is a positive for both our town and district,” Leeman said. “Mount Vernon CSD continues to be a great place to educate children and our enrollment trends reflect that in my opinion. “
Lisbon
Lisbon’s enrollment counts have both had slight downticks this school year, but superintendent Autumn Pino said that enrollment trends have remained pretty consistent.
“We are seeing an increase in inquiries related to open enrollment for our early elementary classes,” Pino said.
The decrease in certified enrollment for Lisbon is 701.10, which is a decrease of 2.95 students from last year.
“Our open enrollment continues to increase, which offsets the number of students leaving our district,” Pino said. “One data point to note, however, is that we are seeing positive open enrollment trends. Enrollment is something we intend to keep our eye on over the course of the year and into next and promoting the great things happening in our system will continue to be a focus, but in a more strategic way.”
Open enrollment continues to increase by roughly 8 to 10 students per year.
Pino said there are no real specific concerns for the enrollment numbers at this point.
“Enrollment patterns have seen steady increases over the years, however, we always want to ensure that we are a desired choice for all students in our area,” Pino said. “We will continue to increase our presence related to the positive things happening and to showcase that we are opportunity rich in a small community.”
Pino said the district’s increased offerings in career and technical education programming, which now includes industrial technology (including welding) and agriculture programs will continue to be an attractive place for students and families.
STUDENT BRIEFS
Central College fall 2024 dean’s list
Central College recognized 411 students named to the fall 2024 dean’s list, including several local students.
The honor is awarded to full-time students who achieve a 3.5 GPA or higher. Locals on the dean’s list include:
Mount Vernon - Summer Brand, Class of 2025; Owen Brase, Class of 2026.
Lisbon - Cole Clark, Class of 2025; Kirsten Jones, Class of 2028; Allyssa Jubeck, Class of 2025; Isaac Stensland, Class of 2028; Lincoln Stensland, Class of 2028.
Belmont University fall 2024 dean’s list
Belmont University recently released the dean’s list for the fall 2024 semester. Approximately 53% of the University’s 7,175 undergraduate students qualified for the fall 2024 Dean’s List.
Katherine Barr of Lisbon and Ashlee Elliott of Mount Vernon were named to the dean’s list.
“Earning a place on the dean’s list is an accomplishment that reflects the dedication, talent and resilience of our students who maintain competitive GPAs while concurrently making lasting contributions at Belmont and beyond,” said Belmont University Provost Dr. David Gregory. “These scholars have gone above and beyond, matching rigorous academic schedules with robust extracurriculars including volunteerism, student organizations, athletics, the arts, and more. It gives me great joy to acknowledge the dedicated students who embody what it means to seek excellence, academically. Their achievement is a testament not only to their hard work and intellectual aptitude but also to Belmont’s high academic standards and commitment to student success.”
Dean’s List eligibility is based on a minimum course load of 12 hours and a quality grade point average of 3.5.
Mount Vernon Area Arts Council names poet laureate, artist in residence
The Mount Vernon Area Arts Council (MVAAC) has named a new poet laureate and artist in residence for 2025-26.
Published author and Cornell English professor Scott Russell Morris has been awarded the role of Mount Vernon poet laureate. Established in 2018, the position is a partnership with the City of Mount Vernon and has become an integral part of local community events.
Previous poet laureates Marianne Taylor and Amelia Kibbie have presented original works at the City’s annual Memorial Day ceremony, hosted Writer’s Nights, held workshops and poetry presentations as well as offered poems on demand.
“The Poet laureate position has become a well-established role and I believe it speaks to the sense of importance and respect our community holds for the arts,” said Tiffany Carr, MVAAC president. “Scott Russell Morris is a well-traveled writer/essayist and sees his new role of poet laureate as an opportunity to ‘raise the esteem of writing in the community and encourage people to explore writing as a creative practice.’ Morris says he is interested in giving back to the community and being a voice for promoting the arts.’
We are thrilled to name Morris as the next Mount Vernon Poet Laureate and can’t wait to experience how he and his work will positively impact our community.”
Mount Vernon artist Angie Heuton has
been selected as the 202526 Artis in Residence (AIR). Initiated in 2023 by MVAAC, the AIR program will provide Heuton and her work a platform within the Mount Vernon-Lisbon community.
Together with Cornell’s Colee Library, Heuton will continue supporting Creatives Connect, a monthly gathering of artists as well as organizing programs and workshops for various groups.
“I’m hoping to organize a program for nursing home residents, as well as something at the Lester Buresh Wellness Center,” said Heuton.
Like her predecessor Sarah Fitzgerald, she also plans to have an exhibit of her work.
“Once again, we are excited about the opportunities for community engagement in the arts through MVAAC’s Artis in Residence Program,” Carr said. “Angie is a well-respected artist working primarily in watercolor on shaped paper to create realistic, three-dimensional pieces that include butterflies and moths. Her work is featured in multiple local galleries.
Heuton sees her new role as a ‘steward of culture in the community – an ambassador representing the arts.’
Morris and Heuton were selected by an MVAAC committee after submitting applications and work samples. For more information about MVAAC programming and arts opportunities, visit mvaac.org.
Volume 156 I Issue 2
108 1st St SW, Mount Vernon, IA 52314
Phone: 319-895-6216
news@mvlsun.com
The Mount Vernon-Lisbon Sun strives for accuracy and fairness in reporting news. If we’ve made an error or a report is misleading, let us know about it: news@mvlsun.com
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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.
Copyright 2024 Mount VernonLisbon Sun, a division of The Daily Iowan and Student Publications, Inc. All articles, photographs and graphics, both in print and online editions, are the property of Student Publications, Inc., and may not be reproduced or republished without written permission.
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Morris
Heuton
RECORDS
Debra Sue Trewin, 66, of Lisbon, passed Monday, December 30, 2024, at University of Iowa Health Care Medical Center in Iowa City. Visitation was Thursday, January 2, 2025, at Stewart Baxter Funeral & Memorial Service, Mount Vernon, Iowa, with funeral services Friday, January 3, 2025, at the funeral home. Burial followed at Lisbon Cemetery.
Survivors include her husband, Ron; children, Ryan (Callie) Trewin, Nick Trewin, and Allison (Jeremy) Blok; and grandchildren, Libbie, Ella, Macie, Brielle, Brinley, Bella, Charlotte, and Beau.
Deb was born Aug. 18, 1958, in Mason City, the daughter of Louie and Reva (Tice) Peters. She graduated from Rockwell-Swaledale High School in 1976, and after much determination she received her degree from the University of Iowa.
On January 12, 1980, she married Ronald Trewin in Thornton. They started their family and moved to Lisbon in 1988. Deb worked a short time at Aegon, before beginning a career as a sales trainer, most recently with Mediacom.
Deb’s love for her family and her beautiful yard is her greatest legacy. She was born to be a grandma, affectionately known as Grandma Dragon. Her eight grandkids were her “little diamonds.” She had an amazing ability to interact and be a kid with them. Deb loved having her family together for holidays and birthdays. She enjoyed creating ice cream birthday cakes for these special occasions.
Her yard was also her pride and joy and it showed. Deb loved making things beautiful for others to enjoy. She lived for the summer when she could be outside working on making it perfect.
Deb will be remembered for her quick wit, jokes and pranks, and making people laugh. Her spirit and love will never be forgotten.
She was preceded in death by her parents; brothers, Gary and Lynn Peters; sister, Beverly Behr; and nephew, Steve Peters.
Please share your support and memories with Deb’s family on her Tribute Wall at www.stewartbaxter.com under Obituaries.
Dec. 16 – Agency assist- suspicious activity, Linn Co
Dec. 16 – Juvenile issue, 380 Old Lincoln Hwy, Mount Vernon
Dec. 16 – Medical, 400 blk Third St NW, Mount Vernon
Dec. 17 – Hit and run, 800 blk W. First St, Mount Vernon
Dec. 17 – Medical, 200 blk N. Jefferson St, Lisbon
Dec. 17 – Animal control, 1225 blk First Ave NW, Mount Vernon
Dec. 17 – Fraud, 380 Old Lincoln Hwy, Mount Vernon
Dec. 17 – Agency assist- accident, Linn Co
Dec. 18 – Alarm, 200 blk Country Club Dr, Mount Vernon
Dec. 18 – Agency assist- alarm, Linn Co
Dec. 18 – Alarm, 200 blk business 30 SW, Mount Vernon
Dec. 18 – Unlicensed peddler, Martha St, Lisbon
Dec. 19 – Welfare check, 900 blk W. Main St, Lisbon
Dec. 19 – Motorist assist, Hwy 30, Lisbon
Dec. 19 – Illegal dumping , 800 blk W. First St, Mount Vernon
Dec. 19 – Harassment, 800 blk 15th Ave SW, Mount Vernon
Dec. 20 – Agency assist- accident, Linn Co
Dec. 20 – Accident, 300 blk S. Hwy 1, Mount Vernon
Dec. 20 – Medical, 400 blk Third St NW, Mount Vernon
Dec. 20 – Medical, 100 blk Third St NE, Mount Vernon
Dec. 20 – Motorist assist, N. Hwy 1, Mount Vernon
Dec. 20 – Agency assist- welfare check, Cedar Co
Dec. 21 – Agency assist- traffic stop, Linn Co
Dec. 21 – Medical, 100 blk S. Jefferson St, Lisbon
Dec. 21 – Hit and run, 100 blk W. Main St, Lisbon
Dec. 22 – Car unlock, 100 blk Second Ave SW, Mount Vernon
Dec. 23 – Medical, 400 blk Third St NW, Mount Vernon
Dec. 23 – Hit and run, 700 blk S. School St, Lisbon
Dec. 23 – Agency assist- accident, Linn Co
Dec. 23 – Burglary, 400 blk S. Jackson St, Lisbon
Dec. 23 – Accident, Cass St, Mount Vernon
Dec. 24 – Theft, 300 blk Country Club Dr, Mount Vernon
Dec. 24 – Accident, S. Washington St, Lisbon
Dec. 25 – Motorist assist, 1000 blk W First St, Mount Vernon
Dec. 26 – Medical, 1225 blk First Ave NW, Mount Vernon
Dec. 26 – Welfare check, 300 blk Country Club Dr, Mount Vernon
Dec. 26 – Juvenile issue, 1200 blk Palisades Rd SW, Mount Vernon
Dec. 26 – Suspicious vehicle, 1000 blk N. Washington St, Lisbon
Dec. 27 – Medical, 100 blk W. Third Ave, Mount Vernon
Dec. 28 – Accident, 100 blk E. First St, Mount Vernon
Dec. 29 – Agency assist- accident, Linn Co
Dec. 29 – Medical, 200 blk Walnut St, Lisbon
Dec. 29 – Medical, 500 blk business 30, Mount Vernon
Dec. 29 – Disturbance, 100 blk E. Main St, Lisbon
Dec. 29 – Medical, 900 blk W. Main St, Lisbon
Dec. 30 – Agency assist- motorist assist, Linn Co
Dec. 30 – Burglary, 400 blk S. Jackson St, Lisbon
Dec. 31 – Trespassing, 100 blk First Ave NE, Mount Vernon
Dec. 31 – Medical, 200 blk business 30, Mount Vernon
Dec. 31 – Welfare check, 500 blk Eighth St NW, Mount Vernon
Jan. 1 – Juvenile issue, 200 blk Novak Rd, Lisbon
Jan. 1 – Suspicious vehicle, 400 blk S. Jackson St, Lisbon
Jan. 2 – Accident, S. Hwy 1, Mount Vernon
Jan. 2 – Accident, Hwy. 30, Mount Vernon
Jan. 2 – Agency assist- accident, Linn Co
Jan. 3 – Disturbance, 300 blk S. Jackson St, Lisbon
Jan. 3 – Medical, 500 blk business 30, Mount Vernon
Jan. 3 – Accident, 700 blk First Ave SW, Mount Vernon
Jan. 3 – Harassment, 900 blk Commercial St, Lisbon
Jan. 4 – Animal control, 700 blk First Ave NW, Mount Vernon
Jan. 4 – Medical, 300 blk Old Lincoln Hwy, Mount Vernon
Jan. 4 – Suspicious person, 200 blk Novak Rd, Lisbon
Jan. 4 – Warrant, Linn Co
Jan. 4 – Agency assist- accident, Linn Co
Jan. 4 – Fire, 100 blk N. First St, Mount Vernon
Jan. 5 – Medical, 300 blk S. Jackson St, Lisbon
Jan. 5 – Alarm, 700 blk N. Washington St, Lisbon
Jan. 5 – Suspicious vehicle, 900 blk business 30, Lisbon
Cole Corner
Cathy Boggs Cole Library
Two new books to add to your reading list
As you start compiling your 2025 reading list, you will want to include the latest novels from two popular midwestern authors.
I Cheerfully Refuse by Leif Enger (author of Peace Like a River) is set in the not-too-distant future in Michigan’s Upper Peninsula. Rainy, the main character, embarks on a journey reminiscent of the Greek myth of Orpheus across Lake Superior. On this journey Rainy tries to deal with the personal issue of grief and the societal issues of injustice, wealth disparity, and climate change. Not a lighthearted read, but one worth delving into as Rainy works to overcome misfortune and retain hope for a better future.
8am-10pm Tuesday, January 14: 8am-10pm Wednesday, January 15: 8am-10pm Thursday, January 16: 8am-10pm
Debra Trewin
OPINIONS/NEWS
OPINIONS
Skibidi, Mog, Baby Oil, Riz. What are they talking about?
Living in Iowa
Dan Brawner
They may take our lives, but they will never take our Skibidi slang!
My apologies to Mel Gibson whose character in the movie Braveheart said of his English oppressors, “They may take our lives, but they will never take our freedom!” Unlike the heroic martyr William Wallace who was gruesomely executed for his rebellion, Alpha Gen students in the Fremont-Mills Community School District in southwestern Iowa who dare to use certain slang words are only facing a 30-minute detention. But it’s the principle of the thing.
And speaking of principals, it was principal Kurt Hanna who recently posted a list of about 30 slang words that are now banned at the Fremont-Mills schools. If students are not permitted to speak these words, they must be really bad, right, like truly vile, disturbing words that undermine the very fabric of society and twist young minds? Like ‘Fanum tax’ which means snitching someone’s food when they aren’t looking. Or ‘Rizz’ a word short for charisma. Or ‘Rizzler,’ a word for flirt. And how about ‘Sigma’ (from the Greek alphabet), meaning “the best” – or a social outcast who makes his or her own rules. Or “stand on business” which means to take care of your responsibilities. And what about ‘Skibidi’ taken from the surrealistic YouTube show Skibidi Toilet (the show where all these words originate) meaning, well, “meaningless?”
In their official statement, the school explained the reason for the ban: “Our goal is not to censor or stifle student speech, but to guide students toward language that fosters a positive and inclusive learning experience.” (There is a common slang term that describes this kind of statement and its initials are “B.S.”.)
The Foundation for Individual Rights and Expression has jumped on the controversy, arguing the ban violates students’ free speech. Before long, there is bound to be a huge court battle and national news coverage. It seems like everybody is making a big deal over a few innocent words.
So why would kids bother to use “rizz” when “charisma” means the same thing? Slang words have been around forever. Slang has been used as a kind of secret code known only to members of a specific group to prevent outsiders from understanding that they’re saying. In 17th Century England, slang, known as “cant” was used by criminals to hide their activities from the police. A “lifter” was a word for shoplifter. An “Abram-man” was a beggar pretending to be insane. An “angler” was a thief who steals with a fishhook through an open window.
Authorities who ban certain words almost sound like the “Thought Police” in George Orwell’s dystopic novel 1984 who punish individuals for even thinking anything that goes again the authoritarian ideology of the Party. Skibidi Toilet , the whacky, slang-drenched show, has racked up over 65 billion views, making it the most popular show on YouTube. If, depicting an army of evil creatures with TVs for heads, is about anything, it seems to be about the battle against the dehumanization of surveillance culture and environmental destruction.
Buried beneath the bizarre imagery, Skibidi Toilet might reflect a growing resistance to the trend toward totalitarianism, currently creeping into world politics. And if kids are forced to make up secret words to “stand on their business”, maybe it’s worth the risk of detention.
SUN EDITORIAL
Goals for the community in 2025
With the beginning of another year comes another list of goals for the community to start tackling in 2025.
Investigation into possibility of child care center at LBC
This is part of a two-pronged issue in the communities of Mount Vernon and Lisbon that is stymying development and growth in our area. Without child care options in the community, our younger adults and families moving to the area are looking elsewhere for their housing and schooling options. Without more children staying locally in our schools, or open-enrolling out to other districts, that impacts the funding our schools receive from the state.
Investigating and finding out the costs does not commit the city from constructing the project. It gives the city the costs of what this center would cost and if it is feasible to addressing this issue and adding more childcare that can be covered. It also doesn’t necessarily mean the city will be responsible for running a daycare, but have the ability to work with agencies who may want to run a daycare but not have the funding to build a center on their own.
That is also not to turn a blind eye from all the hard work many in this community have done on addressing this matter over the past several years, either.
Begin work on next LMI options
And the second prong to the issue in the communities of Mount Vernon and Lisbon – work needs to start now on the next low-to-moderate housing opportunity in the community.
With Cottonwood Grove apartment complex construction likely finishing this spring, a 30 unit building for low to moderate income seniors in the area, as city administrator Chris Nosbisch has noted in meetings that the wait list for that complex is almost as long as the number of people committed to moving into the apartments. We understand that the work for this issue came forward due to grants from the state, and that they dictated the numbers that would be acceptable.
LETTER TO THE EDITOR
Thanks to Pleasant Grove for preserving family history
We are very gratified by the news that the Lisbon City Council has voted to transfer Pleasant Grove Heritage Park back to a non-profit corporation founded by Steve McElmeel and his family. The property includes the Meyers Farmstead Historic District, a tract of land with special significance to us because the barns and land were part of the farmstead originally owned by our Great Grandfather, Jacob Meyers, one of Lisbon’s early settlers.
We have pleasant childhood memories of traveling to Lisbon and visiting our grandparents, John and Ella Meyers, whose home was across the street from the barns. We know how pleased and proud Grandma and Grandpa would be to know that Steve and his family are preserving the property and barns so future genera-
Spots
Mechanicsville Blood Drive
Mechanicsville will be hosting an Impact Life Blood Drive Wednesday, Jan. 15, at the Memorial Building (102 North John Street). To donate, contact Sammi Scott at 563-212-6143. Donors can also log on to www. bloodcenterimpact.org to schedule a time. Walk-ins
ECICOG’s housing report from earlier this summer, however, shows that Mount Vernon has a dearth of options for low-to-moderate income individuals, with many housing options either outside of the price range with newer homes.
Developments in both Stonebrook and Spring Meadow Heights have requirements to fund low-to-moderate income options at some point. It’s an area where the housing committee of Mount Vernon should continue looking at options to help with the issue in the area.
Other possibilities for development along Hwy. 30 corridor
We know the development agreement with Kwik Star/ Kwik Trip came up for Mount Vernon City Council at this past Monday’s meeting, and will require stretching infrastructure to the west of Hwy. 1 for Rachel Street. As city administrator Chris Nosbisch said, this was needed even without Kwik Star coming to the area, as it opens up future development in that area, and projects like this don’t just happen overnight. If we’re investing in that infrastructure improvement in that area, it may be time to continue development there as well in coming years. We know it may just be a convenience store, but it is getting people to stop in these communities and the more we can do at those businesses to pitch them on other portions of downtown Mount Vernon, the better. Which also goes back to the wayfinding signage that has been on hold for the community for a few years needing more emphasis again.
Lisbon’s continued focus on parks
And this has been a perennial request for the community of Lisbon, but with bids going out for the second phase of the sports complex and the new agreement with the Pleasant Grove Heritage Park non-profit, continued development on those green spaces to the north of town and the interest those will provide is going to make Lisbon a destination spot. We look forward to seeing some of the parks and recreation events moved to those new facilities, as well as possibly some of Sauerkraut Days festivities this year for that community festival. It is a wise investment in building more recreational spaces, when the parks and recreation programs are boasting the numbers they boast year in and year out.
What are your goals or ambitions for the communities for the coming year?
tions can learn about local history, Lisbon’s agricultural heritage, and the natural environment while enjoying the beauty of the property.
We wish to thank the McElmeel family, especially Steve McElmeel for their leadership in founding the Pleasant Grove Heritage Park, Inc. Without their vision and persistence, the dream of preserving the barns and incorporating them into a park would not have become a reality. We would also like to thank the Lisbon City Council for sharing the vision and having faith that Pleasant Grove will thrive and be an important asset to the community. Together, they have given the citizens of Lisbon a wonderful gift. We look forward to watching it develop over the years.
Sincerely,
Miriam Butterfield
are welcome. Donors should eat and drink before donating. Please bring valid ID with you. Impact Life Representatives will require seeing your Id at check-in. To donate, donors must be 17-years-old or 16-yearsold with parental consent. Please call Impact Life Medical Staff at 1-800-747-5401 with any questions.
Johnston
Robert Meyers Butterfield Nancy Badger Donnelly
What is Insurance Fraud?
Sonya Sellmeyer Consumer Advocacy Officer for the Iowa Insurance Division
According to the Coalition Against Insurance Fraud (CAIF), insurance fraud costs consumers an estimated $308.6 billion annually in the United States, translating into roughly $900 per consumer due to increased premiums caused by fraudulent claims.
Insurance Fraud is any act of deception or misrepresentation made to an insurance company with the intent of receiving benefits or payouts that one is not entitled to. This includes individuals and organizations making false claims, as well as those providing false information to avoid paying premiums or reducing their insurance costs, and it impacts everyone whether they are directly involved in a fraudulent claim or not. The financial consequences of fraud are significant, as insurance companies may charge
Community Foundation of Cedar County taking grant applications for spring grants
All area non-profits are encouraged to apply for a portion of $100,000 in grant funding to be awarded by the Community Foundation of Cedar County (CFCC). Grants are available for up to $7,500 per organization. The grants will be awarded during the regular spring grant cycle with funds CFCC has received from the Iowa Economic Development Authority County Endowment Fund program. The deadline to submit an application for 2025 funding is February 28. The grant guidelines and application are available online at https://www.qccommunityfoundation.org/
higher premiums in order to ensure coverage for their customers. Fraudulent claims can also strain the resources of law enforcement, insurance adjusters, and investigators, leading to increased costs and delayed payouts for legitimate claims.
The Iowa Insurance Division’s (IID) Fraud Bureau has taken proactive steps to combat insurance fraud by investigating activities from false claims to misrepresentation during the application process. Each year the Fraud Bureau receives over a thousand reports of suspected insurance fraud in Iowa from reports from consumers and insurance companies, who are required to report suspected fraud.
There are two main types of insurance fraud: hard and soft. Hard fraud involves intentional acts like staging car accidents or setting fire to property to collect insurance money. Soft fraud or “opportunistic fraud” consists of exaggerating or inflating legitimate claims, such as over-reporting damages or lying about the extent of injuries. The growth of digital tools and
communityfoundationofcedarcountygrant. Completed final report forms for previous grantees must be on file in order for an organization to be eligible for a new grant request.
Applications may be submitted electronically through the website using the online grants management system. Applicants that have not previously used the online system will need to create an online account before filing an application. A tutorial document is posted on the website showing the steps necessary to create the account and complete the application. Applications will only be accepted through the online application system. Applicants are encouraged to register and start the application process well in advance of the February 28 deadline to ensure timely submission.
The statewide County Endowment Fund program has distributed to 85 community foundations and/ or their affiliate foundations throughout Iowa. Funding for the program is made possible through state gambling revenues and is intended for distribution to counties without gaming licenses.
A component fund of the Quad Cities Community Foundation, the Community Foundation of Cedar County was established in February 2005. Since then, more than $1.9 million has been awarded to Cedar County non-profits. communityfoundationofcedarcountygrant. Completed final report forms for previous grantees must be on file in order for an organization to be eligible for a new grant request.
Applications may be submitted electronically through the website using the online grants management system. Applicants that have not previously used the online system will need to create an online account before filing an application. A tutorial document is
Linn county welcomes new and returning county elected officials
Linn County welcomed a new member of the Board of Supervisors to the dais with the swearing in of Brandy Z. Meisheid who represents District 3. Meisheid was elected to the Board of Supervisors during the November 2024 election. Meisheid replaces outgoing Supervisor Louis J. Zumbach who did not seek re-election. District 3 includes Alburnett, Bertram, Center Point, Central City, Coggon, Lisbon, Mount Vernon, Marion, Palo, Prairieburg, Robins, Springville, Walker, and a large section of unincorporated Linn County.
Linn County voters also elected new Linn County Auditor Todd Taylor. Taylor previously served 12 terms as a member of Iowa’s House of Representatives and two terms in the Iowa Senate. Taylor replaces Joel Miller who served as Linn County Auditor since 2007. Miller did not seek re-election.
Voters re-elected Linn County Sheriff Brian Gardner. Gardner is starting his fifth term as Sheriff, a position
voters have elected him to serve in since 2008. All newly elected officials and their deputies were sworn in during an official ceremony on January 2, 2025.
Linn County’s elected officials are:
Board of Supervisors
District 1 Kirsten Running-Marquardt
District 2 Ben Rogers
District 3 Brandy Z. Meisheid
Auditor Todd Taylor
County Attorney Nick Maybanks
Recorder Carolyn Siebrecht
Sheriff Brian Gardner
Treasurer Brent Oleson
New Board Chair and Vice Chair Selected for 2025
The Linn County Board of Supervisors has chosen Supervisor Ben Rogers as Chair and Supervisor Brandy Z. Meisheid as Vice Chair for 2025. Rogers was first elected to the Board of Supervisors in November 2008. Rogers represents District 2. Meisheid represents District 3. Learn more about the
the expansion of online insurance purchases have made fraud more sophisticated and harder to detect. Fraud may go unnoticed until a pattern emerges or an investigation is initiated.
Insurance fraud in Iowa is a felony with possible confinement of up to five years. Examples of insurance fraud cases include: presenting false information to an insurance company about an injury sustained in a hotel room, obtaining an insurance policy to cover damages for an accident that they would not have been entitled to, fraudulently withdrawing $170,416.66 from a victim’s insurance annuity and using the money for their benefit, a doctor billing an insurance company for services that were not rendered, and fake insurance policies.
Insurance fraud contributes to rising premiums, undermines the integrity of the insurance system, and diverts resources away from legitimate claims. Everyone—from individuals and businesses to insurers and law enforcement—has a role in reducing and preventing fraud. By reporting suspicious claims and maintaining transparency, the public can help protect the integrity of the insurance market and reduce the financial burden of fraud. The IID’s Fraud Bureau may be reached at 515-654-6556.
posted on the website showing the steps necessary to create the account and complete the application. Applications will only be accepted through the online application system. Applicants are encouraged to register and start the application process well in advance of the February 28 deadline to ensure timely submission.
The statewide County Endowment Fund program has distributed to 85 community foundations and/ or their affiliate foundations throughout Iowa. Funding for the program is made possible through state gambling revenues and is intended for distribution to counties without gaming licenses.
A component fund of the Quad Cities Community Foundation, the Community Foundation of Cedar County was established in February 2005. Since then, more than $1.9 million has been awarded to Cedar County non-profits.
Meisheid
Taylor
SPORTS
WRESTLING
Lisbon wins Lions’ Den duals
ryan.suchomel@mvlsun.com
Lisbon freshman Caleb Brown made one big move, and turned the Lions Den upside down Saturday, Jan. 4, in Lisbon.
The Lions, ranked No. 12 in Class 1A, were leading their next-door neighbors Mount Vernon, ranked No. 8 in Class 2A, during the inaugural Lions’ Den Duals.
Lisbon was up 33-29 after 13 matches, and Brown was facing off against Mount Vernon senior Watson Krob, ranked No. 4 at 175 pounds in 2A.
Krob needed a bonus-point win to secure the dual for the Mustangs.
“I was a little nervous,” Brown said. “I knew the dual was at stake.”
Early in the second period, Krob got in on Brown’s legs.
“I was like ‘crap,’” Brown said. “I felt myself going backwards. And I was like … ‘I can’t go to my back. I can’t go to my back. I can’t lose the dual.’
“So, I did a lat drop, which I’ve worked on in practice.”
Lat drop is short for lateral drop. It is when a wrestler, while falling backwards, throws the other wrestler … kind of a mid-air reversal.
“He’s a good wrestler,” Lisbon coach Aaron Helmrich said of Brown. “He’s been at 190 most of the year, and he’s strong for 175 pounds.
“He’s a big, strong freshman who hit a throw right when it was there. Anytime you can take advantage of your opponents’ mistakes, that’s where you want to end up.”
After the move, Brown was on top of Krob, and pinned him a few seconds later, delivering the dual for Lisbon, 39-29.
It was a pretty significant win for the Lions, who lost to the Mustangs, 53-21 last season.
“We love beating the neighbors next door,” Brown said. “It was pretty intense.”
“I think we have a more complete team this year,” Helmrich said. “We have 14 guys that can go out and give me everything they’ve got for six minutes.”
In the only ranked vs. ranked match, No. 7 (1A) Wesley Sadler of Lisbon beat No. 12 (2A) Jake Haugse of Mount Vernon by major decision, 9-0.
Lisbon won its other four duals Saturday, beating Cedar Rapids Washington (72-9), Clayton Ridge (72-6), AC/GC (46-26) and Highland (72-6) to improve to 12-0.
“I think there are some people sleeping on us, and I’m all right with that,” said Helmrich of his 12th-ranked Lions. “I’d say there is no one ranked 5 to 10 that wants to see us at regional duals.”
Lisbon will get a heat check Thursday, Jan. 9, when it takes on top-ranked Alburnett in Wyoming.
Against Clayton Ridge, sophomore Jack Gogel beat No. 9 Jesus Lara by technical fall, 21-3. Junior Cade Happel (132) had a big 9-4 win over a Highland wrestler who placed third at districts last year, Brock Thormann.
Lisbon 39, Mount Vernon 29
190 – Caysen Curran (MV) maj. dec. Gavin Carmer 9-0. 215 – Kael Riniker 9MV) maj. dec. Jacob Walerius 13-4. 285 – Ethan Wood (MV) pinned Hudson Herboldsheimer :47. 106 – Jack Gogel (L) pinned Cooper Korb 1:06. 113 –Cael Stricker (L) tech. fall Matthew Goodlove 19-4. 120 – Wesley Sadler (L) maj. dec. Jake Haugse 9-0. 126 – Cade Happel (L) dec. Drew Thurn 5-1. 132
– Carter Gadberry (L) dec. CJ Martin 16-11. 138 – Jackson Knapp (L) pinned Chasen Caskey 1:55. 144 – Jase Jaspers (MV) pinned Luke Robinson 1:17. 150 – Mikey Ryan (MV) pinned Ian Kelsey 1:28. 157 – Tiernan Boots (L) pinned Will Goodlove 3:03. 165 – Cooper Hird (MV) dec. Gage Holub 13-9. 175 – Caleb Brown (L) pinned Watson Krob 3:29. Lisbon 72, C.R. Washington 9
175 – Caleb Brown (L) pinned Nasibu Aruna 3:34. 190 – Gavin Carmer (L) pinned Brock Wensel 1:52. 215 – Wyatt Young (CRW) dec. Jacob Walerius 8-3. 285 – Willie Davis (CRW) pinned Hudson Herboldsheimer 1:41. 106 – Jack Gogel (L) won by forfeit. 113 – Cael Stricker 9L) won by forfeit. 120 – Wesley Sadler (L) pinned Sam Brennan :46. 126 – Cade Happel (L) won by forfeit. 132 – Carter Gadberry (L) won by forfeit. 138 – Jackson Knapp (L) pinned Scott Long 1:17. 144 – Luke Robinson (L) pinned James Thomas 5:17. 150 – Ian Kelsey (L) pinned Jace Schultz :53. 157 – Tiernan Boots (L)
pinned Aaron Butikofer 1:48. 165 – Gage Holub (L) pinned Kobe Sindt :38. Lisbon 72, Clayton Ridge 6
215 – Jacob Walerius (L) pinned Nicholas Cox 1:05. 285 – Gannon Jaster (CR) pinned Hudson Herboldsheimer 3:39. 106 – Jack Gogel (L) tech. fall Jesus Lara 21-3. 113 – Cael Stricker (L) won by forfeit. 120 – Wesley Sadler (L) pinned Aidan Claycamp :58. 126 – Cade Happel (L) won by forfeit.
132 – Carter Gadberry (L) tech. fall Fernando Flores 23-7. 138 – Jackson Knapp (L) maj. dec. Kenny Colsch 13-3. 144 – Luke Robinson (L) tech. fall Colson Friederick 19-3. 150 – Ian Kelsey (L) tech. fall Clayton Hubbard 17-1. 157 – Tiernan Boots (L) pinned Paxton Ehrhardt 2:09. 165 – Gage Holub (L) pinned Nolan Kolker :35. 175 – Caleb Brown (L) pinned Caleb Lawerence 2:24. 190 – Gavin Carmer (L) won by forfeit. Lisbon 46, AC/GC 26
285 – Jack Sheeder (ACGC) pinned Hudson Herboldsheimer :46. 106 – Jack
Fourth-ranked Tiernan Boots went 5-0 on the day with five pins at 157.
“We had good quality wins and up and down the lineup,” Helmrich said.
Mount Vernon (9-3) easily won its other four duals, beating Clayton Ridge (71-12), AC/GC (63-18), Highland (66-12) and Cedar Rapids Washington (79-0).
“We wrestled all right,” Mount Vernon coach Vance Light said. “I guess (Lisbon) wanted to win more than we did.”
Light said they talked things over at the end of the day. The Mustangs have a lot more duals coming up, including a trip to the Linn-Mar Duals this Saturday.
“There was a match or two I think we could’ve won, and didn’t. We got beat,” Light said. “Until we figure that out, we’ll get the same result.”
The Lions’ Den Duals were the first Saturday tournament at Lisbon in over a decade, Helmrich said.
“Lisbon wrestling should have its own tournament,” Helmrich said. “I think our fans need it, and our community needs it.”
Lisbon had two mats going in the Lions’ Den, and a third in the old 1939 gym.
“We’ve talked about doing a dual up there,” Helmrich said. “Big nostalgia. Some of the old guys, that was their gym.”
Mount Vernon (8-1) will open the January schedule against No. 3 (2A) Regina (8-0) on Saturday, Jan. 4, in Mount Vernon.
Gogel (L) won by forfeit. 113 – Cael Stricker (L) won by forfeit.120 – Wesley Sadler 9L) maj. dec. Chase Slaybaugh 12-0. 126 – Cade Happel (L) pinned Gavin Sloss 4:31. 132 – Carter Gadberry (L) won by forfeit. 138 – Lane Stringer (ACGC) dec. Jackson Knapp 17-11. 144 – Ryder Cline (ACGC) pinned Luke Robinson :34. 150 – Ian Kelsey (L) pinned Blaise Tallman 1:52. 157 –Tiernan Boots (L) pinned Morgun Nolte 1:31. 165 – Gage Holub (L) pinned Angel Martinez 2:17. 175 – Jackson Pfrang (ACGC) maj. dec. Caleb Brown 14-3. 190 – Carter Richter (ACGC) dec. Gavin Carmer 4-1 SV-1. 215 – Michael Fuller (ACGC) maj. dec. Jacob Walerius 20-10. Lisbon 72, Highland 6 106 – Jack Gogel (L) pinned Jack Cave 2:53. 113 – Cael Stricker (L) dec. Cash Cole 8-5. 120 – Wesley Sadler (L) pinned Aiden Yoder 1:02. 126 – Cade Happel (L) dec. Brock Thomann 9-4. 132 – Carter Gadberry (L) pinned Tyler Pierson 5:21. 138 – Jackson Knapp (L) pinned Alan Nass 1:17. 144 – Caleb Wheeler (H) pinned Luke Robinson :50. 150 – Ian Kelsey (L) won by forfeit. 157 – Tiernan Boots (L) pinned Gauge Richardson :57. 165 – Gage Holub (L) won by forfeit. 175 – Caleb Brown (L) won by forfeit. 190 – Gavin Carmer (L) won by forfeit. 215 – Jacob Walerius (L) won by forfeit. 285 – Hudson Herboldsheimer (L) won by forfeit. Mount Vernon 71, Clayton Ridge 12 175 – Watson Krob (MV) pinned Caleb Lawerence 1:35. 190 – Caysen Curran (MV) won by forfeit. 215 – Kael Riniker (MV) tech. fall Nicholas Cox 21-2. 285 – Ethan Wood (MV) pinned Gannon Jaster 1:15. 106 – Jesus Lara (CR) pinned Cooper Korb 2:00. 113 – Matthew Goodlove (MV) won by forfeit. 120
– Jake Haugse (MV) pinned Aiden Claycamp 1:14. 126 – Drew Thurn (MV) pinned Aidan Finch :38. 132 – CJ Martin (MV) pinned Fernando Flores 1:37. 138 – Kenny Colsch (CR) pinned Chasen Caskey 2:27. 144 – Jase Jaspers (MV) pinned Colson Friederick :57. 150 – Mikey Ryan (MV) pinned Clayton Hubbard :41. 157 – Will Goodlove (MV) pinned Paxton Ehrhardt 1:13. 165 –Cooper Hird (MV) pinned Nolan Kolker :42. Mount Vernon 63, AC/GC 18 215 – Kael Riniker (MV) pinned Michael Fuller 2:35. 285 – Ethan Wood (MV) pinned Jack Sheeder 2:47. 106 – Cooper Krob (MV) won by forfeit. 113 – Matthew Goodlove (MV) won by forfeit. 120 – Jake Haugse (MV) pinned
of Lisbon and Kael Riniker of Mount Vernon wrestle at the Lisbon duals.
Chase Slaybaugh 1:18. 126 – Gavin Sloss (ACGC) pinned Drew Thurn :55. 132 – CJ Martin (MV) won by forfeit. 138 – Lane Stringer (ACGC) pinned Chasen Caskey 4:56. 144 – Jase Jaspers (MV) tech. fall Ryder Cline 18-3. 150 – Mikey Ryan (MV) pinned Blaise Tallman :38. 157 – Will Goodlove 9MV) pinned Morgun Nolte 2:41. 165 – Cooper Hird (MV) pinned Angel Martinez 2:49. 175 – Jackson Pfrang (ACGC) pinned Watson Krob 2:24. 190 – Caysen Curran (MV) maj. dec. Carter Richter 8-0. Mount Vernon 66, Highland 12 285 – Ethan Wood (MV) won by forfeit. 106 – Cooper Krob (MV) pinned Jack Cave 1:07. 113 – Cash Cole (H) pinned
Goodlove 1:23. 120 –Jake Haugse (MV) tech. fall Aiden Yoder 20-3. 126 – Drew Thurn (MV) dec. Brock Thomann 6-1. 132 – Tyler Pierson (H) pinned CJ Martin 4:43. 138 –Chasen Caskey (MV) maj. dec. Rocky Hamilton 10-0. 144 – Jase Jaspers (MV) pinned Caleb Wheeler 2:30. 150 – Mikey Ryan (MV) won by forfeit. 157 – Will Goodlove (MV) pinned Gauge
Jennifer Tischer | Contributed photos
Top: Caleb Brown of Lisbon gets the pin against Watson Krob of Mount Vernon as Lisbon’s bench erupts to the needed points for a win against the cross-town rivals.
Above: Jacob Walerius
Raiders topple Mustangs 59-56
Ryan Suchomel
Mount Vernon-Lisbon Sun
ryan.suchomel@mvlsun.com
The calendar had to turn before the Mount Vernon boys’ basketball team lost its first game, dropping a 59-56 game to Class 5A Cedar Rapids Washington on Saturday, Jan. 4, in Mount Vernon.
“Washington is an athletic, good-coached team,” junior Kellen Haverback said. “If you run into a team like that, you have to respond, and we didn’t have that tonight.”
Mount Vernon (7-1) led most of the first half and were up 29-28 at halftime.
But Washington (4-4) opened the second half on a 11-0 run.
MV girls’ topple IC Regina 80-34
Ryan Suchomel
Mount Vernon-Lisbon Sun
ryan.suchomel@mvlsun.com
Regina came to town undefeated, ranked No. 3 in Class 2A, and as the top-scoring team in any class (76.5 points per game).
But the Regals didn’t leave that way, having gotten a big taste of topranked Mount Vernon’s defense, 80-34, Saturday, Jan. 4.
“Getting up on them, and getting in gaps, which stopped their drives,” sophomore Courtney Franck said. “It frustrated them. They looked frustrated.
“I think they didn’t score
Ryan Suchomel
Mount Vernon-Lisbon Sun
ryan.suchomel@mvlsun.com
as much as they usually do.”
Regina (9-1) had a previous low-scoring game of 60 points, in their closest game of the season, a 9-point win over Tipton.
“Some of their numbers might’ve been a bit inflated,” Mount Vernon coach Nate Sanderson said, looking at their victories.
“We put those three athletes in front of them and made it tough.”
Those “athletes” were Courtney Franck, Taylor Franck and Savanna Wright, who can frustrate the most prolific scorers in the state with their high-intensity defense.
“We have some really
said.
“That was the difference,” Mount Vernon coach Derek Roberts said. “Credit to Wash, they threw a few things at us that threw us off.”
One of the things the Warriors had was freshman phenom Traeshon Fields, who finished with a game-high 24 points. He had a 3-pointer and a steal/layup during that 11-0 run.
“They came out with energy,” Haverback said. “We didn’t come out with the same intensity and it showed.
“Once you get in those holes, it is hard to get out of them.”
The Mustangs put together a 7-0 run to close the third quarter, with driving baskets by Seth Rushford and Haverback, and a three-point play by Joe Briesemeister.
The Warriors, up 45-44 heading to the final quarter, got a pair of shots from Fields during a 7-0 run to open the fourth.
Briesemeister had another offensive putback and foul shot with 2:13 left to cut the lead to one, 54-53, but Jefferson reserve Chuck Crawley came up with a clutch 3-pointer, his first trey of the season (he had been 0 for 8).
Haverback had a banked 3-pointer with about 20 seconds left to make it a one-score game, 59-56, but the Mustangs could not connect on a last-second 3, with Briesemeister’s attempt clanging off the rim.
“I was just looking to the next shot,” Haverback said of his banked 3-pointer. “We still needed one more. I was hoping
great defenders,” senior Sydney Huber said. “Taylor, Savanna did an awesome job tonight. And Courtney.
“I think just knowing they have two main players, and we needed to stop them. Let the other players see if they could do the rest.”
Regina senior Morgan Miller came into the game as one of the top scorers in the state, but the Mustangs held her to eight points. Her previous low this season was 17 points against Tipton.
“We made her work, made her work,” Sanderson said.
Regina never led. Mount Vernon followed up a 14-8 first-quarter lead, with a 16-3 effort in the second quarter.
The Regals shot 3-of-24 in the first half.
“Once someone gets up, then everyone else’s intensity gets up,” Courtney Franck said. “Let’s stop them. And that’s what we did.”
Grayson Wollum led the scoring with 22 points and 11 rebounds. Jackson Powers had 15 points and Ian Whittenbaugh added 10 points. Daylin Schaefer had nine assists and five rebounds to go with his seven steals.
GIRLS
The Lisbon girls’ basketball team got its second road win of the season, topping Midland 46-43 on Friday, Jan. 3, in Wyoming.
Mount Vernon (9-1) got it done on the offensive side of the ball, too. Huber and Chloe Meester each had 18 points, and Savanna Wright added 16 points. Taylor Franck was the fourth starter in double-digits with 12 points.
The Mustangs made 11 3-pointers (on 17 attempts).
“We shot a great percentage,” Sanderson said. “You win a lot of games when you do that.”
Mount Vernon has now won eight in a row after an early-season setback to Cedar Rapids Prairie, now ranked No. 5 in Class 5A.
The Mustangs went into
to hit the next one and send it to overtime.”
Briesemeister had 17 points off the bench to lead the Mustangs. Haverback had 16 points and Cole Thurn had seven points and seven rebounds..
“A couple times there were loose balls we didn’t get to, they secured them, and got the layup,” Roberts said. “We’ve got to finish plays and secure the ball.”
Mount Vernon got back into Wamac play with a trip to South Tama (0-7) on Tuesday, Jan. 7, and host Vinton-Shellsburg (6-2) on Friday, Jan. 10.
“This is where you see what type of team you are,” Haverback said.
the break with a 47-43 win over Bolingbrook, Ill.
“That team was athletics and aggressive,” Sanderson said. “For us to get that win was pretty awesome.”
Ahead for Mount Vernon is 11 WaMaC games, including two against No. 14 (4A) Marion and one versus No. 12 (4A) Clear Creek Amana.
There is also another game against No. 11 (3A) West Delaware and two against No. 12 (3A) Center Point-Urbana.
Lots left to do.
“The kids love being around each other and are always focused on what is the next thing that is going to make us better,” Sanderson said.
The Lisbon boys’ basketball team can make life miserable for opponents, and they did that Friday, Jan. 3, in a 66-15 win over Midland in Wyoming.
The Lions got up 45-5 by halftime, and put the screws to the Eagles defensively.
“We got off to a good start,” Lisbon Coach Levi Montague said. “Defensively we were able to keep them out of the paint and off the offensive rebounds.”
Midland (0-8) shot just 23.8 percent (5 of 21) from the field, and had 38 turnovers.
Lisbon (5-2) had 25 steals, including seven by Daylin Schaefer.
“We were able to get in the passing lanes for transition points,” Montague
The Lions (4-5) won the fourth quarter, 12-9 to edge the Eagles (3-6).
Kamryn Kahl led Lisbon with 12 points, including hitting 10-of-14 from the freethrow line Morgan Sauser had 11 points, including three 3-pointers.
Cornell basketball’s very own Mr. Worldwide
Joel Kellar
Mount Vernon-Lisbon Sun
joel-keller@uiowa.edu
When Marcus Quirk was nine years old, he was first introduced to basketball. It was just a hoop tied up on a tree at his family’s home in Brunei. His father worked in the oil industry, and Brunei was the third country he would call home. What he never could have imagined was how that hoop and the orange ball he became addicted to throwing through the net would take him on a worldwide journey he’s still on today.
Scotland. Oman. Brunei. England. America. Taiwan. Quirk’s story exemplifies a person doing whatever it takes to achieve their dreams, even if those aspirations take you to a small town of 4,500 people in the middle of the cornfields of Iowa.
-Donell Williams worked with Mike Quirk, Marcus’s father, at Shell Petroleum. Williams was originally from New Orleans, but was in Brunei for an expatriate assignment. Basketball, a significant part of Williams’s life, had followed him from his days as a collegiate basketball player in America, where he played for Southeastern Louisiana University. Basketball wasn’t very popular in Brunei, but Williams found a group of coworkers to play with every Wednesday night.
One of those Wednesday nights, Williams stepped onto the court with the nine other guys and realized they would have to kick off a group of kids to play full court. He didn’t want to do that. He wanted the kids to share the same passion he had. In an effort to spread his love, Williams decided to start a couple of practices with the kids to teach them the fundamentals of basketball.
One wiry 10-year-old boy caught Williams’s attention –Marcus Quirk, in his early stages of falling in love with the sport.
“[Quirk] loved to shoot the ball. The further, the better,” recalled Williams, “He had a range you wouldn’t believe for a younger kid. He would probably miss more than he made, but it was about honing his skills.”
Quirk quickly developed his game in practice sessions. Williams saw Quirk’s limitless potential and love for the game, so he took him along to his pickup basketball games with other adults.
There was Quirk, running up and down the court, competing against men twice his size and developing skills on both sides of play.
“If he wanted to shoot the ball, then he would have had to shake the man or get them off him to give himself the opportunity to score,” said Williams, “It didn’t take him long to figure out, and the rest is history.”
As Quirk got older and continued developing his game, he took over the pickup games and practice sessions.
Williams’s overseas assignment ended in May 2012. Quirk’s pickup basketball games ended, but he was ready for the next step of his journey.
-At age 13, it became clear Quirk was special. His hoop tied to the tree was no more, as he upgraded to a portable basketball hoop. The backboard was made of foggy plastic instead of glass. It stood in the Quirks’ driveway in front of their single-level home, the rim ten feet off the ground. A variety of bushes enclosed the driveway—a private court for Quirk. Quirk stood on the opposite side of the driveway. His orange hat kept his hair out of his eyes but clashed with his red shirt. He dribbled the red, yellow, and blue-striped ball as he began to stride toward the basket in his black flip-flops. After three dribbles with his right hand, he attacked the basket, jumping off his left foot and dunking with authority, shaking the black rim and backboard.
His exceptional ability and height allowed him to outgrow the game of basketball in Brunei.
He needed another challenge.
Quirk, yearning for more basketball, researched secondary school academies in the UK where he could attend school and focus on basketball. Since the family left the UK after he was born, he had only been back to the UK for a couple of holidays and a basketball camp. At 16 years old, Quirk traveled 7,000 miles from Brunei to Leicester City,
SPORTS BRIEFS
Lane commits to Iowa Western
Mount Vernon senior Nova Lane committed to play for Iowa Western Community College on social media Saturday, Jan. 4.
A new NCAA rules allows players to compete for one or two years at a JUCO and still have four years of eligibility when they transfer to a larger program.
Lane, a 6-foot-4, 230-pound senior had 10 sacks and 23 tackles for loss his senior season with the Mustangs. He was a second-team All-State pick (IFCA) at defensive line.
England. He would attend Charnwood College for his secondary school years and play basketball for the school’s team, the Charnwood Riders.
“I was the biggest fish in a tiny pond,” said Quirk, “Then out in the UK, I was like the worst player there by far.”
But Quirk was able to grow into his own in England. By the time his senior year rolled around, Quirk was able to flash his athleticism and scoring ability. Having scoring outbursts of 40 points in a few games and winning a summer league dunk contest.
Around this time, Cornell College basketball head coach Dave Schlabaugh ran a basketball camp in Waverly. The Snow Valley Basketball Camp brought in coaches from worldwide to teach kids basketball skills for a week. The Charnwood Rider girls’ basketball head coach made the trip. A conversation between the coaches put Quirk on Schlabaugh’s radar, and from there, the recruiting started.
Schlabaugh and Quirk met through Zoom and talked on WhatsApp throughout the quick recruiting cycle. The first call between the two included a conversation about Schlabaugh’s trip to Scotland thirty years before the call.
“I think that was the hook that got him interested,” said Quirk, “Like 90 percent of the call, he was just telling me about his trip to Scotland. But then, at the end, he was like, we love you as a player and would love to have you.”
Quirk committed and signed with Cornell, his only American offer for basketball. His decision to move to a small town in Iowa to play collegiate ball opened a wide array of possibilities for his future.
-At Cornell College, Quirk stood outside the three-point line at his new home court. The net of a shooting gun surrounded the basketball hoop that hung from the ceiling. It was Quirk’s latest obsession. He had only used one a couple of times before arriving in Iowa. Access to better equipment was one of the benefits of playing basketball in America. For countless hours during his career as a Ram, Quirk stood on the receiving end of the machine, waiting for each ball to spit out at him into his hands. With a flick of his wrist, he would send each ball towards the hoop – more often than not, putting the ball through the hoop and swishing through the twine of the net.
“I was genuinely shooting hundreds of shots every day,” said Quirk, “Not even because I wanted to work hard, but it was just like, wow, I have access to this. This is amazing.”
Quirk stopped focusing on his shooting ability in secondary school and leaned on his ability to drive the ball. At Cornell, Schlabaugh wanted him to extend his range, emphasizing three-point shooting. Quirk did precisely that. With the development of his long-range shot, Quirk could truly take over as a scorer for the Rams. At six-foot-six and bulked up, Quirk was hard to stop as a three-level scorer. He could scorch defenses by pulling up beyond the arc or flying above the rim as an unstoppable force in the paint.
During his sophomore season, Quirk entered his first true slump of his collegiate career. He shot 26% from beyond the arc, his lowest mark at Cornell. Quirk turned to his first coach, Donell Williams, for advice.
Williams’s best advice was to just keep shooting.
“This was at a time in his career when he got a little hard on himself and thought it wouldn’t happen for him,” said Williams, “He stuck with it and [his shooting] came through.”
Quirk’s senior year, the 2021-22 season, everything began to fall into place for the Rams. Before the last game of the season, senior night vs Beloit, the Rams were 16-8. They looked to be in contention for the conference tournament championship. Quirk’s parents watched every game online, sometimes even at 2 a.m., their time in the UK. However, the travel restrictions because of COVID forced Mike and Kuan to miss their son’s senior night.
“That’s the downside of pursuing these opportunities on the other side of the world,” said Mike, “You can’t be there all the time, unfortunately.”
The Quirk’s asked Williams to stand in their place at senior night and walk across the floor with Marcus. Williams accepted the offer and traveled up to Mount Vernon from New Orleans.
“I was just so humbled by him,” said Williams, “Allowing me to come up there and share that moment with him, that
Wirf earns another Pro Bowl nod
Former Mount Vernon star Tristan Wirfs was selected to his fourth straight Pro Bowl last week in his fifth NFL season with the Tampa Bay Buccaneers.
Wirfs has now made the Pro Bowl more than any other Buc offensive lineman in franchise history. Through Week 17, Wirfs had not given up a single sack, while giving up just one quarterback hit and 10 pressures, according to Pro Football Focus (PFF). PFF gives Wirfs a 93.2 pass-blocking grade, the highest among qualified offensive linemen.
The Pro Bowl Games are Jan. 30 to Feb. 2 in Orlando, Fla. Tampa Bay hosts Washington in the Wild Card round on Saturday. The game is at 7 p.m. on KWWL.
was so special.”
Quirk and the Rams won that game, and the two in the Midwest conference tournament and made their first national tournament appearance in 13 years. They lost in the first round to Wash U, but it was a significant accomplishment that helped rebuild the team from their six-win season in Quirk’s freshman year.
“Our goal was that senior year we would win the conference tournament, and then we were going to go to the national tournament,” said Quirk, “Everything we said we would do, we did. It was very, very gratifying.”
-After he achieved his four-year degree from Cornell, Quirk had one more journey to embark. He wanted to get his master’s in computer science and engineering and play basketball while doing it. The one issue with that plan was that he would need two years to complete his master’s, but he only had one year of NCAA eligibility.
Quirk was initially looking at a couple of Division II schools to transfer, but he shifted his focus to opportunities back over the ocean. He found an opportunity in Taiwan, where he could go to college for his master’s and play basketball during both years.
He found an opportunity at the National Formosa University in Huwei District, Taiwan. Quirk had to decide between college hoops in Taiwan or taking the next step up to Division II in the NCAA.
“I remember saying to him, you know, if you go for the one in the US, you might think later in life, oh, that Taiwan one, I wish I did that,” recalled Mike.
Quirk took his father’s advice and signed with NFU. Quirk’s next two years went exactly as he planned. He completed his classes for his master’s degree and played basketball during his time there. Because of his time playing for NFU, he began to get noticed by some of Taiwan’s professional basketball teams in the PLeague+ (PLG). Quirk knew he had a chance at being drafted and was good enough to play in the PLG, but for most of the offseason, he heard nothing from the teams.
“As parents, we were worried,” said Kuan, “We just hoped, hoped, hoped he would get in.”
On July 8, 2024, Quirk’s phone started ringing two days before the draft. The team with the fifth pick, the Tainan Ghost Hawks, told Quirk they wanted to draft him, but they had heard the Taoyuan Pauian Pilots were planning on taking him fourth.
Then, on draft night, the team with the third pick, the Kaohsiung Steelers, drafted Quirk. He was shocked as he walked up to the stage in his metallic gray suit.
“I was like, what? I didn’t expect that at all,” said Quirk, “They didn’t even talk to me. They didn’t call me.”
Again, his parents were on the other side of the world for this major moment in Quirk’s career. Still, they watched with pride as their son held up his first professional basketball jersey on draft night.
“Yes, it was exciting,” said Mike, “But also, it was a bit of relief because we knew he staked a lot on it.”
Quirk’s journey took many different paths, a real-life version of the “road less traveled” trope. He remains grateful for all his opportunities to pursue his dreams.
“I’m very aware of the fact, I’m not special, I have not done anything better than anyone,” said Quirk, “I just feel like I’ve been really fortunate with the opportunities I’ve been presented in my life, so I don’t let them go to waste.”
This mentality has been a staple of Quirk since he was that young, lanky 10-year-old discovering his love for basketball.
Donell Williams still has a ball from those practice sessions. It was autographed by all the kids he coached during his time in Brunei. One signature stood out on the orange basketball—Quirk’s.
“I like this quote [from Quirk]. That’s so Marcus,” said Williams, pointing to Quirk’s autograph and note he wrote on the ball.
Good-bye and thank you – Marcus.
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. 9
Story Time, Cornell College Cole Library Browsing Room, 9:30 a.m.
Fiber Friends, Southeast Linn Community Center, 10:30 a.m.
Lisbon Public Library Board meeting, Lisbon Public Library, 7 p.m.
Friday, Jan. 10
Bingo, Southeast Linn Community Center, 10-11:30 a.m.
Linn Lunch Bunch, Southeast Linn Community Center, 11:30 a.m. to 12:30 p.m.
Monday, Jan. 13
Cole Library Matinee Movie “It Ends With Us,” Cornell College Cole Library Room 108, 1 p.m.
Mount Vernon School Board meeting, Mount Vernon High School, 6:30 p.m. Lisbon City Council, Lisbon City Hall, 7 p.m.
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, Jan. 14
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.
Wednesday, Jan. 15
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.
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.
Across
1 They’re checked before a show
5 “I wasn’t finished …”
9 Does programming work
14 Mate’s call
15 Setting for the 2019 comedy “Wine Country”
16 “La Forza del Destino,” for one
17 Past issues to settle
19 Drawing on
20 Moxie
21 Out of this world
23 Singer with the 2016 #1 hit “Cheap Thrills”
24 What Monday meals might lack
26 Places in the pecking order
28 Nickname for N.B.A. great Nate Archibald (he was actually 6’1”)
30 Sickly-looking
32 Gear tooth
33 Melber on MSNBC
34 Tight curl
35 ___ Drafthouse (movie theater chain)
38 Big bash
40 Breaking down grammatically
42 Small earrings
43 Elaborate hairstyle
44 Org. with the sculpture “Kryptos” outside its headquarters
45 Lao-___
46 Symbol of obstinacy
47 ___ district, feature of many an urban area
48 Like much movie theater popcorn
52 Not for here
54 Atop, quaintly
55 To date
57 Rapper who founded Aftermath Entertainment
60 Big name in dental floss
62 Pixar film whose title suggests how to read five answers in this puzzle
64 Course concluder
65 Org. with conferences
66 Name on Canadian pumps
67 Marsh plant
68 Starting point
69 Word before a time stamp in direct messaging
Down
1 Raincoats, in England
2 Chain restaurant whose name sounds like something a rabbit might say?
3 Important post at the Post
4 Largest city on the Tasman Sea
5 12 meses
6 Dr. Zhivago’s love
7 Go caving
8 Fertile refuge
9 “A Series of Unfortunate Events” villain
10 Missions, in brief
11 Voltaire or Leibniz, religiously speaking
12 One of a pair of mismatched friends on “Sesame Street”
13 Long stories
18 ___ punk (hybrid music genre)
22 Like many romance novels
25 Matching pullover-and-cardigan pairs
27 Food thickener
28 Bit
29 Flower that gets its name from the Greek word for “rainbow”
31 Director Lee
34 No place for fine china
36 Small amount of LSD, e.g.
37 “Sure thing, boss!”
39 Native Rwandan
40 “Help wanted” sign?
41 Hefty expense for an R.V. trip
43 Pace
47 Matches (with)
48 They’ve got you covered
49 Like the feeling of déjà vu
50 Apple or BlackBerry
51 Looking over
53 Out of the ordinary
56 Onetime Kremlin ruler
58 Trick
59 College where 20 prime ministers were educated
61 Fall behind
63 First (and last) two words of “Green Eggs and Ham”
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.
Year in Review 2024
Nathan Countryman
Mount Vernon-Lisbon Sun
nathan.countryman@mvlsun.com
January
Mount Vernon begins looking into general obligation debt of $5 million for the radio water meter reads, pool infrastructure improvements and the new low-to-moderate income housing along Glenn Street.
The low-to-moderate income housing project was officially approved by the Mount Vernon City Council in early January, which will add 30 apartments for senior citizens.
The Republicans and Democrats set up caucuses for the 2024 election. Trump was the clear winner in the straw polls, both locally and statewide.
The streetscape project with JEO was approved by the Mount Vernon City Council.
Mount Vernon got hit with significant snowfall the week of Jan. 8 through Jan. 10, when more than 12 inches were dumped in the community.
Lisbon hires Elizabeth Hoover de Galvez as library director.
Washington Elementary students complete a stuffed animal drive for the Hallmark Care Center and Rehabilitation Center of Lisbon ahead of the holidays, with more than 1,000 stuffed animals donated during the month of December
Mount Vernon Bank and Trust celebrates banks 140th anniversary.
Mount Vernon-Lisbon Childcare Solutions group raised more than $90,000 to help with retention grants for area daycare centers.
The pool improvements went out for bid in late January for the city of Mount Vernon.
February
The Mount Vernon-Lisbon Sun and Solon Economist newspapers were acquired by Student Publications, Inc.
Lisbon holds a jazz festival for area schools.
Bigs Barbecue and Brew Pub closed the doors of their Second Avenue location and moved to the uptown business district.
Matt Leeman was selected as the new superintendent for Mount Vernon Schools.
Power outages in Mount Vernon Jan. 19 and Jan. 24 were attributed to equipment issues along Alliant Energy’s lines. Jan. 19 caused a power outage at the Mount Vernon School building, while Jan. 24 was a transformer failure in uptown Mount Vernon.
Lisbon had two Division I ratings at state speech con-
test and Mount Vernon had 21 Division I ratings. Mount Vernon also had five All-State large group nominations this year.
Mount Vernon Schools began looking at health insurance options and other cost savings for the district. Superintendent Greg Batenhorst outlined enrollment projections have been soft for the district for a number of years, on top of other issues that lead to corrections needing to be made now.
Lisbon approved the purchase of a new fire truck, to be delivered to Lisbon in the next two years. The goal was to have the truck purchased before the new emission standards went into place.
Lisbon Schools approved an ag instructor for the 202425 school year.
Chalk the Walk announced the community piece as Frida Kahlo with Parrot.
Lisbon Business Professionals of America advanced five youth to the national conference.
The Mount Vernon streetscape project held it’s first public meeting in late February, looking at the Mount Vernon uptown streets.
Lisbon Dance holds their annual dance showcase.
Washington Street in downtown Lisbon was closed for a short period of time in March, as work began again on Lisbon’s water main improvements.
March came in like a lion for area firefighting crews, as they had several field fires in late February they were addressing.
Former Lisbon library director Amy White had one more day with patrons and the community at her retirement celebration Feb. 29.
March
Washington Elementary students took part in a Leap Day celebration for the Leap Day Feb. 29.
Mount Vernon and Lisbon performed at Voxman Music Hall as part of the KCCK Jazz Project.
MVHPC approves certificate of no material effect for roof repairs at Cole Library at Cornell College.
EMC Insurance declared the barns at Pleasant Grove Heritage Park as structurally unsound, and instructed Lisbon City Council to have plans for the barn’s demolition by September.
Mount Vernon-Lisbon community Development Group director Joe Jennison announced his plans to step down as director in March.
Mount Vernon speech had 11 individuals named to All-State Individual Speech Festival.
The Dolly Parton Imagination Library extended to providing books to Mount Vernon, due to the financial assistance of Bauman’s Clothing.
The walls started going up for the career and technical education wing and weight room additions at Lisbon Schools.
Action was initially tabled on the third phase of the Mount Vernon Parks and Recreation and Mount Vernon Area Arts Council’s third phase trail funding.
April
The Mount Vernon School system discontinued it’s cash stipend for employee insurance program beginning
in August. The policy was getting the district fined by the Affordable Care Act for being non-compliant.
Mount Vernon schools hold Java Jazz night.
Food insecurity increased across the state this year, including in the communities of Mount Vernon and Lisbon.
Lisbon Jazz band was fifth at state tournament.
Mount Vernon instituted a moratorium on smoke or vape shops as the city looked into ordinance changes.
Mount Vernon school board approved roughly $460,000 in budget cuts to address budget.
Washington Elementary students take part in NPR’s podcast challenge in a joint unit with Cornell College.
Renovations were complete at the Mount Vernon-Lisbon Police Department.
Mount Vernon Schools approved additional budget cuts of $250,000 for the coming fiscal year. The board also approved a backfill stipend for staff losing cash payments for insurance for the coming school year. The board also plans to take a closer look at finances in the coming school year.
Mount Vernon Lions Club celebrated 100 years in the community.
Friends of Palisades Kepler 5K drew more than 40 racers.
The radio water meter read project went out for bids in late April.
Mount Vernon streetscape continued with discussion in late April.
A panel on food insecurity was held at Mount Vernon United Methodist Church.
Mount Vernon Childcare Solutions committee was seeking additional donations for the coming year to continue offering employee retention benefits.
May
Lisbon elementary students participated in the University of Iowa’s School of the Wild program in early May.
Chalk the Walk festival returned to Mount Vernon. Josh Wirtz and Leah Presnal were selected to return to the festival as featured artists.
Local artists Keri Speidel and Cameron Reimers had two of the Herky’s on Parade this past summer.
Cornell College graduates 241 students.
Teeling Walk-A-Thon raised more than $22,000.
Mount Vernon graduates 107, Lisbon students graduate 50 for the year.
Work began on King Chapel this spring.
The City of Lisbon and City of Mount Vernon approved repaving of portions of Business 30 to be completed over the summer.
Mount Vernon mayor Tom Wieseler used his veto powers to adding a flag to the city’s flag poles, citing need for a year of the policy in effect to evaluate which holidays should be observed.
The Mount Vernon Boosters Club began work on refurbishing the Mount Vernon Middle School gymnasium floor.
Mount Vernon and Lisbon schools had a weather delay on the last day of school, as early morning thunderstorms and potential tornadoes impacted the area.
Lisbon held a talent show on the final day of school for
An early winter snow storm system dropped roughly 12 inches on Mount Vernon and Lisbon in the span of a week. Here’s a picture from Cornell College during that week.
Mount Vernon and Lisbon performed at Voxman Hall as part of the KCCK Jazz Project this year.
Easter egg dashes/hunts were held at Mount Vernon and Lisbon in late March to celebrate Easter.
Participants finish up the community art piece at Chalk the Walk in May.
The new dragonfly sculpture gets installed along the sculpture art trail in Mount Vernon.
Incoming library director Elizabeth Hoover de Galvez works with outgoing library director Amy White for a password for a computer system at the library during the One More Day with Amy event at Lisbon Public Library.
the 2023-24 school year.
The Colt Drums Corps made a stop at Cornell College for a week of drill this summer.
June
Mount Vernon’s Chocolate Stroll celebrates 15 years in Mount Vernon.
Mount Vernon centarian Fred Lehman passed away.
Mount Vernon’s sustainability committee began work on a prairie project in Mount Vernon.
An attempt to override mayor Tom Wieseler’s veto on the flag policy failed in a 3-2 vote.
Mount Vernon Area Arts Council celebrated 20 years in Mount Vernon.
Four Cornell College instructors were injured in a stabbing incident in China.
Mount Vernon Planning and Zoning commission started collecting feedback on tiny homes and accessory dwelling units.
The third phase of funding for the sculpture art trail passed funding 3-2.
Jessie Thurn was named the new director of Mount Vernon-Lisbon Community Development Group.
Mount Vernon approved the first reading of the establishment of a cemetery commission.
Lisbon band director Joseph Arch starts a summer frisbie golf league for Lisbon and Mount Vernon youth.
Funnel clouds passed by Mount Vernon in late June during a summer storm.
A dragonfly sculpture was installed on the Mount Vernon Sculpture Trail in Mount Vernon in late June.
The City of Lisbon approved the lease of a TurfTank painting robot to be shared between the City of Lisbon and Lisbon Schools for painting their field lines.
July
New pastor Erika Uthe begins at Seeds of Faith Lutheran Church.
Mount Vernon Heritage Days festival is held.
Improvements were finalized at Teeling Court, including new drainage and turf installed for the playground, thanks to donations from local community members.
Eastern Central of Iowa Governments released a housing study for Mount Vernon and Lisbon that showed housing growth in the communities has been slow since 2010. Mount Vernon has also shown that home prices are above the median income for the community, and there is a lack of housing for those making $25,000 or less annually.
August
Mount Vernon was named as a pilot program for Alliant Energy’s Smart streetlight replacement program. The infrastructure improvement will replace light poles from First Street Community Center to Memorial Park, with a number of poles having smart features like digital banners on the poles.
Kwik Star started move on potential plans to move to the community of Mount Vernon by placing two plats up for approval. The City would be responsible for extending infrastructure to the development with a development
agreement.
Mount Vernon Bank and Trust had their work for a remodel of their parking lot approved by the city council. The work was slated to be completed in two phases over the next year.
Mount Vernon Schools began research into solar panels at the district in the future. Discussion also went into improvements for heating, ventilation and cooling for multiple buildings.
Lisbon and Mount Vernon Marching bands prepare for seasons.
Lisbon’s Sauerkraut Days held.
Lisbon’s construction projects saw delays that impacted the project ahead of the start of the school year.
Groundbreaking was held on the Cottonwood Trail apartment complex along Glenn Street, the apartment complex that will house 30 apartments for low to moderate income senior citizens.
Support for the future art trail project continued at Mount Vernon City council.
Mount Vernon, Lisbon and Cornell College begin school years.
The new pavilion at the Lisbon sports complex has been named the Goldin Pavilion, in honor of former mayor Steve Goldin.
Local Girl Scouts Betty Bartlett and Emily Brade completed a Silver Award project, the second highest award in Girl Scouts.
Hilltop Plants and Records opens in uptown Mount Vernon.
September
Big Boy No. 4014 passed through Mount Vernon and Lisbon on it’s stop in Rochelle, Ill., as part of the national tour.
Mount Vernon discusses expanding Rachel Street infrastructure, one of the requirements for the Kwik Star agreement moving forward. City administrator Chris Nosbisch said expansion of infrastructure would be needed in the future, even without a development agreement.
Abbe Creek Gallery opens doors in Mount Vernon in the former Right Frame of Mind space.
Friends of the Palisades-Kepler State hosted a mushroom foray at the park for the first time.
An ag educational program is being investigated by Mount Vernon schools as a possible lane of study in the future.
Mount Vernon and Lisbon schools approved changes to attendance policies required by the state.
Mount Vernon schools held homecoming festivities, including inductees of the hall of fame. ACHIEVEMENT — Bill Yeisley, Class of 1952 FINE ARTS — Jude Smith, Class of 1981 SERVICE — James Moore, Class of 1953 COMMUNITY IMPACT — Tom Wilkinson, Class of 1986 ATHLETIC — Wayne Hormann, Class of 1985.
Lincoln Highway Arts Festival was held.
Bon Appetit at Cornell College celebrated 20 years of farm-to-table meals and supporting local growers.
October
The Highway 1 Marching Band Classic returned this
year to be hosted by Mount Vernon.
New owners were named of the Bijou Movie Theater, with Chris and Kira Moore stepping down from owning the theater. Kelli and John Lane worked on renovations to the space and opened ahead of Thanksgiving.
Major repairs for King Chapel are slated to begin April 2025. In the interim, sensors are set up on the exterior of the building to monitor any movement of the building.
Mount Vernon Family Medicine opened doors in uptown Mount Vernon, the third medical clinic in Mount Vernon.
The ordinance on smoke and vape shops failed to advance past it’s first reading on a 2-1 vote. Questions about the necessity of the ordinance change were reasons for the pause.
WEWalk outraised the amount raised in 2023 for the annual fundraiser.
Mount Vernon Chili Cook-Off was held, with Cornell College Women’s Basketball team winning the people and judge’s choice awards.
Seeding of the prairie ground along First Street North began it’s first year of seeding.
Scouting for Food raised donations for Southeast Linn Community Center.
One of the podcasts for Washington Elementary, the Super S’s, was named honorable mention by National Public Radio in the Student Podcast Challenge.
Lisbon Library hosted a Day of the Dead celebration for Halloween festivities.
November
A generator was approved for instal lation at the Lester Buresh Family Community Wellness Center.
Mount Vernon saw between 60 to 80 percent turnout for the general election this year.
Lisbon FFA students spoke about what they’ve enjoyed about the new program at a meeting in November.
Mount Vernon began investigating the possibility of adding a childcare center at the Lester Buresh Family Community Wellness Center.
Bleachers were being installed to the Mount Vernon softball diamonds, thanks to financial support from Fred Burke to complete one final punch list item for the project.
Repairs to Lisbon Library’s roof were approved at a meeting in late November.
Mount Vernon families held the 14th annual Turkey Trot that helped raise funds for Southeast Linn Community Center. $2,380 was collected for SELCC.
December
The Wolf Carbon Solutions Pipeline withdrew it’s application from the Iowa Utilities Commission in early December, drawing to a close a pipeline that would have stretched south of Mount Vernon and Lisbon.
Project 60 served more than 175 meals this year.
Magical Night was held in Mount Vernon.
Pleasant Grove Heritage Park’s ownership was transferred to a non-profit group in early December after months of closed door meetings between the city and others involved in the process.
Cornell College women’s basketball team dishes up chili at the Chili Cook-off. The team was the winner of the people’s and judge’s choices this year.
The 14th annual Turkey Trot was off to the races in Mount Vernon this Thanksgiving.
Kim Benesh, Anna Wilson and Braden Rood take part in Magical Night festivities in December.
Hills Bank and Trust rocked into the 80s this year as part of the Heritage Days theme for Mount Vernon.
A team braves the bathtub races in downtown Lisbon as part of Sauerkraut Days festivities in August.
Big Boy No. 4014 roared through the communities of Mount Vernon and Lisbon on it’s way to Rochelle, Ill., part of a national tour this year.
LINN COUNTY BOARD OF SUPERVISORS
CEDAR RAPIDS, LINN COUNTY, IOWA
MONDAY, DECEMBER 23, 2024
10:00 A.M.
(These are the minutes in their entirety. Archived minutes can be found at www. linncountyiowa.gov).
The Board met in session at the Linn County Jean Oxley Public Service Center. Present: Chairperson Running-Marquardt, Vice Chairperson Rogers and Supervisor Zumbach. Board members voting “AYE” unless otherwise noted.
Chairperson Running-Marquardt called the meeting to order and led the Pledge of Allegiance.
Motion by Running-Marquardt, seconded by Rogers to approve minutes of December 18 & 20, 2024 as printed.
Motion by Rogers, seconded by to approve claims dated 12//20/24 for payroll deduction checks #71016494-#71016497 in the amt. of $3,090.60; ACH in the amt. of $57,345.47; an EFT wire in the amt. of $756k,803.50 and a Ceridian ER Funds Trust Wire in the amt. of $2,126,192.89 for a total of $2,943,432.46 and accounts payable checks dated 12/23/24 #71016498 in the amount of $52.90.
Motion by Running-Marquardt, seconded by Rogers to remove Medical Examiner contract from the agenda.
Motion by Running-Marquardt, seconded by Zumbach to approve Consent Agenda as amended:
Approve and authorize the Chair to sign an American Rescue Plan Act (ARPA) Subaward Agreement between Linn County and National Czech & Slovak Museum & Library, Inc. for the Orloj Clocktower Project in the amount of $15,000.
Approve and authorize the Chair to sign an amendment to the American Rescue Plan Act (ARPA) Subaward Agreement between Linn County and the City of Palo for the Palo Investigative Study for Water Source and Water Storage Project to extend the period of performance from December 31, 2024, to the amended December 31, 2026, and increase the obligated amount by $200,000 from funds previously committed to Palo for this project.
Approve and authorize the Chair to sign an amendment to the American Rescue Plan Act (ARPA) Subaward Agreement between Linn County and the City of Prairieburg for the Sewer Cleaning and Televising and Manhole Grouting, Hydrant Replacement, Sewer Extension and Prairieburg Volunteer Fire Department Projects to increase the obligated amount by $467,900 from funds previously committed to Prairieburg for this project.
Approve and authorize the Chair to sign an amendment to the American Rescue Plan Act (ARPA) Subaward Agreement between Linn County and The Linn County Community Action Fund for the Youth Leadership Fund - Fellowship Program to extend the period of performance from December 31, 2024, to the amended December 31, 2026.
Approve and authorize the Chair to sign an amendment to the American Rescue Plan Act (ARPA) Subaward Agreement between Linn County and The Academy for Scholastic and Personal Success, Inc. for the project, We’re Not Playing: The Academy for Scholastic and Personal Success Fulfilling the Academic and Cultural Needs of Black, Brown, and Biracial Students of Linn County and Beyond, to extend the period of performance from December 31, 2024, to the amended December 31, 2026 . Approve and authorize the Chair to sign
an amendment to the American Rescue Plan Act (ARPA) Subaward Agreement between Linn County and Indian Creek Nature Center for the Education Expansion at Indian Creek Nature Center to extend the period of performance from December 31, 2024, to the amended December 31, 2026. Approve a purchase order PO0699 in the amount of $5,828.38 to Rapids Wholesale for a commercial dishwasher for Linn County Juvenile Detention & Diversion Services. Deputy Auditor Warfield presented the Statement of Election Costs for the September special Election held on September 10, 2024 and explained changes that he plans to make with the process in the future.
Motion by Zumbach, seconded by Rogers to approve Statement of Election Costs for the September special Election held on September 10, 2024. Sonia Evans, Budget & Finance, advised the Board that there is $60,000 in allocated ARPA funds that have not been spent. She recommends the funds go to isolation cells at the Correctional Center and the Homeless Shelter.
Motion by Running-Marquardt, seconded by Rogers to reallocate $60,000 of previously allocated American Rescue Plan Act funds to isolation cells for Correctional Center and the Homeless Shetler. Darrin Gage, Dir. of Policy & Admin., presented a Resolution approving the contract and performance and/or payment bonds for the Linn County Winter Weather Shelter Improvements Project. Motion by Running-Marquardt, seconded by Rogers to adopt Resolution 2024-12-199
A RESOLUTION APPROVING THE CONTRACT AND PERFORMANCE AND/ OR PAYMENT BONDS FOR THE LINN COUNTY WINTER WEATHER SHELTER IMPROVEMENTS PROJECT
WHEREAS, the Linn County Board of Supervisors (“Board”) on November 27, 2024, awarded a contract for the Linn County Secondary Road Headquarters Project (“Project”) to King-Knutson Construction Co. Inc. (“Contractor”), and fixed the amount of the performance and/ or payment bonds required for the Project; and, WHEREAS, the Contractor duly signed the contract for the Project, and the contract appears to be in proper form; and, WHEREAS, the Contractor filed satisfactory performance and/or payment bonds in the amount fixed by the Board. BE IT THEREFORE RESOLVED the Board hereby approves the aforementioned contract and performance and/or payment bonds, authorizes the Board chairperson to execute said contract, declares the contract and performance and/or payment bonds binding upon the parties thereto, and authorizes the Board chairperson to execute a Notice to Proceed.
Gage presented a proposal between Linn County and Unzeitig Construction Co. for improvements at the EMA building located at 2957 HWY 13, Marion. Motion by Zumbach, seconded by Rogers to approve proposal between Linn County and Unzeitig Construction Co. for improvements at the EMA building located at 2957 HWY 13, Marion in the amount of $99,268.
Public Comment: Supervisor Rogers stated that this is the last meeting with Supervisor Zumbach. He has enjoyed immensely the time they’ve served together. They have a mutual friend, Gary Grant, who told him that he and Louie would have more in common than differences. He said that Louie is a person that he can work with, and he’ll meet at the 50-yard line if
you’re willing to meet him halfway as well. Rogers stated that don’t for one second believe the “Aw Shucks” farmer from Coggon routine. Zumbach is smart, sharp, and strategic. He has come to find him to be a kind soul and a man with a good heart. He is most proud of their better decisions, and those decisions are different because of compromise, collaboration, discussions and wanting to ensure that they represent the people that put them in those seats. They have made good decisions better because of those conversations. There have been a few conversations in his life that have been impactful and none more so than when he, Louie and Stacey Walker (from all different walks of life) sat around a table and brainstormed an idea where they all clicked, and they knew when they walked out of the room that something happened. Someone took that idea and made it very impactful. Rogers continued to say that Louie has helped make this a better organization. He has helped make them better decision makers and he is really good at what he does. Louie helped him look at issues differently. They had conversations of life, family, health and what they want for their children and their children’s children. Louie has a fun loving nature and is a good friend. Louie and his family will always have a seat at his table, and he is so proud to serve with him and he wishes him all the best.
Chairperson Running-Marquardt stated how much she enjoyed working with Louie in the Iowa Legislature and as a County Supervisor. It has been a gift. She sincerely appreciates that they don’t always agree on things but he’s willing to listen to another perspective and he taught her to do a better job of listening to other perspectives as well. He’s always accepted her for who she is and the people she represents as well. He doesn’t pretend to be something different than who he is. He’s never snarky, judgy and he doesn’t talk behind people’s back. He’s a straight shooter who is good and kind to people. That’s what really matters, how people are treated and that’s what they will remember and he’s been a really good example of that. There have been a couple things that he has done at the county that will leave a lasting mark. One is focusing on supporting infrastructure with ARPA dollars for some of the smaller towns around the county. That means everything and it also could mean the survival of some of those small towns, and they want to work on quality of life for all the people of Linn County. That alone was a huge accomplishment and will have generational impact. Louie also focused on and fought for having money put in the food bank that services most of the NE corner of Linn County. She also recalls the countless times that Louie met people at their homes. He tries his best to make government work for people. Running-Marquardt thanked Louie for being her friend and colleague, especially during tough times. She also thanked his family for the sacrifices they’ve made for him to be able to serve the people of Linn County. He leaves behind a legacy and something that he can hang his hat on long after all of them are gone. Motion by Running-Marquardt, seconded by Rogers to approve the following:
• Appoint Don Gray to the East Central Iowa Council of Governments Board of Directors for a three-year term beginning January 1, 2025, and expiring December 31, 2027.
• Appoint Brandy Meisheid as an alternate to the East Central Iowa Council of Governments Board of Directors for a three-year term, beginning January 1,
2025, and expiring December 31, 2027.
• Appoint Darrin Gage as an alternate to the East Central Iowa Council of Governments Board of Directors for a threeyear term, beginning January 1, 2025, and expiring December 31, 2027.
• Reappoint Kristina Kremer to the East Central Iowa Council of Governments Revolving Loan Fund Committee for a oneyear term, beginning January 1, 2025, and expiring December 31, 2025.
• Reappoint Brad Ketels to the Region 10 Transportation Technical Advisory Committee for a three-year term, beginning January 1, 2025, and expiring December 31, 2027.
• Reappoint Randy Burke as an alternate to the Region 10 Transportation Technical Advisory Committee for a threeyear term, beginning January 1, 2025, and expiring December 31, 2027.
• Reappoint Randy Burke to the Region 10 Trails Advisory Committee for a twoyear term, beginning January 1, 2025, and expiring December 31, 2026.
• Reappoint David Thielen to the Region 10 Passenger Transportation Advisory Committee for a two-year term, beginning January 1, 2025, and expiring December 31, 2026.
• Appoint Brandy Meisheid to the Region 10 Transportation Policy Committee to fill an unexpired term, expiring December 31, 2025.
• Reappoint Kirsten Running-Marquardt to the Region 10 Transportation Policy Committee for a two-year term, beginning January 1, 2025, and expiring December 31, 2026.
• Reappoint the following trustees to Fire Districts 1-7 for a three-year term, effective January 1, 2025, through December 31, 2027: Mark Clark to Fire District 2; James Keiper to Fire District 5 Dennis Bizek and Justin See to Fire District 6 and Al Moorman to Fire District 7.
• Reappoint Michael Martin to the Board of Adjustment for a five-year term, beginning January 1, 2025, and expiring December 31, 2029. Supervisor Zumbach stated that he wanted to thank his wife, Deb, his partner for 36 years. He thanked his two daughters, Taylor and Allison, who walked countless miles when he ran for election, especially for Supervisor. He thanked his daughter, Rachel, who not only walked countless miles but went to the Capitol with him as a page and later worked for the Governor. He also thanked his son-inlaw, Michael, who handled his financial campaigns and thanked the men (Jarod, Luke & Tyler) that run the farm when he was gone. He also thanked Jim & Anita Haughenbury for attending today’s meeting. He stated that he spent the last 32 years on some type of board, commission or elected office. He’s always tried to do his best with the cards he was dealt. He’s very grateful for the overwhelming support of the people from being at the fire house to the state house and at Linn County. He gave a heartfelt thank you to the people of Linn County. He told a story about going to the Farm Progress Show with Gary Edwards. He complimented Running-Marquardt and Rogers and also recalled the day he met with Rogers and Walker. He was excited when Running-Marquard got elected and stated that it was a pleasure working with her. He also gave an example of how he changed his mind about having a wind farm on his land. His relationship with his fellow Supervisors has grown and he considers them friends. They don’t always see eye to eye but seemed to work things out. Zumbach recognized and thanked Darrin Gage and Becky Shoop,
both assets to Linn County. Finally, he recognized the newly elected Supervisor, his oldest daughter, Brandy Meisheid, who worked hard for the position. It was never handed to her, and she stayed positive when being slandered. Linn County has great employees, department heads and elected officials. Linn County really wants for nothing, and he knows other county supervisors look up to Linn County. In closing, he played “Happy Trails” on his phone. Adjournment at 10:31 a.m.
Respectfully submitted, JOEL D. MILLER, Linn County Auditor By: Amanda Hoy, Deputy Auditor
APPROVED BY: KIRSTEN RUNNING-MARQUARDT, Chairperson Board of Supervisors
Published in the Sun January 9, 2025.
PUBLIC HEARING NOTICE
The City Council of the City of Mt. Vernon will conduct a Public Hearing on January 20, 2025, at 6:30 p.m. in the City Council Chambers. The purpose of the public hearing is for the first reading of the following proposed ordinance amendment. AN ORDINANCE AMENDING CHAPTER 115 CEMETERY OF THE MUNICIPAL CODE OF MT. VERNON, IOWA. A Copy of the proposed Ordinance will be available in the City Clerk’s office, 213 First Street NW, Mt. Vernon, Iowa, 52314. Published in the Sun January 9, 2025.
CITY OF LISBON
REGULAR COUNCIL MEETING MINUTES
DECEMBER 23RD, 2024
CALL TO ORDER: The City Council of Lisbon, Iowa, met in regular session on December 23rd, 2024, at 7:00p.m. with Mayor Doug O’Connor presiding. The following City Council members were present: John Bardsley, Kevin Steele, Nathan Smith, and Rick Scott. Mike Williams was absent.
OTHERS PRESENT: Brandon Siggins, Drayton Kamberling, Lisa Burch, Elizabeth Hoover de Galvez, Nicole McAlexander, Darryl Aaron, and Rich Eskelsen. Dave Schechinger and Becky Hess were present via zoom.
CONSENT AGENDA: Motion by Bardsley, seconded by Smith to approve the consent agenda consisting of minutes of December 9th, list of bills, and liquor license for Dollar General. All Ayes. Motion carried 4-0. Budget requests were presented for the Library, Cemetery, SE Linn, Fire, EMA and Historic Preservation. SE Linn informed the council that there is two open seats on their board of directors for Lisbon residents. Lisa Burch with YTT reviewed the options for Phase 2 of the Sports Complex. Cost estimate of $1.1 million with bids going out at the start of January.
Motion by Smith, seconded by Bardsley to approve Final Pay Estimate #11 to B.G. Brecke, Inc. for Water Main Improvements in the amount of $145,878.79. All Ayes. Motion carried 4-0. Motion by Scott, seconded by Steele to approve Resolution 38-2024 Approving Transfer of Funds. Roll call vote. Ayes: Bardsley, Steele, Smith, and Scott. Absent: Williams. Nays: None. Motion carried 4-0. The council received the following reports from city departments: Parks and Recreation Director Drayton Kamberling – Christmas event was on Friday and was very successful. Boys’ basketball is being finalized.
Lisbon, Mount Vernon gear up for speech season
Nathan Countryman
Mount Vernon-Lisbon Sun
nathan.countryman@mvlsun.com
Mount Vernon and Lisbon speech teams have been taking the holiday break to get ready for speech contests, coming up at the end of the month.
Mount Vernon has 89 students on the speech team this year, participating in 34 different events. Large group speech coach Grant Freeman said that’s a record number for the speech program.
“We’re excited for everyone to compete from Peter Pan (One Act), A universe where socks are animated in TVN, and a physical comedy take on Shakespeare,” Freeman said.
They have a conference meet scheduled for West Delaware Monday, Jan. 20, and then district large group speech competition at Monticello Jan. 25 and state large group speech competition Feb. 8 at Cedar Rapids Washington. A speech showcase will also be held at Mount Vernon Performing Arts Center Saturday, Feb. 15, of any groups
who receive All-State nominations for the year.
“I’m just looking forward to so many students competing,” Freeman said. “Not only do we have a great new freshmen team, but we had a massive audition class of new varsity students. Whether it’s students trying a new category like Solo Mime or students who have never been onstage trying reader’s theatre. The greatest joy is seeing students tap into their own potential in our program.”
Lisbon has a total of 25 students participating in seven events this season - TV News, group improv, two acting ensembles, musical theater, choral reading and group mime. Coach Ellen Johaans called the team small but mighty.
“I feel encouraged by each group’s dedication and drive to compete,” Johaans said.
They have their first conference speech meet Saturday,
Jan. 18, at Calamus Wheatland, then districts at Monticello Jan. 25 and then state at Cedar Rapids-Washington Saturday, Feb. 8.
“I’m always excited about everything we’ve got going. Both of the ensembles are really cute and funny,” Johaans said. “Improv is a group of gals who have never competed in it before. We are using Matilda the Musical as our source material for Choral Reading, and those have been really fun rehearsals. We haven’t had a TV News group in the past couple of years so I’m excited to see what they come up with. I have two very talented singers in our “Tick Tick Boom” musical theater, and this year’s group mime consists of freshmen and sophomores in a witchy scene we’re calling ‘Spelling Errors.’”
