Mount Vernon-Lisbon
MV passes first readings of zoning, age restriction for smoke shops
Nathan Countryman
The Mount Vernon City Council approved the first reading of ordinances on zoning for smoke and vape shops, as well as an ordinance about keeping youth under 21 from attending.
Kassy Rice with the Wellness Coalition of Rural Linn County answered two of the questions that were brought up at September’s meetings discussing these new ordinances.
When it comes to if there would need to be a separate employee to monitor patrons ages at the door, Rice said the intention is that the carding can be done by the retailer. The goal is more to keep products out of teenagers hands.
“As to why we don’t have a similar ordinance restricting those under 21 from liquor stores, I’m not sure,” Rice said. “It very well just may not have come up.”
Rice said the coalition believes restrictions on the shops will reduce risk factors for youth to not get addicted to certain products.
When it came to the zoning restrictions issue, council member Scott Rose said that limiting new shops to the light industrial zones was going to be extremely limiting.
“There are only a few locations where those zones exist, and that’s near Neal’s Water Conditioning and the parks,” Rose said. “What it feels like we’re doing is outlawing these businesses without saying that’s what we’re doing.”
As the ordinance was written, there was an additional 1,000 feet exclusion from areas where kids might be, including parks and schools. Those distances would make any location along Hwy. 1 almost an impossibility, with the proximity to Davis Park and the ballfields.
Council member Paul Tuerler said he agreed with Rose.
“If we want to ban these businesses, then outright ban them,” Tuerler said. “I don’t feel this is what we want to do.”
Tuerler moved to strike the 1,000 feet restriction on any new smoke shop or vape shop businesses, but allow them to find footing in the industrial zones.
“I fully support the work of the Wellness Coalition of Rural Linn County, but there needs to be a balance of how we monitor businesses,” Tuerler
The Mustang volleyball team celebrate the win on the volleyball court Thursday, Nov. 7.
through their opponents in all three final games at the tournaments to a championship win.
Mount Vernon Volleyball swept their way through the state volleyball tournament, first against Mid-Prairie (25-22, 25-16, 25-16), then Wahlert Catholic (25-12, 25-19, 25-17) and then in a repeat of last year’s match-up against Western Christian (2517, 25-17 and 25-18).
The Mustangs ended the season 45-4. Turn to page 11 for more coverage of the state volleyball tournament.
Photo by Renee Vig | Mustang Moon
The Mustangs swept
said. “I struggle when we get into government overreach like this.”
That ordinance passed with the proposed changes.
As for the ordinance that defined minors, other small language changes were also made.
One distinction that Tuerler asked for was instead of driver’s license to change to a valid government issued identification instead.
Council member Stephanie West said she had an issue with requiring employees to be responsible for those who entered a shop, when the goal is to stop sales going to minors of these products.
Mount Vernon-Lisbon Police Chief Doug
Shannon said as long as it is posted that people under 21 are not allowed, than violators could be charged for trespassing by the owners if people underage are found on the premises.
“It’s similar to the rules we have in Lisbon for bars after a certain time of night,” Shannon said. “Because of the nature of the business, if you’re in a bar after a time like 10 p.m., we can charge violators with trespassing if the owners permit.”
Tuerler said that as long as there is an enforcement mechanism for law enforcement to use, that is best.
“There are already spotlights on these establishments,” Tuerler said. “Responsible owners are going to do the best they can to do the correct thing.”
People underage who are in one of these shops
would be committing a simple misdemeanor.
Shannon also noted that if there were repeated instances of youth getting slapped with trespass or misdemeanors at the businesses, it may invite officers to discuss with owners that they need to change something of what they’re doing.
“It’s similar to a bar where we keep getting called to fights happening there,” Shannon said. “If we’re responding to multiple calls for fights or overserving, eventually we’re going to ask the owners to start working to change those issues we’re encountering to help stop the calls.”
The council approved that ordinance with changes to the language on required identification and making it clear that an employee or manager prohibit anyone under 21 from entering an establishment.
MV honors area veterans
(Editor’s note – Lisbon Schools Veterans Day ceremony was set for Monday, Nov. 11. Because of layout deadlines and not wanting to rush that story, coverage of that ceremony will be in the Nov. 21 issue).
It was a brief ceremony to honor Mount Vernon’s veterans Saturday, Nov. 9.
Members of the Hahn-Howard Post 480 fired off a salute to veterans, and a rendition of taps was performed by Dennis Modracek.
“It was really for the post to do something to commemorate our veterans and Veterans Day,” said Mike Woods, commander of the post.
The afternoon concluded with service members visiting residents at Hallmark Care Center and giving cake and pies as well as certificates of appreciation to the veterans there.
MVLCDG Business Improvement Grant applications accepted through Dec. 1
The Mount Vernon-Lisbon Community Development Group is excited to announce the opening of the Business Improvement Grant (BIG) Application for 2024.
The objective of the BIG Grant is to improve the appearance of business area and complement the historic architectural and cultural character of the community. The BIG grant is open to all businesses in the Mount Vernon Business District and Lisbon Business District. These grants will be offered on a competitive basis to both private, for-profit businesses and non-profit businesses.
Eligibility Requirements:
● Your business and/or building must be in the Mount Vernon Business District or the Lisbon Business District and must be open and
operational.
● The 2024 grant program will focus on four projects: building awnings, projecting/hanging signage, facade lighting, and facade improvements.
● Proposed projects must comply with local codes and standards including historic preservation guidelines.
● Your completed grant application must be received by Jessie Thurn, Director, by the date specified in the application instructions, must be type-written, and must be consistent with the application guidelines. Submittals received after this date will not be accepted.
● Work begun before the Schedule date of December 5, 2024, is not eligible.
● Applicants may submit multiple projects. A separate application must be submitted for each eligible project by the appropriate business or building owner.
Grants must be submitted electronically in either a Word or PDF format. There are no page length restrictions.
If you are interested in applying for this grant, please complete an application.
One signed original along with attachments shall be submitted electronically to Jessie Thurn, Director, at director@visitvl.com. Applications must be received no later than December 1, 2024. Submittals received after this date will NOT be accepted.
Awards will be distributed on Thursday, Dec. 5, after applications are reviewed by the design committee from Dec. 1 through Dec. 4.
Questions regarding the BIG Grant Application can be directed to: Jessie Thurn director@visitmvl.com or Casey Krall krallcasey@gmail. com
Volume 155 I Issue 46 108 1st St SW, Mount Vernon, IA 52314
Phone: 319-895-6216
news@mvlsun.com
The Mount Vernon-Lisbon Sun strives for accuracy and fairness in reporting news. If we’ve made an error or a report is misleading, let us know about it: news@mvlsun.com
STAFF
Publisher Jason Brummond jason.brummond@dailyiowan.com
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Production Manager Heidi Owen heidi.owen@dailyiowan.com
Business Manager Debbie Plath debra.plath@dailyiowan.com
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.
mvlsun.com
Photos by Nathan Countryman | Mount Vernon-Lisbon Sun
Top: Dennis Modracek plays taps to commemorate veterans at the Veterans Day service Saturday, Nov. 9, at Mount Vernon cemetery.
Above left: A silhouette of a soldier created by Mike Woods to be displayed at the Mount Vernon Memorial in the cemetery.
Above right: Legion members Kyle Earhart, Kevin Woods, Bob Meeker, Mike Woods fire a salute to veterans, with member Jade Helgens also present.
Uptown Theater Honors awarded to seven
Ninth annual event held
Sunday, Nov. 3
Nathan Countryman
Mount Vernon-Lisbon Sun nathan.countryman@mvlsun.com
The Mount Vernon-Lisbon Community Development Group’s Uptown Theater Honors were held Sunday, Nov. 3, at First Street Community Center Theater.
Seven people were honored at the event for 2024.
Lisbon’s John Bardsley was one of those awarded. His daughter, Mary Bardsley Kilburg, spoke about Bardsley’s accomplishments over the life of his career.
“I thought that when I was growing up, my father knew all the answers to my questions,” Kilburg said. “I still believe that to this day.”
Kilburg said that the biggest accomplishment she could note about her father was his huge heart for the community and family.
Bardsley was a staff sergeant in the Iowa National Guard and an Eagle Scout (also helping with the local Boy Scout troops from 1975 to 2001). He has been a Rotary Club member or 35 years, served on the Wellness Coalition of Rural Linn County and been on Lisbon City Council since 2001.
“He has never campaigned for a seat on city council, aside from the sign my mom made for their yard,” Kilburg said. “It’s his reputation that helps him continue get elected.”
He was an engineer, working at Rockwell Collins for 25 years. He left that business to run a local greenhouse and florist job for 14 years in Mount Vernon.
His volunteerism saw him working with Southeast Linn Community Center, Mount Vernon-Lisbon Community Development Group Ambassadors.
“Despite all of those accomplishments, though, the thing that I will say is my dad’s greatest accomplishment is being a loving husband to my mother and amazing father,” Kilburg said. “He’s never waned in his support of our mother, my sister or me.”
Bob Campagna, photographer, writer and man of many talents was also recognized this year. His son, Dan, spoke on Bob’s accomplishments.
Dan compared his father’s accomplishments to those of another legend, Johnny Appleseed Chapman, a devout conservative who planted many trees.
“Dad’s planting of seeds in the art world has started with his work for 26 years with College for Kids, where he has taught more than 600 photography classes that reached 13,000 students,” Dan said.
Those classes included students from multiple states in the Midwest, and some foreign exchange students.
Bob also built more than 1,600 dark rooms in his work as a photography teacher.
He’s also had numerous galleries in Mount Vernon and other locations, including a new Abbe Creek Gallery that has opened on First Street in uptown Mount Vernon.
A recent accomplishment that many may know has been Bob’s work with Mount Vernon Area Arts council and the Mount Vernon Parks and Recreation committee to create Mount Vernon’s Sculpture Art Trail.
Dan said that at the same time he has made the communities he has lived in better, his photography work captures so much of the communities as well.
“His photos sparks and captures the beauty of those around us,” Dan said. “It preserves memories in time.”
Joleen Woods was the next that was honored. Her friend, Vicki Wieseler, was the speaker.
Wieseler said that Woods spent the majority of her career as a music teacher at Mount Vernon Schools.
Aside from working with the Mount Vernon choirs, she was also instrumental as music director for the Mount Vernon Middle School plays and musicals, directing such musicals as Oklahoma, Wizard of Oz and others.
“She was an efficient, dedicated and demanding teacher,” Wieseler said. “She had high expectation for her students.”
Part of that dedication was finding the correct music to be featured by the school.
She was also a director of the chancel choir at Mount Vernon United Methodist Church.
During her time as a director of choirs at Mount Vernon, more than 234 students were named to All-State and 198 selected for Opus Honor Choirs. She was recognized by the Iowa Choral Directors Association with the Robert Cowam award.
Wieseler said she was an accompanist for Woods for a number of years, and she said one of the biggest lessons that her students were always taught was the importance to “listen, listen, listen,” during performances.
“She is also a lifelong fan of the Chicago Cubs and Iowa Hawkeyes, and will always watch those games,” Wieseler said. “She’s also a master gardener.”
Woods retired from all of her jobs at the end of May.
Susan Hargus and Jennifer Denniston presented on Tommie and Pat Ouverson and Fuel Art and Espresso’s impact in the community.
They listed the different ingredients that comprise many coffees, but said that the shop was so much more.
It’s the artwork that’s featured by local artists in the shop that furthers the art and culture in the community.
“It was Tommie making deliveries during the COVID lockdown, dropping off those favorite orders for her customers to their doors as long as baked goods,” Denniston said. “A touch of normalcy during those uncertain times that let us know it was going to be alright.”
The impact of the coffee shop is seen at farm-to-table dinners that have been hosted over the years.
The open mic nights at Fuel that give new artists an opportunity to share their talents with members of the community in a judgement free zone.
“It’s been an incubator for all sorts of ideas,” Denniston said. “The ideas for Chalk the Walk started over cups of coffee at Fuel.”
The coffee shop is a place where young and old are able to interact as well.
The hosting of science cafes and other speakers help the community embrace learning.
“It’s a destination for people in our uptown and people visiting,” Denniston said. “That all comes from Tommie and Pat’s commitment.”
Kevin Carpenter and Leland Turner, the owners of Helios Stitches and Stuff, were also honored.
Trude Elliott spoke about the duo.
Elliott noted that Helios Stitches and Stuff is one of the anchor stores of First Street Community Center.
Carpenter grew up working in his family business. He attended Iowa State University where he earned his undergraduate degree in English. Carpenter eventually moved to San Francisco, Calif, when he joined the Navy. He was honorably discharged due to health issues.
Turner grew up in Heywood, Calif. The duo met and were married in 2008. They eventually moved back to Coralville, where they continued working at the Carpenter family business.
“Leland fell in love with quilting,” Elliott said. “When the opportunity to own a quilting shop came up in 2012, the two decided to move and take over the quilt shop.”
That first year they got used to buying and selling the fabrics for the quilt shop, as well as hand stitching quilts.
They have built relationships with known fabric designers and their choice of bright and sunny fabrics that lives up to Helios name.
The duo eventually moved to this community they have gotten to love, and whenever they sell fabrics to people, it’s always with a piece of Ann Booth’s shortbread and directions to the Shops at First Brick to pick up more.
“They’ve jumped into community service, helping with Mount Vernon-Lisbon Community development Group in running a comedy festival over the years, or running for city council,” Elliott said.
Carpenter and Turner are huge fans of Disney World,
making trips to the park when they have a chance each year.
“It has been a joy to know Kevin and Leland over the years and watch them grow their business through excellent word of mouth,” Elliott said. “And as they do that, they are also ambassadors to what can be found here in Mount Vernon.”
Dean Traver | Contributed photo
This year’s honorees include (from left) John Bardsley, Tommie Ouverson, Pat Ouverson, Joleen Woods, Bob Campagna, Kevin Carpenter and Leland Turner.
Nathan Countryman | Mount Vernon-Lisbon Sun
The Uptown Theater Awards gala members including Stephanie Hoklotube, Kim Benesh and Jill Wilkins lead in singing ABBA’s “Dancing Queen” to conclude the program.
OPINIONS
Fall is the time to catch yourself Generators at city buildings highlight need for shelter, preparedness
Living in Iowa
Dan Brawner
Just because it says so doesn’t mean you have to do it. Fall, I mean. We probably wouldn’t even think about seasonal expectation except now we’re in one of the imperative seasons whose name sounds like a command. The other one being spring.
Spring is a joyful season—and I don’t mean merely happy. To call spring “happy” is to miss the entire point of the thing. Like calling a Ferrari good transportation. Or a hot air balloon ride over the Grand Canyon “sight-seeing”. Spring is spring because following a long, cold winter after we’ve been Houdinied up in wool coats and throat-choking serpentine scarves with the frigid air hurting our faces and the ice-covered roads telling us we better stay home if we know what’s good for us, we can get wound pretty tight by around the first of March. When that first actually warm day comes to us with the sun like butterscotch, we are ready to spring. And nothing can stop us!
But fall is the season of stumbling. Summer is over and so is the chance to do all those fun things you planned but never got around to. Fall isn’t summer and it’s not quite winter. It’s a time to rake leaves and check the oil in the snow blower. Sweet smells of harvest are in the air, but close the windows and lock them down tight. Sure, there are some wonderful fall days. But dig out those mittens and earmuffs. Fall is awkward. Nature has tied your shoelaces together. You know things are about to get real. You can feel your feet slipping out from under you and there is nothing to grab onto.
You could fall into a paralysis of gloom, of course and who could blame you? All around, little animals are burrowing into the earth, hiding until the nightmare of winter is over. While those with wings flee south where it’s still green and there are bugs and seeds to eat.
Humans are generally pretty upbeat about the fall. Our Neanderthal ancestors weathered the Ice Age, after all. We got this. If only it didn’t sound so precarious to be teetering on the equinox. Fall? Who wants to do that? We’re people, not trees.
“Autumn” may be a gentler term for fall. But the word “autumn” is a sort of mumble, humming softly at the end with “umn” as if the summer is tired now and drifting off to sleep.
Falling. It’s an in-between state—not standing upright or yet flat on your face. When you think about it, fall is all about options and possibilities. Planting 50 yellow tulip bulbs in the fall won’t exactly hold back winter. But it just might bring on an early spring.
The City of Mount Vernon being able to purchase a needed generator for the Lester Buresh Family Community Wellness Center adds to the ability to shelter individuals in numerous areas of the community of Mount Vernon.
The city now has generators at the Mount Vernon Lisbon Police Department, Mount Vernon City Hall and the LBC moving forward.
As city administrator Chris Nosbisch said, those generators allow the different buildings in the community to be utilized as shelters. While all are utilized as cooling and warming shelters for citizens during office hours, the city has also determined which buildings are best set up for things like allowing for monitored sleep for people who have C-PAP or oxygen administered during their sleeping in case of power outages.
As winter weather approaches, it’s also important to remem-
ber that bad weather can happen at any times. Like Nosbisch said, his concern was not as much a cooling station during the summer, as plenty of locations can provide that relief, but more concerns about ice storms and providing a safe respite for people who may be stuck in the community of Mount Vernon during one of those occurrences.
As Nosbisch noted, there will never be a way for all citizens in a community to be protected at a shelter. Indeed, during the derecho, Nosbisch said the community was lucky Cornell was not in class at that moment, as that would have increased the number of people needing electricity or cooling during the heat waves that followed.
It may have taken a couple bids for the project of adding a generator, but the safety that provides in the coming years and having another shelter in town is going to be worth it.
Shopping for health insurance: Open enrollment for the Affordable Care Act (ACA) has started and ends January 15, 2025
Sonya Sellmeyer Consumer Advocacy Officer for the
Iowa
Insurance Division
Sellmeyer
Open enrollment for the Affordable Care Act (ACA) began Friday, November 1, 2024 and ends Wednesday, January 15, 2025. During open enrollment you may enroll in a new plan, switch plans if you are currently insured, or make changes to your individual h ealth insurance plan for 2025. Before s hopping for the best health insurance options f or you and your family on healthcare.gov it’s essential to understand some basic terms and concepts:
Premiums: This is the amount you pay each month for your insurance coverage. The quoted amounts on he althcare.gov a re for individual premiums, not families. You may be eligible for premium tax credits which will lower your premium. The amount of your premium tax credit will depend on your estimated household income that you submit on your application.
Deductibles: This is the amount you must pay out-ofpocket for healthcare services before your insurance starts to pay. Generally, plans with lower monthly premiums have higher deductibles.
Copayments and Coinsurance: Copayments are fixed fees you pay for specific services (like doctor visits), while coinsurance is the percentage of costs you share with your insurer after meeting your deductible.
Network: This refers to the group of doctors, hospitals,
and healthcare providers that have agreements with your insurance company to provide services at reduced rates and may be a Health Maintenance Organization (HMO) or Exclusive Provider Organization (EPO). A HMO plan limits coverage to those doctors who contract with the HMO, require you to select a primary care physician, get referrals to see specialists, may require you to live or work in its service area to be eligible for coverage, and may not cover out-of-network providers except in the case of an emergency. An EPO is a managed care plan where services are only covered if you use the network’s doctors, specialists, or hospitals, except in an emergency.
Rating Area: The area of multiple county regions that health insurance companies use to set their rates, and thus, different policies are offered in different counties.
Metal Level: Plan choices under the ACA fall into d ifferent metal levels b ased on the portion of health care expenses the plan covers: Bronze Plan 60%, Silver Plan 70%, Gold Plan 80%, and Catastrophic Plan 60% which is generally limited to those under the age of 30.
Not sure which metal level to pick? Think about how much you spend on health care, what the plan covers, enroll in the silver plan if you qualify for extra savings or cost-sharing reductions, consider your premium tax credits which will lower your premium regardless of metal level, and the plan’s quality of care rating which is a scale of 1-5.
Outside of the open enrollment period, you can only enroll or make changes if you experience a q ualifying life event, such as getting married, having a baby, or losing other health coverage.
Shopping for health insurance is a crucial task that requires careful consideration and planning. If you need help to understand and shop for health insurance, contact a licensed insurance agent or a navigator. The Iowa Insurance Division also has h ealth insurance information o n their website at i id.iowa.gov o r may be reached at 877-955-1212.
Uncertainty reigns among Iowa’s immigration nonprofits
With
Marandah Mangra-Dutcher
The Daily Iowan
Former President Donald Trump is expected to be the next president of the U.S. — which comes with drastic implications for immigration.
One claim Trump touted on the campaign trail was the idea of mass deportation. With his election to the Oval Office, the idea could become a reality leaving immigration nonprofits and resources around the country nervous and fearful — including those in Iowa.
The Catherine McAuley Center, based in Cedar Rapids, Iowa, is a nonprofit organization focused on aiding immigrants. They offer adult education, immigrant and refugee, and women’s services in the Corridor — mainly Iowa City, Cedar Rapids, Marion, and Hiawatha.
Within their education services, the organization reports 99 percent of the participants are immigrants or refugees.
Immigrant is a blanket term used around the U.S. and in U.S. rhetoric. An immigrant is defined as somebody who comes to another country and decides to stay and is planning on staying. As for refugees, it is someone who has been forced to flee their country due to persecution, conflict, violence, or other circumstances that make it unsafe for them to return home.
Asylum-seekers are similar to refugees but ask for status through the country they are trying to enter. They are ineligible for public assistance in the U.S.
The immigrant and refugee services at the center include:
• Resettlement directly from refugee camps through
the U.S. Committee for Refugees and Immigrants
• Career and Employment Services
• Refugee Social Services
Interim Executive Director Anne Dugger said the effects of Tuesday’s election were met with some anxiety around their office, but their focus remains on their clients.
“Keep your head down and do the work,” she said. “We don’t want the anxiety to bleed over into our interactions with our clients, with our volunteers, with the public. We’re interested in, ‘How do we continue to offer that hope and opportunity.’”
Dugger said the anxiety stems from the uncertainty regarding immigration moving forward.
“There’s a lot of anxiety around the uncertainty of what might happen, what could happen, what won’t happen, and just the unpredictability of it,” she said. “I will say, with any administration, we know that there’s some uncertainty. This one particularly we can guess, but we don’t know.”
The center is slated to bring in 250 refugees to the area within this coming year, she said, but things are — again — uncertain.
“Things are very uncertain at the moment, they’re bringing people in as much as they can before the inauguration, basically,” Dugger said.
Path of Hope, another nonprofit in Coralville, was founded to help immigrants, refugees, and their families through the resettlement process
Executive Director Mike Mbanza said the tone of the office was quiet among both workers and clients on Nov. 6.
“Everybody was quiet,” he said. “It’s something that affected a lot of people. It happened overnight, and no
one is talking much about it, because they know what it was like back when he was the president and kind of figuring out what to do next.”
Path of Hope serves clients nationwide, according to Mbanza, and their services include:
• Helping immigrants get legal documents in the country like work authorizations and U.S. citizenship
• Intensive case management services for newcomers
• Social adjustment services
• Education services
Mbanze said he knows immigrants and refugees in the area are fearful.
“There’s no guarantee that they will be facing the challenges that they are fearing right now,” he said. “We do know that that’s what happened in the past, but they should remain calm and not panic.”
Mbanza said their office is working to create informative videos for the community for potential avenues to explore before the inauguration.
The Catherine McAuley Center, during Trump’s first term, received and resettled less and less refugees each year.
“The last year, I think somebody just said the other day, we only resettled 38 people, or 38 cases in Cedar Rapids,” Dugger said.
However, Dugger also highlighted that this year the center requested fewer refugees.
“We asked for less people because we knew the whole area had more resettlement agencies, so we kind of knew we were going to kind of calm down a little bit on bringing people, just because housing has been really, really difficult, and so has employment right now,” she said. “We’re not trying to overburden the capacity of our community.”
One other agency Dugger discussed was the International Refugee Committee. The international agency opened a new office in Iowa City at the beginning of the year.
The agency sent out a press release following the election calling for Trump to continue the U.S.’ traditions of humanitarian leadership and care.
Dugger said, no matter who you voted for we are all one community.
“We see people laughing and talking and crying in here with their kids,” she said. “I mean, it’s the same thing that we all have in our lives. So I think just that message of we still have a community that we’re taking part in, whether or not you agree on politics, we can agree on our community. I really believe that.”
Generator for Lester Buresh Center approved
Nathan Countryman
Mount Vernon-Lisbon Sun
nathan.countryman@mvlsun.com
A generator has been approved for the Lester Buresh Family Community Wellness Center.
The city had previously bid for a generator in late August, but bids came in much higher than anticipated for the project. The city did some minor work on the requests and bids this time were much more favorable.
Hawkeye Electrical Contractors of Cedar Rapids was the winning bidder of the five bidders on the project, for an amount of $194,462. Engineer’s estimate for the project was $250,000, which means the bid was 22 percent below the engineer’s estimate.
City administrator Chris Nosbisch said that it was a great bid, and $100,000 of that cost was from a grant from American Rescue Plan Act funds distributed from Linn County, with the remainder coming from local option sales tax.
The generator will allow the LBCC to be used as a heating and cooling location during weather emergencies moving forward. All city buildings now have back-up generators to allow them to be used as shelters.
Nosbisch said that the derecho was an eye opener for many about the need for more resources like shelters in the case of an emergency. The LBC would be able to house 200 people during an emergency. During emergencies, City Hall is used as a location where people who need medical monitoring while they sleep (oxygen or C-PAP) are usually allowed to stay overnight.
Nosbisch said his biggest fear and reason for getting a generator at the LBC wasn’t due to storms like the derecho, but for things like ice storms that impact the area.
MV citizens need to schedule appointments for water meter replacements
City administrator Chris Nosbisch said 220 residents need to schedule their initial appointment with Ferguson to get their water meter replaced to a radio water meter.
Those who have not scheduled their replacement will receive a door hanger from the city reminding them to do so. Ferguson’s contract extends through a certain amount of days, not number of meters replaced. If meters are not replaced at that point, they will be the responsibility of the city to replace.
“At that point, citizens who did not have the meter replaced could pay an additional fee until the work is finished, or they could have their water turned off until the meter is replaced,” Nosbisch said.
Currently, 1,100 meters have been replaced in the community, and Ferguson is continuing work.
As to homes who have identified lead service line pipes, future communication will be sent from the city about the need to remove and replace those pipes.
Pool change orders total $165,000
The council also approved $165,000 in change orders to the pool project.
Changes included the Linn County permit for the work being accomplished, replacing an electrical panel to a safer area for staff to access, further repairs discovered as work was ongoing to the pool basing and improving lighting both underwater and above ground to the pool.
City administrator Chris Nosbisch said that those improvements were in line with what was expected for the project, and an additional $250,000 in excess remains on the project.
Contractors are working to get the concrete work finished in November and apply the appropriate coating to those areas of the pool before winter
fully sets in.
“So far, 15 percent of the new deck is poured,” Nosbisch said. “The rain has slightly delayed or slowed down the project, so we are hoping for more days of sun to help get this completed.”
Bijou holds ribbon cutting for new owners
Business will celebrate 50 years in business in 2025
everyone loves about the Bijou – affordability, safe and cozy,” Kelli said.
MVAAC celebrates 20 years
Mount Vernon Area Arts Council held a reception and concert Friday, Nov. 8, to celebrate 20 years of enriching the arts and culture in the Mount Vernon and Lisbon communities. More than 75 people attended the free concert and reception for the organization. Poet laureate Amelia Kibbie read one of her poems to begin the event, and then Mount Vernon native Phil Heywood took to the stage to perform a concert. Both Kibbie and Heywood noted the impact the First Street Community Center held on their arts education as students at Mount Vernon. MVAAC president Dr. Tiffany Carr spoke about the numerous accomplishments the arts council has been a part of, including Chalk the Walk, Lincoln Highway Arts Festival, the new sculpture art trail, more than $20,000 in scholarships to area students, and several concerts and plays and other arts events.
nathan.countryman@mvlsun.com
For Kelli Kennon-Lane and John Lane, wanting to be a small business owner led them to owning the Bijou Movie Theater.
“We have lived outside Mount Vernon for nine years,” Kelli said. “With Jud in the school systems, we wanted to own a business.”
The duo were looking for an opportunity that the community needed, which amounted to not just Mount Vernon, but Bertram, Lisbon, Mechanicsville, Anamosa.
“We realized that the Bijou was an important business for all of these communities,” Kelli said.
The couple approached previous owners Chris and Kira Moore if they’d be interested in selling, and Kelli said that the time was right.
“We started working with Chris and Kira to take ownership a couple months before the business sold,” Kelli said.
The couple officially took ownership Oct. 1 of the business. Their first steps were doing some minor renovations to the restroom, as well as replacing lights with more energy efficient lighting.
“Our goal is to keep the items that
They are keeping some of the former practices of the Bijou, including the popcorn recycling program, where if people bring their own containers, they will get a discount for bringing the containers with them.
Kelli said that while they will still bring in a lot of family movies, they are also looking at bringing in independent and classic movies and events to add to the variety of films offered.
On Thursday, Nov. 7, they opened the theater to show off the Mount Vernon Volleyball teams championship game for those who were unable to make the trek to Coralville to see the game in person.
The Bijou already has seven reservations for parties through the holiday season where the theater will be rented out.
The theater will host showtimes most weeks Thursday through Sundays.
Wednesday, Nov. 6, was one of their first early out movies, as Lisbon and Springville students had an early out.
“We had a decent crowd for the show, but that also included a trio of students having their first individual outing to the movies without their parents,” Kelli said.
“That’s what we want is a place that’s safe for everyone to come and enjoy movies.”
“I’m a firm believer you make the community you want to live in,” Carr said. “Mount Vernon and Lisbon have made art a viable and visible part of this community in the past 20 years, and we’re going to continue doing that.”
Nathan Countryman
Mount Vernon-Lisbon Sun
Nathan Countryman | Mount Vernon-Lisbon Sun
Jessie Thurn (Mount Vernon Lisbon Community Development Group director), John Bardsley (City of Lisbon), Kelli Kennon-Lane, Jud Lane and John Lane (new owners of the Bijou), Tom Wieseler (Mount Vernon mayor), Brenda Langenberg (Hills Bank and Trust) and Jake Krob (Mount Vernon Bank and Trust).
Photos by Nathan Countryman | Mount Vernon-Lisbon Sun
Top: Phil Heywood performs a song Friday, Nov. 8. Center: Poet laureate Amelia Kibbie reads a poem at the event Friday, Nov. 8. Bottom: Attendees of the Mount Vernon Area Arts Council reception held Friday, Nov. 8, at First Street Community Center.
Jack Matthew Schleier, 5, of Marion, passed away Tuesday, Oct. 29, 2024. Visitation was held Wednesday, Nov. 6, at Murdoch Funeral Home & Cremation Service in Marion. Funeral Mass was 10:30 a.m. Thursday, Nov. 7, at St. Joseph Catholic Church, 1790 14th Street, Marion, Iowa. A private family graveside committal will be held. Jack was born Sept. 9, 2019, to Victoria and Matthew Schleier. Jack loved to play with his family and friends, listen to stories, swing, build forts, draw, sing, dance, collect acorns, make people laugh, and give big hugs. His joyful, creative, curious, and kind spirit shone in everything he did.
Jack is survived by his loving family and incredibly supportive community.
In lieu of flowers, memorials may be directed to the family. There has also been a GoFundMe account established. https://gofund.me/d77dd52f
Join us in supporting our family’s mission to promote mental health awareness and advocacy. Together, we can make a meaningful difference in the lives of the people we love and in our community.
Please share a memory of Jack at www.murdochfuneralhome.com under obituaries.
Moonshine
by Moonlight: Iowa’s Prohibition & Bootlegging Legacy
Join us for our “Moonshine by Moonlight” author talk and whiskey tasting Friday, Nov. 15, at 5 p.m. at Lisbon Library. Ann Hanigan Kotz will take us through the early 20th century journey through prohibition in Iowa along with why many families turned to bootlegging. You’ll discover the distant past, beginning with the murder of a pastor in Sioux City, the tarring of an official by the Iowa City Beer Mafia, the rumrunning of Iowa’s infamous rye whiskey in Templeton, and the current exploits of today’s underground whiskey business.
After the talk, attendees are invited to walk to area establishments Addy’s Public House, Bill’s Tap, Beau Dylans, Inc. and Whitey’s Bar and Grill for free whiskey tastings.
Ann Hanigan Kotz was born in Denison and lived on a farm southwest of town with her parents and five siblings. During her summers, she spent time at the Carnegie Library, reading becoming a passion early in her life.
After high school, Ann attended the University of Northern Iowa and earned a bachelor of arts in English. She started her education career in 1988 and continued teaching high school English for 33 years, finishing at Waukee High School in central Iowa. She also received a master of arts in education from Viterbo University.
As a teacher, Ann was passionate about making her students better writers and readers. She credits her writing ability to studying and teaching the craft. Later in her profession, Ann taught college-level classes to high school students who themselves wanted to become teachers. Ann considers teaching one of the most honorable professions.
Retired from teaching, Ann Hanigan Kotz currently resides in Adel, Iowa, with her husband John Kotz.
The Rita Brannaman Family
thanks her relatives, neighbors, and friends for visits, cards, flowers, food and memorials received after her death. Special appreciation goes to Father Charles, Solon Retirement Village and Hospice for their care of Mom. We thank Matt at Brosh’s for his guidance of funeral arrangements.
We’re grateful for all this support.
Mount Vernon Trailblazers 4-H
The Mount Vernon Trailblazers 4-H Club held their monthly me eting Sunday, Nov. 3, at the Mount Vernon Fire Department. The me eting started out with creating hand turkeys for Thanksgiving and reviewing what a smart goal is. Then the club split into committees and afterward discussed some unfinished business, finally deciding to not do a ski trip as part of the Christmas party. Furthermore, the Community Service Committee discusse d and made a motion for $ 250 as a donation to adopt a family. We also discussed and passed a motion to start a scholarship for seniors. Finally, our leader talked about record book award ceremonies Nov. 10. The next meeting will be held Dec. 8 at the Mount Vernon Fire Department where we will participate in a Christmas party.
Jacob Stewart Club reporter
Spots
LWV discusses transportation issues in rural Iowa
On Wednesday, Nov. 20, at 6:30 p.m. in the Mount Vernon City Council Chambers, the public is invited to learn about transportation in small town and rural Iowa. Three panelists, Carter Baldwin, director of Linn County LIFTS; Nicole McAlexander, executive director of Southeast Linn Community Center; and Chris Nosbisch, Mount Vernon City administrator, will each talk from their own per spective.
Two Mount Vernon residents, Jane Carlson and Sharon Hill, tried out the LIFTS bus on a Friday trip to Lindale Mall in October.
The meeting is sponsored by the Mount Vernon/ Lisbon Unit of the League of Women Voters of Linn County.
Project 60 returning
Project 60 will be returning to Lisbon Schools this December. All Mount Vernon or Lisbon residents over the age of 60 are encouraged to sign up for a meal at Lisbon Schools Tuesday, Dec. 3.
Doors open at 10:45 a.m., with in person festiv ities beginning at 11 a.m. Attendees are asked to enter through the district office doors, with the meal being served in the Lions Den.
Cole Corner
Cathy Boggs Cole Library
New movies on Cole’s shelves
Do you enjoy great movies? Are you frustrated with what is not available to stream? Cole Library has great movies on DVD and Blu-ray to view at a great price – FREE. Here are some of our newest titles:
• It Ends with Us
• Fall Guy
• Thelma
• Twisters
• Ezra
• Abbott Elementary
• Deadpool and Wolverine
• Nowhere Special
• Last Stop in Yuma County
• The Crown – Season 6
• Grantchester – Season 9
Tempted by this great list of titles? Stop in and check We also have great movies available for free on Hoopla
Thursday, November 14: 8am-4:30pm
Friday, November 15: 8am-4:30pm
Saturday, November 16: 10am-4pm
Sunday, November 17: 12pm-5pm
Monday, November 18: 8am-10pm
Tuesday, November 19: 8am-10pm
Wednesday, November 20: 8am-10pm Thursday, November 21: 8am-10pm
Music performances by a number of music groups at Lisbon Schools will be part of the entertainment, and attendees will have a home cooked holiday meal served by members of the Lisbon Student Council and other Lisbon students.
RSVP by Nov. 26 to Andrea Hasselbusch at the high school office by calling 319-455-2106.
Applications open for artist-inresidence and poet laureate
Mount Vernon Area Arts Council is taking applications for artist-in-residence and poet laureate positions in the community. Each position is a twoyear term, with an annual stipend. Positions will be responsible for increasing the arts and culture in the Mount Vernon community. Applications can be found on the website mvaac.org and are due by Dec. 1.
Happy 90th birthday November 18
Jack Schleier
Jane Carlson and Sharon Hill rode the LIFTS bus in mid-October on a trip to Lindale Mall.
Kotz
First Shop Small Saturday held
The first of two Shop Small weekends was held Saturday, Nov. 9, in uptown Mount Vernon. The holiday open houses allowed businesses to host during their own hours their shopping events in the uptown, while members at the Mount Vernon-Lisbon Community Development Group
handed out prizes for answering holiday trivia throughout the day on the half hour. Mount Vernon Bank and Trust also distributed $1,000 in community cash to be used at area businesses this holiday season. The next Shop Small Saturday is Saturday, Nov. 30.
A shopper browses the collection of records at Hilltop Plants and Records Saturday, Nov. 9.
MV students named to Opus Honor Choir
Far left: A shopper browses at items at Silver Spider Saturday, Nov. 9.
Left: Mount Vernon Bank and Trust employees Melissa Kahl, Jessica Farrell and Tammy Bohr help distribute community cash and hot chocolate outside the bank early Saturday morning. The bank distributed $1,000 in community cash gift certificates in denominations of $5, $10 and $20 to numerous customers that could be used at all businesses in Mount Vernon and Lisbon.
Congratulations to the following 32 students from grades sixth through ninth who were recently selected for participation in the 38th annual Opus Honor Choir Festival. Sixth Graders Evelyn Brown, Cecily Collins, Natalie Ford, Cooper, Pisarik, Liesl Rodenberg, Weston Stoner, Catherine Walker; Seventh Graders Gavin Anderson, Mitchell Covington, Sloane Johnson, Rowan Slaymaker, Kate Vavricek, Eighth Graders Mason Bany, Caleb Bausch, Channing Kuker, Isaiah Lewis, Camden Meyer, Henry Mueller, Bryce Pyatt, Connor Teague, Eden Voight and Ninth Graders Jack Bauer, Lexi Boren, Danny Dye, Teagan Finn, Rowan Jensen, Hannah Morf, Beck Oesterle, Zion Safo, Hagen Wilkins, Emery Willems and Clara Vavricek were among over 2400 students who were nominated by their directors for 720 positions in the four Opus Honor Choirs. Selections were made by means of a recorded audition. Selection into the Iowa OPUS Honor Choir is the highest distinction for vocal students at the middle school level in our state. Guest conductors of the choirs include Jennifer Ghelf, Waukee Community Schools, Fifth & Sixth Grade Honor Choir; John Hayden, Benton Community Schools, Seventh & Eighth Grade Bass Clef Honor Choir; Rachael Wragge, South Sioux City Community District, Seventh & Eighth Grade Treble Clef Honor Choir; and Meg Byrne, Pleasant Valley Community Schools, Ninth Grade Mixed Honor Choir. The 2025 Opus Honor Choirs will perform at 4 p.m. Nov. 21 in C.Y. Stephens Auditorium in the Iowa State Center in Ames. The Opus Honor Choir Festival is made possible by the Iowa Choral Directors Association, Inc.
Photos by Nathan Countryman | Mount Vernon-Lisbon Sun
Above: Shoppers at The Local look at pieces of holiday décor that were on sale Saturday, Nov. 9.
Turkey Trot 5K celebrating 14 years
5K walk/run raising money for Southeast Linn Community Center
Nathan Countryman
Mount Vernon-Lisbon Sun
nathan.countryman@mvlsun.com
Walk off some of that turkey and help out a good cause at the same time.
The Mount Vernon Turkey Trot 5K walk and run will be celebrating 14 years this year.
The event was organized by Jackie Morrical and Truman Jordan 14 years ago.
“While we were visiting my older sister, Jenny Jordan, in Elmhurst, Ill., on Thanksgiving, we participated a few years in a Turkey Trot there,” Morrical said. “When we determined we were going to be celebrating Thanksgiving in Mount Vernon in 2011, my father, Truman Jordan, and I decided we should do a Turkey Trot here in Mount Vernon. We pulled the event together in three days via Facebook and email.”
That first event had 40 participants and raised $800 plus some non-perishable
food items for the Southeast Linn Community Center.
It’s popularity has grown over the years.
Last year, the event had 90 participants and raised $2,321 for Southeast Linn.
“That was our most participants and the highest amount raised to date,” Morrical said. “We are hoping for great weather for this year’s Turkey Trot Thursday, Nov. 28.”
Morrical said her favorite thing about the event is getting family, friends and new faces together on Thanksgiving to exercise and raise money for SELCC.
“It’s fun to see folks from in town and folks returning to town to celebrate Thanksgiving with their families participate,” Morrical said.
The route for the trot has been the same for the past few years. It starts at Wolfe Lane in northeast Mount Vernon and follows Sixth Street Northeast to the west across Hwy. 1 and up to Fifth Avenue North, where the route turns south. The route takes two more blocks west along Second Street Northwest to Seventh Ave-
nue Northwest where it again heads south to First Street West. The route then proceeds west down First Street West to the corner of 10 Ave. S.W. where the route heads south to College Boulevard where it heads east along Fourth Street S.W. and again crosses Hwy. 1. The trail heads north on B Avenue S. to Third Street S.E. where it heads east. It heads north up the Nature Trail to Third Street Northeast were it then follows B Avenue Northeast back to Wolfe Lane.
“We have signs for each kilometer along the path to help guide folks and also have printed maps available the morning of the race for people who like them,” Morrical said.
Joining the race is as simple as writing a check or making a donation to Southeast Linn Community Center and showing up in the driveway of 405 Wolfe Lane by the 9 a.m. start time.
“Or folks can do the Turkey Trot on their own schedule and make a donation to Southeast Linn,” Morrical said.
Morrical said her sister, Joy Jordan, will be leading the event as she has every year.
“She is a great spokesperson and the runner in the family so starts off the group of runners with walkers behind,” Morrical said. “We’ve also had bikers in the past and pets are always welcome.”
Morrical said there were two years where the Morricals were unable to lead the hike, as they were in Chicago with the Marching Mustangs for their participation in the Thanksgiving Day parade.
“Casey O’Connor and Mark Krob hosted the event through the Mount Vernon Fire Department those years,” Morrical said. “In 2022, Matt siders and the folks at the Lester Buresh DFamily Community Wellness Center hosted the event in our absence.”
Mount Vernon High School Students chosen for All-State music festival
Nineteen students at Mount Vernon High School have attained the highest individual honor available to Iowa high school musicians by being selected as members of the 2024 Iowa Band, Chorus and Orchestra.
Sophomore Jonathan Winkler, son of Isaac and Joelynn Winkler was selected for the band on tenor saxophone. This is Jonathan’s first audition and selection into the All-State Band.
Senior chorus members include: Cyrus Johnson (bass) son of Matt and Devyn Johnson; Jaks Lee (bass) son of Jason and Tanya Lee; Skye Rodman (tenor) daughter of Chris Rodman; and Penelope Vig (tenor) daughter of Darin and Charlene Vig. This is the first selection for Cyrus Johnson, and the second selection for Jaks Lee, Skye Rodman, and Penelope Vig.
Junior Isabel Govea (alto) daughter of Antonio and Elizabeth Govea was selected for a third time. Juniors receiving their second selection include: Michael Covington (bass) son of Blake and Sarah Covington; Claire Jensen (soprano) daughter of James and Jessica Jensen; and Lewis Krob (tenor) son of Mark and Erin Krob. Juniors Grace Bausch (alto) daughter of Alan and Vicki Bausch; Edith Dawson (alto) daughter of William and Erica Dawson; Emma Hoffman (soprano) daughter of Loren and Jennifer Hoffman; Hannah Jones (soprano) daughter of Justin and Alason Jones; and Charlie Weldon (bass) son of Mark Weldon and Kim Benesh each received their first selection.
Sophomores selected for the chorus, each for the first time, include: Nora Dye daughter of Ian and Shauna Dye; Chester Rood (tenor) son of Anton and Braden Rood; and Reagan Slaymaker (alto) daughter of Brock and Maggie Slaymaker. Additionally, senior Gabriel Mahoney (bass) son of Matt and Shawna Mahoney was selected as an alternate.
The orchestra had two selections, both on string bass. Junior Carrington Bybee, daughter of Jeff and Barbara Bybee was selected for the first time, while sophomore Jackson Voight, son of Nathan and Meredith Voight, was selected for the second time.
Scott Weber (band), Thad Wilkins (choir), and Tabitha Rasmussen (orchestra) are the directors of the Mount Vernon high school music program. The sixteen chorus members selected marks the highest number of All-State singers in the teaching career of director Thad Wilkins.
The 2024 Festival will celebrate the 78th anniversary of this prestigious event. District auditions for the 276 piece All-State Band, 214 piece All-State Orchestra, and 601 member All-State Chorus were held Saturday, Oct. 26 at Le Mars, Hampton, Independence, Atlantic, Indianola, and Washington. Approximately 17% of students who audition are selected for membership in the All State ensembles. Participants will rehearse in Ames
Friday and Saturday, Nov. 22 & 23, and the festival concert will be presented to the public at 7:30 pm in Hilton Colluseam, Iowa State University, Ames on Saturday evening Nov. 23. Iowa PBS will record the concert for rebroadcast. Please check the Iowa PBS website (www. iowapbs.org) for exact dates and times. This program is under the auspices of the Iowa High School Music Association and the Iowa Music Educators Association. Tickets are $30 each, plus fees, and all seats are reserved. Tickets may be obtained for the Iowa AllState Festival Concert by contacting Ticketmaster – Orders may be placed online (www.ticketmaster.com) and are currently on sale. Ticketmaster will charge a per-ticket convenience fee.
TURKEY TROT ROUTE MAP
Mustangs UNI-Dome bound
Football team tames Bulldogs in 31-28 win in quarterfinals
ryan.suchomel@mvlsun.com
The stars were certainly aligned.
For a Mount Vernon team that watched the volleyball team win a state title one day earlier, and that had stopped at the Sacred Acre a few hours earlier, falling behind 22-0 in their Class 3A quarterfinal at Algona wasn’t even that big of deal.
“What I love about this group is there was no sense of panic,” Mount Vernon coach Brad Meester said. “It was not the start we wanted, but I loved how we responded.”
No. 4 Mount Vernon rallied and beat No. 6 Algona, 31-28, on Friday night.
Next up is a trip to the UNI-Dome on Saturday, Nov. 16, when Mount Vernon (10-1) faces No. 3 Humboldt (10-1) in a Class 3A semifinal game at 7 p.m. The other 3A semifinal matches up Sergeant Bluff-Luton (11-0) and Dubuque Wahlert (11-0) at 4 p.m.
“It is not easy to get there; it is hard to get to the Dome,” Meester said. “Not many teams make it. It is special to make it there. It is an exciting memory that they’ll remember forever.”
Chances are good they’ll remember their quarterfinal win as well.
Because of the three-hour-plus bus ride, the Mustangs were able to stop in Aplington-Parkersburg to do a quick run-through on the field where their head coach used to play.
Meester played for legendary Coach Ed Thomas, who was tragically shot and killed in 2009.
“I learned so many things from him,” Meester said. “I think all the life lessons he taught us. Character. Building boys that turn into men. Great husbands. I love how genuine he was.
“Even when I was playing in the NFL, when he saw me, he always asked about my family first. That meant a lot. He never jumped right into football.”
The town was also hit by an EF-5 tornado in 2008. So, while small-town football fields are special places, this one has added meaning.
“It has been almost 30 years since I stepped on that field,” Meester said. “I shared some video stuff
with them.
“It was nice to stop. It was almost meant to be. We got sent to Algona so we got to stop there on the way. Play anywhere else, and unlikely we have done that.”
Algona built a 22-0 lead midway through the second quarter.
But the Mustangs were able to put together a scoring drive before halftime. Jase Jasper ran it in from 3 yards out, and a Bennett Harp extra point made it 22-7.
Then the defense came up with an interception, in the end zone, before halftime to maintain that margin.
“We were able to go into half down just two scores,” Meester said. “I told the kids we’re fine. Momentum had completely shifted our way.”
Mount Vernon scored on its first drive of the second half, a 33-yard pass from Kellen Haverback to Michael Ryan. That made it 22-14. A Harp 24-yard field goal made it 22-17.
Then the Mustangs took the lead on a 29-yard scoring pass from Haverback to Cole Thurn.
“It was a long trip up there, and we didn’t settle down right away,” Meester said. “We made adjustments, and once we settled in, and played our style, we were okay.”
Algona (9-2) wasn’t done. They got an 85-yard scoring stroke from Manske 2 to Slagle 13 to retake the lead at the end of the third quarter, 28-23.
But Mount Vernon got another scoring drive, scoring on a 7-yard pass from Haverback to Ryan. Those two connected for a 2-point conversion to make it 31-28.
Haverback finished 14-of-25 passing for 211 yards. Ryan had six catches for 114 yards. Cooper Hird ran for 110 yards on 22 carries.
Ryan also had two interceptions on defense, and Jase Jaspers had another. Jaxon Anderson had two sacks and Ethan Wood had 1.5.
“When you go down 22-0, you find out what a team is made of; it can go the wrong way real fast,” Meester said. “That did not happen. It showed the character of this team. They pulled it together.”
And now, after a visit to his school field, Meester gets a chance to coach where he played in college.
“I can’t say thank you enough to the University of Northern Iowa,” Meester said. “They were the one school that took a chance on me. It is an awesome school and an awesome place.”
The Humboldt Wildcats only loss was to Class 4A No. 1 North Polk, 26-17, back on Sept. 20. In the 3A playoffs, they’ve topped Clear Lake (13-10) and No. 9 Solon (35-3). For those trying to bury that memory, Mount Vernon’s only loss was a 7-6 setback to the Spartans on Sept. 20.
“We match up well against each other,” Meester said of Humboldt “We’ll just come out and do our stuff; play our game.”
Jim Gale | Kossuth County Advance
Top left: Mount Vernon’s Kellen Haverback (No. 8) throws the ball over a Algona Bulldog defender Friday, Nov. 8.
Top: Mount Vernon’s Maddox Kurran (No. 40) pushes the ball for more yards as an Algona Bulldog player attempts to tackle him Friday, Nov. 8.
Gina Bechtold | Contributed photos
Center: Mount Vernon’s Jase Jaspers (No. 9) enters the endzone Friday, Nov. 8.
Bottom: Mount Vernon’s Cooper Hird (No. 10) pushes for more yards against the Algona Bulldogs trying to tackle him Friday, Nov. 8.
Ryan Suchomel
Mount Vernon-Lisbon Sun
MVVB sweeps Class 3A state tournament
Team faces off against Western Christian in repeat of last year’s championship match
Ryan Suchomel
Mount Vernon-Lisbon Sun
ryan.suchomel@mvlsun.com
If you missed it, KCRG’s Jack Lido (@ JackLido) posted some great video footage on X.
The first clip is from the state volleyball tournament in 2023, after Mount Vernon had lost to Western Christian in the 3A championship. Chloe Meester hugged Eryn Jackson, both of them with tears in their eyes.
The second clip is from Thursday, Nov. 7, after No. 1 Mount Vernon swept No. 2 Western Christian, 25-17, 25-17, 25-18, in a return trip to the Class 3A championship at Xtream Arena in Coralville. In this clip, Meester hugs Jackson, and both are smiling from ear to ear and full of joy.
What a difference a year makes.
“This year we knew what came for and we knew we wanted revenge,” Meester said. “We came with all of our pride and effort and gave it our all.”
Mount Vernon (45-4) was a different team. Most of the players were the same, but they were older, wiser, and ready for the pressure of winning a title.
“The two things we wanted to be were: fearless and joyful,” Mount Vernon coach Maggie Willems said. “And we did that all week long.”
Facing the team that stunned them a season ago, the Mustangs were methodical in taking them apart this time around.
“This year we wanted it more; a lot more,” senior setter Sydney Huber said. “We knew what it felt like to lose, and we didn’t want that again.”
Early on, it looked like it would be a knock-down, drag-out fight every step of the way. The Wolfpack tied it up 12-12 on a kill by junior Scarlett Winterfeld.
But the Mustangs strung together some kills, including a pair by Sophia Meester and one each for Sydney Maue and Paige Schurbon to go ahead 18-14. That prompted a Western Christian time out.
When Eryn Jackson nailed two ace serves, it was almost over. Cali Whitaker finished the first set with a kill.
That stretch was symbolic of why the Mustangs were able to sweep the Wolfpack.
“They have great size and power pin to pin,” Western Christian Coach Tammi Veerbeek said. “When you have Meester up there, and Maue on the right … and then their role players are good, too.
“It’s not just a two-headed monster. It is like a two-headed monster with three little siblings. And then a great setter.”
Mount Vernon got out to a 13-4 lead in the second set. Western Christian was a little scrappier in the third set, and pulled within one, 14-13, on a Shea Reitsma kill.
But the Mustangs countered with a quick, 3-0 run with a Maue kill, a Huber dump kill and a hitting error by the Wolfpack.
“We worked a lot as a team of stay-
ing clam, and mistake recovery,” Huber said. “If you make a mistake, move on right away, because that is not going to help us.”
Mount Vernon closed it out with two kills by Maue, and one by Whitaker.
Maue has been a welcome addition since arriving from Center Point-Urbana last year. The Stromin’ Pointer also lost to Western Christian during the 2023 state tournament.
“So, it was a little bit of a revenge game for me, too,” Maue said.
Maue, Huber and Chloe Meester were named to the Class 3A all-tournament team. Meester was the captain.
In the championship, Meester had 16 kills and hit at .371 efficiency and Maue had 14 kills and a .423 efficiency. They are heading to Louisville and Arkansas next fall to continue their volleyball careers.
Huber had 38 assists and four kills in the championship. Schurbon added five kills, Sophia Meester had four, and Whitaker had three.
Jackson led the way with 15 digs. As a team, the Mustangs were perfect in serve receiving (47 for 47).
“Our level of execution was great,” Willems said. “At the end of the day, that goes back to focus.
“State is a very stimulating environment. Your schedule is thrown off. You’ve got a great team across the net. We were able to manage external factors. We always talk about control. What you control. And we did. We took care of each other. We were focused, and were able to follow our plans.”
And the Mustangs swept their way to the title.
In the quarterfinal Tuesday, they beat No. 8 Mid-Prairie 25-22, 25-16, 25-16. Then they topped No. 4 Dubuque Wahlert 25-12, 25-19, 25-17, in the semifinals Wednesday.
They finished the season with 45 wins and four losses after being hunted all fall.
“We talked about pressure a lot,” Huber said. “You feel it, then move past it.”
“It was heavy,” Willem said of the No. 1 ranking. “To be really honest, I don’t think it was easy, at times. At different times, it was harder for different players. We had to embrace the idea of being hunted.
“And it was a gift. That we got everybody’s best, all season. It didn’t always feel like that in the moment. But it got us here, to play at this level.”
And Mount Vernon did complete its ascension. From quarterfinals as freshmen, to semifinals as sophomore, to runners-up as juniors, then champions as seniors.
“Before we started the match, we said this is our last game we’re all playing together,” Chloe Meester said. “Nine seniors. We just need to have fun and enjoy it.
“When we have fun, nobody can stop us.”
Sydney Goldberg | For the Mount Vernon-Lisbon Sun
Above: Mount Vernon’s Paige Schurbon (No. 4) celebrates the team advancing to the championship match Wednesday, Nov. 6. Below: The Mount Vernon volleyball team celebrates advancing to the championship match Wednesday, Nov. 7.
Joel Kellar | For the Mount Vernon-Lisbon Sun
Mount Vernon’s Cali Whitaker hits a ball past two Western Christian blockers for a kill.
Renee Vig | Mustang Moon
The team with the state championship trophy at XTream Arena Thursday, Nov. 7.
LISBON BOYS’ AND GIRLS’ BASKETBALL
The Lions play in the Tri Rivers Conference, East Division and Class 1A
Monday, Nov. 13 at Iowa Valley Community High School (JV/V-G)
Monday, Nov. 25 host Prince of Peace (JV/V girls) 5:30 p.m.
Monday Nov. 25 at Northeast scrimmage (JV/VB)
Tuesday, Dec. 3 host Springville
Friday, Dec. 6 host Marquette
Monday, Dec. 9 vs . Regina Catholic at Xtream Arena
Friday, Dec. 13 host Calamus-Wheatland
p.m.
Saturday, Dec. 14 host Tipton 2:30 p.m.
Tuesday, Dec. 17 at Easton Valley 5:30 p.m.
Thursday, Dec. 19 at Alburnett
5:30 p.m.
Friday, Dec. 20 host North Cedar 5:30 p.m.
Friday, Jan. 3 at Midland
Tuesday, Jan. 7 host Prince of Peace
Thursday, Jan. 9 host Durant 6:30 p.m.
Friday, Jan. 10 at Edgewood Colesburg
6:15 p.m.
Tuesday, Jan. 14 host North Linn 5:30 p.m.
Friday, Jan. 17 at Marquette
5:30 p.m.
Monday, Jan. 20 at Cedar Valley Christian* (Springville gym) 5:30 p.m.
Thursday, Jan. 23 at West Branch 5:30 p.m.
Friday, Jan. 24 at Calamus-Wheatland 5:30 p.m.
Tuesday, Jan. 28 host Easton Valley 5:30 p.m.
Friday, Jan. 31 at North Cedar 5:30 p.m.
Tuesday, Feb. 4 host Midland
p.m.
Friday Feb. 7 at Central City (JVVB) 7:30 p.m.
Saturday, Feb. 8 host Dyersville Beckman 4 p.m.
Tuesday, Feb. 11 at Prince of Peace (JVVB) 7 p.m.
Most Lisbon games feature girls’ and boys’ JV and varsity games, unless otherwise noted. Varsity games, starting with girls, begin at about 6 p.m.
MOUNT VERNON BOYS’ BASKETBALL
The Mustangs play in the WAMAC, East Division and Class 3A
Monday, Nov. 25 at CR Kennedy scrimmage
Nov. 30 vs . Denver 9
Dec. 6 at
Dec.7 host C.R. Jefferson (10/V)
Tuesday, Dec. 10 at Benton Community
Friday, Dec. 13 host Williamsburg
Tuesday, Dec. 17 host Solon
Friday, Dec. 20 at West Delaware
Saturday, Jan. 4 host Cedar
Jan. 7
Jan. 10 host Vinton Shellsburg
Jan. 14 host Center Point-Urbana
Feb. 4 at
Feb. 7 host Marion
Feb. 8 at Wells Fargo Arena (against Fort Madison)
Feb. 11 at
Feb. 14 host
Feb. 18 host
Feb. 24 Substate
Feb 27 Substate
Games listed are 9/10/V with the first game at 4:30 p.m., and varsity at about 7:30 p.m., unless noted otherwise.
MOUNT VERNON GIRLS’ BASKETBALL
The Mustangs play in the WAMAC, East Division and Class 3A
Nov. 23 host Cedar Rapids Xavier
Feb.
Friday, Feb. 7 host
Times listed are approximate varsity start times. Varsity follows junior varsity in most cases.
Sun file photo
Sun file photo
LISBON BOYS’ WRESTLING
The Lions compete in the Tri Rivers Conference and Class 1A, Section 9
MOUNT VERNON BOYS’ WRESTLING
The Mustangs compete in the WAMAC and Class 2A, Section 4 Tuesday, Dec. 3
Jan. 4
Jan. 9 at
Saturday, Jan. 11 at
Tuesday, Jan. 14 at
Thursday, Jan. 16
Saturday, Feb. 1 at Tri-Rivers Conference tourney (North Linn)
Feb. 4
Saturday, Feb. 8 Sectionals
Saturday, Feb. 15 Districts at
Feb. 19-22 S tate tournament in Des Moines
LISBON GIRLS’ WRESTLING
Tuesday, Nov. 19 at Sigourney tournament
Saturday, Nov. 23 at Wilton tournament
Tuesday, Nov. 26 at Midland tournament
Monday, Dec. 2 at Tipton tournament
Tuesday, Dec. 3 at Durant triangular
Friday, Dec. 13 at Maquoketa invite
Thursday, Dec. 19 host Lisbon triangular
Saturday, Dec. 21 at Prairie Invite
Thursday, Jan. 9 at Midland
Friday, Jan. 10 at Benton tournament
Friday, Jan. 17 at BGM Tournament
Friday, Jan. 24 at Midland
Friday, Jan. 31 Girls state wrestling qualifying meet
Thursday, Feb. 6/Friday, Feb. 7 Girls state wrestling tournament
MOUNT VERNON GIRLS’ WRESTLING
Thursday, Nov. 21 at South Tama Invite
Saturday, Nov. 23
Saturday, Nov. 30
Tuesday, Dec. 3 at
Thursday, Dec. 5 at Donnybrook Wrestling tournament (XTream Arena)
Friday, Dec. 6 at donnybrook Wrestling tournament (XTream Arena)
Monday, Dec. 9 at Williamsburg tournament
Thursday, Dec. 12 host Clear Creek-Amana
Saturday, Dec. 14 at Alburnett tournament
Tuesday, Dec. 17 at West Delaware invite
Saturday, Dec. 21 at East Buchanan
Thursday, Jan. 9 host Grinnell
Friday, Jan. 10 at Benton tournament
Saturday, Jan. 11 at
Jan. 16
Jan. 20 at
Jan. 23 host Solon Dual
Jan. 24
Lisbon stumbles to Madrid 27-14
Ryan Suchomel
Mount Vernon-Lisbon Sun
ryan.suchomel@mvlsun.com
Long after the final play and long after the crowd had filed out of Walmer Field Friday, Nov. 8, many Lisbon football players loitered on the field.
The fourth-ranked Lions weren’t ready to go home after losing to No. 10 Madrid, 27-14, in a Class A quarterfinal playoff game.
“It is hard. Really hard,” senior Dakota Clark said. “I’m never going to strap them up again.”
“We love our field and we love playing at home,” Lisbon coach Dylan Hastings said. “This group of seniors did so much for our program. It sucks to lose. But you’ve got to take that with you and let it hurt.”
Eventually, they all made their way to the locker room.
“I don’t want to leave, either,” senior lineman Hayden Jackson said, then smiled. “But I’ve got to get home and eat.”
“I’m going to remember all the nimrods I went to battle with every Friday,” senior Tiernan Boots said.
The Lions tried to capture some of their state track magic (two-time champs) with some of the team dying their hair blonde like they had for running in Des Moines. Boots was involved in that process, that blonde ambition.
Madrid (9-2) took control early, using a 13-play, 80-yard drive, capped by a 1-yard touchdown by quarterback Preston Wicker.
“That touchdown was definitely important,” Wicker said. “It gave us a lot of momentum and we felt like we could keep it rolling.”
Wicker finished with 218 yards of rushing on 29 carries, and 98 more yards passing. He scored all four Tiger touchdowns – three rushing and one passing.
“He’s a heck of a runner, and takes control of that offense,” Hastings said.
If the senior from Madrid had a weakness, it was turning the ball over. He lost two fumbles and threw an interception.
Boots recovered one fumble and had an interception right before halftime.
But the Lions couldn’t turn them into points.
“The ball was a little wet,” Wicker said. “But our defense being able to step up on those turnovers was
definitely huge.”
Madrid led 13-7 at halftime. Lisbon took the opening drive of the second half down to the Tiger 13, then fumbled the exchange.
Madrid then went on a 9-play drive to make it 20-7 with 2:51 left in the third quarter. From potentially tying or leading to going down two scores … that was a turning point.
“Really as a team, we hadn’t been in that situation before,” Hastings said. “Maybe we start to hang our heads a little bit. You’ve got to fight some adversity.
“I’m proud of the way the boys continued to fight.”
The next Lisbon drive went to the Madrid 33 before an interception ended it.
“They came out and were very physical, and they shut down what we like to do,” Clark said. “Sometimes it doesn’t always go your way.”
The Tigers then went on a 13-play, 58-yard TD march. It was helped by a defensive holding call on fourth-and-5.
Lisbon finally found the end zone again on a 15-yard pass from Clark to Quinn Coleman with 3:26 left in the fourth quarter.
But the onside kick was covered up by Madrid’s Jake Sawyer. And even after forcing a three-and-out, the Lions couldn’t come up with a miracle drive.
“We got ourselves in trouble a lot,” Hastings said. “We had some bad field position stuff and couldn’t do what we wanted to do.”
Boots finished with 127 rushing yards on 19 carries for Lisbon (10-1). Clark had 94 passing yards and just 11 rushing yards.
“We did everything we could,” Boots said. “A couple plays we shot ourselves in the foot and Madrid was able to capitalize on that.
“We can usually match it with our offensive capabilities, but a couple penalties set us back and cut our momentum.”
Lisbon can still remember the undefeated regular season and District title.
“And how we dominated until today,” Jackson said. “Mainly, the domination part.”
“Not too many Lisbon teams have made it this far,” Hastings said. “I’m extremely proud.”
Madrid (9-2) plays West Hancock (11-0) at 10 a.m. Thursday, Nov. 14, in the UNI-Dome. Saint Ansgar (10-1) and Tri-Center (10-1) are in the other semifinal.
state swim meet
Mount Vernon freshman Jada Ripke qualified in four events for the state swimming meet, held Friday, Nov. 15 and Saturday, Nov. 16, in Marshalltown. (All qualifiers are tentative until lane assignments are revealed.) Ripke qualified in the 200-yard individual medley and the 100-yard backstroke. She was also part of Cedar Rapids Washington’s 200-yard medley relay and 400yard freestyle relay.
Lisbon freshman Payton Feldermann qualified with the Warriors 200-yard freestyle relay team.
MADRID 27, LISBON 14 TEAM STATS M L
First downs 20 12 Rushes-yds. 49-280 24-155 Cmp.-Att.-Int. 6-11-1 10-19-2 Pass yds. 98 94 Total yds. 378 249
Fum.-lost 3-2 1-1 Punts-ave. 2-36.0 3-33.0 Pen.-yds. 3-15 6-42 Madrid 13 0 7 7 -- 27 Lisbon 7 0 0 7 -- 14
INDIVIDUAL STATS
Rushing – Madrid: Preston Wicker 29-218, Easton Halverson 12-58, Will Atkinson 5-7, Team 3-(-3). Lisbon: Tiernan Boots 19-127, Dakota Clark 4-11, Gage Holub 1-17.
Passing – Madrid: Preston Wicker 6-11-98-1. Lisbon: Dakota Clark 10-19-94-2.
Receiving – Madrid: Emerson Bridgewater 3-61, Toryn Severson 2-19, Jevyn Severson 1-18. Lisbon: Quinn Coleman 4-38, Tiernan Boots 2-17, Grayson Wollum 1-21, Chase McFarlane 1-11, Gage Holub 1-7, Daylin Schaefer 1-0.
Jennifer Tischer | Contributed photos
Top: Lisbon’s Tiernan Boots (No. 7) fights against a Madrid tackler to gain a few more yards in a drive Friday, Nov. 8.
Center: Lisbon’s Chase McFarlane (No. 16) and Kael Chappell (No. 78) work on tackling a Madrid player.
Below: Lisbon’s Dakota Clark (No. 1) passes a football at play at home Friday, Nov. 8.
Mount Vernon, Lisbon have high turnout in election
60 to 80 percent voter turnout in presidential election
Nathan Countryman
Mount Vernon-Lisbon Sun
nathan.countryman@mvlsun.com
Mount Vernon 2 (which encompasses Cornell College) reported that voting throughout the day had been busy. More than 130 made changes or updates to their registration using same day voter registration.
That included a sizeable number of Cornell College students.
“We have to commend their residence life offices, who stayed open up until polls closed to make sure that students had the proper proof of address to update their voter registration,” said Kim Andresen, one of the poll workers.
“Even with the satellite voting station, we still had at least 100 Cornell College students voting here today,” said Mary Young, another poll worker at Mount Vernon 2. “it was so great to see so many voting for the first time in an election.”
Young also recounted the story of someone who said their grandfather would be proud to see them voting today.
“It really makes you feel proud to be a poll worker to hear those stories,” Young said.
Mount Vernon City Hall was littered with leaves from the heavy foot traffic outdoors and to the polling location during the course of the rainy day.
Carol Woods-Boren said that poll workers were aware there was a sign posted on private property, within 100 feet of the Mount Vernon 2.
“That’s not something under our control,” WoodsBoren said. “It’s on private property, we can’t have it taken down.”
A total of 755 ballots were cast at Mount Vernon 2 in person Tuesday evening, with another 441 in absentee ballots for 60.13 percent turnout.
For president, Kamala Harris had the most votes with 792 (463 on election day, 329 in absentee). Donald J. Trump had 363 (267 election day, 96 absentee). Oliver had 17 (13 election day, 4 absentee).
In U.S. House District 2, Sarah Corkery picked up 723 (419 election, 304 absentee). Ashley Hinson had 394 (289 election day, 105 absentee). Jody Puffett had 19 (11 election day, 8 absentee).
For Senate District 42, Charlie McClintock had 588 (415 election day, 173 absentee) running unopposed. There were 26 write-ins in the election.
For House District 83 Kent McNally had 714 (408 election day, 306 absentee) while Cindy Golding had 388 (287 election day, 101 absentee).
In the Linn County Board of Supervisors race Molly Donahue had the most votes with 757 (439 election day, 318 absentee). Brandy Zumbach-Meisheid had 336 (248 election day, 88 absentee).
For Linn County Auditor, Todd Taylor had 730 (415 election day, 315 absentee) and Terry Chostner had 346 (257 election day, 89 absentee).
For Linn County Sheriff, Brian D. Gardner had 943 (580 election day, 363 absentee).
Mount Vernon 1
In Mount Vernon 1’s in-person voting, there was a total of 951 ballots cast on election day and 389 absentee, for a 78.27 percent turnout.
Harris had 862 (562 election day, 300 in absentee) in the presidential race, while Trump had 454 (371 election day, 83 absentee). Oliver had 8 (5 election day, 3 absentee), Cruz had 2 (1 election day, 1 absentee).
More
Corkery picked up 818 (532 election day, 286 absentee) for House District 2, while Hinson had 467 (380 election day, 87 absentee) and Puffett had 17 (16 election day, 1 absentee).
McClintock picked up 660 (531 election day, 129 absentee) in Senate District 42.
McNally picked up 812 (527 election day, 285 absentee) in House District 83, while Golding had 470 (384 election day, 86 absentee).
Donahue picked up 840 (552 election day, 288 absentee) votes for Linn County Board of Supervisors, while Zumbach-Meisheid had 437 (356 election day, 81 absentee). There were 2 write ins.
Taylor picked up 831 (542 election day, 289 absentee) for Linn County Auditor, while Chostner picked up 418 (346 election day, 72 absentee). There were 2 write ins.
Gardner picked up 1,044 (729 election day, 315 absentee) for Linn County Sheriff. There were 15 write-ins.
Franklin Township
Franklin Township had 80.88 percent turnout in the election, with 1,777 ballots cast, 446 of those via absentee.
In the presidential election, Trump had the most votes with 893 (726 on election day, 167 absentee). Harris had 836 (573 election day, 263 absentee). Oliver had 8 (5 election day, 3 absentee) and Robert Kennedy had 23 (18 election day, 5 absentee).
Hinson had the most votes for House District 2 with 927 total (754 election day, 173 absentee). Corkery had 784 (529 election day, 265 absentee). Puffett had 17 (15 election day, two absentee).
McClintock had 1,147 votes (909 election, 238 absentee).
Golding had the most votes for House District 83 with 931 (751 election, 180 absentee). McNally had 756 (511 election day, 245 absentee).
Zumbach Meisheid had the most votes in the board of supervisors race with 887 (718 election day, 169 absentee). Donahue had 796 (538 election day, 258 absentee).
Chostner picked up the most votes in the auditor race with 851 (689 election day, 162 absentee), while Taylor had 812 (552 election day, 260 absentee).
Gardner picked up 1,285 votes for sheriff (949 election day, 336 in absentee).
Bertram Township
Bertram Township had 913 ballots cast on election day and 827 absentee ballots, for 83.09 percent turnout.
Trump received the most votes with 877 (544 election day, 333 absentee), and Harris received 813 (337 election day, 476 absentee). Oliver had 13 (11 election day, 2 absentee) and Kennedy Jr. had 8 (6 election day, 2 absentee). There were 11 write-ins.
Hinson had the most votes in Housse District 2 with 948 (591 election day, 357 absentee), Corkery had 738 (290 election day, 448 absentee) and Puffett had 16 (12 election day, 4 absentee).
McClintock had 1,126 votes (662 election day, 464 absentee) and there were 56 write-ins.
Golding had the most votes for Representative District 83 with 949 (580 election day, 369 absentee) and McNally had 709 (286 election day, 448 absentee).
Zumbach Meisheid won the board of supervisors race with 896 (550 election day, 346 absentee), while Donahue had 773 (322 election day, 451 absentee).
Chostner had the most in the auditor race with 897 (541 election day, 356 absentee) and Taylor had 750 (315
election day, 435 absentee).
Gardner had 1,260 (623 election day, 637 absentee) for sheriff.
Brown-Linn
Brown-Linn had 1279 election day ballots and 493 absentee ballots, or 81.25 percent turnout.
Trump had the most votes with 1,067 (822 election day, 245 absentee) and Harris had 662 (423 election day, 239 absentee). Kennedy had 12 (10 election day, 2 absentee).
Hinson had the most votes for House District 2 with 1,105 (845 election day, 260 absentee), Corkery had 611 (390 election day, 221 absentee), and Puffett had 12 (11 election day, 1 absentee). There were three write-ins.
McClintock handily won Senate District 42 with 1,300 (989 election day, 311 absentee).
Golding won District 83 with 1,110 (844 election day, 266 absentee) and McNally ahd 590 (382 election day, 208 absentee).
Zumbach-Meisheid won the Board of Supervisors seat with 1,076 (822 election day, 254 absentee) and Donahue had 617 (398 election day, 219 absentee).
Chostner won the auditor race with 1,012 (766 election day, 246 absentee) and Taylor had 630 (43 election day, 217 absentee).
Gardner won the sheriff race with 1,255 (900 election day, 355 absentee). There were 32 write-in votes in the race.
Putnam
Putnam Township had 1,376 election day and 487 absentee ballots for a turnout of 83.92 percent.
Trump was the main vote winner in presidential, drawing 962 (777 election day, 185 absentee), followed by Harris with 874 (578 election day, 296 absentee). Oliver had 7 (6 election day, 1 absentee), Kennedy Jr. 10 (9 election day, 1 absentee).
Hinson won the House District 2 with 983 (802 election day, 181 absentee), Corkery had 821 (532 election day, 289 absentee) and Puffett had 12 (10 election day, 2 absentee).
McClintock handily won District 42 with 1,207 (976 election day, 231 absentee). There were 61 write-ins in the race.
Golding had the District 83 race with 969 (788 election day, 181 absentee) and McNally had 781 (508 election day, 273 absentee).
Chostner won the auditor race with 892 (722 election day, 170 absentee) and Taylor had 837 (553 election day, 284 absentee).
Gardner won the sheriff race with 1,345 (968 election day, 377 absentee). There were 45 write-ins in the race.
These results are unofficial. The election results will be official after they are canvassed by the Linn County Auditor in the coming weeks.
The agency sent out a press release following the election calling for Trump to continue the U.S.’ traditions of humanitarian leadership and care.
Dugger said, no matter who you voted for we are all one community.
“We see people laughing and talking and crying in here with their kids,” she said. “I mean, it’s the same thing that we all have in our lives. So I think just that message of we still have a community that we’re taking part in, whether or not you agree on politics, we can agree on our community. I really believe that.”
than 14 tons of medications collected
at DEA Omaha Division Take Back Day Event
The Drug Enforcement Administration (DEA) Omaha Division, alongside 135 state and local law enforcement partners, collected more than 28,000 pounds of unused medications at 163 sites in Iowa, Minnesota, Nebraska and South Dakota, at the 27th National Prescription Take Back Day on October 26. This marks the highest total collected across the DEA Omaha Division since April 2021, when more than 37,000 pounds was tallied.
“Across the country, people are recognizing the importance of tossing out unused prescription medications,” DEA Omaha Division Special Agent in Charge Steven T. Bell said. “Whether it’s to remove the temptation for experimentation, dispose of the medication
in a way that’s environmentally safe or a combination of factors, we had a tremendous showing this fall and we’re grateful for the support of our Midwestern communities.”
Nationally, the DEA collected nearly 630,000 pounds of medications at more than 4,600 locations. Since its inception, DEA’s National Prescription Take Back Day has removed nearly 19.2 million pounds of unneeded medications from communities across our country. This effort to empty medicine cabinets helps to prevent drug misuse before it starts.
According to a report published by the Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration
(SAMHSA), the majority of people who misuse prescription medication for a non-medical purpose got that medication from a family member or friend.
DEA continues to expand opportunities to make safe disposal of medications more accessible nationwide. There are nearly 17,000 pharmacies, hospitals, and businesses that offer safe medication disposal every single day of the year. In addition, many police departments also provide permanent drop boxes. To find a year-round drop off location, visit Every Day is Take Back Day | DEA.gov.
Complete results for DEA’s fall National Prescription Drug Take Back Day are available at Take Back Day.
ties). He stated that it’s hard for legislators of both parties to vote against a property tax reform bill and he hopes that whatever tweaks they make does not harm Linn County as much as previous decisions.
Chairperson Running-Marquardt stated that with regard to property taxes, there were 30 counties that were over their spending authority, and they keep trying to put legislation out there to address that. She gave an example of Adams County’s budget challenges as a result of the bill, noting that there are so many unintended consequences that are negative for this bill because it wasn’t thought out. Going forward, she stated that they will be looking at where they go if it stays in place. It may not just mean efficiencies, but it’ll move into cutting core services provided to the citizens of Linn County.
Motion by Running-Marquardt, seconded by Rogers to approve the following payroll authorizations: TREASURER’S OFFICE Deputy Treasurer Tracy Houdeshell Changing cost center 10/19/24 FACILITIES Custodian Veralia Niyonzima Increase in hours – internal applicant 11/02/24 10B $19.81
ordinance back to the City Council for full consideration. This ordinance will amend the zoning regulations to include additional requirements for smoke shop, tobacco, CBD, cannabis, etc. Should the Council approve of this ordinance, these uses would be restricted to Limited Industrial districts and maintain a 1000-foot separation from youth facilities. This ordinance would do three things. It would define what a smoke shop is, limit those smoke shops to Limited Industrial districts and establish a 1000 foot separation from youth facilities. Council voiced concern about the 1000 foot separation requirement. With this measure of separation, there is virtually nowhere that a business could go in Limited Industrial without being near a youth facility. so this ordinance would essentially be a ban on smoke shops. Nosbisch reminded Council that this type of business requires a Conditional Use Permit from Board of Adjustment so there is a certain level of oversight that will happen without the 1000 foot separation requirement. Current businesses outside of the Limited Industrial district would be grandfathered in but any new businesses would be limited to that district and subject to a Conditional Use Permit application process first. Tuerler made a motion to approve Ordinance #11-4-2024A with one revision. Subsection 8, No. 1 (referencing the 1000 foot separation from youth centers) will be removed from the ordinance. The definition of a smoke shop will not change. Motion seconded by Rose. Roll call all yes. Engel absent. Ordinance passes its first reading.
Resolutions for Approval
STUDENT PUBLICATIONS INC ADS/PUBLICATIONS-ALL DEPTS 874.34 NIGHT SHIFT LLC CLEANING SERVICE-PD 867.84
SCHIMBERG COMPANY WATER MAIN
SUPPLIES-PW SITE 828.81 DE NOVO MARKETING WEBSITE/HUBSPOT SUPPORT-ALL DEPTS 825.00
ALLIANT ENERGY ENERGY USAGE-FD 816.83
MENARDS SUPPLIES-PW SITE 745.41
RICKARD SIGN AND DESIGN CORP SIGNP&REC 730.00
VEENSTRA & KIMM INC NPDES PERMIT
RENEWAL 672.00
STUDENT PUBLICATIONS INC ADS/PUBLICATIONS-P&REC 667.73
EMPLOYEE BENEFIT SYSTEMS INSUR-
CLAIMS-ALL DEPTS
ENERGY ENERGY USAGE-RUT 356.04
BANKCARD 8076 NSF CHARGE-LBC 327.42
DE NOVO MARKETING WEBSITE SUPPORT-LBC 325.00
WENDLING QUARRIES ROAD STONE-PW SITE 323.34
MEDIACOM PHONE/INTERNET-PW 315.81
AMAZON CAPITAL SERVICES OFFICE
EQUIP-ALL DEPTS 314.00
STUDENT PUBLICATIONS INC ADS/PUBLICATIONS-LBC 300.00
AMAZON CAPITAL SERVICES SUPPLIES-LBC 277.92
CENTRAL IOWA DISTRIBUTING SUPPLIES-PD 271.00
ALLIANT ENERGY ENERGY USAGE-P&REC 256.87
CITY LAUNDERING CO SERVICES-LBC 253.92
MENARDS PLUMBING SUPPLIES-PW SITE 253.56
US CELLULAR PHONE/INTERNET-P&REC,WAT,SEW 247.22
VEENSTRA & KIMM INC WATER PLANT
PARCEL SURVEY 244.00
CITY LAUNDERING CO SERVICES-CITY HALL 239.07
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ALLIANT ENERGY ENERGY USAGE-P&REC 215.35
MOUNT VERNON BANK & TRUST CO NSF
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A Zoom option was available. The following Council members were present: Andresen, Rose, West and Tuerler. Absent: Engel. Call to Order. At 6:30 p.m. Mayor Thomas M. Wieseler called the meeting to order Agenda Additions/Agenda Approval. Motion made by West, seconded by Andresen to approve the Agenda. Motion carries. Engel absent. Consent Agenda. Motion made by Tuerler, seconded by Rose to approve the Consent Agenda. Motion carries. Engel absent. Approval of City Council Minutes – October 21, 2024 Regular Council Meeting Public Hearing Public Hearing on an Ordinance Amending Chapter 165 Zoning Regulations, Article 302 Definitions and Article 413 LI – Limited Industrial District of the Mount Vernon Code of Ordinances. Mayor Wieseler opened the public hearing at 6:31 pm. Kassandra Rice, Executive Director of the Wellness Coalition of Rural Linn County, clarified a couple of things regarding the age portion of this ordinance, specifically the need to have someone standing at the entrances of these businesses carding individuals as they come in. Because of the smaller stores here, carding would not need to take place at the door but would be done by the retailer at the time of purchase. The other aspect was why this was being treated different than liquor stores. At this time the City does not have an ordinance regulating age requirements in liquor stores. Another consideration would be changing the verbiage from those under 21 to requiring a state issued ID for 21 or older. Hearing no other public comment, Mayor Wieseler closed the public hearing at 6:34 p.m. Council then acted on Ordinance #11-4-2024A. Ordinance Approval/Amendment Ordinance #10-7-2024B: Amending Chapter 46 Minors of the Mount Vernon Code of Ordinances (tabled on October 7, 2024). Motion made by Tuerler, seconded by Rose to remove from the table. Motion carries. Engel absent. Council voiced concern about the requirement to have someone stationed at each public entrance, which would be difficult for businesses with only one employee. Also of concern was the requirement to have a valid driver’s license from a state authority. Not everyone would have a state issued driver’s license but may have another form of government identification that would work. Tuerler made a motion to approve Ordinance #11-4-2024A with two revisions. Under Section 1, No. 2, the words “be stationed at each public entrance at all times during regular business hours, and shall” will be removed. The second change would be, under Section 1, No. 3, the words “valid drivers license, issued by a state authority” will be replaced with “valid government issued ID”. Motion seconded by West. Roll call all yes. Engel absent. Ordinance passes it’s first reading. Ordinance #10-7-2024C: Amending the Code of Ordinances of the City of Mount Vernon, Iowa, 2000, By Amending Provisions Pertaining to Chapter 165, Zoning Regulations. Staff has not received any verbal or written communication regarding this ordinance since the first reading. Motion made by Tuerler, seconded by West to approve Ordinance #10-7-2024C. Roll call all yes. Engel absent. Ordinance passes its third and final reading. Ordinance #11-4-2024A: Amending
Resolution #11-4-2024A: Approving the Annual Financial Report for Fiscal Year 2024. The Annual Financial Report details the revenues and expenditures for Fiscal Year 2024. Motion made by Tuerler, seconded by Andresen to approve Resolution #11-4-2024A. Roll call all yes. Engel absent. Resolution passes. Resolution #11-4-2024B: Approving the Department of Transportation Street Finance Report for Fiscal Year 2024. The City is required to file an annual Street Finance Report with the IaDOT. The report tracks the street expenditures versus the incoming RUT revenue, in addition to creating an inventory of our street equipment. Motion made by West, seconded by Rose to approve Resolution #11-4-2024B. Roll call all yes. Engel absent. Resolution passes. Resolution #11-4-2024C: Making Award of the Construction Bid for the LBC Generator Installation Project. Veenstra & Kimm is recommending approval of the Hawkeye Electrical Contractors of Cedar Rapids bid in the amount of $194,462.00. The project includes $100,000 of grant funding and $95,000 of LOST proceeds. Motion made by Rose, seconded by Andresen to approve Resolution #11-42024C. Roll call all yes. Engel absent. Resolution passes. Resolution #11-4-2024D: Approving the Plat of Survey #2879 to the City of Mount Vernon, Linn County, Iowa. This resolution approves a plat of survey that creates two parcels on the current public works site. Parcel A is a small triangular piece of land that will stay with Davis Park and the existing pool site. Parcel B contains a majority of the existing public works site that would be offered for sale in the near future. Motion made by Andresen, seconded by Tuerler to approve Resolution #11-4-2024D. Roll call all yes. Engel absent. Resolution passes. Resolution #11-4-2024E: Approving a Perpetual Access Agreement to Part of North Mount Vernon (Deed BK 350, Page 3) to the City of Mount Vernon, Linn County, Iowa. This resolution approves a perpetual access easement that is needed to ensure access for all parties to their future properties (the current public works site sits almost 250 feet off the Cass Street right-of-way). Motion made by Tuerler, seconded by West to approve Resolution #11-4-2024E. Roll call all yes. Engel absent. Resolution passes. Motions for Approval Consideration of Claims List – Motion to Approve. Motion made by Tuerler, seconded by West to approve the Claims List. Motion carries. Engel absent.
L.L. PELLING CO INC PAY APP #1-BUSINESS 30 OVERLAY 462,844.78 PAYROLL CLAIMS 114,964.66
MIDWEST CONCRETE INC PAY APP #14TH ST NW RECONSTRUCTION 111,241.72
DAVE SCHMITT CONSTRUCTION PAY APP #1-BRYANT RD WATERMAIN 94,423.59
FREEDOM BUILDINGS INC SAND/SALT SHED-PW SITE 31,626.11 LOCALITY MEDIA INC SOFTWARE-FD 13,492.50
COMMUNITY DEVELOPMENT GROUP
HOTEL/MOTEL TAX-ECON DEV 12,951.19
JEO CONSULTING DOWNTOWN STREETSCAPE-LOST III 7,570.60 REC DESK LLC ANNUAL SUBSCRIP-P&REC,LBC,POOL 7,300.00 SPRINGVILLE READY MIX CONCRETE-PW FACILITIES 7,002.51 WATERS EDGE AQUATIC DESIGN LLC RENOVATION PLANNING-POOL 6,300.00
BRADY LANHAM CHILI COOK OFF POWER-CDG 660.00 GALLS LLC UNIFORMS-PD 651.01
POSTMASTER UTIL BILL POST-
AGE-WAT,SEW,SW 640.16
AHLERS & COONEY P.C. LEGAL FEESP&A 634.00
UMB BANK 2022 GO FEES 600.00
UMB BANK 2019 GO FEES 600.00
VEENSTRA & KIMM INC DAVIS PARK IMPROVEMENTS 506.16 GPM ENVIRONMENTAL EQUIP REPAIR-SEW 504.00 CTK GROUP TRAINING-PD 500.00 FELD FIRE GLOVES-FD 494.00 EMPLOYEE BENEFIT SYSTEMS INSURANCE CLAIMS-ALL DEPTS 485.37 MECHANICSVILLE TELEPHONE COMPANY PHONE/INTERNET-LBC 447.07
MARTIN EQUIPMENT EQUIP MAINT-PW 210.96
P&K MIDWEST INC EQUIP MAINT-RUT 199.76
KIECKS UNIFORMS-PD 198.00
VEENSTRA & KIMM INC NPDES COMPLIANCE STRATEGY 187.00 CHRIS NOSBISCH MILEAGE-ALL DEPTS 182.24
AMAZON CAPITAL SERVICES SUPPLIES-LBC 171.39
MATT SIDERS MILEAGE-P&REC,LBC 167.50
ORDINANCE #10-7-2024C
AN ORDINANCE AMENDING THE CODE OF ORDINANCES OF THE CITY OF MOUNT
VERNON, IOWA, 2000, BY AMENDING PROVISIONS PERTAINING TO CHAPTER 165, ZONING REGULATIONS.
WHEREAS, the addition of accessory dwelling units as a permitted housing type meets the comprehensive plan goals of “integrating a variety of housing types into the community for all income and age levels,” and “…supporting the Housing Commission,” which identified a need for more lower-cost housing options; and
WHEREAS, the Planning and Zoning Commission has studied the issue of accessory dwelling units, including holding a public input process, and has held a public hearing and recommended approval of this ordinance; and WHEREAS, the City Council has held a required public hearing for this zoning amendment ordinance.
NOW THEREFORE, BE IT ENACTED by the City Council of the City of Mount Vernon, Iowa:
SECTION 1. SECTION MODIFIED. Chapter 165, section 302 of the Code of Ordinances of the City of Mount Vernon, Iowa, the following definitions are hereby amended as follows {underline indicates insertion; strikethrough indicates deletion} and the definitions are renumbered for new and deleted definitions:
Accessory Dwelling Unit (ADU): A dwelling unit located within an owner occupied, single-family home or in an accessory structure subject to the regulations set forth in Section 610.
Apartment. A housing unit within a building designed for and suitable for occupancy by only one familyhousehold. Apartments are generally located within multi-family residential buildings. Family. One or more persons living together and sharing common living, sleeping, cooking, and eating facilities within an individual housing unit, no more than 4 of whom may be unrelated. The following persons shall be considered related for the purpose of this ordinance:
A. Persons related by blood, marriage, or adoption;
B. Persons residing with a family for the purpose of adoption;
C. Not more than eight persons under 19 years of age, residing in a foster house licensed or approved by the State of Iowa.
D. Not more than eight persons 19 years of age or older residing with a family for the purpose of receiving foster care licensed or approved by the State of Iowa.
E. Person(s) living with a family at the direction of a court.
Lot. A parcel of property with a separate and distinct number or other identifying designation which has been created, assigned and recorded in the Office of the Linn County Recorder and may consist of: (a) a single lot of record or (b) a combination of complete lots of record. Each individual lot is subject to the provisions of a particular base Zoning District, and shall have a minimum frontage of 20 feet, except as provided in an approved Planned Unit Development and/or Creative Subdivision (see illustrations below.
SECTION 2. SECTION MODIFIED. Chapter 165, section 402, subsection 2, is hereby amended as follows {underline indicates insertion; strikethrough indicates deletion}:
2. Accessory Uses and Buildings. Uses of land or structure customarily incidental and subordinate to a permitted use in the AG District. Living quarters of persons employed on the premises and not rented or otherwise used as a separate dwelling.
SECTION 3. SECTION MODIFIED. Chapter 165, section 402, subsection 3, is hereby amended as follows {underline indicates insertion; strikethrough indicates deletion}:
3. Conditional Uses. Certain uses may be permitted in the AG District subject to specific conditions and requirements, as approved by the Board of Adjustment, intended to make them compatible with and acceptable to adjacent uses.
A. Accessory dwelling unit
SECTION 4. SECTION MODIFIED. Chapter 165, section 402, subsection 4, is hereby amended as follows {underline indicates insertion; strikethrough indicates deletion}:
SECTION 5. SECTION MODIFIED. Chapter 165, section 403, subsection 3, the following conditional use is added and the other uses are re-lettered: Accessory dwelling unit.
SECTION 6. SECTION MODIFIED. Chapter 165, section 404, subsection 3, the following conditional use is added and the other uses are re-lettered: Accessory dwelling unit.
SECTION 7. SECTION MODIFIED. Chapter 165, section 404, subsection 4, is hereby amended as follows {underline indicates insertion; strikethrough indicates deletion}:
SECTION 8. SECTION MODIFIED. Chapter 165, section 405, subsection 3, the following conditional use is added and the other uses are re-lettered: Accessory dwelling unit.
SECTION 9. SECTION MODIFIED. Chapter 165, section 405, subsection 4, is hereby
amended as follows {underline indicates insertion; strikethrough indicates deletion}:
SECTION 10. SECTION MODIFIED. Chapter 165, section 406, subsection 3, the following
conditional use is added and the other uses are re-lettered: Accessory dwelling unit.
SECTION 11. SECTION MODIFIED. Chapter 165, section 406, subsection 4, is hereby amended as follows {underline indicates insertion; strikethrough indicates deletion}:
SECTION 12. SECTION MODIFIED. Chapter 165, section 408, subsection 3, the following conditional use is added and the other uses are re-lettered: Accessory dwelling unit.
SECTION 13. SECTION MODIFIED. Chapter 165, section 409, subsection 3, the following conditional use is added and the other uses are re-lettered: Accessory dwelling unit.
SECTION 14. NEW SUBSECTION. Chapter 165, section 610, is amended by adding a new subsection, “1.”, which hereby reads as follows, and renumbering the subsequent subsections:
1. Accessory Dwelling Units (ADU). ADUs that are allowed as a conditional use are subject to the following conditions:
A. Type. ADUs may be classified as one of the following:
(a) Internal. A dwelling unit that is located wholly within the primary structure without expansion of the footprint (e.g. basement or attic units).
(b) Attached. A dwelling unit that is considered part of the primary structure but results in an expansion of the primary structure’s footprint.
(c) Detached. A dwelling unit that is separate from the primary structure (e.g. garage apartment or standalone structure)
B. Standards. ADUs shall comply with the following use-specific standards:
(a) One detached or one attached or internal ADU is permitted per lot.
(b) The ADU must be a complete, separate dwelling unit that functions independently from the principal use. It must contain its own kitchen and bathroom facilities and a separate exterior entrance, which, for an internal or attached ADU, may not be on the primary facade.
(c) Unless specifically addressed in this section, ADUs shall be subject to the regulations for a structure on the underlying zone district with regard to lot and bulk standards (e.g., height, setback/yard requirements, building coverage).
(d) The maximum size of an ADU may be no more than the footprint of the primary structure or 800 square feet, whichever is less.
(e) One off-street parking space is required for each ADU.
(f) ADUs may only be built on the same lot as the primary structure and shall be place on and secured to a permanent frost-free perimeter foundation.
(g) The owner of the property on which an ADU is located must occupy at least one of the dwelling units on the premises as the permanent legal resident.
The ADU and the principal use must be under the same ownership.
(h) Mobile homes, recreational vehicles, travel trailers, and any other wheeled or transportable structure shall not be used as ADUs.
(i) An existing accessory structure whose height or setback(s) does not meet the requirements for a dwelling in the zone district may be converted into an ADU, but the structure may not be altered in any manner that would increase the degree of non-compliance.
(j) Home occupations may be permitted in an ADU as required in this section. Allowable conditions will be calculated for one dwelling unit except for floor area, which may be based on allowable floor area for all permitted dwellings.
(k) ADUs shall not be considered for the site area per housing unit calculations.
(l) The ADU must be designed so that the appearance of the building remains that of an allowed use within that zone, and any new entrances, exterior finish materials, trim, windows, and eaves must visually match the principal use.
SECTION 15. SECTION MODIFIED. Chapter 165, section 702, is repealed and the following is adopted in lieu thereof:
1. Encroachments on Required Yards. Every part of a required yard shall be open and unobstructed from finished grade upward, except as specified herein.
A. Architectural projections, including roofs which cover porches, enclosed porches, window sills, belt courses, cornices, eaves, flues and chimneys, and ornamental features may project three feet (3’) into a required yard.
B. Terraces, patios, uncovered decks, and ornamental features which have no structural element more than two feet (2’) above or below the adjacent ground level may project ten feet (10’) into a required yard. However, all such projections must be set back at least three feet (3’) from an adjacent side lot line; or and twenty feet (20’) from any street property line.
C. ADA ramps servicing a dwelling unit may be projected 11 feet (11’) into a required yard.
D. Fire escapes, fireproof outside stairways, and balconies opening to fire towers may project a maximum of 3 feet (3’) into required yards, provided that they do not obstruct the light and ventilation of adjacent buildings.
E. For buildings
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, Nov. 14
Story Time, Cornell Public Library Byerly Room, 9:30 a.m.
Fiber Friends, Southeast Linn Community Center, 10:30 a.m.
LBC Adult Speaker Series “Mount Vernon’s Inaugural Artist-In-Residence“ by Sarah Fitzgerald, Lester Buresh Family Community Wellness Center, 1 p.m.
Mount Vernon Middle School choir, band and orchestra concert, Mount Vernon Performing Arts Center, 7 p.m.
Lisbon Fall Play “Writer’s Bloc,” Lisbon School Auditorium, 7 p.m.
Friday, Nov. 15
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.
Iowa’s Prohibition and Bootlegging legacy and bar crawl, Lisbon Public Library, 5 p.m.
Lisbon presents “We’re All Chickens,” Lisbon School Auditorium, 7 p.m.
Saturday, Nov. 16
Lisbon Fall Play “Writer’s Bloc,” Lisbon School Auditorium, 7 p.m.
Sunday, Nov. 17
Lisbon presents “We’re All Chickens,” Lisbon School Auditorium, 2 p.m.
Monday, Nov. 18
Mount Vernon City Council, Mount Vernon City Hall, 6:30 p.m.
Mount Vernon High School National Honor
CALENDAR & PUZZLES
200 E. Market St., 455-2000 livinghopegmc.org
Interim Pastors
Services live streamed at Living Hope Global Methodist Church’s YouTube page Sundays at 9:45 a.m. Sun.: 9:45 a.m. — In-person worship.
Seeds of Faith Lutheran Church, ELCA
798 Brenneman Lane, 455-2599 (Off Hwy. 30 on eastern edge of Lisbon) www.seedsoffaithlutheran.org/
Pastor Erika Uthe
9 a.m. — In-person worship. Services also livestream via Seeds’ Facebook Page.
BERTRAM
United Methodist Church 319-365-8077
Rev. 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 Jack Ray 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
Society Induction, Mount Vernon High School Performing Arts Center, 6 p.m.
Tuesday, Nov. 19
Tuesday Morning Book Club, Cornell College Cole Library Room 108 9:30 a.m.
Lego Club, Cornell college Room 108, 3:30 p.m.
Yarn squad, Cornell College Cole Library Room 326, 6:30 p.m.
Learn to play Bridge, Cornell College Cole Library room 108, 7-9 p.m.
Community of readers book group, Cornell College Cole Library room 310, 7:30 p.m.
Wednesday, Nov. 20
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, 1-3 p.m.
Mount Vernon-Lisbon unit of League of Women Voters of Linn County discuss transportation in small town and rural Iowa, Mount Vernon City Hall, 6:30 p.m.
Thursday, Nov. 21
Story Time, Cornell Public Library Byerly Room, 9:30 a.m.
Fiber Friends, Southeast Linn Community Center, 10:30 a.m.
LBC Adult Speaker Series “Emergency Services and Disaster Preparedness” by local agencies, Lester Buresh Family Community Wellness Center, 1 p.m.
Jessica Monnier piano studio student recital, Cornell College Armstrong Youngker Hall Ringer Recital Studio, 7 p.m.
1 Site for a light bite
5 Cy Young winners, e.g.
9 Dog leg terminus
12 Like many Keats works
13 Swahili honorific
14 “Lucy and ___” (2022 documentary)
15 Instrument panels
17 Landed
18 Sweatshirt style
19 Syllables of laughter
21 Word on a nutrition label
23 “Educated insolence,” per Aristotle
24 Gesture of reassurance
25 Long time span
26 Subject to damages
28 Trademark of deadpan stand-ups
30 Lou Grant’s wife on “The Mary Tyler Moore Show”
31 Bugs, perhaps
33 Areas that are lower than their surrounding terrain
35 “I’m flexible”
36 Toss out
40 Like the femur, among all bones in the body
43 Quiet period
44 What lies before you, with “the”
47 Not ruling out
49 Black ___
50 Stopover
51 What makes a sticker stickier?
52 Do some garden work
53 Dance floor lighting option
55 Text massager
57 Ungulate feature
58 Author’s concern that, when parse as four parts, provides a hint to this puzzle’s theme
62 Sufficient, informally
63 Bold, energetic and ambitious type, it’s said
64 Speed
65 Collector’s goal
66 Give, but expect back
67 Words to a betrayer
Down
1 Major food source animal
2 Computing pioneer Lovelace
3 Swer ve wildly from side to side, as a car
4 ___ Park, neighborhood of Los Angeles
5 Anticipate
6 Mind
7 Burnt bit of brisket
8 Confidently struts
9 ___ Bay, neighborhood of the Bronx
10 Italian cheese
11 Fail to act decisively in the face of a challenge
13 Legislative collectives
14 One of three in an SOS message
16 Part of a pipe
20 Melancholy Musketeer
21 Raced, as away from danger
22 Right hand
24 Feeds (on)
27 “Twilight” protagonist
28 Lavishly regaled, in a way
29 Scooby-Doo, to Scrappy-Doo
32 Druid, e.g.
34 Indian honorific
37 Goes hog-wild
38 Prefix with cumulus
39 Move for ward resolutely
41 Fountain of Youth’s promise
42 Old-timey medicines
44 Things listed on a wedding registr y
45 Play opener
46 “Stee-RIKE three!” follower
48 Essence
51 Put two and two together, say
54 Not quite right
55 Whistle-blower Brockovich
56 Sludge
59 Rich rock
60 Private sleeping accommodations?
61 Big bird
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.
For Sale - Pets
When veterinary care is unavailable or unaffordable, ask for Happy Jack® animal healthcare products for cats, dogs, & horses. At Tractor Supply ® & Bomgaars ® (www.happyjackinc.com).
Miscellaneous
Safe Step. North America’s #1 Walk-In Tub. Comprehensive lifetime warranty. Top-of-the-line installation and service. Now featuring our FREE shower package and $1600 Off for a limited time! Call today! Financing available. Call Safe Step 1-844-376-4154.
Miscellaneous
Eliminate gutter cleaning forever! LeafFilter, the most advanced debris-blocking gutter protection. Schedule a FREE LeafFilter estimate today. 20% off Entire Purchase. Plus 10% Senior & Military Discounts. Call 1-855-913-1560.
P repare for power outages today with a Generac Home Standby Generator. Act now to receive a FREE 7-Year warranty with qualifying purchase. Call 1-855-954-5087 today to schedule a free quote. It’s not just a generator. It’s a power move.
The Mount Vernon Community School District
The Mount Vernon Community Transportation Department is looking for substitute route drivers and activity drivers.
If you are interested, please contact the Transportation Department at transportation@mvcsd.org or at (319) 895-8845 ext. 1008.
The Mount Vernon Community School District is an EEO/AA employer.
