Mount Vernon-Lisbon
Wolf Carbon Solutions withdraws pipeline permit request
Nathan Countryman
Mount Vernon-Lisbon Sun nathan.countryman@mvlsun.com
Wolf Carbon Solutions withdrew its permit request for a pipeline that would have run from Cedar Rapids toward Illinois on Dec. 2. The pipeline would have captured carbon dioxide emissions at the Archer Daniel Midland Company ethanol plants in Cedar Rapids and Clinton, liquefied those gases and transported the results to Illinois for sequestration underground. Carbon sequestration is the process of taking liquid carbon dioxide and trapping it under rocks several feet below the ground.
The pipeline’s path would have passed south of Mount Vernon and Lisbon, as well as cut through Linn, Cedar, Clinton and Scott counties in Iowa.
A series of public meetings were held regarding the project after a permit was applied for in February 2023, and community members spoke up against the proposed pipeline projects.
“After the accidents at ADM’s CO2 sequestration site in Decatur, Ill., and the subsequent enforcement order by the EPA, we knew that the handwriting was on the wall,” said Jessica Wiskus, a Linn County landowner, in a release responding to the cancellation. “This is not a safe technology, and the scale of the potential hazards posed by CO2 capture and sequestration make it only a matter of weeks after those accidents came to light that Wolf admitted, by their withdrawal, that the proposed CO2 pipeline project was not viable.”
Wolf, in its filing, said it may still seek a determination on a project in Iowa in the future once “more certainty exists concerning its plans to proceed.”
This marks the second pipeline stretching south of Mount Vernon and Lisbon to have rescinded an application, with a pipeline project by Navigator CO2 withdrawing a permit in early 2022. Wolf Carbon Solutions started discussions on a pipeline at the end of 2022 and applied for a permit in 2023.
Nathan Countryman
Mount Vernon-Lisbon Sun
nathan.countryman@mvlsun.com
While temperatures were in the single digits, with wind chills bringing them negative, it didn’t detract people from attending Mount Vernon’s Magical Night.
And even some unexpected guests made a brief stop for the night.
At the cookie decorating station at First Presbyterian Church’s fellowship hall, volunteers worked to safely relocate a bat who was discovered there. Said bat was safely collected in an empty cookie box and relocated.
Pastor Vicki Fisher said that the soup supper at Mount Vernon United Methodist Church had steady traffic throughout the evening.
“We added six additional tables to the fellowship hall following the soup supper in 2023, and we came close to having all seats filled at one time,” Fisher said.
The Rooted Youth Group, a collaboration of youth from First Presbyterian Church, Mount Vernon United Methodist Church and Seeds of Faith Lutheran Church, helped provide the volunteers who helped at that event.
Whimsical Night
Cold doesn’t deter crowds for Magical Night
And while people might have wondered aloud “why does the outside have to be so cold?” the outdoor activities at Magical Night, like Saint Paul Lutheran Church’s Living Nativity Scene drew crowds for the 6:15 and 7 p.m. showing.
Area businesses were open during the community event, with some like Abbe Creek Gallery offering cider, cookies and their window space for Dance Arts Iowa performers.
PHOTOS | 2
Mount Vernon supporting Dolly Parton Imagination Library
Nathan Countryman
Mount Vernon-Lisbon Sun
nathan.countryman@mvlsun.com
The City of Mount Vernon will be supporting the Dolly Parton Imagination Library in the years to come.
Representatives from Friends of the Lisbon Public Library presented about the program at the Dec. 2 council meeting.
John Bardsley said the Friends of the Lisbon Public Library are supporting the program in both communities of Lisbon and Mount Vernon, and has a total of 221 kids signed up for the program. Mount Vernon represents 84 of those kids currently in the program.
Marti Hurst said the importance of the program is to inspire a love of reading in all children.
“Exposing children to books earlier
“It took us roughly two years to get to 60 percent participation in Lisbon when we launched,” Bardsley said. “It’s a well-received program, and we have had supporters who are very generous for the program.”
Nathan Countryman | Mount Vernon-Lisbon Sun
Top left: Nina Scott works on finishing a Christmas tree decoration in the Iowa Physical Therapy parking lot. Above: The Living Nativity Scene comes to a close at the 6 p.m. showing.
The Sun will not publish on December 26
The Sun office will be closed Dec. 24th through Dec. 27th and Dec. 31 through Jan. 1. We can be reached by phone or email if needed.
Happy Holidays
Correction
In the Nov. 21 edition of the Mount Vernon-Lisbon Sun, Rosalie Kleinmeyer was misidentified in pictures from the mock trial competition at Cornell College. The Sun apologizes for the error.
Clarification
In the story on Linn County LIFTS from Nov. 28, Carter Baldwin explained that LIFTS service is only utilized for those with disabilities primarily in the Cedar Rapids metro. Members of the League of Women Voters wanted to clarify that is because Cedar Rapids has its own metro bus service that operates in the community for other individuals to utilize. Linn County LIFTS operation in the rest of the county is open to all individuals who need the service, not just those with disabilities.
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
Below left: Santa Claus and Mrs. Claus count down to lighting the First Street Community Center. Below right: Anna Wilson of The Local takes a break from her shop to visit The Grinch (Kim Benesh) and Cindy Lou Who (Braden Rood) at The Nourishing Root Thursday, Dec. 5.
Above: Youth had the opportunity to pet the animals at Memorial Park Gazebo ahead of Saint Paul Lutheran Church’s Living Nativity Scene. Left: Santa Claus stops to pose with the second graders after they sang “We Wish You a Merry Christmas.”
Above: Tennessee enjoys the cookie he decorated at the cookie decorating station.
Left top: Josie and AnnaLee Comley work at decorating cookies.
Left bottom: Mount Vernon City Hall hosted the Christmas Bazaar and Bake Sale Thursday, Dec. 5.
Left: Bass Farms was one of a few outdoor vendors at the holiday Christmas market at Magical Night 2024, one of the new features this year. Right: Animals from Last Hope Animal Rescue were featured at the old Mount Vernon Fire Station. Dog toys, treats and a bake sale were also housed in the space for Magical Night.
increases their school readiness,” Hurst said.
“They are able to learn how to hold a book, name objects they spot in books, [and] start reading books themselves. All things that make people literate. What an invest-
ment in our community to support children and learning.”
Hurst said something children get excited about is receiving mail each month, as the books arrive monthly.
Bardsley said he would like the City of Mount Vernon to commit to what they feel comfortable to
Radio water meter reads projects roughly finished
Nathan Countryman
Mount Vernon-Lisbon Sun
nathan.countryman@mvlsun.com
Mount Vernon city administrator Chris Nosbisch said the radio water meter reads are at a 94.4 percent completion rate for the project.
“There were roughly 81 meters that did not get placed,” Nosbisch said. “Thirty-two of those were
support the project. The cost for the program is $6,000 annually. The City of Lisbon currently funds $1,000 to the program, and other donors have made throughout the years.
Council member Paul Tuerler said this was a “no-brainer.”
“It fits with our mis -
sion to support the public library in Mount Vernon,” Tuerler said.
Families can sign up for the program at Lisbon Public Library, Bauman’s and Cole Library. Members of the committee have held sign-ups at numerous festivals in Mount Vernon and Lisbon.
non-responsive and 36 needed additional plumbing work or a smaller meter to be installed, but weren’t finished before the contractor’s time ran out.”
Nosbisch said the city will be working with the 36 who needed additional plumbing or different-sized meters.
After those installations are completed, the city council will need to figure out how to get the remaining radio water meter reads compliant and installed.
“I’m very happy with the work Ferguson did on this project to get us to just shy of 95 percent complete in the time they were contracted,” Nosbisch said.
Mayor Tom Wieseler asked if citizens should be worried about the lead service lines identified during the process.
Nosbisch said the city will send notices to those who had lines identified yearly, and a $20 test kit can identify if their water is safe.
“It’s like homes purchased that were built before the 1970s,” Nosbisch said. “There’s always a chance that you have lead paint on the walls.”
Stuff the Truck helps Young Parents Network
year sponsoring the annual toy drive.
“Our employees go above and beyond to help with this
drive every year,” said Lisa Lansing, communications director at Lynch FordChevrolet.
Amy Friedl show features Mount Vernon Swingin’ Stangs
Tickets still available to show at Paramount
Amy Friedl will be taking her holiday show to the Paramount Theater Saturday, Dec. 14, in Cedar Rapids, and she won’t be alone.
This year, her show will feature members of the Mount Vernon High School Swingin’ Stangs performing alongside her in several songs.
“They’re such a talented group, and I can’t wait to see the kids up on the big
Paramount stage,” Friedl said.
Friedl said the show this year contains a variety of classic holiday songs and contemporary favorites, as well as some of their favorite non-holiday music.
“My band members and I have been playing together for years so it’s fun to weave in some of our favorite songs,” Friedl said.
She said working with director Scott Weber and the Swingin’ Stangs has been “an incredible experience.”
“Scott’s energy and drive shines through the students in their playing,” Friedl said. “My music director Luke Viertel and
I were so impressed with them at our first rehearsal - they could’ve performed it for an audience that day! The players are focused and respectful. I’m just so honored to work with them.”
She also said it’s been fulfilling to share with students the mission of why she and her team create music and perform.
“That fulfillment of performing goes far beyond just playing the notes correctly,” Friedl said. “We’re telling a story and sharing our gifts with the audience.”
Tickets are still available for the show, and the discount code GOSTANGS will get Mount
Vape shop ordinances pass in MV
The council has officially passed new ordinances on not allowing minors in smoke shops, as well as setting where future smoke shops can be established in the community.
The ordinances passed third and final readings at the city council, with no public comment in opposition to the amendments.
Council member Mark Andresen thanked other council members for taking the appropriate pause to look at the language in the ordinances.
“I think we got the correct wording in these ordinances thanks to that pause and looking at them closely,” Andresen said.
Hearings set for Jan. 6 on urban renewal plan, development agreement with Kwik-Trip
Hearings are set for Monday, Jan. 6, for the city to approve changes to the urban renewal area along Business 30 to allow for the new Kwik-Trip location.
The first hearing would allow the city to expand Rachel Street infrastructure utilizing tax increment financing.
The second hearing will be on considering a development agreement with Kwik-Trip to move forward.
JEO streetscape coming
A vision of the streetscape master plan will be rolled out at the next Mount Vernon City Council meeting.
“JEO did a wonderful job incorporating the feedback they got from the community during a number of sessions,” said Lori Boren, assistant city administrator. “I’m working now to make sure that the master plan is something manageable for the public works department, and we should have a full update on the master plan at the Dec. 16 meeting.”
Vernon friends $5 off each ticket.
Pictured in photo below, from left: John Walz (general manager of Lynch Ford-Chevrolet), Lisa Lansing (Lynch FordChevrolet), Tasia Davidson (Young Parents Network) and Kim Hanna (Young Parents Network) with the collected toys donated to the Young Parents Network.
OPINIONS
Brain Rot: If
you think it’s not serious, think again
Living in Iowa
Dan Brawner
Brain rot. Sure, you laugh. But if brain rot was not a real thing, then why did Oxford University Press choose it as their word of the year? What is brain rot, you ask? Well, if you have to ask, then you know you’ve got it.
Reddit contributor, identified only as “Sayakai” who presumably doesn’t have it, writes, “Brain rot is the idea that exposure to certain (media) content can turn you into an idiot. … Someone who’s really excited about some franchise they discovered and it’s kind of taking over their life for a while, has brain rot.”
Camilla Foster, lifestyle reporter for PA Media describes the mind-numbing fog of brain rot: “If you feel lethargic after mindlessly scrolling through TikTok in bed, you have probably experienced brain rot.” (Sound familiar?) Oxford Press defines brain rot as “the supposed deterioration of a person’s mental or intellectual state, especially viewed as the result of overconsumption of materials (now particularly online content) considered to be trivial or unchallenging.” According to Oxford Press, incidents of the term have increased 230% in the past year. As diseases, go, brain rot is a pandemic.
Although brain rot has become trendy, the term was actually invented many years ago by Henry David Thoreau, sometimes referred to as an “influential philosopher”, famous for his 1854 book Walden, documenting his retreat to a cabin in the woods, where he got back to basics. Thoreau cautioned against intellectual oversimplification. “Why level downward,” he asks, “to our dullest perception always, and praise that as common sense?” He goes on, “While England endeavors to cure the potato-rot, will not any endeavor to cure the brain-rot, which prevails so much more widely and fatally?”
Although Thoreau is known for his simple lifestyle, subsisting on a vegetarian diet, he once killed and ate a woodchuck that was plundering his beans. Speaking as a long-suffering victim of woodchucks living under my house, I applaud Thoreau. He’s not only a great philosopher, he’s The Man!
Brain rot is not only a disease, it’s a lifestyle, complete with its own vocabulary. Elevated (if that’s the right word) by the sub-verbal internet show “Skibidi Toilet” in which a man sticks his head out of a toilet as he is pursued by people with cameras for heads, brain rot speaks in its own language to Gen Z members. “Rizz”, last year’s Oxford word of the year, is short for charisma and refers to a person’s style and mojo. “Sigma” is a cunning, rebellious loner. “Glazing” is the act of heaping excessive praise on somebody. “Ohio” is a name for the weirdest place on Earth, a synonym for the bizarre and insane. (J.D. Vance is from Ohio.)
There is a reason Australia has now banned social media for everybody under the age of 16. Brain rot is real. America’s next Secretary of Education, Linda McMahon once helped to run a fake wrestling organization, World Wrestling Entertainment, in which participants hit each other with metal folding chairs. Our next Health and Human Services Secretary will be RFJ Jr., the anti-science Brain Worm Guy who eats roadkill. And on and on. In the movie The Wizard of Oz, when Dorothy is transported by a tornado into the magical world of Oz, she says to her dog, “Toto, I’ve got a feeling we’re not in Kansas anymore.” No, we’re in Ohio.
SUN
EDITORIAL
How the community fared on goals in 2024
At the beginning of the school year, we set out a list of goals for the community and projects to be tackled. Here’s how the community did on those goals.
New superintendent at MV schools
The Mount Vernon School Board and community did an excellent job in their hiring process with the new superintendent, Matt Leeman. Dr. Greg Batenhorst was a well loved superintendent at the Mount Vernon Schools , and left big shoes to see filled with the number of projects that were finished in his tenure. And the district has been addressing one of the areas that was discovered in May of last year, with a focus on the budget amidst stagnant enrollment at the district. Leeman has been doing a terrific job being present at the schools and communities and guiding the board on visions for the district moving forward in years to come.
Uptown streetscape study completed
While the final report is still being finalized from JEO, the City of Mount Vernon and JEO had several opportunities for citizens, businesses and others impacted by a potential streetscape to voice their concerns about any proposed changes. The scope of what the project will entail in the future (how much infrastructure is completed) will be up to the city council to determine as well in the coming years. As city administrator Chris Nosbisch has laid out throughout the process – any work on the streetscape will be staggered to not be happening at the same time as the Hwy. 1 resurfacing work the Iowa Department of Transportation has on the schedule, to not impact two of the main arteries in the community at the same time.
Lisbon baseball diamonds and other projects at the activity complex
Work has continued at the sports complex throughout this past year. The grass wasn’t ready for sporting events to be
Plant closure gives us an economics lesson
Stray Thoughts
Many people would rather get their teeth drilled than discuss economics. If you are one of them, dial up your dentist, because today’s topic probably will make you uncomfortable. Some politicians like to talk about other countries “stealing” the jobs of American workers. The politicians would have us believe these countries are snatching jobs right from under the noses of unwilling, and unwitting, employers in the United States.
A menswear writer named Derek Guy recently provided an important dose of context for American consumers. That context shows politicians have not been completely candid with consumers about the economic realities behind this trend. I will leave the discussion of the politics of this for another day and another person. Instead, I want to share Guy’s knowledge and analysis. He posted about this recently on social media. The peg for Guy’s discussion of manufacturing economics was the closure and auction of the machines and other contents of what for 70 years was known as the Garland Shirt Factory. The plant was named for Garland, N.C., a town of about 600 people where 150 men and women made an American fashion
hosted this season, but after more intense work this past summer, the first proposed events to be hosted at the complex look to be happening in spring 2025. As for the ball diamonds, they are slated to be placed out for bid for construction and development in next spring. Work has also begun on discussing the next phase for the sports complex.
Lisbon construction projects finished
We think we echo what the frustrated students at Lisbon’s drama department had to say at the end of the one-acts this fall – “Construction, get finished already…” While the weight room was completed ahead of the start of school, the lobby renovations to flooring was slightly delayed at the beginning of the school year. The area that created the most headaches, however, was work on the career and technical education wing and additional classroom space. Those spaces were still being worked on in late fall, forcing teachers to come up with creative solutions on where to house classes until that work was finished. That meant that the fall musical had to be shuffled to a different date, as the auditorium stage was utilized for a classroom space for one of Lisbon’s teachers. We do have to commend the work done to the Lisbon playground that was completed on time. That was a terrific project tackled by parents in the district.
And a project that wasn’t on the goal, but is being constructed as we speak – a new 30 unit condominium development for those over the age of 60 and the extension of roadways is underway. As city administrator Chris Nosbisch noted at a meeting in early November, the building is already at full occupancy before construction is completed, and a wait list has been started. It’s a boon to the community to add focused senior housing in the community moving forward, and other housing projects will continue.
We’ll have a new set of goals established for the community for the 2025 year in the Jan. 2 issue of the newspaper.
icon, the Brooks Brothers button-down oxford shirts. For generations, these high-quality shirts were chosen by the upwardly mobile men in boardrooms, banks and businesses throughout the United States. “They were a popular perennial,” Guy wrote of the Brooks Brothers’ shirts. “But over time, Brooks Brothers fell into a common problem: the burden of expansion,” Guy wrote. “In 1971, they had just 11 locations. In 2001, there were 155 stores and outlets in the U.S. and Japan.”
During this expansion, the company’s real estate costs grew. The company was locked into long-term leases. So, executives looked for other ways to offset those expenses. One way was reducing the cost of making the shirts sold in their stores. Another was to turn to discounting to sell even more shirts. Brooks Brothers moved its production to other countries, where labor costs were dramatically lower.
Traditionally, Brooks Brothers shirts rarely went on sale, Guy wrote. When they did, it was once a year and only after Christmas. But by 2010, Brooks Brothers shirts were available at discount during mid-season sales, at end-of-season sales, at Christmas sales, “4 for $249” sales, and “select shirts for just $39” sales.
While that discounting led to more shirts being sold, it also made the economics of producing shirts at a profit in Garland, N.C., more difficult, even with the factory also sewing for other companies besides Brooks Brothers.
Guy explained this shirt-making reality in his social media post: “When Brooks Brothers filed for Chapter 11 bankruptcy, I interviewed a number of their executives. I asked, How is it possible that the company that invented the oxford cloth button-down, one of the most iconic American designs, is not able to charge a premium over stuff found on Amazon?”
Here are some shirt-making economics:
“The simple reason is because at $10-$14/hour wages, a shirt is expensive,” Guy wrote. “At such prices, a company might buy a shirt from Garland at $40, sell it to a store for $80, and then the store sells it to you for about $150.
“But people don’t want to pay $150 for a shirt. Ultimately, consumers want cheap clothes,” Guy wrote.
What has occurred in Garland has occurred in many other American communities where textile companies have cut jobs and stopped cutting and sewing shirts — and suits, blouses, slacks and dresses — over the past several decades.
The U.S. International Trade Commission reported in September that the United States is the largest apparel importer in the world, bringing into the U.S. $79 billion worth of clothes each year, mostly from Asia.
A report by Statista, a data analysis company, provides a statistical foundation for why clothing manufacturing has shifted overseas, primarily to countries in Asia. While workers
Randy Evans Iowa Freedom of Information Council
in Garland might have earned $10 to $14 per hour, garment workers in China are paid the equivalent of about $220 *per month*, Statista reported. In Cambodia, they receive about $190 per month. In Bangladesh, the pay is about $95 per month, according to Statista.
American employees have no desire to work for wages found in developing countries. And economists remind
us that tariffs will simply increase the cost to American consumers for those button-down shirts Brooks Brothers now sells that are made overseas.
Kenneth Ragland, who last managed the Garland operation, summed up the challenge bluntly in an interview with North Carolina’s Sampson Independent newspaper: “Lots of people talk about Made in the USA as being so
necessary, but when the rubber meets the road, most Americans want cheap goods, which do not make it easy for U.S. firms to survive.”
Randy Evans can be reached at DMRevans2810@gmail.com.
The money will give first grade students take-home book packs to promote learning outside of the classroom.
Iowa Gov. Kim Reynolds and the Iowa Department of Education announced Monday a statewide investment of over $3.5 million to provide every first grade student in the state with book packs.
Over 100,000 skill-level book packs containing over one million books will be given to first graders to build on classroom learning and boost reading development at home this winter, according to a Monday news release.
Reynolds said in the news release that Iowa is making early literacy a top priority by enacting landmark literacy legislation, improving state standards, and ensuring teachers have the resources they need to build foundational reading skills in students.
“These book packs, based on the Science of Reading,
bring parents more fully into that process by giving them a fun way to reinforce at home what their children are learning at school,” Reynolds said in the release. “It’s a powerful way to teach our kids to read — so they can spend a lifetime reading to learn.”
Reynolds signed a bill aimed at improving literacy rates for Iowa students into law in May. The law requires schools to notify parents or guardians of students in kindergarten in sixth grade who are not reading at grade-level proficiency and allows parents to have their child repeat a grade.
Test scores from the 2022-23 school year show just 66 percent of Iowa’s third graders are proficient in English Language Arts, including literacy.
The law stipulates that students who do not meet literacy benchmarks to be given a personalized plan to help them until they are able to read at grade level.
The book packs will be provided to all public and accredited nonpublic elementary schools in the state, supplying nearly 38,000 first grade students.
Students in kindergarten and second grade in need of support who attended a Department of Education-funded summer reading program or a Learning Beyond the Bell out-of-school program this year will also receive book packs.
Selected by the Iowa Department of Education, the books
are decodable, meaning they are written for beginning readers and use simple words to help readers connect letters and sounds. In a sequential order, the book packs progressively introduce complex skills to students. Through a competitive bid process, the Department selected Just Right Reader to provide the decodable reading packs at no cost to Iowa’s elementary schools or families, according to the news release. Funds for the book packs are provided through the Iowa Department of Education’s portion of the American Rescue Plan Elementary and Secondary School Emergency Relief and the American Rescue Plan Emergency Assistance to Nonpublic Schools Fund.
Based on the concept of the science of reading, the book packs are customizable and available at multiple reading levels for students. Each book includes a QR code with access to video lessons.
“In partnership with their classroom teachers, families across Iowa can use these evidence-based book packs to reinforce phonics and decoding skills with their children anytime, anywhere,” Iowa Department of Education Director McKenzie Snow said in the news release. “These decodable books meet students where they are, supporting reading comprehension that unlocks a child’s lifetime of potential.”
Mount Vernon Fine Arts Association hosting Jim McDonough
Reserved seating tickets being sold for holiday concert now
Nathan Countryman
Mount Vernon-Lisbon Sun
nathan.countryman@mvlsun.com
The Mount Vernon Fine Arts Association will be hosting Steinway piano artist Jim McDonough in a holiday concert Thursday, Dec. 19, at the Mount Vernon Performing Arts Center. Tickets are available in advance by purchasing at mvhstheatre.ludus.com.
While tickets will also still be available at the door the night of the concert, members of the association are encouraging those attending to purchase their tickets now, as the show has reserved seating.
This concert will serve as a fundraiser for the Mount Vernon Fine Arts Association. Current needs for the fine arts organizations at Mount Vernon, according to Thad Wilkins, choir director, include new robes for Treble Choir, better livestream equipment for all district performances, additional folder storage for growing choir numbers, assisting the district with new sound equipment in the Mount Vernon District auditorium at the middle school, helping pay for students to participate in addition music opportunities outside our district, supplementing all the fine arts teachers' budgets, upgrading and replacing instruments and providing seed money for the middle school musical to get off the ground. That musical for junior thespians is Seussical, and expected to take the stage in January 2025.
This also serves as the first inaugural concert in Mount Vernon Performing Arts Center bringing high level talent to the Mount Vernon area.
“I think we've talked for a while about the need to give back to the community through the space they voted to provide,” Wilkins said. “Obviously our first responsibility is to our students and
families in our district, but when we have the chance to provide additional concert opportunities to our community, I think we need to make them happen. I hope we're able to bring professional musicians to the Performing Arts Center more often going forward.”
Wilkins said he has loved the opportunity to provide a professional performance in the space to our community and the chance to expose Mount Vernon students to another professional musician.
“Jim McDonough is a fixture in Eastern Iowa and has been performing his Christmas Show for a long time,” Wilkins said. “He's a high-level musician that will provide a great atmosphere and family friendly entertainment during the holidays. It's a great way to support the fine arts in our district while celebrating the holiday season.”
The concert will feature McDonough’s signature piano arrangements of holiday music and other all-time favorites, in an event suited for all generations. The concert not only marks McDonough’s first performance at the Mount Vernon Performing Arts Center, but also the first appearance by an International Steinway Artist on the venue’s own Steinway concert grand piano.
“This year’s show promises to be a warm and personal experience for all,” McDonough said. “Similar to my PBS television special, ‘Home for Christmas,’ those in attendance will feel the nostalgia of gathering around the piano, and sharing in our favorite holiday songs and memories.”
After stints as a high school band director, cruise ship entertainer and airtraffic controller, Monticello native, Jim McDonough, began selling his distinctive brand of soothing piano music in local gift shops in eastern Iowa – unknowingly launching a production company and a new career in the process. Now, more than two decades later, the International Steinway Artist continues to oversee the distribution of his extensive music catalog, while headlining concert tours as a soloist, as well as with his professional orchestra and singers.
The road to success, though, has been paved with detours. In eighth grade, an accident nearly ended his musical career. A falling piano crushed three fingers on his right hand – and nearly crushed his dreams in the process. McDonough emerged from two hours of surgery with pins in his fingers and tiny fractures across his hand. But throughout more than a year of physical therapy, McDonough kept playing – with a cast on his right hand – and concentrated on improving his performance with his left hand.
“Playing the piano defined me,” McDonough says. “It was my life, and I was determined to play again.”
He devoted nearly every spare moment to working to get back the dexterity in his right hand, and the rigorous rehearsing paid off. In ninth grade, instead of a car, Jim bought a Steinway grand piano to celebrate how far he’d come.
In 2010, McDonough was honored by the legendary piano maker, Steinway & Sons, naming him to its worldwide artist roster. As a Steinway Artist, McDonough joins an exclusive international list of the
most accomplished and discriminating performing artists, including classical pianist, Lang Lang; jazz star, Harry Connick Jr.; pop icon, Billy Joel; and “immortals,” Irving Berlin and Cole Porter.
McDonough’s hour-long television special, Home for Christmas with Jim McDonough, a concert taped at his personal residence, aired on Iowa PBS during the 2020 holiday season, and on PBS stations across the country beginning in 2021.
His discography includes Requests (2002); Home for Christmas (2003); Projections: Songs from the Silver Screen (2004); An Ivory Christmas (2004); Music of the Night (2004); Simple Gifts (2005); With Love (2006); Homeward Bound (2007); Country Dreaming (2008); A Christmas to Remember (2008); Rat Pack Remembered (2009); Isn’t It Romantic (2010); Young At Heart (2011); Christmas Eve (2011); One Nation Under God (2012); Country Roads (2013); Broadway Dreams (2014); Holiday Grande (2016); ’Tis the Season (2019); and Only You (2021).
Roxy Ekberg
The Daily Iowan
Cornell College continues long history of Handel’s The Messiah
Nathan Countryman
Mount Vernon-Lisbon Sun
nathan.countryman@mvlsun.com
Cornell College’s Chamber Orchestra and choirs presented Handel’s Messiah at a concert at Mount Vernon Performing Arts Center Wednesday, Dec. 4.
As was noted by the Cornell College History Society, the college has a long history of performing Handel’s Messiah, starting as early as 1889. In December 1906, the college moved to performing the concert in December every year through 1961. The choral work has been performed since 1961, but not every single year.
“We’re excited to begin starting up this tradition once again and able to share this choral work with you,” said Ryan Doerr.
Linn County and East Central Iowa Council of Governments win National Association of Development Organizations 2024 Impact Award
Linn County and the East Central Iowa Council of Governments (ECICOG) won a 2024 Aliceann Wohlbruck Impact Award from the National Association of Development Organizations (NADO). The award recognizes their work on the Linn County Housing Needs Assessment and Equity Analysis project completed earlier this year.
The Housing Needs Assessment looked at existing and future housing stock throughout Linn County (excluding the cities of Cedar Rapids, Marion, and
Hiawatha) and identified strategies that can help ensure the housing market provides housing opportunities for people and families of all income levels.
“We are honored to have our Housing Needs Assessment recognized by the NADO Impact Awards,” said Linn County Planning & Development director Charlie Nichols. “Quality housing is a cornerstone of sustainable growth, as it directly impacts economic development, community health, and overall quality of life. Ensuring the availability of housing
Church services for Christmas Eve, Christmas
Day
Nathan Countryman
Mount Vernon-Lisbon Sun
nathan.countryman@mvlsun.com
Area churches will be holding Christmas Eve or Christmas Day worship services this year.
Mount Vernon
Saint Paul Lutheran Church will hold a service of lessons and carols Tuesday, Dec. 24, at 6:30 p.m. On Christmas Day, the church will also host a divine service, with worship beginning at 9:30 a.m.
Saint John the Baptist Catholic Church will hold a Christmas Eve mass at 4 p.m. Tuesday, Dec. 24. There will also be a 9 a.m. Christmas Day mass at the church.
First Presbyterian in Mount Vernon will hold a Christmas Eve Candlelight Service Tuesday, Dec. 24, beginning at 5 p.m.
Mount Vernon Community Bible Church will feature their Children’s Sing Christmas Songs program happening during the 9:30 a.m. service Sunday, Dec. 15. Christmas services are scheduled for 6:30 p.m. Tuesday, Dec. 24, at the church. The church campus is closed Christmas Day
and New Year’s Day this year.
that is affordable, accessible, and near employment centers is a key goal of Linn County’s Comprehensive Plan.”
The Linn County Housing Needs Assessment provides critical insights into the current and future housing landscape, enabling informed decisionmaking to address gaps in housing supply and quality. With this data, Linn County communities can implement targeted strategies to meet the evolving needs of their residents and support inclusive, long-term growth.
The Housing Equity Analysis focused on communities within the metro area including Cedar Rapids, Hiawatha, and Marion. The analysis identified disparate impacts in housing based on race, ethnicity, gender, age, ability status, and other factors. Linn County is using the information from the analysis in its
United Methodist Church of Mount Vernon will hold two Christmas Eve worship services Tuesday, Dec. 24. The first is at 5:30 p.m., and the second at 9 p.m. Church offices will be closed Christmas Eve through Jan. 1 for the Christmas holiday.
Linn Grove Presbyterian Church will hold a 4 p.m. Christmas Eve service Tuesday, Dec. 24.
Lisbon
Living Hope Global Methodist Church will have a 7 p.m. candlelight Christmas Eve service Tuesday, Dec. 24. There is no Christmas Day service.
Seeds of Faith Lutheran Church will have a service-learning activity this Sunday, Christmas caroling at area care centers beginning at 10:30 a.m. A Christmas Eve Candlelight service will be held Tuesday, Dec. 24, beginning at 5 p.m.
Martelle
Martelle Christian Church will hold a Christmas Eve service at 6 p.m. Tuesday, Dec. 24.
Springville
Springville United Methodist Church will have a 6 p.m. Christmas Eve service Tuesday, Dec. 24. There is no Christmas Day service.
Saint Isidore Catholic Church will have a 4 p.m. Christmas Eve Mass Tuesday, Dec. 24. A 9 a.m. Mass will be held Wednesday, Dec. 25 at the church.
Mechanicsville
Saint Mary’s Catholic Church of Mechanicsville will hold a Christmas Eve worship at 4 p.m. Tuesday, Dec. 24.
collaborative work, including through the Alliance for Equitable Housing, to develop solutions to address identified disparities.
“As a regional planning organization, one of ECICOG’s roles in our region is to help communities and counties plan for their future. This includes analyzing historical and current data, which then demonstrates trends and helps communities identify opportunities,” said ECICOG Housing Director Tracey Achenbach. “ECICOG is appreciative for the opportunity to partner with Linn County in completing the Housing Needs Assessment and Equity Analysis and to be a part of a project that works toward finding housing solutions for all Linn County residents.”
The full Housing Needs Assessment and Housing Equity Analysis are available on the Linn County website.
Nathan Countryman | Mount Vernon-Lisbon Sun
Left: Dr. Joshua W. Neuenschwander conducts the production of “Handel’s Messiah” Wednesday, Dec. 4. Right: Ruthie Anne Hale performs an aria during “Handel’s Messiah.” Other soloists included Sam Dolinsek, Lucas Henson and Eva Todd.
Strider and Brooke Patton of San Francisco, Calif., welcomed their second child, Hudson James Patton, May 20, 2024.
Strider is a 2003 graduate of Mount Vernon High School and the son of Christine Goodwin and Dennis Patton. Brooke’s family lives in Las Vegas, Nev., and New Orleans, La.
James
Dec. 2 – Car unlock, 100 blk S. Jackson St, Lisbon
Dec. 2 – Medical, 200 blk School St, Lisbon
Dec. 3 – Medical, 1300 blk Third St SW, Mount Vernon
Dec. 3 – Theft, 100 blk E. Fourth St, Lisbon
Dec. 3 – Medical, 900 blk W. Main St, Lisbon
Dec. 3 – Disturbance, 300 blk Third St NW, Mount Vernon
Dec. 3 – Illegal burn, 600 blk Sixth St NW, Mount Vernon
Dec. 4 – Welfare check, Seventh St SE, Mount Vernon
Dec. 4 – Unattended fire, 300 blk Third St SW, Mount Vernon
Dec. 5 – Theft, 100 blk E. First St, Mount Vernon
Dec. 5 – Theft, 380 Old Lincoln Hwy, Mount Vernon
Dec. 5 – Agency assist- accident, Linn Co
Dec. 6 – Harassment, 380 Old Lincoln Hwy, Mount Vernon
Dec. 7 – Medical, 200 blk Fifth St NW, Mount Vernon
Dec. 7 – Medical, 300 blk N. Jackson St, Lisbon
Dec. 7 – Accident, Eighth Ave NW, Mount Vernon
Dec. 7 – Disturbance, MacGregor Ln SW, Mount Vernon
Dec. 8 – Car unlock, 300 blk business 30 SW, Mount Vernon
Dec. 8 – Agency assist- welfare check, Linn Co
Gingerbread house class
Lisbon Public Library will be holding a gingerbread house class Saturday, Dec. 14, beginning at 10 a.m. Register for the class by clicking on the event at Lisbon Public Library’s event page. Space is limited in the class.
Attendees will learn how to make their own gingerbread house from scratch. Attendees will make their own dough and frosting from provided ingredients. The instructors will teach you some tricks to cut out the house, and attendees can then take the dough home to roll out and bake or bring a cookie sheet and bake the house at Southeast Linn Community Center.
The program is ideal for adults or older children accompanied by an adult.
Any questions, contact library director Elizabeth Hoover de Galvez at 319-455-2800 or elizabeth@lisbon. lib.ia.us
Lisbon caroling by candlelight
Carolers are invited to participate in caroling by candlelight at Lisbon’s Christmas Night activities Friday, Dec. 20, following the parade. Attendees will sing a few Christmas carols to those waiting to see Santa and Mrs. Claus. Event is slated to begin at 6:30 p.m. (or after the parade has concluded).
Contact library director Elizabeth Hoover de Galvez at 319-455-2800 or elizabeth@lisbon.lib.ia.us for more information.
American Legion Army-Navy watch party
On Saturday Dec. 14, the Hahn-Howard American Legion Post 480 will host a Legion/Veteran get-together at Big’s BBQ to watch the annual Army-Navy game. A tray of assorted snacks will be provided and post members’ first drink is on the Post.The event will commence at 1 p.m. and will conclude at the end of the game.
Christmas truce of 1914 presentation
On Thursday, Dec. 19, Hahn-Howard American Legion Post 480 will host an informative talk at the Lester Buresh Community Center about the Christmas Truce of 1914, beginning at 6:30 p.m. Mike Woods will present a short talk about the unprecedented event, followed by Q&A. Traditional Christmas treats and beverages will be available.
Ribbon cutting held at Mount Vernon Family Medicine
(Mount Vernon Schools superintendent), John Bardsley (Lisbon City Council), Tom Kortemeyer (Mount
Vernon Insurance), Jackie Wallace (Jamie’s mother), Courtney FryeSpeed (Bridge Community Bank), Casey O’Connor (Town Center office Suites), Susan Miller (Jamie’s aunt), Lisa White 9Cornell College), Ashley Dunford (Mount Vernon Bank and Trust), Jim Wallace (Jamie’s father), (front, from left) Jake Krob (Mount Vernon Bank and Trust), Jessie Thurn (Mount Vernon-Lisbon Community Development group director), Rik Smith (Jamie’s husband), Dr. Jamie Smith, Angie Axdahl, Megan Gerst and Heather Westphal of Mount Vernon Family Medicine and Brenda Langenberg (Hills Bank and Trust).
The new medical clinic is open at 107 First Street N.E. in Mount Vernon Monday through Friday from 8 a.m. to 5 p.m. Appointments can be made by calling 319-895-1620.
Cole Corner
Cathy Boggs Cole Library
Heartily recommend novel exploring banned books
Our community has embraced Little Free Libraries. You see them as you are walking in town – mainly filled with books, but a few with puzzles. So, when the review of the book Lula Dean’s Little Library of Banned Books by Kirsten Miller came across my computer screen “an entertaining satire about a battle over banned books and a little lending library that changes a community” I had to find out more. In the review they called the book hilarious. Who doesn’t like hilarious? I purchased the book for the library, checked it out and read it. Maybe because I work in a public library and I am all too familiar with banned books I didn’t find the book hilarious, but I did find it well worth reading.
The story line is about a person who leads others in the community to ban many titles and withdraw them from the library’s collection while erecting a little lending library in front of her house filled with books she feels are more appropriate for people to read. A local book lover removes the covers of these titles and replaces them with the banned books. When people choose a book, they are not getting the story they expect – but it is the story they needed to read at the time.
that books can help change our viewpoint - help us to see others in a new light or even understand more about ourselves. Several of the books they chose to ban in the story are books that have been challenged in Iowa. The author does a wonderful job of helping the reader to understand who might need to read some of these titles and how they help people navigate through difficult things in their lives.
At the ribbon cutting for Mount Vernon Family Medicine were: (back, from left) Matt Leeman
Hudson
Patton with his big sister, Imogen Jayne Patton
Nathan Countryman | Mount Vernon-Lisbon Sun
SPORTS
MV GIRLS’ BASKETBALL
Mustang girls’ dunk on Grinnell 77-20
Mustangs 77, Tigers 20
GRINNELL (20) – Hope Dana 2-5 0-0 4, Ella
Seney 0-2 2-2 2, Isabel Kenkel 2-7 2-2 6, Aiden
Gosselink 1-10 0-0 2, Mayci Andrews 2-5 0-0
6, Ava Seney 0-2 0-0 0, Lily Ditzler 0-0 0-0 0,
Lainie Eitel 0-1 0-0 0, Cora Kellogg 0-0 0-0 0,
Addie Gosselink 0-0 0-0 0, Anna Slagle 0-0 0-0 0. Totals 7-30 4-4 20.
MOUNT VERNON (77) – Savanna Wright 5-9 0-0 12, Taylor Franck 5-7 2-4 15, Chloe Meester 5-9 2-2 12, Courtney Franck 4-5 2-2 10, Sydney Huber 5-9 4-5 16, Rylee Rasmussen 0-1 0-2 0, Eryn Jackson 2-5 0-0 5, Quinn Pershing 1-4 0-0 3, Sophia Meester 2-4 0-0 4, Ella Wilson 0-1 0-0 0. Totals 29-54 10-15 77. Grinnell 7 7 4 2 – 20
Mount Vernon 20 29 16 12 – 77
3-point goals – G 2-9 (Dana 0-1, E.Seney 0-2, Ai.Gosselink 0-1, Andrews 2-4, A.Seney 0-1), MV 9-21 (Wright 2-4, T.Franck 3-3, Huber 2-5, Rasmussen 0-1, Jackson 1-3, Pershing 1-4, Wilson 0-1). Rebounds – G 18 (Kenkel 6), MV
39 (C.Meester 9, C.Franck 8). Turnovers – G 22, MV 9. Total fouls – G 10, MV 3.
For the teams trying to match up with No. 1 Mount Vernon girls’ basketball this winter, it may be a case of pick your poison.
All five starters reached double figures in scoring Thursday, Dec. 5, in a blowout win over Grinnell, 77-20, at Mount Vernon.
“And look at the number of assists,” Mount Vernon coach Nate Sanderson said. The Mustangs had 17 on 29 made baskets. “That’s a hallmark of our team. Everyone is willing to share it and move it to the person that’s open.
“Obviously, that’s fun to watch, but it’s fun to play that way, too.”
Sydney Huber led the scoring with 16 points. She was followed by Taylor Franck (15), Chloe Meester (12), Savanna Wright (12) and Courtney Franck (10). The bench also chipped in 12 points.
“Having a lot of people that can score is helpful,” Courtney Franck said. “And it shows what we want to become.”
Courtney and her sister Taylor were mostly known for their ability to distribute the ball and play great defense a year ago. Taylor averaged 7.8 points per game, and Courtney, 6.7 ppg.
“They put a lot of work in during the offseason,” Sanderson said. “Courtney is really attacking the basket and using her footwork near the rim. Taylor has improved her 3-point shooting, plus she can get to the rim.
“They’ve added a lot to their game. Then you throw Savanna in there, who is way advanced for a freshman coming in. She is unbelievable.”
That was always the plan. All three sisters spent the summer on the AAU circuit, improving their offensive game.
“AAU has taught us to be aggressive,” Courtney said. “And to take it to the hole if you can, and shoot it if you are open.
“This year is going to be fun.”
It certainly wasn’t much fun for the Tigers. The Mustangs raced out to a 15-3 lead midway through the first quarter, and just expanded the margin from there.
Grinnell had 22 turnovers and shot just 7-of-30 (23 percent).
“We tried to challenge the team and switched defenses between possessions, which we haven’t really done,” Sanderson said.
And the Mustangs were able to use their bench a little more. Something they haven’t been able to do much with a difficult early-season schedule.
On Tuesday, Dec. 3, the Mustangs lost 66-54 to Class 5A No. 6 Cedar Rapids Prairie.
It was 44-41 after three quarter before the Hawks pulled away. Wright led the team with 17 points. Meester had a double-double with 11 points and 13 rebounds.
“They were a really, really physical team,” Sanderson said. “They have lots of athletes.
“We wanted to be challenged in the non-conference schedule. Every time we play a good team, they are showing us things on film that we can work on to get better.”
Mount Vernon battled another 5A team Thursday, Dec. 5, this time topping Cedar Rapids Kennedy, 61-43.
Wright again led with 20 points, followed by Huber with 14 and Meester with another double-double (13 points, 12 rebounds).
“Those are not teams we’ll see in 3A,” Courtney Franck said. “It just gets us looking forward at who we are going to become.
“We may lose, and that’s okay. It shows us what we need to work on and get better at.”
Moving into WaMaC play, the schedule remains tough. After traveling to Benton on Tuesday, Dec. 10, the Mustangs host No. 7 Williamsburg on Friday, Dec. 13, and host defending 3A champion Solon on Tuesday, Dec. 17.
Then it is a trip to No. 10 West Delaware on Friday, Dec. 20, and a trip to Bolingbrook (in the Chicago suburbs) for an afternoon game on Saturday, Dec. 21.
“It is going to get more difficult,” Sanderson said. “And we are still figuring ourselves out a little bit. We’re still a little bit of a work in progress.”
MV GIRLS’ WRESTLING
Libby Dix champ at Donnybrook
MV team ninth at wrestling tournament
Ryan Suchomel
Mount Vernon-Lisbon Sun ryan.suchomel@mvlsun.com
Mount Vernon senior Libby Dix has a ton of medals, and a state tournament title, to call her own.
But before Saturday, Dec. 7, she had never won the Dan Gable Donnybrook.
“This has been her goal,” Mount Vernon Coach Trevor Trende said. “It was special for her to go out on top her senior year. I’m very happy for her.”
Dix pinned her way through the field at 190 pounds, and beat Leah Stewart of Charles City in the championship match.
As a team, Mount Vernon finished seventh at the 44-team extravaganza at Xtream Arena in Coralville.
“For us to finish seventh, and place ahead of Vinton-Shellsburg and other high-ranked teams, it puts us on the map,” Trende said. “We might not be the biggest, but we have a lot of tough girls in our program.”
One of those tough girls is junior Gracie Pinckney, who finished runner-up at 170 pounds.
Pinckney’s rise up the podium is a byproduct of her extensive work in the offseason, Trende said.
“She really bought into training and
work in the offseason, and joined a club,” Trende said. “She’s put in a lot of extra work to get where she’s at. It is the old cli-
Sydney Goldberg | For the Mount Vernon-Lisbon Sun Kate Martin grapples with Lily Baker of Freedom in the consolation round of wrestling at Donnybrook.
Joesphine Gieger-Lee | For the Mount Vernon-Lisbon Sun
Mount Vernon’s Alivia Truitt (No. 3) drives the ball to the basket in play last week.
Shaely Odean | For the Mount Vernon-Lisbon Sun Mount Vernon point guard Taylor Franck goes for a layup during a varsity girls basketball game between Mount Vernon and Grinnell at Mount Vernon High School on Friday, Dec. 6, 2024. The Mustangs defeated the Tigers 77- 20.
ché, hard work pays off.”
After three pins and a technical fall to reach the finals, Pinckney lost to Addeline
Ryan Suchomel
Mount Vernon-Lisbon Sun ryan.suchomel@mvlsun.com
Graser of Omaha Westside by pin.
“She got stuck on the bottom,” Trende said. “That’s an area she needs to improve on.”
Junior Kiersten Swart lost in the semifinals to Zoe Dempsey of New Lenox/Lincoln-Way Central, 10-3, but rallied to finish third. She beat Madeline Cornish of Mason City in the consolation semifinals, 13-2, then beat Delaney Locke of Basehor-Linwood, 7-2, for third.
Another bounce back story was junior Addi Whisner at 145 pounds. She lost her first match, then had four pins on the consolation side, and finished fifth.
“Kiersten wrestled a really sound tournament, and it always nice when you win your last match,” Trende said. “Addi went through the meat grinder. That’s always fun.”
Overall, Trende was happy to see all of the Mustang wrestlers get a lot of mat time early in the season.
Earlier in the week, on Tuesday, Dec. 3, Mount Vernon lost two duals in Independence to fall to 0-7.
Decorah (53-24) and Independence (40-33) both took down Mount Vernon.
Kate Martin (110), Kiersten Swart (115) and Gracie Pinckney (170) were double winners.
Dan Gable Donnybrook
Team scores (Top 10 of 44) – 1. Raccoon River-Northwest 344.5; 2. Decorah 287.5; 3. Ankeny 277; 4. Mason City 234; 5. WaverlyShell Rock 233.5; 6. Apple Valley 206.5; 7. Mount Vernon 192.5; 8. Cedar Rapids Prairie 183.5; 9. Vinton-Shellsburg 177.5; 10. Basehor-Linwood 157.
MOUNT VERNON
105 – Kate Martin, 1-2. 105 – Carly Elliott, 0-2. 110 – Kiersten Swart, 5-1, third. 125 – Lexi Glaza, 3-4, 12th. 145 – Hannah Jones, 0-2. 145 – Addi Whisner, 5-2, fifth. 155 – Kaylee Kintzel, 4-3, 11th. 170 –Gracie Pinckney, 4-1, second. 170 – Maci Stoner, 1-2. 170 – Lydia Woods, 1-2. 190 – Dottie Korte, 0-2. 190 – Libby Dix, 4-0, first. 235 – Josie Panos, 2-4. 12th.
SILVER: 105 – Carly Elliott, 2-0, first. 145 – Hannah Jones, 1-1, eighth. 170 – Maci Stoner, 1-1, eighth. 170 – Lydia Woods, 2-0, first. 190 – Dottie Korte, 2-0, first.
Decorah 53, Mount Vernon 24
190 – Libby Dix (MV) won by forfeit. 235 – Madysen Lippe (D) pinned Josie Panos 1:50. 100 – Double forfeit. 105 – Chloe Sheffield (D) pinned Carly Elliott 1:02. 110 – Kate Martin (MV) pinned Audrey Feuerhelm :30. 115 – Kiersten Swart (MV) pinned Cassie Wilkins 1:54. 120 – Izabella Kos (D) won by forfeit. 125 –Ellie Adams (D) pinned Lexi Glaza 4:47. 130 – Simone Downing (D) won by forfeit. 135 – Bristol Parker (D) won by forfeit. 140 – Amelia Wadsworth (D) won by forfeit. 145 – Anastasia Simon (D) tech. fall Addi Whisner 16-1 2:53. 155 – Lauren Luzum (D) pinned Kaylee Kintzel 2:58. 170 – Gracie Pinckney (MV) pinned Isabelle Alley :53. Independence 40, Mount Vernon 33 235 – Ellie Fangman (I) pinned Josie Panos :35. 100 – Double forfeit. 105 – Natalie Nichols (I) maj. dec. Carly Elliott 8-0. 110 –Kate Martin (MV) tech. fall Sophia Hurley 17-0 4:58. 115 – Kiersten Swart (MV) pinned Sarah Greiner 5:08. 120 – Morgan Krall (I) won by forfeit. 125 – Claire Carey (I) pinned Lexi Glaza 2:00. 130 – Madison Arnold (I) won by forfeit. 135 – Kennedi Bevans (I) won by forfeit. 140 – Kenleigh Trumblee (I) won by forfeit. 145 – Addi Whisner (MV) maj. dec. CeCe Priebe 9-0. 155 – Kaylee Kintzel (MV) pinned Alex Westphal :59. 170 – Gracie Pinckney (MV) pinned Clair Priebe :54. 190 – Libby Dix (MV) won by forfeit.
Ryan Suchomel
Mount Vernon-Lisbon Sun
ryan.suchomel@mvlsun.com
Lisbon girls’ basketball dropped a pair of games last week, falling to Springville, 57-20, on Tuesday, Dec. 3, and to Bellevue Marquette, 62-43, on Friday, Dec. 6.
Against the then-No. 14 Orioles, Springville raced out to a 32-10 halftime lead. The Lions shot just 18.2 percent (8 of 44) and had 25 turnovers.
“Their 1-2-2 press certainly gave us some fits,” Lisbon Coach Jack Leighty said. “As the game went on, we were able to slow down and made some good decisions against it. This only helps us improve.”
LISBON BOYS’ WRESTLING
Lisbon boys’ 14th at Cliff Keen invite
Ryan Suchomel
Mount Vernon-Lisbon Sun
ryan.suchomel@mvlsun.com
The Cliff Keen Independence Invitational is a massive tournament. So, Lisbon finishing 14th with a few wrestlers on the podium makes for a pretty successful two days.
“We had a really good tournament,” Lisbon Coach Aaron Helmrich said. “I’m really happy with our team’s performance.”
Senior Tiernan Boots (157) had the best podium finish, placing third on Friday, Dec. 6. He lost to Boden White of Denver in the semifinals by technical fall, but bounced back with two wins, topping Kael Cook of Burlington Notre Dame 4-2, then Tucker Wheeler of PCM for third, 7-1.
Jack Gogel (106) was fourth.
Helmrich also felt good about Jackson Knapp (138) winning five times and placing 11th, and Cael Stricker (113) winning four times. Gage Holub lost in third round to Christopher Meyer of Independence 10-3,
Cliff Keen Independence Invitational Team scores (Top 15 of 30) – 1. Alburnett 348; 2. Carlisle 308.5; 3. Fennimore 294.5; 4. Burlington Notre Dame 294; 5. Independence 253; 6. Clear Creek Amana 233.5; 7. ClarionGoldfield-Dows 224; 8. Denver 215; 9. Algona 209; 10. Pleasant Valley 205; 11. Union 203; 12. Solon 199.5; 13. Cedar Rapids Xavier 197.5; 14. Lisbon 193.5; 15. Osage 183. LISBON 106 – Jack Gogel, 5-2, fourth. 106 – Kyler Happel, 0-4. 113 – Cael Stricker, 4-3. 113 – Gavin Hove, 2-3. 120 – Wesley Sadler, 5-1, ninth. 120 – Jack Andrews, 2-4. 126 – Cade Happel, 3-3. 132 –Carter Gadberry, 4-3. 138 – Jackson Knapp, 5-2, 11th. 144 – Luke Roinson, 1-5. 150 – Ian Kelsey, 2-4. 157 – Tiernan Boots, 6-1, third. 165 – Gage Holub, 5-2, 11th. 165 – Justin Snyder, 1-5. 175 – Gavin Carmer, 3-4. 190 – Caleb Brown, 4-3. 190 – Walker Smith, 2-4. 215 – Jacob Walerius, 4-1, ninth. 215 – Hudson Herboldsheimer, 0-5. 285 – Aiden Winders, 1-5. 285 – Kooper Harms, 0-5. Lisbon 60, Durant 13 106 – Jack Gogel (L) won by forfeit. 113 – Cael Stricker (L) pinned Jet Riley 1:29. 120 – Wesley Sadler (L) pinned Aiden
Ryan Suchomel Mount Vernon-Lisbon Sun ryan.suchomel@mvlsun.com
Lisbon boys’ basketball won their season-opener against Springville, 68-60, then lost to 1A state runner-up Bellevue Marquette, 67-52.
Against the Defenders on Friday, Dec. 6, in Lisbon, the Lions trailed by just two, 30-28 at half, but lost the third quarter 17-9.
and placed 11th.
“Jack wrestled very good,” Helmrich said. “If his quarterfinal had gone differently, he might have made the finals. Wish he could get that match back.”
Earlier in the week, the Lions got a pair of dual wins in Durant. They beat the Wildcats 60-13 and blanked the Lone Tree Lions, 84-0.
It was the first boys/girls shared dual for Lisbon, which is fielding its first girls wrestling team this winter.
“We wanted to get them in front of the boys’ crowd,” Helmrich said. “Hopefully get them more of a following.”
Helmrich noted that Gage Holub had a tough loss to Kadyn Kraklio at 165 by major decision 18-9.
“That kid is a good wrestler,” he said. “Over the course of the year, we’ll get those points back.”
Alderman :44. 126 – Cade Happel (L) won by forfeit. 132 – Trey Ramer (D) dec. Carter Gadberry 8-6. 138 – Jackson Knapp (L) pinned Gunner Klahn 1:01. 144 – Luke Robinson (L) won by forfeit. 150 – Ian Kelsey (L) won by forfeit. 157 – Tiernan Boots (L) pinned Wyatt Cole 1:35. 165 – Kadyn Kraklio (D) maj. dec. Gage Holub 18-9. 175 – Gavin Carmer (L) Owen Collier :46. 190 – Kamdyn Kraklio (D) pinned Caleb Brown 1:17. 215 – Jacob Walerius (L) won by forfeit. 285 – Aiden Winders (L) won by forfeit. Lisbon 84, Lone Tree 0 113 – Cael Stricker (L) pinned Cole Walmsley 1:11. 120 – Wesley Sadler (L) pinned Brock Nebergall 1:40-. 126 – Cade Happel (L) won by forfeit. 132 – Carter Gadberry (L) won by forfeit. 138 – Jackson Knapp (L) pinned Wyatt Ackerman 1:13. 144 – Luke Robinson (L) pinned Clemens Swaink 1:38. 150 – Ian Kelsey (L) pinned Ace Swaink 1:18. 157 – Tiernan Boots (L) pinned Anthony Hardin :55. 165 – Gage Holub (L) won by forfeit. 175 – Gavin Carmer (L) pinned Brody Magruder :59. 190 – Caleb Brown (L) won by forfeit. 215 – Jacob Walerius (L) pinned Tate Nelson :47. 285 – Aiden Winders (L) won by forfeit. 106 – Jack Gogel (L) pinned Trenton McKean 1:05.
Springville on Tuesday, Dec. 3, in Lisbon.
Wollum had 23 points and eight rebound and Schaefer had 13 points, 13 rebounds and five assists.
Senior guard Tyler Sauser also came through with 17 points and eight assists.
And Sauser scored 31 points his entire junior season.
Morgan Sauser led the way with nine points and Ava Ahrendsen had eight rebounds. Against Marquette, the Lions were outrebounded 50 to 27.
struggled to keep their post players off the offensive boards.”
“They have three kids 5-foot-11 or taller on the floor at one time and that certainly posed some match-up problems for us,” Leighty said. “We
Sauser had 11 points and junior Kamryn Kahl had 11 points.
Lisbon (1-2) host Calamus-Wheatland on Friday, Dec. 13, and hosts Tipton on Saturday, Dec. 14.
“They made some nice halftime adjustments and picked us apart at areas where we’ve had some trouble,” Lisbon Coach Levi Montague said. “They are a team that is very capable of going on runs, and going on them very fast. That third quarter was a bender for us.”
Grayson Wollum had 15 points and Daylin Schaefer had 15 points and nine rebounds in the loss.
That pair also had nice against in the win over
“With the seniors last year, they needed him to focus on defense and move the ball, not create as much,” Montague said. “He’s our primary guard this year. He was consistently working at open gyms in the offseason. He’s very capable of putting in some of these numbers, and works so hard.”
The Lions were in control defensively until the final quarter, when the Orioles scored 26 points.
Lisbon (1-1) hosts Calamus-Wheatland on Friday, Dec. 13, and host Tipton in an afternoon game Saturday, Dec. 14.
Jami Martin-Trainor | For the Mount Vernon-Lisbon Sun Lisbon Lion Kyla Kahl shoots the ball during a basketball game between Lisbon and Marquette Catholic at Lisbon High School on Dec. 6, 2024. The Lions fell to the Defenders, 43-62.
Jami Martin-Trainor | For the Mount Vernon-Lisbon Sun Lisbon Lion Ethan Stone shoots the ball during a basketball game between Lisbon and Marquette Catholic at Lisbon High School on Dec. 6, 2024. The Lions defeated the Defenders, 45-27.
LISBON GIRLS’ BASKETBALL
LISBON BOYS’ BASKETBALL
Jennifer Tischer | Contributed photo Lisbon junior Jackson Knapp works on pinning a wrestler from Durant.
Lion girls’ grapplers topple Lone Tree 46-15
Ryan Suchomel
Mount Vernon-Lisbon Sun ryan.suchomel@mvlsun.com
Lisbon girls’ wrestling picked up its first dual win in program history Tuesday, Dec. 3, topping Lone Tree 46-15, in Durant.
The Lions also battled, and lost, to the Durant Wildcats, 42-37.
“There were a lot of forfeits, but we’ll take it how we can get it,” Lisbon co-coach Seth Hall said. “It was a pretty good learning experience. Many of the girls had never wrestled in a dual before.”
It also gave the coaches the chance to tinker with the lineup. Hall bumped Kaylee Jordan to 170, and used JV wrestler Kalya Moorman at 155 against Durant.
Moorman got a big pin against Averie Elliott and Jordan won by major decision, 14-4, over Brynn Goettsch. Unfortunately, too many forfeits sunk the Lions.
“That was the first varsity match (Kalya) had ever won,” Hall said. “And we needed that to stay in the dual.”
Tipton Invitational
Team scores – 1. Center Point-Urbana 132; 2. Tipton 123; 3. North Mahaska 112; 4. West Liberty 111.5; 5. Davenport 111; 6. West Branch 108; 7. Davenport Assumption 102; 8. Grinnell 89; 9. Durant 79.6; 10. Lisbon 77; 11. Cascade 70; 12. Maquoketa 65; 13. C.R. Prairie 44; 14. C.R. Xavier 40; 15. Northeast 31; 16. Camanche 13. LISBON
105 – Anne Marie Morgan, 0-2, sixth. 120 – Jordyn Jarchow, 1-2. 125 – Lillian Gaiser, 2-2, fourth. 130 – Carlee Turkington, 1-2. 135 – Alina Mallie, 3-1, second. 155 – Kaylee Jordan, 2-1, second. 155 – Kayla Moorman, 0-2. 235 – Shyanne Crane, 2-1, third. Durant 42, Lisbon 37 105 – Chloe Devlin (D) won by forfeit. 110 – Alivia Barnard (D) won by forfeit. 115 – Tori Jones (D) won by forfeit. 120 – Jordyn Jarchow (L) dec. Kayley Schlapkohl 9-8. 125 – Ava Streeter (D) pinned
MV BOYS’ WRESTLING
Jennifer Tischer | Contributed photo Lisbon’s Addie Clark grapples with a wrestler from Lone Tree.
The day before, Lisbon placed tenth Monday, Dec. 2, at the Tipton Invitational. Center Point-Urbana won the team title with 132 points. Lisbon scored 77 points.
Alina Mallie (135) and Kaylee Jordan (155) each placed second, Shyanne Carne (235) was third, and Lillian Gaiser (125) was fourth at the 16-team event.
Hall said the Lions were missing three starters due to injury or illness.
“The girls have great attitudes, they just need to get a few more matches under their belts,” Hall said. “Things are coming along nicely.”
Lillian Gaiser 5:05. 130 – Jocelynn Richardson (D) pinned Carlee Turkington 1:44. 135 – Jenna Lowder (D) pinned Alina Mallie :26. 140 – Addison Clark (L) won by forfeit. 145 – Emma Dietsch (L) won by forfeit. 155 – Kalya Moorman (L) pinned Averie Elliott 5:20. 170 – Kaylee Jordan (L) maj. dec. Brynn Goettsch 14-4. 190 – Kaylee Tucker (D) won by forfeit. 235 – Shyanne Crane (L) won by forfeit. 100 – Ann Marie Morgan (L) won by forfeit. Lisbon 46, Lone Tree 15 100 – Ann Marie Morgan (L) won by forfeit. 105 – Carlee Sexton (LT) won by forfeit. 110 – Double forfeit. 115 – Double forfeit. 120 – Jordyn Jarchow (L) won by forfeit. 125 – Lillian Gaiser (L) won by forfeit. 130 – Carlee Turkington (L) won by forfeit. 135 – Alina Mallie (L) maj. dec. Olivia Magruder 15-3. 140 – Alex Dautremont (LT) dec. Addison Clark 3-2. 145 – Emma Dietsch (L) pinned Kayleigh Rundlett 3:41. 155 – Kaylee Jordan (L) won by forfeit. 170 – Kalya Moorman (L) won by forfeit. 190 – Double forfeit. 235 – Ashlynn Sojka (LT) pinned Shyanne Crane :42.
MV boys’ wrestling loses opening dual
Ryan Suchomel
Mount Vernon-Lisbon Sun ryan.suchomel@mvlsun.com
Don’t call it an upset.
No. 1 Mount Vernon boys’ wrestling lost its opening dual of the season Thursday, Dec. 5, in the middle school gym, falling to Williamsburg, 36-27.
“Some of us are still working the rust off,” senior heavyweight Ethan Wood said. “But we’ll get it fixed. It is early in the season.”
Mount Vernon and Williamsburg split the 14 matches evenly, 7 to 7, but the Raiders enjoyed a few more bonus-point wins (four pins, a technical fall, and a major decision).
“It was probably the best thing that could happen to us,” Mount Vernon coach Vance Light said. “We were just outwrestled, plain and simple.
“I guess we’ve got a lot of stuff to work on. By end of the year, we should be fine.”
The Mustangs have six ranked wrestlers. Watson Krob (175) did not wrestle, recovering from an injury.
Wood, ranked No. 1 at 285, wanted to wrestle No. 4 Carson Grier of Williamsburg, but Grier also sat out with an injury.
“I was hoping to wrestle him,” Wood said. “I like wrestling him, and he’s a nice guy.”
Grier’s back up, senior Trenton Davies, made Wood work for the 7-3 decision. Wood only led 4-3 after two periods. He got a critical single-leg takedown in the third period to provide the final margin.
“I mean, I got a little tired,” Wood said. “We’ll work on it. More conditioning in practice.”
The other top-ranked Mustang, Jase Jaspers, got a 38-second pin at 138 pounds. Other winners included Jake Haugse (120), C.J. Martin (132), Mikey Ryan (150), Cooper Hird (165) and Kael Riniker (215).
Williamsburg senior Cael Moore, ranked No. 8 at 175 pounds,
Williamsburg 36, Mount Vernon 27
285 – Ethan Wood (MV) dec. Trenton Davies 7-3. 106 – Charlie Foster (W) pinned Cooper Krob 5:04. 113 – Riker DeWitt (W) pinned Kaleb Coon 3:21. 120 – Jake Haugse (MV) dec. Hayden Albaugh 10-6. 126 – Lincoln Schropp (W) pinned Drew Thurn 3:36. 132 – C.J. Martin (MV) dec. Bowen Stratton 4-2. 138 – Tyler McMullin (W) pinned Chasen Caskey 3:57. 144 – Jase Jaspers (MV) pinned Peyton Thede :38. 150 – Mikey Ryan (MV) tech. fall Sawyer Kirby 16-1 3:03. 157 – Nile Sinn (W) tech. fall Will Goodlove 17-2 5:41. 165 – Cooper Hird (MV) maj. Dec. Brady Grier 16-5. 175 – Evan Stohlmann (W) maj. Dec. Andrew Dix 13-2. 190 – Cael Moore (W) dec. Caysen Curran 7-2. 215 – Kael Riniker (MV) dec. Wyatt Wolter 7-3.
clinched the dual by beating No. 6 Cayson Curran at 190 pounds, 7-2.
“They just wrestled better than we did,” Light said. “We’ll continue to work on ourselves little by little. I still think we have a pretty good team.”
The Raiders might be better than advertised, too. They went 5-0 at their home dual tournament two days later, including a 42-26 win over Class 2A No. 9 Davenport Assumption.
Mount Vernon also bounced back Saturday, finishing runner-up to Ballard, 220.5 to 210.5 points, at the Newton Cardinal Classic.
Jase Jaspers (144), Mikey Ryan (150), Will Goodlove (157) and Ethan Wood (285) won titles.
Hard to tell if the Mustangs will continue to be ranked No. 1 in 2A. Coach Light felt the first ranking is just based off last season, and what you bring back, and not worth worrying about.
“After tonight, I’m not sure we deserve it,” Light said Thursday. “We’ll see.”
Newton Cardinal Classic
Team scores – 1. Ballard 220.5; 2. Mount Vernon 210.5; 3. Oskaloosa 141; 4. Newton 113; 5. Grinnell 98.5; 6. Waukee Northwest 90.5; 7. Centerville 83.5; 8. Norwalk 78.5. MOUNT VERNON
106 – Cooper Krob, 2-2, third. 113 – Kaleb Coon, 2-2, fourth. 120 –Jake Haugse, 1-1, second. 126 – Drew Thurn, 4-2, third. 132 – C.J. Martin, 1-3. 138 – Chasen Caskey, 0-5, seventh. 144 – Jase Jaspers, 6-0, first. 150 – Mike Ryan, 6-0, first. 157 – Will Goodlove, 5-0, first. 166 – Cooper Hird, 4-1, second. 175 – Andrew Dix, 2-3, fourth. 190 – Caysen Curran, 3-2, third. 215 – Kael Riniker, 2-4, fourth. 285 –Ethan Wood, 5-0, first.
Mustang boys’ trot over Clinton, C.R. Jefferson
Ryan Suchomel
Mount Vernon-Lisbon Sun ryan.suchomel@mvlsun.com
Mount Vernon boys’ basketball opened the season 2-0, beating Clinton and Cedar Rapids Jefferson.
“Playing larger MAC and MVC schools is always a challenge that we invite and are glad we got to experience those games and learn from them, while coming out on top,” Mount Vernon Coach Derek Roberts said.
The Mustangs started with a 61-51 win over the River Kings on Friday, Dec. 6, in Clinton.
Senior Joe Briesemeister led the way with 22 points and 10 rebounds. Sophomore Luke Rushford had 18 points, including four 3-pointers. Kellen Haverback added 10 rebounds.
“Clinton was physical and scrappy,” Roberts said. “We’re proud of how Josef and Luke handled themselves on the court and came through in crucial times for us.”
The next day, Saturday, Dec. 7, the Mustangs hosted the J-Hawks, and won 57-54.
Mount Vernon trailed 42-38 after three quarters, but won the final quarter 19-12.
“We played 10 guys in the first half hoping to be more fresh for the second half, and I think that helped some,” Roberts said. “Jefferson got a little tired late in the game where we maybe seemed a little more fresh.
“Our defense came up with some big stops when needed in the fourth quarter.”
Briesemeister again led the scoring with 22 points, but was followed closely by Haverback with 21 to go with eight rebounds and four assists.
“Kellen was really good down the stretch,” Robert said. Cole Thurn made some key defensive plays as well.”
The Mustangs (2-0) played at Benton Community on Tuesday, Dec. 10, and host Williamsburg on Friday, Dec. 13.
WRESTLING PREVIEW
MOUNT VERNON
Coach: Vance Light 2024 result: First place, Wamac; second place, 2A state.
Returning letterwinners (9): Jake Haugse, sr.; Drew Thurn, jr.; Jase Jaspers, jr.; Mikey Ryan, jr.; Cooper Hird, sr.; Watson Krob, sr.; Caysen Curran, jr.; Kael Riniker, sr.; Ethan Wood, sr.
Outlook: After finishing runner-up in Class 2A at the 2024 state tournament, Mount Vernon is ranked No. 1 to open the season, with six ranked wrestlers. Junior Jase Jaspers (144) and senior Ethan Wood (285) are ranked No. 1 in 2A. Senior Jake Haugse (120) is No. 11, junior Mikey Ryan (150) is No. 3, senior Watson Krob (175) is No. 9, and junior Caysen Curran (190) is No. 6.
Jaspers was runner-up at the state tournament a year ago. Ryan was fourth and Wood finished sixth. Haugse, Korb and Curran all wrestled at state, but did not finish on the podium.
LISBON
Coach: Aaron Helmrich (second season) 2024 result: Runner-up, Tri-Rivers; eighth place, 1A state
Returning letterwinners (10): Tiernan Boots, Wesley Sadler, Cade Happel, Gage Holub, Jackson Knapp, Gavin Carmer, Jack Gogel, Carter Gadberry, Gavin Hove, Hudson Herboldsheimer.
Outlook: In his second season, Coach Aaron Helmrich made sure to scour the hallways and get a few more kids in the wrestling room. He also has a nice freshman class.
“We are a more complete 14-man group than last year,” Helmrich said. “We’ll be a tough dual team.” He noted that senior Jacob Walerius is back out for the first time since his freshman year and looking good at 215 pounds.
“I like having a full wrestling room,” Helmrich said. The Lions have three ranked wrestlers to open the year – Wes Sadler is No. 5 at 120, Tiernan Boots is No. 3 at 157, and Gage Holub is No. 10 at 165. Boots was fourth at 1A state last season, Sadler was fifth and Holub qualified but did not place.
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, Dec. 12
Story Time, Cornell College Cole Library Browsing Room, 9:30 a.m.
Fiber Friends Southeast Linn Community Center, 10:30 a.m.
LBC Adult Speaker Series “Diaries: Their Gestation, Care and Feeding“ by Greg Cottton, Lester Buresh Family Community Wellness Center, 1 p.m.
Lisbon first through third grade music concerts, Lisbon Auditorium, 6 p.m.
Washington Elementary melodies and masterpieces concerts (including fourth grade orchestra), Mount Vernon Performing Arts Center, 6 p.m.
Cornell College presents “The Moors”, Cornell College Armstrong Yungker Hall Kimmel Theater, 7:30 p.m.
Friday, Dec. 13
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.
Cornell College presents “The Moors” Cornell College Armstrong Yungker Hall Kimmel Theater, 7:30 p.m.
Saturday, Dec. 14
Lisbon Public Library presents “Gingerbread House Class”, Lisbon Public Library, 10 a.m. Registration required.
Cornell College presents “The Moors” Cornell College Armstrong Youngker Hall Kimmel Theater, 7:30 p.m.
Sunday, Dec. 15
Mount Vernon High School choir concert, Mount Vernon Performing Arts Center, 2 p.m.
Cornell College presents “The Moors” Cornell College Armstrong Youngker Hall Kimmel Theater, 2 p.m.
Mount Vernon High School orchestra, band and jazz band concert, Mount Vernon Performing Arts Center,
200 E. Market St., 455-2000 livinghopegmc.org
Interim Pastors
Services live streamed at Living Hope Global Methodist Church’s YouTube page Sundays at 8:45 a.m. Sun.: 8:45 a.m. — In-person worship.
Seeds of Faith Lutheran Church, ELCA 798 Brenneman Lane, 455-2599
(Off Hwy. 30 on eastern edge of Lisbon) www.seedsoffaithlutheran.org/
Pastor Erika Uthe
9 a.m. — In-person worship. Services also livestream via Seeds’ Facebook Page.
BERTRAM
United Methodist Church
319-365-8077
Rev. Darwin Moore, Pastor Sun.: 10 a.m. — In-person worship service
MARTELLE
Christian Church
Sun.: 10:30 a.m. — in person worship service Services also stream online at Martelle Christian Church’s YouTube page.
United Methodist Church Sun.: 10:30 a.m. Worship service. No Sunday school.
SPRINGVILLE
United Methodist Church
Sun.: 9 a.m. Worship service. Wed.: 6:30 p.m. Praise service
Faith Christian Fellowship
Pastor Joseph Bielema Sun.: 9:30 a.m. worship at Springville Memorial Library, in the Buresh Room
(264 Broadway Street)
St. Isidore Catholic Church
Sat.: 6 p.m. Mass
MECHANICSVILLE
Living Hope Bible Church
Mechanicsville Memorial Building
First Presbyterian Church
408 E. First Street.
Christian Community Church of Mechanicsville
307 East First Street
563-432-7716
Sun: Sunday School 10-11am and in-person Worship Services at 11:15am with Fellowship to follow.
St. Mary’s Catholic Church
Pastor: Father James Flattery
Wed.: 8:30 a.m. — mass
Sun.: 8 a.m. Mass
4:30 p.m.
Cornell Jazz Band and Pop/contemporary ensemble concert, Cornell College Thomas Commons Smith Dining Room, 7 p.m.
Monday, Dec. 16
Mount Vernon City Council, Mount Vernon City Hall, 6:30 p.m.
Lisbon junior high and high school choir concert, Lisbon Auditorium, 7 p.m.
Tuesday, Dec. 17
Lego Club, Cornell college Room 108, 3:30 p.m. Lisbon fourth through sixth grade music concert, Lisbon Auditorium, 6 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.
Wednesday, Dec. 18
Cards, Southeast Linn Community Center, 10-11:30 a.m. Linn Lunch Bunch Southeast Linn Community Center, 11:30 a.m.
Learn to play bridge, Cornell College Cole Library room 108, 1 p.m.
Mount Vernon FAFSA night Mount Vernon High School Commons, 3-7 p.m.
Thursday, Dec. 19
Four-year-old preschool concert, Lisbon Auditorium, 9 A.M.
Story Time, Cornell College Cole Library Browsing Room, 9:30 a.m.
Fiber Friends, Southeast Linn Community Center, 10:30 a.m.
Jim McDonough Home for the Holidays concert, Mount Vernon Performing Arts Center, 7 p.m.
Across
1 Not quite burnt, say
4 “The Joy of ___” (“The Simpsons” episode about a cult)
8 Not genuine
14 Subject of many a grainy video
15 Dungeons & Dragons beast
16 Made do?
17 Developer’s purchase
18 Fills in with the latest
20 “Fannn-tastic!”
22 Yesterday, in Spanish
23 Et ___
24 Lilliputian
26 They might clash on a star-studded team
30 Petty complaint
32 Gochujang paste or hoisin sauce
35 Genius Bar staffer, perhaps
38 Mario Kart character with a pink outfit and a mushroom cap
39 Encyclopedia division: Abbr.
40 Given name of baseball’s Ozzie Smith
42 Body shop offering
43 Greek language?
45 Deep cuts
47 Home to the Van Gogh Museum
49 Meet up with
50 Will of “The Waltons”
51 Thornfield Hall governess
53 Place for a Lady chapel
56 No challenge
59 “Hold your head high!”
61 Result in a photo finish
65 Banking giant based in 47-Across
66 “Likewise”
67 Touched down
68 San Antonio-to-Dallas dir.
69 Shaky start?
70 ___ deal
71 Carol contraction
Down
2 On the bad side (of)
3 Freedom, per Janis Joplin
4 Stylish Miami neighborhood, in brief
5 Everglades hunter
6 Rave party?
7 Pink-colored euro banknote
9 Got up
1 Midwest city known as the “Capital of Route 66”
8 Online shop for some vintage items
10 Topping-laden pizza variety
11 Sight in Congo’s Virunga National Park
12 ___ shot
13 Debut character for Zadie Smith?
19 “I Will Survive” Grammy winner
21 Gaming console that preceded the Switch
25 Totally unacceptable
27 Not beat around the bush
28 How ballerinas often dance
29 Cooks, as tomatoes
31 Frequently recurring theme
33 “Rats!”
34 Noodle nuggets
35 Drip source in an E.R.
36 Crooner Mel
37 Beta tester, e.g.
41 One might require a higher prescription
44 Grid components
46 Prepare, as scallops
48 Claymation character of old “S.N.L.”
52 Chilling
54 Like the majority of Egyptians
55 Crimped parts of ravioli
57 Subject of the obsolete “plum pudding model”
58 “Beat it!”
60 Org. with a white rabbit in its logo
61 Not trans
62 Written homage
63 L’état, à Louis XIV
64 2020 #1 hit for Cardi B and Megan Thee Stallion
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.
•
2. SAVINGS CLAUSE. If any section, provision, sentence, clause, phrase or part of this Ordinance shall be adjudged invalid or unconstitutional, such adjudication shall not affect the validity of the Ordinance as a whole or any provision, section, subsection, sentence, clause, phrase or part hereof not adjudged invalid or unconstitutional.
SECTION 3. EFFECTIVE DATE. This Ordinance shall be in full force and effect from and after its passage, approval and publication as provided by law. Approved and adopted this 2nd day of December, 2024.
ATTEST: Thomas M. Wieseler - Mayor Marsha Dewell – City Clerk I certify that the foregoing was published as Ordinance #10-7-2024B on the 12th day of December, 2024.
Marsha Dewell, City Clerk Published in the Sun December 12, 2024. ORDINANCE #11-4-2024A AN ORDINANCE AMENDING CHAPTER 165 ZONING REGULATIONS, ARTICLE 302 DEFINITIONS AND ARTICLE 413 LI – LIMITED INDUSTRIAL DISTRICT OF THE MOUNT VERNON CODE OF ORDINANCES BE IT ENACTED BY THE CITY COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF MT. VERNON, IOWA: SECTION 1. GENERAL STATEMENT OF INTENT: It is in the public interest to establish protective measures that ensure the youth of a community are not unnecessarily exposed to forms of entertainment and recreation which may have deleterious impacts on their development. This may be accomplished in part by limiting the location of Smoke Shops, which by the definition provided herein makes available for purchase merchandise that is recognized as having damaging impacts on youth. It is, therefore, the intent of these regulations to designate zoning that prevents the location of Smoke Shops in areas where minors might reasonably be expected to congregate and to prohibit minors from entering such establishments in districts where they are permitted. These regulations have been enacted with full consideration of the legal and constitutional issues heretofore adjudicated.
Condo For Sale
4 bedroom, 3 bath, laundry1st floor. Deck, patio, front porch, gas fireplace, view of MV sports field. Mt. Vernon, IA 319-206-3847
Sporting Goods
GUN SHOW: December 13-15, 2024, Centre Hall, Waverly, IA Fri 4-9pm, Sat. 9am-5pm, Sun. 9am-3pm. $10 (under 14 FREE) . Large selection of GUNS and AMMO for sale! More info: 563-608-4401 www.marvkrauspromotions.net
SECTION 2. AMENDMENT. Chapter 165, Article 302 Definitions is hereby amended by adding the following language: Smoke Shop: Any premises where sales of tobacco, cigarettes or alternative nicotine products, as defined by Iowa
Miscellaneous
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Code chapter 453A; CBD, marijuana, synthetic cannabinoid, Kratom or other psychoactive products; vapor products; and/ or related paraphernalia, accessories, or delivery systems account for more than ten percent (10%) of gross sales or ten percent (10%) of the dedicated product display area.
SECTION 3. AMENDMENT. Chapter 165, Article 413 LI – Limited Industrial District is hereby amended by adding the following language to Subsection 413.3
Conditional Uses: Smoke Shop
SECTION 4. AMENDMENT. Chapter 165, Article 413 LI – Limited Industrial District is hereby amended by adding the following language: Subsection 8. Smoke Shops.
• See Chapter 46.03.
SECTION 5. SAVINGS CLAUSE. If any section, provision, sentence, clause, phrase or part of this Ordinance shall be adjudged invalid or unconstitutional, such adjudication shall not affect the validity of the Ordinance as a whole or any provision, section, subsection, sentence, clause, phrase or part hereof not adjudged invalid or unconstitutional.
SECTION 6. EFFECTIVE DATE. This Ordinance shall be in full force and effect from and after its passage, approval and publication as provided by law. Approved and adopted this 2nd day of December, 2024.
ATTEST: Thomas M. Wieseler - Mayor
Marsha Dewell – City Clerk I certify that the foregoing was published as Ordinance #11-4-2024A on the 12th day of December, 2024. Marsha Dewell, City Clerk Published in the Sun December 12, 2024.
Miscellaneous
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Project 60 serves more than 175 meals
Mount Vernon-Lisbon Sun
nathan.countryman@mvlsun.com
Project 60 served more than 175 meals Tuesday, Dec. 3, to residents over 60 in the communities of Lisbon and Mount Vernon.
Student council advisor J’Nee Reade said they cap the in-person attendance for the meal at 160, due to the space in the Lion’s Den gymnasium.
“We also have a handful of people still picking up to go meals,” Reade said.
Lisbon Student Council now has 63 members.
“We have a few juniors and seniors who signed up for student council who have never helped at Project 60 before,” Reade said. “We also have a great group of incoming ninth-graders this year.”
Reade said she really enjoys that students at Lisbon get to experience something as simple as serving others as part of the student council project.
“I know at least one member has been worried about spilling drinks on someone as he’s pouring drinks,” Reade said. “But this is helping students learn good life skills they can take with them outside of high school. A lot of that is learning about how to properly communicate with people.”
Those skills included going out to area businesses to collect donations or support for the meal, to communicating with people about publicizing the event and getting sign-ups.
Lisbon had another full gymnasium Tuesday, Dec. 3.
Members of Lisbon Choir, Lisbon band, select small musical groups and the Lisbon kindergartners performed as part of the event.
“My favorite part of Project 60 is when the kindergartners perform, and watching the joy on attendees faces,” said Kolsie Bixler, vice-president of student council this year.
Bixler said she was responsible for help-
ing fundraise and coordinate donations for the event this year.
“After four years of Project 60, I’ve learned a lot about how much joy can be spread through something as small as a luncheon,” Bixler said.
Madi Flockhart, student council president agreed with Bixler’s takeaway from Project 60.
“Something I have learned most about being a part of Project 60 these past four years has been how much joy one single event can bring each guest,” Flockhart
said. “I have also learned how important it is to work with others outside of our building and within the community, besides just peers, to make the event run smoothly.”
Flockhart was responsible for communication about the event, including distributing fliers and communicating with the area nursing homes and care centers.
“What I enjoy most about Project 60 is welcoming all the guests,” Flockhart said. “I love hearing about how much they enjoy the event and the thankfulness they have towards us for putting it on.”
Nathan Countryman
Photos by Nathan Countryman | Mount Vernon-Lisbon Sun
Top: Jenna Ries helps serve a drink at Project 60.
Above left: Kolsie Bixler and Madi Flockhart help welcome attendees to the Lion’s Den Tuesday, Dec. 3.
Above center: Kaitlyn Silver and Avery Long work at getting desserts cut and ready for Project 60.
Above right: Lisbon’s band gets ready to perform at Project 60
Right: The meals start getting dished out by members of the Lisbon Student Council at Project 60.
Below: Lisbon’s kindergarten classes perform a selection of songs at Project 60.