Mount Vernon, Lisbon activities, closures for holiday
nathan.countryman@mvlsun.com
There are still a few holiday activities happening in Mount Vernon and Lisbon, as well as closures for the weeks of Christmas and New Year’s holidays locally.
Activities locally for the holidays
The Hahn-Howard Post 480 will hold a history presentation at Lester Buresh Family Community Wellness Center on the Christmas Truce of 1914 tonight (Thursday, Dec. 19). The presentation begins at 6:30 p.m., and will be followed by Christmas treats. Snow day for the speech will be Friday, Dec. 20, at the same time.
Mount Vernon Fine Arts Association will be hosting artist Jim McDonogh for a holiday concert tonight (Thursday, Dec. 19), beginning at 7 p.m. Tickets are sold in advance at mvhstheatre.ludus.com, or will be available at the door.
Lisbon’s holiday parade and events will be held Friday, Dec. 20, beginning at 6 p.m. in downtown Lisbon. A lighted holiday parade in downtown Lisbon will kick events off, followed by an opportunity for youth to meet Santa Claus and Mrs. Claus at the Lisbon Fire Department following the parade. Southeast Linn Community Center will also hold a bake sale in Lisbon City Hall chambers beginning at 6:30 p.m. Lisbon Library is encouraging those who want to sing Christmas Carols to be ready at 6:30 p.m. as well to sing to those in line at Lisbon City Hall.
On New Year’s Day, Palisades-Kepler State Park will also be holding a first day hike in the park. Hikers should meet up at the Palisades-Kepler State Park lodge, and the hike will leave at roughly noon. Friends of the Palisades-Kepler State Park will provide refreshments at the lodge following the hike on the day, and a campfire will be going at the lodge.
Masterful melodies
Above: Lisbon elementary third graders take the audience on a
Mount Vernon Performing Arts Center and Lisbon Auditorium have been packed this past week, as holiday concerts have been squeezed in ahead of the holidays.
Washington Elementary Begindergarten through first grade held a holiday concert Monday, Dec. 9, at the PAC. Songs performed included “Celebrate With Joy,” “Snow is Falling Today,” “A Hat For My Snowman,” “Seven Feet of Snow,” “Somewhere in My Memory,” “Winter Fun,” “Que Verdes Son” and “We Wish You a Merry Christmas.”
Washington Elementary Second and Third Grade as well as fourth graders also had concerts during the week.
Lisbon’s Elementary concerts kicked off with first through third grades Thursday, Dec. 12.
First grade performed “Winter Fun,” “Snowpants,” “Jingle Bell Stomp,” “North Pole Rock ‘n’ Roll,” and “We Wish You a Merry Christmas.”
Second grade performed “Hip Hop Reindeer,” “The Sounds of Santa’s Workshop,” “Rock ‘n’ Roll snowman,” “Hey Winter,” and “Polar Puppy.” Third grade performed “Reindeer Parade,” “Santa’s Getting Fit For Christmas,” “Santa Claus Rock,” “Snowman Where’d You Go?” and “Don’t Eat A Poinsettia.”
Alternative kindergarten and kindergartners took the stage Friday, Dec. 13, and fourth through sixth grade were Tuesday, Dec. 17.
Pleasant Grove Heritage Park under new ownership
Non-profit looks to keep park open to public
Pleasant Grove Heritage Park in Lisbon is now under new ownership. At its December 9 meeting, the City took formal action to transfer the property to Pleasant Grove Heritage Park, Inc., a newly-formed local non-profit under the leadership of Steve McElmeel and his family.
The 15.33-acre park, located on West Market Street, includes a large grove of mature trees, a catch-and-release
pond, and prairie grasses. It is home to the Meyers Farmstead Historic District, named to the National Register of Historic Places in February of 2021. The park and surrounding area were once part of a large farmstead owned by Jacob Meyers, a prominent figure in Lisbon’s history. Meyers arrived in Lisbon in 1853, about the same time as early settlers who came from Pennsylvania, bringing with them the construction methods, farming methods, cultural traditions, and a shared heritage. Steve and Doris McElmeel rented the property from John Meyers (Jacob Meyers’
son) for a number of years before purchasing the farm in 1981. They first used the barns and fields for raising sheep, and later for raising horses. For many years Doris taught students from Lisbon Schools about sheep shearing through a live demonstration at the farm.
The City approached McElmeel about acquiring the property in 2018 with the intent of developing the property as a “nature park.” McElmeel sold the property to the City in January of 2019, with the understanding that the property
Nathan Countryman Mount Vernon-Lisbon Sun
Nathan Countryman Mount Vernon-Lisbon Sun nathan.countryman@mvlsun.com
Nathan Countryman | Mount Vernon-Lisbon Sun
Top: Washington Elementary first graders sing about “Seven Feet of Snow” at the concert Dec. 9.
“Reindeer Parade.”
would be developed as a park and open to the public in perpetuity.
The derecho of 2020 damaged two of the barns and a combination corn crib/hog house in the historic farmstead, which led the City’s insurance carrier to recommend immediate repair of the structures for liability purposes or demolition of two of the structures. Faced with the loss of the 150-year-old barns and the knowledge that the City had no immediate plans or funding for developing the park, the McElmeel family approached the City with an offer to have the ownership of the property transferred to the newly established non-profit Pleasant Grove Heritage Park, Inc.
“My family has a sentimental attachment to the property, with many memories of enjoying the natural beauty of the land and buildings,” said McElmeel. “We could have sold the property to developers but wanted to pre -
serve the area for the enjoyment of future generations. With the assistance of numerous volunteers and organizations, we have plans to begin work on developing the park and restoring the barns as soon as the weather permits.”
Lisbon city administrator Brandon Siggins said this was the best outcome for all parties, and it is a huge relief that the barns will be able to stay and the park remain open to the public.
“The only difference is the city no longer owns the property,” Siggins said.
The McElmeel’s and City had worked on the transfer agreement behind closed door sessions since late March.
Siggins said the transfer was done to help protect the Resource Enhancement and Protection grant that the park had received and transferring ownership to a non-profit accomplished that goal.
“It’s a win-win for everyone involved,” Siggins said.
Pleasant Grove Heritage Park
Lisbon, MV high schools hold holiday concerts
Nathan Countryman
Mount Vernon-Lisbon Sun nathan.countryman@mvlsun.com
The elementary schools weren’t the only groups holding holiday concerts this week.
Lisbon’s concert band and jazz band performed Tuesday, Dec. 10 at Lisbon auditorium.
Lisbon director Joseph Arch said he appreciated the dedication his band members showed for preparing for concerts.
“On top of their school work and other extracurricular activities, they all come and dedicate to playing music,” Arch said.
Mount Vernon’s music concerts Sunday, Dec. 15, featured all of Mount Vernon’s choirs, as well as Swingin’ Stangs, orchestra and concert band.
The Swingin’ Stangs were supposed to perform alongside Amy Friedl at the Paramount on Saturday, but a decision was made due to the ice storm Saturday for the safety of students that would not happen.
Director Scott Weber said his students worked so hard to prepare for that performance, but mother nature disrupted that plan.
Friedl performed alongside the two songs she was going to perform with the Swingin’ Stangs at Sunday’s performance instead.
Lisbon choir took to the stage as well Monday, Dec. 16.
PHOTOS | 8
will be open to the public and will be managed by the Board of Directors of the new non-profit, whose mission is to preserve and develop the local environment, restore and preserve local historical sites, and provide educational opportunities
to learn about agricultural history in Iowa. The non-profit holds charitable 501(c)(3) status with the Internal Revenue Service.
Additional reporting provided by editor Nathan Countryman
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.
STAFF
Publisher
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
Michele McElmeel | Contributed photo
photo of the barns at Pleasant Grove Heritage Park in Lisbon. The park is now being managed by a non-profit whose mission is to preserve and develop the site.
Nathan Countryman | Mount Vernon-Lisbon Sun
Above top: The combined choirs join together to sing the closer “Let There Be Peace on Earth.”
Above: The Lisbon Jazz Ensemble prepare for their portion of the concert Dec. 10.
Closures for the holidays
Mount Vernon and Lisbon Schools holidays begin Monday, Dec. 23, and run through Friday, Jan. 3.
Cole Library’s winter break hours begin Monday, Dec. 23, with hours of 8 a.m. to 8 p.m. The library is closed from Tuesday, Dec. 24 through Wednesday, Jan. 1, and then reopens Thursday, Jan. 2 from 8 a.m. to 4 p.m.
Lisbon Public Library will be closed Tuesday, Dec. 24 and Wednesday, Dec. 25 for the Christmas holiday and Wednesday, Jan. 1, for the New Year’s Day holiday. Southeast Linn Community Center will be closed Wednesday, Dec. 25 for the Christmas holiday and Wednesday, Jan. 1, for the New Year’s Day holiday.
Mount Vernon City Hall will be closed Tuesday, Dec. 24 and Wednesday, Dec. 25 for the Christmas holiday and Wednesday, Jan. 1, for the New Year’s holiday. Garbage and recycling pick-up dates the week of
New Year’s are not impacted by the holiday.
Lisbon City Hall will be closed Tuesday, Dec. 24 and Wednesday, Dec. 25 for the Christmas holiday, and Wednesday, Jan. 1, for the New Year’s holiday. Garbage and recycling pick-up dates will be impacted for both weeks, with pick up dates now being Friday, Dec. 27, and Friday, Jan. 3.
Reminder that if you have extra trash after the holidays, extra bag stickers are available at City Hall and Brother ’s Market for $3 each. These bags should be placed on top of your current trash bin if possible. Questions please call City Hall or Johnson County Refuse before placing your items at the curb.
The Mount Vernon-Lisbon Sun will be closed Tuesday, Dec. 24 through Friday, Dec. 27 and Tuesday, Dec. 31 and Wednesday, Jan. 1. The Sun will not publish an issue Dec. 26. Staff can be reached via email or phone lines during the holidays.
Linn County governmental offices will be closed Tuesday, Dec. 24;
Wednesday, Dec. 25; Tuesday, Dec. 31; and Wednesday, Jan. 1 for the Christmas and New Year’s holidays.
Linn County Public Health will accept water samples on Thursday, Dec. 26, and Thursday, Jan. 2. Samples will not be accepted on other days during the holiday weeks.
The following services will continue to operate:
• Juvenile Detention and Diversion Services
• Mental Health Access Center
• Linn County LIFTS will be running reduced routes in Cedar Rapids, Hiawatha, and Marion on Dec. 24 and 31.
• The Sheriff’s Office will be closed; however, continuous operations will be available for routine and emergency responses. This includes the Patrol Division, the Communications Division, and the Correctional Center. In an emergency, always dial 911.
Vehicle registrations can be renewed online at any time at iowataxandtags.org.
Mount Vernon School Board members and team honored for excellence
The Mount Vernon School Board had five members honored with an Individual Achievement Award through the Iowa Association of School Boards (IASB) Annual Board Awards program. This award is given to individuals who complete a minimum of 15 hours of learning in one year to improve their knowledge and skills by attending IASB-led learning events. The recipients were Rick Elliott-President, Jeremy Kunz-Vice President, Jason Clark, Suzette Kragenbrink and Kristi Meyer.
IASB Board President Jesse Howard commended these individuals for their hard work. “Education significantly impacts both boardroom decisions and student success. These award winners have gone above and beyond to stay informed and capable, all in their efforts to enhance student outcomes.” Howard said.
This acclaimed award was presented to 307 school board, area education agency (AEA) and community college board members. A full list of winners is available on the IASB website.
In addition, the MVCSD School Board was awarded the prestigious Team Achievement Award through the Iowa Association of School Boards (IASB) Annual Board Awards program. Only 46 board teams in the entire state earned this award. To qualify for this award, the majority of the board earned Individual Achievement Awards.
Lisbon looking to renew Apple lease
Switch for middle school back to iPads instead
Nathan Countryman
Mount Vernon-Lisbon Sun nathan.countryman@mvlsun.com
Lisbon will be renewing a lease with Apple for new laptops and iPads for the district.
Technology director Cam Eichorn said that he is looking to lock in an order for new computers by the end of this calendar year, to lock the district into another four-year lease at zero percent interest.
With that lease, Eichorn said the district will be purchasing iPads for students up through eighth grade, while high school students will be getting MacBooks. That is a change from previous years, when middle school grades received MacBooks as well.
Eichorn said the decision to go with iPads for the middle school students is only partially related to costs. While students do have more breakage to laptop screens, many of the students are respectful of the technology devices they have.
“I’m a huge proponent of utilizing iPads for students,” Eichorn said.
Portability was one of the huge benefits for students. The apps that can be used for educational purposes, as
well as a device that works readily with needed assistance devices. The devices allow more collaboration when working in groups. Eichorn also said that they have better life than MacBooks.
Eichorn said when it comes to broken iPads, they are cheaper for students and the district to replace.
“When a student breaks a laptop screen, it costs them roughly $150 and the district the other half of that cost,” Eichorn said. “A broken screen on an iPad is cheaper for both the district and students and their families.”
Eichorn also said many students have been using tablets like iPads from elementary school.
“It’s easy for them to learn on these devices,” Eichorn said.
The change will also impact teachers in those grades, and Eichorn said there will be training for resources that are available or how to best implement these devices in education moving forward.
Superintendent Autumn Pino said learning to use iPads better prepares students for life.
“Any kid can adapt to using just a laptop after using a tablet device,” Pino said. “This equips students to work better and continue with what they’ve learned on previously in elementary school. This was a student centered decision that makes sense.”
The district will have time to explore if shifting to iPads for the high school students in a few years will be the best use of time as well.
Eichorn said the district is looking to make at least $135,000 from the sale of current equipment they are leasing, enough to make a payment on the first year of the new lease for equipment.
Eichorn said AppleTV mounts in many classrooms will remain, and the district will look to phase out projectors in classrooms in exchange for TVs that an AppleTV can cast instead.
“Those televisions are cheaper than projectors to replace if we need to,” Eichorn said.
One injured in Wednesday crash
Donita Krogman, 17, of Cascade was injured in a two-vehicle crash at the intersection of Hwy. 13 and Mount Vernon Road. Krogman was transported to Mercy Hospital with minor injuries.
According to Sgt. Devin Rinderknecht of the Linn County Sheriff’s Office, first responders were called to a two-vehicle crash at the intersection of Hwy. 13 and Mount Vernon Road at 1:37 p.m.
Upon arrival, first responders observed a red Chevrolet Silverado and a white Ford Explorer in the southbound lanes of Hwy. 13 just north of Mount Vernon road blocking traffic. Bystanders had removed the drivers of both vehicles, due to the Silverado smoking.
The Silverado driven by Jordan Williams, 34, of Marion, was driving at a high rate of speed erratically northbound on Highway 13 from Highway 30. Williams ran the red light at Mount Vernon Road and continued northbound until it collided with the Explorer driven by Krogman, rear ending the vehicle. The Silverado and Explorer continued through the median and came to rest on the opposite side, blocking southbound traffic.
Williams was arrested for Operating While Intoxicated first offense, following too closely, and failure to obey traffic control device and failure to maintain control.
Others responding to the crash include Linn County Sheriff Rescue 57, West Bertram Fre Department, Cedar Rapids Fire Department, Mount Vernon Fire Department and Area Ambulance Service.
BUSINESS SERVICES
Contributed photo
Members of the Mount Vernon School Board include: (back, from left) Jason Clark, superintendent Matt Leeman, Jeremy Kunz (vice-president), Tim Keegan (front, from left) Kristi Meyer, Rick Elliott (president) and Suzette Kragenbrink. Not pictured was Lance Schoff.
OPINIONS/NEWS
OPINIONS
The Christmas tree: you don’t have to feel bad about it
Living in Iowa
Dan Brawner
In general, Christmas is a time to bask in the love of family, friends and good will towards humanity—and not dwell on the guilt of murdering millions of defenseless young pine trees.
According to the National Christmas Tree Association, between 25 and 30 million Christmas trees are cut down in the prime of life every year as decoration. This tradition goes back many years to a time before these trees were raised for the sole purpose holiday slaughter. Sort of like Thanksgiving Day turkeys.
On the other hand, the Christmas tree industry raises a lot of trees—some 350 million—that would not have existed naturally. The Association reports that this season, 77 percent of Americans will opt for an artificial tree. Of course, at our house, we are having none of it. Only a real tree will do. (My wife’s middle name is literally “Noel.”) Unfortunately, the longer we wait, the harder it is to find a decent-looking tree. In the past, we have found the best deals at Tractor Supply, probably because it’s not the first place most people would think to look. This year, the pickings were pretty slim and we were lucky to find a fairly bushy tree that quickly narrowed to a long, bare spire at the top, making it look, after it was decorated, like one of those onion dome cathedrals in Moscow’s Red Square.
There are obvious advantages to having an artificial tree. You don’t have to buy a new one every year. Or dispose of it. You can even keep the decorations on it year-round if you’re careful. A six-foot classic artificial blue spruce tree from Balsam Hill is currently going for $449, on sale from $799. If that seems like a lot, WalMart has one for $39.99—if you don’t mind that it looks like a five-foot-tall green toilet brush. This year, a live Christmas tree will set you back between $80 and $100—up from an average of $75 last year. If you can wait until after Christmas, they are available for free, complete with tinsel, left along most any curb in town. According to Martha Stewart, the best way to keep your live tree looking and smelling fresh is to keep it watered. First, trim an inch off the trunk and never let it dry out or it will stop drinking and drop needles you will be finding in the carpet with your bare feet until spring. Iowa State University Extension confirms that water is the best Christmas tree additive and cautions that, despite the rumors, molasses, sugar, soft drinks or aspirin will not help. Adding a couple of tablespoons of bleach to the water makes your tree last longer—if you can believe Clorox.
A live Christmas tree is more than a hanger for tinsel, colored lights and fragile glass balls, irresistible to cats and little boys with toy guns that shoot rubber bullets. A Christmas tree is a living scrapbook for heirlooms, photos and trinkets with special meaning, a monument, however temporary, to your family. Oh, and Martha Steward says be sure to unplug your Christmas lights when you’re not home so they don’t catch your house on fire.
Yes, Virginia, There is A Santa Claus
More than 110 years ago, another “Sun,” The New York Sun, received a letter from 8-year-old Virginia O’Hanlon. She was distressed because she had heard there was no Santa Claus. What followed may have been the best editorial in American newspaper history, a rare moment of journalism risen to philosophy.
It’s certainly the most famous editorial.
What follows is Virginia’s letter and the editor’s response, originally published in 1897. The New York Sun reprinted it annually until 1949, when the paper ceased publication.
Dear Editor: I am 8 years old. Some of my little friends say there is no Santa Claus. Papa says, “If you see it in The Sun, it’s so.” Please tell me the truth, is there a Santa Claus? – Virginia O’Hanlon
Virginia, your little friends are wrong. They have been affected by the skepticism of a skeptical age.
They do not believe except (what) they see. They think that nothing can be which is not comprehensible by their little minds. All minds, Virginia, whether they be men’s or children’s, are little. In this great universe of ours, man is a mere insect, an ant, in his intellect as compared with the boundless world about him, as measured by the intelligence capable of grasping the whole of truth and knowledge. Yes, Virginia, there is a Santa Claus. He exists as certainly as love and generosity and devotion exist, and you know that they abound and give to your life its highest beauty and joy. Alas! How dreary would be the world if there were no Santa Claus! It would be as dreary as if there were no Virginias. There would be no childlike faith then, no poetry, no
The case for the 51-issue newspaper ny side
romance to make tolerable this existence. We should have no enjoyment, except in sense and sight. The eternal light with which childhood fills the world would be extinguished. Not believe in Santa Claus! You might as well not believe in fairies.
You might get your papa to hire men to watch in all the chimneys on Christmas Eve to catch Santa Claus, but even if you did not see Santa Claus coming down, what would that prove? Nobody sees Santa Claus, but that is no sign that there is no Santa Claus. The most real things in the world are those that neither children nor men can see. Did you ever see fairies dancing on the lawn?
Of course not, but that’s no proof that they are not there. Nobody can conceive or imagine all the wonders there are unseen and unseeable in the world.
You tear apart the baby’s rattle and see what makes the noise inside, but there is a veil the supernal beauty and glory beyond.
Is it all real? Ah, Virginia, in all this world there is nothing else real and abiding, covering the unseen world which not the strongest man, nor even the united strength of all the strongest men that ever lived could tear apart.
Only faith, fancy, poetry, love, romance, can push aside that curtain and view and picture the supernal beauty and glory beyond. Is it all real? Ah, VIRGINIA, in all this world there is nothing else real and abiding.
No Santa Claus! Thank God!
He lives and lives forever. A thousand years from now, Virginia, nay 10 times 10,000 years from now, he will continue to make glad the heart of childhood – The Editor
The time around the holidays is one of the slowest periods of news for these two communities. With both of our schools out of session for winter break, Cole Library on holiday hours, and the closures/limited hours of many businesses in town, the communities actively take a breather for the holidays. Many of our governmental bodies have fewer meetings. No high school sports for a week means Ryan and I are scrambling to find feature stories and other activities for those pages (why I actively hope for at least one significant snow every year so we can feature Sledding Hill).
Nathan Countryman
We’re back to a 51-week publication schedule this year. We will not have a printed edition Thursday, Dec. 26.
This was a case I made to publisher Jason Brummond back in August as we were looking to the year ahead.
When I started at the Sun back in 2016, I encountered the idea of no newspaper the week of Christmas, and it was a bit of a shock to me. I was used to the Algona Upper Des Moines (nee Kossuth County Advance’s) 52-week printing schedule. But there are differences between those papers. In Kossuth County, we were the county newspaper, not just the Algona newspaper. We had eight or more communities we actively covered alongside Algona. There was always news to be found, even in what might be weeks with no school, just by having that many small communities and their holiday festivals or occurrences or county wide events. I was usually taking vacation with my family in that timeframe as well.
After living here for a few years, I better understood more why the decision was made for the Sun
City of MV has clean audit
Gronewold, Bell, Kyhnn & Co. P.C. CPAs have released an audit report on the City of Mount Vernon. The auditors reported that the City’s receipts for its governmental funds totaled $11,423,964 for the year ended June 30, 2024. The receipts included $1,894,963 in property tax, $494,968 in other city taxes, $722,012 in local option sales tax, $1,174,027 in tax increment financing collections. $981.954 from intergovernmental sources. $354.457 from use of money and property, $16,972 from licenses and permits, $552,244 from charges for services, $160,247 in miscellaneous receipts, $5,006,171 from note proceeds and premium on notes and $65,949 from the sale of capital assets. The City’s receipts for its proprietary funds totaled $3,403,043 of which $2,803,862 was from charges for services, $482,870 from intergovern-
From a logistical standpoint, it makes sense as well. By shifting to a single issue for those combined two weeks, you have one less holiday you are trying to fight around “so when are we setting deadlines so people anywhere in production are not forced to work Christmas Day or New Year’s?”
When Woodward Communications asked us to shift to a 52-week newspaper, we did.
As an editor for the past three years, however, the decades of previous history of not having an issue that week of Dec. 26 meant a lot of stressing about those back-to-back early deadlines. It hasn’t given a lot of time with family, with friends, or much of a breather for an editor to recharge.
I am doing something I haven’t done in a few years because of that 52-week publication schedule and being a mostly oneman band – I’m actively taking vacation time from Tuesday, Dec. 17 to Dec. 25, and working from home Dec. 26 through Dec. 29. I have a stack of movies on streaming or physical media that I’m trying to get through before the end of the year, a niece and nephew who want to go to the theaters for more escapades of a blue hedgehog and possibly a lion king… I have plans to cover Lisbon’s holiday events Dec. 20 and Lisbon’s Dec. 23 council meeting amidst my vacation, and any breaking news I hear about.
I’m also taking a breather and recharging my batteries with the rest of this community to be ready for the New Year ahead.
mental sources, $99,489 from use of money and property, $700 from the sale of capital assets and $16,122 in miscellaneous receipts.
Disbursements for its governmental funds totaled $8,296,262, and included $ 1,729,515 for public safety, $573,499 for public works, $913,253 for culture and recreation, $301,746 in community and economic development, $532,760 in general government, $1,554,509 for debt service and $2,690,980 for capital projects. Disbursements of the City’s proprietary funds totaled $2,851,979, of which $2,820,510 was attributable to its business type activities, and $31,469 for capital projects.
This report contains recommendations to the City Council and other City officials. The City has responded that corrective action is being taken for each item.
A copy of the audit report is available for review in the office of the Auditor of State and the City Administrator’s office.
MVHPC approves sign for MVUMC
Nathan Countryman
Mount Vernon-Lisbon Sun
nathan.countryman@mvlsun.com
Mount Vernon Historic Preservation Commission approved a new sign for Mount Vernon United Methodist Church to be installed this spring.
Kim Schwiebert of MVUMC said the purpose of the sign is to reiterate the church’s inclusivity. Her son designed the artwork that is featured on the sign to reflect the inclusiv-
Linn County Board of Supervisors approves code amendment for detached structures
The Linn County Board of Supervisors has unanimously approved an updated ordinance to change detached accessory structure size limits in residential zoning districts within Linn County following the third and final reading of the ordinance. The new ordinance is effective upon publication in the Gazette, which is expected to happen within the next week.
ity to BIPOC and LGQBTIA individuals. Rickard’s Sing and Design will be responsible for installing the sign, and it will be a permanent sign for the building.
Commission member Guy Booth said it would be a certificate of no material effect.
Schwiebert said the city had approved the sign previously, but had referred the item to MVHPC because it is in the Cornell College historic district.
Commission member Donnie Moore asked if there were concerns about vandalism to the sign.
Schwiebert said is a thought they had considered, but the proximity to the uptown on a very busy street with light posts in the immediate area made that not a huge concern.
Commission tables any action against banners
The commission also tabled any action against the digital banners in the uptown.
Detached Accessory Structures
The purpose of accessory structure size limits in residential zoning districts is intended to preserve neighborhood character while balancing rural and agricultural needs. Linn County Planning & Development staff developed the updated ordinance amendments based on an analysis of customer building permit requests for accessory structures over the past 10 years, as well as an examination of best practices.
Changes in the updated ordinance include:
• Size limitations are based on maximum lot coverage and/or structure footprints,
• Size limitations are cumulative
• Maximum lot coverage varies depending on parcel size, with no limit on parcels over 3 acres in size
• Maximum structure footprint is 5,000 square feet
• Maximum height for accessory structures in residential zoning districts is 25 feet
Commission president Sue Astley said that the poles have been ordered at this point, and the city is moving ahead with installation. In an email in November, Nosbisch said light poles are in the city right of way and not under the jurisdiction of the commission.
Commission member Guy Booth said in his visits with other business owners, the vast majority wanted to see cloth banners remain. He noted there were questions that were still unanswered about what the light pollution of those banners may be to downtown citizens in the blocks with them, or if the city has certain hours those banners will be lit in evening hours.
The city has previously noted the ability of dimming the street lights is a possibility with these new lights after certain time periods.
Booth did remind the commission that the members had no problem with the light poles themselves, that many looked to fit with the historic nature of the district while modernizing infrastructure. It was a separate issue for the digital banners.
Setbacks
The Linn County Board of Supervisors also unanimously approved an updated ordinance to change property setbacks in several zoning districts within Linn County. The new ordinance became effective Dec. 4.
Zoning property setbacks are regulations that specify the minimum distance required between a building or structure and the property line. The primary purpose of setbacks is to promote safety and privacy for residents while maintaining a consistent visual appearance in each district. Linn County Planning & Development staff developed the updated ordinance amendments using an analysis of zoning best practices.
For more information on these ordinance updates, please view the Detached Accessory Structures handout and Setbacks handout on the Planning & Development website.
MV Schools continues discussion on solar panels
Nathan Countryman
Mount Vernon-Lisbon Sun
nathan.countryman@mvlsun.com
The Mount Vernon School Board continued discussions on solar panels at Washington Elemenary School, Mount Vernon Middle School and the transportation buildings at the district.
Terry Dvorak from Red Lion Solar said that moving to solar energy panels was one way for the district to save thousands of dollars in energy costs per year.
Dvorak said if the board was considering adding solar panels, he’d recommend moving forward at the beginning of the year and doing so before making any other energy saving choices.
“That would give you the biggest amount of energy savings,” Dvorak said. “You’d have panels established to your previous energy usage, and then whatever changes you make would be additional savings.”
The goal for the district is to draw buildings down to 20 kilowatts per hour in electrical usage.
Board president Rick Elliott said the board has been speaking about the solar panels for more than a year.
Board member Tim Keegan asked if there was any estimate on how much energy savings the district could see from switching to LED lighting alone.
Dvorak said a lot of the potential savings depend on
the weather seen, especially during winter months.
Panels would be covered and replaced due to damage from weather like wind and hail. If a building were to be damaged by fire, the school would be responsible for paying for damaged panels if they were on the roof.
Dvorak said that rebates and incentives for panels will change at the beginning of the year.
Keegan asked what the difference might be for choosing to go with mounting panels on a roof compared to the ground. Dvorak said the important factor is making sure panels have the appropriate slope to catch the most sunlight, especially during winter months.
When it came to mounting on the elementary roof, the issue was not knowing the current life of that roof on the elementary building. If a roof replacement were to be made, panels would either need to be moved during that replacement or taken down and put back in place after replacement.
“You want something with at least 10-years of life if you’re going to mount panels,” Dvorak said.
Board member Lance Schoff said one of his concerns with some of the placements being considered is that the district may be looking at building in the future, and setting panels in some proposed locations would lock them in place for the next five years.
Another concern were panels that were looking to be placed along the left field line of the Mount Vernon
softball field.
Dvorak said he had thought the distance would keep them from being struck, but activities director Matt Thede said college and high school players have hit balls that traveled that far, particularly on a foul ball. The school would be responsible for replacing panels damaged by softballs. That sparked discussion of possibly looking at other locations to minimize that damage.
Elliott asked if the board were to move forward, how soon contracts could be signed. Dvorak said that could be completed in January’s meeting, and work could start for applying for grants for the high school building, which could take a year to complete.
Keegan asked if panels would be high enough for buses to park under them. Dvorak said they would be high enough to do that, yes.
The board asked Dvorak to outline potential areas for placement of the panels to be reviewed at the January meeting, and the board could take action at that point.
The board will also make a determination on LED lighting at a future meeting.
Schoff said switching to LED lighting was something he was fully behind. Elliott spoke in favor of that as well, stating the energy savings for First Street Community Center and length of those light bulbs have helped at the building.
Lisbon replacing security cameras thanks to grants
Lisbon will be replacing several cameras, thanks to a grant focused on school security the district received.
Superintendent Autumn Pino said that the new camera equipment will merge the hodgepodge of cameras and security systems the district has, and the shelf life of many of the security cameras at Lisbon is coming to a close.
“We wouldn’t have had the designated money for an upgrade to our security cameras without this grant, so we have to thank the grant for that,” Pino said.
The district needs to have a contract for the spending of the funds by the end of this year, and the new cameras being installed before December 2025.
The district will be working with Convergent for installing the new cameras and equipment.
Board member John Prasil asked if there would be an ability to add on to the video system in the future if the district were to expand borders.
Technology director Cam Eichorn said that the bid comes with an additional server dedicated to the new cameras, which allows the district to utilize the server they have for other cameras.
“There is a buffer to help make this system larger as we expand” Eichorn said.
The district will need to upgrade cameras in the LECC wing in the future, but Eichorn is hoping some of the current cameras can be moved there instead.
Classrooms could be ready by start of second semester
The classrooms in the career and technical education wing could be ready by the start of the second semester.
The district did get the go ahead for some classrooms to relocate to the classrooms on the second floor of the building, according to board member Allan Mallie.
“We just opted to not have students move into those classrooms at the moment, as the heater for those classrooms needs to be finished,” superintendent Autumn Pino said. “We just felt it isn’t kind to move students into cold classroom space.”
There are still some items in the industrial technology classroom that need to be completed, with some of those items happening over the holiday break.
Mallie said that the district will continue to keep the area around the new building roped off for the remainder of the winter, to help protect the new concrete from salt.
Principal Jack Leighty said that Amanda Zenisek’s classroom has relocated to the CTE commons space for their classroom space at the moment, so holiday concerts can happen in the auditorium.
If the heaters begin running at the end of December, Leighty said most teachers could easily move into the new classroom space over the holiday break and classes can start there for the second semester.
District roundtable committee established
The district roundtable committee was set for the coming year.
Members on the committee include: Mount Vernon student Edith Dawson; community members Kimberly Andresen, Nelson Baethke, Nanci Bell, Gary Bell, Jessica Black, Larry Collins, Jason Cullum, Lindsay Glynn, Dianna Hamilton, Curt Hancock, Lillian Hankemeier, Maggie Hartzler, Annie Hawker, Rachel Jarr, Amy Johnson, Achele Jones, Aarika Koppenhaver, Amanda Moellering, Jessica Mueller, Shayne Onstott, Lesley Panos, Maggie Pickett, John Rife, Matt Siders, Kara Stineman, Jonathan Thomas, Kim Tucker and Jenna Wischmeyer; Mount Vernon school employees Rachael Glaza, Tierney Rowe, Heidi Ryan, Charlene Vig and Erin Wilkinson; and board members Rick Elliott, Tim Keegan and Kristi Meyer.
The inaugural meeting of the roundtable was Wednesday, Dec. 11, at 6 p.m., at the Mount Vernon Middle School commons.
Committee members were able to generate topics to be covered at future meetings.
Evidence based reporting program update
Mount Vernon Schools teacher leadership instructional specialist Michelle Boyden gave an update on the Evidence Based Reporting (EBR) program and what they have been up to this fall.
The focus of the professional learning focus for fifth through 12th grade teachers this fall has been refining the EBR practices of the district. That has included looking
Linn County Board of Supervisors Awards $50,000 in Legacy & Community Attraction Grants
Four local nonprofits will receive grant funding from Linn County’s Legacy & Community Attraction Fund. The Board of Supervisors this week awarded $50,000
at the rubrics teachers utilize to make sure students are exhibiting a chosen skill in a subject field. The rubrics give guidance for students to establish what they are doing well in certain areas or where they can improve moving forward.
Boyden said working on the rubrics was needed this year, as many of the scales teachers were using were made more than seven years ago.
“We’ve also had teacher turnover since then, so it was getting people in line with the rubrics and standards overall,” Boyden said.
Boyden said there was also work on the rubrics for teachers about how they are doing to make sure skills align with Iowa Common Core or where rubrics may need to be amended.
Boyden said the focus for the district and for students aside from aligning with Iowa Core, is that students are prepared with soft skills, like being responsible, working well with others, accountability.
“We are trying to keep academics separate from the behaviors of students,” Boyden said.
Board member Kristi Meyer asked if there would be plans to connect the EBR goals towards district goals and items as well, like ways to show growth in mathematic or reading assessments.
Boyden said that will be considered, but there is also work that needs to go back to educating students on the new rubrics, as well as parents that is yet to come.
Discussion was on if the district will eventually switch to a whole EBR grading and do away with letter grades in the future. Boyden said that letter grades are the most confusing portion for many students, as while they may have earned a B, they don’t know how to have improved that grade in the future. With EBR, they have a focus on what areas they did well and what to improve or work on in the future.
in grants to the following organizations:
• Cedar Rapids Museum of Art: $5,000
• Central City Historical Society: $7,000
• Indian Creek Nature Center: $5,000
• The History Center: $33,000
The Board of Supervisors established the Linn County Legacy & Community Attraction Fund to foster and support long-standing, new, and diverse community events and organizations in Linn County that substantially promote Linn County history or culture and/or work to draw in residents and visitors. A goal of the grant program is to provide a small number of larger awards thereby making a more substantial impact to the recipient organizations. Recipients are selected through an annual competitive grant process. This year, the Board of Supervisors received grant requests totaling more than $300,000 with only $50,000 in available funds. The Board of Supervisors reduced funding for the grant program from $150,000 to $50,000 following budget cuts in fiscal year 2024 and fiscal year 2025.
Lisbon schools, community mourns passing of Thomson brothers
Nathan Countryman
Mount Vernon-Lisbon Sun nathan.countryman@mvlsun.com
The Lisbon community was reeling from the loss of Mitchell Thomson, 30, of Stanwood and Nicholas Thomson, 40, of Tipton, as well as Kirk Stout, Sr., 60, of Marion. The trio had been fishing on the Mississippi river Sunday, Dec. 8, when their boat overturned. Rescuers were able to recover all three from the water, but all three died.
Mitch graduated from Lisbon in 2012, and immediately joined the custodial team at the school. He also continued his study in mechanics, which superintendent Autumn Pino said was a later benefit to the school system.
“Mitch has left a lasting impression in the hearts of so many, whether it was his soft sense of humor, his willingness to deliver on any task regardless of the obstacle, or the way he took pride in his work due to his passion for our Lisbon community,” Pino wrote. “He will be missed by our Lisbon family, and we will always be grateful for his contributions in making Lisbon a great place for our students.”
Counseling services have been available to students and staff impacted by the loss.
During Tuesday’s high school band concert, director Joseph Arch dedicated the
song “Turquoise” to Mitch. The song was written for the composer’s 10-year-old child who passed away early.
At Lisbon’s school board meeting, principals Jack Leighty and Justin Brown as well extended their sympathies to the Thomson family.
“Mitch did a great job at this district,” Leighty said.
“It’s always hard to lose someone that many considered a friend or a part of your school family,” Brown said.
Pino thanked the outpouring of support that the community has shown to the Thomson family, as well as to the school during the loss.
“We’ve had people letting us and Rod know they’re willing to help out with some of the tasks that Mitch helped with, especially snow removal,” Pino said. “What this has reminded us all of, however, is how special the school is and people are special here, no matter their role in the system. Mitch was a part of the Lisbon school system. He waved back to our elementary students, worked alongside high schoolers in the summers. He was a permanent fixture in this school, and it’s hard to lose someone like that.”
“The beauty of owning a small business is being blessed to know a lot of people,” wrote Tyler Light, co-owner of Baxa’s Sutliff Store and Tavern. “Not just by name, but how amazing they are. These two guys ran
the streets of our village for years, would do anything for anyone, and made us laugh either over a card game, facial expression or just a look to see what the hell they had on their trailer now.”
“Sutliff is not just a tavern, or a small business, it’s a place that remembers the hearts that have been broken over the years for lost loved ones. But when you walk on property it’s almost like a sense of happiness because so many have enjoyed their first of many memories there.”
“I truly hope that the Thomson family knows your boys will always be remembered for many years to come and they will be missed within our village.”
Eileen Zahorik Dighton, 82, died peacefully in her sleep on Dec. 8, at her brother’s home in Lisbon, Iowa. Stewart Baxter Funeral & Memorial Services, Mount Vernon is assisting the family with arrangements.
Eileen was known among her family and friends for her wit, humor, grace, good looks, generosity, and compassion. She was named for her Irish grandmother, Eileen Loftus, and resembled her in some ways. “She was a raconteur who told wonderful stories and had a memory for the telling detail”, said her favorite brother, Ralph Zahorik, author of this obituary.
Eileen was born in Chicago and raised in Iowa. Her parents, the late John and Sonya Zahorik, moved to Lisbon, when Eileen was five years old. She was a 1960 graduate of Lisbon High School where she excelled in English, cheerleading, and basketball and won the Betty Crocker Homemaker of the Year Award.
Eileen was a voracious reader and a sometimes-intense follower of politics. She was a keen gambler, a master cribbage player, and an avid fan of the Chicago Cubs. She liked crossword puzzles and mysteries and most anything peculiar. She adored cats, dogs, and strays in general. She was known to physically remove dogs from abusive homes. Her house in Lisbon was, at times, a haven for her uncles, brothers, friends, and others who needed a place to stay or hide.
Eileen liked practical jokes, was an excellent mimic and a master of disguise who could impersonate anyone or invent her own characters. During Halloween, she once fooled a tavern full of acquaintances and later, her own mother, into believing Eileen was an obnoxious and aggressively flirtatious male soldier passing through town.
She was the hapless victim of some memorable pranks herself. Knowing Eileen didn’t like bees, her daughter Marey once hired a beekeeper impersonator, wearing full protective gear, to show up at her house with a humming hive for her birthday.
Eileen’s first husband, Roy “Rocky” Stone, was a high wire ironworker, whose specialty was water towers. She traveled the country with him for work for several years. Her second husband, Roy “R.G.” Dighton, a semi driver, and possibly the nicest man in the world, passed away in 1994.
Survivors include her daughter, Marey Stone (Brian Kobets) of Imperial Beach, Calif.; grandson, Charley Kobets; stepson, Dustin Dighton (Angel) and their children Hannah, Cadence, and Holley; brothers, John, Frank, Robert (Marianne), and David Zahorik, all of Lisbon; sister, Karin Zahorik (Riyaz Fazal) of San Francisco; numerous nieces, nephews, and cousins; and her beloved cat Baby.
She is preceded in death by her parents, sister, Noel Johnson; and brothers Ralph Zahorik and Charles Zahorik.
“Eileen could have done anything,” said her brother Ralph. “She was a beauty and when she was younger, she loved getting dressed up for a night on the town. If she had run off to the big city and charmed some tycoon, we’d all be millionaires today. But sadly, my sis wasn’t that kind of girl.”
(A very special thanks to Hospice of Mercy, especially Karen Akar, who took incredible care of our sister.)
Joan Kraus, 62, of Monticello, passed away from early onset Dementia Thursday, Dec, 12, 2024. A Catholic graveside service will be held at 10:30 a.m. Friday, Dec. 20, at Sacred Heart Cemetery in Monticello. A celebration of Life will follow from 11:30 a.m. - 3 p.m. at the Eagles Club in Monticello.
Joan was born September 18, 1962, the daughter of Victor and Janice (Staner) Kraus. She was raised on a farm outside of Monticello with her 15 brothers and sisters. After graduating high school, she attended Kirkwood Community College where she completed their Handicapped Services course of study.
Throughout her life, she worked as a care provider for the disabled, an award-winning sales professional and boss, an entrepreneur and owner of Pappy’s, Prairie Moon Ball Room, and The Office.
Joan fiercely loved her family and as a sister, aunt, and friend she was always there for the special moments. She also created many new memories by inviting the nieces and nephews over for slumber parties or hot tub birthday parties. She never missed a graduation party or wedding celebration. If you needed presents wrapped, a Black Friday gift purchased, your yard mowed, or your kids watched when you went out of town, she had your back.
Joan also loved to have fun. From epic back yard birthday parties, live bands and Karaoke at her bars, concerts and many road trips, she was always there with a smile. She was preceded in death by her grandparents, parents Victor and Janice Kraus, brothers Dan and Steve
Kraus, in-laws Vern Vacek and Greg Carl, niece Megan Klaus, and great-niece Hannah First.
Joan is survived by her siblings Mike (Em) Kraus of Monticello, Dave (Sue) Kraus of Cascade, Martha (Dean) Schwendinger of Monticello, Jim Kraus of Monticello, Julie Vacek of Monticello, Tony (Marsha) Kraus of Monticello, Bob Kraus of Cedar Rapids, Bill (Kathy) Kraus of Hopkinton, Jayne (Joe) Tuetken of Monticello, John (Julie) Kraus of Cedar Rapids, Mark (Pam) Kraus of Mount Vernon, Teresa (Dan) Cox of Mount Vernon, Ted (Sarah) Kraus of Monticello, sisters-in-law Becky Kraus of Monticello and Darcy Kraus of Monticello, godchildren Rachel Steger of Monticello, Brandon Kraus of Monticello, Sarah Lagunes of Monticello, Ryan Cox of Cedar Rapids, 45 nieces and nephews, 84 great-nieces and nephews, and 6 great nieces and nephews who she personally knew and loved.
The family requests no flowers. Please direct memorials to the family so they may donate to caretakers or the Alzheimers Association of America.
The family would like to thank the staff at Meadowview Memory Care Village for their kindhearted care over the past year.
Joyce Marie Whitlatch, 87, was received into God’s loving arms Dec. 6, 2024, leaving behind a legacy of compassion. Funeral Services are 11 a.m. Saturday, Dec. 21, 2024, at Grace Baptist Church in Marion. Visitation is 9-11 a.m. at the church. Burial will follow at Lisbon Cemetery. Arrangements are with Stewart Baxter Funeral & Memorial Services in Mount Vernon. Those unable to attend are invited to watch the service via livestream. Please find the livestream link on Joyce’s Tribute Wall and share your support and memories with her family at www.stewartbaxter. com under Obituaries.
Joyce was born June 8, 1937, to Gerald and Mabel (Grisham) Thompson in Bertram, Iowa. She started her education at a country school, then went to Springville where she was a proud graduate of Springville High School class of 1955 (attending Mount Vernon High School for one year). She later married the boy she thought was cute in kindergarten, Donald Fisk, and had three daughters and four grandchildren: Donna (Russ) Sauer and children, Karin and Brandon, Sheryl (Kevin) Meagher and children, Calisse (Zach) and Adam, and Kim Pasker. Joyce and Don later divorced, but remained good friends.
She later married Aryl Whitlatch, retired Army National Guard CW5, in 1983 and enjoyed 37 years together until his passing in 2020. They traveled across the United States and spent a majority of their vacations in Branson, Mo., and Mountain View, Ark. She was musically talented playing the piano, slide steel guitar, Hawaiian guitar, and accordion.
Joyce retired from Rockwell Collins in 1995 as a lab assistant working on circuit boards for military equipment. She had the pleasure of working with a wonderful group of ladies during her time there. In her younger years, she enjoyed dancing the jitterbug and she continued to enjoy dancing to various genres, including polka and square dancing until a couple years ago. She was an avid salt and pepper shaker collector and later a collector of teacups and saucers. Family was very important to her and she loved spending time with them. She enjoyed passing on her skills of sewing, crafts, and cooking to them, although not all of them achieved success in that.
Her first love was her Lord and Savior, Jesus Christ. She was born again and baptized at Grace Baptist Church where she played the piano for more than 20 years. She was also a Sunday School teacher, active in the bus ministry, played the piano, sang at various nursing homes on Sunday afternoons, and taught home-economics for many years in the Christian school. She and her husband started “Hilltoppers” for the seniors in their church. They spent many hours planning games and making meals together for those events. Making sure others were happy and cared for was her gift.
Left to share her memories are her daughters, grandchildren, and brother, (Gerald) Edward Thompson of Mechanicsville.
Preceding her in death was her loving husband, Aryl; parents, Gerald and Mabel Thompson; and two sisters, Evelyn Hilsenbeck and Delores Mulnix. Her graciousness will be missed by all who knew her.
In lieu of flowers, the family asks that you perform an act of kindness in Joyce’s memory so the world continues to grow a little brighter.
Robert G. Lehr, 83, of Lisbon, Iowa, passed away Thursday, Dec. 12, at the Oldorf Hospice House of Mercy in Hiawatha. Funeral Services are 11 a.m. today (Thursday, Dec. 19) at Stewart Baxter Funeral & Memorial Services in Mount Vernon. Visitation from 9:30 a.m. until service time. Burial: Lisbon Cemetery.
Survivors include his wife of 61 years, Marcia; daughter, Tami (Derek) Sanders; granddaughter, Alex Sanders; sister, Susan Beres;
Cole Corner
Cathy Boggs Cole Library
Library closing for
Thursday, December 19: 8am-4:30pm
Dec. 11 – Car unlock, 300 blk W. First St, Mount Vernon
Dec. 12 – Agency assist- animal control, Linn Co
Dec. 12 – Animal control, 100 blk E. Main St, Lisbon
Dec. 12 – Fraud, 400 blk business 30 SW, Mount Vernon
Dec. 12 – Motorist assist, S. Hwy 1, Mount Vernon
Dec. 12 – Agency assist- medical, Linn Co
Dec. 13 – Agency assist- motorist assist, Linn Co
Dec. 13 – Car unlock, 300 blk business 30, Lisbon
Dec. 14 – Medical, 300 blk Eighth St NW, Mount Vernon
Dec. 14 – Medical, 300 blk Grant Ave Cir, Lisbon
Dec. 14 – Suspicious person, 100 blk E. Main St, Lisbon
Dec. 14 – Medical, 300 blk E. Market St, Lisbon
Dec. 14 – Medical, 100 blk Third St NE, Mount Vernon
Dec. 15 – Welfare check, 700 blk Eighth St NW, Mount Vernon
Dec. 15 – Agency assist-welfare check, Linn Co
Dec. 16 – Medical, 600 blk W. First St, Mount Vernon
sister-in-law, Norma Abbott; brother-in-law, Melvin Stout; and a niece and seven nephews.
Bob was born Aug. 24, 1941, in Cedar Rapids, the son of Glenn and Elizabeth (Kohl) Lehr. He graduated from Lisbon High School in 1959. On Oct. 19, 1963, he married Marcia Reyhons at Federated Church in Lisbon. Bob was a lifelong proud farmer continuing to be outside tinkering and looking after things long after retirement.
He enjoyed bowling in his younger days, playing Euchre whenever possible, and taking in a Swisher Sweet and Busch Lite. He’d walk into any room with his Bobby smile and a story to tell. He will be remembered for his ‘neighborhood patrol’ and love for family.
Bob was preceded in death by his parents; son, Gary Robert Lehr; sister, JoAnn Stout; brothers-in-law, Roger (Lou Ann) Reyhons; Dennis Hampton, Mike Beres, and Tom Abbott; and nephews, Kevin Westfall and Bobby Westfall.
Memorials may be directed to the Oldorf Hospice House, Mechanicsville Ambulance, or the charity of your choice.
Please share your support and memories with his Bob’s family on his Tribute Wall at www.stewartbaxter. com under Obituaries.
Eileen Dighton
Joan Kraus
Robert Lehr
Joyce Whitlatch
Lisbon dancers first at state in kick
Judge’s choice as well for pom routine
nathan.countryman@mvlsun.com
The Lisbon Dance team took home a first-place finish in kick and a second-place finish in pom at the Iowa State Dance Championships Thursday, Dec. 5. The team also earned a judge’s choice for their pom routine. The pom routine featured music with a jump theme, while the kick routine was to a “Harry Potter” theme.
“This is the first time that Lisbon has ever placed first in kick and also the first time in program history that we have been awarded the Judge’s Choice Award,” said coach Amy Scallon-Geis. “Only three judges choice awards are given for the day of competition and are the dances that the judges found to be the most entertaining and memorable over the course of the day regardless of point total and placement. To win this award is a huge accomplishment and we were thrilled to win it for our pom routine.”
Scallon-Geis said that this is the largest team in Lisbon Dance team’s history, with 15 members.
“Every year the team works extremely hard, but this team was the most positive and upbeat team I’ve worked with,” Scallon-Geis said. “They helped each other throughout the season and truly found the joy in being a team and dancing together.”
Senior Kaitlynn Hasselbusch concurred.
“One thing I loved about our team this season was that we all just wanted to work hard and do our best,” Hasselbusch said. “None of us were dead set on winning— obviously we wanted to win— but it was never a do or die situation, we just wanted to do what we loved and do it well. Winning was a great perk of our hard work and determination through-
out the season.”
Senior Gretchen Moehlman loved the deepening bonds formed with the team.
“It’s awesome to see how much work each girl puts in and how we help each other with both routines as we prepare for state and seeing all of our hard work pay off at state is amazing,” Moehlman said. “Our finish at state was so awesome and it’s such an amazing feeling it felt so great to be apart of. It was a great way to finish our last year.”
Scallon-Geis also commended the work of Bailey Hill (alumni of class of 2016) as assistant coach of the team.
“This is her first year with the team and her help and expertise was instrumental to our success,” Scallon-Geis said. “We are so lucky to have her working with our program.”
Britton Mason also participated in the state solo qualifiers in October, placing 12th overall (just outside the ability to qualify to the state solo competitions).
Hasselbusch has said what she has enjoyed about dance team is how close the team became.
“We have long days, three-to-six-hour practices and day long competitions so it is the best that we are all friends,” Hasselbusch said.
Moehlman said she has loved the environment of the team.
“I have loved the environment and the bond that I have grown with each girl on the team,” Moehlman said. “The environment is so uplifting and different compared to other sports I have been involved in in it’s own way. Our coaches do a really good job at making the dance team so enjoyable and a great environment to be in.”
Hasselbusch said her favorite routines have been the pom and kick routines this year, as well as the kick routine from 2023. That kick routine from 2023 was Moehlman’s favorite as well.
“Our pom was so unique and high energy and we never got bored of it,” Hasselbusch said. “Both of our kick routines are fun because they have both been music people know and love so it is fun to see people make that connection.”
Hasselbusch said she is looking forward to the dance showcase that is coming up in March of this year, which highlights the state dance routines, as well as a co-ed routine, father-daughter routine, youth dances and more.
“It is a great way to wrap up our season and we always
have so much fun prepping for it,” Hasselbusch said.
“I am looking forward to performing at more sporting events and learning new routines to perform, as well as preparing for our dance showcase, it is always so fun to prepare for and it always turns out so well,” Moehlman said.
“This season was a great way to end my dance career and I’m glad I could do it with this group of girls and our great coaches,” Hasselbusch said. “They put in so many hours and we couldn’t do it without them.”
Right: Members of the Lisbon band, Eric Jacobsen and Bryce Boots, perform percussion in “Timepiece.” Center: Members of the Mount Vernon orchestra perform in “Wenceslas Meets Vivaldi.” Bottom left: Chris Ricke performs a solo in “Swing Machine.” Bottom right: The Mount Vernon Swingin’ Stangs perform “Canal Street Commotion.”
Contributed photo
The Lisbon Dance team in their Harry Potter inspired costumes for their kick routine.
Nathan Countryman
Mount Vernon-Lisbon Sun
Photos by Nathan Countryman | Mount Vernon-Lisbon Sun
SANTA MAIL
Washington Elementary First Grade
Dear Santa,
Thursday, December 19 2024
Mrs. Briesemeister’s Class
I hope you are ready for Christmas. Because I am. I’ve been good at school. I want a x-box. My favrit randear is dashr.
Love, Barrett
Dear Santa, I hope you are doing good. I have been doing good to my sister. I want a ps5. Queartion. What is your favrit food?
Love, Mason
Dear Sants,
I hope you have a vare good Christmis. Your elg are mabe wrke hrd. I wat a bune. Wot your fravit rander?
Love, Emma
Dear Santa,
I hope you have a good crismis. I want a woch. Bkus I bin klening. Wut is your favrit rader?
Love, Collins
Dear santa,
I hope you like me. Can I have Sonic stuf? I was gud at my chors. Wiye do you giv presns to me?
Love, Brecken
Dear Santa,
I hope you aren’t sik. I help Abe spell whords. I want a Playstation 4. What is your favrit type of candy?
Sinserly, Bennett
Dear Santa , I hope you are doing good. I cep my room clen. I want a ps5. What is your favrit cuce?
Love, Caleb
Dear Santa, I hope you are doing good with the elfs. I helped my family decorate the Chistmas tree. Can I pleses have a new bike. How are you doing?
Love, Ellie
Dear Santa, I hope you come to my haws. I have been boing my homwrc. I wot a Fijittor. Wats yor favrit coocee.
Love, Ava
Dear Santa, I hope you ar rede. I have been halpeing. I wuld like if you gav a nrth gun. Wat is your vavit couke?
Love, Greyson
Dear Santa, I hope you are doing wlel. I have good hmomwrik. I wold like a ps5. Wat is your fastist radeer?
Love, Quintin
Dear Santa, I hope you are doing well. I have been lisining to my teachr this year. I hope you give me a stuf bunny
Love, Evie
Dear Santa, I hope you are exidid. I have been good by wasing the windws. Wut is your fveat radeur?
I wont a makupset.
Love, Joan
Dear Santa, I hope you are worm. I have been good koas I say plese and thance you. Can I plese have LOL Dolls? I hope you come to my hous. Question. Are you worm up thar?
Love, Makayla
Dear Santa, I help my parest kleen. Can I have a Playstashieen? Do you like sleping?
Love, Abe
Dear Santa, I hope you ar dethee. I have bin nise. What do you do all samrr. I what a sanllee cup.
Love, Edith
Dear Santa, I hope you have a good Crismus. I have been klening my room. I want an LOL doll. How is your favrit rander?
Love, Adeline
Dear Santa, I what for Krismus is a baseball. Santa misis tak is se make good chres. Santa how ar a rade doweg? I wish hape crstms.
Love, Scarlett
Dear Santa, I hope yuut have a vere good day and a happe December. I have did my Chros lasch nitie. I did my logre and . Wot is your fafrit rader?
Love, Barker
Mrs. Hach’s Class
Dear Santa, I hav ben good and bad. I trid to get lana out of my rom. I ben good and nise. I wod like a Barbe, doll, clos. Do you like red or green?
Love, Paisley-Jo
Dear Santa, I have ben okay. I was good with my frend and I some tims help my mom. I wood like a Narf gun, a Mister Beest lab and a Switch. How do you bild a lot of presents?
Love, Quinn H.
Dear Santa, I have bin prite good. I have helped my mom clen the howes and pratis my speling. I wud like Mistre Beest lab, praneck kit and fack dineomite.
Do you like me Santa?
Love, Brody C.
Dear Santa, I have goof sumtimes. I fed the cats aftr school and I help my mom fold close. I wood like a Nara stufy, a Nora baby stufy and sqishmolys. Is nora reel?
From, Iris E.
Dear Santa, I have ben otica. I cling ym room and I read. I wnut a rooo dlime, Amarican Grl dol and sqosshmelos. Do you like dols?
Love, Lilly R
Dear Santa, I have ben good. I help my mom feed Theeo and I help my frens. I whood like a dirt bike, nirf gun, and a yo-yo. Love, Jaden N.
I have been good. I help my family and my frinds. I wood like a Mr. Beest lab, a camra, and a toy boandaro. Are your elfs real?
From, Cam A.
Dear Santa, I have been ok. I have helped my mom and I have been good to my freens. I would like Legos, nerf gus and a Lego set. Why dos the elf not tock to us?
Love, Owen R.
Dear Santa, I have been kined good and bad. I help my gramma and I triy too help my mom. I woud like a elf, bascit ball, and fany pack. How dus your slay fliy in the sky?
From, Ingrid V.
Dear Santa, I have bin good. I hepp my mom and I cleenip. I like to have a rokit fourweelr, puppy and drkbike. What do you want to have for Cissmiss? Frum, Bentley W.
Dear Santa, Some times I have ben bad. Some times I have ben good. I read my book and I be nice. I wood like miny camru, polly pokit and bath boms. What is your favrit color?
From, Hayden R.
Dear Santa, I have been good and a little bad. I play with my boothr and feed the cats. I wood like a head set, Nike Shoos and 2 sholder pads.
Do you like me?
Love, Bennett N.
Dear Santa, I have ben gud. I mak my bed and I help my momy. I wood like a stufys, hatchabls, and caler book. How can you have that meny elf?
Love, McKenna W.
Dear Santa, I have been ok. I sometimes am good. I play catch with my mom. I wud like a PF flirse, a snowbord and a new skate bord. Who is Oluver?
From, Henry K.
Dear Santa, I have ben good. I play nise and I don’t be meen. I would like ping-pong, stufy fox, and a stufy dog. What is your favrit kind of cookie?
From, Nora W.
Dear Santa,
I have been very good. I help my friends when they fall down or get hurt and I feed our dog. I would like a Lions Jersey, Montez Sweat, Bears jersey, and a nerf gun. What time do you go to houses?
From Ori A.
Dear Santa,
I have been very good. I wus very good at my haus. I hlp my dad werk. I want a toy truck, toy car and a dog. Why fo you live in the North Pole?
Love, Roman R.
Dear Santa,
I have been good and a little bad. I am kinde and I read with my mom. I wood like a piupy, a gim and a sister. Are you reel?
Love, Kelsey H.
Dear Santa,
I have been good this year. I make my bed and pick my clows up. I woud like to have baskitballl shaus, musting swuchret and socks. What is your favrit ccolor?
From, Rory K.
Dear Santa,
I have ben very good. I did the dishes and I help my frends. I woud like a Lego Fries, bord game and new shoos. What doss your shop look like.
Love, Autumn C.
Mrs. Kramer’s Class
Dear Santa,
Do you bring ckol to the note ones?
Please will you bring me a soing mushing, a sum soing peses of blacet. I have been good. I im gunu give Easton a pickrr frum Kinze. You are a good Satu.
Frum, Kinzie A.
Dea r Santa, How old are you?
Please, will you bring me a Star Wars Lago set. I have been good. I have helped do lanjry. You’re the best!
From, Zander L.
Dear Santa, How many elfs do you have? Please will you bring me a pokedex pokemon stickers and hockey cards. I have been good. I pat the silverware away. You are a good man.
From, Elliott W.
Dear Santa, How mene randur do you hav? Please, will you bring me reslrs? I have been good. Anderson U.
Dear Santa, How much elfs do you have? Please will you bring me Pokemon crares? I have been good. I help my mom and dad. I love you Santa.
From, Marlowe P.
Dear Santa, Hoe much elfs do you have? Please, will you bring me a lol doll. I have ben good. I help my siyer. You are the best in the werold.
From, Willow F.
Dear Santa, Whos’ the best raindear you have? Please, will you bring me Zoobo football card packs. I have been good playing with my friends. You are the best best man in the whole whyed world.
From, Dakota S.
Dear Santa, How many rader do youhavee? Wleade will you bring me a Calebi Willyums jrse? I have been good. You are the best in the wrld.
From, Hudson G.
Dear Santa, Is roodoff real? Please will you bring me a liyens jrsy? Are you a Hacies or a Iowa State fan? You are the best.
From, Declan R.
Dear Santa, Please will you bring me superheroes, a gingerbread house and lots of snacks? I have been good and I have helped my family!
Love, Mickey F.
Dear Santa, How mene elfs do you have? Please will you bring me the Wicked Lago set, the emrld side. I have bin good. I have bin playing with my bruthrs and thay play with mee. I like you bring me presins.
From, Charlie T.
Dear Santa, How much rader do you hav? Please, will you bring me a PS5. I have been good in school. I luv you.
From Titus R.
From Naomi R.
Dear Santa, How many elffs do you have? Pleas brin a snow glob. I have been good. I been bucklingLeo my brother. Thak you for all the presins.
Dear Santa, Thank you for my pressins. What cind of cookees do you like? Ples will you breg me make up.
Frum, Layla K.
Dear Santa, Wut kind of cooces do you like? Please, will you bring me a Pandu squishmelo. I have ben good. You are grat!
From, Ella M.
Dear Santa, How mech radr ddo you hav? I ben good. I fed the dog.
From, Crew H.
Dear Santa, How much ellfs do you have? I wont a LOL Doll plees. I have ben good. I help my momeey. Yoa er the best! From Presley H.
Dear Santa, Do you bring toys to the hole wrld? Please, will you bring me a soing mushin, sum soing peses of braclet. I have been good. Im gnu help my mom. From, Laiklyn F.
Dear Santa, How old are you? Are you 1,000,000? Please will you bring me a manckee bars and noow shoos, too? I have been good. You are so nise. From, Elliett W.
Dear Santa,
Who is your faverit elf? Please, will you bring me a walking meowing stuffy of a cat and a basketball? I have been good. I help clean. You are very nice.
From, Ari G.
Mrs. Russell’s class
Dear Santa,
My name is Adeline. How have I been? Can you give me a reile piupy and a care bare and a nuw stuffed anmiele fox? Can it be fluffy? Why did you not bring me an Elf? Love, Adeline F.
Dear Santa, Have I been good? Can I heve a big hug frum you? I love you a lo. Marey Krismis Love, Amiah G.
Dear Santa, I ben good. I have ben puting bishes in the diseswoshr. I would like a hackder. Do your randeer have wings? Love, Archer J.
Dear Santa, I have been good. I have been falloing drecshind. I say thank you. Cann I have a Fart gun pleas and thank you. Is roudallf real? Mery Christmas Love, August T.
Dear Santa, Hav I ben good? I wot a big squimallow. I wot a bike with training wels. I wot a stfe cat. I wot a stufe rabit. Thank you, Aurora H.
Dear Santa, I have ben good by helping my mom and dad. I wish that I cood have a barewucooda stufy and I want to get a elf stuufy and I want to get a santa stufy. What’s yor favrit food? Luv, Charlie A.
Dear Santa, I have ben good. How I have? Well, wen it is erly out, wen it iss time, I youstee to get my sisr. I wood like a elf for Chrismis. What is yor faferit cooke? Have a mere Chrismis. Luve, Declan F.
Dear Santa, I helped my mom when she was sick. For Crismiss I wold like a majick set and facepante and a rainbow hie doll that you can ddye her hare. Hows Santa Closes mom and dad? Love, Denalo W.
Dear Santa, I am good. I have not ben using my Switch time. I would like a drt bike and a tramplene. Can you do a bacfflip? Love, Elan G.
Dear Santa, Have I ben good? I rilly whant a puppy!!!!!!! How do you dliver all the presints in one nite? Merry Crismis! Love, Everly K.
Dear Santa, I have ben good. I want a alechric skooder. I wunt a drtbike. I want a PSFive. I wunt a basketball hoop and a basketball. Can you do a sideflip? Love, Hudson P.
Dear Santa, I am being good waiting my tuen. I would like a Mr. Ceest Lab, Ba Blade X, and an ureena. How do yor randeer fli? Love, Jameson D.
Dear Santa, I have ben good. I wont a stitch hows. Wat kind of cooces? Merry Crismis.
Love, Mya T.
Dear Santa,
I have been good becus I have finished all my work. I would like a stitch rug and a elf and lots of stitch squshamel. And how many elfes are thar?
Love, Myla C.
Dear Santa,
I have ben good becus I have ben huging my parins. I would like you too get me a game called Madin 25 and Callige Football 25 and Raveins helmit. Now I want to assck you a cweshin. Am I on the good list. By by.
Love, Mylan B.
Dear Santa,
I have been good becus I have finished all my work. I would like a purple camra and a squshamelo feris wheel with squishmelos and a Elf on the Shelf. Do you have machic animals? Tell me all of them.
Love, Paul R.
Dear Santa,
I had been so good in scool and good to my sistr. Whut I want from you is a spa kit that has a spa awfit for me and a reel strateriner, and a reel curler and a reel blow drire. I will be carful and let my mom help mee and a tabul to put the stuf on.
Mery Crismus.
Love, Penelope P.
Dear Santa,
Have I ben goog? I rilly want a puppy!!!! And I want a PS5 and I want Chapter Two Fortnte ans Osowa Platystashin. How duz the randeer fly and how do you finish dulivuring presents fas?
Love, Ryker R.
Dear Santa,
I have bin good. I’ve ben hlping uttrs. I want a pogo stick and a alectric car and a cat. Wut is your faver cookie? Mery krismis!
Luve, Willow F.
Mrs. Walters Class
Dear Santa,
My name is Drake. Here is my Christmas list – Squishy toy, fidget toy, football and trampoline. It’s ok if I don’t get everything! Please tell Mrs. Claus, the elfs and the reindeer I said “hi!”
Thanks, Love, Drake W.
SANTA MAIL
Dear Santa, I is a god boy aus I did not be bad. I wor a cid drbiec, I wot olt the bulldline toys. How doow snow fol out a skys?
From, Zacceri L.
Dear Santa, I don’t know what I want. I want it to be speshl. I have made my bed when my friends come over to my house. And my questin is: how do you know iff we have been good or bad?
From Evelyn H.
Dear Santa,
How dus your lfs make pressins? How dow yow fliye? I want little babe cittinks and a nitlit and a thampoline. I dsrv pressis because I am cind.
From, Pearl G.
Dear Santa, I wunt a forwhilr, and I wunt a drtbike and I wunt a Ps5. I m god for my mom. I am god for my dad. Hoow is on the nodey list?
From, Mitchell P.
Dear Santa, For Crismis, I want a new tablit cus I was good by the way I am acting. I also unt the came Mecroid Prrime and a Link Burween Worlds and a watch. How do your rinderr land on her feet?
From, Keaton s.
Der Sar, I want tomachi life and a dinsr crr. And San how do fit don the chimey? I bing good. I chiy to moc my mom happ win ses sad.
From, Elvin B.
Dear Santa, I have ben good be cus I have not ben arguing whith my sister Tunni. I whant the nue iPhone 16. I whant a stitch blancete and a a stitch piloe. What do you like ather then cooceas and milck?
Love, Yara F.
Dear Santa, I have ben good be cus I ead my dogs. I want a iPad. I want a kraftcit. I want a Stanle. I want a stitch blancit. How do your eelfs make toys?
From, Maddie B.
Dear Santa, I clyng my room and my sistrs room tow. I wunt a woch and a narf gun. How do yoor radey fly?
From, Christian S.
Dear Santa, I hav bin dowen my chrs and I hav bin goof hiipon my mom with the tree. And can I wut a bady citin and I want a toy robot dog and I wat a robot toy cat. How fo you fliy and how do your rander land on the grand.
From, Oaklyn W.
Dear Santa, I hav bin good becus I hav bin singing to Elnor. It macks me hpey and my dog mackes me hpey to. I vant a gabbe doll home and I vunt my on phone. What dus yo workshop loke like?
From, Fiona K.
Dear Santa, My name is Cooper. I have ben a good boy. I want a seecrit room under my couch and a derbike. Have your elf ben good?
From, Cooper B.
Dear Santa, I hav ben good. I poot the disis a wae. Wie do you have somus randere. I wot a gabe doll hows and brbie doll hows and I wat a big big stfe a dog and a smoll dog and a smoll dog.
From, Victoria M.
Dear Santa, I wunt a drit bike and a nuw kwod and sum hedfones and a nuw fone and to have a gud time. At to son aka ursonue haw? Do your randere land? Can I have every in your shop? I have bin gud. I clend my room.
From, Lucas M.
Dear Santa, I have been good beecuss I love everybody! How do you fly? I want a spy kit.
Love, Garrett Z.
Dear Santa, For Chrismis I want a big pool and a big chrampleen. How do yoor elfs make toys? My yeer is going good. I am cleening my room. I trn in ticits be cus I am good and wat I rully want for Chrismis is a dog baby dog.
Love, Penelope J.
Dear Santa, I wot the frt blasdr. I kln rum bi myself. Mry Ksms. Fum, Weston P.
Miss Cranston’s First Grade Class
Dear Santa, How long dus it tac to fli? Can I hav a godzilla toy? Can I hav u benbag char? Love, Warren
Dear Santa, Are the elves names the same as the reindeer? Can I have a harry potter lego set? Can I get a new iphone 15 for christmas? Love, Connor
Dear Santa, Why do you haf to what cunfe clos? I wunt a unakin kostyom. I wunt a pokemon pakit of pokemon krds. I wunt a braslit set.
Love, Lux
Dear Santa, Haw big our the randdear? Can I get some lagos? Can you get me a nteto swich?
Love, Wyatt
Dear Santa, Are there different colored elves? I wunt a nrf gun. I wunt new shos. Love, Adrian
Dear Santa, Can Vilit come tomomer morning? Can I get hihels? Can I get a barbe car? Love, Ellie
Dear Santa, How smol are the Elves? Can I have a big barbie draem houws? Can I have a lots and lots and lots of barbies? Love, Laiken
Dear Santa, Are the Elvz ok? Can I hav a doll? Can I hav dress up cloz and 7 sqishez? Love, Paisley
Dear Santa, Can you get spin master monster jam toey trucks? I love santa. Why so we have hollidays?
Love, Barrett
Dear Santa, Are you rede for crismus? I wont a nrf gun and I wont a ar-rc car. I wont 1 squishee.
Love, Jude
Dear Santa, How menee Elves do you have? I want a V.R. hed set. I want a toy snipper.
Love, Ben
Dear Santa, are there different colored Elves? I want a in tendoe swich plesa? Can I plesa have rilly cool legos?
Love, Grant
Dear Santa,
Can you bring me a VR and a phone? Do you go to our classroom? Is your sla brown?
Love, Oliver
Dear Santa,
Are yo Magicol? Haw dow yor rander fliy? I want uy cokboc and a lemanad stand and 7 scwishmelos.
Love, Ava
Dear Santa, Are you happy to giv gifts? Can I hav a tendowich? Can I hav a Mreo Chips?
Love, Everett
Dear Santa, Haw olld are you? I wont Taylor to com to my has. I wont allot of minee Brbeland.
Love, Hollis
Dear Santa, Haw do your randere fli? Can I have a book lite? Can I have a ken barbe doll?
Love, Adeline
Mrs. Haddy’s
Happy HHolidays Happyolidays
Dear Santa, How do you get your elfs to lisin to you? How do you get your randeere to flae? I want my :2: frantt teth and a phone.
Love, Gracie K.
Dear Santa, Whos your Enemy? Whats your elfs names? For Crismas I want a Super Mario Set.
Love, Titus W.
Dear Santa, How do rander flly? How is santa majik? I wish I got robllox.
Love, Cole P.
Dear Santa, Santa how do your RaindeeR fly? Santa I ReRe want a nintendo switch I want shoes.
Love, Wes W.
Dear Santa, Haw did you get your elfs? How do your rander fliy? How do you fliy? I want pokmon kords.
Love, Mason O.
Dear Santa, How do you fli to Haws to haws? Santa i would Lick four you to spred joy to evrewun and I would Lick brbes. Love, Kinley L.
Dear Santa, How era you? I want a baby doL and babez elf and Borbeys and Borbey sesres plez. Wi duz mi elf ride a scotr?
Love, Emelia R.
Dear Santa, Haw do randere fli I wish for a a Pixeruvele and eluwel bolz Haw are the elvz
Santa, I wiLL Lev you sam, coces, and, Milc and caris, For your renders, Santa, how mene eLVs do you hav?
Santa wiy do your radrz fliy so fast? I want art stuf. Mare crismis!
Hi mi Nam is GaviN and I waNt a Pe es How do you git your elfs? I waNt a pack uv goLdiN poamev.
HAppYhoLidayS
Dear Santa, How do your randeer fli? How much elfs do you have? I want a nerf gun.
Love, Noah R.
Dear Santa,
What do you eat? I want a BoBre Bed! I want chocolit coal! I want a stuftanml! I Love you Santa!
Love, Charlotte G.
Santa,
How do you get yor elfs? How do yor sley fliy? I want a Bon in aroe.
Love, Averie B.
Mrs. McMullen’s First Grade Class
Dear Santa,
Why do your elfs have pontyears? I need new shoes. I want sqishmelos.
Love, Sawyer
Dear Santa, Is their a elf at every home? Could I have a switch? Can I have a big nerf gun?
Love, Theo
Dear Santa, How is Mrs. Clas doing? I want a iron man mask. I want to fly.
Love, Noah
Dear Santa, Has Miss’s Clozz ben doing good? For christmas I need mor clos and a now fotball.
Love, Reeson
Dear Santa, How is Rudouh doing? I want a Hammd colletion T-Rex for christmas. I need more food to!
Love, Hayes
Dear Santa, What are you doing? For christmas I want sonic stufes. Are you having fun?
Love, Graham
Dear Santa,
What do you want for christmis? I need more undrwar. I want two lego sets.
Love, Nathaniel
Dear Santa,
What is the rindeers bin doing? I wantt a dirt bike. I wantt a xbox.
Love, Camden
Dear Santa, Have your reindeer been practicing? I want a american doll. I ned nod shoos.
Love, Divina
Dear Santa, Have your elves ben good? Can you give me a veanudy? I want a loft bed.
Love, Whitley
Dear Santa, Dus your family live with you? Can you bring me to the nothpoll? Can I have a Lisbon barbie grl?
Love, Layla
Dear Santa, What do you look like I rilly want to no? Can you give me a desk and a cher?
Love, Hanna
Dear Santa, How elf doing? For christmas I want a new shows. How is mis clozz doing? Love, Max
Dear Santa, What are you doing? I want mor boy baby dolls.
Love, Kinsley
Dear Santa, What cooces will you want for christmas? I want smartes. I want a stuff aminal.
Love, Zachary
Dear Santa, I want gum and fon. Do you have a famile? Wut cocess do you lik?
Love, Brooklyn
Dear Santa, How are you doing? I want rel baby elf. Can you get a small dog jacit for Bruce? Love, Hazel
Dear Santa, How is mrs cloz doing? Can you make my elf wok infrunt of me? I want lemin heds.
Love, Quinn
Nathan, Ryan, Paul, Rochelle & Heidi
•
CLASSIFIEDS
Miscellaneous
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Girl Scouts learn about bakery business
When most people think of Girl Scouts, they think of the delicious cookies sold every year in February, but Girl Scouts do so much more than cookie sales. For example, Friday, Dec. 13, girls from Mount Vernon and Lisbon Girl Scout troops enjoyed learning about following your dreams to run your own business while practicing cupcake decorating techniques with local business woman and baker Jen Juhl. Jen, a former Girl Scout herself, described her process of becoming a baker while helping the girls make cupcake batter. While learning about the different types of pipette she described how her business has grown and the future of her business. The Girl Scouts learned about making cupcakes, following their dreams, and running a business, and they got to take home the yummy cupcakes they decorated.
Contributed photo
From left - Lauren Donovan, Izzy Wolfe, Grace Deklotz, Emma Deklotz, Jen Juhl, Lucy Gregg, Aurora Harris, Makenna Harris, Carolyn Donovan and Jen Donovan
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. 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.
The Christmas Truce of 1914, Lester Buresh Family Community Wellness Center, 6:30 p.m. Jim McDonough Home for the Holidays concert, Mount Vernon Performing Arts Center, 7 p.m.
Friday, Dec. 20
MV schools early dismissal for holiday break Bingo, Southeast Linn Community Center, 10-11:30 a.m.
Linn Lunch Bunch, Southeast Linn Community Center, 11:30 a.m. to 12:30 p.m.
Lisbon’s holiday parade and Santa and Mrs. Claus visit, downtown Lisbon, 6 p.m.
Monday, Dec. 23
Lisbon City Council, Lisbon City Hall, 7 p.m. Cornell College Cole Library closes for holiday break, 8 p.m.
200 E. Market St., 455-2000 livinghopegmc.org
Interim Pastors
Services live streamed at Living Hope Global Methodist Church’s YouTube page
Sundays at 8:45 a.m.
Sun.: 8:45 a.m. — In-person worship.
Seeds of Faith Lutheran Church, ELCA
798 Brenneman Lane, 455-2599
(Off Hwy. 30 on eastern edge of Lisbon) www.seedsoffaithlutheran.org/
Pastor Erika Uthe
9 a.m. — In-person worship. Services also livestream via Seeds’ Facebook Page.
BERTRAM
United Methodist Church
319-365-8077
Rev. Darwin Moore, Pastor Sun.: 10 a.m. — In-person worship service
MARTELLE
Christian Church Sun.: 10:30 a.m. — in person worship service Services also stream online at Martelle Christian Church’s YouTube page.
United Methodist Church Sun.: 10:30 a.m. Worship service. No Sunday school.
SPRINGVILLE
United Methodist Church Sun.: 9 a.m. Worship service. Wed.: 6:30 p.m. Praise service
Faith Christian Fellowship
Pastor Joseph Bielema
Sun.: 9:30 a.m. worship at Springville Memorial Library, in the Buresh Room
(264 Broadway Street)
St. Isidore Catholic Church Sat.: 6 p.m. Mass
MECHANICSVILLE
Living Hope Bible Church
Mechanicsville Memorial Building
First Presbyterian Church
408 E. First Street.
Christian Community Church of Mechanicsville
307 East First Street
563-432-7716
Sun: Sunday School 10-11am and in-person Worship Services at 11:15am with Fellowship to follow.
St. Mary’s Catholic Church
Pastor: Father James Flattery Wed.: 8:30 a.m. — mass Sun.: 8 a.m. Mass
Tuesday, Dec. 24
MV, Lisbon City Halls closed. Cole Library and Lisbon Library closed.
Wednesday, Dec. 25
MV, Lisbon City Halls closed. Cole Library and Lisbon Library closed. SELCC closed. Merry Christmas.
Thursday, Dec. 26
Fiber Friends, Southeast Linn Community Center, 10:30 a.m.
Wednesday, Jan. 1
MV, Lisbon City Halls closed. Cole Library and Lisbon Library closed. SELCC closed.
Thursday, Jan. 2
Fiber Friends, Southeast Linn Community Center, 10:30 a.m.
Across
1 ___ Posadas (annual Latin American celebration)
4 Care
8 Quickly throw (together)
12 Iron-rich molecule in blood
13 “That makes sense”
14 Literally, “bean curd”
15 Fail to mention
16 Car freshener scent
17 Doner ___ (meat dish)
18 Uninhabited wilderness
19 Motor coaches?
21 Element between bromine and rubidium
23 Blocks in a bar
24 Blanquette de ___ (French stew)
25 Drop precipitously, as a stock price
27 Bird with a harsh cry
30 Went all out
32 Trait of a courageous person
33 Soup go-with
34 Before, in classic poetry
35 Former N.F.L. quarterback Tim
36 Position in soccer and football
37 Red carpet attire
39 Award first given by King George V, in brief
40 Classic dog name
41 Election campaign
42 ___-mo
43 Blade seen on the Angolan flag
46 Hit rock album of 1980 depicted three times by this puzzle
51 Levels in a ring, for short
52 Consumed gladly
53 Nowadays it’s often accessed via QR code
54 Call at a bakery
55 Big Ben, e.g.
56 Sob
57 Member of a “Great” quintet
58 Make some noise
59 Pet welfare org.
60 Key above ~
Down
1 King Julien of “Madagascar,” for one
2 Titular horror movie town
3 Temporary defeat
4 Game show billed as the “world’s largest obstacle course”
5 Like the majority of products sold at H Mart
6 Check for a flat?
7 Feat
8 ___ Rogers, a.k.a. Captain America
9 Region of the brain
10 A ways away
11 Brits may refer to them as “boozers”
12 Captivate
17 Certain bribe
19 “Out of my way!”
20 Feature of many an aged cheese
22 Recant an opinion
25 “___ of Adele” (Rodin sculpture)
26 Offerings from 11-Down
27 Those who apply themselves?
28 Years, in Uruguay
29 Tree mentioned in the witches’ brew rhyme in “Macbeth”
30 Blot
31 Pay attention to
32 Smooth-barked shade tree
33 W. Coast hub for United Airlines
35 Retrace one’s steps
37 Heraldic animal
38 Whom Count von Count is a parody of
40 Move famously performed by figure skater Surya Bonaly at the 1998 Winter Olympics
42 Bit of Halloween decor
43 Hyperactive
44 2004 Britney Spears hit
45 Dirección from Cancún to Cuba
46 What to expect when you’re expecting
47 Exactly, after “to”
48 Word with division or number
49 X1, X3, X5 and X7
50 Increase dramatically
54 Name tag?
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.
Mustangs pin Lady Clippers
Ryan Suchomel
Mount Vernon-Lisbon Sun ryan.suchomel@mvlsun.com
Starting 0-7 in duals was never an indication of the quality of wrestlers the Mount Vernon girls had.
The No. 4 team in Class 1A girls’ wrestling is good, no doubt. And Thursday, Dec. 12, they finally got a dual win, beating Clear Creek Amana 48-18 in a home dual.
“I told the girls early on with us having a few open weights, we’re not worried about dual team scores, just winning matches,” Mount Vernon Coach Trevor Trende said. “Still, it was good to come out with a victory.”
In a quick dual that was all pins and forfeits, the Mustangs got 30 points from forfeits, plus there were three additional double forfeits. Addi Whisner (145), Kate Martin (110) and Lexi Glaza (125) delivered pins for Mount Vernon.
“We didn’t really care (starting 0-7) because we had so many open weights,” Martin said. “When we did wrestle, we won most of them.”
Martin, a freshman, is part of what Trende says is a product of a strong middle school program. “We have girls coming in with experience,” Trende said.
Whisner, a junior in her second season, feels way ahead of where she was a year ago.
“The key is going in with confidence,” Whisner said. “Being aggressive right from the start. I know what I wanted to do.”
Trende was even able to get sophomore Liliana Grosse in at 135 pounds. She had just joined the team two days earlier.
“For her to step in, and go hard, that’s about all you can ask for,” Trende said.
LISBON GIRLS’ WRESTLING
Lisbon eighth at Zimmerman Invite
Ryan Suchomel
Mount Vernon-Lisbon Sun ryan.suchomel@mvlsun.com
Lisbon girls wrestling continues to learn and evolve. Co-coach Seth Hall has been teaching his team to use
ARCHERY
Mount Vernon Mustang Archery takes aim in Washington
The Mount Vernon Mustang Archery Team had an awesome start to the season at their first tournament in Washington. The archers did an amazing job for their first competition of the year, showing off their hard work and focus. There were some excellent scores to start the year, including three perfect 50 rounds, making it a great way to kick off the season. The Mustangs archers are ready to make this year one to remember.
Washington Bullseye Tournament results:
In the middle school boys’ division, Finn Plattner took first place, scoring 281 and 15 tens. Serenity Robards led the middle school girls’ division, securing first place with a score of 270 and 9 tens, while Trulie Breidinger placed fifth with a score of 264 and 8 tens. In the high school boys’ division, Nathan Nederhiser dominated with a score of 287 and 20 tens, earning first place. Gabriel Mahoney also put up a strong performance, finishing sixth with a score of 279 and 14 tens. The team’s fantastic results show their hard work and set a high bar for the rest of the season.
The elementary team earned third place with a total score of 1660 and 14 tens. The Middle School team also took third place, scoring 3083 with 87 tens. Meanwhile, the high school team finished fifth with a score of 3203 and 138 tens. These solid performances from all three teams highlight the hard work and dedication of the Mount Vernon archers as they kick off the season with promising results.
The Mustangs started the week finishing fourth as a team at the Williamsburg Invitational on Monday, Dec. 9. Kiersten Swart (115) and Libby Dix (190) won gold, and Gracie Pinckney (170) won silver at the 10-team tournament.
“We competed at a really high level,” Trende said.
Trende saluted Dix, who beat the No. 2 wrestler at her weight, Brooklyn Graham of East Buchanan, 6-0. Four days earlier, she had beat No. 3 Leah Stewart of Charles City by pin in 3:58 at the Dan Gable Donnybrook in Coralville.
“That was actually nice,” Trende said.
Swart had three pins to reach the finals, then won by technical fall over Kaelynn Roster of Vinton-Shellsburg, 16-1. Pinckney lost in the finals to Autumn Elsbury of South Tama in a third-period pin.
Mount Vernon was scheduled to compete in the Alburnett Tournament on Saturday, Dec. 14, but that was iced out.
MOUNT VERNON 48, CCA 18
140 – Tabitha Eggleston (CCA) pinned Hannah Jones 3:35. 145 –Addi Whisner (MV) pinned Olivia Hansen 1:16. 155 – Jordan Hunt (CCA) pinned Kaylee Kintzel 1:58. 170 – Gracie Pinckney (MV) won by forfeit. 190 – Libby Dix (MV) won by forfeit. 235 – Josie Panos (MV) won by forfeit. 100 – Double forfeit. 105 – Carly Elliott (MV) won by forfeit. 110 – Kate Martin (MV) pinned Mckenna Sager 2:52. 115 – Kiersten Swart (MV) won by forfeit. 120 –Double forfeit. 125 – Lexi Glaza (MV) pinned Audrey Bulechek 1:19. 130 – Double forfeit. 135 – Addy Schrock (CCA) pinned Liliana Grosse :38.
Williamsburg Invitational Team scores (Top 10 of 29) – 1. South Tama 184.5; 2. East Buchanan 179.5; 3. Vinton-Shellsburg 169; 4. Mount Vernon 130.5; 5. Benton Community 103; 6. Independence 98; 7. Williamsburg 97; 8. Fort Madison 89.5; 9. West Delaware 88; 10. Colfax-Mingo 86.
MOUNT VERNON
105 – Carly Elliott, 2-3, eighth. 110 – Kate Martin 1-3, fourth. 115 – Kiersten Swart, 4-0, first. 125 – Lexi Glaza, 0-2. 145 – Addi Whisner, 4-1, fifth. 155 – Kaylee Kintzel, 2-2, fourth. 170 – Gracie Pinckney, 3-1, second. 190 – Libby Dix, 3-0, first. 235 – Josie Panos, 1-2, seventh.
“The Butcher” a top-position move to try and get your opponent on their back.
“My dad texted me, he knew we had been working on it in the room,” Hall said. “Then all the girls were using it. So, it is nice other people notice we are putting moves together.”
Lisbon finished eighth at the 16-team Zimmerman Invitational on Friday, Dec. 13, in Maquoketa. Central DeWitt won the team title.
The Lions were led by Addison Clark (140) who took second and Emma Dietsch (145) who was third. Clark lost to Ayla Osterkamp of Dubuque Hempstead in the finals by pin in 36 seconds.
“It was cool to see Addi in the finals,” Hall said. “She’s been working back from a knee injury.”
Lisbon girls’ wrestling gets to host its first-ever home dual Thursday, Dec. 19, in the Lions Den against West
Washington 3D Tournament results:
In 3D, Finn Plattner claimed second place in the middle school boys’ division with a score of 278 and 10 tens, while Trulie Breidinger finished second in the middle school girls’ division with a score of 261 and 10 tens. Piper Kaiser rounded out the middle school girls’ results with a solid 4th place finish, scoring 255 and 5 tens. Ryker Lee had an exceptional performance in the high school boys’ division, securing first place with a score of 281 and 16 tens. These impressive results highlight the skill and dedication of the Mount Vernon archers.
The middle school team took third place with a score of 1520 and 43 tens, while the high school team finished fourth with a score of 1586 and 58 tens.
--Individual Scores - (BOLD denotes personal best score)-Elementary School Bullseye Scores (4th-5th grades) -Anistynn Arnold, 103; Sayer Carr, 86; Amos Dietrich, 142; Lillian Fett, 124;
LISBON BOYS’ BASKETBALL
Lions roar past Warriors 61-58
Ryan Suchomel
Mount Vernon-Lisbon Sun ryan.suchomel@mvlsun.com
When the chips were down, the Lisbon boys’ basketball team never gave up.
The Lions were behind 58-50 against Calamus-Wheatland with less than three minutes to go Friday, Dec. 13, in the Lions’ Den.
“We were able to get a couple steals that led to points along with some key offensive rebounds that allowed us to cut into their lead,” Lisbon coach Levi Montague said. “Jackson Powers had a steal and Tyler Sauser had a big defensive rebound down the stretch.”
Lisbon won, 61-58. Overall, the night belonged to senior Grayson Wollum, who had 36 points, eight rebounds, five assists and six steals.
Down the stretch, Wollum had “two steals that led to four points, an offensive rebound that led to two made free throws, and an assist to Ian Whittenbaugh for two more points.”
Sauser and Powers each added seven points for Lisbon (2-2).
Things didn’t go quite as well Monday, Dec. 9, in a 74-34 loss to Regina at Xtream Arena in Coralville.
Regina shot 55.4 percent from the field (31 of 56).
Grayson Wollum led Lisbon with 12 points.
“Not a great night, but the guys did respond well with some better practices last week,” Montague said.
A Saturday, Dec. 14, game with Tipton was postponed due to weather.
Branch and Union. And the Lisbon boys are wrestling, too. “It is a big night for us,” Hall said.
Zimmerman Invitational Team scores – 1. Central DeWitt 215; 2. Clinton 208; 3. Dubuque Hempstead 196.5; 4. Iowa City High 145; 5. Dubuque Wahlert 121; 6. (tie) Erie 93.5 and Midland 93.5; 8. Lisbon 74.5; 9. Durant 70; 10. West Branch 69; 11. Maquoketa 39; 12. Bellevue 32; 13. Northeast 27; 14. North Scott JV 22; 15. (tie) Camanche 4 and Fulton 4. LISBON
100 – Ann Marie Morgan, 0-2. 120 – Jordyn Jarchow, 0-2. 125 –Lillian Gaiser, 3-3, sixth. 130 – Carlee Turkington, 0-2. 135 – Alina Mallie, 1-2. 140 – Addison Clark, 3-1, second. 145 – Emma Dietsch, 3-1, third. 155 – Kaylee Jordan, 3-3, sixth. 155 – Kalya Moorman, 1-2. 235 – Shyanne Crane, 0-3, sixth.
Elijah Forest, 131; Vanessa Hines, 170; Amelia Kem, 117; Teagan Lange, 99; Jace Lewis, 111; Quinn Minor, 177; Liam Moses, 151; Gunnar Nichols, 90; Kinley Plattner, 60; Charlee Rice, 94; Konnor Stewart, 218; Katherine Tijerina, 117; Edwin Walsh, 86 3D Scores – Konnor Stewart, 195 Middle School Bullseye Scores (6th-8th grades) -Ireland Anderson, 212; Hannah Bray, 213; Trulie Breidinger, 264; Nora Burge, 229; Holden Carr, 186; Enrique Estrada, 216; Natalie Ford, 244; Rowan Gillespie, 240; Samuel Gondek, 163; Brinson Grenis, 213; Kenlyn Grenis, 257; Kolten Hartman, 257; Jack Hawker, 203; Hayden Hedges, 240; Haylee Hedges, 256; Josephine Hocker, 223; Kellen Johanningmeier, 254; Nolon Jones, 251; Piper Kaiser, 231; Quinn Kirby, 230; Quinten Kluesner, 180; Sasha Knutson, 236; Levi Lammers, 122; Henry Milich, 147; Jack Morgan, 247; Paul Morris, 257; Hanna Newton, 218; Gabby Penate, 225; Finn Plattner, 281; Laine Pospisil, 260; Liam Harris, 240; MaKenna Harris, 248; Becker Reinken, 236; Will Ripke, 245; Serenity Robards, 270; Nicholas Schneider, 213; Gavin Smith, 72; McCoy Smyth, 217; Charlie Stewart, 241; Grant Vaughn, 161; Tristan Weaver, 174; Lillian Wood, 233 Perfect 50 Rounds: Finn Plattner
Andy Morris | Contributed photo
Left: Nathan Nederheiser with his perfect 50. Right: Mason Miller, Gabriel Mahoney, and Levi Hanna taking aim at targets at the Washington archery tournament.
3D Scores –
Trulie Breidinger, 261; Rowan Gillespie, 215; Jack Hawker, 196; Piper Kaiser, 255; Quinn Kirby, 215; Jack Morgan, 222; Finn Plattner, 278; Laine Pospisil, 247; Anders Rasmussen, 232; Liam Harris, 189; MaKenna Harris, 247; Becker Reinken, 221; McCoy Smyth, 231;
LISBON BOYS’ WRESTLING from 20
Tiernan Boots (157) against Beckman. Pins were recorded by Boots, Gavin Carmer (175), Brown, Jacob Walerius (215), Cade Happel (126) and Carter Gadberry (132) against MFL MarMac.
Charlie Stewart, 216
High School Bullseye Scores –Payson Burge, 255; Jaidyn Burge, 185; Landen Conley, 248; Topher Gaffney, 216; Levi Hanna, 275; Weston Haskell, 265; Landon Johanningmeier, 230; Chris Jones, 273; Kadence Kaiser, 235; Eli Koster, 194;
“I think our boys wrestled well and put on a good show,” Helmrich said.
Lisbon was scheduled to wrestle Saturday at the Mount Vernon Invitational, but it was iced out.
“It is hard to be off for two days in a row during wrestling season and maintain what we have,” Helmrich said. “The
LISBON 65, DYERSVILLE BECKMAN 15
165 – Gage Holub (L) pinned Andrew Roling 1:14. 175 – Cody Hageman (DB) dec. Gavin Carmer 7-3.
190 - Caleb Brown (L) pinned Brian Roeder 1:03. 215 – Jacob Walerius (L) won by forfeit. 285 – Aiden Winders (L) pinned Erik Boge :37. 106 – Jack Gogel (L) won by forfeit. 113 – Cael Strick (L) pinned Nathan Kluesner 1:25. 120 – Wesley Sadler (L) won by forfeit.126 – Cade Happel (L) won by forfeit. 132 – Carter Gadberry (L) tech. fall Jack Kluesner 20-3 3:40. 138 – Jackson Knapp (L) pinned Edgar Dominquez :42. 144 – Shawn Brunsman (DB) pinned Luke Robinson 1:30. 150 – Preston Hunter (DB) pinned Ian Kelsey 1:50. 157 – Tiernan Boots (L) pinned Steven Roling :59. LISBON 62, MFL MARMAC 15
150 – Ian Kelsey (L) won by forfeit. 157 – Tiernan Boots (L) pinned Kase Paulus :27. 165 – Quinn McGeough (MFL) dec. Gage Holub 20-16. 175 – Gavin Carmer (L) pinned Austin Schaller 1:11. 190 –Caleb Brown (L) pinned Caleb Zuercher 2:30. 215 – Jacob Walerius (L) pinned Dracen Howe 1:52. 285 – Will Howes (MLF) pinned Aiden Winders 1:18. 106 – Jack Gogel (L) won by forfeit. 113 – Cael Stricker (L) maj. dec. Tacoma Thompson 15-3. 120 – Wesley Sadler (L) won by forfeit. 126 – Cade Happel (L) pinned Brandon Eaton 1:19. 132 – Carter Gadberry (L) pinned Keith Anderson 3:25. 138 – Jackson Knapp (L) maj. dec. Gavin Kishman 16-3. 144 – Rylan Schroeder (MFL) pinned Luke Robinson 5:25.
Mustangs tromp Raiders 52-40
Ryan Suchomel
Mount Vernon-Lisbon Sun ryan.suchomel@mvlsun.com
It was a grinder for three-and-a-half quarters for the Mount Vernon boys’ basketball team Friday, Dec. 13, against Williamsburg.
Then sophomore sharpshooter Seth Rushford did what he does best.
“He’s been waiting for a moment like this,” Mount Vernon coach Derek Roberts said. “More good things are in store for him, but I’m happy he got to have that moment.”
That moment was most of the fourth quarter. The Mustangs were trailing 36-33 when Rushford hit the first of his four fourth-quarter 3-pointers.
Mount Vernon won 52-40 to improve to 4-0.
“He’s a guy that comes in, and if you give him an open shot, he’s going to knock it down,” senior Joe Briesemeister said. “He struggled early in the season, but this will give
Ryan Suchomel
Mount Vernon-Lisbon Sun ryan.suchomel@mvlsun.com
Last season, Mount Vernon girls’ basketball rode its tenacious zone defense to the Class 3A state semifinals. Now, the top-ranked Mustangs are shifting defenses several times a game. It certainly worked to confuse No. 7 Williamsburg on Friday, Dec. 13. Mount Vernon won, 64-42.
“For the three years I’ve been here, we’ve played 99 percent in zone,” Mount Vernon coach Nate Sanderson said. “Now, we’ve probably shown 4 or 5 looks in the first few games.
Riah Koster, 173; Mallie Lange, 247; Jaks Lee, 273; Ryker Lee, 269; Izaak Leonard, 271; Kaitlyn Lighthall, 245; Miles Locke, 265; Gabriel Mahoney, 279; Mason Miller, 219; Nathan Nederhiser, 287; Heath Palmer, 242; Christopher Schneider, 116; Wyatt Smith, 277; Gunner Steinberg, 264; Audrey Vaughn, 179; Jaelynn
seniors put a good plan for what the guys can do to get a workout in at home.”
Lisbon (4-0) hosts a quadrangular Thursday, Dec. 19, with the Lion girls wrestling at the same time in the
Williams, 242 Perfect 50 Rounds: Natalie Nederhiser x2 3D Scores –Payson Burge, 263; Weston Haskell, 260; Chris Jones, 258; Ryker Lee, 281; Gunner Steinberg, 262; Jaelynn Williams, 262
Lions Den. The Lions then close the pre-holiday break portion of their schedule with a trip to the Regina Invitational on Saturday.
him confidence. When he gets those open shots, they’ll go in.”
The sophomore has a shooter’s mindset. He started the game 0-for-5 from beyond the arc.
“The first quarter, I airballed two in a row, I think,” Rushford said. “Then something just clicked. After I made 2, I knew it was trouble for the other team.”
Williamsburg went up 40-38 on a Dylan Weisskopf putback, then watched as Rushford hit three 3-pointers, and junior Kellen Haverback also sank one. That 9-0 run made it 47-40 and forced the Raiders to call a time out with 3:24 left.
And Haverback had also struggled early in the game, shooting 1-for-12 before getting hot late and finishing with 10 points.
Briesemeister, who carried the Mustangs early — scoring 15 of the team’s 20 points in the first half — finished with 19 points on 8-of-8 shooting and a team-high nine rebounds. Rushford had 14 points.
“That first half was rough. We had 14 turnovers and we just had to clean that up,” Briesemeister said. “Just make better decisions. I think that helped in the second half, just taking care of the basketball.”
Briesemeister is the centerpiece of an improving Mustang team. The 6-foot-6 post is the most experienced returner.
“If I keep us close, other guys are going to step up and make plays, and we’re going to win games,” Briesemeister said.
Limited to mostly post play as a junior, Briesemeister
“One, we really have great athletes, and they make everything look good, and two, we’ve got the experience to make some adjustments.”
The Mustangs held a 31-24 lead at halftime. That’s when Sanderson got to work.
“Coach came into the locker room and said, we’ve got to change up our defense,” junior Taylor Franck said. “We’ve got to throw them off a little bit.”
Mount Vernon (5-1) came out in a modified 1-3-1 look, and proceeded to go on a 14-2 run. That boosted the lead to 19 points, 45-26.
All five starters scored during the run, led by Taylor Franck with three baskets.
“We like having the different defenses,” Franck said. “We all feel like it challenges everyone and makes them think a little bit harder throughout the game.”
Williamsburg (4-1) never made a serious run the rest of the game.
Sydney Huber led the offense with 16 points. Taylor Franck had 15 points, Savanna Wright had 11 and Courtney Franck had 10. Senior post Chloe Meester had seven points and eight rebounds.
Zoe Allen led the Raiders with 18 points.
On Tuesday, Dec. 10, Mount Vernon beat Benton Community 62-27.
The Mustangs led 19-3 after one quarter and did their best to limit the Bobcats 3-point shooting. Benton was 7-of21 from the arc, and only made three 2-point baskets. The Bobcats were forced into 20 turnovers.
now takes 3-pointers (he made two Friday) and can bring the ball up like a point guard.
“I knew I’d have a big role, and I just try to lead,” Briesemeister said. “Bring energy. Stuff like that. If they need me at the 3-point line, that’s fine. Need me down low. Fine. It is an adjustment, but I love it.”
Earlier in the week, Mount Vernon beat Benton Community 56-42.
Haverback led that night with 25 points and seven rebounds, and Briesemeister had 16 points and seven rebounds. The Mustangs pulled away after leading 23-20 at halftime.
Joe Briesemeister 8-8 1-2 19, Seth Rushford 5-11 0-0 14, Brogan Meyer 1-2 0-0 2, Maddox Thede 1-1 0-0
Totals 21-46 2-4 52. Williamsburg 11 9 11 9 – 40 Mount Vernon 6 14 13 19 – 52 3-point goals – W 2-11 (B.Wetjen 1-2, Hocker 0-4, Weisskopf 1-2, Carey 0-3), MV 8-18 (L.Rushford 1-2, Haverback 1-2, Briesemeister 2-2, S.Rushford 4-9). Rebounds – W 29 (Heitman 11), MV 27 (Briesemeister 9). Turnovers – W 18, MV 16. Total fouls – W 10, MV 8.
Meester had 17 points and eight rebounds to lead the offense. Huber added 13 points.
This week will be a grind for the top-ranked Mustangs. Mount Vernon hosted defending state champion Solon on Tuesday, Dec. 17, and next travels to No. 10 West Delaware on Friday, Dec. 20. Then a matinee game Saturday, Dec. 21, at Illinois powerhouse Bolingbrook, in the Chicago suburbs.
“The good thing about our team; nobody is scared,” Taylor Franck said. “As the No. 1 team, sometimes you can be scared to lose, but we always want to play to win.”
MOUNT VERNON 64, WILLIAMSBURG 42 Williamsburg (42) – Carly Rich 2-10 2-2 8, Zoe Allen 8-14 1-1 18, Makenna Hughes 1-3 0-0 2, Ava Hocker 2-6
(64)
Turnovers
Jennifer Tischer | Contributed photo Lisbon sophomore Cael Stricker works on pinning an opponent at Dyersville-Beckman.
SPORTS
Ryan Suchomel
Mount Vernon-Lisbon Sun ryan.suchomel@mvlsun.com
MV boys’ wrestlers pin CC-A
Mount Vernon junior Will Goodlove is moving into powerhouse status.
Goodlove had one of 10 Mustangs wins during a dual against Clear Creek Amana on Thursday, Dec. 12, in Mount Vernon. The Mustangs won, 49-24.
Goodlove held on to beat Trace Robertson by decision, 15-11, at 157 pounds. That win comes five days after earning a gold medal at the Newton Invitational.
“He’s gotten a lot better,” Mount Vernon Coach Vance Light said. “It helps when you’ve got good workout partners in the room. That’s part of just making him better. He’s got to go hard, just to survive.”
Every day Goodlove has to tangle with top-ranked Jase Jaspers (144) and third-ranked Mikey Ryan (150).
“Will has gotten tremendously better,” Ryan said. “Wrestling him in the room, you can tell he’s gotten better. He’s strong and fast. Me, Jase and him, we go at it.”
Those daily collisions have lifted Goodlove up a notch. He was a varsity wrestler a year ago, then got sidelined by a shoulder injury.
Now, he may join the ranks of ranked Mustang wrestlers.
“That’s the goal,” Goodlove said. “I want to be up there. I wrestle with Jase and Mikey, and those guys are up there. I want to be right next to them. That’s the goal this year.”
Against CCA, Goodlove led Robertson 7-6 after one period and 12-7 after two.
“It was about body position, and knowing the match,” Goodlove said. “Being smart in certain positions and don’t do anything dumb.”
The night featured only one ranked vs. ranked match, and Ryan took down Nolan Howell, who is ranked No. 4 at 144 pounds, but wrestled up a weight.
“I didn’t know what to expect,” Ryan said. “I don’t try to look at opponents, I score my points and get to my attacks. Good things happen when I do that.”
Ryan led 6-1 after one period, 10-2 after two, and closed it as a major decision, 13-4.
Jaspers, Jaxon Anderson (175), Caysen Curran (215),
Ryan Suchomel
Mount Vernon-Lisbon Sun
ryan.suchomel@mvlsun.com
Lisbon girls’ basketball was a tad unstable Friday, Dec. 13, against Calamus-Wheatland, but came up with the win, 46-40, in the Lions’ Den.
Lisbon (2-3) won the first quarter, 17-5. Then lost the second quarter, 18-3. Then won the third quarter, 17-7.
But it all turned out okay.
“I was very pleased with every quarter but the second,” Lisbon coach Jack Leighty said. “Basketball is a game of runs and I felt we did a good job outside of the second quarter of making our runs longer and theirs shorter.”
The Lions had 31 turnovers, but forced 18 of their own.
“I believe you can overcome mistakes with hard work at the high school level,” Leighty said. “Our kids competed for 32 minutes.”
Junior Kamryn Kahl led the scoring with 15 points. Sophomore Emma Pleasant added 10 points and seven rebounds off the bench.
Freshman Kyla Kahl had nine points and sophomore Morgan Sauser had eight.
The Lions started the week with a rough loss to No. 5 Regina, 67-15, on Monday, Dec. 9, at Xtream Arena in Coralville.
The Lions got behind 23-3 after one quarter, and only scored two points in the second half. Regina senior Morgan Miller had 33 points and 12 steals.
Ethan Wood (285), and Jake Haugse (120) recorded pins. Cooper Hird (165) won by technical fall.
The Mustangs altered the bottom of their lineup a little bit with senior Kael Riniker out. Curran moved up a weight, as did Watson Krob, recently back from injury. Anderson stepped in at 175.
“Kael is out until after Christmas,” Light said. “But Watson is back and that helps out a lot.”
Mount Vernon was set to host its annual Invitational on Saturday, Dec. 14, but it was canceled due to icy weather, and will not be made up.
The Mustangs have a double dual at West Delaware on Thursday, Dec. 19, and compete in the Dike-New Hartford Duals on Saturday, Dec. 21.
“We’re kind of young, still,” Ryan said. “But we’re learning. We’ll make a run here and keep getting better.”
A third game Saturday, Dec. 14, at home against Tipton was postponed, due to the weather. MOUNT VERNON 49, CLEAR CREEK AMANA 24
Ryan Suchomel
Mount Vernon-Lisbon Sun ryan.suchomel@mvlsun.com
Lisbon, the No. 17-ranked dual team in Class 1A, got a pair of big wins Tuesday, Dec. 10, in Dyersville.
The Lions beat Dyersville Beckman 65-15 and topped MFL MarMac 62-15.
Senior Wesley Sadler had two forfeits
at 120 pounds which allowed him to reach 100 career wins.
“That is awesome you can reward a guy that has been wrestling for four years,” Lisbon coach Aaron Helmrich said.
The Lions used several forfeits, and got pins from Gage Holub (165), Caleb Brown (190), Aiden Winders (285), Cael Strick (113), Jackson Knapp (138) and
Korb
Haugse (MV) pinned Rowan
(CCA) pinned
Martin (MV) dec. Malachi Clement
Cale Nash (CCA) pinned Chasen Caskey :33.
Photos by Avery Thurn | Mustang Moon
Above: MV’s Will Goodlove grapples with a Clear Creek-Amana wrestler at Mount Vernon Thursday, Dec. 12. Below left: MV’s Watson Krob takes an opponent down to the mat.
Sofie Nettleton | For the Mount Vernon-Lisbon Sun
Kyla Kahl (13) catches a pass as she runs down the court at the X-treme Arena in Coralville, Iowa on Monday, Dec. 9th, 2024. Her opponent, Addie McLaughlin, scored 18 points for Regina Catholic.
Jennifer Tischer | Contributed photo Lisbon senior Gage Holub grapples with an opponent on the mat at Dyersville-Beckman.
BASKETBALL