The Big Election
nathan.countryman@mvlsun.com
Eulenspiegel Puppet Company brought their most recent puppet show to the Lisbon Public Library’s Heritage Hall Tuesday, July 16.
The show, entitled “The Big Election,” highlights the importance of voting in an election.
Puppeteer Monica Leo said that attendees should pay attention to who they would want to vote for – Benny P. (the P stands for Progress) Beaver or Terry E. (the E stands for Environment) Turtle.
“Your job is to listen to who would be the better leader of the animals,” Leo said. “We want you to vote for who you think would be the best leader,
and not just who is the cutest puppet.”
Included in the packet for all attendees was a ballot, a paper craft to create their own owl puppet, an I voted sticker and a brochure about elections and voting, written in both English and Spanish.
“The important information we’d let you know is there aren’t just elections that happen for the president every four years, but there are elections held every year for different offices and items,” Leo said.
“Everyone gets a vote, everyone gets a choice, however big or small you are, you’ve got an equal voice...” sang participants.
Benny in the course of the show, builds a beaver dam that creates more flooding and hardships for some of the other animals that encourages Terry to run for office.
Glenn Street extension approved
The Glenn Street extension was approved for $877,214.51.
City administrator Chris Nosbisch said the city was happy with the bid environment on this particular project, as there were 11 total bidders and the project came in significantly lower than the $1.35 million engineer’s estimate.
Rathje Construction was the low bidder for the project.
The Glenn Street Extension is part of the city’s cost to work with Community Housing Initiatives for the coming 30 unit complex that will be built along Glenn Street in the coming months. The extension of Glenn Street will move the road to the west and create an outlet along Business 30 as part of the project.
The city also approved the development agreement between CHI for the low to moderate income housing for senior citizens. As part of the agreement, the city will award $395,000 of low to moderate housing grant funds for the development. Nosbisch said while it has taken four years for this development to conclude, this also helps to open another portion of the city for further multifamily residential or other residential development in the future.
Mayor Tom Wieseler asked if there was a need to reignite the housing commission in the community, as one of their largest recommendations for low to moderate income housing advanced.
Council member Scott Rose said with the work on advancing the alternative dwelling units ordinance moving forward, that tackles another recommendation the commission made.
Nosbisch said that the money for projects will be eaten up for this for a number of years, but the commission could be reinstituted to give further ideas.
Council member Paul Tuerler said it could be beneficial for the commission to once again offer the grants to low-to-moderate income households for heating ventilation and air conditioning improvements.
Rose said that it would be great if the council also extended invitations to housing commission members on any ribbon cutting for the new complex when it is finished, as it was their work that helped this be explored.
Nathan Countryman Mount Vernon-Lisbon Sun
PUPPETS | 2
Nathan Countryman | Mount Vernon-Lisbon Sun Construction vehicles are ready to complete the Glenn Street extension in Mount Vernon in the coming weeks. The council approved the extension of the street at a council meeting.
In the end, every one did get a chance to vote in the election, and the story resolves with the ants coming out to vote in the polls.
Eulenspiegel Puppet Company is celebrating their 50th anniversary this year a s a puppet company based in West Liberty. They encouraged people who love puppet shows to visit West Liberty Saturday, Sept. 14, for the Children’s Festival taking place 10 a.m. to 3 p.m.
Those who love puppet shows should also put Tuesday, July 30 on their calendars, when Amy White will be performing a puppet show at Heritage Hall at 6 p.m. as part of the Lisbon Library’s summer reading program activities.
Business 30 overlay project approved in MV
Nathan Countryman
Mount Vernon-Lisbon Sun
nathan.countryman@mvlsun.com
The City of Mount Vernon approved moving forward with overlay of the Business 30 road from the border of city limits to the roundabout with Hwy. 1. L.L. Pelling was the lone bidder on the project, with a cost of $781,737. L.L. Pelling will be working on similar improvements through the community of Lisbon.
“We had hoped to maybe push this project off, but with Lisbon completing their project this summer, it made sense to complete it as we’d get the most favorable bids for the improvements to the road this year,” city administrator Chris Nosbisch said.
Council member Scott Rose asked if these projects will be tackled at roughly the same time frame so disruption along Business 30 is limited. Nosbisch said that would be the case.
“The process of repaving will go very fast,” Nosbisch said.
MV approves resolution of support for phase 1 of interurban trail
Nathan Countryman
Mount Vernon-Lisbon Sun
nathan.countryman@mvlsun.com
The Mount Vernon city council approved applying for a grant for phase 1 of the interurban trail project.
The grant solidifies the city’s commitment to maintaining and operating their portion of the proposed trail and verifying
Nathan Countryman | Mount Vernon-Lisbon Sun
Front photo: Terry E. Turtle (played by Moinca Leo) and an ant (Stephanie Vallez) talk about the upcoming big election at the puppet show.
Left: Monica Leo and Stephanie Vallez act out a scene of The Big Election Tuesday, July 16.
Above: Monica Leo collects ballots during the show.
a 25 percent match for the local portion of the project.
The first phase of the trail project will connect Cornell College Campus to Bryant Park.
The resolution approves the City of Mount Vernon committing to the maintenance and operation of the trail improvements for the next 20 years and that local funds for $25,000 will go towards the project costs.
City planner Leigh Bradbury applied for the Iowa Department of Transportation grant for state recreational trail program funds for the 0.17 mile stretch of trail that will connect Bryant Park to the Cornell College Campus. The trail project will create an ADA compliant marked crossing north of the intersection of the three major roadways at the connection of Cornell Campus (Bryant Road, First Street West and 10th Avenue). Proposed cost for the project is $348,089, with the city’s obligation to be $100,000 from Local Option Sales and Service Tax.
Design of the trail is scheduled to be completed by Feb. 28, 2025. Construction could be completed anytime from March through December 2025.
MVHPC update on design guideline bidding process
Nathan Countryman
Mount Vernon-Lisbon Sun
nathan.countryman@mvlsun.com
The Mount Vernon Historic Preservation Commission has received a total of four bids from companies for their design guideline updates.
If there is a needed increase of funding for any of the proposals, the commission may take that request to the Mount Vernon City Council.
MVHPC approves certificate of appropriateness for shed re-siding
Volume 155 I Issue 30
108 First Street S.W, Mount Vernon, IA 52314
Phone: 319-895-6216
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Official Newspaper: Mount Vernon, Lisbon, Bertram, Linn County, Mount Vernon Community School District, Lisbon Community School District The Mount Vernon-Lisbon Sun (USPS 367-520), a division of The Daily Iowan, is published weekly every Thursday by Student Publications, Inc., 100 Adler Journalism Building, Room E131, Iowa City, Iowa 52242. Periodicals Postage Paid at the Mount Vernon Post Office and additional offices. POSTMASTER: Send address changes to Mount Vernon-Lisbon Sun, 108 First Street W., Mount Vernon, IA 52314. Subscriptions: Contact Rochelle Ferguson at 319-895-6216 or rochelle.ferguson@mvlsun.com for additional information. Subscription rates: Linn and adjoining counties – $55 annually; elsewhere in Iowa – $75 annually; out of state – $85 annually.
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Nathan Countryman
Mount Vernon-Lisbon Sun nathan.countryman@mvlsun.com
The City of Mount Vernon has purchased the space for roughly seven to nine additional parking spaces in the north First Street Parking lot.
The city purchased the spots from James Engelbrecht for $40,000. The lot is located between Liberty Iron Works and the current city parking lot.
City staff will be responsible for tearing up and redoing the concrete, a project city administrator Chris Nosbisch said could be concluded in house.
“It’s a cheap way to add more parking to uptown Mount Vernon,” Nosbisch said.
The plan is for the parking to have designated one way traffic to access the lot off the highway, with vehicles turning in from Hwy. 1 and heading to the west in the lot. The exit for the parking will be to head towards the alley behind Liberty Iron Works.
Those companies include JMI of Columbus, Ohio, with a bid of $24,927, Lakota Group of Chicago, Ill., with a bid of $30,880, RGB of Des Moines with a bid of $39,770, and MIA of Evanston, Ill., with a bid of $32,260. Volunteers with the commission as well as president Sue Astley will review the proposals to determine how they differ and which meets the majority of the requests for the project. While the costs for the bids are known, it is not the primary factor for deciding the contract for the commission.
Wade Squiers, who has announced his plans to leave the commission, will assist the committee as they review the proposals.
The commission hopes a firm can be selected within the next 30 days.
The Mount Vernon Historic Preservation Commission approved a residing request a certificate of appropriateness for John and Marti McGrane.
The McGrane’s property is located in the Cornell College Historic District, and the home was not listed as a contributing structure in the historic district records.
The McGrane’s were residing the shed, which is along the southeast portion of their property and near the city alley. The shed is not visible from adjacent Third Street or Fifth Avenue. Jim Engelbrecht assisted in finding a siding material similar to the material that was on the building, which is wood based product molded in the design of normal siding.
The McGrane’s will be doing the installation of the siding themselves.
Award-winning gardening programs provide timely resources for growers
year and the podcast is in its third year – with an average of more than 19,000 listeners per month.
“Both programs provide listeners a welcome break from the daily news cycle … a wholly positive, warm community” focused on home gardening, said Nebbe.
“People love to grow things and the experts we bring on the show are so incredibly knowledgeable that even if someone doesn’t have a question, they always learn something,” she said.
National recognition
ids, Michigan.
Aaron Steil, consumer horticulture specialist with ISU Extension and Outreach, said the recognition shows the value of both programs to the public.
“I hear all of the time how much listeners enjoy these programs,” said Steil. “Some of them set their alarms to remember the air-time, and the feedback tells me they are learning and getting value from tuning in.”
When gardeners have questions – they can get answers – thanks to two popular gardening resources offered by Iowa State University Extension and Outreach and Iowa Public Radio.
Each segment features a different gardening topic, with a conversation between host Charity Nebbe and a horticulture expert – mostly from ISU Extension and Outreach.
Gardeners can call in to the Horticulture Day show with their questions and get timely answers. The show is in its 38th
“Garden Variety” is the name of a Public Radio podcast based on the Horticulture Day program that runs on Fridays, as part of Talk of Iowa. The program is featured every Friday during the growing season, and every other Friday in the fall and winter.
Linn County Public Health begins using mobile health clinic
Linn County Public Health begins using mobile health clinic
Linn County Public Health is thrilled to announce the launch of the new mobile health clinic. The mobile health clinic enables various services to be offered throughout the county, such as vaccinations, sexually transmitted infection (STI) testing, and community outreach.
“The new mobile health clinic is an exciting way for our staff to reach members of the community,” said Dr. Pramod Dwivedi, Linn County Public Health Director. “Our clinic staff have been working hard on getting the
The Garden Variety program and an accompanying Garden Variety Newsletter were recognized nationally in July, with a silver award from GardenComm – an organization of professional communicators in the green and garden industry.
The award recognizes individuals and companies who achieve the highest levels of talent and professionalism in garden communications.
Recipients of the Silver Medal represent the best in their category and will now compete for Gold Medals at the annual awards event, Aug. 28 in Grand Rap -
mobile health clinic implemented in the community, and it’s been great to see the vehicle getting used and making a difference.”
The mobile health clinic is equipped with an exam room, wheelchair lift, bathroom, vaccination and medication cold storage, and supply storage. All the amenities in the vehicle will allow Linn County Public Health staff members the opportunity to provide services to members of the community at public sites, such as parks, schools, and churches. Linn County Public Health will work with partner agencies to bring services to the community with the mobile health clinic.
If you see the mobile health clinic out in the community, residents should know that it is Linn County Public Health, or a community partner, providing services to individuals. Depending upon the type of event being offered, residents may be able to walk up for a service or must be pre-registered.
The mobile health clinic is made possible by American Rescue Plan Act (ARPA) funding from the Linn County Board of Supervisors.
Linn County Public Health to take feedback for 2025-2027 planning
Nathan Countryman
Mount Vernon-Lisbon Sun
nathan.countryman@mvlsun.com
Linn County Public Health was collecting feedback for their next community health assessment and improvement plans for the 20252027 years.
LCPH has held several events this summer, including an open house in Mount Vernon Thursday, July 11. Jacquie Montoya with LCPH said the group will take the feedback received in numerous sessions to start the group’s next focus over the next few years.
The current focus of LCPH has been mental health, physical activity and gun safety over the past couple of years.
The 10 topics under consideration for the next focus of LCPH include:
• physical inactivity
• mental health
• violent crime
• heavy drinking
• vaccine hesitancy
• housing
• childcare access
Nebbe said the partnership with ISU Extension and Outreach continues to be a success, and that the horticulture experts who appear on the show are personable and engaging.
“The listeners appreciate the warmth and kindness the specialists bring to people who are asking questions,” Nebbe said. “The experts are excited to talk to people who have questions and educate the audience.
The newsletter is sent to nearly 10,000 subscribers and includes timely tips from horticulture specialists, plus photos and garden success stories from gardeners.
For more information, Steil can be reached at 515-294-8953 or ajsteil@ iastate.edu
• unemployment • food security
• drug use/overdoses
Montoya agreed that many of these are intermingled/connected issues in communities, like lack of childcare feeds into the unemployment issue in a community, and lack of housing could be intermingled with those other two issues. Higher costs of
issues, including new housing in the community.
Nathan Countryman | Mount Vernon-Lisbon Sun Members of Linn County Public Health collect information during an open
OPINIONS
Fake Iowa
Ozempic: it was never really real
Living in Iowa
Dan Brawner
Of all the dirty tricks! It’s bad enough they charge $935 a month for the stuff (without insurance) but then it turns out the weight loss drug sold by the Iowa telepharmacy company SmartScrpits was counterfeit.
Ozempic, manufactured by the Danish company Novo Nordisk has become wildly popular, with over 9 million users in the US alone. Riding the success of Ozempic, Novo Nordisk is now worth $579 billion—more than the entire Gross Domestic Product of Denmark. Ozempic was not designed to make people smarter or richer or healthier—well, actually, it was originally designed to treat type 2 diabetes, but upon discovering its weight-loss properties, Ozempic is now typically used for making people smaller. According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), around 42 percent of American adults are obese. This is not merely an inconvenience. It’s a national health crisis. Of course, there is always diet and exercise. And there is also KFC and Blue Bunny ice cream and Netflix. Ozempic promises to let patients lose weight with simple weekly injections. But are there side effects? Check out the Ozempic website.
The company’s safety information freely reports Ozempic can cause inflammation of the pancreas, hypoglycemia, gallbladder problems, kidney failure, changes in vision and thyroid cancer. Also stomach pain, nausea, vomiting, etc. They cheerfully offer suggestions for their customers experiencing ill effects from the medication. For feelings of nausea, they recommend, “Eat bland, low-fat foods, like crackers, toast and rice…. Avoid fried, greasy or sweet foods. Go out for fresh air. Eat more slower.” (Come on, if we were willing to do that, we would naturally lose weight and we wouldn’t need your darned Ozempic.)
How does Ozempic work? It imitates a naturally-occurring hormone that tells your brain you are not hungry. That sounds awesome, because your brain usually believes you desperately require Oreos and cheeseburgers and giant Slurpees and curly fries. At last, there is a chemical substitute for willpower. But there’s a catch (I mean besides all that bother about kidney failure and thyroid cancer). Ozempic also slows digestion, making food stay longer in the stomach, potentially creating a hard mass like a hockey puck called a “bezoar” that is difficult to pass into the small intestine. Oh, and if you stop taking Ozempic, you will probably gain your weight back. Bon appetite.
Now Iowa’s SmartScripts is in trouble for selling bogus Ozempic to a Michigan company, although no customers have reported getting sick from using the fake Ozempic. But even if they didn’t get sick, imagine their disappointment when customers believed they had become immune to mashed potatoes and pork chops only to discover it had all been nothing but a dream.
Maybe Ozempic, real or counterfeit is not a good substitute for eating responsibly, but when the Iowa State Fair comes around in August, we are officially entitled to leave all responsibility behind and have a bacon pecan pie on a stick with a clear conscience.
SUN EDITORIAL
Our new website is live this week
When you check out our online edition this week, you will probably be doing so on our new website.
This has been an ongoing process with Student Publications, Inc., since they purchased the newspaper back in February, of moving us over to a new website. We have to thank Woodward Communications for continuing to host our website and posting our online editions weekly for the past seven months while this was being developed, as well as BloxCMS for getting us the archived data from the past few months.
One of the things we’ve already been talking about in training is how smooth this website is for things for us on
the backend that people in the community don’t see, especially for things like photo uploads. As much as we were able to use BloxCMS and get things connected to assets and people, whenever there was a week of 50 or more photos from an event, you could expect it would take the person uploading an extra hour to complete. With a small staff, that’s an hour or more of the editor’s week or coverage for Heritage Days. The one thing we love about Mount Vernon and Lisbon is you’re guaranteed to have a photo heavy week at least once a month, thanks to all the great festivals and community gatherings here, let alone school activities. It’s going to be beneficial for all of us moving forward, however, to have a similar website on the same platform as the Daily Iowan and be able to utilize some assistance from their digital team to help us upload stories and photos on a weekly basis. Our staff will always have the ability to make corrections to stories and access to posting to the website if there is breaking news, and be responsible for uploading during portions of the year when the digital staff is not able to.
Please understand that even as we launch this website, there is going to be a bit of us getting used to it as a staff here and at sister publication the Solon Economist, especially in getting stories to populate in the correct subject headings. We’re just happy to have this next piece of transitioning happening from Woodward to Student Publications, Inc., completed.
Housing is an ongoing issue for MV, Lisbon
C. Sherene Hansen Player
Last month I was able to attend the public input session at Mount Vernon City Hall that was held to inform citizens about possible changes to the accessory dwelling unit ordinance as well as the possibility of establishing ordinances for tiny homes or shipping container homes for residential purposes. It was very informative and the pictures, diagrams, and information that was presented there helped me to better understand what these potential changes could mean for Mount Vernon.
I’m sure many of us are familiar with what a tiny house looks like from the many television shows and books about this movement to slim down possessions and live a simpler life. One of my daughters is currently living in a tiny house with the job she has on a farm and she is very content with having less to worry about. She enjoys finding ways to keep everything more organized in her house so that she can utilize the space that she has. Tiny homes take up a very small area of land and are very attractive. They are perfect for people just starting out who want to have a place of their own.
When I first heard about a home being constructed out of a shipping container, I didn’t think that sounded very attractive or that it would fit into an existing neighborhood very well. However, when I saw the drawings and pictures that were presented at the input session, I was surprised with how attractive they were. I realized that I often drive past a similar home in Cedar Rapids, but I never realized that it would be considered a shipping container home. The appeal of this kind of home is that they can be constructed quickly because shipping containers are readily available.
The last topic that was addressed is called the accessory dwelling unit ordinance. In simple terms, this is to allow an apartment to be created within an existing home or to be constructed in part of a garage. The idea is to have extra housing for another individual or family within a house or on the property of a homeowner.
Mount Vernon used to have lots of homes that had apartments within them (my own home was that way at one time), but the current ordinance does not allow for this. There are a few houses in town that are still broken into apartments, but these have just been grandfathered in.
There was a woman in attendance at the event who was very opposed to all of these ideas. She kept saying, “There are 100 rental units in Mount Vernon. Why do we need more than that for a town of 3,000?” I was so surprised to hear this. First off, we have almost 5,000 people living here (especially when Cornell is in session). I’m not certain about her number of 100 rental units, but even if it is accurate, that is a small number of units for a town this size and for the wide range of people we have living here.
Someone asked this woman if she had ever lived in a rental place and she told us that she had always owned where she lived. It sounded as if she went from her parents’ home to living in a home that she and her husband owned. I don’t think she realized just how unusual this is; not only when she was young, but especially in today’s world.
Doing some simple research on the number of adults who rent where they live as opposed to owning it, I found that 65 percent of adults up to age 35 are renting. The number goes down to 41 percent for the age group of 36-44 years old. In 1975 the number of renter-occupied housing units
in the United States was 25 million. In 2024 that number has grown to 45 million. Owning a home or condominium has become more difficult and out of reach for more Americans than it used to be.
When my husband and I were first married, we rented a little home for a few years in a small town near Des Moines. We lovingly called it the “Slanty Shanty” because it had settled over time which made the floors uneven. If we knocked over a glass of water we raced to clean if up before the water spread throughout the house. We paid $300 a month for this two-bedroom home which also included a yard where we could grow a garden. This was almost 30 years ago.
I work for the US Census Bureau and with this job I ask people questions about where they live. I interview people all throughout Linn County, but spend the majority of my time in Cedar Rapids. I am just shocked each time I hear from respondents how much they pay for their rent. Yes, I know that it’s not 1995 any more, but the rate of rent increase in those 30 years is just astronomical. It’s no wonder that people aren’t able to save to be able to buy a home, should they desire to do so.
We must find ways to create more affordable housing in Mount Vernon. This is a wonderful place to live and many people would like to move here, but it is usually very difficult to find a place to live, let alone an affordable place to live. For too long Mount Vernon has taken an anti-growth attitude when it comes to housing and that has limited the amount of housing available. Not only should we change that attitude, but we should make sure that we have housing that is affordable for those who would like to become our future neighbors.
Salt hoop to be constructed at Bryant Road site
The city approved the construction of a 40x48 foot salt storage structure on the Bryant Road site.
City administrator Chris Nosbisch said constructing the hoop will contain the entire salt supply for the city and protect the exterior of the building.
“Salt is super corrosive, and we place it in hoop structures to protect the building from it,” Nosbisch said. “This hoop building will allow us to collect our full allotment of salt for the year at once for delivery.”
Nosbisch said the city has run into instances where they can’t take the full allotment of salt in a year where they have gotten down to the dregs waiting for another delivery to arrive.
“For most communities that would be fine, but Mount Vernon with our hills and only having sand to treat the roads doesn’t do much to help,” Nosbisch said.
The $43,000 cost will last between 10 to 20 years.
Sanitary sewer improvements approved
The city also approved completing a sanitary sewer rehabilitation project for $709,464.33.
City administrator Chris Nosbisch said that this project is funded by a $1 million grant the city received from Linn County American Rescue Plan Act funds.
“We previously completed televising some of our problem areas with the sanitary sewer,” Nosbisch said. “That helped us identify projects that need to be completed for improvements.”
The rehabilitation will be completed by Municipal Pipe Tool.
Nosbisch said the city thanked Linn County for the grants for this project.
City administrator salary set
The council set city administrator Chris Nosbisch’s salary to $141,290.67 effective Aug. 1 and $149,290.67 effective July 1, 2025.
Mayor Tom Wieseler said the salary increases are to keep the city administrator salary at a comparable level to other cities the size of Mount Vernon moving forward.
Council member Craig Engel said Nosbisch is the first to step up for his employees to make sure they are compensated according to their duties as well.
Council member Paul Tuerler said he had a number of discussions during Heritage Days with current and returning citizens about the community, and that he fully supports the salary for Nosbisch when looking at all that has been accomplished.
Fourth Street improvements out for bid
The stretch of Fourth Street Northwest between Second Ave. N.W. to Fifth Avenue N.W. will be placed out for bid in early August, with bid opening slated for Aug. 5 at Mount Vernon City Hall.
City administrator Chris Nosbisch said this is one of the roughest roads in Mount Vernon at the moment that needs to be addressed. The work will include curb and gutter improvements.
Lester Buresh Family Community Wellness Center generator hearing Aug. 5
The city will have a new generator installed at the Lester Buresh Family Community Wellness Center this fall. The city received a $100,000 grant for the generator.
The 150kw generator will be enough to power the lights, heat and air conditioning for the wellness center in the case of an emergency.
A public hearing will be held at the Monday, Aug. 5, meeting, with the bid being awarded on Aug. 19.
With the purchase and installation of the generator, all public buildings owned by the city could be used as shelters in cases of emergencies.
“That has us more prepared than other communities in the state,” said council member Scott Rose.
Nathan Countryman | Mount Vernon-Lisbon Sun
The broken pavement and curb and gutter along the stretch of Fourth Street will be out for bid later this summer. City administrator Chris Nosbisch said it is one of the worst roads in Mount Vernon at the moment.
IOWA STATE FAIR
top 3 new foods announced
DES MOINES — A panel of esteemed judges has narrowed down the new food list from 84 to the top three 2024 Iowa State Fair foods. The top three 2024 Iowa State Fair New Foods Finalists are listed below, and Fairgoers can vote during the Fair to officially crown the People's Choice top new food for the 2024 Iowa State Fair. The 2023 winner was the Deep-Fried Bacon Brisket Macn-Cheese Grilled Cheese from What's Your Cheez.
The TOP 3 2024 Best New Foods, in no particular order:
• Lobster Corn Dog, Destination Grille
• Iowa Sm'Oak'ed Roll, Whatcha Smokin' BBQ
• Bacon Cheeseburger Egg Roll, Winn & Sara's Kitchen
Fairgoers can sample the top three finalists along with all the rest of the new foods and cast their vote starting Thursday, August 8 through Wednesday, August 14 at midnight. The winner will be announced Friday, August 16, during the Fair.
The eleven finalists and foods in the Best New Foods contest, in no particular order:
• Deep-Fried Uncrustable PB&J, Bird's Nest (near the MidAmerican Energy Stage)
• Piggy in a Donut, Biscuit Bar (Grand Ave., West of North Entrance to Varied Industries Building)
• Tipsy Peach, Bubbly Bar & Bistro (Grandfather's Barn Area)
• Lobster Corn Dog, Destination Grille (West of Jacobson Exhibition Center)
• Dough-chos, Dough Crazy (Outside Perimeter of the Livestock Pavilion)
• Cinnamon Crunch Apple Taco, Iowa Specialty Crop Growers Association (Main Floor of Ag Building, Under SW Stairs)
• Funnel Cake Burger, Jada's Concessions (North Side of Grand Ave, South of Knapp Stage)
• Party Balls, JR's SouthPork Ranch (West of Livestock Pavilion)
• Lemonade Donut Drops, The Snack Box (North Side of West Entrance to Pioneer Hall)
• Iowa Sm'Oak'ed Roll, Whatcha Smokin' BBQ (West of Jacobson Exhibition Center)
• Bacon Cheeseburger Egg Roll, Winn & Sara's Kitchen (Southwest of Jacobson Exhibition Center)
The Iowa State Fair boasts 200 food locations with traditional favorites and new zany, crazy creations. Some of the vendors participating in the new food contest are new vendors at the Iowa State Fair while others have a long history of making amazing food creations for Iowa State Fairgoers.
New vendors for 2024: Travelin' Tom's Coffee and Kona Ice, Dairy Zone, Taco King, Breakfast Bar, Jack Frost Freeze Dried Treats, The Nut Farm, Winn & Sara's Kitchen, Destination Grille.
Same locations, new ownership: Grandfather's Barn, Bubbly Bar and Bistro, Bird's Nest, and the Campground Grocery Store.
LCPH doctor re-elected to Iowa Cancer Consortium Board of Directors
Since January 2017, Cindy Fiester, MSN, has been involved with the Iowa Cancer Consortium’s Board of Directors. Her tenure on the board will continue, as she has been re-elected to the Board of Directors for the 20242026 term.
Fiester currently serves as the Chronic Disease Services Coordinator at Linn County Public Health, and she has been in this role since 2011.
“I have a passion for working in cancer prevention, early detection, and treatment,” Fiester said. “Breast cancer runs in my family and in recent years claimed the life of my aunt. I hope that my work through the Iowa Cancer Consortium will help change the way we address social and structural determinants of health and ensure health equity among our general population.”
During her time at Linn County Public Health, Fiester has been an instrumental part in the development and implementation of My Care Community, Partners for Better Care©. My Care Community is a collaborative network of social service and health providers throughout Linn County and East Central Iowa that bridges the gap between individuals and vital services, such as transportation, health insurance, food, and healthcare. In addition to this work, Fiester also serves as a
Certified Application Counselor for the Affordable Care Act and as a Certified Clinical Health Coach.
Fiester’s educational background includes an MSN degree and BSN degree from Mount Mercy University in 2020 and 2010, respectively. She also has a bachelor’s degree from Iowa State University in Journalism and Mass Communication and Sociology.
She lives in Cedar Rapids with her husband and two children.
The Iowa Cancer Consortium is Iowa’s statewide comprehensive cancer coalition. As a leader in cancer control, the Iowa Cancer Consortium offers the state’s cancer stakeholders access to resources, expertise, and non-competitive collaboration across traditional boundaries for a bigger impact in cancer prevention, early detection, treatment, and quality of life. With Iowa second-in-the-nation for cancer incidence rates for the second year in a row (behind only Kentucky), the Iowa Cancer Consortium has seen unprecedented growth in the number of passionate survivors, caregivers, researchers, healthcare professionals, and others joining together to reduce the burden of cancer in the state. Membership in the Iowa Cancer Consortium, funded in part by the state and the CDC, has increased 39% in the last three years.
Joanne Wahl, 70, of Mount Vernon, Iowa, passed away Wednesday, July 17, 2024, at the Woodlands, Cedar Rapids. Services will be held at a later date. Stewart Baxter Funeral & Memorial Services, Cedar Rapids, is assisting the family with arrangements.
Joanne was born Dec. 14, 1953, in Des Moines, the daughter of Ross and Janette (Shaefer) Walker. She was united in marriage to Harold James Wahl Aug. 10, 1974, in Des Moines.
Joanne could make a friend wherever she went. You may have met her as a vendor for numerous years at Farmer’s Markets in Ames and Nevada. At the Berry Patch farm, she spent many years nurturing the love of nature in children as a preschool teacher, as well as summers working the strawberry fields. She also worked as a supervisor in Boone, Ames, and Nevada Hospital kitchens. Later in life, she worked as a field Enumerator for the USDA/ NASDA. She will be remembered as a good friend, a fantastic baker, and a loving wife and mother.
Joanne is survived by her husband, daughter, Jennifer (Jason) Rupp; grandchildren, Rosalie and Theodore Rupp; and siblings, Lynn Walker, and Nyla (Gerhard) Isele.
Joanne was preceded in death by her parents.
Please share your support and memories with Joanne’s family on her Tribute Wall at www.stewartbaxter.com under Obituaries
Michael David Lewis, 64, of Mount Vernon, passed away Monday, July 15, 2024, at home after a three-year battle with cancer. No memorial service will be held, and burial will be at a future date in Dixon, Ill.
Mike was born Aug. 30, 1959, in Dixon, Ill., and spent his early years in the Dixon and Sterling, Illinois areas. He graduated from Dixon High School and went on to attend Northern Illinois University, earning a degree in Elementary Education. Mike taught fifth and sixth grade at Roosevelt Elementary in Elkhart, Indiana for 12 years. He was a dedicated teacher and spent time with his students inside and outside the classroom, sponsoring extra-curricular school activities.
Mike married Lynette Maves Aug. 1, 1981, in Dixon, Ill.. Together they lived in Illinois, Indiana, Virginia, and Iowa during their 42 years of marriage. They were blessed with two wonderful children, Beatrice and Emily. Mike was a devoted parent and shared his passion for education to home-school both of his children for several years.
Mike enjoyed all types of sports. Mike coached JV and varsity volleyball at Northridge High School in Middlebury, Indiana. He played softball, volleyball, and golf over the years. In fact, Mike and Lyn met at a volleyball tournament and enjoyed playing on teams together. He was an avid fan of Notre Dame football, the Chicago Cubs, and the Chicago Bears, and felt he could influence the outcome of games from his living room.
Mike is survived and lovingly remembered by his wife, Lyn of Mount Vernon; children, Beatrice and Emily of Coralville; father-in-law, Arthur Maves of Dixon, Ill.; stepfather, Charles Peterson of Pittsfield, Ill.; sister, Vera Moore of Springfield, Ill.; and brothers, Ernest Lewis of Georgia, Paul Peterson of Pittsfield, Ill., and Steven Peterson of Dixon, Ill. He was preceded in death by his mother, Elizabeth Peterson, and mother-in-law, Martha Maves.
The family would like to extend a thank you to the staff at the Holden Comprehensive Cancer Center at the University of Iowa Hospitals and Clinics.
Please share your support and memories with Mike’s family on his Tribute Wall at www.stewartbaxter.com under Obituaries
In lieu of flowers memorials in Mike’s memory may be directed to the children’s weekday ministry at the Lovely Lane United Methodist Church in Cedar Rapids.
Augustana dean’s list
Lydia Benesh of Mount Vernon, a business administration management and theatre generalist major at Augustana, was named to the spring semester dean’s list. Students must obtain a GPA of 3.5 or above to be named to the dean’s list.
Lawrence University
Theresa Gruber-Miller of Mount Vernon is the recipient of Lawrence University’s Pi Kappa Lambda Music Education Teaching Award.
A senior in the university’s dual degree program, Gruber-Miller is majoring in Spanish, music education, and music performance (trumpet). The teaching award is in the instrumental-general category.
Spots
Iowa Sales tax free weekend
The Iowa Sales tax free holiday is coming up Friday, Aug. 2 and Saturday, Aug. 3.
The exemption period begins Friday at midnight and runs until midnight Sunday, Aug. 4.
No sales tax or local option sales tax will be collected on sales of an article of clothing or footwear having a selling price less than $100.00. The exemption applies to each article priced under $100.00 regardless of how many items are sold on the same invoice to a customer
“Clothing” means any article of wearing apparel and typical footwear intended to be worn on or about the human body.
“Clothing” does not include watches, watchbands, jewelry, umbrellas, handkerchiefs, sporting equipment, skis, swim fins, roller blades, skates, and any special clothing or footwear designed primarily for athletic activity or protective use and not usually considered appropriate for everyday wear.
ENTERTAINMENT
Deadpool & Wolverine
Fri 7/26 - 3:45pm, 7pm, 10pm Sat 7/27 - 12:30pm, 3:45pm, 7pm, 10pm Sun 7/28 - 1:45pm, 5pm, 8pm Mon - Closed Tue 7/30 - 7pm Wed 7/31 - 7pm Thur 8/01 - 7pm
Cole Corner
Cathy Boggs Cole Library
Yarn Squad returning this fall with Craft-apalooza kick-off
Cole Library’s Yarn Squad—a group for people who like to knit and crochet--is starting back up after taking the summer off.
To kick off our new season of crafting together we are hosting a Craft-a-palooza Tuesday, July 30 from 6 to 8 p.m.
What is a Craft-a-palooza? It’s a time to get together and celebrate needlecrafts while enjoying refreshments!
Crafts that work well for a Craft-a-palooza include knitting, crocheting, embroidering, cross stitching and hand quilting.
To participate, bring your latest project, sit back, relax, craft, and snack with your fiber friends at Cole Library. The event is located on the library’s third floor in front of the east windows. Cole Library will provide the refreshments. All crafters are welcome!
POLICE CALLS
July 15 – Medical, 400 blk Third St. SW, Mount Vernon
July 15 – Medical, 600 First St SW, Mount Vernon
July 15 – Non-registered peddlers, Roosevelt St, Lisbon
July 15 – Animal control, 300 blk Turtle Dove Ln,
July 16 – Non-registered peddles, 15th Ave SW, Mount Vernon
July 17 – Animal control, 1700 blk Palisades Rd SW, Mount Vernon
July 17 – Motorist assist, 100 blk S. Washington St, Lisbon
July 17 – Animal control, S. Jackson St, Lisbon
July 17 – Medical, 300 blk Turtle Dove Ln, Mount Vernon
July 17 – Animal control, Gillette Ln, Lisbon
July 18 – Suspicious vehicle, 100 blk E. business 30, Lisbon
July 18 – Fraud, 380 Old Lincoln Hwy, Mount Vernon
July 18 – Agency assist- disturbance, Cedar Co
July 18 – Agency assist- accident, Johnson Co
July 18 – Medical, 1000 blk business 30, Lisbon
July 18 – Car unlock, 100 blk E. business 30, Lisbon
July 19 – Agency assist- medical, Linn Co
July 19 – Medical, 100 blk W. Market St, Lisbon
July 20 – Accident, 300 blk business 30, Lisbon
July 20 – Suspicious person, 1225 blk First Ave NW, Mount Vernon
July 20 – Suspicious person, 1000 blk N. Hwy 1, Mount Vernon
July 20 – Medical, 1200 blk Eighth St SW, Mount Vernon
July 20 – Accident, 200 blk Second St SW, Mount Vernon
July 21 – Agency assist- fire, Linn Co
Joanne Wahl
Michael Lewis
CALENDAR & PUZZLES
CHURCHES
MOUNT VERNON
St. Paul Lutheran Church L.C.M.S.
600 Fifth Avenue South
Pastor: Rev. Sean Hansen www.splcmv.org; send e-mail to info@splcmv.org
Sun.: 9:30 a.m. In-person worship
Please refer to our website or contact the church directly for additional worship information.
First Presbyterian Church 301 1st St. N.W. www.firstpresmv.com 319-895-6060
Pastor: Rev. Lori Wunder Sun.: 9:30 a.m. in-person worship.
Online services stream beginning at 9:20 a.m. on Facebook
St. John the Baptist Catholic Church
Rev. Andrew Awotwe-Mensah, parish priest Sun.: 8 a.m. Mass
Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints
Justus Hallam, Bishop
Meeting at: 4300 Trailridge Rd. SE, Cedar Rapids
Sun.: 11:30 a.m. in person services. Also an option for digital worship services.
United Methodist Church
Pastor Vicki Fisher
www.umcmv.com
Sun.: 8:30 a.m. Praise Worship
10:15 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, July 25
Story Time, Cornell Public Library Byerly Room, 9:30 a.m.
Fiber Friends, Southeast Linn Community Center, 10:30 a.m.
Free summer lunch, Southeast Linn Community Center, 11:30 a.m. to 12:30 p.m.
Summer movies for kids, Southeast Linn Community Center, 1 p.m.
Libations and Liberals, The Local by Glyn Mawr, 6 p.m.
Friday, July 26
Bingo, Southeast Linn Community Center, 10-11:30 a.m.
Lisbon Library Storytime, Lincoln Park Gazebo, 10 a.m.
Linn Lunch Bunch, Southeast Linn Community Center, 11:30 a.m. to 12:30 p.m.
Tuesday, July 30
Lego Club, Cole Library second floor, 10 a.m.
200 E. Market St., 455-2000 livinghopegmc.org
Pastor: the Rev. Josh Swaim
Services live streamed at Living Hope Global Methodist Church’s YouTube page
Sundays at 9:45 a.m. Sun.: 9:45 a.m. — In-person worship.
Seeds of Faith Lutheran Church, ELCA 798 Brenneman Lane, 455-2599
(Off Hwy. 30 on eastern edge of Lisbon) www.seedsoffaithlutheran.org/
Pastor Erika Uthe
9 a.m. — In-person worship. Services also livestream via Seeds’ Facebook Page.
BERTRAM
United Methodist Church 319-365-8077
Rev. Darwin Moore, Pastor Sun.: 10 a.m. — In-person worship service
MARTELLE
Christian Church Sun.: 10:30 a.m. — in person worship service Services also stream online at Martelle Christian Church’s YouTube page.
United Methodist Church Sun.: 10:30 a.m. Worship service. No Sunday school.
SPRINGVILLE
United Methodist Church Sun.: 9 a.m. Worship service. Wed.: 6:30 p.m. Praise service
Faith Christian Fellowship
Pastor Jack Ray Sun.: 9:30 a.m. worship at Springville Memorial Library, in the Buresh Room (264 Broadway Street)
St. Isidore Catholic Church Sat.: 6 p.m. Mass
MECHANICSVILLE
Living Hope Bible Church
Mechanicsville Memorial Building
First Presbyterian Church 408 E. First Street.
Christian Community Church of Mechanicsville
307 East First Street 563-432-7716
Sun: Sunday School 10-11am and in-person Worship Services at 11:15am with Fellowship to follow.
St. Mary’s Catholic Church
Pastor: Father James Flattery
Wed.: 8:30 a.m. — mass Sun.: 8 a.m. Mass
Yarn Squad, Cole Library Room 326, 6:30 p.m.
Wednesday, July 31
Make “The Claw” game, Cornell College Cole Library room 108, 10 a.m. and 11 a.m. (registration required).
Cards, Southeast Linn Community Center, 10-11:30 a.m.
Linn Lunch Bunch, Southeast Linn Community Center, 11:30 a.m.
SELCC Youth Enrichment Class, Southeast Linn Community Center, 1 p.m. and 2:30 pm. (registration required)
Thursday, Aug. 1
Story Time, Cornell Public Library Byerly Room, 9:30 a.m.
Fiber Friends, Southeast Linn Community Center, 10:30 a.m.
Free summer lunch, Southeast Linn Community Center, 11:30 a.m. to 12:30 p.m.
Summer movies for kids, Southeast Linn Community Center, 1 p.m.
1 Evidence collector, for short 4 Airport acquisitions 10 Transports not allowed on highways, in brief
14 Homecoming, of a sort?
15 Lead-in to normative
16 Canning jar component 17 Breath
19 Marathoner’s focus
20 Trial figure
21 Itinerant
23 Hiking gear chain
24 Kids’ menu go-with
26 Reaching across
28 Neighbor of New York: Abbr.
29 Kind of 31 Hanger-on 32 Slop spots 34 Over it
35 Get out of Dodge
36 Fancy few
37 In reserve
38 Name associated with blue ribbons
39 Loud kiss
40 Staff note
41 Accessibility law inits.
44 Walked for a cause
46 Prisoner’s reprieve
49 Issue in a group project, perhaps
50 Sidekick of 1950s TV
52 Dress down
53 “Deal!”
55 Commercial identifiers … or what four pairs of answers must do in order to match their clues
57 Letters on an “Organic” label
58 Take baby steps
59 TV relative who wears a bowler hat and sunglasses
60 Dope
61 Roger’s cousin?
62 Position held by a woman at roughly 10% of Fortune 500 companies Down
1 Brand for bakers
2 Get bronze
3 Mens rea, for example
4 Bowling-pin-shaped creature of Al Capp cartoons
5 What the March Hare dips his watch in
6 Subject line abbr.
7 Process of cell division
8 Inspiration for an essay writer
9 Technology used in seafloor mapping
10 Vape’s lack
11 Most lachrymose
12 Kind of electrons on the outermost shell of an atom
13 Dancer’s haul
18 Lorelai’s place of business on “Gilmore Girls”
22 U.S. city where the frozen margarita was invented
25 Gullible
27 “Wild” ingredient in some beers
30 Symbol of industry
32 Smooth
33 Something to pick up at will call
34 Monk’s style
35 Boa you wouldn’t want around your neck
36 On the ___
37 “Wowzers!”
38 Fivesomes
39 Went from a trot to a canter, say
40 President during the Era of Good Feelings
41 Like some clocks
42 Have away with words?
43 Enhances
45 Eccentric
47 He played Mary Richards’s boss at WJM-TV
48 Former parent company of NBC
51 Calculations often expressed with a “+” or “–”
54 Partake of
56 Certain Ivy Leaguer
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.
Way to go Lisbon Lions softball!
season!
Contributed photo
Members of the Lisbon softball team advancing to the state softball tournament include: Mykala Luzum-Selmon (1), Emma Pleasant (2), Gretchen Moehlman (5), Addie Clark (6), Brynnley Patterson (7), Lillian Gaiser (8), Kyla Kahl (10), Alexa Roos (12), Kamryn Kahl (13), Kaitlynn Hasselbusch (15), Lohgan Anderson (20), Chloe Clausen (21), Addi Petersen (24), Emma Dietsch (19/30), Sarah Dietsch (31) and Brianna Turkington (33).
STATEBOUND
Lisbon heading to state softball for seventh straight year.
Ryan Suchomel
Mount Vernon-Lisbon Sun
ryan.suchomel@mvlsun.com
There was never any doubt Lisbon would advance to the state softball tournament in Fort Dodge for the seventh straight season.
Well … maybe some doubt.
Lisbon used a two-run home run by Kamryn Kahl, which deflected off the glove of the Osage left fielder and over the fence at Bunting Field, to top the Green Devils, 4-2, on Tuesday, July 16.
“All the emotions,” Kahl said after the game. “There were so many people that doubted us from the beginning of the season. We worked so hard as a team and we
proved everybody wrong. Every game we proved more people wrong.
“We’re such a unified team and that’s what makes this team so special. We’re all so close and we can all work together and good things can happen.”
For those who need a reminder, longtime coach Bob Bunting stepped down last fall after 54 years and 1,323 victories. Plus 11 state tournament trips and three championships. All at Lisbon.
He told the Gazette when he retired that “If I coached next year, I know with this group coming in, it would be hard to part with them and I’d want to go three or four more years.”
That’s this group.
Enter new coach Abbey Shultz.
“When I first came here, I said the
expectation is to go to state,” Shultz said.
“And we’re going to win state.
“I wanted these girls to believe they could do it, no matter what the talk was.”
Senior Chloe Clausen said the players knew it was a new era.
“We came into this season knowing we can be here,” Clausen said. “We wanted to prove a lot of people wrong, which we did. Now we’re going to see what we can do at state.”
Where the season ends … to be determined.
No. 8 Lisbon (27-12) was given the fifth seed and opened against fourth seed and No. 6 East Marshall (32-4) at 12:45 p.m. Tuesday, July 23.
Win or lose, the Lions play again Wednesday. The Class 2A championship
is at 5 p.m. Friday, July 25.
The other 2A teams, in order of seeding and with final IHSGAU ranking, include No. 1 Van Meter (40-1), No. 3 Northeast (27-7), No. 5 Audubon (27-4), No. 9 West Monona (33-7), No. 13 EBF (22-13) and West Fork (18-7).
“I’m so excited,” Kahl said of the impending trip to Fort Dodge. “That’s what Lisbon is all about. We’re just continuing the legacy that Bob left us. And
Keelyh Anderegg and Erica Gast; Kyla Kahl and Emma Dietsch. W
Kahl. L
Anderegg. 2B
Alexa Roos (L), Addie Clark (L), Chloe Clausen (L). HR – Mylie Howe (O), Kamryn Kahl (L).
Ryan Suchomel | Mount Vernon-Lisbon Sun
Lisbon sophomore Kamryn Kahl (13) gets a hug from Alexa Roos (12) as the entire team celebrates after hitting a two-run home run in the fifth inning Tuesday, July 23, in a Class 2A regional final against Osage. Lisbon won, 4-2.
Ryan Suchomel | Mount Vernon-Lisbon Sun
Lisbon shortstop Kamryn Kahl (center), pitcher Kyla Kahl and center fielder Kaitlynn Hasselbusch celebrate after Hasselbusch caught the final out against Osage in a Class 2A regional final Tuesday, July 23, at Bunting Field in Lisbon. Lisbon won 4-2 to earn its seventh straight trip to the state tournament.
Ryan Suchomel | Mount Vernon-Lisbon Sun
Lisbon’s Kaitlynn Hasselbusch connects for an RBI single in the third inning Tuesday, July 23, during a Class 2A regional final at Bunting Field.
we’re filling those shoes, and I think we’re going to make it far.
“I think there is a bright future ahead for Lisbon softball.”
Osage (23-10) was trying to play spoiler. The Green Devils had already upset No. 14 Wapsie Valley in the regional semifinals, 4-3. They came to town with a team batting average of .386 and four players hitting .460 or better. Their sophomore pitcher had 138 strikeouts in 114 innings pitched.
“They had a lot of girls that really hit the ball,” Shultz said. “They were young and they wanted it.”
Lisbon struck first. Addie Clark opened the bottom of the third with a double, and came around to score on a single by Kaitlynn Hasselbusch.
The Lions added another run in the fourth inning, when No. 9 hitter Lillian Gaiser reached on an error, stole second (and advanced to third on a throwing error), and scored on a bunt by Clark.
Things were going pretty well at Bunting Field.
Then Osage used an error to get Emmery Dodd on base, and leadoff hitter Mylie Howe slammed a shot over the left field fence to tie the game up, 2-2, in the fifth inning. Bunting Field got quiet after that.
“There were some nerves,” Kahl said. “But I just knew that it’s all in god’s hands. And we were going to pull through.”
Clausen opened the bottom half of the inning with a double to the wall. Kahl then stepped into the box, and hit a towering shot to left field that deflected off the glove of Osage left fielder Emma Evens and into the City Park grass.
Would it have been a home run without
the assist?
“That’s what I heard,” Kahl said. “I heard it went over the yellow line. I mean, I’ll take it.”
Clausen, standing at second base, had a good view.
“I don’t think so. I think her touching it bumped it over,” Clausen said. “Which was good for us.”
In the end. It doesn’t matter. In 20 years, at the reunion, it will have cleared the fence by 50 yards.
The entire team welcomed Kahl at home plate. It wasn’t quiet anymore.
Shultz saw and felt the momentum shift with the big hit.
“It’s good that it fell on our side,” Shultz said. “But we still had a lot of work to do at that point. And two runs, I didn’t feel was comfortable enough, so we had to keep the momentum going.”
The Green Devils had a baserunner in each of the final two innings – one via error and one by single -- but neither reached second base.
Eighth-grade pitcher Kyla Kahl held Osage to just four hits, striking out four, and got some pretty solid defense from her teammates.
“Stay on our fundamentals. Play as a team. And use each other,” Shultz said. “Our dugout tonight was phenomenal and we played as a team.”
So for posterity, state trip for the Lions – 11 under Bunting, and 1 under Shultz.
“She’s a great first-year coach,” Clausen said. “She filled a big role, and I think she’s filling it really well.”
“It was definitely a change, but we all adapted,” Kahl said. “They are such great coaches. And Abbey filled the role so well.”
Mustangs stumble against Dubuque-Wahlert
Ryan Suchomel
Mount Vernon-Lisbon Sun
ryan.suchomel@mvlsun.com
Sometimes the road to state baseball is paved with potholes.
Mount Vernon’s road had a sinkhole. That was top-ranked Dubuque Wahlert. The Golden Eagles beat the Mustangs, 7-5, in the Class 3A substate semifinals Tuesday, July 16, at the McAleece Park and Recreation Complex in Dubuque.
“The team we were playing against
was formidable,” Mount Vernon coach
Charles Chatman said. “We had a pretty good plan. We felt we could score some runs on them. But how well could we hold them at bay?”
Mount Vernon got out to a quick 2-0 lead, and also led 4-3 after the top of the fifth inning. But like any top team, Wahlert had the answers.
Sophomore Michael Ryan had two hits and two RBIs. Juniors Colin Bentley, Cole Thurn and Eric Lamb each also had two hits.
Sophomore Cael Foreman started on the bump, and pitched four-plus
innings, giving up just three hits and five runs. Junior AJ McDermott finished the game, giving up no hits, but two runs.
“They just put together some good two-strike at-bats,” Chatman said. “They didn’t chase very much and won a couple of at-bats. Really good on their part.”
Wahlert (33-9) went on to beat Clear Creek Amana 7-0 in the substate final, and are the top seed for this week’s 3A state tournament in Cedar Rapids.
Mount Vernon closed its season 19-18, its firsts winning record in six years. It was Chapman’s fourth year as head coach, and he can see the improvement.
“Last year we won 13 games and were one run away from getting to state,” he said. “We were really young last year. This year we got over .500 and put ourselves in a favorable position. We got to host a substate game.
“It was a step in the right direction for the program and I feel like we accomplished that this year. I feel good about where we are and where we’re going.”
Next season the Mustangs will have “my largest senior class since my first year here,” Chatman said. “We’ve been knocking on the door the last two years. Hopefully we can knock it open.”
MV, Lisbon SB players earn postseason honors
Ryan Suchomel
Mount Vernon-Lisbon Sun ryan.suchomel@mvlsun.com
Mount Vernon sophomore Haley Gookin was named the WaMaC East Player of the Year last week, as postseason honors started to roll in for the Mustangs and Lions.
Gookin finished 21-6 as a pitcher with a 0.74 ERA and 0.61 WHIP. She had 247 strikeouts to 26 walks in 171.1 innings pitched.
At the plate, Gookin hit .446 with a team-high 14 doubles, 3 triples and 10 home runs. Despite hitting leadoff most of the season, she was second on the team with 32 RBIs.
Those 10 home runs set a school record.
“She was quite deserving,” Mount Vernon coach Robin Brand said. “She did a great job for us.
“She really made her mark this year and hit some huge milestones. But I think her best is yet to come.”
Also earning first-team WaMaC East honors were senior Addison Gookin (.310, 8 2B, 34 runs, 20 RBI), junior Abbie Moss (.324, 6 2B, 25 RBI) and senior Kenna Rolllinger (.316, 34 RBIs).
Second-team laurels went to junior Olivia Haverback (9-6, 2.58 ERA, 64 K) and junior Libby Dix (.312, 14 RBIs). Honorable mention for senior Elsa Appleton (5 2B, 21 runs) and freshman Riley Rasmussen (4 2B, 16 RBIs).
“It just shows the quality of our team and leadership on our team,” Brand said. “Our team was an outstanding group of girls. I’d like to recognize each of them for all they bring to the team.”
And it was a tough year for recognition in the WaMaC East, which was stacked with no pushovers. Mount Vernon won the division with 17-7 league record, followed by Marion (14-8), Solon (12-10),
Center Point-Urbana (9-13), West Delaware (9-13) and Independence (8-14).
Solon went to state in Class 3A (along with Williamsburg and Benton Community from the West Division).
The Gookin sisters also earned All-District honors in the Class 3A Northeast District.
Addison Gookin and Rollinger will play on the 2024 All Star Teams on Saturday, July 27, at Waukee Softball Complex. The event features 51 seniors across three teams.
“That’s quite the honor as a senior to be able to do that,” Brand said. “They’ll get to play with kids from around the state.”
Addi Petersen of Lisbon is also playing. The senior was also an All-District pick in Class 2A Northeast District.
Petersen was also a first-team Tri-Rivers Conference East Division pick. She hit .348 with 11 2B, 7 HR, 27 RBIs, 28 runs, and 13 stolen bases.
Junior Addie Clark (.357, 7 2B, 42
runs, 19 SB) was also a first-team pick for the Lions. Lisbon’s Abbey Shultz was the East Division Coach of the Year. Midland senior Gracie Harrison was the Player of the Year. The Lions won the East with a 17-5 record, followed by Calamus-Wheatland (13-9), Midland (6-16), and Bellevue Marquette (5-17). Eighth grader Kyla Kahl (22-8, 3.13 ERA, 1.40 WHIP, 136K), eighth grader Alex Roos (.288 9 2B, 25 RBI), sophomore Kamryn Kahl (.352, 11 2B, 20 RBI), senior Chloe Clausen (.336, 10 2B, 23 RBIs) and junior Kaitlynn Hasselbusch (.316, 8 2B, 26 RBIs) were second team Tri-Rivers East picks.
Hasselbusch was also nominated by Shultz for the 2024 E. Wayne Cooley “YOU CAN” Award.
Shultz wrote: “She works her tail off every day at practice and is a very coachable kid. She takes younger kids under her wing and shows them the rope of a program by being a great leader for us.”
Ryan Suchomel | Mount Vernon-Lisbon Sun
Lisbon eighth grade pitcher Kyla Kahl winds up for delivery Tuesday, July 23, at Bunting Field.
Lisbon beat Osage to earn a spot at the state tournament.
SUMMER 2024 PARKS AND REC BALL TEAMS
LISBON INTRO TO T-BALL RED
Team members: Clarke Whan, Dorothy Blythe, Ellie Rundle, Josey Halemeyer, Autumn O’Neill, Hazel Greiner, George Taylor, Briggs Wallace, Atlas Wieseler, Conor Keating, Barrett Raper, coach Ryan Wieseler, Callahan Whan, Colton Lenz, coach Dustin Lenz
LISBON INTRO TO T-BALL BLUE
Team members: Maesyn Ties, Isabella Hopper, Emma Mckendree, Kohyn Carstensen, Everly Coppess, Easton Logan, Chase Stricker, Ranger Jamison, Rocco Jamison, coach Austin Carstensen, Conway Montague, Ethan Ratliff, Odin Brokel, Gunner Sawyer, Alex Gutierrez, coach Eric Coppess
LISBON T-BALL RED
Team members: Gabi Gutierrez, Leilani Phillips, Kollins Leighty, Nevaeh Wiskus, Kinley Leighty, coach Jack Leighty, Brooke Morgan, Liam Cather, Camden Kirkpatrick, Bower Brokel, Ben Gogel and Griffin Olsen
LISBON T-BALL BLUE
Team members: Cole Porter, Swayzie Duecker, Elsie Poduska, Adelina Jepsen, Cash Dains, Briggs Black, Grant Larson, Mason O’Connor, coach Nathan Jepsen and Noah Maschmann
MV T-BALL CARDINALS
Team members: Lincoln Bragg, Edith Dietrich, Maggie Eastburn, Henry Glesner, Daxton Martin, Reagan Moore, Leo Nichols, Paul Randall and coaches Garrett and Peter Dietrich and Brian Nichols
MV T-BALL TIGERS
Team members: Emma Deklotz, Ryan Drumeller, Claire Hamilton, McAllister Jones, Penelope Jones, Makayla Recker, Ryker Robison, Mason Thuerauf and coach Jackie Drumeller
MV T-BALL RAYS
Team members: Gavin Clark, Eleanor Hankemeier, Emerson Miller, Jaden Nelson, Finn Rasmussen, Caleb Rice, Parker Rouse, Hayden Ryan, Jackson Zenisek and coach Steve Hankemeier
MV T-BALL ROCKIES
Team members: Deacon Doyle, K.J. Hach, Nora Hennager, Crew Hepker, Mack Hepker, Max Huffracker-Schneider, Riley Vozenilek, McKenna Wall and coach Jacob Hennager
LISBON T-BALL ORANGE
Team members: Hollis Ripke, Rory Zerbe, Huxley Light, Aaral Chaudhari, coach Katie Ripke, Titus Weber, Wyatt Slaton, Gavin Light, Benny Lansing and Jose Lansing
MV T-BALL YANKEES
Team members: Elan Bass, Annie Craig, Willow Fisher, Sutton Guerber, Natalie Harms, Weston Harms, Alivia Osborn, Quintyn Weigel and coach Jake Craig
LISBON T-BALL GREEN
Team members: Quinn Gavin, Layla Kleinmeyer, Lux Hall, Huxley Hall, Magda Sanchez, coach Anthony Kruse, Carson Kruse, Brody Sawyer, Levi King, Connor Simpson, Waylon Dykstra and coach Jason Dykstra
MV T-BALL TWINS
Team members: Willow Fitzpatrick, Abraham Koth, Everly Krapfl, Hayes Krapfl, Joslyn Recker, Lillian Recker, Dakota Steffen, Bradley Vallad and coaches Kyle and Jessica Koth
MV T-BALL PHILLIES
Team members: Cam Austin, Dean Becklund, Evelyn Dye, Maverick Latta, Ava Olsen, Sawyer Rowe, Mya Taylor, Holden Wolter and coach Drake Austin
MV T-BALL CUBS
Team members: Orion Anderson, William Brehm, Brody Compton, Emery Desaulty, Axl Goldberg, Natalie Hines, Calen Schweibert, Colton Vavricek, Nora Wolter and coaches Nathan Wolter and John Brehm
LISBON COACH PITCH RED
Team members: Bryson Patterson, Karter Martin, Josie Salier, Klaryssa Sykora, Cole Salier, Rory Dacy, Owen Haas, Kyson Carstensen, Ethan Coppess, Carson Blinks and coach Nate Haas, Austin Carstensen and Eric Coppess
LISBON COACH PITCH GREEN
Team members: Will Parpart, Abigail Ratliff, Fiona Raper, Vyn Gibson, Ethan Pfab, Rowan Bruening, Miles Duwa, Noah Poduska, Judah Sanchez, coach Dillon Pfab and coach Ashley Poduska
MV COACH PITCH RED SOX
Team members: Rylie Boren, Elsie Cook, Daryn Drumeller, Dakota Hyke, Savannah Jones, Maryn Joseph, Peyton Mikel, Charlie Schaller, Olivia Stelken, Zoey Zenisek and coach Daniel Drumeller
LISBON COACH PITCH ORANGE
Team members: Ruger Casey, Lakelyn Gutierrez, Charoltte Blok, Beau Berner, Teddy Nelson, Eli Owen, Liam Maschmann, Axel Jamison, coach Jayden Casey, coach Logan O’Connor and coach Nick Casey
MV COACH PITCH WHITE SOX
Team members: Paisley Blum, Felicity Frost, Madelyn Nissen, Addie Osborn, Harper Pitlik, Florence Reinken, Kylie Salier, Maeve Takes, Addison Yeater and coach James Yeater
LISBON COACH PITCH BLUE
Team members: Wyatt Nielsen, Addy Rundle, Kinsley Wieneke, Sawyer Nielsen, Everett Schlotterbeck, Andrew Silver, Isaac Reed, coach Eric Schlotterbeck, Matthew Avila, Noah Robertson and Elijah Kamerling
MV COACH PITCH ANGELS
Team members: Lizzy Doyle, Ridley Finn, Griffin Goldberg, Haleigh Hess, Evie Kuker, Lincoln Lienau, Nova Mercer, Dawsyn Techau, Lucy Wolter and head coach Nathan Wolter
MV COACH PITCH BLUE JAYS
Team members: Kinze Arp, Gwen Borrison, Maggie Guerber, Cecilia Jost, Allison Lass, Macy Parker, Lucy Reddish, Ayven Selby, Katherine Stineman and head coach Jessica Arp
MV T-BALL PIRATES
Team members: Bennett Arnold, Zeke Frost, Collins Karkosh, Greyson Leclere, Marlowe Pickett, Matilda Pickett, Brooklyn Stafford, Jackson White and coach Maggie Pickett
MV T-BALL ORIOLES
Team members: Hudson Giomio, Josie Henik, Mya Kameling, Henry Kelchen, Brynn Paysen, Grisham Sniegowski, Beau Stamp, Elliott Weber and coaches Seth Paysen and Trevor Sniegowski
MV 3-4 BASEBALL MAROON
Team members: Bowen Bass, Noah Boren, Ryken Fitzpatrick, Adler Foreman, Gibson Gardner, Beckam Hamilton, Teddy Hand, Trenton Kopish, Jace Lewis, Henry Studt, Barett Suckow, Grayson Taylor, Liam Thomsen, Edwin Walsh and head coach Lee Gardner
MV COACH PITCH NATIONALS
Team members: Henry Alger, Asher Fisher, Caleb Marks, Ryder Miner, Avery Nost, Wesson Schminke, Liam Studt and head coaches Matt and Kendall Miner
MV COACH PITCH GIANTS
Team members: Oliver Fett, Declan Ford, Quincy Hyke, Hector Klaus, Roland Schinstock, Maverick Thomsen, Will Utley and head coach Terry Fett
MV COACH PITCH DODGERS
Team members: Adam Gilmore, Bowen Hamilton, Leonard Jordan, Samuel Martin, Titus Robinson, Finn Vozenlink, Russell Yeater and head coach James Yeater
MV COACH PITCH DIAMONDBACKS
Team members: Ryker Hartman, Miles Hartzler, Gentry Horton, Barrett Miller, Hudson Pitlik, Grayson Reyna, Cody Vislisel and head coach Luke Miller
MV COACH PITCH ATHLETICS
Team members: Alistair Biondo-Gemmell, Ethan Desaulty, Luke Downey, Graham Hall, Oscar Stockman, Kinnick Winders, Lincoln Winders and head coach John Hall
MV COACH PITCH MARINERS
Team members: Atticus Bragg, Matthew Covington, Harrison Hoy, Quinton Johnson, Finnegan Nakielski, Breck Stamp and head coach Don Johnson
LISBON 3-4 RED
Team members: Wyatt Ritter, Jacob Ratliff, Jaesiya Fisher Rush, Nolan Wolfe, Elijah Boggess, Colton Bedell, Dylan Berner, Xzavier Cassavoy, Walker Smith, Jace Bennett, coach Alicia Wolfe, Jaeyce Fisher Rush, Christopher Mcgowan and coach Josh Wolfe
MV 3-4 SOFTBALL
Team members: Josie Arnold, Gabi Bertling, Emma Blaszczyk, Jordyn Clark, Faith Covington, Lylah Hansel, Teagan Lange, Ava Lowe, Konner Martin, Nelly Randel, Terra Rector, Alexandra Stineman, Skylar Stuver, Bailey Wagner and head coach Mike Stuver
8U LISBON FIRE TEAM 2
Team members: Maddie Brannaman, Kennedy Strauch, Emma Scheil, Paisley Worby, Maddie Ties, Maeve Kingland, Bennett Aaron, Alayna Easton, coach Kingland, Emma Kruse, coach Darrell Aaron, Eden Kluver
8U LISBON FIRE TEAM 1
Team members: Huxley Light, Amelia Swanson, Elsie Schlotterbeck, Rosie Heiner, Mara England, Natalie Henik, Dot Walthart, Elsie Broulik, coach Tyler Light, Collins Aaron, Coach Eric Schlotterbeck, Audrey Branaman
MV 5-6 BASEBALL
Team members: David Allen, Cody Bock, Nick Bock, Elijah Brinson, Martin Golobic, Andrew Gutierrez, Carter Hansel, Hintin Lorimer, Connor Noehl, Reece Olsen, Brody Patterson, Zachary Poduska, Taveon Roberts, Arlo Woosley, and head coaches Mari Price and Mark Stark
MV 3-4 BASEBALL GREY
Team members: Axel Anderson, Beckett Anderson, Damien Bielefeld, Lucian Biondo-Gemmell, William Boyden, Amos Dietrich, Elijah Forest, Lincoln Glaister Wentworth, Griffin Glynn, Liem Hebi, Takoda Koppes, Kane Pierson, Isaac Rudish-Kuncl, Parker Schminke, Ryne Utley, Korbin Vavricek and head coach Joel Anderson
11U LISBON LAZERS
Team members:Brock Johnson, Sawyer Welsh, Kaleb Worby, Urijah Heimer, Joel Patterson, Brick Baker, Wyatt Rundle, Teagan Caspers, Henry Feaker, Ryder Harbaugh, Korbin Walton, Meier Anderson, coach Brian Heimer, coach Chris Caspers and coach Jason Anderson
10U LISBON LAZERS
Team members: Liam Johnson, Evan Helgerson, Kaden Porter, Colton Williams, Bowen Hove, Carter Kimbrough, Jackson Gavin, Andrew Reed, Ian Black, Cole Halemeyer, Remington Sedenka, Lincoln King, Henrik Ripke, coach Dustin Gavin, Justin Porter, Oliver Broulik, coach Robert Helgerson, coach Dustin Clark and coach Troy King
Team members: Zoey Ritter, Chloe Brown, Kenley Siggins, Hayden Davis, Heidi Von Behren, Sophia Gogel, Bryanna Norton, Gentry Barber, Maliyah James, coach Brent Mollenhauer, Harper Jamison, Iiliynn Hill, coach Brock Barber, Addie Brown, Emma Mollenhauer
CONGRATS ON A GREAT SEASON from all of us at the Special thanks to Carloyn Kilburg/CJ Studios (Lisbon) and Erin Fencl (MV) for providing the team photos.
11U LISBON FIRE
10U LISBON FIRE
Team members: Brynlee Ties, Aubrey Sporrer, Bella Butteris, Eden Baker, Amy Macke, Kendra Davidson, Piper Walton, Kinlee Dains, Abi Kelsey, coach Nikki Sporrer, Ella Smith, coach Nick Macke
9U LISBON FIRE
Team members: Maggie Armstrong, Leihana Mayhew, Kiersten Johnson, Amelia Mayhew, Annika Stensland, Emry Schlotterbeck, Ellie Kruse, Allie Patterson, Henley Light, Alissa Heiner
12U LISBON FIRE
Team members: Teagan Johnson, Natalie Ford, Natalie Von Behren, Gentry Barber, Ayla Blanchard, Kinsley Kamaus, Presley Whitman, Emma Mollenhauer, Brynn Kahl and Karlie Sweet
owned firms and women’s business enterprises to participate. This project is being supported with U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development, Community Development Block Grant, Disaster Recovery grant funding. Therefore, certain restrictions and other federal requirements attach to this opportunity. Award of contract is subject to the requirements of the Iowa Economic Development Authority. Pursuant to the requirements of the Community Development Block Grant, Davis-Bacon wage rates are to be used on this project. Bidders will be required to follow federal prevailing wage rate requirements. The prevailing wage rates table will be contained in the specifications. It is the Contractor’s responsibility to make sure that they are using the most current rates at the time of bid opening. Wage rates should be reviewed prior to submitting a proposal the day of bid opening. Contractors must not appear on Sam. gov disbarment list, including any subcontractors.
A detailed listing of all subcontractors shall be provided by the Bidder. In accordance with the Contract Documents, documentation that the prospective General Contractor and its subcontractors meet minimum qualifications shall be provided and submitted.
By virtue of statutory authority, preference will be given to products and provisions grown and coal produced within the State of Iowa, and to Iowa domestic labor, to the extent lawfully required under Iowa Statutes; provided that the award of contract will be made to the lowest responsible bidder submitting the lowest responsive bid, which shall be determined without regard to state or local law whereby preference is given on factors other than the amount of the bid.
until the proposed award is approved by the Community Development Block Grant, Iowa Economic Development Authority. It is anticipated that such approval will be made within sixty (60) days after application for approval of the proposed award. No claims for compensable delay shall arise as the result of delay in the approval of award.
The successful bidder will be required to furnish a bond in an amount equal to one hundred percent (100%) of the contract price, said bond to be issued by a responsible surety approved by the City Council and shall guarantee the faithful performance of the contract and the terms and conditions therein contained and shall guarantee the prompt payment for all materials and labor and protect and save harmless the City from claims and damages of any kind caused by the operations of the Contractor, and shall guarantee the work against faulty workmanship and materials for a period of four (4) years after its completion and acceptance by the City Council.
All Contractor(s) and subcontractor(s) are required to obtain tax exemption certificates from the City of Mount Vernon, Iowa for this project. These tax exemption certificates are only for use on this specific project as covered under the Contract.
The work under the contract shall commence within ten (10) days after date set forth in written Notice to Proceed. All work under the contract shall be completed by June 1, 2025, subject to any extensions of time which may be granted by the City Council.
will be made not less than thirty-one (31) days after completion and acceptance by resolution of the City Council of the completed contract, subject to the conditions and in accordance with the provisions of Chapter 573 of the Code of Iowa, as amended. No such partial or final payments will be due until the Contractor has certified to the City that the materials, labor and services involved in each estimate have been paid for in accordance with the requirements stated in the specifications.
The request for payment may also include an allowance for the cost of such major materials and equipment which are suitably stored either at or near the site. Proof of purchase amount and verification of insurance for stored materials must be provided with any request for payment of stored materials.
Final payment of the remaining five percent (5%) will be made not less than thirty-one (31) days after completion and acceptance by resolution of the City Council of the completed contract, subject to the conditions and in accordance with the provisions of Chapter 573 of the Code of Iowa, as amended. No such partial or final payments will be due until the Contractor has certified to the City that the materials, labor and services involved in each estimate have been paid for in accordance with the requirements stated in the specifications.
Community Housing Initiatives intends to submit a Notice of Intent to the Iowa Department of Natural Resources for coverage under the NPDES General Permit No. 2 “Storm Water Discharge Associated with Industrial Activity for Construction Activities.”
The storm water discharge will be from construction activities. The project is located at the Northwest Quarter of Section 15, Township 82 N, Range 05 W in Linn County. Runoff from this project will flow into site storm sewer, then an unnamed drainage way, then to Spring Creek, and ultimately to the Cedar River.
Comments may be submitted to the Storm Water Discharge Coordinator, IOWA DEPARTMENT OF NATURAL RESOURCES, Environmental Protection Division, 502 E. 9th Street, Des Moines, IA 50319-0034.
The public may review the Notice of Intent from 8 a.m. to 4:30 p.m., Monday through Friday, at the above address after it has been received by the department. Published in the Sun July 25, 2024.
ORDINANCE #6-17-2024A
AN ORDINANCE ADOPTING CHAPTER 28, CEMETERY COMMISSION OF THE CITY OF MT. VERNON MUNICIPAL CODE
BE IT ENACTED BY THE CITY COUN-
matters pertaining to the City of Mount Vernon Cemetery, cemetery needs, codes/ ordinances, and/or
of
and
fulfillment of the contract and the
satisfactory to the City insuring the
of said
if required, pursuant to the
of this notice and other contract documents. Bidders shall use the bid bond form bound in the specifications. In accordance with the requirements of the Iowa Department of Labor all bidders must submit a fully completed Bidder Status Form. The Bidder Status Form must be included with and is considered an essential attachment to the Proposal. Any Proposal that does not include a fully completed Bidder Status Form may result in the Proposal being determined non-responsive and rejected.
The City of Mount Vernon hereby notifies all bidders that it will affirmatively insure that in any contract entered into pursuant to this advertisement will be afforded full opportunity to submit bids in response to this invitation and will not be discriminated against on the grounds of race, color, sex, or national origin in consideration for an award. The City of Mount Vernon is an Equal Opportunity Employer and encourages all small and minority
CLASSIFIEDS
For Rent
Apartment for Rent uptown
Mt. Vernon. 2 bedrooms. No Smoking. No Pets. 319-2708600
Entertainment and Events
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In accordance with Iowa statutes, a resident bidder shall be allowed a preference as against a nonresident bidder from a state or foreign country if that state or foreign country gives or requires any preference to bidders from that state or foreign country, including but not limited to any preference to bidders, the imposition of any type of labor force preference, or any other form of preferential treatment to bidders or laborers from that state or foreign country. The preference allowed shall be equal to the preference given or required by the state or foreign country in which the nonresident bidder is a resident. In the instance of a resident labor force preference, a nonresident bidder shall apply the same resident labor force preference to a public improvement in this state as would be required in the construction of a public improvement by the state or foreign country in which the nonresident bidder is a resident.
The City reserves the right to reject any and all bids, to waive informalities and technicalities and to enter into such contract as it shall deem for the best interest of the City.
The City reserves the right to defer acceptance of any proposal for a period not to exceed sixty (60) calendar days from the date of hearing. On the basis of the bids received, the City Council may propose award for the contract. Final award will not be made
Miscellaneous
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Liquidated damages in the amount of Five Hundred Dollars ($500.00) per calendar day shall be assessed for each calendar day that work on the contract remains uncompleted after the end of the contract period, with due allowance for extensions of the contract period due to conditions beyond the control of the Contractor.
Payment to the Contractor for said improvements will be made in cash derived from the proceeds of the issuance and sale of such bonds and/or from such cash funds of the City as may be legally used for said purposes or cash from Community Development Block Grant. Any combination of the above methods of payment may be used at the discretion of the City Council.
Payment to the Contractor will be on the basis of monthly estimates equivalent to ninety-five percent (95%) of the contract value of the work completed and payments made to material suppliers for materials ordered specifically for the project or delivered to the site during the preceding calendar month. Estimates will be prepared on the last day of each month by the Contractor, subject to the approval of the Engineer, who will certify to the City for payment each approved estimate on or before the tenth (10th) day of the following month. Such monthly payments shall in no way be construed as an act of acceptance for any part of the work partially or totally completed. Upon completion of the work and its acceptance by the Council, the Contractor will be paid an amount which, together with previous payments, will equal ninety five percent (95%) of the contract price of the contract. Final payment of the remaining five percent (5%)
Prior to completion, the Owner, with the approval of the Engineer and with the concurrence of the Contractor, may use any completed or substantially completed portions of the work. Such use shall not constitute an acceptance of such portions of the work.
The Owner shall have the right to enter the premises for the purpose of doing work not covered by the contract documents. This provision shall not be construed as relieving the Contractor of the sole responsibility for the care and protection of the work, or the restoration of any damaged work except such as may be caused by agents or employees of the Owner.
If it is determined that adherence to these Iowa statutory requirements may cause denial of federal funds which would otherwise be available for a public improvement, or would otherwise be inconsistent with requirements of any federal law or regulation, the application of Iowa Code Chapters 73 and 73A shall be suspended to the extent necessary to prevent denial of the funds or to eliminate the inconsistency with federal requirements.
Plans and specifications governing the construction of the proposed improvements have been prepared by VEENSTRA & KIMM, INC. of Coralville, Iowa, which plans and specifications and the proceedings of the City Council referring to and defining said improvements are hereby made a part of this notice and the proposed contract by reference, and the proposed contract shall be executed to comply therewith.
Posted by the order of the City of Mount Vernon, Iowa. Published in the Sun July 25, 2024.
PUBLIC NOTICE OF STORM WATER DISCHARGE
CIL OF THE CITY OF MT. VERNON, IOWA: SECTION 1. ADOPTION. The Mt. Vernon Municipal Code is hereby amended to include the language set forth in Exhibit “A,” attached hereto and made a part thereof.
SECTION 2. SAVINGS CLAUSE. If any section, provision, sentence, clause, phrase or part of this Ordinance shall be adjudged invalid or unconstitutional, such adjudication shall not affect the validity of the Ordinance as a whole or any provision, section, subsection, sentence, clause, phrase or part hereof not adjudged invalid or unconstitutional.
SECTION 3. EFFECTIVE DATE. This Ordinance shall be in full force and effect from and after its passage, approval and publication as provided by law. Approved and adopted this 15th day of July, 2024.
ATTEST: Thomas M. Wieseler - Mayor Marsha Dewell – City Clerk I certify that the foregoing was published as Ordinance #6-17-2024A on the 25th day of July, 2024. Marsha Dewell, City Clerk Published in the Sun July 25, 2024.
CHAPTER 28
CEMETERY COMMISSION
account for more than two (2) appointees. 28.06 POWERS AND DUTIES. The Commission shall have and exercise the following powers and duties: 1. Selection of Officers. The Commission shall choose annually at its first regular meeting one of its members to act as Chairperson and another as Vice Chairperson, who shall perform all of the duties of the Chairperson during the Chairperson’s absence or disability. 2. Adopt Rules and Regulations. The Commission shall adopt such rules and regulations governing its organization and procedure as it may deem necessary.
3.
CEMETERY COMMISSION. There shall be appointed by the City Council a Cemetery Commission, hereinafter referred to as the Commission, consisting of five (5) members, who shall be qualified by knowledge or experience to make recommendations to the City Council in
Help Wanted Help Wanted
Middle School
Kitchen worker from 10:15 am - 1:15 pm (1 position)
Contact: Mallory Gerber at mgerber@mvcsd.org
The Mount Vernon Community School District is an EEO/AA employer.
Parks and recreation finalizing pool improvements
The parks and recreation commission is finalizing the improvements for the Mount Vernon pool. The commission has approved roughly $126 million to upgrade the current pool, addressing safety concerns and improving the deck and gutters of the pool.
The commission is also looking at a few possible recreational additions to the current pool, including different slides. Of the slides, there is an opportunity for a dual exit of slides to be approved, as they have a similar footprint of where they exit in the water.
City administrator Chris
Nosbisch said the recreational items that are installed will be subject to the state Department of Health’s approval.
Two one meter diving boards have been approved to be installed, as the city will lose the three meter diving board.
and the dual slides were a neutral for the pool, but the stand alone slide being considered would possibly require an additional staff member.
The plan is to have all improvements to the pool completed prior to next year’s opening.
Nathan Countryman Mount Vernon-Lisbon Sun nathan.countryman@mvlsun.com
Contributed photos Examples of the slides that could be installed at the pool beginning next year.