Among the Stars 2024
Mount Vernon is part of Alliant Energy’s pilot program for uptown lights
Nathan Countryman
Mount Vernon-Lisbon Sun
nathan.countryman@mvlsun.com
The City of Mount Vernon will take part in a pilot program for Alliant Energy’s Smart Streetlight replacement program. Mount Vernon marks the first community in the Iowa market for Alliant Energy to be part of the program. The lights used will be the new IntelliStreet lights that utilize energy-efficient lighting, audio, digital signage and other features.
Emily Kaiser with Alliant Energy said one of the reasons Mount Vernon was selected was because of the range of festivals that happen uptown during the year.
“I’ve seen what you’ve done over the past seven years with the numerous festivals, and how you utilize your uptown,” Kaiser said. “One of the things we’re interested in is how a city like yours will utilize the communication systems that are part of these lights moving forward.”
City administrator Chris Nosbisch said the city is extremely excited to be selected for this pilot program as well. The city has been discussing the project with Alliant for the past year, and a contingent of council members and staff visited Platteville, Wis., to see some of the lights utilized in their downtown.
The project will replace streetlights from A Avenue to Memorial Park with new lights with various features. On every block there will be at least two light poles which will have the ability to contact emergency personnel using PushBlue notifications. Each light will also have the ability to play music or deliver public service announcements.
That safety feature is one Nosbisch said is needed.
“We removed the warning system from the old fire station because we no longer owned that building, and that has been a concern for us, especially as the storms that hit our area grow in intensity,” Nosbisch said. “We feel we’ll be able to implement these features on these lights a lot more and add something to our uptown festivals.”
Countryman Mount Vernon-Lisbon Sun nathan.countryman@mvlsun.com
The Marching Mustangs are gearing up for one of their best seasons this year, as they participated in marching band camp over the past week.
Mount Vernon High school band director Scott Weber said the band is sitting at roughly 137 members strong, one of the largest bands the school has had.
“Our percussion section remains very strong, and we’re sitting with 18 members in our color guard,” Weber said. “We also have 87 horns out for the band this year.”
Weber said the interest in the band is from the eighth graders who are a part of it to the seniors.
“They’re all dedicated to this show and band,” Weber said. “They were able to knock out 11 pages of the drill for the season on Monday, Aug. 5, during a day with heat indices in triple digits.”
Weber said you can sense that feeling of pride from the seniors and it is drifting down to the underclassmen.
While learning the drill for the season’s show early is a key part of the band camp, so has building the family atmosphere and bonding of the team, and Weber said they are doing that through evening activities each week during the camp.
“Monday we had our annual splash by the Mount Vernon Fire Department, which felt appropriate with the heat where it was,” Weber said. “Wednesday was the band night at the Mount Vernon pool and the rest of the week includes bonfires and movie nights.”
It’s giving students a chance to be themselves and interact with other students before the marching band season begins.
This year the Marching Mustangs have eight competitions, four home games and it’s their year to host the Hwy. 1 Marching Band Classic.
The first public performance of Among the Stars will be Friday, Sept. 6, at the first home football game.
Weber said the show design is a memorial to those who people have lost and was a bittersweet show for him to design. Weber’s father, Larry, passed away in May.
“He was a huge supporter of me in all I did,” Weber said. “He was always in the stands cheering me on, and I wanted to do this show to help students when they experience these types of losses in the future to see how to commemorate our loved ones.”
Weber commended the community for their support during camp week, with many families providing snacks and meals for the 100-plus students involved.
“It just shows how much community support we have for our students in all activities,” Weber said.
Senior Natalie Thuerauf, member of the color guard, said this year has felt so much more freeing.
“We have had a lot more people focused on learning the drill earlier, which makes the camp so much better,” Thuerauf said.
The color guard had their own individual boot camp in early July to learn some fundamentals and start work on pieces of the drill, which Thuerauf said has helped them feel far more comfortable and focused on integrating what they know with the actual show.
Nathan
Council member Stephanie West, who was an advocate for a community-wide PA system for the uptown in the past, said this will be wonderful.
Another feature Nosbisch said will benefit the city is setting the Åtimes of day.
“Currently, if it’s 3 a.m. in uptown, those street lights are going at the same intensity as they do at 9 or 10 p.m. when more people are about,” Nosbisch said. “We could run the lights, but not as brightly when people aren’t out as much on city streets.”
While there will be some electronic banners and message boards on these lights, Nosbisch said the goal is not to turn uptown Mount Vernon into Times Square.
“We’ll be focusing the messaging or banners displayed,” Nosbisch said. “If there’s adverse weather, we’ll have the ability to communicate those alerts.”
The new light poles will be installed sometime in the next calendar year. Mount Vernon will be responsible for removing the current street lights.
Council members asked if there would be a way to reutilize
some of those lights on trails or other portions of the city that could utilize light poles. Public works director Eldon Downs said efforts will be made to do that.
There will be some additional costs for the city to tie into the Wi-Fi hot spots for some of the streetlights as well.
Nosbisch said expanding wi-fi access to city parks has been something council member Scott Rose has asked about in the past, and this is a way to do that.
“And if we’re looking to tie into wi-fi it should be via direct lines if we can,” Nosbisch said.
As part of the pilot program, Heidi Porter of Alliant Energy said Alliant Energy will be responsible for the cost and maintenance of the new light poles for 10 years.
“That will allow us to do additional study on how they are used and collect the information we need on how to better roll out new street lighting in other communities,” Porter said.
After those 10 years, the poles will be the responsibility to the City of Mount Vernon. If poles need to be replaced or changed at the 5-year mark, the city will be responsible for the shared costs of replacing the lights.
Contributed images
The top rendering shows the scope of where light poles will be replaced in uptown, and a couple of new examples of the street poles that could be used on the project.
Additional examples of the Intellistreet light poles that could be installed in uptown Mount Vernon are shown in bottom rendering.
Cornell senior inspires young readers and gains experience as library intern
Cornell College senior Nellie Morf spent her summer with lots of books and plenty of children as the first Lisbon Public Library intern.
From working the circulation desk to sorting books and leading story time with area children, she’s been busy learning how local libraries operate.
“I like the whole organizational aspect of the library,” said Morf, who is from Mount Vernon. “Plus, I’ve always liked to read, and I like working with kids and inspiring them to learn to read.”
This opportunity, which will serve as one of Morf’s Ingenuity in Action experiences, started with one of her Cornell professors. Megan Goldberg, assistant professor of American politics and member of the Lisbon Public Library Board, knew about Morf’s passion for libraries and put in a good word with Lisbon’s new library director.
“I was a politics major for a lit-
tle while and Megan Goldberg was my previous advisor,” Morf said. “She talked with the librarian, Elizabeth Hoover de Galvez, and told her about me. I’m grateful that Megan helped me secure this internship.”
Hoover de Galvez, who started as the library director in February 2024, says this is the first time the library has had an intern, and she’s thankful for Morf’s input.
“I was very excited because this is my first year doing children’s programming,” Hoover de Galvez said. “I came from the Des Moines Public Library as an adult services librarian. When Nellie said she was interested in children’s librarianship I was thrilled to have someone who was excited to do kids programming. It’s been really good to bounce ideas off Nellie.”
Morf says it took her a while to find her current career path, but she says she is right where she needs to be. She started as a pol-
at the Aug. 6 council meeting.
The properties will be to the west of Highway 1 and encompass five acres of land. Plat
itics major. While she enjoyed it, she said she felt like something was missing, so she decided to create an individualized major–art history, literature, and material culture.
“I made that switch and it felt pretty natural,” Morf said. “I feel pretty at home where I’m at right now.”
Morf also enjoys working in the archives at Cornell’s Cole Library and digging into the history of places she enjoys spending her time. She also recently put up a Little Free Library at the First Street building in Mount Vernon, where she continues to curate and
maps indicate a portion of the property along Hwy. 1 would incorporate land currently owned by Plaza Auto Auction.
City administrator Chris Nosbisch said the plans are nowhere near complete for Kwik-Trip’s development to be a reality, but they have continued making inquiries, and approval of these first site plans are a step to making a location in Mount Vernon a reality.
The City of Mount Vernon extended water
seek donations of diverse children’s books.
“I just think she brings a lot of knowledge from her experiences and education to this internship,” Hoover de Galvez said.
Morf will spend her senior year finishing her classes at Cornell and plans to enroll in a master’s program to study librarianship after she graduates.
Hoover de Galvez said she’s looking forward to seeing more Cornell students intern and volunteer at the library, which is just a seven-minute drive from campus. Students can email her at elizabeth@lisbon.lib.ia.us
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and sewer lines out near the bypass on the east side of the highway, but will have to extend those under Hwy. 1 to connect to the property if the site plan is finally approved. Road extensions would also need to be created.
Kwik Trip will need to provide a final plat of their site plan on the two merged plats of land they have acquired in the future, which would also require council approval.
Kwik Trip /Kwik Star had two plats up for approval from the City of Mount Vernon
Contributed photo
Nellie Morf reads a book during storytime at Lisbon Public Library alongside library director Elizabeth Hoover de Galvez.
Nathan Countryman Mount Vernon-Lisbon Sun
Streetscape moves to next phase
Nathan Countryman
Mount Vernon-Lisbon Sun
nathan.countryman@mvlsun.com
More than 20 citizens attended the last opportunity to provide feedback on the Mount Vernon Streetscape Plan during an open house Wednesday, Aug. 7, at First Street Community Center.
Those in attendance asked about changes to parking in the uptown as presented, as well as some of the changes that indicated improvements to adjacent alleys and sidewalks. JEO consultants noted one big change in the plans as presented will be raising the height on some of the sidewalks in the uptown to help reduce the slope of the sidewalks.
While a final plan of the streetscape will be presented to the city council by the end of the calendar year, city administrator Chris Nosbisch and assistant city administrator Lori Boren have signaled any improvements are at least another three years out, most likely waiting until after the improvements to Hwy. 1 are completed by Iowa Department of Transportation to not have two thoroughfares of the city closed at once.
by Nathan Countryman | Mount Vernon-Lisbon Sun
Attendees review some of the artist concept drawings for the First Street streetscape plans prepared by JEO. Feedback from all sessions will be compiled and a draft and final vision of the streetscape will be completed by the end of the year.
Property boundaries between First on First, Yock’s Landing expanded
Nathan Countryman
Mount Vernon-Lisbon Sun
nathan.countryman@mvlsun.com
The council approved additional land for the Yock’s Landing and First on First properties changing hands.
The boundaries account for the space taken up by the dilapidated buildings along Highway 1 which were demolished in winter of 2022.
With the new property boundaries, Yock’s Landing will retain property extending from their deck out to the alley and additional land to the east, accounting for 48 percent of the new property boundaries. First on First will maintain property that extends from their stairway access at the back of their property and
extends to the alley. There is an electric line underground that serves First on First that will cross into the Yock’s Landing property.
City administrator Chris Nosbisch said the property boundaries changing hands are almost too small for either property to develop more than additional parking.
Greg Raupp said setting the boundary lines will help their neighbors at Yock’s Landing for when they are having events, like the concert that happened during Heritage Days at the bar in uptown Mount Vernon.
“It should help Yock’s Landing patrons to be able to have more room to stay on Yock’s property during those events,” Raupp said.
Raupp also thanked the city for the investment of
tearing the old buildings down.
“Those buildings were literally tearing at First on First’s exterior wall,” Raupp said. “Your $50,000 investment to tear down an eyesore has helped our building.”
Raupp said he and Jude Smith have invested more than $350,000 into the building on First Street.
“Those buildings definitely had to go,” said Mayor Tom Wieseler.
faced 10 charges of bank fraud and embezzlement but pled guilty to one count of bank fraud. Wilson was sentenced to eight months in federal prison and five years of parole in late July by Judge C.J. Williams, chief judge of the United States district court. He was subsequently ordered to reimburse more than $30,000 to the union for those misspent funds.
Nathan Countryman
Mount Vernon-Lisbon Sun
nathan.countryman@mvlsun.com
Mount Vernon Police Department assisted the federal case against Brock A. Wilson, who recently pleaded guilty to charges of bank fraud.
According to Mount Vernon-Lisbon Police Department officer Jeff Frankfurt who assisted on the case,
help on the case usually involved allowing people from the federal jurisdictions have a space to conduct interviews or giving directions to areas in the Cedar Rapids corridor during the investigation for parties investigating the case.
“It’s similar to the type of help we offer during any investigation for other partnering agencies,” Frankfurt said.
Wilson was the president of Roofers Local 182 in Cedar Rapids. He
The Roofers union covers 18 counties in Iowa and Wisconsin, and Wilson was a signatory on three bank accounts owned by the union.
Wilson spent some of the union funds on his own expenses, including payment for a vehicle loan and purchases at department stores.
Wilson admitted in his plea to misuse of at least $6,500 in union funds.
This case was prosecuted by Assistant U.S. Attorney Timothy Vavricek and investigated by the U.S. Department of Labor, Office of Labor-Management Standards
Photos
OPINIONS
Dangerous Iowa candy and some brutal old flavors
Living in Iowa
Dan Brawner
What could be nicer than “Iowa nice?” How about nice Iowans who make candy? This is exactly what the very nice folks at the Palmer Candy company of Sioux City have been doing since 1878. They’ve made gum drops and marshmallows and candy-coated pretzels. The family-owned business is most famous for their cherry-flavored Bing Bars, one of the last candy bars in America still assembled by hand. And now Palmer is in the news for making candy that could make people very sick.
Palmer Candy is quick to point that so far, none of their customers has gotten ill from their candy. But recent tests indicate the potential for salmonella contamination in 29 of their products, including their frosted pretzels and Patriotic White Fudge Cookies (although not their Bing Bars). Results could include vomiting, abdominal pain, fever or even death.
Palmer president, Marty Palmer is way out in front of the situation. He told the Des Moines Register, “While there is a very, very small chance (of contamination), when you are working with food and safety, 99.9% is not 100%. I only want my products to be 100% safe for our customers.” As a result, Palmer has voluntarily recalled thousands of tons of their products that have made their way to distributors in 17 states, including Iowa. They have dropped the supplier of the suspected dairy powder.
Palmer Candy has managed to survive for 145 years in the face of fierce competition from giants like Mars and Hershey by constant innovation and keeping up with the trends. Their first Bing Bar came out in 1923, the same year as Milky Way and Butterfinger. The early Bing Bars came in cherry, vanilla, pineapple and maple. Some of those old flavors might seem outdated by today’s tastes. So, people used to like the taste of maple? Maple… like the tree? What were they? Beavers?
Chocolate only became popular in America since World War I after the military started distributing chocolate to the troops. Before that, there was black licorice candy, strong-tasting rubbery stuff made from, I think, liver and old tires. Kids would stick black licorice gum over their front teeth to horrify their friends and teachers.
Another ghastly candy flavor was cloves. Once, as a child, I remember eating a lunchmeat sandwich dotted with cloves. There were a lot of large, blue flies interested in my sandwich. I happened to look down to see a half-eaten fly. It tasted a lot like cloves. When I was a kid, I rarely told my parents if I was sick. I was afraid to. Instead of taking us to a doctor if we had a cold, they gave us nasty-tasting horehound drops. This primeval candy/medicine was made, not from actual hounds, but from a furry plant of the mint family once used by ancient Egyptians to ward off evil spells. I’m not saying the horehound drops didn’t work. But have you seen any ancient Egyptians lately?
SUN EDITORIAL
New lighting comes with some concerns
The times are always changing, and in downtown Mount Vernon that will include lighting poles sometime in the next year.
Mount Vernon was selected as a pilot for Alliant Energy’s Smart Streetlight replacement program. Our community will be the first in the Iowa market that will get these lights.
While many members of city staff got to see some of these lights working on a recent trip to Platteville, Wis., and are excited about what they can do, there are still concerns with the new bells and whistles.
Take the ability for music to be played via the light poles during festivals. We get how that is extremely beneficial for announcements when it comes to incoming weather or for public safety in locating a missing child or other information. It’s nice to think of Christmas carols during Magical Night going from one end of the community to another. But we already had small groups of choir and band members providing that music
at different areas of the festival. These speakers could increase noise pollution at the festival, causing people to speak louder to overcome background music and add a minor headache to those who struggle with hearing to enjoy festivals.
We also think having designated poles that can connect with first responders is a solid addition, but those buttons also add that ability for someone just to abuse the same purpose. We get that our law enforcement will still treat every call like the emergency it is and respond accordingly, but it’s a question that needs to be ironed out on how easily it takes to getting a response from first responders.
The idea of digital banners on lights, while we get they may be cleaner and easier to change than the traditional banners, also contributes more to light pollution in the uptown. Until we see them in use, it will be hard to determine if that’s as distracting as the neon in business storefronts that was a point of contention in the signage in uptown in the past.
We do agree having the ability to dim or reduce lights in times when people aren’t as frequent on the streets is a benefit for electric savings and would be interested to see how that usage impacts the electrical bills per year for the city as a cost savings initiative. There’s still a need for some lighting in the blocks of uptown during that time for public safety, but we can see that the lumens at 3 a.m. is not as important as the lumens at 10 or 11 p.m.
We get that the cost of updating new streetlights is not cheap and Alliant collecting data from our community and how we utilize these lighting poles during the numerous festivals in our community is a benefit to this community. We think there are items presented that raise concerns as much as excitement on the project.
Never a wrong time to start, continue education
Kristie Fisher Kirkwood Community College president
It’s happening. Thousands of area students are getting ready to go back to school this fall to start, or take their next step in a life-changing educational journey. I want to remind you that it’s not too late to join these students … students just like Collin, who I bumped into this morning as I walked through the Kirkwood parking
lot. Collin looked lost and a little overwhelmed, so I walked with him and asked how I could help. He was interested in taking classes in the fall but he wasn’t sure where to start. We chatted as I walked him into the advising office and I left him in their capable hands … but the interaction stayed with me the remainder of the day. My experience with Collin left me feeling energized and excited for the start of our classes at Kirkwood in a couple of short weeks. As
president of Kirkwood Community college, I remember feeling excited and nervous, just like Collin, when I started my journey as a student at Kirkwood. There’s no way I could have known back then the incredible impact this institution, and the education I received here, would have on my future. And that’s what’s so great about community colleges like Kirkwood … it’s the perfect place to explore your interests, learn more about who you are, discover exciting career path-
ways and opportunities, and learn how to get there faster and more affordably. No matter where you are in life, Kirkwood’s ready to walk alongside you as you take your next step.
If you’re a recent high school graduate considering a four-year college, Kirkwood is a great place to start. You can spend your first two years in an incredibly supportive learning environment with small class sizes – for about half the annual cost you’ll find at four-year institutions.
If you’re a high school grad who has a specific career in mind, Kirkwood has
dozens of exciting programs offering specialized degrees, certificates, and diplomas. These programs are designed to get students trained and into the workforce in just two years or less. Many of our graduates end up in high-demand fields with high-paying positions, often with no or low student debt.
If you weren’t quite ready for college right after graduating high school, but are considering enrolling now, why wait? Kirkwood understands the challenges you’re facing, and has the resources and support you need to succeed. We make it easier for you to balance work, family,
and education with multiple start date options throughout the year, as well as online, daytime, and evening classes.
If you started college but never graduated, Kirkwood’s got your back. You may worry about being academically ready to return, catching up on missed coursework, or how to fit classes into your already busy schedule. Our faculty and staff understand and are ready to help you every step of the way.
If you have been displaced or discouraged at work, Kirkwood can help you find your way to new and rewarding career opportunities. Our career services spe -
The economic power of American-made energy
David de Leon Senior Vice President of Operations at Alliant Energy
Today our power grid is more secure and reliable than ever – and getting stronger by the day thanks to strategic investments in American-made energy. Across the Midwest, communities are experiencing the transformative benefits of cutting-edge energy technologies that drive economic growth and foster sustainable development. Wind farms are sprouting up among fields of corn and soybeans. Prairie grasses and native pollinator habitat surround powerful new solar arrays. Upgraded hydroelectric dams and innovative battery systems are improving reliability and boosting energy security. These advancements are reshaping the way we produce electricity, and the Midwest is leading the way with exciting new efforts. These include pioneering agrivoltaic projects that integrate solar power with traditional
Women’s
farming. Innovative recycling solutions for wind turbine blades create high-quality jobs. New technologies, like the nation’s first large-scale compressed CO2 energy storage system, are poised to revolutionize the energy landscape.
Forward-looking improvements make our energy grid stronger and more resilient. Perhaps equally important, they’re creating a new American-made clean energy economy and breathing new life into communities.
For customers, renewable energy delivers cost-effective power and boosts local budgets. Taxes paid by wind and solar projects support community growth. They also help local officials fund priorities like road and bridge projects, school improvements and broadband expansion.
For workers, energy projects bring new jobs and economic security. In addition to powering over 300,000
cialists, and industry partnerships with local employers, can help prepare and train you for in-demand jobs you’ll love. Even if you didn’t graduate from high school, Kirkwood’s high school completion program can help you finally earn your diploma, and better prepare you for college and the workplace.
So, with our fall semester starting soon, now’s a great time to consider taking your next step at Kirkwood. I might not meet you walking across the parking lot like I did with Collin, but I’ll definitely be there as you walk across the stage at your future Kirkwood graduation.
homes, our solar projects across Wisconsin and Iowa have already created over 3,000 construction jobs. From carpenters and electricians to operating engineers and laborers, careers in the energy sector and skilled trades are booming.
For farmers, leasing land for wind turbines or solar panels offers a stable, drought-resistant income stream. This steady revenue helps preserve quality farmland for future generations and supports financial stability. As one lifelong farmer recently said, “it’s a new beginning for a lot of people.”
American-made clean energy is more than just a power source. It’s a cornerstone of local economic development and community resilience. Diversifying our energy mix and leveraging the benefits of renewable technologies reduces our reliance on imported power and enhances our energy security.
During American Clean Energy Week, it’s important to reflect on our achievements and look forward to future growth opportunities. Through strategic investments and planning, Alliant Energy will continue to deliver the energy solutions and exceptional service customers and communities count on – safely, efficiently and responsibly. Learn more about our projects and their benefits to local communities at alliantenergy.com/poweringbeyond.
Alliant Energy provides regulated energy service to 1 million electric and 425,000 natural gas customers across Iowa and Wisconsin.
Equality Day celebration includes focus on healthcare inequalities faced by women Farmers markets help cultivate community
A panel of local healthcare providers will share their perspectives
Linn County’s annual commemoration of the passage of the 19th Amendment to the Constitution is taking a twist this year and will not include honoring local “Women of the Year” as it has done in the past. According to Women’s Equality Coalition member Sue Jorgensen, “We took a close look at critical issues in the lives of women this year and decided to devote the entire program to a conversation about healthcare inequalities faced by women.”
The event is scheduled for Monday, Aug. 26, at the Hiawatha Community Center, 101 Emmons Street, Hiawatha. Social hour with light refreshments at 6:30 p.m. will precede the 7 p.m. program moderated by Anne Harris Carter, Health Equity Program Manager of Linn County Public Health.
Panelists for the healthcare conversation include:
Abbey J. Hardy-Fairbanks MD
Clinical Associate Professor of Gynecology University of Iowa Hospitals and Clinics
Gretchen Wenger, FMNP
Doctor of Nursing Practice/ Family Medicine
Eastern Iowa Health Center
Diana Jones, DDS Chief Dental Officer Eastern Iowa Health Center
Sashi Solomon, MSN, ARNP-BC Nurse Practitioner
Iowa Women’s Health Center
Cassie Limoges, ARNP
Pediatric Nurse Practitioner Eastern Iowa Health Center
Amy Johnson Director of Donor & Community Relations Community Free Health Clinic
Those planning to attend the celebration are asked to bring a box of feminine hygiene products to be donated to local women in need.
This event is co-sponsored by the League of Women Voters of Linn County (LWVLC) and the local chapter of the American Association of University Women (AAUW).
Eighty-six percent of U.S. adults say they are likely to visit a farmers market if one is located near their home, according to the latest National Recreation and Park Association (NRPA) Park Pulse poll. Parks and recreation facilities serve as popular spaces for local farmers markets. Ensuring easy access to these markets will result in greater attendance by community members. Eighty-six percent of U.S. adults say they are likely to visit a farmers market if one is near their home, with nearly 60 percent indicating they are extremely or very likely to visit. Close access to farmers markets is important to all regardless of race and region.
Key Findings:
• Eighty-six percent of U.S. adults say they are likely to visit a farmers market if one is located near their home.
• Gen Z (91%) and millennials (88%) are most likely to visit a farmers market during the next 12 months if one is located close to their home (91%), followed by Gen X (87%) and baby boomers (80%).
• Parents (90%) are more likely than non-parents (83%) to visit a farmers market if one is located close to their home.
• More than one in five (22%) park and recreation agencies manage or
administer farmers markets (2024 NRPA Agency Performance Review).
• Two-thirds (68%) of park and recreation agency-hosted farmers markets accept some form of supplemental nutrition benefit, such as SNAP or WIC. (Farmers Markets)
• Of the park and recreation agencies that host farmers markets, four in five partner with other organizations to make their farmers markets successful. (Farmers Markets)
“Farmers markets are popular attractions in communities across the United States,” said Melissa May, NRPA senior research manager. “These markets supply fresh produce, promote access to healthy foods and provide families with nutrition education. As trusted providers of accessible health and wellness opportunities, park and recreation professionals and their agencies are well-suited to expand local agriculture initiatives.”
Thuerauf said she is looking forward to having the best marching band season this year and go out strong.
“I really want to put all of my effort into enjoying this year’s show,” Thuerauf said.
Senior Gabe Mahoney, trumpet, said his favorite part of band camp has been getting to know everyone.
“There’s so many new eighth and ninth graders that are in band this year, and it’s a perfect week to work with the new students and get them ready learning drill,” Mahoney said.
Mahoney said students have been
focusing a lot on drills, especially that first hot day, and that will only benefit students in the season to come.
“It allows us to focus more on the trouble shots in music and technique in coming weeks,” Mahoney said.
Mahoney said his favorite show to be part of was participating in Arena.
“It’s something both my siblings got to do, and it’s what made me sign up for band as well,” Mahoney said.
Senior Clare Nydegger, drum major, concurred students have been extremely dedicated to the show this year.
“Everyone absolutely killed it on the field on Monday, despite that heat,” Nydegger said. “It helps that the sooner
we get drill down, the more we can focus on the finer points of the show and improving what needs to be fixed or cleaned up.”
She has loved getting to know the incoming freshman and eighth graders. She also said the Waukee show is among her most looked forward to shows this season.
Senior Penelope Vig said the level of commitment from all members of the band has shown in this band camp.
“Everyone has been putting in the work and learning what we need to learn while still being here and having fun and building our community,” Vig sad. “Weber has done a great job of giving guidance to us
more throughout the camp and strengthening us all as band members.”
Vig said the camp helps the band by giving more time for each section to iron out their own parts with focused days, so later practices can focus on music and fine tuning.
“I’m really looking forward to us having a fantastic season,” Vig said. “You can already tell that everyone enjoys being here, that they enjoy playing their instruments in this band.”
Vig is looking forward to the Fort Madison show (the first show in the marching band season) and the Waukee show (the final marching band competition).
Elementary School
Open House for Preschool, Begindergarten & Kindergarten Students Wednesday, August 21 from 3:30 - 5 p.m. 1st - 4th Grade Supply Dropo Wednesday, August 21 from 4:30 - 6 p.m. Popsicles on the Playground Sponsored by WETAP Wednesday, August 21 from 4:30 - 6 p.m.
Middle School 5th Grade Meet & Greet Thursday, August 22 from 3 - 4 p.m. Also includes any new 6th, 7th, and 8th grade students.
High School
New Student/Freshman Orientation Thursday, August 22 from 9 - 11 a.m.
First Day of School, Friday, August 23, 2024
Photos by Nathan Countryman | Mount Vernon-Lisbon Sun
Front photo: Members of the color guard practice different holds of their flags during band camp Wednesday, Aug. 7.
Left: Members of the snare drums practice along the shade of Mount Vernon High School Wednesday, Aug. 7.
Trombone players practice a portion of the field routine on the Mount Vernon practice field Wednesday, Aug. 7.
Members of the percussion team practice in the shade Wednesday, Aug. 7
Band director Scott Weber works with a group of saxophone players on finding the right cadence in their drill.
Flute players work on a piece of their drill Wednesday, Aug. 7.
Dean C. Santis, 81 years young, unexpectedly went home in the arms of his family on Aug. 2,2024 at St. Luke’s Hospital.
A visitation was held Thursday, Aug. 8, at Seeds of Faith Church in Lisbon. Dean’s Graveside Service was Friday, Aug. 9, at Campbell Cemetery 7501 Mount Vernon Road SE, Cedar Rapids with Rev. Erika Uthe officiating. Dawson Funeral Services is caring for his family at this time. Online condolences may be directed to the family at www.dawsonfuneral.com.
Dean was born March 12, 1943, in Chicago, Ill., to Lysander and Efiginia Santis. He was raised in Chicago, Ill., with his grandmother, aunt, and mother. His father was serving in the Army at this time during World War II. Dean moved with his parents to Lombard, Ill., where he was raised. The family welcomed his baby sister, Amelia. Dean’s first language was Greek due to his parents and relatives speaking Greek. His first year of school was challenging. He quickly overcame the language barrier . His strict but loving upbringing helped shape him into the man he became. He was one of the most honest and giving people that anyone has ever known. He had the rare trait that if he gave you his word he would keep it. A handshake or verbal agreement with him was as good as a legally written contract. He was very generous with everything he had in life, including his time, which he would devote to anyone in need (no matter how big or time consuming the project was). Like people of Greek heritage, family and extended family were a big part of his life; this led to him being a very social person.
Dean went to the University of Illinois at Navy Pier in Chicago and then onto the Champagne, Urbana U of I campus. He received his bachelor’s degree in electrical engineering in 1966. He met Joan at the university, she became the love of his life. They were married Sept. 3, 1966 after graduating.
This year they would be celebrating their 59th anniversary, but God had different plans. Dean and Joan then moved to Pittsburgh, Penn., because Dean received a fellowship from Westinghouse to work on his master degree in electrical engineering. He received his M.S.E.E from the University of Pittsburgh in 1968. He was a very sought after engineer and was recruited by several government agencies. He was able to apply his skills at multiple companies both national and private (Motorola, International Harvester, Rockwell Goss, and Technology Inc. He designed nuclear reactor controls, intricate electronics, alternators, electrical systems for International Harvester tractors, and printing press electronics). He holds multiple patents in these areas.
Dean had many accomplishments in his professional career, but he received the most joy from his family. He would tell people that his greatest accomplishments were his two sons, Christopher and Matthew. In all honesty they also brought him the most challenges, gray hair, and a lot of joy to his life. Dean and Joan raised their family in Winfield, Ill., and Crystal Lake, Ill.. Dean and Joan retired in Mount Vernon and loved to watch the deer, fox, turkeys, and hummingbirds. They did not like groundhogs and raccoons. Dean spent countless hours working on cars and machinery of all types. If something happened to one of the cars it was treated as if it were a family member in the hospital. He was a mentor, teacher, leader, protector and role model for his children and grandchildren. He passed his mechanical knowledge and construction abilities on to them. He was also an accomplished woodworker. He never met a challenge that he would give up on.
Left to mourn for him is his loving wife, Joan. She was his strength, advocate, and his best friend. Also in mourning are his two sons Christopher (Angela) Santis of Lisbon, and Matthew (Lisa) Santis of Crystal Lake, Ill.; his grandchildren Caden, Andrew, Logan. Alea, Kaylee, and Alyssa; his sister , Amelia (Jim) Corso of Sarasota, Florida; brothersin-law Robert Russell ( Lynn) Gerches of Fort Myers, Fla.; his brothers-in-law Richard Gerches and Lloyd Witting and his sisters-in-law Betty Gerches and Lucille Witting; many nieces, nephews, and several cousins. He is now united in Heaven with his granddaughter Chrissa and his mother and father whom he missed dearly.
The family would like to thank Dr. Sheeley and Dr. Ahmed for taking good care of Dean. We would also like to give a very special thank you to Chaplan Loren Olson for his comforting words; to ICU Dr. Cyrus Askin for his honesty about Dean’s medical situation; to ICU nurse Tannah Tedesco and Palliative care nurse Angie for answering all our questions. We greatly appreciate them giving us the gift of time to say goodbye to our loved one.
Dean cherished going out to eat at restaurants as this allowed him to spend time with family and reflect on his father’s profession of being an excellent waiter. Dean also cherished cuddling and feeding his pug, Daisy while watching Fox News.
Cards of condolences may be mailed to Dawson Funeral Services ATTN: Dean Santis Family PO Box 258 Wyoming, Iowa 52362.
Fourth Street N.W. construction bids approved
Midwest Concrete was awarded the bid for repairs to Fourth Street N.W. in Mount Vernon, with a bid of $349,587.
According to city administrator Chris Nosbisch, that was $100,000 under the city engineer’s estimate for the project. There were a total of eight bidders for the project.
“Having grown up on that street, I know the improvements are definitely needed,” said city council member Stephanie West.
Final plat approved for Spring Meadow Heights addition
The final plat to Spring Meadow Heights subdivision in Mount Vernon has been approved by the city council.
The additions were approved by the Mount Vernon City Council in August 2017, and the final two lots in the second addition were up for sale or under development.
Only minimal changes were in the final plats (shifting a connecting trail system to a different property in the project).
Council approves more aeration for quarry
The Mount Vernon City Council approved more aeration for the Mount Vernon Quarry, as well as purchasing carp for the pond to help with eliminating some of the items that fall into the water body.
The city has put three years’ worth of enzymes and chemicals into the pond to mitigate some of those issues, and is not tenable for an ongoing cost Nosbisch said. These $8,000 expenses will hopefully help the issues in the pond.
Julian Johnston Scholarships awarded
The United Methodist Church of Mount Vernon Memorial committee has awarded Julian Johnston Scholarships of $500 each for the 2024-25 academic year to five students.
Isabelle Krapfl is a senior at the University of Iowa. She is the daughter of Adam and Erin Krapfl and is working towards a degree in Speech and Hearing Science, and an Art minor. Anna Nydegger, the daughter of Loren and Renee Nydegger, is a senior at the University of Northern Iowa. Anna is working towards graduate school to obtain a Speech Language Pathology certification. Anna Hoffman is a senior at Lake Forest College with a double major in data sciences and economics as well as a minor in public policy. She is the daughter of Loren and Jennifer Hoffman. Tessa Baty is a junior at Carthage College. Tessa is working towards a degree in English and a minor in communications. She is the daughter of Jim and Julie Baty. Lauren Swartzendruber is the daughter of Darin and Angela Swartzendruber. She is a junior at St. Ambrose University. Lauren is pursuing a Doctor of Physical Therapy degree.
The scholarship was established by Julian E. Johnston, a well-known Mount Vernon businessman. Johnston was very appreciative of the financial support he received from the local Methodist Church as a Cornell College student during the 1930’s and set up this scholarship to help others. This is the 27th year the Memorials Committee has offered the scholarship to church members who are classified as a Junior or Senior at a four-year institution.
Cole Corner
Cathy Boggs Cole Library
Spruce up your living space with design books at Cole
In the past few years, many home decorating books have showcased homes decorated in black, gray and white with a minimal amount of décor. This year–in both decorating books and magazines–designers and decorators are using more color, wallpaper, and décor. Cole Library has purchased several titles that reflect these new trends. These titles are:
House Rules: How to Decorate for Every Home, Style, and Budget by Myquillyn Smith
In her new book, Smith writes for a person in a real house, in a real room, with a real budget. She gives her tips and strategies to help you make a home you love by following her three mantras: do what you know; use what you have; finish what you started. She talks about the rules of decorating – lighting, scale, the rule of thirds, etc. She wants you to know the rules so that if you break them, you are doing it because you understand them, but are choosing an alternative–a way to make your house uniquely yours.
Vignettes by Sean Scherer
Scherer begins his book by explaining the term vignette and its history–grouping objects using symmetry, asymmetry, and harmony. There is an art to putting the treasures you have acquired out so that you and the people you invite into your home can enjoy them. This book is filled with a lot of photos to showcase vignettes and personal collections.
Small Spaces, Big Appeal: The Luxury of Less in under 1,200 Square Feet by Fifi O’Neill
O’Neill shares beautifully decorated small homes and the stories that go with them. Many of the occupants were downsizing for various reasons. O’Neill shares strategies for making a big impact with lighting, paint, mirrors, and clever storage.
Outside In: A Year of Growing and Displaying by Sean Pritchard
Pritchard’s book gives the reader a timetable to celebrate the magic of their garden by displaying their flowers inside. He focuses on individual plants and the seasons.
STUDENT BRIEFS
Kevin’s Painting
Montclair State University dean’s list
Dallas Olberding was named to the Montclair State University spring 2024 dean’s list. Olberding is a dance major. To qualify, students must earn a GPA of 3.5 or above.
Palmer College of Chiropractic dean’s list
Haley Baker of Mount Vernon was named to the spring 2024 dean’s list at Palmer College of Chiropractic in Davenport.
Aug. 5 – Car unlock, 700 blk Fifth Ave SW, Mount Vernon
Aug. 5 – Disturbance, 1225 First Ave NW, Mount Vernon
Aug. 6 – Disturbance, 400 blk business 30, Mount Vernon
Aug. 6 – Welfare check, 400 blk W. Main St, Lisbon
Aug. 6 – Agency assist- traffic stop, Linn Co
Aug. 7 – Juvenile issue, 380 Old Lincoln Hwy, Mount Vernon
Aug. 7 – Medical, 500 blk Palisades Rd SW, Mount Vernon
Aug. 7 – Agency assist- traffic hazard, Lin n Co
Aug. 7 – Suspicious person, 200 blk business 30, Lisbon
Aug. 8 – Suspicious person, Seventh St SE, Mount Vernon
Aug. 9 – Fraud, 600 blk Truman St, Lisbon
Aug. 10 – Fire, 100 blk W. First St, Mount Vernon
Aug. 10 – Trespassing, 400 blk Fourth Ave SW, Mount Vernon
Aug. 11 – Agency assist- juvenile issue, Linn Co
Aug. 11 – Citizen assist, 2000 Palisades Rd SW, Mount Vernon POLICE CALLS
Dean Santis
Workers
Lemonade stand returns Aug. 19 through 21
Funds benefitting Washington Elementary playground
Nathan Countryman
Mount Vernon-Lisbon Sun nathan.countryman@mvlsun.com
The favorite part of the summer for the Riniker daycare has once again arrived – the operation of their annual lemonade stand. The stand will be at First Street Community Center lawn Monday, Aug. 19 through Wednesday, Aug. 21, with hours 8:45 a.m. to 11:45 a.m. all three days.
Previous causes the stand has raised funds for include support of Mount Vernon-Lisbon Community Theater’s outdoor stage, Summer Brand’s treatment for Hodgkin’s lymphoma cancer, Lillian Hankemeier’s t-cell lymphoma.
This year, the stand will be raising money to help purchase a new piece of playground equipment at Washington Elementary Schools.
“I’m excited that we’re going to be helping build something at the elementary I’ll be able to use,” said Evie Perreault.
The stand is run by the second through seventh grade children at Riniker’s day care, with many helping to bake cookies or other baked goods offered with the stand.
Treats that might be present at the bake sale (based on enthusiasm of the students) include cupcakes, rice Krispie treats, chocolate chip cookies and possibly cake.
Plus, they’ll have plenty of homemade lemonade.
The stand has a goal of raising more than last year’s stand, which was already a record high for the group at $1,593.
Sunday, August 18 2:00 - 4:00 p.m.
The Plantiful Pantr y 100 1st St. SE | Mt. Vernon
“We’re
Clark.
Suggested donation
Norah Weber said that they will be working on posters and other ways to get the word out the rest of this week.
really excited for this stand,” said Dayvin
Nathan Countryman | Mount Vernon-Lisbon Sun
helping at the lemonade stand next week will include: Keegan Wagner, (student helper at Riniker’s daycare), Evelia Perreault, Daxton Martin, Harper Pitlik, Lana Riniker, Homer Wolter, Dayvin Clark, Norah Weber, Rory Kerr, Brenna Keegan, Bailey Wagner, Liviy Stelke, Eleanor Hankemeier, Hudson Pitlik, and Maya Butte. Not pictured but helping include Kenna Wahl, Roland Schindtock, Clara Chargo, Zuzanna Blacharski, Addie and Alivia Reynolds, Maddie Nissen, Mason and Kate Thuerauf and Tori Lamb.
Sarah Corker y for Congress, Dist. 2 Molly Donahue for Linn Co. Supervisor
$25 per candidate
Crowning of Sauerkraut King and Queen will take place Friday, August 16, 5:45 p.m. at Kraut Stage.
Have a tail waggin’ good time!
Abner Light
Parents: Andy and Gretchen Light
Tucker Simpson Parents: Zach and Emilee Simpson
Amelia Ford Parents: Josh and Amy Ford
Brinley Blinks
Parents: Derek and Molly Blinks
Gunnar Taylor Parents: Chris and Madison Taylor
Harrison Sporrer Parents: Kyle and Nikki Sporrer
Lane Macke Parents: Nick and Amanda Macke
Hazel Greiner Parents: Philip and Samantha Greiner
Odi Brokel Parents: Jakob and Kali Brokel
Eve Light Parents: Andy and Gretchen Light
Mount Vernon Bank and Trust parking lot seeing remodel
Construction work will close bank drivethrough for couple of weeks
Joel Kellar Mount Vernon-Lisbon Sun
joel-kellar@uiowa.edu
In the coming weeks, the Mount Vernon Bank and Trust Company parking lot will be undergoing major renovations. The project will be conducted in two phases (the upper lot being first and lower lot being second) and the construction of the first phase will begin in the next 30 days.
Hall and Hall Engineering – based out of Hiawatha – will be heading the construction and getting the permits to complete the remodel.
This project will replace the asphalt in the parking lot with concrete. David Ryan, president of Mount Vernon Bank and Trust, said the decision to switch to concrete was recommended by Hall and Hall Engineering, partly because of its durability and lack of common need for maintenance.
Other things being remodeled are the
retaining wall parallel to Main St. The wall is not in danger of collapsing, but the pressure of the past four to five decades has begun to bend the wall out of place. They will also move the staircase that runs from the bottom lot to the top lot, closer to the bank.
“It’s a good investment to beautify the uptown area,” Ryan said, “and to make sure our customers and employees have good pavement to walk and drive on.”
The bank will not only look to upgrade the lot structurally, but they also want to improve the aesthetic appeal. They plan on replacing all of the railings and light fixtures with more modern looking models. The bank will be adding new vegetation and trees to the lot as well. The biggest improvement to the aesthetic look of the lot will be a new limestone veneer on the wall running alongside Second Avenue.
These renovations will not expand the amount of parking spots in the lot, however it will be engineered to create a smoother
Free fun for kids at the Iowa State Fair
In between corn dogs and giant slide rides, there are lots of ways kids can learn about agriculture at the Iowa State Fair.
1. Little Hands on the Farm - Located near the Animal Learning Center, the Andringa Family Foundation Little Hands on the Farm ag adventure is celebrating 20 years. Little Hands on the Farm is where kids become farmers by visiting a swine barn, garden, grain bin, apple orchard, chicken barn, tractor shed, cattle barn, sheep barn and dairy barn. The last stop is the grocery store, where children can pick out a piece of fruit, a granola bar or an ice cream treat.
2. Baby Animals - You never know what you might see and learn in the Paul R. Knapp Animal Learning Center. Located just a short walk south of Little Hands on the Farm. Watch chicks hatch, a calf being born, baby ducks slide or goats play in a new playpen. This is your chance to get up close and personal with the animals that make Iowa’s farms famous. Meet special farmers face-to-face in the new Farmers Bull Pen this year too.
flow of traffic.
“It’s going to be a little easier traffic flow,” said Ryan, “We’re going to re-engineer some of the islands and how cars can get through the lot.”
The project was decided to be split into two phases to limit the disruption the construction will cause. The bank wants one section of the lot open at all times for their customers and employees to still be able to park.
The first phase is planned to be completed within 45 days from the start of construction, barring any unforeseen circumstances.
“It could last 45 days or twice that long,” Ryan said. “You get into these projects, and you hope that they don’t run into weather or difficulties.”
During the first phase of construction, the drive-through portion will have to close for a couple of weeks. For now, the bank does not know when this will occur but plans on communicating the closure
3. Cowboy Experience - Go back in time and become a real-life cowboy at Cowboy Boot Camp, an educational kids’ area with hands-on activity stations. Kids can try their hand at panning for gold, steer roping, horse saddling, bridling or grooming and more! Cowboy Boot Camp is located north of Little Hands on the Farm.
4. Kids in the Kitchen - Kids, you can learn how fun and simple it is to create delicious, healthy farmfresh recipes at Kids Can Cook, located in the east room at Maytag Family Theaters. Kids ages 5 through 17 can participate in the demonstration kitchen while learning about cleanliness, food handling and preparation in a fun and engaging way.
5. Free Entertainment for Kids - Check out entertainment for the whole family at the Fun Forest Stage sponsored by Community Choice Credit Union. Watch an interactive music show with The Dollipops and a children’s magic show by The Chipper Experience. Get ready to sing, dance and laugh. You can also find strolling acts like Bandaloni, the Illuminator and The Ice Cream Show near the triangle and the Pepsi Clock on Grand Ave.
6. Hands On Barn Experiences - Special hands-on exhibits in each barn – Cattle Corner, Horse Haven, Pig Place and Sheep Stop – show the importance of livestock. And don’t forget to walk through the Avenue of Breeds presented by Iowa Bankers Association and media sponsor WHO The Big Show, located next to the Bruce L. Rastetter 4-H Exhibits Building, with over 70 different breeds you can’t believe live in Iowa.
7. Pick A Vegetable - Learn how a garden grows by visiting The Garden sponsored by Corteva Agriscience. Located north of Little Hands on the Farm, this area is packed with garden beds and displays to teach kids how vegetables take root in Iowa soil and grow to feed the world. A special composting exhibit teaches the value of ecology and sustainability and there are opportunities to pick vegetables that are given to the Iowa Food Bank.
The whole family can also watch action-packed events at Elwell Family Park, where there’s a mix of free and paid events. Check out the list of events,
coming on a day-to-day basis.
The lot has been an integral part of the town. It is often used as overflow parking when the bank is closed, and events are going on like church services at the Methodist church, funerals, and Heritage Days.
“We’re part of the community, we want to be good neighbors,” Ryan said.
The bank had to get the planned improvements cleared by planning and zoning and city council before they could move ahead with the project. This was because the alleyways behind the bank and any business site changes are subject to being reviewed by the planning and zoning commission as well as approval from the council.
The council approved the project in the past meeting, thus giving the go-ahead for the bank to begin construction as soon as they want.
“It’s going to be a little bit of a disruption, but I think in the end, the project will be nice for the town,” Ryan said.
including truck and tractor pulls, a demolition derby, charros performances and figure 8 races, and buy tickets at iowastatefair.org.
New this year, enjoy a free nightly horse show with the family at the Jacobson Exhibition Center, from 4-H, FFA, Farm Team, Western Quarter Horse, Miniatures, Society, Percherons, Clydesdales, 6 horse hitches and more. Kids and adults alike will be captivated by the beauty and power of the different horse shows at the Fair.
Kids can also be a part of the Blue Ribbon Kids’ Club, where they try hands-on, kid-focused special activities. All Kids’ Club events will be held on weekdays at 10 a.m. at the Fun Forest Stage during the Fair. Meet and greets will be on Saturdays at 10 a.m. on the Fun Forest Stage. Check out the list of events at iowastatefair.org.
From hands-on ag learning experiences to the thrill of free entertainment, nothing compares to the Iowa State Fair for kids, August 8-18 in Des Moines, Iowa. For a listing of kid-friendly events or to enter family-friendly contests, visit www.iowastatefair.org.
Nathan Countryman | Mount Vernon-Lisbon Sun
The wall along Second Avenue will be one portion of the parking lot impacted by improvements at Mount Vernon Bank and Trust beginning this fall. The project will impact access to the bank drive through for a couple of weeks when the parking lot is replaced with concrete.
Help WantedGovernment
POLICE OFFICER TEST
NOTICE Test Dates: September 20th & 21st, 2024 Application deadline is September 4th @ 4:00pm. Lakes Area Law Enforcement Employment
Co-op is establishing an eligibility list for current and future law enforcement openings in the beautiful Iowa Great Lakes Area! Successful applicants are eligible for employment by all agencies: Arnolds Park, Emmetsburg, Estherville, Lake Park, Milford, Okoboji, Spencer, Spirit Lake Police Departments; Palo Alto, Osceola & Dickinson County Sheriff’s Offices At the time of application, candidates must meet State Requirements for Law Enforcement Employment. Currently certified ILEA applicants are allowed lateral transfer. Applicants without certification are required to pass P.O.S.T. & physical agility exams. For application details visit www.dickinsoncountysheriff. com to complete an application or call 712-336-2793. EOE
Pets
Labradoodle puppies for sale. 3 months old. Asking $500 OBO. Call 319-560-2137.
For Rent
Apartment for Rent uptown Mt. Vernon. 2 bedrooms. No Smoking. No Pets. 319-2708600
Miscellaneous
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Prepare for power outages today with a Generac Home Standby Generator. Act now to receive a FREE 7-Year warranty with qualifying purchase. Call 1-855-954-5087 today to schedule a free quote. It’s not just a generator. It’s a power move.
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, Aug. 15
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.
Lisbon Library board meeting, Lisbon Library, 7 p.m.
Lisbon Sauerkraut Days ice cream social and community, Lisbon City Park, 6 p.m.
Friday, Aug. 16
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 Library storytime, Lincoln Park Gazebo, 10 a.m.
Lisbon Sauerkraut Days, downtown Lisbon, 5 p.m.
Saturday, Aug. 17
Lisbon Sauerkraut Days activities, downtown Lisbon, 8 a.m. to midnight.
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
Down
1 They’re made in the kitchen and not at the gym, it’s said
4 “Dukes”
9 Prepare for a shot
13 Determined
14 Totally in the dark?
15 Disapproving sound
16 2011 Margaret Thatcher biopic
18 Petrol purchase
19 Go on and on, maybe
20 Brown, e.g.
21 Katniss’s partner in “The Hunger Games”
22 Professions
24 Defensive boxing strategy
26 Within bounds
27 Norton’s “Fight Club” co-star
28 Place for a peel
29 Player one?
32 Equal
33 Minor setback … or a hint to entering 16-, 24-, 44- and 52-Across
36 Bad thing to be caught on
37 Hairstylist, at times
38 Apr. addressee
39 Tests for college seniors, for short
40 Q: “Why don’t scientists trust ___?” A: “Because they make up everything!”
44 Saint Petersburg, once
46 “Yeah, don’t do that”
48 What bass guitars have that double basses do not
49 Ice cream container
50 It has its limits
Monday, Aug. 19
Mount Vernon City Council, Mount Vernon City Hall, 6:30 p.m.
Tuesday, Aug. 20
Tuesday Morning Book Club, Cole Library Room 108, 9:30 a.m.
Community of readers book discussion group, Cole Library Room 310, 7:30 p.m.
Wednesday, Aug. 21
Cards, Southeast Linn Community Center, 10-11:30 a.m.
Linn Lunch Bunch, Southeast Linn Community Center, 11:30 a.m.
Washington Elementary Back to School night, Washington Elementary, 3:30 to 5 p.m.
Lisbon Back to school night, Lisbon Schools, 5 to 6:30 p.m.
Lisbon parks and recreation back to school barbecue, Lisbon City Park, 5:30 to 7:30 p.m.
Thursday, Aug. 22
Story Time, Cornell Public Library Byerly Room, 9:30 a.m.
Fiber Friends, Southeast Linn Community Center, 10:30 a.m.
51 Disney toon originally called Dippy Dawg
52 Musicians of the Middle Ages
54 Samsung competitor
55 Rolls-___
56 Italian possessive
57 Western tribe
58 Tennis announcer’s cry
59 Duke, but not duchess: Abbr.
1 Kind of projection
2 Parent’s demand
3 Court figure, for short
4 Trade from which John Jacob Astor made his fortune
5 How latkes are cooked
6 Some Balkan natives
7 Not messy
8 Total mess
9 Worked steadily at
10 Living off the land?
11 Got rid of
12 Scratch (out)
15 It can help you get a grip
17 *sheepishly raises hand*
21 Like bonsai trees
23 Off-kilter
24 Sunak of British politics
25 Meaning of the prefix “oto-”
27 Pockets for falafel
30 Some fall babies
31 When rights may be restricted
32 Staple of classical Greek architecture
33 How many people walk along the beach
34 Certain calligraphy mark
35 Interpretation
36 Farthermost point
39 April Fools’ Day declaration
41 Intense aversions
42 Standard for evaluation
43 Opens up to a doctor, in a way
45 Some mortgage loans, in brief
46 Channel guides?
47 Counting devices of old
49 Bring (out)
51 Hyena’s prey
52 Prefix with athlete
53 Groundhog’s home
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.
SPORTS
Put these rivalry match-ups on your calendars this fall
Ryan Suchomel
Mount Vernon-Lisbon Sun
ryan.suchomel@mvlsun.com
Boy, the fall is coming up fast. Before we get into previews in the next few weeks, I thought I’d take a look at some dates to circle on the fall calendar.
Saturday, Sept. 7 – Cornell at Coe football.
The rivalry hasn’t been much of one. The Kohawks have won 17 straight.
And it hasn’t been particularly close. It was 56-6 last fall.
Cornell Coach Dan Pifer was hired after the 2019 season, and after missing out on the 2020 season due to COVID, his Rams have finished 4-6, 3-7 and 6-4.
It seems the Rams are ready to compete in the Midwest Conference. They are picked to finish sixth in the preseason poll.
But knock off Coe? Probably not this year. Coe is coming off a 9-2 season in which it qualified for the Division III playoffs.
But it’ll happen one year. And it’ll be exciting for the purpleand-white when it does.
Kickoff is 1 p.m. at Clark Field in Cedar Rapids.
Thursday, Sept. 19 – Calamus-Wheatland at Lisbon volleyball.
The Lions had their hearts set on qualifying for the state tournament last season. It didn’t happen.
But the Lions did win the Tri-Rivers East title for the seventh year in a row and finish with 28 wins.
Now they have to learn to adjust to playing without big hitter Ava Czarnecki, the all-time kills leader in school history. But history and tradition say Lisbon will again be the favorite in the TRE.
The team that finished second to them last year was C-W. The Lions had to rally to beat the Warriors 25-22, 22-25, 25-16, 25-23.
Friday, Sept. 20 – Mount Vernon at Solon football.
After Mount Vernon ended a 19-game losing streak in the series in 2022, the Spartans came back and won 37-20 a year ago in the final game at First Street Field.
Many Musangs were hoping for a rematch in the playoffs, but it didn’t work out that way.
Williamsburg beat Mount Vernon in the quarterfinals 38-35, and beat Solon in the semifinals, 45-14, before winning the 3A title with a 20-0 shutout of Sioux City Heelan.
Both teams will feature a lot of new faces this fall, but as usual, it’ll be the most-anticipated game of the regular season for both towns.
Friday, Sept. 27 – Pekin at Lisbon football.
Lisbon went undefeated in the regular season a year ago, but it had a couple tough ones. The Lions won 34-28 at Columbus, and 17-7 at Pekin.
Well, Lisbon gets to host both teams this fall. It welcomes Columbus on Sept. 13, and Pekin two weeks later.
The Panthers are a bit more of an Eastern Iowa blue blood than the Wildcats, and only graduated a handful of seniors off last year’s team that lost to Lynnville-Sully in the first round of the Class A playoffs.
Tuesday, Oct. 8 – Marion at Mount Vernon volleyball.
The Mustangs only lost five matches last season. Three were to Dike-New Hartford, the eventual champion in Class 2A and probably the best team in the state.
One was to Western Christian in the Class 3A championship.
The fifth was a WaMaC tournament match against the Wolves in Marion.
While the Mustangs are participating in a few high-level tournaments with bigger-name teams, this one will still be a weeknight doozy. And Mount Vernon only hosts three home matches (Solon on Sept. 10 and Center Point-Urbana on Sept. 24).
So, if you want to see what may be the best volleyball team in Mount Vernon history … without leaving town … here is a prime chance.
Thursday, Oct. 17 – WaMaC cross country meet.
Held again at the Antioch Christian Church outside of Marion, the meet includes several of the best teams in the state in Class 3A, including the Mount Vernon-Lisbon thinclads.
At the state meet in Fort Dodge last fall, the girls finished runner-up, and the boys were eighth. Both can expect to contend for a Class 3A title this year, and a big step on the way to that goal is the WaMaC Meet.
The girls won it in 2023, and the boys were runner-up to Solon by two points.
J and J’s Bags League season finishes
Guy Johnson claims win for the tournament
Ryan Suchomel
Mount Vernon-Lisbon Sun
ryan.suchomel@mvlsun.com
J&J’s Bags League wrapped up the season recently after 13 weeks of fun throughout the summer, concluding with the second annual J&J Bags League Tournament, hosted by Donovan and Lauren Eastburn.
Guy Johnson ended up on top of the pile. The tournament was double-elimination and featured 18 players. The draw was random.
“This provided some exciting matchups,” Michael Joseph, director of operations, said. “Great Cinderella stories and early exits for players expected to go far.”
Johnson beat Jacob Dahlen, his sonin-law, in the championship, 21-3 and 21-18. The second game was decided on the final throw.
“I’m happy to come out on top,” Johnson said. “There are several good players here. I’m happy to wear this title for the next year.”
Nate Sanderson was third, Graham Carl was fourth and Andrzej Blacharski was fifth.
“It was a great night for our league,” commissioner Alene Johnson said. “I want to thank our tournament sponsor CKF for the support this year.”
In addition to the tournament play, the top five players from the summer season, based on winning percentage: Nate Willems (77 percent), Guy Johnson (74), Nate Sanderson (70), Graham Carl (67) and Kelly Joseph (64).
Contributed photos
Top: The group of players who have participated in the J and J Bags league this season.
Center: Nate Sanderson placed third, Jacob Dhalen placed second and Guy Johnson placed first in the J and J Bags League competition.
Left: Guy Johnson (right ) throws a bean bag in earlier play. Alongside him is Sami Dahlen.