Cornell College’s John Harp retiring
Brings roughly 39 years in higher education to a close
Grand Marshal, King and Queen announced
Nathan Countryman
Mount Vernon-Lisbon Sun nathan.countryman@mvlsun.com
Lisbon Sauerkraut Days went on without a hitch Wednesday, Aug. 14 through Saturday, Aug. 17.
The Lisbon Parks and Recreation movie at the park was the only true cancellation, with late rainstorms postponing the movie to another date.
Throughout the weekend, rain threatened to pour on the proverbial parade, but nothing more than a few squalls amounted Thursday, Friday and Saturday.
This year’s grand marshal was Amy White, the former head librarian at Lisbon who retired earlier this year.
Megan Dietsch, representing the Sauerkraut Days committee, noted that in her tenure, White had held countless story hours to many Lisbon residents, and breathed new life into Lisbon’s Heritage Hall in downtown Lisbon.
“She has also worked with Lisbon History Center and members of the Lisbon Historic Preservation Commission to make sure Lisbon’s history is presented to third graders from Lisbon every year,” Dietsch said.
Another of her accomplishments – the costume rental library at Lisbon Library for Halloween costumes available to the public.
White said her favorite part of the Sauerkraut Days festival is the parade, which as grand marshal she
John Harp’s career in higher education is drawing to a close after more than 40 years with several different institutions. The last 29 years of his career were spent here, at Cornell College.
“I want to cross the career finish line in a sprint rather than exhaustion,” Harp said. “My wife, Cheryl, and I have four children ranging in age from 18 to 30. Two happen to be seniors this year: Bennett at Mount Vernon High and Annalise at the University of Iowa. Victoria lives and works in Des Moines, and Andrew in Marion. Now is the time for me to be my best self with my family, travel, visit friends, and get to those hobbies
and projects that have been on the back burner for a long time. I have a long list.”
Harp said he has enjoyed the work he has contributed to the educational experience of college students from the first minutes of their New Student Orientations through their graduation from Cornell College.
“The beauty of working at a small college is the opportunity to really get to know students and challenge and support their personal development over a four-year period,” Harp said. “Working closely with student leaders who were residence life or orientation staff members, in student senate positions, in leadership programs, on athletic teams, and in campus employment roles were significant highlights. To see these
Nathan Countryman | Mount Vernon-Lisbon Sun
John Harp will be retiring from Cornell College, drawing to a close a career in higher education spanning almost four decades, three of those at Cornell College here in Mount Vernon.
led Saturday.
“I also want to remind everyone that Sauerkraut Days has been celebrated in Lisbon since 1909,” White said.
This year’s Sauerkraut King was Harrison Sporrer and this year’s Sauerkraut Queen was Brinley Blinks.
Dietsch also wanted the community to recognize the contributions of Abby Hove and Amy Anderson, who were both stepping down from the committee this year after more than a decade of helping the festival in Lisbon. They and their families have all contributed much behind the scenes to help the festival continue over the years.
Carnival rides, pedal pull, music and all the kraut people could eat were part of the festival.
Even the Cabbage Head Car Show drew a large crowd this year, filling up almost five blocks of Lisbon with classic cars, trucks and motorcycles. The parade was also full of many businesses and surprises, including representatives from the Shriners.
PHOTOS | 10 & 11
Nathan Countryman | Mount Vernon-Lisbon Sun Megan Dietsch announces Amy White as the grand marshal for the 2024 Lora Light Memorial Parade Friday, Aug. 16.
Contributed photo
Sauerkraut Days king Harrison Sporrer and queen Brinley Blinks prepare for the parade to start Saturday, Aug. 17.
Nathan Countryman
Mount Vernon-Lisbon Sun nathan.countryman@mvlsun.com
students go on to successful careers and lives has been a privilege, and now so many of them have their kids at Cornell.”
Before coming to Cornell College, Harp earned degrees at Rhodes College, Winthrop University and the University of Memphis.
He said as a first-generation college student, he had no clue what he wanted to be or what to major in.
“My first year in college was a struggle, academically, but I stuck with it, including embracing the ambiguity of not knowing what I wanted to do,’ Harp said. “By my junior year, there were so many things I enjoyed studying. I explored the possibility of many different careers like business management, education and coaching, counseling, marketing, state or federal law enforcement, and even journalism.
“I had also become very involved in campus life through residence life, a fraternity, intramurals, student government, and student media. Certainly, I was influenced by the professional staff members who coordinated those programs at Winthrop.”
It wasn’t until his junior year that he realized working a career in higher education administration would be the perfect way to combine his academic interests with the activities he enjoyed in college.
“Fast forward 38 years through four very different institutions [Winthrop, University of Memphis, Rhodes College, and Cornell], and I realize what a privilege this ride has been,” Harp said. “And having Cornell at the center of my career universe has been a dream. I wish that everyone could love their careers as much as I have.”
For Harp, he’s going to miss the people on the Hilltop.
“I can’t begin to describe the value of the working relationships formed with numerous staff from all parts of the college,” he said. “It
has been so meaningful. Over the past few weeks, as I announced my retirement, I’ve been in touch with so many current and former colleagues, students, long-time friends, mentors, and mentees from Iowa, Tennessee, and South Carolina. How fortunate I’ve been! And for the past 29 years to have been on the idyllic Cornell campus and to raise a family in lovely Mount Vernon...what a life!”
He’s also going to miss working with people in the Mount Vernon and Lisbon communities. He said there’s a healthy relationship between the city government, the school district, and the college.
“We were really brought closer together when dealing with COVID, and we have continued to build on that relationship,” Harp said. “There is no doubt that one entity affects the other, and we are definitely in this together.”
Cornell has seen it’s share of changes over the past three decades, including significant upgrades to its physical plant, new buildings and massive renovations and improvements in energy efficiency.
“In particular, I’ve enjoyed seeing the transformations of Thomas Commons and the SAW (Richard and Norma Small Athletic and Wellness Center), which made meaningful differences for the student and employee experience and for sustaining the college,” Harp said. “The facilities services crew does an amazing job of maintaining building operations and the beauty of the grounds on a daily basis.”
Harp was hired as assistant dean of students by former Cornell College president Les Garner and vice president Joan Claar in 1995. His responsibilities then included coordinating student activities, Greek life, new student orientations and the Commons.
Around 1998, he was promoted to associate dean of students and added responsibilities for career services. In 2000, he was selected as dean of students, and then later named vice president for student affairs/dean of students, which added oversight of athletics, health and
counseling, student conduct, intercultural life, chaplain, residence life, dining and campus safety, alongside his previous duties.
Harp started as special assistant to the president in 2021.
Some of the significant challenges in the position have been handling real life. Incidents like Columbine, COVID-19, the 9/11 attacks, George Floyd’s death, the flood of 2008 and the derecho of 2020 were all things he helped people navigate.
“Cornell is the workplace of several hundred people every day and the home-away-fromhome for over a thousand 18-22-year-olds each year,” Harp said. “How we responded at Cornell, how those events affected people and policies on the Hilltop, and how we offered shoulders to cry on or rolled up our sleeves and went to work together was critically important to all of those people and reflective of our campus and community culture.”
Providing access and support for students and employees, whether that was related to financial need, learning disabilities or mental health challenges has also been an increasing challenge for Cornell and all colleges over the past decade.
One of the other significant challenges has been embracing technological evolutions.
“Certainly, virtual learning and incorporating AI are the more recent examples of how technology and educational administration are intertwined,” Harp said. “But an interesting moment in the late ‘90s was seeing the bewilderment and frustration of upper-class students responding to a few of our newest students who were showing up with ‘mobile’ phones and being on calls while walking across campus instead of acknowledging people who they walked past. Of course, nowadays it is all too common for people to ignore each other while immersed in their smartphones or with headphones or Air Pods occupying their attention, but to watch the change unfold with young people in real time was extraordinary.”
MV School board looks at cost-savings
Volume 155 I Issue 34
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Joel Kellar
Mount Vernon-Lisbon Sun
joel-kellar@uiowa.edu
The Mount Vernon School Board met Monday, August 12. The meeting mainly looked at where they stood with the budget as the school year begins and introduced a few longterm ideas to decrease costs.
Superintendent Matt Leeman opened the meeting by reviewing the AEA budget. The school does not pay AEA until the end of the school year, but they have predicted it will cost about $128,000. Included in the estimation is 36 days’ worth of consultant meetings for teachers. The hope is that the school can time the meetings, so they can reduce the number of meetings with consultants. Each day’s worth of meetings costs $900, so saving a couple of days could allow them to use that money elsewhere.
‘Can’t help falling in love with band’
Lisbon Marching Band will have Elvis Presley themed show
Joel Kellar
Mount Vernon-Lisbon Sun
joel-kellar@uiowa.edu
“Burnin Love,” “C.C. Rider,” and “Can’t Help Falling in Love” are some of Elvis Presley’s hits that will be performed by the Lisbon Marching Band this fall.
The idea for an Elvis theme was planted during a band trip a year and a half ago. On the trip the music department had visited Elvis’s mansion, which inspired many students to begin listening to Elvis. Band
The school purchased a new Gator for $35,848. The old Gator was becoming too expensive to continue to fix. The old Gator would not draw much value in a trade-in, so the board members wanted to look in to giving the vehicle to the industrial class at the high school.
A new HVAC system will be needed to be bought for all three buildings before the end of the calendar year. The cost for the new system would be $252,000 excluding tax and the cost to patch the walls and ceilings after installment. Leeman estimated that the real cost would be closer to $280,000. The current system in the schools has become outdated and is no longer supported by Basepoint Building Automations, the company that the HVAC system was bought from.
Board president Rick Elliot said that purchasing an HVAC system is a project that cannot be avoided. The board will vote to approve the project at one of the upcoming meetings.
The board also discussed a future change
director Joseph Arch took the idea and ran with it.
This fall they will put the show on the field to entertain the crowd at competitions and halftime shows at Lisbon varsity football games.
“I really like the music, and it is just so much fun to play,” said Adelyn Ricke, junior flute player.
Arch has always had the philosophy that the band should focus on playing something for the crowd to enjoy. Rather than playing a show that is aimed to score high at competitions.
“I always like to put out things that people in the crowd will know,” Arch said.
The band will have more than 50 musicians and will be led by their drum major, Sarah Dietsch. This is her second year as drum major.
“I enjoy having control of it all and if something happens, taking care of it quick and quietly,” Dietsch said. “I’m proud of the band that we show every year.”
Dietsch will be a senior this year and is one
to solar energy. Leeman said moving to solar would save millions of dollars in energy expenses over the next 30 years. Those savings would be able to be put into other projects in the schools. Currently, the school district is paying a premium price because of the amount of energy they use. This discussion in the meeting was mainly pro-solar, but they took no action on advancing a solar energy project. The City of Lisbon and City of Mount Vernon have installed solar energy projects at their buildings in the past, with Mount Vernon installing solar panels at Lester Buresh Family Community Wellness Center and the Mount Vernon-Lisbon Police Department last summer.
Elliot said that the solar energy issue was one that should continue to be discussed and that the schools need to continue to look at ways to save energy usage. One idea that was brought up was to begin to change the lights from fluorescent to LED. This is because LED lights are more efficient energy and cost-wise.
of the seven seniors in the marching band. This group of seniors is the smallest class in the band.
“It’s our turn to come out and make this show the best it can be,” Dietsch said. “We were given a wonderful opportunity by Arch by getting this big Elvis show that has so many big changes and fun stuff thrown into it.”
A small group of seniors does produce a challenge for the band with a little less experience. But it allows for the returning classes to take on a bigger leadership role.
“The seniors are going to leave next year so [this year] is like training so when we step up as seniors next year, we are more prepared,” Ricke said.
This ideology is passed down to the students through Arch. As the director, Arch is focused on developing kids through their four years of marching band to get the band improving continuously.
“What we’re trying to do is make the program sustainable for years and years and years,” said Arch, “So this is just one step along the way there.”
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New teachers at Lisbon schools in 2024
Morgan Deutmeyer
Fourth grade
Morgan Deutmeyer is a graduate of high school at Dyersville Beckman and University of Iowa. She now lives with her sister in North Liberty.
Outside of the classroom, her favorite activities include baking, reading and boating in the summer.
This is her first full year teaching. She student taught first grade last school year.
What do you love about teaching? “The ability to make an impact and help kids grow. Every day is different!”
What teacher influenced you growing up and what did you learn from them? “My own fourth grade teacher, Mr. Urban, made learning so fun. He truly cared for each of us.”
Robert Helgerson
Sixth grade writing and social studies
Robert Helgeson graduated from North Fayette High School in West Union and University of Northern Iowa in Cedar Falls. He and his wife, Danielle, live in Lisbon. Danielle is a marketing director for senior living companies. The couple have two children – Evan, 10, is a fifth grader who loves baseball and hanging out with friends and Kaylin, 2 and a half is wild and mischievous child who loves her shoes dresses and family.
If he’s not in the classroom, you may see him courtside as an assistant coach for the girls’ basketball team or for his son’s baseball, soccer and football teams. He loves being outside and staying active.
Helgerson has previously taught as a seventh and eighth grade science and social studies teacher for three years at Linn-Mar, sixth grade math and science teacher for two years at Winfield-Mount Union and as a sixthgrade teacher at North Cedar for seven years. What do you enjoy about teaching? “Building rapport with my students throughout the year and watching them mature as individuals and learners.”
What teacher influenced you growing up and what did you learn from them? “Janet Helgerson, my mom, a 30 year choir teacher. Showed me how she was able to impact students lives for the better. Would be available when they needed her and always challenged them to be better at everything they did.
Dean Pedersen, my high school social studies teacher. He really pushed my love for history and the yearning to know more. He had a really relaxed way of approaching difficult subjects. He was known to students as ‘Dude.’”
Jenna Novak
Second grade teacher
Jenna Novak graduated from Prairie High school in Cedar Rapids and the University of Iowa. She now resides in Iowa City. Her mom, dad and brother live in Cedar Rapids.
Mount Vernon resident
injured in Hwy. 13 crash
Jessica Belding, 20, of Mount Vernon was injured in a Saturday, Aug. 17 crash at 7:12 p.m. at the intersection of Hwy. 13 and Cottage Grove Parkway. Belding was transported to St. Luke’s Hospital in Cedar Rapids for minor injuries by Area Ambulance Service.
According to Sgt. Devin Rinderknecht of the Linn County Sheriff’s Office, Christopher Tauber, 17, Cedar Rapids, was eastbound on Cottage Grove Parkway in a blue Ford Escape and had begun to cross to proceed north on Hwy. 13. Tauber did not fully clear the Hwy. 13 southbound lanes and was struck by Belding in a white Chevrolet Equinox in the rear driver’s side quarter panel.
The Equinox remained in the traveled portion of the roadway, while the Escape came to rest on the far east shoulder of the road.
Linn County Sheriff Rescue 57 and West Bertram Fire
Outside of teaching, Novak loves watching sports (wrestling and gymnastics being her favorites), reading and going on walks with her friends. She previously taught fifth grade at Fairmeadows Elementary in West Des Moines. What do you love about teaching? “I love making a difference in students’ lives. Making a classroom into a family and seeing growth and progress in all students.”
What teacher influenced you growing up and what did you learn from them? “My third grade teacher, Mr. Granzeveld, influenced me greatly. He taught me that it is okay to make mistakes. He always made me feel safe and comfortable at school.”
Bailey Vifian
Second grade teacher
Bailey Vifian graduated from Thomas Jefferson High School in Cedar Rapids and the University of Northern Iowa. She resides in Cedar Rapids with her mom, Kelly, and dad, Mike. Her boyfriend, David, also lives in Cedar Rapids. She also has two younger sisters, Shelby and Addy, who also reside in Cedar Rapids. “We love spending time together,” Vifian said.
Outside of her work as a teacher, Vifian loves to read, play tennis and travel.
Lisbon is Vifian’s first teaching assignment.
What do you love most about teaching? “I love getting to see students learn and grow. I also enjoy creating a classroom community where students feel loved and cared for.”
What teacher influenced you growing up and what did you learn from them? “My mom is a preschool teacher who has inspired me since I was little. Growing up with a teacher in the family means I was always around the classroom. She showed me the importance of creating relationships and loving your students.”
Payton Wheeler
Third grade teacher
Payton Wheeler graduated from Solon High School and the University of Northern Iowa. Wheeler now resides in Solon with her mom and dad. Her boyfriend, Brayton, also resides in Solon. Her brother is in Minnesota, attending college. Outside of their time in the classroom, she loves to spend time reading, hanging out with friends and family and watching her favorite shows.
This is Wheeler’s fist year as a teacher.
What do you love most about teaching? “I love the relationships and impact you can have/make with the kids.”
What teacher influenced you growing up and what did you learn from them? “My third grade teacher, Mrs. Cook. I learned how to make those relationships and become a teacher that kids want to learn from.
Department also assisted at the scene of the crash. The crash remains under investigation by the Linn County Sheriff’s Office.
Deutmeyer
Helgerson
Novak
Vifian Wheeler
OPINIONS
Burlington man’s stinky feet result in an attempted murder charge
Living in Iowa
Dan Brawner
They say nobody can push your buttons like your family. Take David Carpenter of Burlington. On Aug. 11, he pulled out a gun and shot his own father in the face. Miraculously, William Carpenter did not sustain life-threatening injuries and he’s going to be okay. But what started this horrific incident? Apparently, William claimed his son had stinky feet. Okay, it was probably embarrassing for David to be accused of having smelly feet, but now he’s in jail on charges of attempted murder and child endangerment (his two underage children were home at the time). If you’re thinking there must be more to this story, you’d be right.
On June 15, 1859, on San Juan Island, between the US mainland and Vancouver Island, American farmer Lyman Cutlar found a British-owned black boar eating his potatoes. And he shot it dead. The incident was reported to American authorities who dispatched none other than Captain George Pickett (later a distinguished Confederate general during the Civil War) along with a few troops. It seems, possession of the land had been a point of contention for some time. Picket now brazenly claimed ownership of the whole island for the US. The British responded with a fleet of heavily armed ships. The Pig War, which was never really about the pig, ended in a bloodless stalemate. Unless you count the pig.
In 1828, riots over a military coup erupted in Mexico City and looters broke into the small pastry shop of a French chef named Remontel and helped themselves to some treats. His complaint to government officials was ignored until ten years later when it came to the attention of King Louis-Phillippe. The king demanded compensation for Remontel to the tune of 600,000 pesos, a princely sum for a few doughnuts. When Mexico refused, the French blockaded the city of Veracruz, some minor battles ensued and in the end 250 soldiers died. Of course, The Pastry War was only an excuse for Louis-Phillippe to force Mexico to pay back the millions in loans it owed France. Mexico had no choice but to repay the loans…and 600,000 pesos to the patient pastry chef.
The police report states that William Carpenter and his son “argued” over David’s stinky feet. I don’t see what there would be to argue about. Either his feet stink or they don’t. Or maybe the argument was about just how stinky his feet were. Or maybe he misunderstood and his father said he had “dinky” feet. We’ll never know. What we do know is that at one point, David ran into the back room and returned holding a gun behind his back. The argument continued, with William sitting on a little motorized mobility scooter, whereupon David, exploiting the element of surprise, whipped out the hidden gun and pointed at his dad. David told the police that in all the excitement, he accidently pulled the trigger.
Some keen observers might look at this situation from head to, um toe and point out that David is a 48-year-old unemployed free-loader who refuses to move out on his own and his stinky feet were only the final straw. And, yes, this is a rough patch for the Carpenters—what with the shooting and the murder charge. But after they resolve their living situation, someday, they can look back on this incident and all have a good laugh.
Schools
starting. Be mindful, vigilant at crossings for student safety
It’s that time of year again – This week, students are returning to the classrooms in Mount Vernon and Lisbon areas. Just a reminder, as police chief Doug Shannon has noted in the past – Be extra mindful as you’re driving, especially at the school crossings and the crossing on Hwy. 1.
At Lisbon schools, construction projects continue, giving students and parents more need for paying attention as they are near the school.
Slow your cars down, especially at peak times for schools letting out to help youth get from school to home safely. Be ever mindful of stop signs as well, especially along Hwy. 1’s school crossing after school hours.
Let’s let this be a safe back to school for many children in our area.
Supporting Cindy Golding in election
I wholeheartedly support Representative Cindy Golding for reelection to the Iowa House. Cindy has been a steadfast advocate for the rural communities of Linn County, consistently working to address their unique needs and challenges. Her dedication to supporting farmers and small businesses reflects her commitment to the economic vitality of our region.
Additionally, Cindy has shown unwavering support for parents and families, ensuring their voices are heard and their needs are met. Her proven leadership and dedication make her the ideal choice for continuing to serve and represent our community effectively.
Join me in supporting Cindy Golding for Iowa House District 83.
Gage West Marion
Trying to keep up with scrambled watching
Nathan Countryman Mount Vernon-Lisbon Sun nathan.countryman@mvlsun.com
ny side
I’ve been having a few weeks of “well, this isn’t exactly what I had planned” encounters.
Let’s go to this past Wednesday (Aug. 14). I had down on my calendar that Lisbon School Board was supposed to have a school board meeting. But I hadn’t seen an agenda for the meeting. I always worry in those instances with the number of emails I get, that I had an errant thumb slip and sent something to archived emails on accident.
As I’m waiting to find out if the outdoor movie night is canceled, I continue watching the first season of “Wheel of Time.” I tried the first book a long time ago, and the show presents many characters and stories I was intrigued with following, roughly an episode or two a night winding down in my evening.
Of course, when I hit play on Amazon originally, it started me on the first episode of season two, and I was thoroughly lost… Went back to season one, and that was easier to follow.
Episode 7 of season one finishes with a cliffhanger, and I was determined to watch episode 8 when I got back from Lisbon.
I go back to my watch list in my Fire TV stick and start playing episode 8. The first issue I’m immediately having – there
is no English audio track with this episode. It’s playing what is obviously Spanish, but the rest of the show has previously been in English. A few audio switches later, I find an English track that works.
None of the characters I’d previously been following in the first or second season are showing up in this episode. It’s not unusual for a show to do a flashback after a big reveal at the end of the last episode in sci-fi or fantasy, so I’m thinking this is just the case and continue watching, waiting to see when we get back to the larger story of the Wheel of Time, but every 10 minutes going back to make sure I am indeed watching the Wheel of Time episode 8 on Fire TV. Yes, this is that episode.
An hour later, and I’m still scratching my head and even more bewildered than before. Because this show I just watched, while it was intriguing for the past hour, is not in any way associated with Wheel of Time, especially a finale episode... For someone who hasn’t read all the books, I was even more frazzled reading the Wikipedia entry for episode 8 and going “none of those story beats just happened in the episode I just watched!”
When I went to the show on the Amazon website, they had the correct episode 8, but that also meant rewatching the show on my laptop screen an hour before bed.
I now have the first season down and will restart with season two, and hopefully it won’t be as jumbled of a mess trying to keep the story straight.
Absentee voting for the presidential election
The Nov. 5 Presidential General Election is coming up in less than 80 days.
For voters who have not voted in the last two years, the process of Absentee Voting by Mail in Iowa has changed. These changes include:
• Voters wanting to vote by mail must request an Absentee Ballot Request (ABR) form. Linn County Election Services (LCES) cannot send ABR forms without a request.
• By Iowa law, county election offices cannot accept completed ABR forms until 70 days before each election (Aug. 27 is 70 days before the November General Election).
• The deadline for submitting ABR forms is 5 p.m. Oct. 21. ABR forms received after the deadline are not valid. Postmark is NOT considered.
• Absentee ballots cannot be mailed to voters before Oct. 16.
• Voted absentee ballots MUST be returned to LCES by 8 p.m. Nov. 5
To help with understanding how Absentee Voting by Mail works, here is the process from start to finish.
1. Get an ABR form in one of the following ways:
• Download and print from LinnCountyIowa.gov/DocumentCenter/View/3702
• Send an email to ABR@LinnCountyIowa.gov
• On your smartphone, text “Absentee” to 319-237-7676
• Call LCES at 319-892-5300 ext. 1.
2. NOTE: LCES will not mail an ABR form before Aug. 26, to avoid early submissions.
3. Fill out your ABR form.
4. Mail or drop off your completed form between Aug. 27 and Oct. 21.
• Early submissions are required by Iowa law to be returned to the listed voter.
5. Completed ABR forms received by LCES between Aug. 27 and Oct. 21, will be processed within one business day.
6. LCES will mail a confirmation card to the voter after processing a completed ABR form. (Confirmation cards will not be mailed if ABR form is received after October 9, 2024.)
7. Absentee ballots will be mailed on October 16, 2024. For ABR forms received on or after October 16, 2024, the absentee ballot will be mailed within 24 hours.
8. If you do not receive your ballot by October 23, 2024, please contact LCES.
9. Vote and return your absentee ballot to the Auditor’s Office no later than 8 p.m. November 5, 2024. Postmark is NOT considered.
Important to note: In-Person Absentee “Early“ Voting also starts on October 16, 2024. Many voters become impatient waiting for their mail ballot to arrive and choose to use In-Person Absentee “Early” Voting instead. Please be mindful that doing so more than doubles the expense of your voting activity. We appreciate you joining us in spending taxpayer dollars wisely. For questions regarding this election, call Linn County Election Services at 319-892-5300, ext. 1 or email Elections@LinnCountyIowa.gov.
Independent US Congress candidate stops in Mount Vernon
Mount Vernon-Lisbon Sun
nathan.countryman@mvlsun.com
Independent candidate for the U.S. Congress District 2 race Jody Puffett was collecting the last few signatures she needed to get herself on the ballot with a stop in Mount Vernon and Lisbon Tuesday, Aug. 13.
Puffett said she has been walking the main streets in the district to meet with constituents and collect signatures, as well as introduce herself to the electorate.
Puffett has lived in Edgewood for more than 36 years, aside from a brief stint when her husband, Jeff, was stationed in Florida during his time with the United States Navy.
Puffett and her husband have raised six children, three adopted from foster care. She is a graduate of West Delaware High School in Manchester and a graduate of the University of Northern Iowa with a degree in finance. She has a daughter who works in special education and a daughter who works at a non-profit mental health facility in Des Moines.
Puffett’s main reason to enter the race? Her frustration with how much money is sent to other countries while the United States has causes that could be better supported at home.
“That’s money that isn’t being spent on education or support of veterans in our country,” Puffett said. Puffett worked for 30 years at TransAmerica in Cedar
Heightened law enforcement presence now through Sept. 2
Last year, during the final weeks of summer, there were 54 traffic fatalities in Iowa; 44% involved impairment.* To prevent future tragedies, the Governor’s Traffic Safety Bureau (GTSB) is partnering with law enforcement across the state to decrease impaired driving. From Aug. 16 through Sept. 2, agencies will be participating in the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration’s (NHTSA) Drive Sober or Get Pulled Over high-visibility enforcement project. You’ll see officers working together to remove impaired drivers/motorcycle riders from the road.
“We want drivers to understand it’s law enforcement’s first priority to keep people safe, so we’re asking everyone to make a plan,” says GTSB’s Law Enforcement Liaison Randy Kunert. “The drive sober/ride sober campaign is an awareness effort to spread the message that impaired driving is illegal, and it takes lives.”
There are plenty of options to get impaired drivers home safely. Designate a sober driver or call a taxi/rideshare service. If available, use your community’s sober ride program. If you see a drunk driver/rider on the road, contact local law enforcement.
GTSB works with city, county, state, and local organizations to develop and implement strategies to reduce death and injury on Iowa’s roads using federally funded grants.
Get the Bugs Out
The Friends of the Palisades Park will be hosting “get the Bugs Out” event at Palisades-Kepler State Park Friday, Aug. 23.
The event will be held Friday, Aug. 23, and no rain date will be held.
Join the Friends at 8 p.m. to check out the night lives of insects, moths and butterflies. Jim Durbin will show us how to attract insects and moths onto a white surface in order to take pictures and identify them. This is a family friendly event.
This event will be held near the parking lot just before entering the campgrounds at Palisades-Kepler State Park. Attendees are encouraged to wear dark clothes so the night critters land on the sheet – not on you. Also, plan to wear protective clothing such as long sleeves.
Rapids in a finance position.
Puffett said one of the things she is noticing in many towns in the rural portions of District 2 is the number of downtowns that have empty storefronts.
“There is so much more that could be done to invest in these communities to help them,” Puffett said.
Puffett identifies more work needs to be done for children in foster care.
Puffett also identifies the border and immigration issues that need to be addressed, and more support for veterans is needed.
When it comes to the other two candidates in the race, Ashley Hinson and Sarah Corkery, Puffett does find ways that distinguish her from each.
“I have been increasingly discouraged and frustrated with Ashley Hinson’s voting record and her inability to be a true champion for change in Washington,” Puffett said. “Personally, I think Ashley is a very nice person and I have supported her in the past. But she has shown herself to be a follower, not a leader. I don’t think she is tough enough and I haven’t seen her step up to challenge the status quo in Congress.”
Her biggest issue was Hinson’s vote for the $95 billion foreign aid package in April.
With Corkery, their differences are on the abortion issue. Puffett believes the fight for the abortion issue and items like the six-week ban passed in the state of Iowa are a state issue, not a federal issue.
“My goal in getting elected is to get some changes made and go back to spend more of my retirement with my family and grandkids,” Puffett said. “I’m not looking to make this a second career.”
As an independent candidate, Puffett noted she is not beholden to anyone or corporate donors and believes in term limits for anyone in elected office.
LISBON CITY COUNCIL BRIEFS
Repairs to exterior of city hall completed
The repairs to the exterior of Lisbon City Hall were completed, and Lisbon city administrator Brandon Siggins recommended paying the contractor $31,634.97.
“There’s some minor work on the flashing of the east end of the building, but the majority of repairs for the exterior and siding have been completed, and I’ll approve the paying of the retainer for 30 days from now.
O’Connor asked if there is a warranty on the siding that was replaced, and Siggins said that was confirmed.
Overlay
project begins this week
A pre-construction meeting on the Business 30 overlay project from the west city limits of Lisbon to the roundabout in Mount Vernon took place Monday of this week. The project is slated to begin Tuesday, Sept. 3, according to Mount Vernon city administrator Chrs Nosbisch, and traffic may be reduced to one lane.
Lisbon and Mount Vernon city engineer David Schechinger said the project should take a couple weeks for the contractors to complete.
Millings from the roadway will be used at the parking lot at Bunting Field, as well as through several alleys in the City of Lisbon, Siggins said.
Public works projects completed in Lisbon
The Lisbon public works department concluded painting street curbs ahead of Sauerkraut Days, but work will finish on painting the parking lines in downtown Lisbon after the festival.
Bagby also said the City of Lisbon has completed the installation of two new pieces of equipment at the Lisbon
Lisbon’s bulky item clean-up success for community
Mount Vernon-Lisbon Sun nathan.countryman@mvlsun.com
Lisbon’s bulky item clean-up day in mid-June collected more weight of trash removed, and only cost $30 more than last year.
Lisbon city clerk Christina Eicher said the total garbage collected amounted to 6.92 tons, which was an increase of roughly 0.86 tons for the community. The cost, even with the increased tonnage, was a miniscule overall increase for the program, going to $1,171.44 this year, compared to $1,141.98 last year.
Midwest Electronic Recovery was able to collect 2,939 pounds of electronics, which was more than the 2,320 pounds collected last year. Eicher said despite the weight collected, this year’s cost for electronics was $413.10 compared to $584 from last year.
“The pricing for electronics was much lower, but we had bulkier electronics collected,” Eicher said.
The amount of iron and recyclable metal collected has not been indicated for this year.
“It’s a really great day and program for Lisbon,” said Lisbon mayor Doug O’Connor.
Public works director Travis Bagby suggested if clean-up day is held again next year, the city may look to reduce the hours to two hours as opposed to the three hours it was held.
“Everyone who was going to be taking part in the clean-up day was already lined up in those first two hours, and after those two hours, we had minimal traffic to either site,” Bagby said. “We’d take as long as we need to get through that line.”
City Park ahead of Sauerkraut Days.
One of the pieces of equipment is ADA-compliant. Parks and recreation director Drayton Kamberling said this has been a project between parks and recreation and the Be Beautiful 4-H club, with the club fundraising a portion of the proceeds for the equipment.
“The students in 4-H also got some hands-on work as part of the project, helping to build a few picnic benches as a part of the project,” Kamberling said. “It was great to work with them, and this was a cool project to partner with them on.”
Thursday, Aug. 15,
Kevin’s Painting
Nathan Countryman
Nathan Countryman
Puffett
Nathan Countryman | Mount Vernon-Lisbon Sun
The newly installed diggers at Lisbon City Park were getting used
as part of the ice cream social. The one on the left is handicap accessible for youth to use at the park. The project was completed by the City of Lisbon with help from the Be Beautiful 4-H club of Lisbon.
Ramon “Ray” Jules Wycoff, 94, of Manchester, passed away Sunday, Aug. 18, 2024, at the Hallmark Care Center in Mount Vernon. Ray was born March 31, 1930, in Sioux City, the son of Oscar and Fern (Menz) Wycoff. Ray was a 1948 graduate of Liberty High School in Merrill. In 1950, Ray joined the United States Navy and served honorably until his discharge in 1954.
Funeral services are Saturday, Aug. 24, at Manchester Methodist Church in Manchester. Visitation is Friday, Aug. 23, at Leonard-Muller Funeral Home in Manchester, where there will be a 4:45 p.m. Masonic Service. Friends may also call one hour before the service at the church on Saturday. Interment with military rites will be at Oakland Cemetery, Manchester,
On October 19, 1957, Ray was united in marriage to Marilyn Knapp in Sioux City. Three children were born to this union. Ray worked for the USDA Soil Conservation Service his entire life. In 1966 the family moved to Manchester. Ray retired in 1988. Ray and Marilyn were married for 64 years until her death in 2021.
Ray was a longtime member of the Manchester United Methodist Church. He volunteered as an usher, served on the Ad. Council Board, and helped with Second Helpings. Ray was a 54-year member of the Masons. He volunteered for 40 years with the Boy Scouts as a Scout Master, Troop Master, served on the district committee for 30 years, was the activity chairman for 8 years, and earned the Silver Beaver Award. Ray served as a member of the Oakland Cemetery Board and was a past member of the Delaware County Fair Board. Ray enjoyed woodworking, fishing, and collecting miniature farm and western equipment. Above all else, Ray loved his family and enjoyed spending time with them.
Survivors include his three children, Barbara (Dennis) Schnieders of Lexington, Kentucky, Kevin (Jennifer) Wycoff of Lexington, Kentucky, and Michael (Carmen) Wycoff of Mt. Vernon; seven grandchildren, Rachael (Stanton) Fodness of Culpepper, Virginia, Stephanie (Art) Hubbard of Paris, Kentucky, Tyler (Courtney) Schnieders of Nicholasville, Kentucky, Samuel (Chinni) Wycoff of St. Louis, Missouri, Nicholas Wycoff of Lexington, Kentucky, Lyndsey Wycoff of Des Moines, and Kaitlyn Wycoff of Mt. Vernon; six great-grandchildren; one brother, Maurice Wycoff of Lawrence, Kansas; and several nieces and nephews.
Ray was preceded in death by his parents; his wife, Marilyn Wycoff; brother, Marvin (Millie) Wycoff; sister, Deloris (Everett) Hageman; and sister-in-law, Darlene Wycoff.
In lieu of flowers, the family requests that donations be made to Second Helpings and the Clothing Closet at the Manchester Methodist Church.
Online condolences may be sent to HYPERLINK “http://www.leonard-mullerfh.com” www.leonard-mullerfh.com.
Aug. 12 – Car unlock, 300 blk Hillview Dr SE, Mount Vernon
Aug. 12 – Welfare check, 300 blk W. South St, Lisbon
Aug. 12 – Juvenile issue, 100 blk Lincoln Dr NE, Mount Vernon
Aug. 12 – Car unlock, 800 blk Palisades Rd SW, Mount Vernon
Aug. 12 – Medical, 900 blk W. Main St, Lisbon
Aug. 13 – Agency assist- disturbance, Linn Co
Aug. 13 – Medical, 500 blk N. Washington St, Lisbon
Aug. 13 – Car unlock, 300 blk business 30 SW, Mount Vernon
Aug. 13 – Medical, 200 blk Lincoln Hwy, Mount Vernon
Aug. 13 – Medical, 200 blk Lincoln Hwy, Mount Vernon
Aug. 13 – Theft, 380 Old Lincoln Hwy, Mount Vernon
Aug. 14
– Medical, 100 blk S. Franklin St, Lisbon
Aug. 14 – Fraud, 380 Old Lincoln Hwy, Mount Vernon
Aug. 14 – Disturbance, 1225 blk First Ave NW, Mount Vernon
Aug. 15 – Agency assist – theft, Lisbon
Aug. 15 – 700 blk Meadow Lane Ct, Mount Vernon
Aug. 15 – Fraud, 100 blk E. business 30, Lisbon
Aug. 15 – Alarm, 100 blk W. Main St, Lisbon
Aug. 15 – Welfare check, 100 blk E. Market St, Lisbon
Aug. 16 – Agency assist- traffic stop, Linn Co
Aug. 16 – Medical, 500 blk Roosevelt St, Lisbon
Aug. 16 – Medical, 200 blk First St NW, Mount Vernon
Aug. 16 – medical, 900 blk W. Main St, Lisbon
Medical, 100 blk First St NE, Mount Vernon
Julia Ann Herboldsheimer, age 79, of Lisbon, passed away Thursday, Aug. 15, 2024, at Hallmark Care Center in Mount Vernon. A memorial gathering will be held from 5- 7 p.m., today (Thursday, Aug. 22) at St. Paul Lutheran Church in Mount Vernon. A memorial service will be held at 11 a.m., Friday, Aug. 23, at the church. Private family burial will take place in Durant Cemetery, Durant. Memorials may be made to St. Paul Lutheran Church in her memory. Online condolences may be left at www. bentleyfuneralhome.com.
Julia was born Aug. 1, 1945, the daughter of Alvin and Mildred (Miller) Suhr. She graduated from Durant High School with the Class of 1964. Julia married Paul Her boldsheimer July 1, 1968 in Durant and later divorced.
After graduation, Julia began working at Rockwell-Col lins in Cedar Rapids. With a passion for beauty and creativity, she went on to fulfill her dream of owning her own hair salon, Julie’s-Nu-U in Lisbon. In her later years, Julia worked as a cashier for Walmart in Iowa City.
Julia also had a deep love for nature, especially cardi nals, which she often watched from her deck. Her pets and plants were her constant companions, bringing her joy and comfort. She enjoyed dancing and was a talented musician, finding happiness in playing the guitar and piano. Julia was a devoted member of St. Paul Lutheran Church. Above all, Julia treasured her family. She leaves behind a legacy of kindness, love, and cherished mem ories.
Julia will be dearly missed by her three children, Jodi (Enrique) Gomez, Jr. of Eagle Pass, Texas, Kari (Greg) Traver of Grimes, and David (Amber) Herboldsheimer of Lisbon,; eight grandchildren, Eriq, Ethan, Emily and Elisa Gomez, Faith and Chloe Traver, and Hudson and Jamison Herboldsheimer; and one brother, Keith (Janet) Suhr of Durant. Julia was preceded in death by her par ents, Alvin and Mildred.
Unique Program for adults coming to the Lisbon Library
CultureAll’s Open Book Program featuring JJ Singh Kapur and Trevy Augustin
The Lisbon Public Library was awarded a grant from Humanities Iowa to bring a special program for adults on Wednesday, August 28 from 6-7 p.m.. The library will be hosting two incredibly talented storytellers, JJ Singh Kapur and Trevy Augustin. This program is presented by Open Book, a community project that creates connections and builds social cohesion through story sharing where Peo ple are “Books” and You are a “Reader.” The program was inspired by The Human Library Project which started in Copenhagen, Denmark, in 2000 and is also reminiscent of a Moth Storytelling event.
Mike Conklin hosting book reading Sept. 10 at Cole
“Write what you know” - this popular adage certainly rings true for local author Mike Conklin.
From his high school job at the Mount Vernon-Lisbon Hawkeye Record, a stint at KCRG, and a 36-year career at The Chicago Tribune, Conklin built a name for himself writing for regional news outlets. A Cornell alum, Conklin later returned to academia - swapping his media career for teaching at DePaul University. While there, he co-foundedpus newspaper. Now, Conklin writes books set in small, Midwestern college towns like the communities he’s lived
Aug. 17
Agency assist- motorist assist, Linn Co
Aug. 17 – Suspicious person, S. Jackson St, Lisbon
Aug. 17 – Medical, 200 blk Fourth St SE, Mount Vernon
Aug. 17 – Disturbance, 500 blk N. First Ave, Mount Vernon
Aug. 17 – Medical, 400 blk 15th Ave SW, Mount Vernon
Aug. 17 – Medical, 1400 blk Palisades Rd SW, Mount Vernon
Aug. 18 – Suspicious vehicle, Seventh St SE, Mount Vernon
Aug. 18 – Found person, 400 blk W. Main St, Lisbon
Aug. 18 – Agency assist- motorist assist, Linn Co
Join Conklin for a reading, Q&A, and signing of his book on Tuesday, Sept. 10, at 7 p.m. in Room 108 of Cole Public Library. Conklin will follow his book talk
Thursday, August 22: 8am-4pm
Friday, August 23: 8am-4pm
Saturday, August 24: 10am-2pm
Sunday, August 25: 12pm-5pm Monday, August 26: 8am-10pm
Tuesday, August 27: 8am-10pm Wednesday, August 28: 8am-10pm
Imagine a library full of stories - not written in books, but told through the lessons learned by people with real-life experiences. Books are people. They are our neighbors from diverse backgrounds who are willing to share their personal experiences and defining moments. Readers are people like you who are interested in hearing stories that inspire joy, awe, wonder, and disbelief. They gain a more complex sense of the Books as they “check them out,” hear their stories, and engage with them through small group conversation.
About our Books
JJ Kapur began his interfaith work in Iowa in high school. He started a youth organization called The Turbanators, which focused on turbanating the negative stigma surrounding Sikhism through awareness building and community service. In 2017, he became the first turbaned Sikh to win the most prestigious high school speech and debate competition in the U.S. JJ graduated from Stanford University with Honors and Distinction in Theater and Performance Studies and a minor in Psychology. He returned to his hometown of Des Moines as an AmeriCorps Lead for America Fellow, where he is currently serving with CultureALL to help Iowans build bridges with their diverse neighbors by cultivating a human library across his home state called Open Book.
The Bollywood movies JJ Kapur watched as a child were all about heroes and villains. The off-screen superhero in JJs life was his father, who carried with him a pocketful of pixie dust wherever he went. But when JJ returned home from college, he wondered whether his fathers pixie dust had disappeared.
Trevy Augustin is a proud Micronesian-American millennial, whose professional and personal life revolves around navigating difference and dialogue. With degrees in political science and social work and a love for geography and history, Trevy humbly approaches cultural differences
and encourages conversations that explore who we are andcan who was born in Guam and has lived in different places like Yokosuka, Japan, Chicago, St. Louis, New Hampshire, and now Iowa, Trevys lived experiences and interactions with people of diverse backgrounds has grown her love for
Julia Herboldsheimer
Ramon Wycoff
SPORTS
VOLLEYBALL
Lisbon volleyball eyes state tourney
Ryan Suchomel
Mount Vernon-Lisbon Sun
ryan.suchomel@mvlsun.com
For Lisbon volleyball, the goal remains the same.
Become the first team in school history to qualify for the state tournament.
“We’ve been relatively successful,” Lisbon coach Lance Kamaus said. “We’ve won our side of the Tri-Rivers the last seven years.
“This year we’ll look a little different, but our level of play will still be high.”
The Lions will look different without all-state hitter Ava Czarnecki, who graduated as the all-time kills leader in program history and is now playing Div. I volleyball with Southern Illinois.
She, and her classmates, will be missed. But Kamaus thinks Lisbon has a hitter ready to take her swings in junior Mykala Luzum-Selmon.
“She had a great sophomore season with 325 kills,” Kamaus said. “That is better than Ava did as a sophomore. …. I’m not saying she’s going to turn into what Ava was, but she’s had a pretty good start.
“And she does not shy away from pressure. When it is time to kick it up a notch, that notch is kicked.”
The good news is the Lions have the same setter, with senior Kaitlynn Hasselbusch returning.
MVVB sets expectations high for the season
Team is ‘solid at every position’ coach Maggie Willems says
Ryan Suchomel
Mount Vernon-Lisbon Sun
ryan.suchomel@mvlsun.com
Expectations are always high for Mount Vernon volleyball. This fall, we’re talking Mount Everest high.
The Mustangs return all the starters from a team that finished runner-up in Class 3A in 2023.
Also, Mount Vernon added a second future Division I player in senior Sydney Maue (Arkansas). That’s in addition to senior Chloe Meester (Louisville), the Class 3A Player of the Year last season.
“Having elite-level players like Chloe and Sydney, who win club titles at the national level, it obviously gives us a unique advantage most rosters are not lucky enough to have,” Mount Vernon coach Maggie Willems said. Willems was quick to point out the entire team returned to the high school court this fall having worked in the offseason improving their game.
Included in that group is Sydney Huber, a first-team allstate setter, and Paige Shurbon, a third-team all-state middle
SPORTS BRIEFS
Boys’ golf, girls’ tennis moved to fall
Starting in the 2025-26 school year, boys’ golf at every level will move to fall competition, as will girls’ tennis.
Girls’ golf and boys’ tennis will remain spring sports.
The IHSAA and IGHSAU did this to help the “crowded spring sports seasons,” said IGHSAU executive director Erin Gerlich. “The new changes provide relief in an already busy spring.”
The spring had included track and field, soccer, golf and tennis for both boys and girls. There is also some overlap with baseball and softball.
“Reducing the congestion in the spring schedule has been a topic of conversation among ADs, our staffs, representative councils, boards, and the joint IHSAA & IGHSAU committee for several years,” IHSAA executive director Tom Keating said.
“She’s got it,” Kamaus said of Hasselbusch. “I tell her you can’t have friends. You’ve got to go to the hot hand and can’t worry about anything but points. She knows when to take charge.”
Senior Sarah Dietsch also returns as a powerful middle hitter.
“Sarah has been impressive in the middle,” Kamaus said. “She put in a lot of time in the winter.”
Junior hitters Keira Bergmann and Kamryn Kahl are expected to get more swings this year.
Lisbon also added Presley Studt, who played at North Cedar two years ago.
Juniors Kaitlyn Silver and Alex Roos are also competing for swings at middle hitter.
Kamaus is still sorting it all out. The Lions have 41 players out for volleyball. And they’ve been kept out of the Lions’ Den because of construction.
The Lions did finish runner-up at a team camp at Central College a few weeks ago (among 32 teams). It wasn’t the camp with the real big heavy-hitters, but it was still something to hang their hat on going into the season.
“We played well,” Kamaus said. “We’ve got a lot of possibilities.”
Lisbon Volleyball
Coach: Lance Kamaus (16th season at Lisbon, 19th overall)
2023 record: 28-7, 6-0 Tri-Rivers East, first, lost in Class 2A regional semifinal
Returning starters (3) – Sarah Dietsch, sr., MH; Kaitlynn Hasselbusch, sr., S; Mykala Luzum-Selmon, jr., OH
Other letter-winners (2) – Keira Bergmann, jr., OH/RS; Kamryn Kahl, jr., OH/RS.
hitter. (Maue was a third-team all-state pick as a junior at Center Point-Urbana.)
“Like any team, we have to work on roles, and hopes and aspirations,” Willems said. “We are working to figure out how the various pieces in the gym are going to work with each other. Not just positionally, but relationship-wise.”
Also returning are senior defensive specialists Eryn Jackson and Jaden Rolland, plus junior middle hitter Cali Whitaker. And expect some growth from sophomore outside hitter Sophia Meester, senior middle hitter Olivia Haverback and sophomore defensive specialist May Schweer.
“We are solid at every position,” Willems said. “We are not just two Division I prospects and nothing else.”
In order to challenge this veteran group, the Mustangs will play in several tough weekend tournaments, including a twoday tourney Aug. 30 and 31 in Bellevue, Neb.
“It is brutal,” Willems said. “I think we are the 11th seed out of 16 teams. It is the exactly right test to keep us moving forward.”
Expect the Mustangs to be ranked No. 1 when the first IGHSAU poll is released in a few weeks (they were ranked No. 1 in the final 3A poll of 2023 and are the top team in Iowa, according to MaxPreps, regardless of class). Then Mount Vernon has a couple months before trying to finish the job at the state tournament.
Mount Vernon Volleyball
Coach: Maggie Willems (14th season, 388-157)
2023 record: 36-5, 5-0 Wamac West, first, 3A state runner-up
Returning starters (6) – Chloe Meester, sr., OH; Sydney Huber, sr., S; Eryn Jackson, sr., DS/L; Paige Schurbon, sr., MH; Jaden Rolland, sr., DS/L; Cali Whitaker, jr., MH.
Other letter-winners (3) – Olivia Haverback, sr., MH; May Schweer, so., DS/L; Sophia Meester, so., OH.
Mount Vernon AD Matt Thede said the change happened a little quicker than expected.
“Now that golf is offered at the same time as football and cross country, athletes will have to make some new decisions,” Thede said. “At the same time, it could open up some opportunities for kids that want to golf and play soccer or run track.”
MV volleyball playing match outside
The Mustangs will play a special outdoor match on Sept. 17 in Manchester against West Delaware, the Cedar Rapids Gazette reported Monday.
It is believed to be the first outdoor match in Iowa high school history. It will be played at Brown Field. They plan to use a state tournament court from Xtream Arena.
Of course, the match will be moved inside if the weather doesn’t cooperate.
CROSS COUNTRY
MV-LXC eyeing return to state meet
Boys’, girls’ return solid nucleus of teams
Ryan Suchomel
Mount Vernon-Lisbon Sun ryan.suchomel@mvlsun.com
The Mount Vernon-Lisbon girls cross country team returns all seven athletes that ran at the state meet last fall.
The Mustangs finished second at state with a lineup featuring three freshmen and two sophomores.
“Certainly, on paper, we can try to make a push,” MVL coach Kory Swart said. “I’m cautiously optimistic. But also realistic. Pella (who won 3A) has got something going on over there.
“We need to close that gap.”
MV-L girls didn’t have a top runner, but rather a mix of very strong runners.
Senior Emrie Johnson (20th), sophomore Eastin Whisner (23rd), junior Kiersten Swart (31st), and sophomore Evelyn Moeller (39th) all finished in the Top 40 during the 3A state meet.
“Those four are somewhat interchangeable,” Swart said. “There will be some opportunities for different kids to step up and be our No. 1. They will push each other.
“That has been the strength of our team. You didn’t totally know who was going to be the one. It speaks to the depth we have.”
In addition, the Mustangs added Claire Jensen, who had been in volleyball, previously, but qualified for state track in the 3,000 meters.
“She should give us a boost,” Swart said.
Swart also noted that junior Edith Dawson has made big strides over the summer. And freshman Clara Vavricek could be a varsity contributor.
“Because of all we have coming back, it’ll be a tough team to grab a spot on,” Swart said. “But the competition is great within our team, and that will help us get better.”
Boys
The Mustangs boys’ also have a path to a state title. They return five of the seven runners that ran at the state meet in 2023.
MVL finished eighth at state.
Mount Vernon-Lisbon boys do have a bell cow. Grady Olberding finished 14th in Fort Dodge after winning the WaMaC title by 16 seconds.
And, truth be told, Olberding is still a little upset over his state finish.
“He didn’t have the best state meet,” Swart said. “He was hoping for Top 10, or Top 5. He still earned all-state. He’ll be hungry this year to get in that Top 5, and he’s absolutely capable of it.”
The good news is seven runners who finished higher than him at state have graduated. The bad news is that six have returned, including winner Canaan Dunham of Pella.
And while Olberding is still No. 1, junior Dawson Scheil is getting closer.
“I think that gap has gotten pretty small,” Swart said.
Also back are senior Seamus O’Connor, junior Sawyer Feldman and sophomore Chasen Caskey.
Senior Wesley Sadler had a persistent knee injury, and did not go out this fall. And Feldman is also battling an injury.
“That’s just the way it is,” Swart said. “You have people go through some things. You deal with it and move on.”
Senior Graham Vavricek and sophomore Chasen Caskey emerged during summer workouts. Freshman Daniel Dye also turned some heads.
“Lots of terrific stuff,” Swart said. “It is an exciting time to be coaching. I’m looking forward to what happens this year.”
2024 Lisbon & Mount Vernon Season Schedules
Friday, Aug. 23 host North Cedar scrimmage
Friday, Aug. 30 host Durant
Friday, Sept. 6 at Louisa-Muscatine
Friday, Sept. 13 host Columbus
Friday, Sept. 20 ....... at Highland High School
Friday, Sept. 27 host Pekin (senior night)
Friday, Oct. 4 at Wapello
Friday, Oct. 11 host Danville (homecoming)
Friday, Oct. 18 at Van Buren County 7 p.m.
Thursday, Aug. 22 scrimmage at Northeast
Tuesday, Aug. 27 host Lisbon tournament (V)
Thursday, Sept. 5 . . . . . host Winfield-Mount Union, North Linn, East Buchanan
Thursday, Sept. 12 at Springville
Saturday, Sept. 14 at Crestwood High tournament
Thursday, Sept. 19 host Calmus Wheatland
Saturday, Sept. 21 host Lisbon tournament (V)
Tuesday, Sept. 24 at Midland
Saturday, Sept. 28 at South Tama Invite
Tuesday, Oct. 1 at Marquette Catholic
Thursday, Oct. 3 host Prince of Peace
Saturday, Oct. 5 at Northeast tournament
Tuesday, Oct. 8 at North Cedar
Thursday, Oct. 10 at Easton Valley
Thursday, Oct. 17 Tri-Rivers Conference tournament
Saturday, Oct. 19 Tri-Rivers Conference tournament (at Starmont)
Monday, Oct. 21 Regionals (TBD)
Wednesday, Oct 23 Regionals (TBD)
Monday Oct. 28 Regionals (TBD)
Wednesday, Oct. 30 Regionals (TBD)
Nov. 4 through Nov. 7 State Tournament, Xtream Arena, Coralville
Sun file photos
Matthias Kohl (No. 32), Evan Coleman (No. 58), and Jacob Walerius (No. 60) work on defender at
Note: Varsity games follow fresh/soph except where noted. Fresh/soph
Thursday, Aug. 29 at Pella High School
Friday, Aug. 30 at Bellevue tournament
Saturday, Aug. 31 at Bellevue
Sept. 7 host Mount Vernon invite (V)
Tuesday, Sept. 10 . . . . . host Solon
Tuesday, Sept. 17 . . . . . . .at West Delaware (9/10/JV/V)
Saturday, Sept. 21 at Red Oak tourney (V)
Tuesday, Sept. 24 host Center Point Urbana
Saturday, Sept. 28 host Mount Vernon invite
Tuesday, Oct. 1 at Independence (V)
Saturday, Oct. 5 .......at Western Dubuque invite
Tuesday, Oct. 8 host Marion (Senior Night) 7:30 p.m.
Saturday, Oct. 12 at Cedar Rapids Jefferson tourney (V) 8:30 a.m.
Thursday, Oct 17 at WaMaC Tournament (Marion) 4 p.m.
Tuesday, Oct. 22 Regionals TBD
Thursday, Oct. 24 ......Regionals TBD
Tuesday, Oct. 29 Regionals TBD
Nov. 4 through Nov. 7 – State tournament Xtream Arena, Coralville
Tuesday, Aug. 27 host Mount Vernon invite
Sept. 5 at Ames Cross Country Invite
Sept. 12 at Seminole Valley Park invite
Sept. 19 at Independence invite (Boys only)
Sept. 23 at Solon Invite
at Williamsburg invite
Oct. 5 host MV Invite
at West Delaware Cross Country invite
Thursday, Oct. 17 at WaMac Meet at Antioch Christian Church
Mount Vernon’s Kael Riniker (No. 62) and Jackson Hird (No. 25) work on tackling a player at home last
Mount Vernon junior libero Jaden Rolland digs the ball against Anamosa last season in Mount Vernon.
Mount Vernon-Lisbon runners Kiersten Swart and
Bathtub Races a splash in downtown Lisbon
Siggins Farms winner in race
Joel Kellar
Mount Vernon-Lisbon Sun
joel-keller@uiowa.edu
Sauerkraut Days turned into an exciting, wet competition Saturday, Aug. 17, when the annual bathtub races were held. Participants ran out of water balloons before the final round (the department had filled 5,000 water
balloons at the beginning of the morning), but the annual races did not disappoint.
There were ten teams competing against each other at the event. Siggins Farms pulled out a dominate win with a time of 13.28. Evan Coleman, Quinn Coleman, Tiernan Boots, and Daylin Schaffer’s time was almost a full second faster than the Lisbon Fire Department, who placed second.
In the heat of the day, water balloons were getting tossed by people in the crowd before the races had even begun. Unfortunately, the demand for water balloons was
much higher than anticipated and by the time the final round started, there was a scarcity of balloons. Members of the fire department took it upon themselves to make up for the lack of balloons during that round. They sprayed the hose at the racers for a little longer time than in the first round.
Siggins Farms and Lisbon Fire Department had the two fastest times of the day. “Ow! My Knee!” rounded out the podium. The “Blue Lagoon Racers,” made up of Addie Clark, Gretchen Moelhman, Brynn Epperly, and Kayla Ries just missed the top three by less than half a second.
Photos by Joel Kellar | Mount Vernon-Lisbon Sun
Left: Siggins Farms begins to celebrate as they cross the finish. They had the two fastest times at the event and won by nearly a full second. Right: Boats ’N’ Hoes races through the track while their driver gets hit in the head with a water balloon. They placed fifth in the event, but also were a prime example of why the racers wear fireman helmets.
Photos by Nathan Countryman | Mount Vernon-Lisbon Sun Above: Drawing up the rear of the parade were horses Saturday, Aug. 17.
Left: Lisbon-Mount Vernon Ambulance Service director Jacob Lindauer throws some candy during the Lisbon Sauerkraut Days Parade.
Joel Kellar | Mount Vernon-Lisbon Sun
Above: People ride on the tractor hay ride at the festival. The hay ride was ran by Bass Farms.
Left: Bella Butteris laughs as she reaches the end of her pedal pull ride.
Top right: The Shriners brought many of their fun floats and rides to the Sauerkraut Days parade Saturday, Aug. 17.
Below: Members of the Lisbon track team throw candy from floats Saturday, Aug. 17.
Joel Kellar | Mount Vernon-Lisbon Sun
Above: Ben and Marlowe Goyette ride down the slide at the Sauerkraut Days.
Below: The Laidback Brass perform during the festival under shelter.
A Lisbon wrestler from the 1974 state wrestling team flexes during the Lora Light Memorial Parade Saturday, Aug. 17.
Above: Members of the Lisbon Lazers baseball team throw candy to people along the streets at the parade Saturday, Aug. 17.
Left: Members of the Lisbon Dance Team participate in the parade Saturday, Aug. 17.
Right: Sauerkraut Days king Harrison Sporrer throws candy in the parade Saturday, Aug. 17.
Above: Youth take part in some of the carnival rides on the west side of the Sauerkraut Days festival Friday, Aug. 16.
Right: Lisbon Sauerkraut Days Queen Brinley Blinks, seconds after being crowned Friday, Aug. 15.
Above: Attendees marvel at a Dodge in the Cabbage Head Car Show Saturday, Aug. 17. More than four blocks of classic cars, trucks and motorcycles drove in for this year’s car show, with more arriving following the parade in downtown Lisbon.
Below: Members of the Lisbon School Board, Lisbon Schools staff and Lisbon Dance team serve brats and sauerkraut at the Kraut booth Saturday, Aug. 17.
Amy White waves in the parade as the grand marshal Saturday, Aug. 17.
TAC 10 maintenance contract with Global Public Safety. Motion carries. Rose absent.
Discussion and Consideration of Additional Aeration System Purchase – Nature Park Quarry Pond – Council Action as Needed. The city has opted out of completing more treatments in the Nature Park quarry. Staff is seeking permission to place additional aeration systems within the quarry to help with oxygenation. Eldon Downs is also working with the IDNR to introduce grass carp and other fish species to help control unwanted vegetation. Motion made by Andresen, seconded by West to approve up to $8,000 for the purchase of additional aeration for the Nature Park Quarry Pond. Motion carries. Rose absent.
Discussion and Consideration of Invoice
#24006 with Technical Specialty Systems
Garage Sale
Garage Sale 8/24 and 8/25, 9 am to 4 pm both days, at 625 6th St NW in Mount Vernon (Ash Park Dist.). Housewares, home decor, holiday decor. Women’s professional work clothes, sizes 8 to 14.
Pets
Labradoodle puppies for sale. 3 months old. Asking $500 OBO. Call 319-560-2137.
For Rent
2 bedroom duplex for rent in Lisbon. Attached garage. Laundry hookups. Small yard. $950 per month. 319310-5898
Apartment for Rent uptown Mt. Vernon. 2 bedrooms. No Smoking. No Pets. 319-2708600
Miscellaneous
The bathroom of your dreams in as little as 1 day. Limited Time Offer - $1000 off or No Payments and No Interest for 18 months for customers who qualify. BCI Bath & Shower. Many options available. Quality materials & professional installation. Senior & Military Discounts Available. Call Today! 1-888-708-4754
Corp – Visitor’s Center – Council Action as Needed. The Historic Preservation Commission secured a grant to complete a mortar analysis, tuck point, clean, caulk and make repairs to the Visitor’s Center exterior in the amount of $11,305.00. The invoice from Technical Specialty Systems Corp for exterior repairs is $21,305.00. Motion made by West, seconded by Tuerler to approve the invoice from Technical Specialty Systems Corp in the amount of $21,305.00. Motion carries. Rose absent. Discussion Items (No Action) City Council Goal Update. Staff provided Council with an update to the goals and objectives that were established for FY2024 and FY2025 along with a timeline for completion on a few of the projects. No action taken.
Reports of Mayor/Council/Administrator Mayor’s Report. There will be discussion on a groundbreaking ceremony for the Cottonwood Development on August 21, 2024 at 1:00 p.m.
City Administrator’s Report. Full report can be found on the City website under the August 5, 2024 Council packet. As there was no further business to attend to, the meeting adjourned, the time being 7:48 p.m., August 5, 2024. Respectfully submitted, Marsha Dewell City Clerk Published in the Sun August 22, 2024.
Miscellaneous
Safe Step. North America’s #1 Walk-In Tub. Comprehensive lifetime warranty. Top-of-the-line installation and service. Now featuring our FREE shower package and $1600 Off for a limited time! Call today! Financing available. Call Safe Step 1-844-376-4154.
Eliminate gutter cleaning forever! LeafFilter, the most advanced debris-blocking gutter protection. Schedule a FREE LeafFilter estimate today. 20% off Entire Purchase. Plus 10% Senior & Military Discounts. Call 1-855-913-1560.
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.
Property tax statements arriving in mail this week
The semiannual installment of property and mobile home tax statements are being mailed this week and will be arriving in mailboxes soon. The deadline to pay the first half of property taxes without penalty this year is Sept. 30. A penalty of 1.5% will apply to late payments beginning Oct. 1.
“This is the busiest time of year for the Treasurer’s Office, so we encourage residents to pay their property taxes online, by mail, or use our drop box so they can avoid waiting in line,” Linn County Treasurer Brent Oleson said.
This is the first year the new tax exemption for people age 65 and older is reflected on the tax bills. Property owners must apply for this tax exemption. This is also the first year the military exemption is $4,000 (an increase from $1,852 in previous years). Applications for tax credits and exemptions for future tax cycles are available on the Iowa Department of Revenue website at https://tax.iowa.gov/ tax-credits-and-exemptions.
Iowa code requires residential property to be valued (assessed) at market value in odd-numbered years. The 2024 tax statements are based on the property assessments from 2023.
• Pay Online
Payment Options
Pay property taxes online at www.iowataxandtags.org. If paying by eCheck, the online fee is only 30 cents. Other payment options include VISA, MasterCard, Discover, or American Express credit cards. Credit card payments have a non-refundable service delivery fee added to the tax amount by the credit card companies. Property owners have the opportunity to exit the payment process without completing the transaction if they choose to do so and pay by an alternate method. The Linn County Treasurer’s Office does not receive any portion of the credit card transaction fee charged by the card companies.
• Pay by Mail
Mail property tax payments to the Linn County Treasurer, 935 2nd St. SW, Cedar Rapids, IA 52404. Payments postmarked by September 30, 2024, will be considered paid on time and no interest will be charged. The U.S. Postal Service postmark is the only date recognized for date of mailing. The date written on a check or a business metered date cannot be accepted as proof of the mailing date. To ensure proper credit, the stub portion of the tax statement must be submitted with the payment. Residents who would like a receipt must include a self-addressed stamped envelope with their payment.
• Drop Box Payment
Property tax payments can be dropped off in the white drop box located outside the entrance to the Jean Oxley Linn County Public Service Center, 935 2nd St. SW in Cedar Rapids. Please do not place cash payments in the drop box outside. Cash payments may be deposited in the drop box inside the Public Service Center lobby during normal business hours. To ensure proper credit, the stub portion of the tax statement must be submitted with payment. Residents who would like a receipt must include a self-addressed stamped envelope with their payment.
• Pay in Person
Property taxes can be paid in person at the Linn County Treasurer’s Office at the Jean Oxley Linn County Public Service Center, 935 2nd St. SW in Cedar Rapids, Monday through Friday 7:30 a.m.-4 p.m. Parking is available at the Public Service Center and on the street. (Due to staff development training, hours are 10 a.m.-4 p.m. on the second Wednesday of each month.)
Check the current average wait time in the Treasurer’s Office by visiting LinnCountyIowa.gov/
Treasurer.
• Pay Over the Phone
Property taxes can be paid over the phone by calling the Linn County Treasurer’s Office at 319-892-5500 Monday through Friday 8 a.m.-4 p.m. Phone hours are 10 a.m.-4 p.m. on the second Wednesday of every month. Phone payments can be made with eCheck or credit cards. Due to the high volume of calls, phone hold times could be lengthy.
Distribution of Property Taxes
County Treasurers collect property taxes on behalf of all jurisdictions in the county and then distribute the taxes collected. Approximately 16% of property taxes paid by Linn County property owners in incorporated areas are used to fund Linn County government operations and services. The remaining 84% of property taxes goes to the property taxpayer’s city of residence, school district, and other taxing bodies in the county. Linn County taxes represent slightly more than one-third of property taxes for rural residents.
Linn County debuted a new online tool last year that provides increased transparency of the property tax collection and distribution process. Taxpayers can look up their property and see how their tax bill compares to other like properties in their area; compare their current property tax bill to the last three years; and see how their property taxes are distributed among the different taxing jurisdictions, such as their city of residence, school district, and county. When entering an address in the mapping tool, it will display a pie chart with the exact dollar amount and percentage of taxes going to each taxing jurisdiction. The property tax statements being mailed also include this detailed breakdown by percentage and actual dollar amount of how your individual property taxes are distributed among the various taxing jurisdictions.
Visit the interactive property tax lookup tool online at https://treasurer-linncounty-gis.hub. arcgis.com/.
Email/Text Message Reminders
Property owners can sign up to receive an email or text message reminder to pay the fall and spring installments of property taxes. To sign up for this service, visit the Linn County website at LinnCountyIowa.gov/NotifyMe. Property tax statements will still be mailed each fall. The email or text message will serve as a reminder that the payment is due.
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
CALENDAR & PUZZLES
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
COMMUNITY CALENDAR
Thursday, Aug. 22
Story Time, Cornell Public Library Byerly Room, 9:30 a.m.
Fiber Friends, Southeast Linn Community Center, 10:30 a.m.
Friday, Aug. 23
First day of school Mount Vernon, Lisbon. Early out dismissals 1:15 p.m.
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.
Saturday, Aug. 24
Viva Mount Vernon, uptown Mount Vernon, 9:30 a.m. to 11:30 a.m.
Monday, Aug. 26
Lisbon City Council, Lisbon City Hall, 7 p.m.
Tuesday, Aug. 27
Lego Club, Cornell college Room 108, 3:30 p.m.
Yarn squad, Cornell College Cole Library Room 326, 6:30 p.m.
Wednesday, Aug. 28
Cards, Southeast Linn Community Center, 10-11:30 a.m.
Linn Lunch Bunch, Southeast Linn Community Center, 11:30 a.m.
Thursday, Aug. 29
Story Time, Cornell Public Library Byerly Room, 9:30 a.m.
Fiber Friends, Southeast Linn Community Center, 10:30 a.m.
1 Indy 500 directive
5 Epiphany that precedes a major change
10 Neon sign outside a motel
14 Bit of roofing
15 Like some mobile-device purchases
16 “My dudes!”
17 Actor Omar
18 Sticks firmly
19 Name on an AAdvantage credit card
20 Bit of flight info
22 Cheer of encouragement
24 Siren’s setting
25 Tetanus, by another name
28 Group of assets?
31 Orthodontic device
32 Excessive
33 One on a mission
37 “What’s up?,” in text shorthand
40 Charlottesville sch.
41 Major faults
45 Words of commitment
46 Part of a neural network
49 Portion
50 New Jersey borough known for its shopping malls
52 A long, long way back
54 The green light in “The Great Gatsby,” for one
56 Generational divide
57 Depositing checks with one’s phone, say
60 Quartz-filled rock
62 Small change in party parity?
63 Like many bars during happy hour
66 Harold who composed “Over the Rainbow”
67 “Gross!”
68 Muppet with a distinctive snickering laugh
69 Port in western France
70 Caustic cleaner
71 Carl who wrote “Cosmos”
1 Fortifies
First-rate 3 Domesticated relative of the vicuña 4 “Hi” follower
5 An “e-” one was first developed in 2003, for short
6 Barely simmering, say
7 Badly rough up 8 Olympic weapons
9 Festoons with bathroom tissue, informally
10 Oldest major TV network in the U.S.
Question that casts doubt
Say “nay”
Popular Italian cheese
26 Classic Chrysler 27 “___ is long, life is short” (Greek aphorism)
29 Org. that might organize a book fair 30 Indian flatbread 34 Routes down a ski mountain 35 Products of oogenesis 36 Scruff
37 Where one’s hands are placed at the end of the macarena
38 Anita of jazz
39 Portal represented by each pair of circled letters in this puzzle
42 Losing steam
43 Word repeated in an “Animal House” chant 44 “Enough!”
Wintry season 48 Enjoy a bath
Houses 53 Title with a tilde
58 Back out unexpectedly
59 Figure in the Louvre’s “Winged Victory of Samothrace” 60 “Gift” that can be annoying to others
Transgress
64 One-named pop singer with hits such as “Elastic Heart” and “The Greatest” 65 Hunger or thirst
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.
Bilingual story time held in Lincoln Square
Nathan Countryman
Mount Vernon-Lisbon Sun nathan.countryman@mvlsun.com
Zelle Crawford, an author with family ties to Lisbon, read her book “Bomba Bebe” at a special story time during Lisbon Sauerkraut Days.
Crawford’s grandfather lived in Lisbon, while she was raised in Boston, Mass., and now resides in New York City. Crawford was coming back to promote the book, as well as spend time with her family in Lisbon as part of the Sauerkraut Days festival. Crawford is a child development specialist.
“Bomba Bebe” is a children’s book about Puerto Rico and dancing culture of the island, that is written in both English and Spanish.
During the storytime, Crawford first read the book in
ENTERTAINMENT
Nathan Countryman | Mount Vernon-Lisbon Sun
Zelle Crawford shows a video of some of the bomba acts that are witnessed in Puerto Rico, as demonstrated by her co-author Danielle M. Hernandez Gonzalez.
English, and then read the same book in Spanish.
As she came across words that were used the first time, Crawford asked those in attendance what a Spanish word she just read might be indicating.
“Bomba Bebe” is now for sale at evolutionforward.org and will officially be published beginning in September. Lisbon Public Library has a copy of the book in their collection for anyone who missed the story time.
