Mount Vernon-Lisbon
Lincoln Highway Arts Fest returning
Nathan Countryman
Mount Vernon-Lisbon Sun
nathan.countryman@mvlsun.com
The Lincoln Highway Arts Festival will be returning Saturday, Sept. 21 in uptown Mount Vernon.
“There is something for everyone at the Lincoln Highway Arts Festival and we are looking forward to a fun-filled day to spend surrounded by arts and community,” said Tiffany Carr, director of Mount Vernon Area Arts Council.
One new addition to the festival this year is the appearance of giant puppets from the Uplifting Puppet Company.
“Puppeteer Brant Bollman will be bringing multiple large puppets to life and roaming the festival throughout the day,” Carr said. “We are excited to add this new element of artistic engagement with the community.”
Carr said the festival will feature more than 30 artists and artisans who will be selling their works along First Street in uptown Mount Vernon from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m.
They are also bringing three food trucks to the area— La Cantina and Americana Concessions — as well as returning favorite Floats.
The festival will also once again feature potters wheel demonstrations from the Iowa Ceramics center, free face painting for kids and a variety of children’s crafts that will be rotating every two hours.
“We’re featuring the Cole Public Library at the children’s activity center for the beginning of the festival, with a fun butterfly craft,” Carr said. “MVAAC’s Artist-in-Residence Sarah Fitzgerald and Sue Deibner will lead a multi-media craft, and the day will conclude with a kid craft-favorite, the making of fairy wands with Kim Wolfe.”
Mount Vernon’s poet laureate Amelia Kibbie will also present an opening poem and offer poetry on demand later. Dance Arts Iowa students will perform as well as part of the festival.
Live music will include performances by The Laid Back Band, Low and Away and Asking for a Friend.
Street closures
No overnight parking will be allowed on First Street the night of Friday, Sept. 20. No parking signs will be placed in uptown that afternoon.
Barricades along First Street will be put up early Saturday, Sept. 21. The festival runs from 10 a.m. to roughly 4 p.m., with artists and vendors to set up on both sides of First Street East to the First Street Community Center. Access points will be available for artists and vendors with A Avenue, but the street will be closed to through traffic during the festival.
Barricades for the city streets will be taken down Saturday evening.
Dipping Dogs
Top: Chasing tennis balls in all depths of the pool was one of the favorite activities of labradors and other breeds Tuesday.
Center: Staying dry as a dog owner at the doggy dip is a full time job as this dog shakes off some of the excess water.
There were some dogs who slept well Tuesday evening, as the annual doggy dip was held at the Mount Vernon Pool.
The dip is a fundraiser for the dog park and is held annually on the last day the pool is open to the community.
While organizers said there was a slight downtick in numbers at 4:30 p.m. this year compared to former years, the dogs who were present took advantage of the pool. There was definitely a good deal of running, both in the pool and on the decks, as dogs cavorted with friends they usually see at the dog park instead.
Some dogs were excitable enough to bark at their neighbors and others they didn’t know at the event, but most were just content to lap up water or take laps in the pool, chasing tennis balls.
Throughout the evening, songs played that made reference to dogs or were featured in movies that had dogs, like “Disney’s Lady and the Tramp.” “What I love about the doggy swim is that he’ll be racing all day here with his friends, and be out like a light until early next morning,” said one of the owners.
MV looking at expanding infrastructure on Rachel Street
Nathan Countryman
Mount Vernon-Lisbon Sun
nathan.countryman@mvlsun.com
KwikStar may be the catalyst for the discussion on expanding infrastructure at Rachel Street, but according to city administrator Chris Nosbisch, it was a discussion the council would have sometime
in the future anyways.
As part of the proposed infrastructure improvements, the City of Mount Vernon would look to widen Rachel Street on the east, which is the road next to Mercy and Mount Vernon Family Dentistry, to allow for turn lanes at a future lighted intersection. Rachel Street would also
be extended westward at the same intersection with Highway 1, cutting into land currently owned by Plaza Auto Auction and heading west. The road would end in a cul-desac, as there is a creek to the west that would require more development to cross and
Sun file photo
More than 30 vendors and artists are expected at this year’s festival in uptown Mount Vernon Sept. 21.
Nathan Countryman Mount Vernon-Lisbon Sun nathan.countryman@mvlsun.com
Photos by Nathan Countryman | Mount Vernon-Lisbon Sun
Right: Splashing and having a good time with friends you usually see at the dog park was the goal for this crew Tuesday, Sept. 3.
2
INFRASTRUCTURE from 1
would also come close to Highway 30. Further expansion of the road to the west, especially along Business 30 could happen years in the future.
The estimated cost for expanding city services to the west, extending Rachel Street to the west and a new lighted intersection and road widening would be roughly $1.83 million. Even with KwikStar contributing to the project, the city would be looking at a $1.2 million cost for that intersection and its improvements.
Nosbisch said assistant city administrator Lori Boren will work on applying for a Revitalize Iowa’s Sound Economy grant from the Iowa Depart-
ment of Transportation to help cover 50 percent of the improvement’s cost.
Council member Stephanie West said the development of Rachel Street is not inconsistent with the bypass overlay project, and is something that is on the city’s capital improvement plan.
“The interest of a business is just pushing some of these discussions up sooner,” West said.
Nosbisch said the city’s valuation between fiscal year 2024 and this current fiscal year 2025 had grown by roughly $80 million, which would increase the city’s bonding capacity in the future.
Council member Paul Tuerler said it was a lot like the quote from “Field of Dreams” — “If you build it, they
will come.”
“It helps get our infrastructure out to the west of Highway 1 and opens up that area for development,” Tuerler said. “We have work that is going on a new lighted intersection to the east with Minish [the new road that will connect to Business 30 near the Cottonwood Trail apartment complex], which helps get development to the south of Business 30 in the future. By adding improvements to Rachel today, that also increases development.”
Tuerler also noted that there are very few truck stops located between Mount Vernon and Meskwaki, which could drastically open up the traffic to the community.
Mayor Tom Wieseler said KwikStar had come to the city
a few years ago to start pursuing this possible development, and the city has been working with them to see if it could become a reality.
“It’s a no-brainer decision for me,” Councilor Mark Andresen said. “It hits our economic development goal and could be the catalyst to bring in more development in the future.”
West also asked if KwikStar is familiar with the design guidelines in the Highway 30 bypass area, and Nosbisch said they were and looking for some wiggle room, especially on signage.
Nosbisch will work with the city attorney to come up with a development agreement between KwikStar and Mount Vernon, which will cost roughly $6,000 to $8,000.
The Mount Vernon-Lisbon Sun strives for accuracy and fairness in reporting news. If we’ve made an error or a report is misleading, let us know about it: news@mvlsun.com
STAFF
Publisher Jason Brummond jason.brummond@dailyiowan.com
Editor Nathan Countryman nathan.countryman @mvlsun.com
Sports Ryan Suchomel ryan.suchomel@mvlsun.com
Nathan Countryman
Mount Vernon-Lisbon Sun nathan.countryman@mvlsun.com
Mount Vernon City Council will explore efforts to help the Mount Vernon Historic Preservation Commission come up with additional funding needed for their design guideline improvements at a coming meeting.
Sue Astley, MVHPC director, presented the history of the design guidelines originally adopted by MVHPC in the 1990s.
“That came about because of the work of Ed Sauter,” Astley said. “It was after the commercial historic district and Ash Park Historic District were added to the National Register of Historic Places in 1993.”
Those guidelines have helped the commission over the past 30 years.
The design guidelines were intended to help homeowners on some of the common repairs or changes that need to be addressed in a home over time.
Astley said Mount Vernon may have been one of the first communities to institute a design review process on properties, helping
preserve the historic nature of the communities.
Astley said while the design guidelines have worked great in the commercial district, there are areas that have been trickier to navigate for homeowners, including porches and windows.
With the loss of Leah Rogers and Sauter from the commission and not as many architectural design knowledgeable members of the commission currently, it has been harder for them to work at these design guidelines.
A subcommittee of five people selected JMV of Columbus, Ohio, as the company they want to do the design guidelines. The commission had $16,000 from the city and $5,270 from the Maurice Family Foundation, but it needs roughly $2,800 to be able to pay the $24,927 bid.
Astley said there is a grant that could be applied for to make up the remaining cost, but with the effort that could take and limited time window to apply, it might not be the most feasible. It would also potentially delay the project.
Council member Craig Engel asked if it would be possible to split the costs of this
grant between this fiscal year and next fiscal year, to give the commission time to raise more money or allow the city to make an additional donation during budget review this fall.
Astley said they could have those discussions after the contract has been signed with JMV.
Council member Paul Tuerler, who is also a liaison for the council with MVHPC, said that part of what made JMV the right company for the job was their focus on community outreach on the projects.
“Their real strength was getting those impacted by these changes looking at what is being proposed and making sure they are clear, as those are the people who are encountering the holes in the current design guidelines and will use them in the future,” Tuerler said.
He also said the diligence by the subcommittee and their methodology in deciding between the RFPs was one of the best processes he has seen.
Nosbisch recommended Astley visit with Joe Jennison about the grant application and see if that is feasible. The council will approve the contract with the firm at the next meeting and discuss the funding further at that time.
Council to explore additional funding for Mount Vernon Historic Preservation Commission MVHPC
tisements on the poles as something that has to come back before MVHPC as a safeguard in the future. Nosbisch said that he and the city have a healthy respect for historic preservation in the community and would appreciate that safeguard being established.
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Official Newspaper: Mount Vernon, Lisbon, Bertram, Linn County, Mount Vernon Community School District, Lisbon Community School District The Mount Vernon-Lisbon Sun (USPS 367-520), a division of The Daily Iowan, is published weekly every Thursday by Student Publications, Inc., 100 Adler Journalism Building, Room E131, Iowa City, Iowa 52242. Periodicals Postage Paid at the Mount Vernon Post Office and additional offices. POSTMASTER: Send address changes to Mount Vernon-Lisbon Sun, 108 1st St SW, Mount Vernon, IA 52314. Subscriptions: Contact Rochelle Ferguson at 319-895-6216 or rochelle.ferguson@mvlsun.com for additional information. Subscription rates: Linn and adjoining counties – $55 annually; elsewhere in Iowa – $75 annually; out of state – $85 annually.
Nathan Countryman
Mount Vernon-Lisbon Sun nathan.countryman@mvlsun.com
The Mount Vernon Historic Preservation Commission and City of Mount Vernon discussed the new streetlight program with Alliant Energy at Saturday, Sept. 7’s commission meeting.
Commission members main concerns had to do with the electric banners in uptown Mount Vernon, one of the historic districts in the community of Mount Vernon.
City administrator Chris Nosbisch said that for the most part, the banners would only be used to display banners similar to the ones that are currently hung on street lights in Mount Vernon.
“We cautiously moved forward with this project, and our goal as I have previously stated, is to make sure our downtown does not look like Times Square,” Nosbisch said. Nosbisch said that many of the electronic banners are hard to tell they are even electronic banners until you are right near them. Only eight of the proposed 24 light poles have
electronic banners on them.
Commission member Guy Booth asked what type of messages could be displayed on the banners, would that include advertising?
Nosbisch said that they had seen that happen at Platteville, and Nosbisch was not in favor of that being displayed.
“If we do not like the look or feel of the electric banners after a period of time, we can have poles retrofitted to have the traditional banners hung up,” Nosbisch said. “Alliant is using us to collect information on usage.”
The only other instance Nosbisch said those banners might be used is in case of an emergency to direct people to shelters or help locate a missing child.
Booth said his concern was that there be no advertising on the poles, and wanted Historic Preservation Commission to come up with language dictating that the banners displayed are the ones currently used or only switched out in cases of an emergency, like a missing child in uptown. The language in a resolution of that nature will be determined at a future MVHPC meeting before January when these new lighting poles are closer to being installed. That language would put the issue of running adver-
Commission member Mary Evans concern was the music during Magical Nights. As committee chair of that group, she said the elementary and high school musicians performing during the evening usually concludes at 6:30 p.m., and would it be possible that music from those lights is held off during those performances. Nosbisch said that could easily be accommodated for the festivals and something the city is in control of.
Nosbisch said the big thing the city was hoping for was utilizing the poles for emergency announcements, especially during the many festivals the community holds.
One of Nosbisch’s biggest concerns was how protected the communication is through these light poles, and Nosbisch said one computer in the city would have access to those controls. The city would be the ones responsible for the banners, communication in cases of emergencies and the like.
The city is responsible for the electrical conduits for wi-fi and speakers for the new light poles, but Alliant is responsible for the purchase and maintenance of the light poles for the next 10 years.
Existing poles that are taken down will be repurposed for use in other areas, like the trail systems and parks.
Nosbisch said the city had known about the decision from Alliant since January, but it was Alliant’s project to announce.
Copyright 2024 Mount VernonLisbon Sun, a division of The Daily Iowan and Student Publications, Inc. All articles, photographs and graphics, both in print and online editions, are the property of Student Publications, Inc., and may not be reproduced or republished without written permission.
mvlsun.com
Big Boy rumbles through town
Nathan Countryman
Mount Vernon-Lisbon Sun
nathan.countryman@mvlsun.com
Big Boy No. 4014, the Union Pacific steam engine, rumbled through the communities of Mount Vernon and Lisbon Friday, Sept. 6.
The last time a steam engine from Union Pacific passed through Mount Vernon was in 2019, when a similar sized train made the trek.
The steam engine traveled from Cedar Rapids towards its resting space in Rochelle, Ill., where it was docked for the weekend. Attendees could get up close to the train at its stop Sunday in Rochelle, Ill. The train also made a whistle stop at Grand Mound Friday.
The old Lincoln Highway bridge near Cornell College was a spot where more than 50 were gathered to watch the train as it passed.
One youth said he had made the trek from Wisconsin to come and see the train along this portion of the route, and had been looking forward to for a while.
Dennis Rodenberg was hoping the train was running on time this year. He and his children had tried to make it near the tracks during the last time the train passed through Mount Vernon and just missed it by five minutes.
Nicole and Arthur Christiansen got there at close to 9 a.m. to get the perfect spot to sit on the bridge, while Arthur enjoyed a morning snack of crackers to watch the train as well.
When another westbound freight train passed on the second rail line, an attendee was excited about the prospect of seeing two trains on the rail system in the same day.
Others visited about past times they had seen the train or other similar vehicles, and the importance of rail safety as some individuals could be seen near the tracks further to the west of the bridge.
Left center: Other photographers scope out their vantage points, waiting for the engine to arrive.
Left bottom: A small portion of the crowd at the bridge awaiting the passing Big Boy No. 4014 train.
Below: The steam engine Big Boy No. 4014 passes under the First Street highway bridge and towards the old Lincoln Highway Bridge Friday morning near Cornell College. The train was bound for Rochelle, Ill., with a whistlestop planned in Grand Mount at 11 a.m.
Photos by Nathan Countryman | Mount Vernon-Lisbon Sun
Left top: Arthur Christiansen is enjoying one of his crackers as he waits for Big Boy No. 4014 to approach the bridge.
OPINIONS
To paraphrase Johnny Cash: don’t take your phones to school, boys
Living in Iowa
Dan Brawner
Nobody is exactly saying a cell phone in school is as dangerous as a six shooter in an Old West saloon but many states, including Iowa are considering impounding students’ phones while they’re in school. Some schools now lock up student cell phones in magnetic “Yondr pouches” that can only be unlocked at the end of the day.
In Tombstone, Arizona, 1881, Marshall Virgil Earp was only trying to keep the peace. To help him do that, guns were banned within the city limit. But not everybody was happy to go along with this. Ike Clanton and Billy Claiborne declined to challenge the ordinance, but Ike’s brother, Billy Clanton and the McLaury brothers confronted Virgil Earp, Wyatt Earp and Doc Holiday on Fremont Street. Upon reflection, if they had formally lodged their complaint at a city council meeting, instead of staging a shootout, it might have delayed their untimely residency on Boot Hill.
Ironically, according to Adam Winkler, American constitutional scholar at UCLA, “Tombstone had much more restrictive laws on carrying guns in public in the 1880’s than it has today.” He notes that now it’s legal to openly carry firearms in Tombstone without a license or permit.
Curiously, with both guns and cell phones, technology has driven the problem. Nobody ever shot up a saloon with a cumbersome single-shot flintlock rifle. But compact six-shooters made that a lot easier. And now that phones are portable and powerful, the temptation to carry them everywhere is too great to resist. (Okay, I realize the first iPhone was introduced 17 years ago. But at my age, it seems like only yesterday.)
A June 2024 study by Pew Research reports that 72% of high school teachers claim that cell phone use is a “major problem” in school. In Des Moines, Hoover High School has banned cell phones for this academic year. In Iowa City, Tate High School has enacted a “no electronics policy.” More bans in Iowa schools are expected in October.
Teachers and administrators argue that cell phones distract from learning, compromise student privacy, contribute to cheating, cyberbullying and social anxiety. On the other hand, they recognize that cell phones can be critically important for emergency communication, especially with parents. They can help students organize their schedules and a phone’s Internet capabilities are powerful research tools.
Some students might suspect that the sudden urgency for schools to outlaw cell phones is opening the door to a general totalitarian state. In addition to banning phones, Alabama’s Alamance-Burlington Schools had the mirrors removed from the girls’ restrooms because they thought girls took too many restroom breaks. (The boys never did have mirrors.) Bessemer City High School in Alabama now bans sandals, hoodies, sunglasses, headbands and jeans with holes in them.
In El Paso, Texas, Charles Middle School banned allblack clothing, claiming it is associated with depression. Some parents protested that this was going too far. In response, the school compromised, allowing students to dress only half in black (presumably for those days when students just feel a little gloomy). Wearing all black will be permitted on “free dress day” (when they are allowed to express their complete desolation). How else are students supposed to communicate when schools take away their phones?
SUN EDITORIAL
Expansion of Rachel Street infrastructure will be necessary for city’s development plan
Mount Vernon will likely add a couple more lighted intersections -- one on Business 30 near Cottonwood Trails apartment complex and one on Hwy. 1 intersection with Rachel Street -- in the next couple years.
We agree with City Administrator Chris Nosbisch it was really a matter of when, not who, that would determine extending infrastructure to the west side of Highway 1 for future developments. With the Highway 30 bypass, it was only a matter of time before a convenience store or another fast-food restaurant was looking at Mount Vernon as a destination of choice.
As Paul Tuerler noted, there are a limited number of direct truck stops or gas stations located directly off Highway 30 from Mount Vernon to Meskwaki Truck Stop. Yes, there are a few in Cedar Rapids that will do in a pinch at Westdale or Kirkwood, but if you’re not as familiar with those areas, seeing a gas station as you’re coming on it from the road and your tank is floating near that E mark means you’re more likely to pull over.
Infrastructure improvements are never cheap. Nosbisch was making sure most of the council was
CONSUMER CONNECTIONS
Understanding short-term limited duration plans
Short-term limited duration (STLD) insurance is a type of health insurance coverage traditionally designed to fill the gaps in coverage when an individual is transitioning from one health insurance plan to another.
STLD plans attract a diverse group of individuals, particularly those facing specific life circumstances where traditional health insurance isn't immediately accessible or necessary. Common scenarios when STLD is needed are people between jobs, early retirees, individuals who missed open enrollment or people who find the ACA plans unaffordable. In 2023, the number of Iowans enrolled in STLD plans was 3,802.
Effective September 1, 2024, a new federal law significantly alters the landscape for STLD plans. The key changes under the new law include reducing the coverage duration to no more than 3 months with renewals extending the total coverage period up to only 4 months. Carriers are also prohibited from
LETTERS TO THE EDITOR
Election coming up, attend candidate forum Sept. 19.
Thank you to all the candidates running for elected offices in our state. Your willingness to offer your time and talents for public service is applauded. We urge all voters to become informed before they go to the polls on Nov. 5. Many issues face voters today and it may be challenging to decide who to
on board before moving further with any development agreement and getting attorneys involved.
Even if KwikTrip decides it isn’t in their best interest to develop there, that infrastructure extension was floated in the past for Mount Vernon when the bypass was first discussed and again when it came closer to completion.
The council was mindful of the impact of development in the Business 30 area as well. They completed an overlay onto the Business 30 area for what development would look like, including what types of materials are appropriate to fit the aesthetic.
The intersections may still be a few years down the road, but they are a sign of new commercial infrastructure and development in new areas of this community that, like Tuerler noted, may be the start of Mount Vernon building something that will lead more people to start coming in our direction.
Pursuing grants and other funding for these projects is also a smart move to make, as it will add to the future value of our city.
offering a STLD plan, including permissible renewals, to the same policyholder within a 12-month period.
Notices requirements to consumers purchasing STLD plans must be in 14-point font on the first page of all plans, applications, and marketing and enrollment materials. These requirements assist the consumer in understanding they are not purchasing an ACA compliant major-medical plan.
The federal changes do not impact any plans effective before September 1, 2024, and do not impact the duration of currently active plans. Individuals enrolled in plans before the law took effect, may continue to receive coverage under their plan for the full duration, including renewals, of the plan.
Individuals considering a STLD plan may need to consider other options for health insurance such as the ACA Marketplace. Marketplace plans may offer a subsidy in the form of a tax credit that lowers your monthly premium and, depending on your income, cost-sharing reductions that will lower your deductible and copays. Ninety percent of all Iowans receive significant monthly subsidies and the average monthly premium after the advance premium tax credit is $93. Open enrollment for the ACA Marketplace is November 1, 2024 - January 15, 2025.
Individuals who lose coverage in STLD plans are eligible for a 60-day special enrollment period into group health plans but not into an individual health plan, and the law did not allow for a special enrollment period into individual ACA plans. The September 1, 2024, effective date was set so individuals may receive coverage in STLD plans for up to 4 months until they are able to receive coverage in the individual ACA plans offered on the Marketplace beginning January 1, 2025.
Iowans considering purchasing or renewing a STLD should speak to a licensed insurance agent or contact the Iowa Insurance Division’s Consumer Advocate at 515-654-6538.
vote for. To help voters put faces to names and learn what each stands for, we urge you to attend our Candidates’ Forum for House District No. 83 on Sept. 19 at 7 p.m. at the Mount Vernon High School Performing Arts Center Lobby. House district 83 candidates Cindy Golding (I) and Kent McNally have agreed to attend the forum. Doors will open at 6:30 p.m. The League also reminds citizens that absentee ballot requests are accepted Aug. 27-Oct. 21. Early voting is available from Oct. 16 – Nov. 4 at
Sonya Sellmeyer Consumer Advocacy Officer, Iowa Insurance Division
Sellmeyer
the Jean Oxley Public Service Center (Linn County Adm. Building.) and at Lindale Mall.
Carol Woods-Boren & Marti Hurst, Co-Chairs, League of Women Voters of Linn County, Mount Vernon/Lisbon Unit
What If
What if, in your family, a young woman is looking for a college or a young couple is looking at job options and a place to settle? You would love to see them here in Iowa. But a major consideration for them is a huge barrier in Iowa: the current lack of safety in women’s health care. Iowa has become a dangerous place for women, especially young women - as their health care options have been compromised by the Iowa legislature and governor.
Iowa has faced a brain drain for decades, but the current climate for young women has exasperated the situation. Given choices, why would young women settle in a state that increasingly will limit their health care?
The only answer for us at this time is to vote for legislators who can make changes in Iowa law - Kent McNally for Iowa House. For the nation we can elect Sarah Corkery to the U.S. House of Representatives.
Sue Snyder Cedar Rapids
Things to know about the upcoming 2024 election
League of Women Voters
Linn County Lisbon-Mount Vernon Unit
Iowa residents are aware that candidates campaign almost nonstop in our state. Some relish the political attention, and some grow weary of it. All of us of every opinion can now see election day Nov. 5 is just around the corner. Let’s make sure we are ready.
First, are you registered? To register you must be a U.S. citizen, a resident of the State of Iowa and be 18 on or before Election Day. Make sure you are ready to vote by checking to see that you are registered at sos.iowa.gov. Those listed as registered with active and inactive voter status can vote. If you are not listed, you can register online at sos.iowa.gov up until Oct. 21. The Secretary of State site will also identify your polling place as well as answer many frequently asked questions.
League of Women Voters of Linn County Mount Vernon-Lisbon Unit registered voters at Chalk the Walk, Heritage Days and Sauerkraut Days. They will also register young voters who will be 18 by election day during fall stops at the two area high schools. If you have been missed and wish to register, go to sos.iowa.gov/elections to register online or go to Lisbon City Hall or Mount Vernon City Hall for a paper voter registration form.
Mount Vernon voters are reminded that polling places changed for many after the 202 Census, but will be the same as those used during the 2022 midterm and 2024 primary elections. A map of precincts 1 and 2 is shown. Precinct 1 votes at St. John’s Catholic Church; Precinct 2 at Mount Vernon City Halll. Voters in Franklin Township and the City of Lisbon continue to vote at Lisbon Cit Hall Those living in outlying areas should check online or with the Linn County Auditor-Elections.
Linn County Elections office confirms there will be an early voting satellite location Oct. 30 at the Small Athletics and Wellness Center on Cornell College’s campus. Any Linn County voter can place their vote there. If you are not registered, evidence of identity and residence will be required. Early voting at a satellite is voting absentee but with the advantage of having an election official to guide you through the process. Cornell College students gathered the 100 necessary signatures to provide this satellite voting location.
You may know people who don’t vote because they believe their vote doesn’t make a difference. The 2000 presidential election between Bush and Gore was decided by a mere 537 votes. Lisbon High School teacher Amelia
Linn County Board of Supervisors awards $100,000 in economic & community development funds
The Linn County Board of Supervisors has awarded $100,000 to 12 local organizations through the Linn County Economic & Community Development Fund. This is an annual competitive grant program designed to foster and support economic growth and enhance quality of life in Linn County. Funding requests annually exceed the amount of funding available.
This year’s funding requests exceeded $315,000. The Board’s decision to partially fund or decline an application is based on the need to prioritize limited funding.
The following organizations are this year’s grant recipients:
• Center Point Urbana FFA Alumni & Supporters, “Growing Forward” - capital fundraising campaign for vocational ag program: $17,000
• Eastern Iowa Health Center, Improving Health for Community Members in Need Through On-site Pharmacy: $12,000
• Families Helping Families, Fostering Hope for Children in Foster Care: $3,800
Kibbie considered some reasons people do not vote and then cautioned “Our children are watching. We as American citizens of voting age have an obligation to educate the next generation about how our government works (or doesn’t) so that they are empowered to step into a voter’s role in the future.”
In the last election in 2020, voter turnout in Mount Vernon 1 was 81.97 percent. Mount Vernon 2 turnout was 61.71 percent affected by a large population of Cornell College students who may have voted in “home” districts rather than here. Turnout for Franklin Township including City of Lisbon was 84.03 percent, and Linn County overall was 79.64 percent. Iowa posted a turnout of 75.77 percent.
Iowa Secretary of State Paul Pate’s efforts to recruit poll workers recently received national recognition by fellow secretaries of state. Pate’s office has helped identify more than 21,000 poll workers in recent years. “Poll workers are our secret weapon to keeping Iowa elections safe and secure,” he said.
Linn County uses hundreds of poll workers for major general elections. For many years, Carol Woods-Boren has served as a chairperson in one of Mount Vernon’s two precincts. She asked some new workers why they decided to serve in this way. Bob Campagna writes, “I agreed to work on elections because I regard it as part of my civic duty. Besides, it was enjoyable and I could meet people.’
Steve and Mary Young also believe that serving as precinct officials is a service to the community. They write “the training offered through the auditor’s office has been excellent. They gave us the information and training needed for us to do the job well. Days are long, but very rewarding.”
Citizens who wish to investigate the process for becoming a precinct official for future elections can go to linncountyiowa.gov/402.
Each election cycle brings new warnings about disinformation and misinformation. With AI images, the challenges for voters become more difficult. For trusted information on the mechanics of voting, look to sos.iowa. gov and Linncountyiowa.gov/vote.
Three contributors from the League of Women Voters Mount Vernon-Lisbon unit (Carol Daly, Sharon Hill and Carol Woods-Boren) relied on information from the Iowa Secretary of State website and the Linn County Auditor’s- Election office in preparation of this article. Democracy is not a spectator sport. Be a confident, informed voter!
• Hawkeye Downs, 100th Year of Racing – Event Programming in 2025: $6,700
• Indian Creek Nature Center, All-terrain Wheelchairs at Indian Creek Nature Center: $6,700
• Kids First Law Center, Preventing Youth Dropouts: $5,000
• Linn County 3rd Fire District, Renovation of a building for a new fire station: $5,000
• Matthew 25, Cultivate Hope Corner Store: $12,000
• Mount Vernon Area Arts Council, Signage for Mount Vernon Sculpture Trail: $1,100
• Riverview Center, Linn County Sexual Assault/ Abuse Crisis Response Program: $6,700
• Tanager Place, The Therapeutic Childcare Project: $12,000
• Together We Achieve, Choice Pantry & Meals To-Go: $12,000
For more details on the funding process, visit LinnCountyIowa.gov/EconomicDevelopment.
League hosting candidate forum Sept. 19
The Mount Vernon-Lisbon Unit of the League of Women Voters of Linn County will be holding a candidate forum Thursday, Sept. 19, at Mount Vernon Performing Arts Center from 7-8 p.m.
The community is invited to attend. House district 83 Candidates Cindy Golding (R) and Kent McNally (D) have agreed to attend the forum.
Doors will open at 6:30 p.m.
Questions are submitted by attendees and presented to the candidates by the forum Moderator. These forums are organized by the League of Women Voters Linn County as part of its mission to inform and empower voters.
New gallery space opening in MV
Mount Vernon’s Abbe Creek Gallery grand opening
Nathan Countryman
Mount Vernon-Lisbon Sun nathan.countryman@mvlsun.com
A dream of three separate artists is becoming a reality, when Abbe Creek Gallery opens in the former Right Frame of Mind retail space this Saturday, Sept. 14, in uptown Mount Vernon from 6 to 9 p.m. A brief welcoming message will begin promptly at 7 p.m. Food, wine and non-alcoholic beverages will be provided.
“Bob, Chris and myself all had this individual dream,” Kimberly Machovec Smith said. “And I have to think this gallery is only better with all three of us working together on the same dream.”
Bob Campagna said the discussions started shortly after the Mount Vernon Creates gallery closed last fall.
“Both Bob and I were having similar thoughts,” Chris Childers said. “Joe [Jennison, former MVLCDG director and Chris’s husband] recommended I talk to Bob about this idea I’d been having about a potential art gallery.”
Shortly after, Kimberly Machovec Smith met with Jennison as well about a similar idea, and he forwarded her to talk with the artists.
From that, the idea for a new gallery space was born.
The trio then were paying attention for spaces that might fit the bill, and heard that Right Frame of Mind’s retail space might be opening up.
“It just made a great deal of sense when we started evaluating the space,” Campagna said. “We’re really a complimentary business to a frame shop, with many pieces being
sold unframed. Sherry wanted to keep her frame shop going, but was stepping down on the knick-knacks front.”
The group started the minor renovations to the space in late July.
One of the key changes was getting an off-white paint on the walls to brighten the storefront up more and help the art stand out more in the space.
“Each of us brings a different connection and skills to the space,” Machovec-Smith said. “Those all compliment what our business is to become.”
Items that will be for sale at the gallery include fine art, paintings, ceramics, photography,
jewelry, pottery, glasswork, sculpture, weaving and publications, including books and artistic note cards.
“It’s all hand made or created from ideas by artists in the area,” Machovec-Smith said.
One of the things the gallery will be hoping to utilize the new space for is to be able to host programming with the featured artists at the gallery. They’d also like to offer classes on skills like painting, jewelry making or art therapy sessions.
Local book readings, poetry readings and other arts events are also not out of the question.
“We believe that art has the power to transform lives, spark controversy, and connect us to our community and our world,” Childers said. “It is our hope that Abbe Creek Gallery will serve the community as a vibrant sanctuary for artists, art enthusiasts and curious souls alike. We invite art lovers throughout the area
to join us Saturday, Sept. 14, and meet our team of artists and see their work in our historic gallery space.”
Campagna said that having curious locals popping in has also been one of the things the trio has enjoyed, being part of the bustling Mount Vernon community and people being excited of what they might see there.
The gallery’s regular hours will be Tuesday, Wednesday and Friday from 11 a.m. to 5:30 p.m.; Thursday from 11 a.m. to 8 p.m.; and Saturday from 11 a.m. to 2 p.m..
The mission of Abbe Creek Gallery is to celebrate creativity, foster community and ignite curiosity. We curate a diverse collection of art, seek to create a gathering spot for kindred spirits and invite our clientele to both explore new perspectives and discover hidden talents.
You can find out more about the shop by visiting abbecreekgallery.com.
Pool renovations approved
Nathan Countryman
Mount Vernon-Lisbon Sun nathan.countryman@mvlsun.com
The City of Mount Vernon approved a contract with Woodruff Construction to complete the pool renovations, with a base bid of $1.44 million.
There were two other bidders on the project, with their base bids coming in the $1.64 to $1.69 million range.
Woodruff also contributed an alternate bid of $529,000 for a stand alone slide.
City Administrator Chris Nosbisch recommended awarding the base bid only at this time.
“This estimate came in slightly higher than Water’s Edge had estimated, and with the age of the pool that we’re going to be making repairs in, I’d prefer we
have that extra money for contingency for unexpected surprises,” Nosbisch said.
Nosbisch said if there are no surprises, they could phase in the slide towards the end of the project.
A representative from Woodruff also said they found discrepancies in their bid for that alternate, which would shift that price lower as well, including doubling up on an expense for a ladder in the unit.
It was also recommended that the city doesn’t immediately drain the pool, and allow Woodruff to conduct some leak tests to find areas where water may be disappearing before getting the pool ready for winter.
The approval of the base bid will allow the contractor to get to work on the pool until this fall and work towards completing their repairs before next spring.
Saint Peter and Paul fall fun festival Sunday
The Saint Peter and Paul Historical Foundation’s fall fun festival is scheduled for Sunday, Sept. 15, beginning at 11 a.m.
Lunch will be served in the fellowship hall from 11 a.m. to 1 p.m., with grilled pork sandwiches, baked beans, chips, drink and a treat.
Attendees will also have the opportunity to purchase kolaches, various baked goods and raffle tickets during the lunch.
A silent auction begins at 11 a.m. in the sanctuary of the church, with more than 50 items available to bid on. Bidding in the auction ends at 1 p.m. sharp.
Raffle drawings will begin at 1:15 p.m., with many unique and one of a kind items being handed out.
A cookie in a jar winner will also be determined at the close of the event. Winners of that do not need to be present to win, and the prize is $100.
Saints Peter and Paul Chapel is located at 1165 Taft Avenue N.E. Solon. From Moun Vernon, head south on Hwy. 1. Turn at 140th Street N.E. and head to the east.
Nathan Countryman | Mount Vernon-Lisbon Sun
Abbe Creek – Kimberly Machovec-Smith, Chris Childers and Bob Campagna with individual pieces of art they are proud of. The group are finishing up the displays of artwork and other items in the new Abbe Creek Gallery that will be opening this Saturday for the first time.
Thelma Jeannette McCall Hubler, 94, of Michigan, N. D., formerly of Lisbon, died Aug. 26, 2024, at the Good Samaritan Society in Lakota, N. D. She was born to Art and Verna Baker McCall on the family farm March 17, 1930. She graduated from Mechanicsville High School in 1949. She was united in marriage to Charles David Hubler June 18, 1949, in the Methodist Church in Mechanicsville. To this union, they were blessed with four children: Diana Lee (Wayne) Novak of Mount Vernon, David Alan (Paula) Hubler of Madisonville, Tenn., Duane Arthur (Jennifer) Hubler of Springfield, Mo., and Donna Sue (Steven) Nevins-Amundson of Michigan, N. D. There are nine grandchildren, two step grandchildren, 22 great grandchildren, and two great-great granddaughters. A very special snot nose kid, Jay Proffitt. Charles and Thelma farmed from 1949 to 1998 and moved off the farm in 2002.
Thelma was a member of Living Global Methodist Church since 1952, where she worked in the nursery during service for many years. She was a Jr. High MYF leader for four years, as well as the church treasurer for two years. For many years, Chuck and Thelma furnished sweet corn for the fall festival at the church.
Thelma was a charter member of Cedar County Porkettes. where she was treasurer. It was a thrill for her when she showed her hog at the State Fair and received Grand Champion Carcass Contest and Champion at the Jones County Fair.
Thelma was a member of Eastern Star, where she held numerous offices. She was assistant mother advisor and chairman of the board for Rainbow.
Thelma was a bookkeeper at Eastern Iowa Livestock in Mechanicsville, worked in the accounting department at Wilson in Cedar Rapids, and worked at Collins Radio. She was the first female agent in the state for MFA/Shelter Insurance Companies and had her own agency for 22 ½ years. She also worked at Cornell College in housekeeping and was coordinator/demonstrator mostly at the SW Walmart for a number of years.
Thelma was preceded in death by her parents; husband, Charles; brothers, Lawerence (Opal) and Ralph (Martha) McCall; daughter-in-law, Sheila Hubler; sonin-law, Daniel Nevins; two grandsons, Anthony David Hubler and Denny Hubler; and two great grandsons, Colton and Clayton Novak.
She has a sister, Mary (Burton) Rodman of Iowa City, many nieces and nephews, and a great niece and nephews. She and Chuck enjoyed traveling, going to a number of countries in Europe, Canada, Alaska, Hawaii, and most states in the United States. She has visited four Olympic grounds: Mexico City, Calgary, Canada, London, England, and Lake Placid, Vermont. They would drive around to see the deer and turkeys. They also enjoyed going mushroom hunting.
In lieu of flowers, memorials may be made to Living Hope Global Methodist Church in Lisbon, Petersburg Lutheran Church in Petersburg, N. D., Camp Courageous, or any other organization.
Joyce M. Loomis, 94, of Cedar Rapids, Iowa, formerly of Mount Vernon, Iowa, passed away Tuesday, Sept. 3, 2024, at Meth-Wick Manor, Cedar Rapids. Per Joyce’s wishes, a private family burial will be held at Mount Vernon Cemetery in Mount Vernon.
Joyce was born Dec. 15, 1929, in Dows, the daughter of Herbert and Gladys Capellen. She was united in marriage to Lloyd Loomis on June 18, 1950.
Joyce attended Iowa State Teachers College. She was a member of the Mount Vernon United Methodist Church for 50 years. Joyce enjoyed traveling, playing bridge, and reading.
Joyce is survived by her children, Julia Ann (Craig) Stephenson, and Joni Jo (James) Tackenberg; grandchildren, Brian (Amanda) Tackenberg and Jacob Tackenberg; and great-grandchildren, Olivia and Benjamin.
Joyce was preceded in death by her parents, husband, and sister, Ardelle Page.
Please share your support and memories with Joyce’s family on her Tribute Wall at www.stewartbaxter. com under Obituaries Memorials may be made to the Mount Vernon Community School District Foundation.
Raptology at Palisades-Kepler
Volunteers from Raptology, a raptor & wildlife education group based in Iowa City, are bringing three avian ambassadors to the Palisades-Kepler State park for a visit Saturday, Sept. 14, from 11 a.m. to noon. Join them at Shelter 1 to learn about some of Iowa’s largest birds and meet three of the birds face-to-face.
Raptology holds education permits issued by USFWS and the Iowa Department of Natural Resources. They will be sharing information about the raptors habitat, diet, and size. The trainers love answering questions and you’re encouraged to join the conversation.
This is a family friendly event, though pets are not allowed. The event will be canceled if it rains. Keep an eye on our Facebook page for updates: https://www.facebook. com/FriendsofPalisadesKepler
Learn more here: https://raptologyiowa.wordpress. com
Mushroom Foray at Palisades
Explore the wonderful world of fungi at Palisades-Kepler State Park Saturday, Sept. 14, at 10 a.m. Those who want to go on a mushroom foray are asked to meet at Cedar Cliff Trail Head.
Join the Friends and Clay Packard, of the Prairies States Mushroom Club, on a Mushroom Foray. Clay will lead participants through the park in search of interesting and edible fall mushrooms, such as chicken of the woods and puffballs.
Wear your walking shoes and bring some water. This is a family friendly event. Canceled in case of heavy rain. Keep an eye on our Facebook page for updates: https:// www.facebook.com/FriendsofPalisadesKepler
Learn more here: https://www.iowamushroom.org/
POLICE CALLS
Aug. 26 – Suspicious person, 500 blk First St SE, Mount Vernon
Aug. 26 – Suspicious person, 100 blk Seventh St NW, Mount Vernon
Aug. 26 – Medical, 100 blk Franklin St, Mount Vernon
Aug. 27 – Missing (found) person, 100 blk E. business 30, Lisbon
Aug. 28 – Car unlock, 700 blk Palisades RD SW, Mount Vernon
Aug. 28 – Agency assist- disturbance, Linn Co
Aug. 29 – Suspicious person, Sixth St NW, Mount Vernon
Aug. 29 – Disturbance, 600 blk Second
Aug. 30 – Medical, 1400 blk Palisades Rd SW, Mount Vernon
Aug. 30 – Animal control 100 blk Candlestick Dr NE, Mount Vernon
Aug. 31 – Suspicious activity, 600 blk First
Aug. 31 – Medical, 600 blk First St SW, Mount Vernon
Aug. 31 – Trespassing, 1225 blk First Ave NW, Mount Vernon
Aug. 31 – Medical, 1225 blk First Ave NW, Mount Vernon
Aug. 31 – Missing (found) person, 200 blk School St, Lisbon
Aug. 31 – Citizen assist, 400 blk E. Main St, Lisbon
Sept. 2 – Agency assist- disturbance, Linn Co
Sept. 2 – Alarm, 100 blk W. Main St, Lisbon
Sept. 2 – Juvenile issue, 200 blk First Ave SE, Mount Vernon
Sept. 2 – Disturbance, 200 blk W. Main St, Lisbon
Sept. 2 – Welfare check, 300 blk business 30 SW, Mount Vernon
Sept. 2 – Disturbance, 100 blk First St, Mount Vernon
Sept. 3 – Agency assist- disturbance, Linn Co
Sept. 3 – Animal control, 100 blk business 30, Lisbon
Sept. 3 – Agency assist- fire, Cedar Co
Sept. 3 – Medical, 1400 blk Palisades Rd SW, Mount Vernon
Sept. 3 – Theft, 1225 blk First Ave NW, Mount Vernon
Sept. 4 – Medical, 100 blk Seventh St SE, Mount Vernon
Sept. 4 – Animal control, 1200 blk Palisades Rd SW, Mount Vernon
Sept. 4 – Agency assist- medical, Linn Co
Sept. 4 – Car unlock, Gillette Ln, Lisbon
Sept. 4 – Harassment, 1225 blk First Ave NW, Mount Vernon
Sept. 4 – Juvenile issue, 380 Old Lincoln Hwy, Mount Vernon
Sept. 5 – Medical, 300 blk Fourth Ave SW, Mount Vernon
Sept. 5 – Theft, 1200 blk First St SW, Mount Vernon
Sept. 7 – Citizen assist, 300 blk Seventh
Sept. 7 - Juvenile issue, 380 Old Lincoln Hwy, Mount Vernon
Sept. 8 – Medical, 400 blk Ashton Pl NE, Mount Vernon
Cole Corner
Cathy Boggs Cole Library
Story Times continue year round at Cole
Summer is over but - Story Time is not. Story Time is a program that Cole Library offers year round on Thursday mornings at 9:30 a.m. The Story Time program lasts about half an hour and includes three stories, each followed by a song or finger play, and ends with a simple arts and crafts activity. Behind the scenes, I have spent time looking at the pieces of early literacy – print motivation, print awareness, narrative skills, vocabulary, and phonological awareness – and put together a theme with books that strengthen these skills for participants. Then I add a dash of fun and a touch of silliness, and story time is ready!
If your child is in a day care setting and unable to attend Story Time, we do offer a monthly Book Buddies program. Book Buddies is a free library delivery service to in-home day care providers within the city limits of Mount Vernon. To sign up for Book Buddies or learn more about it, email me at cboggs@cornellcollege.edu.
For children unable to attend story time we also offer Story Time to Go bags. Story Time to Go follows the Each bag includes three books, two songs or finger plays, and a simple craft. For the craft, we will provide everything but scissors, The Story Time to Go Bags are located on the first floor near the Book Sale Shelf. They are not in the Children’s Room but clearly marked and easy to spot. I hope to see our preschool patrons at Story Time or at their day care when I drop off books. The first three years of listening to stories, playing with books, and learning new words are truly the building blocks for language and literacy development – not to mention
Thursday, Sept. 12: 8:00am -10:00pm Friday, Sept. 13: 8:00am - 5:00pm Saturday, Sept. 14: 10:00am - 4:00pm Sunday, Sept. 15: 12:00pm -10:00pm Monday, Sept. 16: 8:00am -10:00pm Tuesday, Sept. 17: 8:00am -10:00pm Wednesday, Sept. 18: 8:00am - 4:30pm Thursday Sept. 19: 8:00am - 4:30pm
Thelma Hubler
Joyce Loomis
Mount Vernon stampedes past Union 43-6
Jase Jaspers threat for Mustangs, scoring in all three phases of play
Ryan Suchomel
Mount Vernon-Lisbon Sun ryan.suchomel@mvlsun.com
Mount Vernon junior Jase Jaspers is a triple threat. Against Union in Week 2, the defensive back/wide receiver scored in all three phases – offense, defense and special teams, as the third-ranked Mustangs took care of the Knights, 43-6.
“He’s just a great athlete,” Mount Vernon coach Brad Meester said. “He has a real knack for finding space. We just try to get him the ball and let him do his thing.”
Jaspers got the Mustangs on the scoreboard just 55 second into the game with a 20-yard pick-6.
In the second quarter, he had an 87-yard punt return for a touchdown.
He finished his trifecta with a 17-yard TD catch in the fourth quarter.
“It feels good,” Jaspers said. ”Our coaching staff says there are three sides to a game -- offense, defense. special teams. It is important to score on all of them.”
It proved to be important, too, as the offense struggled to get going in the first half. Part of that was due to five penalties that wiped out some big gains.
Junior quarterback Kellen Haverback was 4-of-10 passing for 21 yards and an interception in the first half. He was 8-of-10 for 150 yards in the second half.
“We were not our sharpest offensively,” Meester said. “We just couldn’t get into a good rhythm.
“When we came back out for the second half, we did what we needed to do.”
And the defense terrorized the Knights for most of the night.
The Mustangs held the Knights to negative 48 rushing yards. That was due to 14 tackles for loss.
“We’ve got a great group up front,” Meester said. “You’ve got to pick your poison there. When you try to double any one of them, it opens up the other ones.
“That’s a tough group. I would hate to go against them. There is no great answer for them, and they do a great job.”
Leading the way Friday was nose guard Kael Riniker, who finished with 4 sacks and 4.5 tackles for loss.
“I just try to get behind the line of scrimmage as fast as I
can and cause as much trouble back there as possible,” Riniker said. “Our coach calls us the fastest D-line in the state. We find the ball, and never stop moving our feet.”
Meester, a center during his career at UNI and in the NFL, said a tough nose guard can really disrupt the offense.
“If you have a nose that is really good, it wreaks havoc, and he can do that,” Meester said. “He disrupts everything. You can’t get the offense started running the ball if there are guys in the backfield. And that’s what he is doing.”
The continuous clock started midway through the third quarter. Union finally got on the scoreboard with 26 seconds left when Andrew Sadler found Justice Luke for a 15-yard strike.
Junior running back Cooper Hird finished with 72 rushing yards and two touchdowns. Haverback also had a rushing TD. Jaspers finished with seven catches for 142 yards, and tight end Ethan Wood had four grabs for 27 yards.
“We’re in a good spot (after two weeks),” Meester said. “I wish we had got the offense going quicker, but that’s the way it is every year. I think it is that way for everybody.
“I like where we’re at. This team has really bought in.”
Mount Vernon (2-0) travels to Benton Community (2-0) in Week 3. The Bobcats have beaten Vinton-Shellsburg, 48-0, and Marion, 41-13, so far this season.
“I like our chances,” Riniker said. “We all put in the work this offseason, and everyone is aggressive. We’re all working towards the same goal.”
Above bottom: Mount Vernon students cheer during a high school football game between Mount Vernon and Union Community in Mount Vernon Friday, Sept. 6, 2024. The Mustangs defeated the Knights 43-6.
22-(-48)
Rushing - Union: Justice Luke 4-9, Mays Weber 5-6, Hunter Anderson 1-(-2), Eric Neipert 1-(-16), Andrew Sadler 11-(-45). Mount Vernon: Cooper Hird 14-72, Kellen Haverback 5-14, Jase Jaspers 3-9, Jakob Yock 1-(-2).
Passing - Union: Andrew Sadler 9-22-139-1. Mount Vernon: Kellen Haverback 12-20-181-1, Tommy Rhomberg 2-3-5-0.
Receiving - Union: Justice Luke 6-75, Caden Sorensen 2-59, Cooper Spore 1-5. Mount Vernon: Jase Jaspers 7-142, Ethan Wood 4-27, Landon Wilson 2-5, Cooper Hird 1-12.
Union quarterback Andrew Sadler throws the ball during a high school football game between Mount Vernon and Union Community in Mount Vernon, Iowa, on Friday, Sept. 6, 2024. The Mustangs defeated the Knights 43-6.
Photos by Cody Blissett | The Daily Iowan
Mount Vernon wide receiver Jase Jaspers runs with the ball during a high school football game between Mount Vernon and Union Community in Mount Vernon, Iowa, on Friday, Sept. 6, 2024. The Mustangs defeated the Knights 43-6.
Above top: Union fullback Wyatt Walker gets tackled by a group of Mount Vernon Mustangs players during a high school football game between Mount Vernon and Union Community in Mount Vernon Friday, Sept. 6, 2024. The Mustangs defeated the Knights 43-6.
Lions top home quadrangular 3-0
Ryan Suchomel Mount Vernon-Lisbon Sun ryan.suchomel@mvlsun.com
No. 13 Lisbon went 3-0 at its home quadrangular Thursday, Sept. 5, at the Lion’s Den.
Lisbon (5-1) beat Winfield-Mount Union 16-21, 21-14, 15-8, topped North Linn 21-19, 22-20, then took care of East Buchanan 21-18, 21-6.
“We are getting there,” Lisbon coach Lance Kamaus said. “It is not the group we are going to be in a couple weeks. The kids are getting experience. I think these two quads have been really good for us to figure things out.”
WMU jumped on the Lions 4-0 to start the evening. Lisbon finally got even at 13-13 behind a pair of ace serves from Kaitlynn Hasselbusch.
The senior setter missed the first three matches of the season with an ankle injury.
“This was the firsts time we’ve ever run this lineup. Ever,” Kamaus said. “Kaitlynn has only really started practicing the last couple nights. It is just completely different.”
WMU freshman Kynlee Buffington came up with a couple big kills down the stretch, and the Wolves ended up winning the first set.
“We knew we had work to do,” Lisbon junior Mykala Luzum-Selmon said. “We can get up, and we can get down, but when we know we’re behind, we work hard and try to get our points.”
Lisbon never trailed in the second set, and got up big early, 10-3, on a couple Luzum-Selmon kills.
In the tiebreaking third set, Lisbon raced out to a 4-0 lead thanks to a Sarah Dietsch kill and two aces by Hasselbusch. The Wolves cut it to three, 8-5, then Kamryn Kahl and Dietsch had kills and freshman Kyla Kahl had an ace and it was 12-5.
It was a key stretch, putting WMU away with LuzumSelmon in the back row.
“We rely on everybody,” Luzum-Selmon said. “Everybody is strong and I think when I’m in the back row, we’re stronger than ever.
“We did get put in a lot of tight positions, which is good for our team.”
Next up was a pair of Tri-Rivers West foes. The Lynx pushed the Lions in both sets.
Lisbon was trailing 19-15 in the first set and were bailed out by three Lynx errors plus two Dietsch aces and a block by junior Alexa Roos.
“We’ve shown really good resiliency,” Kamaus said. “We need to have that focus and intensity from the get go.”
The second set was a battle, with neither team ever leading by more than two points. The Lynx were leading 19-17 when the Lions used a North Linn attack error, three kills by Kamryn Kahl and two kills by Dietsch, to close it out.
“We had some runs there,” Kamaus said. “On balls in play, we are really good right now.”
Against the Bucs, the Lions played another close set and then uncorked a dominating one.
Luzum-Selmon finished the night with 33 kills. She continues to be the hard-hitting sparkplug for the Lions.
“Against WMU, it seemed like there was a stretch there where she was getting every single point,” Kamaus said. (She had 16 kills that match.) “Some of those kills were just hammers. That gets everyone in the gym excited.”
And the junior did it with a shoulder brace on her swing arm.
“It is just a helps me hit harder,” Luzum-Selmon said. “I’m trying to come back stronger and better.”
Dietsch added 18 kills and Kamryn Kahl had 15 kills.
Hasselbusch had 63 assists.
“Lauren (Stolte) played well last week stepping in (at setter), but you can’t replace the experience Kaitlynn brings,” Kamaus said.
Kyla Kahl, the freshman libero, had 28 digs to pace the defense.
“She was very good tonight,” Kamaus said. “Not that she played poorly last week, but she was decidedly better today. And she was more vocal. Really good.”
“Kyla kept up with the game really well,” LuzumSelmon said.
The Lions open conference play Thursday, Sept. 12, at Springville.
Photos by Jami Martin-Trainor | For Mount Vernon-Lisbon Sun
Top: Lisbon volleyball player Aislin Andrews serves the ball at a match between the Lisbon Lions and the Winfield-Mt. Union Wolves on Sept. 5, 2024 at Lisbon High School. The Lions beat the Wolves, 2-1. Left: Lisbon volleyball player Madison Flockhart spikes the ball during warm-ups for a match between the Lisbon Lions and the North Linn Lynx on Sept. 5, 2024 at Lisbon High School. The Lions beat the Lynx, 2-0. Above: Lisbon volleyball players celebrate after scoring a point during a match between the Lisbon Lions and the North Linn Lynx on Sept. 5, 2024 at Lisbon High School. The Lions beat the Lynx, 2-0.
Lions blank Falcons 48-0
Ryan Suchomel Mount Vernon-Lisbon Sun
On paper, Lisbon looked like a major mismatch for Louisa-Muscatine.
Sometimes, the paper doesn’t lie.
The Lions blanked the Falcons 48-0 on Friday night in Letts, running the Falcons’ losing streak to 29 straight games (last win was against Van Buren on Sept. 25, 2020).
“We knew we needed to push the boys this week,” Lisbon coach Dylan Hastings said. “Get our mind right. See that growth. Keep your eyes on the prize and keep getting better. And we did that in all three phases of the game.”
It was pretty obvious from the start. Senior running back Tiernan Boots took the opening kickoff 78 yards for a touchdown.
Then on offense, Boots had six carries, and four of them went for touchdowns. He finished with 157 rushing yards.
“He’s a special running back,” Hastings said. “Hardnosed and elusive and athletic. He has that strength as well and is difficult to bring down.”
In addition to Boots’ five touchdowns, Daylin Schaefer had a 29-yard interception return, and Dakota Clark connected with Grayson Wollum on a 20-yard touchdown pass.
Leading 48-0 at half, the Lions barely had the ball in the second half, and the continuous clock kept things moving. The second-team defense gave up yards, but no points.
“That’s our goal every week,” Hastings said. “I told our JV guys before the game; you’ll probably get on the field. The shutout goal is for the varsity, but you are fully capable as well. They did not want to let the seniors and juniors down, and they rose to the occasion.”
Things should get more difficult this week, when the Lions host Columbus (1-1) on Friday, Sept. 13, at Walmer Field.
The Wildcats are one of the bigger threats in Class A District 5. Lisbon beat them 34-28 last year in Columbus Junction.
“They are a program that has been building and developing over the last few years,” Hastings said. “They have good running backs and strong offensive linemen. They are good at what they do. They are going to bring it at you.”
Photos contributed by Jennifer Tischer
Above: Lisbon’s Tiernan Boots (No. 7) scrambles out of a tackle to press for more yards against Louisa-Muscatine.
Left: Lisbon’s Austin Kelsey (No. 15) and Ian Kelsey (No. 22) work at tackling a LouisaMuscatine player in the first half.
Below left: Lisbon’s Gage Holub (No. 4) successfully punts the ball in play against Louisa-Muscatine.
Below right: Lisbon players Jacob Walerius (No. 60), Austin Kelsey (No. 15) and Daylin Schaefer (No. 28) work on tackling a LouisaMuscatine player.
MVVB tops Shirley Ryan invite
Ryan Suchomel
Mount Vernon-Lisbon Sun
ryan.suchomel@mvlsun.com
No. 1 Mount Vernon continues to take on the slings and arrows from the top programs in the state and beyond.
On Saturday at the Shirley Ryan Invitational, the Mustangs beat three Top 6-ranked teams on the way to the title in their home gym.
“Beating great teams is really a tall task,” Mount Vernon coach Maggie Willems said. “Maintaining the level of play and execution under pressure is hard.”
In pool play, Mount Vernon beat Waverly-Shell Rock 21-7, 21-8, topped Davis County 21-4, 21-3, and defeated Des Moines Christian 21-11, 21-13.
In the quarterfinals, Mount Vernon beat No. 6 (2A) DikeNew Hartford 25-20, 25-27, 15-7. In the semifinals, they topped No. 2 (3A) Davenport Assumption, 25-20, 19-25, 15-6.
Both matches the Mustangs dropped the second set, and won the tiebreaker.
“We were pushed to a third set against two powerhouses, and came out with attention to detail and energy that allowed us to win those deciding sets,” Willems said.
In the championship, Mount Vernon beat No. 3 (4A) North Scott 25-19, 25-19.
“This team is resilient and able to find a way together when the pressure is on,” Willems said.
Chloe Meester finished the day with 66 kills over six matches. Following her in attacks, Sydney Maue had 35 kills, Paige Schurbon 22 kills, Sophia Meester 21 kills, and Cali Whitaker 16 kills. Sydney Huber had 131 assists.
“We are terminal from every offensive position,” Willems said. “You may get the eye test of our big pin hitters, but at the end of the day, the efficiency of all our hitters is critical to our balance.”
Leading the defense, Eryn Jackson had 47 digs and sophomore Mavrik Schweer added 24 digs.
Mount Vernon (13-2) played its first non-tournament event Tuesday, Sept. 10, against No. 9 Solon. Next up is a special outdoor match Tuesday, Sept. 17, at No. 12 West Delaware.
Ryan Suchomel
Mount Vernon-Lisbon Sun
ryan.suchomel@mvlsun.com
The Kirk Schmaltz Invitational on Thursday, Sept. 5, in Ames was loaded with ranked Class 4A teams.
So much so that a 3A powerhouse like Mount Vernon-Lisbon struggled to make a dent.
The MVL girls, ranked No. 2 in 3A, finished eighth and the MVL boys, ranked No. 3 in 3A, finished 10th.
“The competition is exceptional,” MVL coach Kory Swart said. “But that’s why we like to go over there. To get pushed, and compete against some of the best programs in the state.”
Finishing in front of the girls’ race was No. 5 Ankeny Centennial. Some of the other schools in front of MVL included No. 9 West Des Moines Valley, No. 4 Ankeny, No. 13 Waukee Northwest, No. 7 Ames and No. 6 Waukee.
“We performed really well,” Swart said. “The other teams were just that good.”
Swart’s only regret was not getting in their home meet the week before (canceled due to heat). A huge meet in Ames is quite a wake-up call to start the season.
“I think we just got thrown to the wolves a little bit there,” he said. “We would’ve been better with a race under our belt.”
Kiersten Swart led the girls, finishing ninth in 19 minutes, 5.3 seconds. She was followed by Evelyn Moeller (29), Rose Pisarik (36), Sam Schoff (51) and Claire Jensen (52). Cora Smith (53) and Emrie Johnson (54) followed right behind, but were not part of the team score.
“The biggest thing is we need to tighten up our pack,” Swart said. “We were spread out a little bit. Our girls have to close the gap a little bit.”
That was true on the boys’ side as well.
Junior Grady Olberding finished fourth in 15 minutes, 10.1 seconds. Junior Dawson Scheil was 17th in 15:54.3. They were followed by Seamus O’Connor (50), Chasen Cas-
SPORTS BRIEF
Hove fires ace
Fletcher Hove, 14, of Lisbon hit a hole-in-one Aug.
24 at Kernoustie Golf Club.
Hove aced hole No. 8, covering 143 yards, using
key (57) and Anthony Armstrong (67).
“Grady was mixing it up with some of the best runners in the state,” Swart said. “That was a really good race for Grady.”
Scheil has taken a big step forward from last fall.
“He had an exceptional summer, and is hungry to make his mark,” Swart said. “To run a sub-16 … I hope he is consistently in that range because if he does, he has a chance to be all-state in 3A.”
The Mustangs boys finished behind seven ranked 4A teams.
It will be another crowded and challenging field Thursday, Sept. 12, at the Cedar Rapids Invitational at Seminole Valley Park.
“Cedar Rapids is another great test for us,” Swart said. “It may be a little warmer, so we’ll have to adjust a little.”
Kirk Schmaltz Invitational
Girls team scores – 1. Ankeny Centennial 54; 2. West Des Moines Valley 106; 3. Ankeny 106; 4. Waukee Northwest 109; 5. Ames 121; 6. Waukee 147; 7. Council Bluffs Lewis Central 166; 8. Mount Vernon-Lisbon 177; 9. Des Moines Roosevelt 199; 10. Norwalk 243; 11. Bondurant-Farrar 326; 12. Marshalltown 375. Medalist – 1. Marley Turk (Ames) 17:54.4. MVL – 9. Keristen Swart 19:05.3; 29. Evelyn Moeller 19:55.3; 36. Rose Pisarik 20:14.1; 51. Sam Schoff 21:13.4; 52. Claire Jensen 21:17.0; 53. Cora Smith 21:20.4; 54. Emrie Johnson 21:23.0. Boys team scores – 1. Norwalk 104; 2. Ankeny Centennial 119; 3. Waukee Northwest 125; 4. Ankeny 129; 5. Council Bluffs Lewis Central 130; 6. Ames 150; 7. Waukee 166; 8. Marshalltown 166; 9. West Des Moines Valley 175; 10. Mount Vernon-Lisbon 190; 11. Bondurant-Farrar 279; 12. Des Moines Roosevelt 303; 13. Des Moines Lincoln 363. Medalist – 1. Ethan Zuber (Ankeny) 14:56.5. MVL – 4. Grady Olberding 15:10.1; 17. Dawson Scheil 15:54.3; 50. Seamus O’Connor 16:56.1; 57. Chasen Caskey 16:59.0; 67. Anthony Armstrong 17:38.4; 68. Cayden Scheil 17:39.4’; 81. Graham Vavricek 19:06.4.
an 8-iron. It was witnessed by Evan Coleman of Lisbon.
Lisbon is on the boys’ golf team. His parents are Brandon and Abby Hove.
Third annual Stonebrook Olympic games held MVLXC teams place 10th at Ames
Nathan Countryman
Mount Vernon-Lisbon Sun nathan.countryman@mvlsun.com
The third annual Stonebrook Olympic Games were held Saturday, Aug. 3. This year’s competitors included Jesse and Traci Smith, Cory and Kerri Speth, Travis and Lauren Tittle, Jake and Alexa Ryan, and Garret and Emily Reddish. 2024’s Stonebrook Olympic Games included a 9-hole golf course, 2 on 2 1-inning whiffle ball, USA basketball (PIG), bags, and archery. For those new to the annual Stonebrook Olympics event, married couples within the Stonebrook Village face off in five bracketable Olympic Games, competing against one another for a right to claim themselves as Stonebrook Olympic Champions.
After the playing of the National Anthem, the opening Olympic event showcased a challenging 9-hole golf round on the historic Cor-noustie Golf Course, where couples combined scores for placement. This year’s course included narrow fairways, challenging rough and water hazards.
In the end, the Smith’s received the gold, followed by the Reddish’s and the Ryan’s. Top round for the men went to Garret Reddish, firing an electric 29. Traci Smith led the women, finishing with an equally impressive 36.
The second event of the games was the notorious, 2 on 2, 1-inning whiffleball game. This year’s tourney included home runs, diving catches, and late inning drama. In the end, the Ryan’s held serve, taking the gold in the event for the second straight year. The Reddish’s continued to shine with their string of silver, followed by the Speth’s.
In the third Olympic Game of the day, the teams changed from their annual ‘PIG’ basketball tourney, to a more appropriate ‘USA’ basketball tourney. In the women’s tourney, Traci Smith took top honors. For the men, wrestler Jake Ryan used some unorthodox shooting skills to take the top prize. However, this is a team sport, and with combined scores, the Smith’s claimed their second gold of the day, followed by the Ryan’s and the Tittle’s. Bags were the fourth event of the 2024 Games, where the
The participants in the third
photo
Olympics pose for a photo before the games get underway in early August.
leaders, the Smith’s, had won the event every year since the historic Stonebrook Olympics inaugural event. This year was no different, as the Smith’s dominated the competition on their way to a third straight gold medal. The Ryan’s and Reddish’s continued their strong day, taking the silver and bronze respectfully.
That set the stage for the fifth and final Olympic Game of the day, archery. Both the Smith’s and the Ryan’s were tied for the lead heading into the last event. A new event in this year’s games, teams shot real arrows with foam arrowheads at various targets throughout the landscape, each target at different depths for different points. The final round went back and forth. Alexa Ryan took the early lead with an
impressive score as the first archer. Traci Smith followed her with a great round of her own, reclaiming the lead for the Smith’s. Jake Ryan stepped up next to the Archer’s Circle and fired what many thought was the best round of the day, reclaiming the lead for the Ryan’s and putting all the pressure on Jesse Smith. In the end, Jesse Smith and Traci Smith took the gold.
Congratulations to the 2024 Stonebrook Olympic Champions, Jesse and Traci Smith. This Olympic Title is their second in three years.
Contributed
annual Stonebrook
for this conversation, but not necessarily the reason for the needed improvements. Based upon the Hwy 1 traffic study, in order to continue to develop south of Plaza Auto and south of Mercy Care, improvements will need to be made. Rachel Street is going to be the only cross street that will intersect with Hwy 1. If development continues in that area, everything will funnel to Rachel Street and it will need to be widened on the east side to accommodate potential turn lanes. There will also be lights added at Rachel Street and Hwy 1 and Rachel Street would end up being a long cul-de-sac on the west side. The issue at hand is, when you add lights, the widening of an existing street and the extension of that street, the entire cost of those improvements is not something Kwik Star should be required to pay for. The estimate for these improvements would be approximately $1,830,000.00. The City’s contribution to this would be between $1,200,000.00 and $1,400,000.00. Nosbisch again noted that the improvements to Hwy 1 and Rachel Street are going to have to be made in order for continued development in this area. What he is asking of Council tonight is whether they would be comfortable with this amount for the improvements. After discussion, Council agreed that these improvements and City funding were necessary and in line with the City’s Bypass Plan and Comprehensive Plan. No official action taken. Discussion and Consideration of Ferguson Waterworks Invoice #0491617-1 – Council Action as Needed. The next two invoices from Ferguson Waterworks represent equipment purchases for the 2024 Water Meter replacement project. Motion made by Rose, seconded by Engel to approve invoice #0491617-1 in the amount of $23,202.95. Motion carries. Discussion and Consideration of Ferguson Waterworks Invoice #0491617-2 – Council Action as Needed. Motion made by Tuerler, seconded by Andresen to approve invoice #0491617-2 in the amount of $6,387.90. Motion carries. Discussion and Consideration of Waters Edge Invoice #10972 – Council Action as Needed. This invoice from Waters Edge is for design services for the proposed pool renovations in the amount of $107,520.00. Motion made by West, seconded by Rose to
struction Project. Motion made by Rose, seconded by West to approve invoice #51361-3 in the amount of $9,685.67. Motion carries.
Discussion Items (No Action) Discussion on moving forward with the proposal for updating the Historic Preservation Guidelines (Sue Astley). Sue Astley addressed Council with a request to move forward with updates to the Historic Preservation Guidelines and gave a brief history of the progression of the Historic Preservation Commission in Mount Vernon over the years. The current design guidelines have served the community for 34 years but are in need of updating. The City budgeted $16,000 towards the updates in this fiscal year and the Commission also received a donation from the Maurice Foundation in the amount of $5,722.00. Three firms were interviewed to complete these updates and the Commission chose the firm with a quote of $24,927.00. An amendment may need to be made to the Historic Preservation budget to cover the shortfall. Historic Preservation will bring a contract back to Council for approval at a later meeting.
Reports of Mayor/Council/Administrator Mayor’s Report. There was recognition for Mount Vernon in last month’s Midwest Living magazine. There was also recognition for Lincoln Wine Bar in the New York Times. Wieseler is speaking to a class this week on civic planning and did an interview today with the University of Kansas for a book regarding small town newspapers. Committee Reports. Engel reported there would be a childcare meeting this week and next week there will be a meeting between the three largest employers in Mount Vernon.
City Administrator’s Report. Full report can be found on the City website under the September 3, 2024 Council packet. As there was no further business to attend to, the meeting adjourned, the time being 7:48 p.m., September 3, 2024. Respectfully submitted, Marsha Dewell City Clerk Published in the Sun September 12, 2024.
NOTICE OF PROBATE THE IOWA DISTRICT COURT FOR LINN COUNTY IN THE MATTER OF THE ESTATE OF THOMAS BOVA, DECEASED CASE NO. ESPR047091
NOTICE OF PROBATE OF WILL, OF APPOINTMENT OF EXECUTOR, AND NOTICE TO CREDITORS
To All Persons Interested in the Estate of Thomas Bova, Deceased, who died on or about July 29, 2024:
You are hereby notified that on August 23, 2024, the Last Will and Testament of Thomas Bova, deceased, bearing date of April 24, 2024 , was admitted to probate in the above named court and that Derek Bova was appointed Executor of the estate. Any action to set aside the will must be brought in the district court of said county within the later to occur of four months from the date of the second publication of this notice or one month from the date of mailing of this notice to all heirs of the decedent and devisees under the will whose identities are reasonably ascertainable, or thereafter be forever barred.
Notice is further given that all persons indebted to the estate are requested to make immediate payment to the undersigned, and creditors having claims against the estate shall file them with the clerk of the above named district court, as provided by law, duly authenticated, for allowance, and unless so filed by the later to occur of four months from the date of the second publication of this notice or one month from the date of mailing of this notice (unless otherwise allowed or paid) a claim is thereafter forever barred.
Dated August 26, 2024. Derek Bova, Executor of Estate 4426 Ashworth Dr, #10 Cedar Falls, IA 50613 Guy P Booth, ICIS#: AT0001014 Attorney for Executor Guy P. Booth Law Office 425 2nd St SE, Suite 1010 Cedar Rapids, IA 52401
Published in the Sun September 12, 2024
NOTICE OF PROBATE THE IOWA DISTRICT COURT FOR LINN COUNTY IN THE MATTER OF THE ESTATE OF SHARON A. WILKINS, DECEASED CASE NO. ESPR047114
NOTICE OF PROBATE OF WILL, OF APPOINTMENT OF EXECUTOR, AND NOTICE TO CREDITORS
To All Persons Interested in the Estate of Sharon A. Wilkins, Deceased, who died on or about August 3, 2024: You are hereby notified that on September 3, 2024, the Last Will and Testament of Sharon A. Wilkins, deceased, bearing date of August 29, 1981, was admitted to probate in the above named court and that Michael Wilkins was appointed Executor of the estate. Any action to set aside the will must be brought in the district court of said county within the later to occur of four months from the date of the second publication of this notice or one month from the date of mailing of this notice to all heirs of the decedent and devisees under the will whose identities are reasonably ascertainable, or thereafter be forever barred.
Notice is further given that all persons indebted to the estate are requested to make immediate payment to the undersigned, and creditors having claims against the estate shall file them with the clerk of the above named district court, as provided by law, duly authenticated, for allowance, and unless so filed by the later to occur of four months from the date of the second publication of this notice or one month from the date of mailing of this notice (unless otherwise allowed or paid) a claim is thereafter forever barred. Dated September 5, 2024. Michael Wilkins, Executor of Estate 834 Shade Tree Ct Lisbon, IA
Date of second publication September 19, 2024. Published in the Sun September 12, 2024
NOTICE OF PROBATE
THE IOWA DISTRICT COURT FOR LINN COUNTY IN THE MATTER OF THE ESTATE OF CARL W. SHIPLEY, DECEASED CASE NO. ESPR047128
NOTICE OF PROBATE OF WILL, OF APPOINTMENT OF EXECUTOR, AND NOTICE TO CREDITORS
To All Persons Interested in the Estate of Carl W. Shipley, Deceased, who died on or about August 30, 2024:
You are hereby notified that on September 6, 2024, the Last Will and Testament of Carl W. Shipley, deceased, bearing date of December 30, 2020, was admitted to probate in the above named court and that William Shoop was appointed Executor of the estate. Any action to set aside the will must be brought in the district court of said county within the later to occur of four months from the date of the second publication of this notice or one month from the date of mailing of this notice to all heirs of the decedent and devisees under the will whose identities are reasonably ascertainable, or thereafter be forever barred.
Notice is further given that all persons indebted to the estate are requested to make immediate payment to the undersigned, and creditors having claims against the estate shall file them with the clerk of the above named district court, as provided by law, duly authenticated, for allowance, and unless so filed by the later to occur of four months from the date of the second publication of this notice or one month from the date of mailing of this notice (unless otherwise allowed or paid) a claim is thereafter forever barred.
Dated September 6, 2024. William Shoop, Executor of Estate 310 S Elm St. Stanwood, IA 52337 Guy P Booth, ICIS#: AT0001014 Attorney for Executor Guy P. Booth Law Office
Date of second publication September 19, 2024.
CLASSIFIEDS
Garage Sale
Denver community garage sales Saturday, September 14. Dozens of sales, Downtown Vendor Fair, and Young Entrepreneur Vendor Fair. Listings at Casey’s, Kwik Star, destinationdenveria.com
For Rent
2 bedroom duplex for rent in Lisbon. Attached garage. Laundry hookups. Small yard. $950 per month. 319310-5898
Help Wanted
McKinnon Destiny L. 593.64
Mclaughlin Brittany C 13,178.75
McNamer Stefanie L. 58,186.17
McNeese Melissa E 35,543.90
Medinger Justin J 50,906.66
Meier Connie M. 9,209.71
Meierotto Christina H. 48,503.92
Meineke Ellie A. 42,988.00
Melsha Olivia P 815.98
Mills Karen E 135.00
Moehlman Janice D. 3,315.52
Moehlman Jarrett C. 25,368.79
Montague Levi D. 59,711.29
Moore Kira L 1,179.75
Moreland Mackenzie K 1,881.28
Morf Elizabeth M. 1,024.59
Morningstar Jacquelyn J 461.50
Mullis Addison M 914.77
Myers Melinda L. 3,552.51
Neal Meikaella L 322.20
Nelson C.J. 24,698.51
Nelson McKenna C. 1,076.67
Neuhaus Natalie A. 765.01
Nikolai Sharon L. 6,925.00
Nost McKenna G. 1,731.05
O’Connor Logan G. 645.84
Oldfield Reid M. 12,621.57
Onstott Shayne 26,002.61
Osborn Madison A 11,072.18
Ott Allison S 1,754.28
Ott James W 81,605.41
Padilla Toro Daniela 747.66
Apartment for Rent uptown Mt. Vernon. 2 bedrooms. No Smoking. No Pets. 319-2708600
For Sale - Pets
When veterinary care is unavailable or unaffordable, ask for Happy Jack® animal healthcare products for cats, dogs, & horses. At Tractor Supply ® & Bomgaards ® . (www.happyjackinc.com).
Miscellaneous
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.
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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.
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.
‘Among the Stars’ opens MV Marching Mustangs season
Nathan Countryman
Mount Vernon-Lisbon Sun
nathan.countryman@mvlsun.com
The Mount Vernon Marching Mustangs performed their show “Among the Stars” for the first time at halftime of the Mount Vernon Mustangs vs. Union football game Friday, Sept. 6.
The Marching Mustangs will perform their first competitions Saturday, Sept. 21, at Mount Pleasant and Fort Madison High School.
From there, they compete at Linn-Mar Sept. 28, Bands Across the Prairie Oct. 5 and Muscatine Band State Competition Oct. 12.
The band hosts the Hwy. 1 Marching Band Classic Tuesday, Oct. 15, and then has a final performance at Waukee Saturday, Oct. 19.
The Marching Mustangs finale is scheduled for Oct. 28
Above: Members of the Marching Mustangs perform Friday, Sept. 6, at the Mustangs Activity Complex’ Armstrong Field.
Left top: Willa Turner plays a clarinet solo during Among the Stars Friday, Sept. 6.
Left bottom: Kevin Zehms plays trombone in Among the Stars show Friday, Sept. 6.
Photos by Cody Blissett |
For the Mount Vernon-Libon Sun
Above: The finale to the Among the Stars piece on the field Friday, Sept. 6. The Marching Mustangs first competitions are coming up Saturday, Sept. 21.
Above: Members of the front ensemble play a section of the show Friday, Sept. 6.
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, Sept. 12
Story Time, Cornell Public Library Byerly Room, 9:30 a.m.
Fiber Friends, Southeast Linn Community Center, 10:30 a.m.
Lisbon Public Library board meeting, Lisbon Public Library, 7 p.m.
SIG Talk featuring Dr. Craig Teague, Cornell College West Science Room 100, 11:10 a.m. to noon.
LBC Adult speaker series “Service Dogs: What are They Really” by Sherry Ross, Lester Buresh Family Community Wellness Center, 1 p.m.
Friday, Sept. 13
Bingo, Southeast Linn Community Center, 10-11:30 a.m.
Linn Lunch Bunch, Southeast Linn Community Center, 11:30 a.m. to 12:30 p.m.
Saturday, Sept. 14
Lisbon Library Mexican Cooking Class: Corn, Beans and Salsa, Southeast Linn Community Center, 11 a.m. (preregistration required).
Friends of Palisades-Kepler State Park presents Raptology, shelter 1 Palisades-Kepler State Park, 11 a.m.
Friends of Palisades-Kepler State park presents mushroom foray, Cedar Cliff Trail head at Palisades-Kepler State Park, 10 a.m.
Monday, Sept. 16
Mount Vernon City Council, Mount Vernon City Hall, 6:30 p.m.
200 E. Market St., 455-2000 livinghopegmc.org
Interim Pastors
Services live streamed at Living Hope Global Methodist Church’s YouTube page Sundays at 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
Tuesday, Sept. 17
Tuesday Morning Book Club, Cornell College Cole Library Room 108, 9:30-11 a.m.
Lego Club, Cornell college Room 108, 3:30 p.m.
Yarn squad, Cornell College Cole Library Room 326, 6:30 p.m.
Learn to play Bridge, Cornell College Cole Library room 108, 7-9 p.m.
Community of readers book club, Cornell College Cole Library room 310, 7:30 p.m.
Wednesday, Sept. 18
Cards, Southeast Linn Community Center, 10-11:30 a.m.
Linn Lunch Bunch, Southeast Linn Community Center, 11:30 a.m.
Learn to play Bridge, Cornell College Cole Library room 108, 1-3 p.m.
Thursday, Sept. 19
Story Time, Cornell Public Library Byerly Room, 9:30 a.m.
Fiber Friends, Southeast Linn Community Center, 10:30 a.m.
League of Women Voters Linn County Mount Vernon-Lisbon Unit Candidate Forum, Mount Vernon Performing Arts Center, 7 p.m. (doors open at 6:30 p.m.)
LBC Adult speaker series “Art in the Community” by Tiffany A. Carr, Lester Buresh Family Community Wellness Center, 1 p.m.
1 Catherine ___, last wife of King Henry VIII
5 Basic level of a popular ridesharing app
10 Part of a routine
14 Orchestra tuner
15 “You can’t make me!”
16 Dry
17 Mixed drink with an alliterative name
19 Fuse by heat
20 Bad weather forecast, informally
21 Preceder of the Three Kingdoms in Chinese history
23 Slightest idea
24 “The Lucy-___ Comedy Hour” (classic TV release)
25 Tons
27 Kind of school
28 Sudden inspirations?
33 He asked Bud “Who’s on first?”
34 Cry of terrier?
35 Response to an anticlimactic reveal
36 “It’s not as simple as it sounds”
40 Forever, poetically
41 A carved one hangs in the chamber of the Massachusetts House of Representatives
42 Itty-bitty
43 Galileo, by birth
44 Name spelled out in “The Alphabet Song”
45 Immune system agent
47 Golden rule preposition
49 Arctic food fish
50 Ornate lighting fixture
54 Sours
57 Setting for the FIFA World Cups of 2002 and 2022
58 Part of a clock depicted four times in this puzzle?
60 Darkness
61 It happens
62 Jazz singer Jones
63 Weapon that shares an etymology with “spade” and “spatula”
64 Company with a purple heart in its logo
1 Thread component 2 Fundamentals
3 Fundamental issues 4 Like old chestnuts
5 “Let go, you brute!”
6 Porgy’s partner
65 Ricotta ingredient Down
7 ___ Morales, former president of Bolivia
8 Bad way to get caught
9 Revealing images
10 First nonhuman species encountered in the “Star Wars” franchise 11 Valuable deposits
12 Bagpiper’s garb
13 Circular current 18 French vineyards
22 Ill-advised time for an ocean swim 24 Actual
25 “Don’t give up on your dreams. ___ longer” (quip)
26 Raccoon relative
27 ___ Butterworth’s
29 Within reach
30 Hybrid fixture with a tub and nozzle
31 Group of experts
32 What many tins are made of, despite their name
34 Equal
35 Like most primes
37 ___ Aldridge, early Black American playwright
38 The blahs
39 The vowels not seen in “bad debt,” ironically
44 Try hard
45 Proverbs pronoun
46 Vegan cheese ingredient, often
48 Site of a Herculean labor
49 Terra ___
50 Turned out
51 Robber’s order
52 Where drinks are toasted with “Sláinte!”
53 The Dead Sea is one, technically
54 Tim of “Project Runway”
55 Dealer’s request
56 Its 80-year anniversary was observed in June of 2024
59 Zero preceder
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.
Two new area businesses hold ribbon cuttings
Hilltop Plants and Records
A ribbon cutting was held at Hilltops Plants and Records Friday, Sept. 6, ahead of the shop’s grand opening Sept. 7.
At the ribbon cutting were: Matt Leeman (superintendent Mount Vernon Schools), Ashley Dunford (Mount Vernon Bank and Trust), Tom Wieseler (mayor of Mount Vernon), John Bardsley (Lisbon City Council), Casey O’Connor (Town Center Office Suites ), Lisa White (Cornell College and president MVLCDDG), Brenda Langenberg (Hills Bank), and Delores Strieb (Michael’s mother), (front, from left) Jake Krob (Mount Vernon Bank and Trust), Jessie Thurn (director Mount Vernon-Lisbon Community Development Group), Michael, Stefanie and Desmond Bray of Hilltop Plants and Records.
Sparrow Massage Therapy
Sparrow Massage Therapy in First Street Community Center also had a ribbon cutting Friday, Sept. 6.
At the ribbon cutting were: (back, from left) Casey O’Connor (Town Center Office Suites), Tom Wieseler (mayor of Mount Vernon), Jake Krob (Mount Vernon Bank and Trust), John Bardsley (City of Lisbon), Matt Leeman (superintendent Mount Vernon Schools), Jessie Thurn (executive director Mount Vernon-Lisbon Community development Group), Ashley Dunford (Mount Vernon Bank and Trust) (front, from left) Lisa White (Cornell College and president MVLCDG), Oliver Gardner, Henry Gardner, Stephanie Turner (Sparrow Massage Therapy) and Brenda Langenberg (Hills Community Bank).
Big’s BBQ Brew Pub offering breakfast options
Nathan Countryman
Mount Vernon-Lisbon Sun
nathan.countryman@mvlsun.com
Big’s BBQ Brew Pub in uptown Mount Vernon is now offering a breakfast menu and breakfast options.
Nannette Rambo said that the breakfast options started a few weeks ago.
“We had originally planned on having this on hand sooner, but we had other things we needed to accomplish first,” Rambo said.
The breakfast has called on partnerships from other uptown establishments — like White Tree Bakery for some homemade biscuits that are used in the biscuits and gravy or biscuits with jam on the menu or Little Scratch Coffee for the coffee they brew — to make a reality.
Menu items include biscuits and gravy, waffle sticks and brisket burnt ends, breakfast sandwiches and wraps and more. They also have hot tots, as well as many of their homemade smoked meats that can be added as sides to any
breakfast options.
“I’m just glad we’re able to fill a need in this community and getting to something we talked about doing,” Rambo said. “It’s also allowed me to get into areas like sauces for some menu items.’
Rambo is also excited that her daughter has joined the family in the serving team for the restaurant, and they will have some new drink items on the menu.
“Jimmie is working on a new mimosa mead,” Rambo said.
Breakfast hours are Wednesday through Saturday from 7 a.m. to 10:30 a.m., and then a half hour for the kitchen to shift to lunch and dinner mode.
