Chris Umscheid Solon Economist chris.umscheid@soloneconomist.com
SOLON — “You are standing at the edge of your future.” So said Solon Community School Board of Education member Cassie Rochholz in her address to the Class of 2025 during the commencement ceremony Sunday, May 18 in Spartan Stadium. Diplomas were conferred upon 101 graduates after remarks by High School Principal Drew Bunkers and Valedictorians Makayla Keller and Brianna Henning.
PHOTOS | 15
Solon veteran Gene Greazel part of Eastern Iowa Honor Flight
Chris Umscheid Solon Economist chris.umscheid@soloneconomist.com
CEDAR RAPIDS — A full day. That’s what nearly 90 local veterans had Wednesday, May 14 as they participated in Honor Flight 55 and spent the day touring war memorials in Washington, DC.
Solon’s Raymond “Gene” Greazel, a U.S. Army veteran of the Vietnam War, and 51-year member of Solon American Legion Stinocher Post 460, was among them.
Upon their return late Wednesday night to the Eastern Iowa Airport, the vets were greeted by hundreds of supporters as well as families and friends along with a flag line by local veterans organizations including Solon’s Harry Hopp representing the Patriot Guard Riders of Iowa.
Eastern Iowa Honor Flight, a 501(C)3 non-profit organization, was established in 2009 and is dedicated to taking veterans to Washington DC, at no cost, for a day trip spent touring the memorials dedicated to their service including the WW 2, Lincoln, Korean War, Vietnam, USMC, and USAF memorials as well as Arlington National Cemetery. In addition a tour of the city is taken to see the Smithsonian, U.S. Capitol, and the White House.
The organization encourages all veterans to apply with priority given to WW2 and Korean War, veterans with advanced health concerns, and Vietnam veterans.
Veterans from other conflicts are also welcomed and a veteran does not need to have seen combat.
For more information contact Eastern Iowa Honor Flight (https://eihonorflight.org) at 855-344-3435, extension 1 or by email at easterniowahonorflight@gmail.com.
Chris Umscheid | Solon Economist Olivia Bonnema’s Oxford cap signals her readiness to begin a new chapter in life with Solon High School literally behind her as she heads for her seat during the processional of the 2025 Commencement ceremony Sunday, May 18, in Spartan Stadium.
Public and veterans invited to Memorial Day services
Denny Hansen Sgt. at Arms, American Legion Stinocher Post 460
The Solon American Legion “Stinocher Post 460” will host its annual Memorial Day Service at the Legion Memorial Park at 9:00 a.m. Monday, May 27. Transportation will be available from the Legion to the Memorial. Plan to be at the Legion at 8:00 a.m. for a ride to the Memorial.
The Solon High School Band will perform, and the Solon Scouts, Troop 460, will also participate. Refreshments will be available at the Legion following the service.
Additionally, the Iowa Brass Band will play from 10:30 a.m. to 11:30 a.m. at the bandstand in Mushroom Park.
In the event of inclement weather, the service will be relocated to the auditorium in the Community Center.
An evening Memorial Service will be held on the Sutliff Bridge at 6:00 p.m.. to honor those who were lost at sea.
All veterans, area Legion members, and the public are cordially invited to attend one or both of these services to honor the men and women who served our country and those who paid the ultimate sacrifice for our freedom.
Chris Umscheid | Solon Economist
Solon American Legion Stinocher Post 460 member Bill Meyer salutes during the 2024 Memorial Day ceremony at the all veterans memorial site in Solon.
Chris Umscheid | Solon Economist
Solon’s Gene Greazel was among nearly 90 local veterans who spent last Wednesday touring war memorials in Washington, D.C. on the 55th Eastern Iowa Honor Flight. The flight returned to the Eastern Iowa Airport (Cedar Rapids) around 10:00 p.m. where the veterans were greeted by family, friends, and hundreds of supporters.
Solon Firefighters Breakfast
SOLON — The Solon Fire Department will hold their annual Firefighters Breakfast Sunday, May 25, at the Solon Firehouse, 400 Windflower Lane. Pancakes, eggs, sausage, and ham will be served 6:30 a.m.-12:30 p.m. at $10 for adults, $5 for kids 5-12, and free for kids under 5.
The breakfast, a Solon tradition since 1963, serves as a fundraiser for unbudgeted expenses throughout the year (such as training opportunities) and also provides the firefighters with an opportunity to meet the public in a non-emergency setting centered around community fellowship.
Iowa Brass opens the series with Memorial Day concert
SOLON — Music on Mainstreet, a Solon summer tradition, is back for another season of free entertainment. Concerts are typically on Wednesday evenings at 7:00 p.m. on the Mainstreet stage in downtown Solon.
However, the eleven-week series begins on Memorial Day (Monday, May 26) with Iowa Brass performing a morning concert featuring patriotic music at 10:30 a.m. on the Mainstreet Stage. Please bring lawn chairs.
The regular concert series opens Wednesday, June 4 with the Solon Mariachi Band under the direction of Desmond Cervantez followed by Dogs on Skis for June 11. Barefoot Becky comes to Solon June 18 for a night of Polka and The Mill Street Band, featuring our Solon teachers and James McAtee, will gather June 24 for a great night of music.
The Buck Hollow Band from Decorah opens July by performing country and rock selections July 2 while Kevin Burt returns to the Solon Stage July 9 for a blues concert.. Bonnie and Mike Harrison and the Country Biscuits will be doing a concert at Meadowlark Acres (1767 Racine Ave.) Wednesday, July 16. Note that this concert is not on the main street stage as the city prepares for Beef Days.
The concerts return to the Mainstreet stage July 23 with the Funk Daddies. The Code Blues from Iowa City perform July 30 and the final concert of the series is a country night August 5 with Kickin Country.
Music on Mainstreet is sponsored by community businesses, groups, and individuals.
Donations can be made to the City of Solon in care of Music on Mainstreet.
office will be closed, but emergency services remain available 365 days a year. In an emergency residents should always dial 911. For non-emergency matters, call 319-356-6700.
Johnson County Sheriff’s Office Administrative, Civil and Records divisions will be closed. All other services will operate as normal and be available for routine and emergency response.
in the Johnson County Courthouse, 417 S. Clinton Street in Iowa City, will be closed. The Courthouse will also be closed.
Most Johnson County governmental offices will be closed Monday, May 26 in observance of Memorial Day.
Ambulance - Johnson County Ambulance Service (JCAS) will be available for routine and emergency response. The JCAS billing and administrative offices will be closed. Emergency services remain available
365 days a year. In an emergency, residents should always dial 911.
Conservation: The Conservation administrative office and Education Center will be closed. All conservation areas will remain open and park rangers will be on duty.
Emergency Management: The Emergency Management Agency (EMA) administrative
Medical Examiner: The Medical Examiner Department (JCME) will be available for emergency response. JCME administrative offices will be closed. JCME should be contacted via the 24-hour pager service by calling 563-244-0054.
SEATS: Johnson County SEATS service will be closed, as will the fixed route services for Iowa City and Coralville.
Secondary Roads: The Secondary Roads administrative offices will be closed. Road crews will be available for emergency response if necessary.
Sheriff’s Office: The
Veteran Services: The Veteran Services department will be closed.
State offices located in County buildings: The Clerk of Court, located
The Department of Health and Human Services and Juvenile Court Services, both located in the Johnson County Health and Human Services Building, 855 S. Dubuque Street in Iowa City, will be closed.
Chris Umscheid | Solon Economist file photo
Chris Umscheid | Solon Economist file photo
Reading is right around the corner! Our librarians have been busy planning fun programs for the summer and we can’t wait to enjoy them with you. Pick up your brochure this week or check our online calendar for the special activities we have scheduled for June. Some programs require registration due to limited space and supplies, registration for June programs opened Tuesday, May 20.
Library Events
Join us Friday, May 30, at 6:00 p.m. to kick-off the start of summer and our summer reading program! We'll enjoy a foam party, sprinkler, and yard games on the Library lawn. Pick up your reading logs, calendar, and brochure to get all the details of the summer. Our Summer Reading Program runs from June 1 through July 31. Level Up at Your Library!
As we continue to look ahead to summer take a look at our calendar to make plans to join us for Library fun!
This summer we’re sharing Storytime twice on Tuesday mornings! Join us for books, games, and songs at 9:30 or 10:30 for the same great Storytime; you decide
which time works best for you! Please note the room will be closed when we reach capacity of 50 people. On Saturday, June 14, and Saturday, July 12, we’ll enjoy Saturday SPLASH PAD Storytime at 10:30 a.m. at the Solon Recreation and Nature Area Splash Pad.
Adults are invited to register for Murder Mystery Night Saturday, June 7, at 4:30 p.m. This fun and interactive program is being led by Dealt Hand. Participants will build up a murder mystery by creating characters, then discover the clues together. Once we learn the identities of the murder victim and the murderer, we then flip to being the detective, and break into groups to piece together the clues and build out what we think happened! Space is limited, register online to join us.
Artist Austina Scott will lead teens in painting a mountain landscape Tuesday, June 10. This program is for incoming 6th-12th graders, beginning at 12:30 p.m. with limited space available, be sure to register early and join us!
Everyone’s favorite character, Dog Man, is the feature of the Kids program Thursday, June 12. Registered participants (incoming 1st-8th graders) will solve a mystery with Dog Man in the 30-minute escape room to outsmart the villains before time runs out! We’ll also have Dog Man themed crafts, games, and activities available for escape room teams and walk-ins. Timeslots for the escape room begin at 1:00 p.m. Register online to experience the escape room.
Special guests from the National Mississippi River Museum are presenting Tales & Tails Friday, June 20. We’ll discover how animals use their tails and other adaptations by meeting a few animals up close. This all-ages program does require registration due to space limitations, sign up for Session One at 11:00 a.m. or Session Two at 1:00 p.m. Same program at each session, please only register for one.
Pick up a copy of the calendar and brochure or visit our website for all of the programs we have planned this summer.
Library Access
Regular Library hours are Monday-Thursday, 9:00 a.m.-7:00 p.m. and Friday-Saturday, 9:00 a.m.-5:00 p.m. Closed Sundays. Please always refer to our website calendar or call to check hours as weather may impact our ability to be safely open.
We are open 9:00 a.m.-4:00 p.m. Friday, May 23, to allow time for our monthly staff in-service. We are closed on Monday, May 26 in observance of Memorial Day.
Everyone is welcome at the Library and our programs. Please contact us with access needs.
What’s New?
Browse the new shelf online or in person and discover a story to entertain you!
Amalfi Curse by Sarah Penner. Haven Ambrose, a trailblazing nautical archaeologist, has come to the sunsoaked village of Positano to investigate the mysterious shipwrecks along the Amalfi Coast. But Haven is hoping to find more than old artifacts beneath the azure waters; she is secretly on a quest to locate a trove of priceless gemstones her late father spotted on his final dive. Upon Haven's arrival, strange maelstroms and misfortunes start plaguing the town. Is it nature or something more sinister at work?
My Friends by Fredrik Backman. Four teenagers form a deep friendship that offers them refuge from troubled home lives and inspires the creation of a mysterious painting. Twenty-five years later, Louisa, a young artist, inherits the artwork and sets out on a journey to uncover its origin. As she pieces together the story behind the painting and its creators -- Joar, Ted, Ali, and the reclusive artist -- Louisa discovers not only their lasting impact on one another but also how art and connection can change lives.
The Perfect Divorce by Jeneva Rose. It's been eleven years since high-powered attorney Sarah Morgan defended her husband, Adam, against the charge of murdering his mistress. Sarah has long since moved on, starting a family with her new husband, Bob Miller, and changing careers. After discovering Bob engaged in a one-night stand, Sarah wastes no time filing for divorce. However, amid their ugly separation, new DNA evidence is uncovered in the case against Adam, forcing the police to reopen the investigation and putting Sarah right back in the spotlight. When the woman Bob slept with is reported missing, he and Sarah start to fight dirty, and a high-stakes game of cat and mouse ensues.
Commencement;
the end and the beginning
Food for Thought
Milli Gilbaugh
May of 1952, the year I graduated from high school, is a blur in my memory. So many new and unexpected “firsts” happening too fast. Several weeks before, I'd happened to see a notice on the bulletin board outside the principal's office, announcing a competition for Merit Scholarships to the University of Iowa. Nobody had ever talked to me about the possibility of attending college but having heard that several of my friends were planning to do just that, I thought that, with my consistently good grades, I could probably do as well as they would, given the chance. I walked into the office and asked for an application. The secretary sent me in to confer with the principal who seemed determined to talk me out of it before he reluctantly handed over the necessary forms.
I completed the application, went to the courthouse to have it notarized, and put it in the mail. Very shortly afterward, I received an invitation to take the exams in Des Moines just a few weeks later. One of my classmates, Bernard Slofer, who had transferred from Solon a few years earlier, had also been accepted to take the exams and my dad drove us both to Des Moines on the appointed date. A school-bond issue was up for a special election that month and a group of students had been recruited to put on a demonstration to get the voters out. I had been appointed to produce placards for the group. I stayed up late the night before, trying to finish the signs but suffered a severe abdominal pain and had to give it up. I felt guilty for letting the group down but the pain was relentless and by dawn I was bundled into the car and on my way to the emergency room. A few days after my release from the hospital, a letter arrived informing me that I had been awarded a Merit Scholarship. I was ecstatic and excited - my future had changed because I hadn't allowed myself to back down in the face of the principal's discouragement.
I missed almost a month of school, getting back to classes barely in time for the traditional senior activities. My future was different now. I was different. No longer doomed to spending a couple years working in the five-and-dime or one of the grocery stores during the day and with my dad at the miniature golf course in the evenings until I might marry one of the local guys I'd known most of my life. Now I could dream about four more years of investigating the wonders available in college classes and realize my longtime hope to somehow become a teacher.
The senior class traditionally took what was dubbed Skip Day, which involved skipping school for a trip to some interesting out-of-town destination, depending on the limitations of the class treasury and the imaginations of the class's elected officers (neither being particularly inspiring.) We went by school bus to Omaha, Nebraska, visited one fairly interesting site – the art museum – and several so humdrum that, today, none of us can remember what they were.
Our last few days of school were taken up with mostly celebratory activities. We exchanged wallet-size graduation photos, wrote silly sentiments in each other's yearbooks and proudly paraded across the assembly-room stage to receive various athletic and scholastic award certificates and those heavily-embroidered letters to be sewn on our letter-sweaters and jackets (a bit too late in the school year to impress anyone but ourselves.) Participation in sports for a certain number of years guaranteed an athletic letter. An academic letter, known as an “Honor-K” (K, for Knoxville) was fairly rare and included membership in the National Honor Society. I received one but had been elected because I had earned the scholarship, too late to be included in the Society's initiation ceremony. The honor had also been too late to be included in the yearbook and the fact was never published anywhere that I know of.
All that was left to do was to walk across the stage and receive our diplomas. Ours was a simple and brief ceremony preceded by lengthy speeches and followed by the sobering realization that the word “commencement” means “a beginning” and not “an ending.”
Why Iowa lawmakers merit an ‘F’ on consistency
Thoughts
You may be experiencing whiplash this spring just trying to track the Iowa Legislature’s zig-zag movements. It comes from what some might charitably call a lack of consistency on a key theme.
A set of bills from the Republican majority at the Capitol illustrates this inconsistency.
First, there’s the Legislature’s initiative banning the state universities and community colleges from promoting diversity, equity and inclusion in their admissions programs, hiring practices and academic programs. The politicians say these promote quotas, reverse discrimination and politically divisive ideologies.
The legislation parallels White House executive orders aimed at public K-12 schools, public and private colleges and universities, big law firms, and government agencies at the federal, state and local levels.
The thinking behind these efforts here and in D.C. is the belief that promotion of a welcoming and inclusive work or study environment surely must deprive the best qualified candidates from getting a job, an admission spot at a school or a seat at the table.
Senator Cherielynn Westrich, an Ottumwa Republican, put it this way during debate in March of one DEI bill: “Iowa taxpayers deserve for us to use the best hiring practices and to hire the very best people. Why would we not just hire the very best person, regardless of their particular characteristics?”
That seems simple enough, even if you disagree with these lawmakers, their thinking and their vision (or revision) of history.
Police
With U.S. Senator Chuck Grassley
Q: What is National Police Week?
A: Since 1962, U.S. presidents have proclaimed the second week of May as National Police Week to pay tribute to the men and women who put on the badge to serve and protect their community. As Americans go about their daily lives, law enforcement officers put their lives on the line to protect life and property from crime and violence. President John F. Kennedy named May 15 as National Peace Officers Memorial Day to honor law enforcement officials who lost their lives or become disabled in the line of duty. These are the men and women who run towards danger in the discharge of their vocation to keep the peace, protect innocent lives and enforce the laws to uphold a just and orderly society. In the hustle and bustle of daily life, it’s easy to take for granted the hardworking men and women standing on the thin blue line separating law-abiding citizens and criminals. National Police Week is a good opportunity for neighbors to thank local law enforcement officers for their around-the-clock efforts. When they leave their homes, they’re on the job to serve and protect the public, from enforcing traffic laws to investigating crime, catching criminals who shoplift, peddle drugs, commit violence and put innocent people in harm’s way.
Reasonable folks can debate whether diversity, equity and inclusion efforts clear the way for hiring less capable candidates for jobs or academic programs. Reasonable folks can consider whether the *absence* of standards promoting those goals gives a green light to selecting less qualified white male candidates over better qualified applicants from other racial, ethnic or gender backgrounds.
Leaving that debate aside for the moment, let us go back to consistency. Consider the implications of different bill in the Legislature, House File 516, which awaits Gov. Kim Reynolds’ signature or veto.
This legislation would require that at least 80 percent of each year’s incoming class in the University of Iowa College of Medicine and College of Dentistry are Iowa residents. Non-residents would qualify for that priority admission list if they earned their undergraduate degree from an Iowa college or university.
Under the legislation on Reynolds’ desk, the university must notify the Legislature annually of the number of applicants from Iowa that were denied admission to the medicine and dentistry schools, along with a brief statement why each one was passed over.
The Legislative Services Agency says the College of Medicine admitted 153 medical students during the last school year. The College of Dentistry admitted 80 students. Seventy percent of these students were from Iowa, the LSA says.
The University of Iowa has the only dental school in the state. Its College of Medicine is one of two schools training new physicians. Des Moines University now has the other. But in 2028, the University of Dubuque plans to open an osteopathic medical school.
The purpose behind the Iowa-priority admission legislation is a belief the change will increase the odds of more new physicians and dentists remaining in Iowa after graduation.
Inherent under an Iowa preference law is the fact that the College of Medicine and College of Dentistry will need to pass over some better qualified out-of-state applicants, lest the university fail to meet the Legislature’s 80 percent quota.
And in a half-dozen years or so, you might have a recent University of Iowa grad doing your root canal or colonoscopy. As you wait for the anesthesia to take effect, try not to let this thought enter your mind: Is this dentist, or doctor, one of those less-qualified, in-state applicants to whom the Legislature gave an admission ticket for dental or med school in 2025?
Isn’t this just another form of DEI dressed up in a white lab coat?
Or is this acceptable as a way of improving the odds of Iowa having more physicians and dentists, especially in rural areas, whereas other efforts to bring more racial, ethnic and gender diversity to Iowa are wrong?
Randy Evans can be reached at DMRevans2810@gmail.com.
For those who have laid down their lives in the line of duty, we must never forget their ultimate sacrifice and ensure benefits are protected for their families. That includes federal law enforcement officials investigating transnational criminal rings and tracking down laundered money and human trafficking. It includes local police officers on our streets and in our schools who respond to 9-1-1 calls around-the-clock, yearround. Law-abiding citizens owe the men and women in blue a debt of gratitude for working to enforce law and order that keep our communities a safe place to buy a home and open a business. Two years after surviving an assassination attempt in 1981, President Ronald Reagan spoke to a memorial service for 13 fallen federal law enforcement officers. “It’s wisely said that nothing comes cheaply or easily. And the price of a free nation is sometimes counted in the dearest currency: human life.” Assaults on police officers are an assault against society that the men and women in blue have solemnly sworn to protect. For those who have answered the call to this noble vocation, we salute you and thank you for your courage, service and pursuit of justice.
Q: What is the annual Roll Call during Police Week?
A: During National Police Week, a roll call of names is released to honor law enforcement officers killed in the line of duty during the previous year. In 2025, this list includes 234 precious names, including two fallen officers from Iowa: Trooper Jeffrey Brown and Senior Police Officer Tran Phoukham. The annual celebration in the nation’s capital also includes a candlelight vigil to honor the fallen at the National Law Enforcement Memorial. Officers from around the country participate to honor the fallen officers and walk the pathways where
Randy Evans Iowa Freedom of Information Council
the names of the fallen heroes are engraved on the walls. As chairman of the Senate Judiciary Committee, I helped steer eight bipartisan bills out of committee during National Police Week. I’ll continue pushing to get these pro-police bills to the president’s desk. These bills are written to help ensure law enforcement have the resources to do their jobs, protect benefits for families of
LETTERS TO THE EDITOR
Miller-Meeks
should not be reelected
First district Republican representative, Mariannette Miller-Meeks, has accepted over $196K from Big Pharma since she was elected to Congress in 2020. Is this why she voted against allowing the government to negotiate Medicare drug costs and capping the price of insulin?
Pharmaceutical giant Eli Lilly, gave her $1,000 on the day the House voted.
Miller-Meeks’ health care advice is questionable. During COVID, she falsely claimed, "children don’t transmit the virus.” She also bought into false claims that a malaria drug, hydroxychloroquine, was a safe remedy for COVID. Both The World Health Organization and FDA cautioned against its use.
Miller-Meeks voted against the PACT Act, “An Act to improve health care and benefits for veterans exposed to toxic substances….”
Miller-Meeks does not vote to protect our health, puts
fallen officers and improve law enforcement recruitment and retention.
Whenever I see a police officer in uniform, I make a point to thank them for their service and make clear that I’m not for defunding the police. I back the blue because these men and women know that when they put on the badge and report for duty, they put their lives on the thin
forth inaccurate and unsafe advice, and failed to protect veterans when given an opportunity.
The last straw is her refusal to defend her votes by failing to hold in-person town halls during recess from congress.
Miller-Meeks should not be re-elected.
Grateful
blue line to keep the peace.
Sen. Grassley’s bipartisan resolution recognizing National Police Week, May 12-17, 2025 unanimously passed the U.S. Senate.
Editor’s note: National Police Week was May 11-17.
for always having our back and sharing our story. You’ve helped keep the spotlight on the work we do, and that kind of support is invaluable.
Together, we’ve proven that when we come together, we can do anything. Thank you for helping us continue to make sure no one in our community goes hungry.
Trish Nelson Iowa
for the community’s support
City
We want to take a moment to give a huge shout-out to the Solon community for stepping up in such an incredible way to support the Solon Food Pantry. Your donations, your time, and your energy have made a real difference for families in need.
A special thanks also goes out to the Solon Economist
Read with Willa at the Library!
Sign up at the Solon Public Library today
Ella McEntefer For the Solon Economist
SOLON — Willa the French Bulldog has a busy Wednesday schedule, and one that is full of stories. Students in grades one through eight are able to sign up for a time slot to read to Willa on the first and third Wednesday of every month, from 4 to 4:30pm during the school year. However, Lily Smith, Youth Services Librarian, says that reading with Willa will look a little different this summer.
“This summer we’re changing it up and will have 15 minute slots - one on a Wednesday from 4-4:45 p.m. and one on a Monday from 5:30-6:15 p.m.,” Smith said. “Registration is all on our website calendar, click on the event and complete the brief registration.”
Besides the Wednesday time slots, Smith said that Willa and Angela are frequently at the library to say hello to the community and help keep Willa acclimated to the space. Besides reading with kids at the library, some of Willa’s favorite things include snuggles, naps, and plenty
Solon Public Library contributed photos
Above: Willa the French Bulldog is available by appointment to read to at the Solon Public Library. But in addition to being a willing listener, she also offers snuggles, cuddles, and doggie kisses.
Left: Willa the French Bulldog boosts the confidence of young readers and pre-teens alike and also provides a safe and comforting environment where children are able to read and learn at their own pace, say Solon Public Library staff.
of treats. Smith said that the inspiration behind the program was the success and impact that has been seen from similar programs at libraries across the country.
“We have had a few different dogs visit the Solon Public Library over the years,” said Smith. “What’s wonderful about having Read with Willa is that Willa and her human, Angela, are here consistently every month, so we can reach more youth and have repeat readers enjoy time with her.”
The benefits of the program and Willa’s influence have not gone unnoticed in Solon, either.
“We’ve had a wonderful response [from] families and kiddos who are enjoying the benefits of having a therapy dog at the library and welcome any other program suggestions and feedback,” Smith said.
Not only does Willa boost the confidence of young readers and pre-teens alike but also provides a safe and comforting environment where children are able to read and learn at their own pace.
“Read with Willa provides a space that lets them relax and read whatever they are interested in while getting some snuggles whether it was a good day or a tough day,” said Smith. “We have seen practicing readers find books that are usually challenging for them and give reading them a try and we have seen repeat tweens that love being able to have that safe, comfortable space for them.”
SOLON ECONOMIST
With heartfelt thanks, The Solon Food Pantry Team
COLLEGE NEWS
Benjamin DeValk Graduates From Central College
PELLA — Benjamin DeValk, from Solon, was one of 249 Central College students who were celebrated during Commencement 2025 Saturday, May 10, in the Ron and Joyce Schipper Stadium, in Pella, Iowa.
DeValk earned a bachelor’s degree magna cum laude majoring in Kinesiology.
Carlie Robertson is one of 122 Coe College students named to the Spring 2025 Dean's List
CEDAR RAPIDS — Coe College is recognizing its highest performing students as members of the Dean's List, including Carlie Robertson, who is currently among this elite group.
Robertson, of Ely, has been named to the prestigious Spring 2025 Dean's List at Coe in Cedar Rapids, Iowa.
Past members of Coe's Dean's List have gone on to illustrious careers in both the private and public sectors.
The college recognized only 122 students for the Spring 2025 Term. To be named to the Dean's List, a student must earn at least a 3.5 grade point average for the term and rank in the top 10% of the student body.
"To acknowledge these students is an honor," said Coe President David Hayes '93. "They represent a group that is rising to the challenge of the rigor and experiences Coe presents, and in turn, preparing themselves
to continue to excel throughout their careers and lives."
Minnesota State University, Mankato awards 2,454 Degrees at end of spring semester
MANKATO, Minn. — Minnesota State University, Mankato awarded 2,454 degrees to 2,179 students at the end of the spring 2025 semester including Colton Hoffman, BS, Exercise Science, Magna Cum Laude, of Solon.
Commencement ceremonies were held Friday, May 9, for the College of Business and the College of Humanities and Social Sciences. Commencement ceremonies were held Saturday, May 10, for the College of Science, Engineering and Technology, for the College of Education, and for the College of Allied Health and Nursing.
All ceremonies were held in Taylor Center's Bresnan Arena on the Minnesota State Mankato campus.
Advanced degrees awarded by Minnesota State Mankato at the conclusion of the spring semester included three doctor of education degrees, 13 doctor of nursing practice degrees and two doctor of school psychology degrees.
Graduate degrees awarded included 64 master of arts degrees, 19 master of accounting degrees, 11 master of arts in teaching degrees, 18 master of business administration degrees, 17 master of fine arts degrees, three master of music degrees, 323 master of science degrees, 21 master of social work degrees, two professional science master's degrees, 34 specialist in educational
Solon and Mount Vernon expand youth soccer: Junior high programs signal community growth
With increasing interest in soccer, Solon and Mount Vernon introduce junior high programs, fostering athletic development and community engagement.
TJ Hall For the Solon Economist
Middle school soccer is officially on the rise in Eastern Iowa, as both Mount Vernon and Solon have rolled out fully sanctioned junior high soccer programs for the first time in their school histories. What started as informal community-led teams has now grown into structured school-sponsored programs that provide more opportunities for students to compete, grow, and stay involved in a sport that’s gaining traction year after year.
The movement didn't happen overnight. It took years of gradual development, committed coaching, and school support to get to this point. But now, for families who couldn’t always afford travel soccer or club fees, these new programs are changing the game.
A Five-Year Journey in Mount Vernon
In Mount Vernon, the idea of starting a middle school soccer program began nearly five years ago, sparked by a push from the high school coaching staff who saw the need to grow the sport from the ground up.
“We had a push from our high school soccer program to try to get something implemented at the middle school level,” said Mount Vernon Middle School activities director Aaron Truitt. “Most of the kids were doing club stuff, but they felt like if we could get it started in the middle school, it would be less expensive for the families and a way to introduce it to kids that don’t have the money or the time to play club and travel around.”
The process began as more of a club-style program. The school didn’t officially sponsor it at first, but provided the practice and game fields and later began to chip in on game-day costs.
“In year one, everything was handled by the parents and coaches,” Truitt explained. “Transportation, uniforms, equipment—it was all on them. The coach was a volunteer. We were just trying to get it off the ground.”
Over time, the school took on more responsibility. In year two, they began providing buses for away games. By year three, they added funding for officials. Truitt said the original plan was to officially sanction the program in year four, but budget issues delayed it. Still, they stuck with the goal.
“This year, year five, we are fully sanctioned,” he said. “We now pay coaches, cover equipment costs, uniforms, everything. Coaches are certified just like they are in our other sports.”
One of those coaches is Richard Lewis, who has played a major role since the beginning. A parent himself, Lewis
helped coach in the early volunteer stages and now leads the boys' team officially.
“He’s been a real driving force,” Truitt said. “He’s coached his own sons through the youth levels and has stuck with it. We wouldn't be where we are without his effort and passion.”
Solon Joins the Movement
Solon’s path has been similar, starting small but steadily gaining momentum. The town’s middle school program first began under the name Solon FC, a grassroots effort led by passionate community members who saw the same gap Mount Vernon did—a need for accessible, local soccer options.
“Solon FC started as a way to give our kids more access to soccer without having to commit to expensive, timeconsuming club travel,” said Solon Activities Director Casey Hack. “We’ve had great leadership with our coaches. They really helped grow the program from the ground up.”
Much of that leadership came from Chris and March Sutton, two parents and coaches who helped shape the early years of Solon FC. With their guidance, the program organized schedules, secured uniforms, handled travel, and created an inclusive environment for kids who simply wanted to play.
“They built it from the ground up,” Hack said. “It started with maybe a dozen kids, and now we’re regularly seeing full teams and even multiple squads per grade level.”
The student interest has grown fast. Hack said they’ve had strong turnouts across both boys’ and girls’ teams and that the energy at games is now on par with other middle school sports.
“The kids are fired up. You go to a game and it feels like a real team atmosphere,” he said. “They’re wearing school colors, playing under the lights sometimes, and just having fun. That’s what we want.”
This year, Solon FC officially became part of the Solon Community School District’s sanctioned athletics. Coaches are now district employees, games are scheduled through the school, and teams have access to school resources.
“We’ve brought it under the school umbrella, and it’s been a smooth transition,” Hack said. “Having the school behind it gives it more structure, consistency, and respect. It also helps these athletes feel like they’re truly part of the Spartan sports system.”
Next year, Solon is set to join the growing WaMaC junior high soccer conference. That means more regular competition with nearby programs like Mount Vernon, Marion, and Center Point-Urbana, and fewer scheduling headaches for coaches and parents.
leadership degrees and 139 graduate certificates.
Degrees awarded at the undergraduate level included 37 bachelor of arts degrees, one bachelor of applied science degree, 39 bachelor of business administration degrees, ten bachelor of fine arts degrees, 1,436 bachelor of science degrees, 18 bachelor of science in civil engineering degrees, 14 bachelor of science in integrated engineering degrees, six bachelor of science in computer engineering degrees, seven bachelor of science in electrical engineering degrees, 23 bachelor of science in mechanical engineering degrees, 24 bachelor of science in social work degrees, 17 associate of arts degrees and 153 undergraduate certificates.
Undergraduate students receiving recognition included 378 students graduating summa cum laude (3.8 grade point average and higher), 286 students graduating magna cum laude (grade point averages of 3.6 to 3.79) and 293 students graduating cum laude (grade point averages of 3.4 to 3.59).
Sara Ruzicka named to SNHU Dean's List
MANCHESTER, NH — Sara Ruzicka of Solon has been named to Southern New Hampshire University's Spring 2025 Dean's List. The spring terms run from January to May.
Full-time undergraduate students who have earned a minimum grade-point average of 3.500 to 3.699 for the reporting term are named to the Dean's List. Fulltime status is achieved by earning 12 credits over each 16-week term or paired 8-week terms grouped in fall, winter/spring, and summer.
“We’re excited to be joining the WaMaC officially,” Hack said. “It gives the program more legitimacy and it makes it easier to organize a season with schools that are taking it just as seriously.”
Looking ahead, Solon also hopes to expand its middle school soccer offerings even more—whether that means additional practice fields, expanded coaching staff, or hosting its own tournaments.
“This is just the start,” Hack said. “We’re proud of where the program is today, but even more excited for where it’s headed.”
Growth in Numbers and Impact
One of the major reasons these programs have been successful is because they fill a gap for kids who fall between recreational soccer and elite club teams.
“The goal was to get those middle-tier kids an opportunity to stay involved,” Truitt said. “Not everyone can afford club dues or travel every weekend. But if they can keep playing through middle school, it helps them stay engaged and improves high school participation.”
That’s already happening. Mount Vernon’s high school teams have seen a jump in numbers since the junior high program began. According to Truitt, the boys' team currently has 34 players, while the girls’ team has 21—a steady increase compared to years before.
“There was a time where you’d play parks and rec as a kid, but by fifth or sixth grade those options faded unless you had the means to join a club in Cedar Rapids,” he said. “Now, we’re giving kids a chance to keep going, and that’s made a difference.”
Hack agreed that the middle school program gives students a chance to grow as athletes and people, without the pressure of winning or the financial stress of club soccer.
“We want to provide a fun, positive experience at the middle school level,” he said. “This isn’t about winning trophies—it’s about learning the game, being part of a team, and hopefully continuing that journey into high school and beyond.”
Looking Ahead
As both programs continue to grow, there’s hope for more variety in competition and more support from the schools. For now, most teams play only six games per season, often against the same opponents more than once. But with more schools joining the conference, that’s expected to change.
“We’d love to get to the point where we don’t have to repeat opponents,” Truitt said. “Ideally, each game would be against a new team. That keeps things fresh and helps us keep building excitement.”
Uniform rotations, equipment upgrades, and expanded coaching staff are all part of the long-term plan. With support from school boards, athletic departments, and the community, middle school soccer in Mount Vernon and Solon looks ready to thrive.
Hack summed it up: “This is a great opportunity for our students. We're not just building soccer players—we’re building school spirit, teamwork, and a love for the game.”
SPORTS
Solon’s orange and black to appear on Drake’s blue track
| Solon Economist
Top: Grace Hoeper hands off to Marin Ashbacker for the third leg of the 4x200 relay Thursday, May 15, in a Class 3A state qualifying meet in Mount Vernon. Piper Stahle, Hoeper, Ashbacker, and Kobi Lietz took 2nd place in 1:46.66 to automatically qualify for this week’s 3A State Coed Meet in Des Moines. Center left: Jerzey Haluska finished third in the 400-meter dash Thursday, May 15, in a Class 3A state qualifying meet in Mount Vernon in 1:00.15 and qualified for this week’s 3A State Coed Meet in Des Moines on time.
Center right: Jerzey Haluska hands off to Kobi Lietz for the anchor leg of the 800-meter sprint medley relay Thursday, May 15, at a Class 3A state qualifying meet in Mount Vernon. Piper Stahle, Marin Ashbacker, Haluska, and Lietz finished in 4th place in 1:50.98, qualifying on time for this week’s 3A State Coed Meet at Drake University in Des Moines.
Deacon Waddell | For the Solon Economist
Far right: Kaden Hoeper cleared 6’-4” for 2nd place at last Thursday’s Class 3A state qualifying meet in Mount Vernon, automatically qualifying the Solon sophomore for this week’s State Coed Meet at Drake University in Des Moines. Right: Eli Kampman qualified on time for the 2025 Class 3A State Coed Meet this week in the 200-meter dash Thursday, May 15, in Mount Vernon with a 3rd place finish in 23.10. He also took 3rd in the 100-meter dash (shown here) in 11.49.
11 events qualify for this week’s Class 3A State Coed Meet in Des Moines
Solon Economist
MOUNT VERNON — Solon’s varsity girls and boys track and field teams are sending eleven events to the 2025 Class 3A State Coed Meet this week at Drake University in Des Moines after last Thursday’s qualifying meet in Mount Vernon.
Boys qualify four events
Eli Kampman qualified on time with a 23.10 seconds third-place finish in the 200-meter dash. Will Brandt, Owen Young, Preston Raasch, and Spencer Michels qualified on time in the 4x800 with a third-place finish in 8:27.38 while Kaden Hoeper was an automatic qualifier with a second-place finish in the high jump, clearing 6’-4”. Caleb Bock took third place in long jump and qualified for State with his 21’-4-1/2” leap.
Girls qualify seven events
Jerzey Haluska qualified on time with a 1:00.15 thirdplace finish in the 400-meter dash. Kate Shafer won the discus with a 130’-8” throw and was third in the shot put with a qualifying throw of 36’-11-3/4”. Fellow thrower Piper Johnson qualified in discus with a 113’1” throw.
The Lady Spartans qualified three relay events, the 4x200 (Piper Stahle, Grace Hoeper, Marin Ashbacker, and Kobi Lietz), 4x400 (Quinn Armentrout, Jerzey Haluska, Hoeper, and Reese Hahn), and 1600-meter distance medley (Stahle, Hoeper, Hahn, and Falyn Svalstad) with a second place finish (1:46.66) for the 4x200, a first place finish (4:06.47) for the 4x400, and a second place finish (4:20.86) for the distance medley.
State Meet details
The 2025 3A State Coed Track and Field Meet runs Thursday, May 22 – Saturday, May 24 at Drake Stadium in Des Moines. For ticket, schedule, and other information go to www.iahsaa.org/track-field/statemeet-central/ (boys) and https://ighsau.org/news/ state-track-and-field-tournament-central-2/ (girls).
Photos by Chris Umscheid
Chris Umsheid | Solon Economist
Maddox Kelley, a freshman last season, makes a tag at second base in game one of a home doubleheader against Independence Thursday, May 23, 2024. Kelley returns to the line-up as an infielder and pitcher with a .333 batting average with ten doubles, one home run, and 14 stolen bases.
May 27
May 28
vs. Xavier Catholic (CR)
May 30 At Washington
May 31 ............
June 2 At
June 5
June 7
June 9 At Marion (doubleheader)
June 11 .......
June 12
June 13
June 16 At Williamsburg (doubleheader)
June
Experience on the mound and a good nucleus to lead Spartans
2025 Varsity baseball preview
Solon Economist
SOLON — Last season Coach Keith McSweeney celebrated 25 years with the Spartans who saw their 2024 campaign end in a 6-2 Class 3A Substate semifinals lo WaMaC West rival Clear Creek Amana (CCA). Seniors Gehrig Turner, Tyson Wheeler, Brick Kabela, Josh Milliman, Vince Steinbrech, Cole Farnsworth, Kaden Hanson, Garret Stebral, and Brett White saw their time in Spartan orange and black end with the final out.
White, the ’24 WaMaC East Player of the Year and unanimous First Team selection, led the team with 47 hits including a team high 13 homeruns. Steinbrech was a First Team pick at pitcher with an 8-0 record through 53-2/3 innings with a 2.48 ERA and a .303 batting average. Turner was a Second Team pick at catcher with 41 hits and 150 put outs while Wheeler earned WaMaC
Recognition with a 3-2 record through 38 innings with a 1.47 ERA.
In year 26 and with a 631-343 career record, McSweeney returns experience in the bullpen and the dugout.
“We return two of our top three pitchers from last year as well as a good nucleus of guys that played a significant role last year,” he said adding “We lack experience at other spots and our sophs and juniors need to emerge.”
Seniors Nolan Seagren, Ty Bell, Jackson Link, and Beau Mullen will provide leadership for the Spartans in the 2025 campaign.
Link (pitcher/utility) went 7-2 through 54 innings on the mound with a 2.06 ERA and 38 strikeouts while Bell (outfield/pitcher) went 3-2 in 43 innings with a 2.60 ERA. Seagren (infield/pitcher) had a .354 batting average with 45 hits, 11 doubles, 28 RBIs, and 38 stolen bases to earn WaMaC East First Team (utility) and All-District 2nd Team honors. Mullen (utility) had a .238 batting average last year.
Also back are juniors Dylan Gorham and Carson Kidwell. Gorham (outfield/pitcher) had a .258 batting average with 25 hits and 66 put outs in center field. Kidwell (catcher) appeared in two games last year with eight put outs in nine chances.
New to the varsity line up are juniors Hunter Knorr (outfield/pitcher) and Hayden Detra (infield/pitcher), sophomores Luke Deike (pitcher) and Brady Wick (pitcher/infielder), and freshman Luke Merrick (outfield).
Looking at the WaMaC McSweeney has his eyes on Marion (East) and CCA (West) as the teams to beat.
“Everyone returns significant experience so it should be a very strong year in baseball in the WaMaC.”
After scrimmage games against Dubuque Hempstead, Cedar Rapids Kennedy, and Prairie, the season opened Monday, May 19 with a doubleheader against Bettendorf and a visit from Muscatine Tuesday, May 20. Xavier Catholic visits for a JV/Varsity contest Tuesday, May 27 with a home doubleheader against Mount Vernon on tap Wednesday, May 28.
Tuesday, May 27
HOME vs. Beckman Catholic (doubleheader) 5:30 p.m.
Thursday, May 29 HOME vs. Mount Vernon (doubleheader) 5:30 p.m.
Monday, June 2 At Independence (doubleheader) 5:30 p.m.
Wednesday, June 4 ....... HOME vs. Vinton-Shellsburg (doubleheader) .............................. 5:30 p.m.
Friday, June 6 Iowa City West Softball Classic
Monday, June 9 At Marion (doubleheader) 5:30 p.m.
Tuesday, June 10 HOME vs. Regina Catholic (doubleheader) 5:00 p.m.
Wednesday, June 11 HOME vs. South Tama (doubleheader) 5:30 p.m.
Monday, June 16 At Williamsburg (doubleheader) 5:30 p.m.
Wednesday, June 18 At Grinnell (doubleheader) 5:30 p.m.
Solon vs. Humboldt (Hennessy Diamonds, South Field) 9:30 a.m.
Solon vs. Iowa Falls-Alden (Hennessy Diamonds, North Field) 3:00
Roland-Story Kiwanis Tournament (Roland) 8:59
Solon vs. Adel-Dallas-Minburn (ADM) (North Field) 3:00
Solon vs. Roland-Story (North Field)
Monday, June 23 At Benton Community (doubleheader) 5:30
Wednesday, June 25 HOME vs. Center Point-Urbana (doubleheader) 5:30
Friday, June 27 At Clear Creek Amana Tournament
Saturday, June 28 At Clear Creek Amana Tournament
Monday, June 30 At West Delaware (doubleheader)
Wednesday, July 2 HOME vs. Clear Creek Amana (doubleheader)
Saturday, July 5 At Anamosa
Solid defense and a pair of seasoned seniors to drive Lady Spartans’ quest to return to Fort Dodge
2025 Varsity softball preview
Solon Economist
SOLON — The Lady Spartans made school history last year as “The Best 18-24 Team You’ll Ever See” in their first State Tournament appearance since 2016. Solon defeated Center Point-Urbana (CPU) 4-3 in the Regional Final to advance to the 3A Tournament in Fort Dodge as the eighth-seed and faced No.1 Benton Community in the first round, falling to the Bobcats 5-1.
“We overcame a lot of obstacles this year, it was not pretty at times. But we peaked at the right time and good things happened,” Coach Brad Holub said at the time. The team said goodbye to seniors Kayla Meseck, Bailey Woolley, and Kendall Jensen.
Jensen was the go-to pitcher with 20 game starts, 122.2 innings pitched, and an 8-11 record with 69 strikeouts and a 2.51 ERA. Meseck received WaMaC Recognition after starting 41 of 42 games with 20 hits including two doubles and one triple with 11 RBIs and a .200 batting average. Woolley, also received WaMaC Recognition after starting 37 of 39 games with 25 hits including two doubles and 15 RBIs for a.210 batting average.
after
scored the winning run in a 3A Regional Championship against Center Point-Urbana. Laeni Hinkle drove in Kleppe in the bottom of the 7th inning breaking a 3-3 tie and sending Solon to the State Tournament for the first time since 2016.
This year Holub, in his fourth year with the program and a 138-74 record, returns two seniors – Addie Miller and Izzy Frees. Frees (shortstop/centerfielder) was an All-Conference 1st Team pick as an outfielder and was also named to the Iowa Girls Coaches Association’s Class 3A NE All-District Team and All-State 3rd Team. She was a starter in 39 out of 40 games with a team high 50 hits including a dozen doubles and three triples with 19 RBIs and a .395 batting average. She led the team in stolen bases with 18.
Miller (catcher/outfielder) was also an All-Conference 1st Team and All-State 3rd Team pick as catcher. She produced 46 hits and was a starter in 43 of 44 games with six home runs, one triple, and ten doubles with a team high 34 RBIs and a .407 batting average.
Dillon Ostrander, a junior, is back as a utility player with seven starts last year and a .304 batting average.
From there the team gets young fast with sophomores Keegan Kleppe and Emerson Miller back as returning starters and sophomores Addi Walter, Laeni Hinkel, Avery Babbitt, and Layla Knazze back as letterwinners.
Kleppe (second base) started in 40 games with a .264 average, Miller (pitcher/DH) had a .253 batting average and a 1-1 record in the circle with one save and a 3.68 ERA. Walter is the Lady Spartans’ primary defense at first base after 30 starts last season. Hinkel (right field) had 33 starts and a .247 average while Babbitt (catcher/DH) made 29 starts with a .211 average, and Knazze (utility) made 11 starts with a .188 average.
is, “a solid hitter.”
“We have a nice mix of veterans (Izzie and Addie) and youth,” said Holub. “But we’ve got an inexperienced pitching staff. (We) should be solid defensively and solid bats.”
Fourth-year assistant coach Cory Keeney will be joined by four others including the return of a familiar face to the Solon diamond as Hilary Wilson joins the staff. Wilson is graduating from DMACC and qualified for the NJCAA World Series. Holub notes she will be going to Bradley next season to continue her softball career.
A former friendly rival, Jenna Sprague (Mt. Vernon pitcher) joins the staff after concluding her first year at Washburn University in Topeka, KS after two seasons of playing for Kirkwood.
Ellie Owen, a December UNI grad with four seasons of Panther softball will go from the diamond to a 4th grade classroom in Solon this fall.
Rounding out the assistant coaches is Mollie Rasmussen, a junior at the U of I with an elementary education major, Holub notes she will want to continue coaching after graduation.
Looking at the WaMaC this season, Holub and company see challenges across the East and West divisions.
“Williamsburg will be very good,” he said. “Mount Vernon, Clear Creek Amana, and CPU will be good. Solon, if we can get consistent pitching, should be in the mix.”
Freshman Liv Nelson will trade in her track cleats for softball cleats as she returns to the starting lineup as a utility player with a .161 average last season.
New to the varsity squad are freshmen Beckett Kruse (outfield/1st base) and Riya Farlinger (utility/catcher). Coach Holub described both as an athlete and noted Kruse
After a scrimmage against Cedar Rapids Kennedy last Friday, the Lady Spartans open the 2025 campaign Tuesday, May 27 with a home doubleheader against Beckman Catholic starting at 5:30 p.m. and will host Mount Vernon for a doubleheader Thursday, May 29, also starting at 5:30 p.m.
Editor’s note – Joel Kellar contributed to this report
Chris Umsheid | Solon Economist
The Lady Spartans swarm Keegan Kleppe (18)
she
Class 3A State qualifying track meet at Mount Vernon
Girls team scores - 1 Mt. Vernon 167, 2 Williamsburg 124, 3 Newton 116, 4 Solon 105, 5 Washington 95, 6 Grinnell 59, 7 Benton Community 49, 8 South Tama 22
Boys team scores – 1 Newton 178, 2 Mt. Vernon 102, 3 Grinnell 94, 4 Washington 88, 5 Solon 80, 6 Williamsburg 71, 7 Benton Community 69, 8 South Tama 48
Discus – 11 Bradyn Schnoor 121’-10”, 14 Colin Dunn 108’-1”
Above left: Reese Hahn runs the 3rd leg of the 1600-meter distance medley relay Thursday, May 15, at a Class 3A state qualifying meet in Mt. Vernon. Piper Stahle, Grace Hoeper, Hahn, and Falyn Svalstad took 2nd place in 4:20.86 to automatically qualify for this week’s 3A State Coed Meet at Drake University in Des Moines. Above: Piper Stahle leaves the blocks for the first leg of the 1600-meter distance medley relay Thursday, May 15, in a Class 3A state qualifying meet in Mount Vernon. Stahle, Grace Hoeper, Reese Hahn,, and Falyn Svalstad took 2nd place in 4:20.86 and automatically qualified for the 3A State Coed Meet this week in Des Moines. Above right: Emotions overcome Ava Rowles after she crosses the finish line in the 4x800 meter relay Thursday, May 15, at a Class 3A state qualifying meet in Mt. Vernon. Sydney Dee, Mya Fordice, Addison Seamans, and Rowles finished fifth in 10:17.84. Left: Zoey Grimm took 9th place in the 100-meter hurdles Thursday, May 15 in a Class 3A state qualifying meet in Mount Vernon with a time of 17.89 seconds. Right: Preston Raasch hands off to Spencer Michels for the anchor leg of the 4x800 meter relay Thursday, May 15, at a Class 3A state qualifying meet in Mt. Vernon. Will Brandt, Owen Young, Raasch, and Michels took 3rd place in 8:27.38 and qualified for this week’s 3A State Coed Meet in Des Moines on time.
Top left: Caleb Bock qualified for the Class 3A State Coed Meet this week in Des Moines with a 21’-4-1/2” leap in the long jump at last Thursday’s state qualifying meet in Mount Vernon. Above: Maddox Kelley runs the first leg of the 800-meter sprint medley relay during a Class 3A state qualifying meet last week in Mount Vernon. Kelley, Eli Kampman, Cole Carney, and Evan Burg took 4th place in 1:38.25. Left: Sophia Miles cleared 4’-8” to take 7th place in last week’s Class 3A state qualifying meet in Mount Vernon.
Photos by Chris Umscheid | Solon Economist
Isaiah Zoske medals twice
Solon Economist
The varsity Spartans put up two major wins last week as they claimed the WaMaC championship at the conference Supermeet Monday, May 12, and won their Class 3A Sectional Wednesday, May 14.
The Supermeet was held at the Grinnell College
GIRLS' GOLF
Spartans fourth in WaMaC Supermeet, win 3A sectional Lady Spartans win WaMaC Golf
Supermeet
Golf Course with Solon tying for fourth in team scores with Grinnell at 309 behind Marion (306) and Independence (308).
Senior Isaiah Zoske medaled with 69 for the 18-hole contest. Freshman Ryder Laing finished in a five-way tie with Independence’s Grady Cornwell, Marion’s Asher Castenson, West Delaware’s Aidan Zirtzman, and West Delaware’s Colson Mersch at 78. Sophomore Grant Gordon shot 80 tying for 21st with Independence’s Jacob Bonefas and Williamsburg’s Cooper Bott. Juniors Tyler Greazel and Nicholas Stahle tied for 26th with 82 while senior Nolan Seagren carded 88 for 41st on the leaderboard.
The Spartans totaled 309 to reign supreme at the Washington Golf & Country Club in a 3A Sectional meet topping the host Demons (316), West Liberty (319), Burlington Notre Dame (333), Clear Creek Amana (345), Fort Madison (362), Mount Pleasant (365), and Keokuk (385).
Zoske medaled with 72 for the 18-holes, Laing tied for fourth at 78 with Washington’s Carson Brown and Drew Conrad, while Greazel tied for seventh with Keokuk’s
MANCHESTER — Solon’s varsity girls won the 2025 WaMaC conference Supermeet Monday, May 12, at the Pin Oak Pub & Links in Manchester with a total of 359 for the 18-hole contest.
Senior Sydney Dee led the Lady Spartans with 86, tying for fourth place with Benton Community’s Bristol Kahle. Junior Jaya Farlinger shot 89 in a tie with West Delaware’s Andrea Wubbena for sixth place. Senior Izzy Frees tied with Williamsburg’s Demi Horvath for eighth with 90. Sophomore Macy Fuller tied for twelfth place with West Delaware’s Malorie Putz at 94 while senior Mya Miller was in a threeway tie at 97 with South Tama’s Aubrey Dolezal and Benton’s Madelyn Kenny. Sophomore Taylor Jett was 19th with 100.
Solon will host the Class 3A State Tournament Thursday, May 29, and Friday, May 30, at Saddleback Ridge with a 9:00
Ten goals close out Spartans’ regular season in two wins
Solon blanks Marquette Catholic, tops S. Tama’s Trojans
Solon Economist
SOLON — The varsity Spartans improved to 6-9-1 as they closed out the regular season with wins over Marquette Catholic’s Defenders and South Tama’s Trojans.
The Defenders visited Monday, May 12, for a 5-0 Solon win on Senior Night. Junior Ethan Ulch scored twice with one goal apiece from senior Evan Burg, junior Tucker Spence, and sophomore Luis Buck. Junior Parker Mergen, freshman Will McAtee, Spence, and freshman Griffin Spence made one assist each while senior Zander Stookey made three saves as keeper.
Burg, Ulch, Logan Rudish, Evzen Meza, and Stookey were recognized for their contributions to Spartan Soccer in their final home match.
The final regular season match was held Tuesday, May 13, as the Spartans visited South Tama and won 5-2. Junior Rene Meza scored twice with one goal each by Ulch, Tucker Spence, and junior Ryan Locke. Burg and Locke made one assist apiece with three saves by Stookey.
The No.5-seeded Spartans opened postseason play Tuesday, May 20 at Assumption Catholic (Davenport), the No. 4-seed in Class 2A Substate 5. The winner advances to face No. 1-seed Burlington Notre Dame Tuesday, May 27. No. 3 Central DeWitt and No. 6 Wapello also faced off Tuesday with the winner taking on No. 2 Maquoketa. The Substate Final is set for Thursday, May 29 at a location to be determined.
Class 2A State Tournament quarterfinal matches will be played at neutral host sites across the state while the semifinals and finals set to run Wednesday June 4, through Friday, June 6, at Mediacom Stadium in Des Moines. Substate semifinal tickets are $6 while finals tickets are $8 and must be purchased online through the IHSAA Tickets page at www.iahsaa.org/tickets.
Mason Baker and Seagren shot 80 for ninth place. Gordon carded 81 to tie for tenth with West Liberty’s Cody Seller and Cael Daufeldt, and Stahle tied for 13th with West Liberty’s Cole Daufeldt at 83.
Solon advanced to a 3A District Meet Monday, May 19 (after this edition’s deadline) at Pin Oak Links & Pub in Manchester with Washington, West Liberty, West Delaware, Marion, and Decorah.
The 2025 Class 3A State Tournament is set for Tuesday, May 27m and Wednesday, May 28, at Pheasant Ridge Golf Course in Cedar Falls. Tickets are $10/day and must be purchased through the Iowa High School Athletic Association’s tickets page at www.iahsaa.org/ tickets/. Spectator golf cart rental has been delegated to the schools. The IHSAA will issue a very limited number of cart reservation cards to each coach. It is then the school’s responsibility to give their parents/fans the cart reservation card, which the parent/fan will use to rent the cart from the course inside the pro shop. Spectators and fans will not reserve carts in advance and no private carts will be allowed.
a.m. shotgun start on Thursday and 8:30 a.m. tee times for Friday.
Admission is $10 (kindergarten-adult) and tickets must be purchased online through Bound at www.gobound. com/ia/ighsau/ggf/2024-2025/tickets. Spectators must scan their ticket for a wristband upon arrival at the course. Spectator golf cart sales begin Monday, May 26, at 10:00 a.m.. Spectators must call the course clubhouse (319-624-1477) to reserve their cart on a first come-first served basis. No outside carts are permitted at Saddleback Ridge. Also, no outside food or beverages are allowed at state tournament golf sites.
BOYS' SOCCER GIRLS' SOCCER LATE BREAKING SPORTS SHORTS
in a ten-way tie for 19th in the state with a nine-hole low score of 36 and sat seventh in Class 3A. Senior Izzy Frees was in an eight-way tie for 15th in Class 3A at 39.
Final WaMaC Standings
Lady Spartans end the regular season with pair of shutout wins
SOLON — The Lady Spartans finished the regular season at 8-6-2 after a pair of shutout wins last week.
Solon shelled Marquette Catholic 5-0 Monday, May 12, on Senior Night. The Marquette Defenders were unable to defend against Senior Rose McAtee who had a hat trick (three goals) in the contest. Senior Elena Swan and junior Sofia Ortega scored one goal apiece with an assist by senior Addi Greene and freshman Kinley Mai. Junior Gable Knight had an easy night in goal with only one save required in 80 minutes of play.
McAtee, Silvie Hendricks, Greene, Farrah Hendricks, Ella Havlicek, Swan, and Jocelyn Hendricks and their parents were recognized for their contributions to the program.
The Lady Spartans shelled South Tama 10-0 Tuesday, May 13, with two goals each by Greene, Jillian Janssen, and Ortega, and one each from McAtee, Silvie Hendricks, Avery Johnson, and Laeni Hinkle.
Spartans open 2025 campaign with win over Bettendorf
BETTENDORF — The varsity baseball team opened the 2025 season with a 3-1 road win over the Bettendorf Bulldogs Monday evening in Bettendorf. The Spartans plated all three runs in the top of the third inning while the Bulldogs threatened with one run in the bottom of the sixth.
Xavier Catholic (Cedar Rapids) visits Monday, May 27 with the varsity starting at 7:00 p.m.
Mount Vernon visits for a varsity doubleheader Tuesday, May 28 starting at 5:00 p.m.
Lady Spartans 2nd in home golf triangular
SOLON — Lisbon, North Scott, and Central DeWitt visited the Lady Spartans at Saddleback Ridge Golf Course Monday afternoon for the final meet of the regular season. Lisbon won the meet with 173 followed by Solon (182), North Scott (196), and Central DeWitt (241). Heading into the postseason senior Sydney Dee was
Spartan golfers 2nd at State Qualifying Meet, Zoske medals
MANCHESTER – The boys varsity golf team traveled to Pin Oak Pub & Links in Manchester Monday for a Class 3A District (State Qualifying) Meet taking second with 323 to District Champion (and host) West Delaware (321).
Senior Isaiah Zoske was the individual District Champion taking the medal with 74 for the 18-hole day. Freshman Ryder Laing shot 82, senior Nolan Seagren was in a three-way tie for 11th place on the leaderboard at 83, and junior Nick Stahle was in a four-way tie for 14th with 84. Junior Tyler Greazel shot 91 for a three-way tie for 25th, and sophomore Grant Gordon shot 92 for 28th place.
Heading to the State Tournament, Zoske was in a seven-way tie for fifth in the state with a nine-hole low score of 32 and second in Class 3A, tied with North Polk’s Chase Krings.
Sydney Dee leads Solon with 86
Solon Economist
Solon Economist
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- Yes
Megan Laing - Yes Cassie Rochholz - Yes Return from closed session at 7:33pm. IV. Adjournment
Motion to adjourn the special board meeting at 7:33 pm
Motion made by: Dan Coons
Motion seconded by: Adam Haluska
Johnson County accepting applications for Economic Development and Quality of Life grants through Friday, June 6
The Johnson County Board of Supervisors is accepting applications for Fiscal Year 2026 Economic Development and Quality of Life Grants from May 12 through 4 p.m. on June 06, 2025.
Each year through the budgeting process, the Board of Supervisors allocates funds to promote economic development in Johnson County and enhance the quality of life for its residents.
Economic Development grants are available for 501(c) (3) and 501(c)(6) organizations serving Johnson County to address at least one of four priority areas:
• Housing and infrastructure access
• Rural economic development
Miscellaneous
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• Agriculture, agritourism, and local foods
• Business and storefront improvement
A total of $105,000 is available for the Economic Development grant program in FY26, and awards will range from $5,000 to $50,000. Competitive applications will demonstrate diverse growth, sustainability, measurable impacts and local investments for local results.
Iowa PBS explores the realities of caregiving
There are currently more than 73,000 unpaid caregivers in Iowa, caring for loved ones who are unable to care for themselves due to age, disability or illness. In an hour-long special from Iowa Life, we'll explore the challenges and triumphs of giving and receiving care in Iowa through three moving personal stories and discuss many of the realities faced by caregivers.
Iowa Life: Caregiving premieres on statewide Iowa PBS on Tuesday, June 24 at 6:30 p.m. and will be rebroadcast on Sunday, June 29 at 3 p.m. This program will also be available to stream on iowapbs.org and on the PBS app.
Quality of Life grants provide operational and/ or programming support to 501(c)(3) and 501(c)(6) organizations that primarily serve Johnson County. Applicants without nonprofit status are encouraged to collaborate with an eligible fiscal sponsor to facilitate their application.
The Board of Supervisors designated this year’s theme as “Community Engagement and Events”. Applicants should demonstrate how they will promote the County’s cultural, ethnic, and historical heritages through the development of festivals, community events, cultural programs and/or tourism projects.
A total of $60,000 is available for the Quality of Life grant, and awards will range from $1,000 to $10,000. Supported projects must be free, open to the public and ADA compliant.
Interested applicants are invited to join an informational webinar at 1:30 p.m. on Thursday, May 22, 2025. The webinar will be recorded and made available to anyone unable to attend.
For more information, visit www.johnsoncountyiowa. gov/grants or email grants@johnsoncountyiowa. gov with questions.
To extend the conversation, join Iowa PBS for an important conversation about the challenges and compassion involved with caregiving on June 12 at 6:30 p.m. Held in person at the Iowa PBS Maytag Studios or online via Zoom, this discussion is open to caregivers of all kinds. Whether you're a family member, friend or professional caregiver supporting an aging parent, a person with disabilities or a loved one with chronic illness, you are invited to join the conversation.
Attendees will preview clips from local and national programs on the topic, including Iowa Life: Caregiving from Iowa PBS and a documentary produced by Bradley Cooper titled Caregiving. A community conversation with Charity Nebbe, host of Iowa Life will follow. Panelists will include Michael Wagler, state director with AARP Iowa; Kathy Good, senior director with The Chris and Suzy DeWolf Family Innovation Center for Aging & Dementia of Mercy; and Jennifer Jones, MHS-PH, program coordinator of the Optimal Aging Initiative at the Csomay Center for Gerontological Excellence at the University of Iowa College of Nursing.
Attendees are welcome to submit questions for the discussion when registering online. Light refreshments will also be served.
For more information and to register for free, visit iowapbs.org/events.
SOLON SENIORS
A Big Thank You to our sponsors and donors for their support in Senior Dining’s mission to serve the Solon Community, and especially to those who support Senior Dining by attending the lunches or receive home deliveries.
Fun, fellowship, and festivities from the past month
Scott Bogard and son Jack put smiles on our guests faces with their country tunes on April 9th.
Easter Celebration Wednesday, April 16, a fun day with Easter treats and prizes.
MAY HAPPENINGS ••••••
Closed Memorial Day Monday, May 26
City Rep. Wednesday, May 28
Sponsored Meals in May:
Solon American Legion Auxiliary, Wednesday, May 14
Amada Senior Care/guest speaker, Wednesday, May 21
Reminders
Bad weather closings – Senior Dining will notify our clients by phone of cancellations. No meals Tuesdays and Thursdays
Bingo Wednesdays AM/PM
Cards Wednesdays PM
DINING ••••••••••••
Home Deliveries - Monday, Wednesday, and Friday within a 5-mile radius, on hard surface roads only. Call 319-624-2251 for information.
In-House Dining - Solon Methodist Church,
SCHOOL BREAKFAST
The Solon Community School District is an equal opportunity provider. Menus will vary to accommodate the Federal Nutrition Guidelines.
Please understand that menus are subject to change as needed. Please check your lunch account balances, purchases, and deposits online at solon.total.k12.com.
Nutrition office: 319-624-3401, Ext. 1120 or bwest@solon.k12.ia.us.
Student breakfast is FREE again this year
The Solon Community School District (SCSD) is once again able to offer free breakfast to students for the academic year. Becky West, Nutrition Director, explained the Nutritional Department’s financial situation, based on standard practice and guidance from the state, makes it possible to offer this
SCHOOL
For information on the free and reduced program, and an application, go to www.solon.k12.ia.us/page/ nutrition-program and scroll down to Nutrition Documents & Links.
STUDENT LUNCH
Friday, May 23
CALENDAR & PUZZLES
Wednesdays only at 11:30 a.m.
Meals cost $5.00 and are provided by the Solon Retirement Village Kitchen. Reservations for Wednesday dine-in are required by calling 319-624-2251 Mondays 10-11:00 a.m.
MAY MENU •••••••••
Friday, May 23
Cheddar Wurst on a Bun w/Peppers & Onions
Hashbrown Patty
Tossed Salad
Brownie Sundae
Monday, May 26
CLOSED – Memorial Day
Wednesday, May 28
City Representative
Stuffed Chicken Breast
Baked Sweet Potato
Buttered Peas
Raspberry Sundae
Friday, May 30
Butter Crumb Pollack
Fried Potatoes & Onions
Broccoli
Seasonal Fresh Fruit
Thank you Solon Senior Dining volunteers!
“Volunteers do not necessarily have the time, they just have the heart.”
— Elizabeth Andrew
$4.70
MS/HS Alt: Cook’s Delight Potato Bar, Bright Broccoli Cheese Sauce, Diced Ham Garlic Knot (SIS/MS/HS)
important service to the students.
“I believe that eating breakfast fuels the kids and teaches them how to eat a healthy breakfast to start your day,” said West.
Adult/Guest breakfast: $1.75
Friday, May 23
Muffin Top (LV/SIS)
G&G (LV) Oatmeal Bar
Breakfast Pizza or Cinnamon Doughnuts Fruit, Juice, Crackers & Milk
Monday, May 26 NO SCHOOL – Memorial Day
Tuesday, May 27
Mini Doughnuts (LV/SIS)
G&G (LV) Mini Doughnuts
Breakfast Bagel or Bubble Cake Fruit, Juice, Crackers & Milk
Mandarin Oranges Gold Fish Crackers
Monday, May 26
NO SCHOOL – Memorial Day
Tuesday, May 27
MS/HS Alt: Cook’s Delight
Corn Dog
SIS Track & Field Day Sack
Lunch
Green Beans
Crunchy Carrots
Crisp Apple Slices, Cheetos, Pears (HS)
Wednesday, May 28
MS/HS Alt: Cook’s Delight
French Toast Sticks, Syrup, Egg & Cheese Omelet
Wednesday, May 28
French Toast Sticks & Sausage (LV/SIS)
G&G (LV) Waffle Crackers
Breakfast Sandwich or Tornadoes Fruit, Juice, Crackers & Milk
Thursday, May 29
Breakfast Sandwich (LV/SIS)
G&G (LV) Cereal Bar
Egg Scramble w/Hash Brown, or Mini Pancakes w/Sausage Links
Fruit, Juice, Crackers & Milk
Friday, May 30
Mini CC French Toast (LV/SIS)
G&G (LV) Donut
Long John or Cinnamon Roll Fruit, Juice, Crackers & Milk
22 2013 movie co-starring Scarlett Johansson in which she is never seen
23 “Going Back to Cali” rapper, 1998
25 *Abigail Adams or Eleanor Roosevelt, informally
29 *Red denizen of Sesame Street
30 Advocates for
33 Animal with luxurious fur
36 Consumer protection agcy.
37 Muse of memory
38 See 64-Across
39 *Hasty
40 Become fixed
41 Santa ___ (hot winds)
42 What three is
44 “Hmm, I don’t think so”
45 *“The mind is not a vessel to be filled but a ___ to be kindled”: Plutarch
46 Eliot protagonist
47 *Pickle or asparagus unit
48 Bog
49 Placed in an air fryer instead of a microwave, say
51 State with 1,350 miles of coastline (second-most after Alaska): Abbr.
52 *Small, embedded program
54 São ___, most populous city in the Southern Hemisphere
56 Toward that place, quaintly
58 Ancient Rome and Persia
61 Own
62 Comforts
63 Almost half of Scandinavians
64 What you can’t see due to the 38-Across in this puzzle?
Down
1 Help with a crime
2 Apt name for a December baby
3 Early investor
4 Literally, “equal legs”
5 Like many a plant in spring
6 Draconian
7 Large cask for beer or wine
8 Crawl (along)
9 What a bad assistant might be
10 Teamwork inhibitor
11 Word with cake or trail
12 Spot dans la Seine
13 Many Ph.D. students
19 Some Halloween “transports”
21 Plot problems
24 ABC’s first program broadcast in color, with “The”
26 Refurbish, as an old piano
27 What one may have to do to destroy a Death Star
28 Original and influential
31 Big name in soft drinks
32 ___ Presidenta, term of address for Mexico’s leader beginning in 2024
33 Wizard’s weapon, maybe
34 “___ the Doughnut,” start of a children’s book series
35 Classic French sauce
36 Horseshoe enthusiasts?
42 Like one who might have to hoof it
43 Aspire to
46 John ___, author of “Annals of the Former World”
50 Brand of oversize Lego bricks
53 Veteran’s affliction, in brief
55 Yarn spinner
56 Does a certain prank on, informally
57 ___-to
59 Some M.I.T. grads, in brief
60 The last one flew in 10/03
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.
Photos by Chris Umscheid | Solon Economist
Top left: Jake Cecil tries on big brother James’ Oxford cap after the 2025 Commencement ceremony for Solon High School Sunday, May 18, in Spartan Stadium. 101 seniors received diplomas. Top right: (From left) Valedictorians Sydney Dee, Jackson Feuerbach, Brianna Henning, Eve Hinners, Makayla Keller, Grace Hoeper, Jayden Merrick, Lucianna Miller, Ella Sheeley, and Lauryn Wear are introduced by Solon High School Principal Drew Bunkers during the Commencement ceremony Sunday, May 18 in Spartan Stadium. Keller and Henning delivered remarks to the Class of 2025.
Center left: Makayla Keller delivers remarks with fellow Valedictorians (from left) Grace Hoeper, Jayden Merrick, Lucianna Miller, Ella Sheeley, and Lauryn Wear standing behind her. Not pictured – Sydney Dee, Jackson Feuerbach, Brianna Henning, and Eve Hinners. Henning also delivered remarks to the Class of 2025, family, and friends during the Solon High School Commencement ceremony Sunday, May 18, at Spartan Stadium. Center right: Zander Stookey was so excited to graduate he did a back flip off the stage Sunday, May 18, during Solon High School’s Commencement ceremony.
Above: Ben (at left) and Andrew DeValk hold brother Mike DeValk for a photo after the 2025 Commencement ceremony for Solon High School Sunday, May 18, in Spartan Stadium. 101 seniors received diplomas.
Left: School Board secretary Natalie Johnson hugs her son Eddie after he received his diploma Sunday, May 18 during Solon High School’s Commencement ceremony. Johnson read the names of the 101 graduating seniors.
Occupant protection
sTEP May 19-June 1
Click it, don’t risk it
Colleen Powell GTSB Media & Communications Specialist
DES MOINES — The Governor’s Traffic Safety Bureau (GTSB) is partnering with law enforcement across Iowa to support the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration’s (NHTSA) Click It. Don’t Risk It. high-visibility enforcement effort. The national seat belt campaign, which coincides with the Memorial Day holiday, is May 19-June 1, 2025.
It is perceived everyone wears a seat belt, but data shows that’s not true. In 2024, 44% of traffic fatalities in Iowa were unbuckled; that translates to 108 lives lost. In a GTSB survey of over 1,450 Iowans, 88% reported always buckling
up in the front seat. Only 67% always buckle in the back seat.
“No matter the type of vehicle you’re traveling in, where you’re seated, or what type of road you’re driving on, the best way to protect yourself in a crash is to buckle up,” says Brett Tjepkes, Iowa GTSB Bureau Chief. “Unfortunately, many families are suffering because their loved ones did not follow this simple step. If this enforcement effort alerts people to the dangers not buckling up, we’ll consider the mission a success.”
If you know a friend or a family member who does not wear a seat belt, please talk to them about changing their habits. Help GTSB and law enforcement spread this lifesaving message before one more friend or family member is killed. Seat belts save lives, and everyone — front seat and back, child and
adult — needs to be properly restrained when traveling.
GTSB works with city, county, state, and local organizations to develop and implement strategies to reduce death and injury on Iowa roads using federally funded grants.
ABOUT THE IOWA DEPARTMENT OF PUBLIC SAFETY
The Iowa Department of Public Safety (DPS) is the largest law enforcement agency in the state. It includes seven divisions and several bureaus, all working together with local, state, and federal government agencies and
the private sector to keep Iowa a safe place by following our core values: leadership, integrity, professionalism, courtesy, service, and protection. Divisions within the Iowa DPS: Iowa Division of Criminal Investigation, Iowa Division of Narcotics Enforcement, Iowa State Patrol, Iowa State Fire Marshal Division, Iowa Division of Intelligence and Fusion Center, Professional Development and Support Services Division, and Administrative Services Division. The Department of Public Safety is led by the Commissioner who is appointed by the Governor.
