Solon’s Scouts will be Scouting for Food
Annual event benefits Solon Food Pantry
SOLON — Scouting for Food is here!
Solon Pack 120 and Troop 120 are participating in the Nationwide BSA Scouting for Food event to stock our local Solon Food Pantry!
Saturday, October 19, between 9:00 a.m.-Noon, we’ll be out to collect non-perishable donations. Donations should be placed in bags and set out by front doors or curbs before 9:00 a.m. that morning.
The biggest needs at the Solon Food Pantry are Toilet paper and canned soups.
We can always use Hamburger Helper, Suddenly Salad, canned tuna and chicken, mandarin oranges, peanut butter, canned soup, ramen noodles, mayonnaise, toilet paper, soap, shampoo, and toothpaste, canned goods, canned meats, canned vegetables (except corn, green beans or carrots) boxed foods, peanut butter, hygiene products, paper towels, non-perishable items. Also, no Cheerios, please!
If you live in an area we aren’t able to reach and would like to donate you can:
* drop donations off at the Solon United Methodist Church donations box.
* Sam's Market always has a box for donations too!
Solon Firefighters want to help you ‘Battery Up’
Captain John Studt, Prevention Captain, Solon Fire Department
It’s that time of year when you should change out the batteries in your smoke detectors and carbon monoxide detectors. Your Solon Firefighters offer a Battery Up program to our senior and disabled individuals within our service area. We will come to your residence and change out the batteries in your smoke detectors and carbon monoxide detectors. We will be providing this service on Saturday November 9, starting at 8:00 a.m.
If you are in need of this service please contact the Solon Fire Department via e-mail at john. studt@solonfire.com with your name, address, and contact info. If you do not have access to email call 319-624-2386 and leave us a message with your name, address and a good phone number we can call you back at.
Marching Spartans compete at State Exploring the elements of nature musically
Chris Umscheid Solon Economist chris.umscheid@soloneconomist.com
CEDAR RAPIDS — Skies were mostly sunny with warm temperatures and a slight breeze Saturday, October 12. But at Kingston Stadium, for a few minutes, the best and worst of Mother Nature were on display instrumentally as the Solon High School Marching Band competed in the Iowa High School Music Association’s State Marching Band Festival. Four sites hosted competition with four more slated for Saturday, October 19. The Spartans were among 25 bands hosted by Cedar Rapids Kennedy HS and joined fellow WaMaC schools Center Point-Urbana, Marion, South Tama, Clear Creek Amana, Benton Community, Vinton-Shellsburg, and Mount Vernon in Class 3A competition.
Brady Evers, a senior, volunteered to select the band’s competition program this year.
“I was looking into purchasing (the rights to perform) a marching show because it’s my senior year and I wanted to make it special. Luckily we had a nice donation that was able to provide the funds for it.” Evers’ work started way before marching season. “It started this past winter. I started planning really early. I looked on websites for shows that we could do, and this one really struck my attention because it provided some difficulty, but was also something that we could do.”
The show is called Elemental and was composed by John Fannin, Matt Hightower, and Jacob Thiede with percussion by Josh Powell for Fannin Musical Productions. Four individual pieces make up the production, “Dark Skies,” “Cyclonic
Destruction,” “Falling Snow, Rains, and Ice Storm,” and “Parting Clouds.”
“It’s more about nature and how nature surrounds us,” said Evers. “I’m super-passionate about marching band, marching is my favorite season and I just wanted to go that extra step and do it one last time. It’s been enjoyable.”
Marching season winding down quickly
The annual Highway 1 Festival was held Tuesday in Mount Vernon with Solon, Mount Vernon, Lisbon, and Anamosa performing. The festival isn’t a competition however, but a time of fellowship.
“It’s just music for music’s sake,” said Band Director Desmond Cervantez. The festival grew out of the COVID19 pandemic when Cervantez started a show called the “Bandemic,” where he invited some small schools in to perform, again not for judged competition, but for fun. “And it grew into the current Highway 1,” he said.
Friday (October 18) the band will be joined by Solon Middle School band students for the annual Halloween Show during halftime of the varsity football game on Senior Night.
Results (Division I, II, or III awarded)
Benton Community, Division I. CPU, Division I. CCA, Division I. Marion, Division I. Mt. Vernon, Division I. Solon, Division II. S. Tama, Division II. Vinton-Shellsburg, Division I. PHOTOS
Johnson County recycling coordinator provides sustainable tips for Halloween
Johnson County recycling coordinator provides sustainable tips for Halloween
As Halloween approaches, Iowa City officials are reminding residents about the importance of sustainable waste management during the holiday.
Recycling Coordinator Jane Wilch, in a recent Iowa City news post, gave tips to residents on how to navigate Halloween in a sustainable manner. She asked residents to use reusable bags like cloth or wicker baskets for collecting candy. She also advised residents to compost pumpkins by removing any lights or candles before plac-
ing them in the yellow-top organics cart or taking them to the Iowa City Landfill’s Compost Facility.
Resource Management Superintendent Jennifer Jordan spoke on trends the county sees during a typical Halloween.
“Stepping back from a landfill and composting perspective, the bigger picture is we don’t really see a huge increase with waste at Halloween,” she said. “There certainly is more disposable stuff, which is why the city does outreach to reduce or to try and think about more sustainable ways to give out candy or other treats. But we really don’t see an overall big picture increase.”
There is still a significant national concern over Halloween-related waste. Over 40 million trickor-treaters in the U.S. create an
estimated one pound of trash each, leading to a surge in plastic waste across the country, much of which is difficult to recycle.
Jordan pointed toward holidays such as Christmas for a better example of a holiday that contributes a great deal of waste from a “landfill perspective” in Johnson County.
While Halloween doesn’t bring a sharp spike in overall waste for Johnson County, Wilch points out that much of the waste produced is easily avoidable.
“We do tend to see a spike in waste with decorations and costumes and things of that nature that are just temporarily associated with the holiday,” Wilch said. “So anytime we can have those items that we can reuse year after year to really reduce that waste footprint is important.”
Wilch pointed to the main source of waste during Halloween: candy wrappers.
“We recommend reusing and recycling whenever possible with items,” she said. “But in the case of items such as candy wrappers, the priority is ensuring that they’re disposed of in the correct way.”
She added that using the correct disposal method for items like candy wrappers, which actually belong in the trash, helps to reduce recycling contamination.
Wilch listed additional tips residents can take to be sustainable during the holiday.
“Whenever we can have decorations and costumes that are durable
and reusable, that really is the best option in terms of waste reduction and being as environmentally friendly as possible for Halloween,” she said.
Wilch advised against using metallic or glitter-coated decorations because they can’t be recycled. Wilch also pointed to secondhand stores as a great alternative way to obtain a costume.
“We do have a great selection of local secondhand and consignment stores,” she said.
Elizabeth Mackenzie of UI’s Office of Sustainability and the Environment elaborated on tips for sustainable decoration choices.
Mackenzie said she has “tried to collect holiday decorations over the years that will both be usable during Halloween, but that also will be usable into the rest of fall” to prevent unnecessarily discarding Halloween decorations that could very easily be displayed for the whole season of fall with minor changes.
“As much as possible, try to extend the life of your decorations so that you don’t need to purchase or make as many of them,” she added.
Mackenzie highlighted that such sustainable tips won’t detract from the fun of the holiday.
“The important thing to remember, too, is that we can still celebrate Halloween and other holidays, and we can still have fun and participate while do[ing] whatever we can to try to be conscious about how we’re celebrating,” she said.
Johnson County schools report shortages in paraprofessionals
The Iowa City Community School District sign as seen in Iowa City on Monday, March 4, 2024. Johnson County schools have filled teaching vacancies despite a national shortage.
Emma Calabro
The Iowa City Community School District sign as seen in Iowa City on Monday, March 4, 2024. Johnson County schools have filled teaching vacancies despite a national shortage.
Iowa schools are entering another year of teacher and staff shortages, but schools in Johnson County continue to report near-full teaching staff. However, schools in and surrounding Iowa are experiencing shortages in other staff, and they are concerned about what the future will look like with more vacancies.
“If there’s a superintendent in Iowa that says they’re not really worried about it, then I would say they’re lying,” Tyler Hotz, superintendent of Lone Tree school district, said.
Over 1,000 teaching posi-
tions were unfilled at the beginning of the 2023-24 school year, according to the School Administrators of Iowa. An additional 1,826 teachers were reported for being not fully certified to meet their assignments, often not meeting the license requirement in a particular content area.
The shortage impacts more than 37,000 Iowa students — and the shortage is not just happening in Iowa.
According to the Learning Policy Institute, over 400,000 vacancies were reported as unfilled or filled by teachers who did not meet the full certification requirements nationwide. This leaves millions of children impacted by a teaching shortage.
In Iowa, the schools most impacted are in rural areas. Lone Tree has filled all of its teaching positions, which Hotz attributes to a strong community and the school’s proximity to the University of Iowa.
“From a teaching staff standpoint, we were pretty fortunate compared to what I’m hearing from some of my peers,” Hotz said.
Hotz said the university brings in many families who often look for teach-
ing jobs. He said this can be a double-edged sword, though, mainly because some families are only in Iowa City pursuing a degree and will leave after a couple of years.
While teacher positions are filled, Hotz said finding substitute teachers remains challenging. In some cases, a principal will have to fill in class when no one is available.
Nick Proud, chief human resource officer at the Iowa City Community School District, also said the UI and the hospital have been a draw for staff within the district. Additionally, Iowa City schools generally pay teachers above average, which helps attract teachers.
According to Iowa City School’s pay scale, a start-
ing teacher with a bachelor’s degree has a $47,500 starting salary. The average salary for a starting teacher in Iowa is $43,822.
Proud said finding paraprofessionals and nutrition service specialists has been the biggest challenge for the district. He believes competition with private entities, which can pay more, is one of the reasons this is the case.
“The $15 to $20 an hour positions, those positions are at retail stores, gas stations, grocery stores,” Proud said. “You really have to find somebody who wants to be in the school, and that can be sometimes a challenge.”
Angela Olson, head of the Regina Catholic Education Center in Iowa City, also said the school has a full
staff this year. Regina Catholic is a private religious school with 32 elementary teachers and a combined 29 teachers for junior and senior high.
“To be fully staffed this year was unexpected and above average,” Olson said.
Olson said when they are looking for candidates, they have to find people who are open to embracing a certain religion while also accepting a teacher’s salary. While Regina does not employ paraprofessionals, they have had trouble keeping on bus drivers.
The school contracts a company to provide them with six buses, which has been struggling to keep bus drivers.
Olson said it’s essential to spread initiatives to educate people on how a profession in teaching and schools is worth it.
“The challenge is, how do we encourage people who are right where you’re at, thinking about what I want to do for my career, and saying to them, this is a really great job,” Olson said.
“I think just as a whole, across the state, maybe across the country, even in our schools, we’ve got a role to sell what a great job it is for folks.”
Volume 144 I Issue 42 Of a Little Weekly Miracle PO Box 249, Solon, IA 52333 Phone: 319-624-2233 news@soloneconomist.com
The Solon Economist 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@soloneconomist.com.
STAFF
Publisher Jason Brummond jason.brummond@dailyiowan.com
Editor Chris Umscheid chris.umscheid@ soloneconomist.com
Advertising Sales Catherine Bilskie catherine.bilskie@ soloneconomist.com
Reporter Intern Joel Kellar
Production Manager Heidi Owen heidi.owen@dailyiowan.com
Business Manager Debbie Plath debra.plath@dailyiowan.com
Official Newspaper: Solon, Johnson County, Solon Community School District, Solon Tri-Township Emergency Response Solon Economist USPS #500860 Copyright © 2024 by Student Publications, Inc. is published weekly by Student Publications, 100 Adler Journalism Building, Room El31, Iowa City, IA
Jacob Calvin The Daily Iowan
Jack Moore The Daily Iowan
We’re celebrating our wonderful Friends of the Library group this National Friends of the Library Week! Our Friends group supports the Library with funding for summer reading prizes, special events, winter library challenge, and landscaping. The Friends also organize many fundraising events like the spring book sale, holiday puzzle sale, Halloween costume sale, Grant Wood prints and note cards, and city-wide garage sales. You can Friend your Library too! Join the Friends of the Library and see how you can help grow our Library, whether that means volunteering at one of their fundraisers, providing support throughout the year, or when called upon, it all adds up to a great team of Friends. Please join us in shouting a special thanks to all of our Friends group for their continued support!
On this Freedom to Read day of action (10/19/24) we stand with readers across the United States in support of the freedom to read. The Solon Public Library is committed to supporting your right to read, listen to, or view what you choose. The Library is a place for everyone from babies, school-aged kids, to older adults. We serve a diverse community, and all of our collections should reflect that. We want everyone who walks into the Library to know that they belong here. We want everyone to be able to find themselves represented in our library resources and digital collections.
As Sandy Irwin, Royal Oak Public Library Director, so aptly stated, “What a joy it is to open a book and read about someone similar to you - it helps you feel more recognized in this world. It is also a joy to read about someone who is different from you so that you can see the world through their eyes. Everyone does deserve a place on the shelf, and we are proud that, as your library, we can provide those diverse and enriching experiences.”
Library Events
LEGO Night is for all-ages! We'll have fun prompts, STEM challenges, and of course many, many LEGOs to build with. Bring your family or just bring some friends, who says adults can't play with LEGOs? Join us in the community meeting room for LEGO Night Monday, October 21 at 6:00 p.m.
Enjoy a game or two of Scrabble, Cribbage, or try something new at Game Night Thursday, October 24 at 6:30 p.m. Game Night takes place monthly and is a great way to enjoy some friendly competition for adults and young adults.
Test your brain power with Trivia at the Library! On Friday, November 1, we’ll have TWO options for Trivia. Join us at 2:30 p.m. for afternoon trivia, or at 6:30 p.m. for Trivia Night. It’s the same great Trivia - you decide what time works best! Things to know: Teams (max of six players) will compete in four rounds of general trivia. You can visit the Library early to check-out up to five books to use as reference during
play. Play begins promptly, so don’t be late! Pick up a copy of our monthly calendar, or view it on our website, for all the details on upcoming programs. We look forward to seeing you soon!
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.
We will be closed Friday, October 25 for our annual staff safety training.
On Thursday, October 31, we will be open 9:00 a.m.-4:00 p.m. to allow staff and community members time to safely travel home before trick-or-treating begins.
Don’t forget, the digital library is always available! Find an eBook, eAudiobook, magazines and more with Bridges, or with the Libby app on your favorite smart device. You can even stream classic films, discover new favorites, and more with Kanopy on your favorite smart device.
Everyone is welcome at the Library and our programs. Please contact us with access needs.
What We’re Reading
We’re never without a great book, and we love to tell you all about them! Here are
a few we’ve been enjoying and hope you do too.
Somewhere Beyond the Sea by TJ Klune. We’ve been delighted to return to Marysas Island with this highly anticipated sequel to The House in the Cerulean Sea. Arthur Parnassus lives a good life, built on the ashes of a bad one. He’s the headmaster of a strange orphanage on a distant and peculiar island, and he hopes to soon be the adoptive father to the six magical and so-called dangerous children who live there. Arthur works hard and loves with his whole heart so none of the children ever feel the neglect and pain that he once felt as an orphan on that very same island so long ago. And he is not alone: joining him is the love of his life, Linus Baker, a former caseworker in the Department in Charge of Magical Youth; Zoe Chapelwhite, the island’s sprite; and her girlfriend, Mayor Helen Webb. Together, they will do anything to protect the children.
But when Arthur is summoned to make a public statement about his dark past, he finds himself at the helm of a fight for the future that his family, and all magical people, deserve. And when a new magical child hopes to join them on their island home―one who finds power in calling himself monster, a name Arthur worked so
hard to protect his children from―Arthur knows they’re at a breaking point: their family will either grow stronger than ever or fall apart.
Alias Emma by Ava Glass. (Book 1 of 3) Nothing about Emma Makepeace is real. Not even her name. A newly minted secret agent, Emma's barely graduated from basic training when she gets the call for her first major assignment. Eager to serve her country and prove her worth, she dives in headfirst.
Emma must covertly travel across one of the world’s most watched cities to bring the reluctant—and handsome—son of Russian dissidents into protective custody, so long as the assassins from the Motherland don’t find him first. With London’s famous Ring of Steel hacked by the Russian government, the two must cross the city without being seen by the hundreds of thousands of CCTV cameras that document every inch of the city’s streets, alleys, and gutters. Buses, subways, cars, and trains are out of the question. Traveling on foot, and operating without phones or bank cards that could reveal their location or identity, they have twelve hours to make it to safety. This will take all of Emma’s skills of disguise and subterfuge. But when Emma’s handler goes dark, there’s no one left to trust. And just one wrong move will get them both killed.
The People's Law Library of Iowa expands resources with new voting law topic
DES MOINES
– As the 2024 election approaches, the People's Law Library of Iowa has launched a new research topic dedicated to Voting Law. This timely addition offers Iowans easy access to essential information about voting rights, voter registration, election processes, and legal protections for voters. The new topic, available on the People's Law Library website, is designed to ensure that citizens have the knowledge needed to fully participate in the
democratic process. Voting Law covers a wide array of issues, including voter eligibility, voter registration, and absentee voting. The People’s Law Library serves as an entry point to Iowa and federal laws on voting, and links to trusted state and federal government sources.
“We are thrilled to introduce this new resource just in time for the upcoming elections,” said State Librarian Michael Scott. “Understanding voting laws is crucial for Iowans to feel confident that they can vote and have their voices heard.”
The People's Law Library of Iowa con -
tinues to grow in response to Iowans’ need for reliable, accessible legal information. Since its launch in October 2022, the online resource has become an essential tool for residents seeking legal help on a wide variety of topics, from family law to consumer rights and more. With the addition of the Voting Law section, the People's Law Library further expands its commitment to empowering Iowans with the legal knowledge they need. For more information, visit the Voting Law in Iowa research topic page at www.peo -
pleslawiowa.org.
About the People's Law Library of Iowa
The People's Law Library of Iowa is a free, online legal resource available to all Iowans. Managed by a partnership between the State Library of Iowa and the University of Iowa Law Library, the website provides information on a range of legal topics and helps connect individuals with legal resources, services, and guidance.
Access the resource at PeoplesLawIowa.org.
Michael Scott State Librarian, State Library of Iowa
Contributed photo
The Friends of the Library Board – (from left) John Lamantia, Susan Lee, Barb Duncan, Rene Paine, Susan Scott, Paul Saupe, and Wayne Wurzer.
OPINIONS
Blue-eyed October
Food for Thought
As an artist, I've always loved October for its brilliant colors. The sky seems bluer, and it actually is. Ripening fruit and dying leaves add brilliant contrasts of yellow, gold, red and orange against the violet-tinted blue of the sky. I once believed that it was the contrast of those colors that caused the sky to simply appear to be a deeper blue than at other times of year, but I've since learned that it is due to the changing angle of the sun and reduced moisture in the atmosphere which cause the blue light waves to dominate. As a poet, I tend to think of October as a rowdy youth with brilliant blue eyes, playfully capering across the landscape. This bit of anthropomorphic fancy resulted, years ago, in a short poem which always springs to mind at this time of year.
Gleeful Autumn: Gleeful autumn rowdy youth with disrespectful charm, / tumbles in to shove and joke and grinningly disarm. / Tossing leaves, he chills the air and basks in amber light. / Cunningly, he sneaks away to glaze the pond at night.
Those images come partly from growing up on an acreage that included, aside from the orchard my dad planted, a variety of trees including black walnuts, silver maples and hard, or sugar, maples. The silver maple trees turned a lemony yellow which deepened to gold before falling to the ground in abundant tan-paper piles. The hard maples faded from a dark green to various shades of pink, red and burgundy, depending on their summer “diet” of carotenoids which provide red, orange and yellow colors in fruits and vegetables as well as essential nutritional elements. Anthocyanins are responsible for the deep reds, purples and blues in plants, fruits, berries and the wonderful black maples we enjoy for their deep burgundy foliage today. A large hard maple tree in front of the house dropped knee-high heaps of rosy leaves seemingly every day for weeks each fall. At one time, they were so deep that we had to rake and burn them every day just to keep the front walk open for the mailman to be able to make his way to our mailbox attached to a post of the front porch railing. A deep, wide ditch ran between our front lawn and the gravel road that ended at the highway a block down the hill, and that ditch was where we burned most of the abundant leaves. Sometimes, on weekends, we would rake smaller piles of leaves and twigs onto the driveway that wound around to the back of the house and we would roast marshmallows or hot-dogs over the smokey embers. On sunny October weekends the whole town seemed to be fragrant with the smell of burning leaves.
School-days were no break from raking and other autumn chores. There were flower bulbs to be dug and stored, potatoes, carrots, onions, squash and other garden produce to be harvested and stored in basements, root cellars and pantries. Strings of garlic and bunches of dill, basil, thyme and lavender were hung in spare bedrooms to dry for storage. Mostly, though, we were told to hurry home, change from our school clothes to slacks and shirts, and help pick the rest of the grapes, apples and other fruits that remained in the orchard. Until the first hard freeze, everything that was still edible had to be harvested and preserved or given to neighbors. Nothing should go to waste, even when we had more than enough to last until the next year. Later, on the last warm days of late fall and early winter, we searched the grass around the walnut trees for black walnuts the squirrels had missed and the few sweet butternuts from an ancient tree behind the barn. The latter was saved for the special fudge Mother made at Christmastime. My dad's dream of raising nearly all the food for his family was close to realization, but he hadn't had to do it alone.
I guess that the one factor that permeated my life during those years we lived on the acreage was the time we spent outdoors. Hardly a day went by that we didn't spend hours gardening or caring for livestock that included hogs, cattle, chickens, rabbits, a pony, pet dogs and cats and a few experiments such as the flock of bossy guinea hens who were determined to be in charge of everything.
Iowa
Medicare
beneficiaries encouraged to evaluate and make any necessary changes to their coverage plans as many new changes take effect in 2025
News from the Iowa Insurance Division
DES MOINES — Every fall, Medicare beneficiaries are provided an opportunity to review and change their Prescription Drug Plan or Medicare Advantage Plan during the Open Enrollment Period (OEP) from October 15 to December 7. It’s important for Medicare beneficiaries to remember that Prescription Drug Plan and Medicare Advantage Plan costs, benefits, and providers can change each year, so evaluating your options could help you find better coverage, and even save money.
Medicare beneficiaries will receive information about any plan changes in the mail. Most will receive an Annual Notice of Change (ANOC) in September from your Medicare Advantage or Prescription Drug Plan. This is a summary of any changes in the plan’s cost, coverage and service area that will take effect on January 1 of the next year. Other Medicare beneficiaries could receive information that their plan may not be renewed for the next year, and they will need to find a new plan during the Open Enrollment Period. It is critical to ensure that all mail from your plan is read to stay informed about all possible changes.
“Navigating the Open Enrollment Period can seem daunting, but you don’t have to do it alone,” said Kristin Griffith, Director of the Iowa Insurance Division’s Senior Health Insurance Information Program (SHIIP) and Senior Medicare Patrol (SMP). “We have well trained SHIIP/SMP counselors across the state equipped to help you with this process.” Iowans seeking assistance can visit shiip.iowa.gov to find a counselor in
their county, or find additional information on how to compare plans at shiip.iowa.gov/medicare-open-enrollment-period.
“There are a number of changes for Medicare beneficiaries to be aware of occurring in 2025 that are a result of the adoption of the Inflation Reduction Act in 2022.” Griffith added. “These include a $2,000 cap on out-of-pocket drug spending as well as the implementation of the Medicare Prescription Payment Plan.” A summary of those changes can be found at the Iowa SHIIP website.
Key dates to remember:
• October 15th - Open Enrollment Begins
• December 7th - Open Enrollment Ends
• January 1st - Coverage Begins
If you're currently a Medicare beneficiaries and have reviewed your plan changes and are happy with your current coverage, you don't need to do anything during the Open Enrollment. Help from Medicare is also available 24 hours a day, 7 days a week, except some federal holidays at 1-800-MEDICARE (1-800-633-4227). TTY users can call 1-877-486-2048.
SHIIP/ SMP provides counseling, assistance and education to Medicare beneficiaries, their families, and caregivers. These programs help people navigate the complexities of Medicare and related insurances and prevent Medicare fraud. SHIIP and SMP are operated by the Iowa Insurance Division, and supported by federal funds.
Gov. Reynolds extends Harvest Proclamation
Office of the Governor
DES MOINES— Gov. Kim Reynolds has signed a proclamation relating to the weight limits and transportation of grain, fertilizer, and manure.
The proclamation is effective immediately and continues through November 8, 2024. The proclamation
allows vehicles transporting corn, soybeans, hay, straw, silage, stover, fertilizer (dry, liquid, and gas), and manure (dry and liquid) to be overweight (not exceeding 90,000 pounds gross weight) without a permit for the duration of this proclamation.
This proclamation applies to loads transported on all highways within Iowa (excluding the interstate system) and those which do not exceed a maximum of 90,000 pounds gross weight, do not exceed the maximum axle weight limit determined under the non-primary highway maximum gross weight table in Iowa Code § 321.463 (6) (b), by more than 12.5 percent, do not exceed the legal maximum axle weight limit of 20,000 pounds, and comply with posted limits on roads and bridges.
Milli Gilbaugh
Johnson County Supervisor Royceann Porter admonished
for email violation
Supervisor Royceann Porter speaks during a Johnson County Board of Supervisors meeting on Wednesday Sept. 18, 2024. Porter was recently admonished by the Iowa Ethics and Campaign Disclosure Board for using her county email for political purposes.
Talan Nelson
Supervisor Royceann Porter speaks during a Johnson County Board of Supervisors meeting on Wednesday Sept. 18, 2024. Porter was recently admonished by the Iowa Ethics and Campaign Disclosure Board for using her county email for political purposes.
Johnson County Supervisor Royceann Porter has been formally admonished by the Iowa Ethics and Campaign Disclosure Board. An admonishment does not bring disciplinary action; however, it does serve as a warning.
The admonishment was first reported by Zachary Oren-Smith from Iowa Starting Line. The Ethics Board’s admonishment was issued on Porter because she used her county email for “advocating the election or defeat of
a candidate for public office.”
According to reporting from The Cedar Rapids Gazette, Porter sent the email on Sept. 23 to numerous sources to request support for her unannounced write-in campaign.
The email was sent to fellow supervisors Rod Sullivan and Lisa-Green Douglass, Sheriff Brad Kunkel, Iowa City Mayor Bruce Teague, and numerous county officials such as Jesse Case, Ines Beltre, Fiona Johnson, Lynette Jacoby, Lindsey Jones, Clayton Schuneman, Dave Wilson, and Rachel Zimmermann Smith, according to The Gazette.
Porter is not up for reelection in November after she lost the June primary to fellow members Rod Sullivan, Lisa Green-Douglass, and the new challenger Mandi Remington.
If Porter decides to move forward with a write-in campaign, it would make her the second write-in in the county alongside former Executive Director of the Board of Supervisors Guillermo Morales. Morales was fired from his position by a 3-2 vote on Sept. 4, with Sullivan, Green-Douglass, and Porter voting for his termination. Porter did not respond to a request for comment.
Jacob Calvin The Daily Iowan
Talan Nelson | The Daily Iowan
Supervisor Royceann Porter speaks during a Johnson County Board of Supervisors meeting on Wednesday Sept. 18, 2024. Porter was recently admonished by the Iowa Ethics and Campaign Disclosure Board for using her county email for political purposes.
SPORTS
Lady Spartans outlast Indee
Solon Economist
SOLON — The Lady Spartans improved to 22-10 on the season with a 3-1 win over Independence (Indee) Tuesday, October 8 at home on Senior Night.
Addie Miller, Grace Erwin, Yasmine Sell, and Izzy Frees were honored along with JV players Elena Swan and Lauryn Wear were recognized for their contributions to the program.
Independence edged past Solon 25-23 in the first set but the Lady Spartans overpowered the Mustangs 25-14 and 25-14 in the second and third sets before pulling out a 25-22 win in the fourth to claim the match.
Sell led Solon with 18 kills on the night with 13 from junior Kiley Devery and 11 from Erwin.
No change in 3A rankings
The Iowa Girls High School Athletic Union (IGHSAU) released their seventh weekly rankings last Thursday with Mt. Vernon remaining in the No. 1 spot followed by Western Christian, West Delaware, Wahlert Catholic, Assumption Catholic, Sioux Center, Kuemper Catholic, Mid-Prairie, Cherokee, Wilton, and the Lady Spartans. Anamosa, Roland-Story, Clarinda, and Nevada rounded out the top-15 teams in the state.
Regionals start next Tuesday at home
The Lady Spartans (22-10) will engage Camanche (1113) in Class 3A Region 4 quarterfinal action Tuesday, October 22 at home. The winner plays Thursday, October 24 in the semifinals at Solon against the winner of a Monticello vs. Oelwein contest (also Tuesday). In the top half of the Region 4 bracket Wahlert Catholic (207) faces Tipton (9-18) and North Fayette Valley (16-6) battles Waukon (17-10). Wahlert will host the semifinal. The Regional Championship, with a trip to the 2024 State Tournament on the line, is set for Tuesday, October 29 at the highest ranked team’s site
2024 State Tournament information
The tournament runs Monday, Nov. 4 – Thursday, Nov. 7 at Xtream Arena in Coralville.
3A Quarterfinals will be played Tuesday, Nov. 5 at 10:00 and 10:25 a.m., and 12:00 and 12:25 p.m. with the Semifinals set for Wednesday, Nov. 6 at 2:00 and 2:25 p.m. The 3A Championship Game is set for 2:30 p.m. Thursday, Nov. 7.
Game
Photos by Deb Rebal | Special to the Solon Economist
Top: (From left) Seniors Grace Erwin (4), Izzy Frees (11), Addie Miller (3), Yasmine Sell (9), Elena Swan, and Lauryn Wear were recognized and honored last Tuesday on Senior Night.
Center left: Gable Knight (10) and Jozie Lahr (6) try to block a push from Independence’s Amya Rupprecht at home on Senior Night Tuesday, October 8.
Center right: Jozie Lahr (6) puts a shot over the net Tuesday, October 8 at home against Independence on Senior Night. Lahr, a junior, made eight kills in a 3-1 Solon win.
Right: Point Solon! – Jozie Lahr (6), Izzy Frees (11), and Yasmine Sell (9) celebrate a point against Independence Tuesday, October 8 at home on Senior Night. Sell, a senior, led the Lady Spartans with 18 kills in a 3-1 Solon win.
Williamsburg — A rematch of the 2023 State Semifinals
Raiders run wild 42-13 over Solon
Kyle T. Prondzinki
For the Solon Economist
WILLIAMSBURG — When the game was over The Williamsburg Victory Bell resonated deep into the night.
The Bell, echoing, was a testament to the Raiders' dominant second half, which propelled them over the seventh-ranked Solon Spartans. Each Raider eagerly took their turn to ring the bell celebrating the impressive 42-13 victory. It was a similar result to when the two teams clashed last year in the UNI-Dome for the Class 3A Semifinals where the Raiders ended the Spartans’ State Championship hopes with a 45-14 loss.
The Spartans, after Starting the season unbeaten at 5-0, have dropped their last two games after previously being ranked at the top spot.
The first half of this game was much more competitive than the second. Williamsburg got things started early, striking first as they went the length of the field in under three minutes when Grady Hocker connected with wideout Cael Moore on fourth down from ten yards out.
The story of the first half was the Spartans' ability to respond to adversity. The Spartans got the ball right back and used a display of powerful running from senior Eddie Johnson, who capped the drive off by lowering his shoulder and fighting his way into the endzone, making it 7-6.
Adversity struck the Spartans again after giving up two quick strike touchdown throws from Hocker, including a 67-yard catch and run from wide receiver Nile Sinn. The Spartans found themselves trailing 21-6.
The Spartans got right back to work and force-fed Johnson, who found the endzone for a second time. Johnson showed off his speed and athleticism as he saw daylight and didn’t turn back for an 80-yard burst right up the middle on the drive's second play, slicing the Raider’s lead to 21-13 and ending the action for the first half.
Johnson totaled 150 yards and two touchdowns on 22 carries.
The second half was all about the Raiders. Williamsburg’s offense turned it up and displayed a heavy RPO package. Hocker led the game with five
passing touchdowns, three of which found senior wide receiver Rayce Heitman.
The Raiders' defense also had its fair share of highlights as they forced two second-half turnovers, a fumble recovery, and an interception.
“They just played better than us…no excuses,” Head Coach Lucas Stanton said after the game. Stanton addressed the players and then just the coaches, challenging everyone. With two games remaining on
The Spartans suffered their second loss of the season as the Raiders overpowered them 42-13.
the schedule, the team must execute from top to bottom to be back on track by playoff time.
The Solons’ upcoming schedule looks pretty favorable. They will return to Spartan Stadium this week to take on a (2-5) Fairfield team and end the regular season on the road against a currently winless South Tama. Coach Stanton made it clear not to overlook the opponents but to use these games to sharpen up and return to being a dangerous team.
Stats
Passing – Ty Bell 13/22, 120 yards, one interception. Rushing – Eddie Johnson 150 yards/22 carries, two TDs. Einar Stecher 30 yards/five carries. Maddox Kelley 19 yards/four carries. Receiving – Maddox Kelley 39 yards/four receptions. Owen Einwalter 37 yards/four receptions. Eli Kampman 29 yards/two receptions. Karsyn Regennitter 11 yards/one reception. Johnson seven yards/one reception.
Defense – Tripp Johnson six solo tackles, 2.5 for a loss. Kelley five solo. Kampman three solo. Stecher three solo. Jackson Feuerbach three solo. Lucas Feuerbach three solo, one for a loss. Regennitter two solo, one for a loss. Grant Wilson two solo. Beu Mullen one solo. Oliver Owens one solo. Teague Williams one solo, 1.5 for a loss. Cody Milliman one solo. Conner Scott one solo. Colby Myers one solo. Interceptions – Kelley one for 30 yards.
Jessica Kelley | Special to the Solon Economist Kyler Jensen (52) and Owen Einwalter (9) latch onto Williamsburg’s Grant Hocker in varsity action Friday, October 11 in Williamsburg. Hocker completed ten passes for 208 yards and five touchdowns as the Raiders handed the Spartans their second loss of the season.
Jessica Kelley | Special to the Solon Economist
Karsyn Regennitter (2) dives for Williamsburg’s Nile Sinn in varsity action Friday, October 11 in Williamsburg. Sinn racked up 101 yards of rushing on 22 carries and went 67 yards on one pass reception (for a touchdown) to keep the Spartan defense busy.
Jessica Kelley | Special to the Solon Economist Eddie Johnson (10) powers his way in for one of two touchdowns Friday, October 11 at Williamsburg.
Michael Kabela
Special to the Solon Economist
TROY MILLS — Solon’s cross country teams ended their regular seasons with a pair of strong showings at the Bob Mudd Lynx Invitational hosted by North Linn High School Saturday morning. The girls cruised to the team title putting three runners in the top six, while the boys continue to improve despite being without two of their top runners. The Lady Spartans posted 54 points, easily beating class 3A 10th ranked Marion (85), Washington and Class 2A 4th ranked Tipton (92 each). The boys placed 4th (119 pts.) behind three ranked teams including champion Washington (69), ranked 8th in Class 3A. Freshman Kinley Mai led the girls effort with a 4th place finish in 19:37. Senior Sydney Dee and freshman Livya Nelson were seconds behind in 5th and 6th. Senior Ella Sheeley (20:50 ) and freshman Addison Seamans (21:14) rounded out the scoring slots, placing 17th and 27th overall. Freshman were sprinkled throughout the scoring positions for the boys also. Anders Holmes (Fr.) moved up steadily from 20th at the midway point to finish 10th with a solid
Cross Country teams head into WaMaC Meet off solid performances at Bob Mudd Invite Little Hawks fall to Cedar Falls 129-57 on Senior Night
kick and a 17:25
clocking. Juniors Rena Meza and Camden Lyons placed 24th and 27th running 17:59 and 18:14. Freshmen Deacon Waddell (18:30) and Preston Raasch (18:33) were next to cross the finish line placing 33rd and 35th.
Two Solon veterans returned from injuries to win the JV races and will join the varsity teams for the WaMaC meet today (October 17) at Antioch Church in Marion. Senior Evan Burg won in 18:41 while Rowles’ 22:04 bested all JV girls. Rowles finished 24th in last year’s WaMaC meet while Burg placed 26th.
The girls JV team dominated, placing six runners in the top 15 and eight in the top 20 to win easily. The boys placed second.
Head Coach Emy Williams was pleased with all the teams. “Today was a great day for us. This week we’ll start tapering so everyone’s legs will feel more fresh for the post season meets coming up.”
After WaMaC competition, the varsity squads will return home for the state qualifying meet October 23 at SRNA. Three boys teams, three girls teams and the top 15 individual finishers in each race will advance to the state meet in Fort Dodge November 1.
Results
JV boys – 1, Evan Burg, 18:41.2. 9, Caden Mai, 20:00.9. 14, Ben Yeomans, 20:16.4. 17, Ethan Ressler, 20:18.0. 34, Will McAtee, 21:42.5. 35, Clayton Cooney, 21:44.1. 40, Harber Viet, 22:24.5. 43, Beck Lary, 22:36.0. 45, Even Meza, 22:44.0. 56, Evan Gleason, 23:40.4. 60, Benjamin Fetzer, 23:54.1. 82, Ian Stranberg, 29:54.8. 83, Porter Ball, 33:06.1. Team scores – 1, Williamsburg, 35. 2, Solon, 62. 3, Marion, 62. 4, Tipton, 109. 5, Vinton-Shellsburg, 123. 6, Benton Community, 148. 7, Edgewood-Colesburg, 161. 8, Clayton Ridge-Guttenberg, 221. JV girls – 1, Ava Rolwes, 22:04.4. 3, Aly Stahle, 22:25.8. 5, Quinn Armentrout, 22:42.3. 8, Avery Johnson, 23:02.2. 9, Madelyn McCandless, 23:10.4. 14, Beckitt Kabela, 23:42.1. 15, Sydney Kunkel, 23:44.7. 19, Joli Sinnwell, 23:58.8. 20, Jillian Jansen, 24:12.0. 23, Marin Ashbacker, 24:31.6. 24, Sophia Miles, 24:39.0. 29, Piper Stahle, 25:04.3. 35, Vivi Schmooke, 25:23.0. 36, Kailee Miller, 25:30.9. 45, Kendall Werner, 25:56.9. 46, Kayanna Schmidt, 26:02.4. 47, Ellie Durr, 26:02.7. 49, Caidence Macke, 26:27.2. 53, Violet Houtakker, 27:01.4. Team scores – 1, Solon, 26. 2, Williamsburg, 65. 3, Tipton, 88. 4, Washington, 99. 5, Grundy Center, 124. 6, Marion, 146. 7, Clayton Ridge-Guttenberg, 154. Varsity boys – 10, Anders Holmes, 17:25.5. 24, Rene Meza, 17:59.0. 27, Camden Lyons, 18:14.1. 33, Deacon Waddell, 18:30.2. 35, Preston Raasch, 18:33.9. 55, Charlie Pettit, 19:01.9. 62, Max Ferin, 19:26.4. Team scores – 1, Washington, 69. 2, Tipton, 81. 3, Vinton-Shellsburg, 105. 4, Solon, 119. 5, Williamsburg, 123. 6, Maquoketa Valley-Delhi, 168. 7, Marion, 176. 8, Benton Community, 220. 9, Alburnett, 254. 10, Starmont, 263. 11, Regina Catholic, 289. 12, Independence, 338. 13, Grundy Center, 342. 14, Clayton Ridge-Guttenberg, 354. 15, Hudson, 363. Varsity girls – 4, Kinley Mai, 19:37.4. 5, Sydney Dee, 19:40.3. 6, Livya Nelson, 19:41.0. 17, Ella Sheeley, 20:50.2. 27, Addison Seamans, 21:14.2. 34, Falyn Svalstad, 21:47.7. 61, Rose McAtee, 23:10.9. Team scores – 1, Solon, 54. 2, Marion, 85. 3, Washington, 92. 4, Tipton, 92. 5, Williamsburg, 119. 6, Hudson, 128. 7, Maquoketa Valley-Delhi, 191. 8, Grundy Center, 199. 9, Regina Catholic, 221. 10, VintonShellsburg, 250. 11, Benton Community, 299.
Solon’s Grace Hoeper anchors winning 4x50-yard relay, wins butterfly and breaststroke
IOWA CITY — Grace Hoeper took the board for her final race (of the night) on senior night.
Calm, cool and collected, Hoeper took a deep breath before making her splash. Competing for the Iowa City High School Little Hawks, Hoeper had a standout night for her final showing at a regular season meet. City High’s varsity fell to Cedar Falls 129-57, while the junior varsity held on to get the win 87-78 over Cedar Falls Tuesday, October 8 at the Mercer Park Aquatic Center. Hoeper, before getting to her final event of the evening, the 100 yard breaststroke (1:09:00), placed first in the 4×50 yard free relay (1:44.87), the 100 yard fly (56.83), and took second in the 4×50 yard medley relay (1:57:67). Once the night came to a close, Hoeper had secured three first place finishes and one second place finish. Hoeper’s largest win on the night was during the 100 yard fly as she beat out her second place competition by roughly 13 seconds while in the 100 yard breaststroke she won by a margin of only 5 seconds.
Sophomore Madelyn Elkins competed in both relays
alongside Hoeper on the night. Elkins placed fourth in the 200 yard individual medley (2:43:29), sixth in the 100 yard freestyle, along with first in the 4×50 yard free relay (1:44.87), and second in the 4×50 yard medley relay (1:57:67).
While competing for the Junior Varsity Team, freshman Nora Bumsted placed fifth in both the 50 yard freestyle (00:33:31) and the 100 yard backstroke (1:33.25). She finished fourth in the 4×50 yard freestyle relay. Sophomore Ella Pressler competed in the 1 meter Junior Varsity diving competition and placed third (95.00)
Hoeper among Automatic Qualifiers for State Tour nament in six events
200-yard freestyle – 1, Grace Hoeper, 1:53.712
200-yard Individual Medley – 3, Hoeper, 2:10.83
50-yard freestyle – 1, Hoeper, 23.31
100-yard butterfly – 1, Hoeper, 56.39
100-yard freestyle – 1, Hoeper, 51.11
500-yard freestyle – 4, Hoeper, 5:11.43
Upcoming Events
Thursday, October 24 – MVC Diving Championship, Mercer Park Aquatic Center, 5:00 p.m.
Saturday, October 26 – MVC Swimming Championship, Mercer Park, 12:00 p.m.
Thursday, Nov. 7 – Regional Diving
Saturday, Nov. 9 – Regional Swimming
Friday, Nov. 15 – State Diving Meet, 5:00 p.m.
Friday, Nov. 15 – State Swimming Meet prelims, 5:00 p.m.
Saturday, Nov. 16 – State Swimming Meet finals, Noon
Sydney Goldberg For the Solon Economist
Photos by Michael Kabela | Special to the Solon Economist Top: Kinley Mai; Bottom: Anders Holmes
Sydney Goldberg | For the Solon Economist Solon senior Grace Hoeper won the 100-yard breaststroke and 100-yard butterfly events Tuesday, October 8 as the City High Little Hawks celebrated Senior Night.
Get ready, It’s SPOOK MONTH!
OCTOBER HAPPENINGS ••••••
Wednesday, October 30 – Halloween Party
DINING •••••••••••••••••••••
Home Deliveries
Monday, Wednesday and Friday. Call 319-6242251 for information.
In-House Dining
Solon Methodist Church, Wednesdays only at 11:30 a.m. Meals cost $5.00, call 319-624-2251 for reservations (required) Monday between 10-11:00 a.m.
Bingo – Wednesdays AM/PM Cards – Wednesdays PM
OCTOBER MENU
Friday, October 18
Hushpuppy Fish Tator Tots
Creamy Cucumber Salad Tropical Pumpkin Pie
Monday, October 21
Pony Shoe
Sweet Pepper Slaw Seasonal Fresh Fruit
Wednesday, October 23
Country Fried Steak
Mashed Potatoes
Country Gravy
Candied Carrots Cheesecake w/Cherries
Friday, October 25
Panko Crusted Tilapia
Lemon Kissed Asparagus
Cheesy Potato Tot Bake Fresh Fruit
Monday, October 28
Spinach Alfredo Lasagna Roll-Up Carrots
Garlic Toast Monster Cookie Cake
Wednesday, October 30 –Halloween Party
Loaded Turkey Noodle Casserole Blended Vegetables
Breadstick
French Chocolate Cheesecake
Thank you Solon Senior Dining volunteers! “Volunteers do not necessarily have the time, they just have the heart.”
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 important service to the students.
SCHOOL
For information on the free and reduced program, and an application, go to www.solon.
k12.ia.us/page/nutritionprogram and scroll down to Nutrition Documents & Links.
STUDENT LUNCH PRICES
High School - $2.70
Middle School - $2.60
SIS/Lakeview - $2.55
Reduced - $.40
Adult/Guest lunch: $4.70
Thursday, October 17
MS/HS Alt: Cheese Bites
Chicken Tenders (LV/SIS)
Chicken Wings & Sauce (MS/ HS)
Steamed Carrots, Celery
Chilled Pears
“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
Thursday, October 17
Breakfast Sandwich (LV/SIS)
G&G Bag (LV) Cereal Bar
Egg Scramble w/ Hash Brown or Mini Pancakes w/ Sausage Links
Fruit, Juice Crackers & Milk
Friday, October 18
Mini CC French Toast (LV/SIS)
G&G Bag (LV) Donut Long John or Cinnamon Roll Fruit, Juice Crackers & Milk
Monday, October 21
Breakfast Pizza (LV/SIS)
G&G Bag (LV) oatmeal Bar Sausage & Gravy over Biscuit, Frudel
Biscuit with Butter Patty, Sunchips (HS)
Friday, October 18
MS/HS Alt: Cook’s Delight
Mac & Cheese, Little Smokies
Caesar Salad, Fava Crisps Green Beans (MS/HS) Pineapple Chunks, Garlic Toast (HS)
Monday, October 21
MS/HS Alt: Fish Fillet Sandwich Mandarin Chicken and Rice
Broccoli, Sweet Potato Fries Apple Wedges, Yo Caramel (HS) Pineapple (MS/HS), Garlic Knot
Tuesday, October 22
MS/HS Alt: BBQ Pork Sandwich
Across
1 Like some bad breakups
6 Item of clothing in a Prince hit
11 Fender Bassman, e.g.
14 What Romeo and Juliet planned to do in Mantua
15 Obsessive fan of anime or video games, from the Japanese
16 “I can’t ___ …”
17 Limb?
— Elizabeth Andrew
Fruit, Juice Crackers & Milk
Tuesday, October 22
Parfait (LV/SIS)
G&G Bag (LV) Snack bread French Toast Bake, Waffles & Sausage Patty Fruit, Juice Crackers & Milk
Wednesday, October 23
Sausage Pancake Wrap (LV/ SIS)
G&G Bag (LV) Nutri Grain Bar
Breakfast Pizza or Cinnamon Doughnuts Fruit, Juice Crackers & Milk
Thursday, October 24
Mini Pancakes (LV/SIS)
G&G Bag (LV) Mini Pancakes
Muffin Top, Mini Pancakes & Sausage Links
Fruit, Juice Crackers & Milk
Walking Tacos with Fixings
Mixed Vegetables
Diced Pears
Goldfish (SIS/MS/HS), Trail Mix (MS/HS)
Wednesday, October 23
MS/HS Alt: Spicy Chicken Patty Chicken Patty on a Bun Cauliflower & Cheese
Shredded Romaine
Sweet Mandarin Oranges, Wacky Cake
Thursday, October 24
MS/HS Alt: Creamed Turkey/ Mashed Potatoes & Dinner Roll
Cheese Pizza, Seasoned
Crinkle Cut Fries, Tasty Peas
Mango Cubes
Tiger Bites (SIS/MS/HS)
19 Key not found on a Mac
20 Head of France
21 Put at a table, say
22 Gets ready for the national anthem, maybe
24 “Obviously!”
26 Bills
27 Neuters
30 Foremost?
34 This guy!
35 Sultanate on the island of Borneo
37 Fratty stereotypes
38 Petrichor is the aroma produced by this
40 Insert, as a video in a post
41 Folk rock’s Mumford & ___
42 Golden rule word
43 Muffle
45 Bit of décor at a tiki bar
46 Ready?
48 “Not so!”
50 It might cause some unsurprised looks
51 Stately tree
52 “Fathoms ___” (opening song of “The Little Mermaid”)
53 Each
56 River through Louisville
60 Genetic messenger
61 Dine?
64 See 67-Across
65 Large wedding band, say
66 Former title for Pete Buttigieg
67 With 64-Across, bad thing to be caught in
68 Pregnancy increments
69 Nose-in-the-air type? Down
1 Hot deli order
2 Legal writer Mystal
3 Tender
4 Alacritous
5 “You betcha”
6 Tunnel (through)
7 Singer James
8 Railing post?
9 Scrape (out)
10 One of 27 on Disney World’s Cinderella Castle
11 Sushi order topped with salmon
12 Progress markers
13 Rewards for a “good boy”
18 It can come before Wednesday
23 Feet in a meter
25 Charger option, for short
26 Track that fans flip for?
27 [Meh]
28 Spot to store sheet music
29 “Did it happen already?!”
30 Stewed
31 Not on good terms (with)
32 Like much marshland
33 Nail polish brand with a “Get It Girl” pink
36 Brought back
39 Acknowledge wordlessly
44 Bills might pass in this, for short
47 Lab report?
49 Unmoved by ethical arguments
51 Org. that tests the waters
52 2024 Charli XCX album with a lime green cover
53 Chip in
54 Give in on Christmas Eve, perhaps
55 Goes (for)
57 “Howdy!”
58 Aware of
59 Creature popularized in Charles Perrault’s “Tales of Mother Goose”
62 Glass blocks
63 Hellion
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.
Cost of this publication: $300.96
Fiscal year to date cost: $5413.10
THE JOHNSON COUNTY BOARD OF SUPERVISORS
FORMAL MEETING MINUTES
OCTOBER 3, 2024
Proclamations and resolutions adopted by the Board of Supervisors are only summarized in the published minutes; the full text may be inspected at the Office of the County Auditor, 913 S. Dubuque Street, Iowa City, Mon. thru Fri., between 8:00 a.m. and 5:00 p.m. and at www.johnsoncountyiowa.gov.
Chairperson Sullivan called the Johnson County Board of Supervisors to order in the Johnson County Health and Human Services Boardroom at 9:00 a.m. Members present: V Fixmer-Oraiz, Jon Green, Lisa Green-Douglass, Royceann Porter, and Rod Sullivan.
All actions were taken unanimously. PUBLIC COMMENT: No business.
PROCLAMATION NO. 10-03-24-01
RECOVERY MONTH
SEPTEMBER 2024
Summary: Recovery Month is an opportunity to acknowledge the efforts of those in recovery, as well as the families, friends, and professionals who support them. Johnson County is committed to raising awareness of mental health and substance use disorders, providing access to support services, and eliminating the stigma associated with seeking treatment, ensuring that individuals can live full and healthy lives. Board Action: Proclaim September 2024 as Recovery Month in Johnson County and urge residents to learn more about addiction and show support for individuals and families in recovery. Motion by Green-Douglass, second by Green, to approve Proclamation 10-03-24-01. Community and Family Resources GuideLink Center Sobering and Detox Nurse Manager Rachel Fry spoke. Motion by Green-Douglass, second by Porter, to approve the claims on the Auditor’s
Motion by Porter, second by Green-Douglass, to approve the minutes of the Formal Meeting of September 26, 2024.
Motion by Green, second by Green-Douglass, to approve the payroll authorizations submitted by department heads and elected officials, as approved by a majority of the Supervisors.
Motion by Green, second by Porter, to approve the applications for alcohol license for Club 76 American Legion, The Traveling Nova LLC, and Angela Foulks (pending dramshop certification), as contained in the agenda packet of this meeting.
Motion by Green-Douglass, second by Green, to receive and place on file the Recorder’s Report of Fees Collected for the month of August 2024, in the amount of $267,110.03, as submitted by County Recorder Kim Painter.
Motion by Fixmer-Oraiz, second by Green, to approve the proposed ordinance, on second consideration, amending the text of the Johnson County Unified Development Ordinance by adding cryptocurrency production as an allowed use, modify acreage regulations related to detached Auxiliary Dwelling Units, add provisions for treating a parcel group as a single parcel for building purposes, and modify lot of record regulations. Roll call: Aye: Fixmer-Oraiz, Green, Green-Douglass, Porter, Sullivan.
Convened Public Hearing at 9:16 a.m. on an Amendment to Loan Agreement Relating to $12,920,399 Taxable General Obligation County Purpose Bond, Series 2023A and $4,009,000 Taxable General Obligation County Purpose Bond, Series 2023B. Finance Director Dana Aschenbrenner said the Board previously authorized a loan agreement for the purpose of paying costs associated with a building project at the Johnson County Historic Poor Farm, but the cost of that project exceeded the statutory amount the County is allowed to finance with bonds. He said the County wants to amend the Series 2023 Loan Agreement to use a portion of the Series 2023 Bonds to acquire peace officer communication equipment and other emergency services communication equipment and systems in the amount of $1,200,000. No one from the public spoke. Public Hearing closed at 9:18 a.m.
RESOLUTION NO. 10-03-24-01
APPROVING AND AUTHORIZING AN AMENDMENT TO LOAN AGREEMENT RELATING TO $12,920,399 TAXABLE GENERAL OBLIGATION COUNTY PURPOSE BOND, SERIES 2023A AND $4,009,000
TAXABLE GENERAL OBLIGATION COUNTY PURPOSE BOND, SERIES 2023B
Summary: The Code of Iowa authorizes counties to enter into loan agreements and borrow money for the purposes of financing improvements to county buildings and acquiring peace officer communication equipment and other emergency services communication equipment and systems. The Board previously authorized a loan agreement for the purpose of paying costs of renovations and improvements to the County Farm Building in the amount of $1,200,000, an Essential County Purpose, which County Farm Building Renovations and Improvements Loan Agreement was consolidated into the Series 2023 Loan Agreement entered into in connection with the issuance by the County of its Taxable General Obligation County Purpose Bond in the principal amount of $12,920,399 and a Taxable General Obligation County Purpose Bond in the principal amount of $4,009,000 in evidence of the County’s obligation under the Series 2023 Loan Agreement. The County determined not to proceed with the County Farm Building Project, and now desires to amend the Series 2023 Loan Agreement to use a portion of the Series 2023 Bonds to acquire peace officer communication equipment and other emergency services communication equipment and systems in the amount of $1,200,000, also an Essential County Purpose. The Board desires to enter into an amendment to the Series 2023 Loan Agreement to provide for the use of the proceeds of the Series 2023 Bonds in the amount of $1,200,000 for the Communication Equipment Project. The Board met on October 3, 2024, at the Johnson County Health and Human Services Building, Room 203C, Iowa City, Iowa, at 9:00 a.m. and held a hearing on the proposal to enter into the Series 2023 Loan Agreement Amendment. The Board express its intention to enter into the Series 2023 Loan Agreement Amendment and authorize and approve the Series 2023 Loan Agreement Amendment. Board Action: Resolved as follows: Section 1-The County expresses its intention to enter into the Series 2023 Loan Agreement Amendment and determines to enter into the Series 2023 Loan Agreement Amendment in substantially the form as will be placed on file with the Board. Authorize the Chairperson and County Auditor to sign the Series 2023 Loan Agreement Amendment on behalf of the County. Approve the Series 2023 Loan Agreement Amendment. Section 2- All resolutions in conflict are hereby repealed to the extent of such conflict. Motion by Porter, second by Green, to approve Resolution No. 10-03-24-01, effective October 3, 2024.
RESOLUTION NO. 10-03-24-02 SUSPENDING COLLECTION OF THE 2023 PROPERTY TAXES FOR JOHNSON COUNTY PARCEL NO. 1023210001, OWNED BY STEPHEN E. WASHBURN, IOWA CITY, IOWA
Summary: Iowa Code provides for the suspension of taxes if a person presents evidence to the Board that shows the person’s eligibility for tax suspension on parcels owned or possessed by them. Stephen E. Washburn presented evidence he is eligible for suspension of taxes on Parcel No. 1023210001 located at 1319 Tracy Lane, Iowa City. Johnson County verified that collection of the 2023 property taxes in the amount of $3,486.00, including interest, is to be suspended. Board Action: Approve the request for a suspension of the collection of taxes and interest on Parcel No. 1023210001. Suspend the collection of all property taxes assessed against Parcel No. 1023210001 remaining unpaid for such time as Stephen E. Wash-
burn remains the owner of said property and receives assistance. Direct the County Treasurer to make entry on the records accordingly and suspend collection of the above-stated taxes, thereby establishing a lien on said property as required by law, with future collection to include statutory interest. The resolution shall take effect immediately. Motion by Green, second by Fixmer-Oraiz, to approve Resolution No. 10-03-24-02, effective October 3, 2024. Sullivan confirmed with County Treasurer Scott Finlayson that the applicant meets all criteria for tax suspension on their parcel; therefore, the Board must approve this resolution. He noted this does not mean the taxes will never be paid but are simply suspended until the applicant can pay.
Motion by Fixmer-Oraiz, second by Porter, to approve Change Order No. 005 for the Administration and Health and Human Services Remodel Project with McComas-Lacina Construction LC, Iowa City, in the amount of $22,647.71.
Motion by Green, second by Porter, to appoint Bill Waldie and Ashley Salinas to the Criminal Justice Coordinating Committee.
Motion by Fixmer-Oraiz, second by Porter, to make the following appointments to the Juvenile Justice and Youth Development Policy Board for a three-year term ending September 30, 2027: appoint: Kiley Schmidt, Marques Brooks, and reappoint Rueben Ross, Ann Santos.
Adjourned at 9:33 a.m.
/s/ Rod Sullivan, Chair, Board of Supervisors Attest: /s/ Erin Shane, Auditor
On the 10th day of October 2024
Recorded by Auditor’s Office: Marly Melsh, Executive Clerk to the Board These minutes were sent for formal approval and publication on October 10, 2024. Published in the Solon Economist October 17, 2024.
SOLON CITY COUNCIL MEETING MINUTES
SOLON CITY HALL, SOLON, IOWA
OCTOBER 2, 2024, 2024
Pledge of Allegiance
Mayor Dan O’Neil called to order the regular City Council meeting at 5:30 pm. Roll Call: Steve Duncan, John Farlinger, Cole Gabriel, Andrew Kramer and Lauren Whitehead – Via Zoom. Also Present: City Administrator Cami Rasmussen, Public Works Director Scott Kleppe, City Attorney Kevin Olson, City Engineer Dave Schechinger – Via Zoom, City Clerk Susie Siddell and Librarian Liz King. Motion by Gabriel to approve the agenda. Seconded by Duncan. Roll Call Vote. Duncan, Farlinger, Gabriel, Kramer and Whitehead. All Ayes. Motion Carried. 5-0. Citizen Speak: None Consent Agenda: Motion by Farlinger to approve the regular meeting minutes for September 18, 2024, list of bills, treasurer’s report and transfers and building permits. Seconded by Kramer. Roll Call Vote: Duncan, Farlinger, Gabriel, Kramer and Whitehead. All Ayes. Motion Carried. 5-0.
Fire Department Report: Mayor O’Neil stated he was going to reach out to the Johnson County Supervisor’s concerning the intersection at 140th street as the Fire Department not long ago had two fatal accident calls in that area, he will discuss
with them the possibility of rumble strips.
Kleppe stated he should talk with someone from the DOT.
Sheriff’s Report: The deputy from the sheriff’s department stated he would talk to the office concerning the intersection.
Public Works Director Report: Kleppe informed council he had applied for an incentive rebate with Alliant in the amount of approximately $13,712.00, this will be used to add variable frequency drives to the oxidation ditches at the WWTP.
Kleppe stated city staff has finished work on West Elm Street, there had been some work done on the street as there had been water issues.
Kleppe stated JDM Concrete has finished patch work and he had received two bids for demolition for the two houses on Dubuque Street with the lowest being $18,000 from Proffitt Construction. Kleppe questioned council if he should go ahead and schedule the demolition with them stating he could schedule it.
Library Report: King stated they would be having their 4th annual pumpkin decorating contest. Friends of the library will be having a Halloween costume and decoration sale on Saturday October 5th, 8am to 12pm. October 14 they will be having Quilt 101and Lego night October 21st. October 22nd they will be having a joint library boards meeting.
City Engineer Report: Schechinger stated at the next meeting there should be a final plat for the next phase of Trail Ridge. They have also been working on site plan reviews and tomorrow there will be a WWTP meeting, things are about a month behind, they are still working on getting information from suppliers.
City Attorney Report: None
OTHER BUSINESS:
Building Needs: Rasmussen stated she has been working with Jordan Creek Church, the engineer is gathering information.
City School: Rasmussen stated she has sent the draft to the school. Davis Eidahl stated he would meet with their committee and get back to Rasmussen.
City Clerk Report: None
City Administrator Comments: None
Council Comments: None
Mayor Comments: None
CLOSED SESSION: Motion by Duncan to enter into closed session pursuant to Iowa Code Chapter 21.5 (j) allowing for closed session regarding a real estate transaction. Seconded by Farlinger. Roll Call Vote: Duncan, Farlinger, Gabriel, Kramer and Whitehead. All Ayes. Motion Carried. 5-0. Motion by Duncan to go out of closed session. Seconded by Farlinger. Roll Call Vote: Duncan, Farlinger, Gabriel, Kramer and Whitehead. All Ayes. Motion Carried. 5-0. Motion by Farlinger to adjourn the meeting at 5:55 pm. Seconded by Gabriel. All Ayes. Motion Carried. 5-0.
ATTEST
Susie Siddell, City Clerk Dan O’Neil, Mayor Published in the Solon Economist October 17, 2024.
SOLON LIST OF BILLS OCTOBER 2, 2024
VENDOR DESC AMOUNT
ALLIANT UTILITIES UTILITIES $15,747.06
CLASSIFIEDS
Missing Pet
PLEASE HELP! A furry family companion is missing near the West Short St area. Herky is a full black cat, very friendly, and wearing a blue collar with a bell and a white flea/tick collar. He is also microchipped! If you spot him, please call 563-5424422.
For Sale - Pets
When veterinary care is unavailable or unaffordable, ask for Happy Jack® animal healthcare products for cats, dogs, & horses. At Tractor Supply® & Bomgaars® (www.happyjackinc.com).
For Rent:
3 bedroom, 1 1/2 bath home for rent just outside of Solon and in the Solon School District. Unfinished basement for storage and on a blacktop road. Attached 1 stall garage. Nice deck with an amazing country view. No pets. Call Lou at 319-6242912
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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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.
The Department of Homeland Security’s Federal Emergency Management Agency has issued a preliminary Flood Insurance Rate Map (FIRM), and where applicable, Flood Insurance Study (FIS) report, reflecting proposed flood hazard determinations within Johnson County, Iowa and Incorporated Areas. These flood hazard determinations may include the addition or modification of Base Flood Elevations, base flood depths, Special Flood Hazard Area boundaries or zone designations, or the regulatory floodway. Technical information or comments are solicited on the proposed flood hazard determinations shown on the preliminary FIRM and/or FIS report for Johnson County, Iowa and Incorporated Areas. These flood hazard determinations are the basis for the floodplain management measures that your community is required to either adopt or show evidence of being already in effect in order to qualify or remain qualified for participation in the National Flood Insurance Program. However, before these determinations are effective for floodplain management purposes, you will be provided an opportunity to appeal the proposed information. For information on the statutory 90-day period provided for appeals, as well as a complete listing of the communities affected and the locations where copies of the FIRM are available for review, please visit FEMA’s website at https://www.floodmaps. fema.gov/fhm/BFE_Status/bfe_main.asp or call the FEMA Mapping and Insurance eXchange (FMIX) toll free at 1-877-FEMA MAP (1-877-336-2627). Published in the Solon Economist October 17, 2024.
Texting and driving? Weird flex, not cool!
Iowa Department of Transportation
In today’s slang flexing has nothing to do with going to the gym and showing off your muscles. To “flex” is simply bragging about things that you think are cool. Social media and the internet have made our world smaller and have given people a platform to flex about all kinds of weird, unusual, bizarre, or even questionable things. But one thing we should be flexing on is when someone texts and drives.
According to the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration distracted driving facts that aren’t anything to flex about include:
• Approximately 32,000 people have died in crashes involving distracted driving from 2013-2022.
• In 2022 alone,
290,000 people were injured in crashes involving distracted drivers.
• Drivers who use hand-held devices while driving are four times as likely to get into crashes serious enough to injure themselves.
• Drivers between the ages of 25-34 were responsible for the highest percentage of distracted drivers involved in fatal car crashes in 2022.
Distracted driving is all about choice and almost all crashes involving distracted driving are avoidable. What choices are you doing to limit distracted driving? Ask yourself these questions:
• Are you putting your phone on silent and out of reach to avoid the temptation to check it while driving?
• If you need to make a call, are you using handsfree technology?
• Do you avoid eating and grooming yourself
while you are behind the wheel?
• Do you create playlists for your music or type in GPS locations before you begin driving to avoid the need to mess with your phone while you are enroute?
• Are you modeling anti-distracted behavior for your children and other passengers in the vehicle with you?
• Do you have discussions with your loved ones about the importance of limiting distractions while driving?
If we all work on our own behavior and flex on good driving behaviors we can work together to limit distracted driving and make our roads safer for all.
In 2024 in Iowa, 261 people have been killed in traffic crashes. That’s an increase of six since Friday, October 4. In Iowa in 2023, there were 377 traffic-related deaths.
Fall Arts & Crafts Show this weekend
Callahan Promotions, Inc.
CORALVILLE — Make plans now to attend the Annual Fall Arts & Crafts Show this Saturday and Sunday, October 19-20, at the Hyatt Regency Conference Center in Coralville.
This is the area's largest show with over 125 talented exhibitors presenting and selling the Midwest's finest handcrafts. The show is a production of Callahan Promotions, Inc. and offers patrons the opportunity to enjoy original affordable arts and crafts.
Among the various products presented at the show are paintings and prints, gourd art, bird houses, bird feeders, ceramics, jewelry, metal art sculptures, oak furniture, pet products, yard and garden art, stained and fused glass, quilts, photography, pottery, candles, clothing, floral wreaths, dolls & doll clothes, rugs, baskets, aprons, place mats, table runners, purses, wood and metal signs, wall hangings and many more original products.
Exhibitors will also be
selling homemade salsa, wines, breads, fudge, barbeque sauce, jams, dried soup and food mixes.
The Hyatt Regency Conference Center is connected to the Hyatt Regency Hotel and is located at 300 East 9th Street in Coralville, just off of I-80 at Exit 242.
Admission to the show
is $6, with anyone 10 and under free. Parking is always free. Show hours are Saturday from 8 AM to 4 PM and Sunday 10 AM-4 PM. For additional information, call 563-357-1986 or visit our Facebook page at Callahan Promotions, Inc. Iowa’s Largest Arts & Crafts Shows.
The Solon High School
Association’s State Marching
Left: Brady Evers, a senior, volunteered to select the Solon High School Marching Band’s competition program for this year and decided on Elemental, a four-part composition by Fannin Musical Productions. The band received a Division II rating Saturday, October 12 at Kingston Stadium in Cedar Rapids.
Below: Drum Major Lucy Miller salutes at the conclusion of the Solon High School Marching Band’s performance of the four-part composition Elemental
Below left: Members of the Solon High School Marching Band are reflected in the bell of a sousaphone as they demobilize after the performance.
Photos by Chris Umscheid | Solon Economist
Front page: The Solon High School Marching Band takes the field at Kingston Stadium in Cedar Rapids for the Iowa High School Music Association’s State Marching Band Festival hosted by Cedar Rapids Kennedy Saturday, October 12. 25 bands participated in the event including eight from the WaMaC conference.
Above: (From left) Peyton Galloway, Toby Kleinsmith (cymbals), Joshua Vazquez, Phillip Miller, and Graydon Keller perform Elemental, a four-part composition by Fannin Musical Productions Saturday, October 12 at Kingston Stadium in Cedar Rapids
Above:
Marching Band performs the four-part composition Elemental for the Iowa High School Music
Band Festival hosted by Cedar Rapids Kennedy Saturday, October 12 at Kingston Stadium in Cedar Rapids.
Miranda Simison, Holly Whitehead, and Brisa Olivares, Abby Kramer, Max LeMay, and Ruby Rochholz perform Elemental, a four-part composition by Fannin Musical Productions Saturday, October 12.