Solon Senior Support now hosting a senior coffee group to combat isolation while promoting fellowship
Chris Umscheid | Solon Economist Solon Senior Support is hosting a “Senior Coffee Group” Tuesdays and Thursdays at 9:00 a.m. in the Fellowship Hall of the Solon Methodist Church.
Chris Umscheid Solon Economist chris.umscheid@soloneconomist.com
SOLON — Older adults in Solon have a new place to go for socializing over a cup of coffee as Solon Senior Support is offering a “Senior Coffee Group” Tuesday and Thursday mornings from 9-11:00 a.m. in the Fellowship Hall of the Solon Methodist Church.
The new gathering debuted last Tuesday and organizer and hostess Jill Weetman said it was a long time coming.
“This is something I have wanted to do for a long time, and its always just been a dream of mine to start a group that is open to everyone, especially to people who are older adults who may be at home looking to get out and meet people, looking to have some good conversation, have a nice cup of coffee, and just enjoy people.”
The new group is one more opportunity for Solon’s older adults to socialize as the Solon Public Library continues to host a Wednesday morning coffee group (9-10:00 a.m.) before their popular Chair Yoga program. Weetman said she purposefully looked at scheduling around at least some of the other activities taking place each week in Solon. The “Senior Coffee Group (a tentative name, for now)” differs from other coffee gatherings, she said, because some are a gathering of neighbors while others will be exercising together after.
“This coffee group, I hope, will be open to everyone. I just envision it as a place to come and sit down and have a
From the humorous to the spooky, Solon students show their Halloween Spirit on Senior Night
SOLON — While the varsity football team (and all other fall sports too) celebrated Senior Night Friday, October 18, the student body made Halloween the theme for the student section in Spartan Stadium. The theme also carried over to the Spartan Marching Band, who were joined by Solon Middle School students for a Halloween show complete with costumes as well.
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City of Solon Halloween updates
Solon’s community-wide Monster Mash Bash (Trunk or Treat) event is scheduled for Sunday, October 27 at the SRNA from 2-4:00 p.m. The Bounce Zone and food trucks will be available 2-5:00 p.m. Solon Trick or Treat Night (Halloween) is Thursday, October 31, 5-7:00 p.m. Residents are asked to turn on their porch light if they are welcoming trick or treaters.
Halloween safety tips from the National Safety Council
Costume safety:
• Be sure to choose a costume that won't cause safety hazards; all costumes, wigs and accessories should be fire-resistant.
• If children are allowed out after dark, fasten reflective tape to their costumes and bags, or give them glow sticks.
• Opt for nontoxic Halloween makeup over masks, which can obscure vision; always test makeup in a small area first to see if any irritation develops.
• Remove all makeup before children go to bed to prevent skin and eye irritation.
When they're on the prowl
Here's a scary statistic: Children are more than twice as likely to be hit by a car and killed on Halloween than on any other day of the year. Lack of visibility because of low lighting at night also plays a factor in these incidents. Keep these tips in mind when your children are out on Halloween night:
• A responsible adult should accompany young children on the neighborhood rounds
• If your older children are going alone, plan and review a route acceptable to you.
• Agree on a specific time children should return home.
• Teach your children never to enter a stranger's home or car.
• Instruct children to travel only in familiar, well-lit areas and stick with their friends.
• Tell your children not to eat any treats until they return home, and take care to avoid any food allergies.
Safety tips for motorists
NSC offers these additional safety tips for parents – and anyone who plans to be on the road during trick-or-treat hours:
• Watch for children walking on roadways, medians and curbs.
• Enter and exit driveways and alleys carefully.
• At twilight and later in the evening, watch for children in dark clothing.
• Discourage new, inexperienced drivers from driving on Halloween.
cup of coffee, and a treat, and…just a hangout, essentially. I think we’re really lacking that in society now. It’s just a place to come where nothing is expected, there’s no charge, everything is free (thanks to sponsorship by Solon Senior Support), but we always happily and graciously accept donations.”
If people are so inclined, bingo and cards will be available, and Weetman envisions having speakers come in from time to time as well as other activities. But “You don’t have to do any of them. You can just come and sit and have a cup of coffee and just hang out.”
Solon’s seniors continue to hope for a place of their own
Among the conversation last week was the hope for a senior center in Solon, or at least a dedicated space in a future community center. The current community center, owned by the Solon Community School District (SCSD) and leased to the City of Solon on an annual basis, will be demolished within the next few years. The City and SCSD have had some initial discussions about the possibility of some form of joint facility. The SCSD included a multi-purpose indoor activity facility in the $25.5 million bond issue voters approved in March 2023.
“That is definitely a priority,” Weetman said of a senior center or space in a new community center. “It is something we are working toward and we’re hoping that we can show with the programs we’re doing that we do have a lot of interest and that we are getting a lot of new people in all the time that are here maybe for their grandkids.” She pointed to the proposed new senior housing complex for Solon. “We want to make sure that we have a place for them to be, something for them to do. We can invite people to come here (Solon) but if we don’t have something for them to do we’re going to lose these people to our neighboring cities that do have facilities. We want to keep people in town, we want to keep them active, and we want to keep them engaged with others. That’s really important for people’s physical, mental, and emotional health and well-being.”
Iowa Utilities Commission reminds customers to seek winter heating assistance before moratorium on utility disconnections begins November 1
Residents who are disabled, 60 and older, or in crisis, may apply now
News from the Iowa Utilities Commission
DES MOINES – With recent overnight temperatures falling below freezing in parts of the state, the Iowa Utilities Commission (IUC) is reminding Iowa electric and natural gas customers who may be struggling to pay utility
want to get more people volunteering,” Jensen said. “I put out a text message, ‘So-and-so has an appointment, who’s going to volunteer to take her?’ And somebody will respond.” Sometimes though, it is Jensen who ends up answering the call when nobody else is available. However, it is a task she does willingly and with care and compassion for those needing a ride.
Solon Senior Support – an evolving resource
“Isolation can be huge, especially in winter time, and that’s what we’re combatting.” There’s also peace of mind in knowing there’s a group of people looking for you and looking out for you . “Hey, so-and-so’s not here today, is something going on? We should check on them. It’s comforting just knowing you’ve got a group of friends here that care about you and you’re going to enjoy talking with.”
from Point A
An ongoing and growing initiative of Solon Senior Support is the Solon Senior Transport program ran by Cindy Jensen. Seniors are able to arrange a free ride to medical appointments and the pharmacy. Jensen, the Transportation Director, can be reached at 319-360-3279. Jensen and Weetman both noted the program is always looking for more volunteer help.
“I think one of the problems (discouraging potential drivers) is people think they ‘have’ to take every request that comes in. That’s why I
bills to make payment arrangements with their provider before the annual winter moratorium on service disconnections begins Friday, November 1.
Iowa’s winter moratorium law prevents utilities from disconnecting customers’ electric or natural gas utility service for nonpayment between November 1 and April 30 when that service is used for home heating.
Limited financial energy assistance in Iowa is available through the Low-Income Home Energy Assistance Program (LIHEAP). The annual application period runs from November 1, 2024, through April 30, 2025. Households with a resident 60 years or older, those who are disabled, and those in crisis are eligible to apply now.
LIHEAP is a federally funded program designed to help low-income homeowners and renters pay a portion of their primary home heating costs through a one-time payment made
“We started five years ago,” Weetman said, “and we’ve evolved over time. When we started we mainly were doing yardwork and some light housework. Over the years we’ve had Solon High School students volunteering their time to help and this year we have 40-50 signed up to help.” The students tackle a lot of the yardwork and other outdoor chores but have also helped with a tech program designed to help seniors with their phones, laptops, and other electronic devices. Hours put in by the students count toward earning a silver cord, which is worn at graduation. In addition, Solon Senior Support was instrumental in bringing pickle ball to Solon including providing the flooring in the gym in the Methodist Church’s Family Life Center (through several generous donations). “We have the Chair Yoga program at the Library, we sponsor it and pay the instructor.” Weetman added Solon Senior Support also helps with security during the annual Beef Days weekend. In return, the Solon Beef Days Committee has provided “a very generous grant,” she said.
“It’s just really important to have these activities for older adults in town and I hope people will take advantage, ask questions, use our services, and we are always open to everyone. We’d love to see a big turnout for everything we do,” said Weetman.
For more information, to volunteer, or to donate: Phone – 319-624-2773
Facebook - www.facebook.com/ solonseniorsupport
Website - www.solonseniorsupport.org
Email - solonseniors@gmail.com
Mailing address – PO Box 131, Solon, Iowa
directly to the utility or heating fuel vendor. The program is administered by the Iowa Department of Health and Human Services (HHS), and individuals can apply through their local community action agency. During fiscal year 2023, Iowa provided 82,904 households with LIHEAP funding to assist with a portion of their heating costs. For the 2024-2025 heating season, HHS anticipates Iowa’s LIHEAP funding will be approximately $52 million, which may change based on a final budget passed by Congress.
Although qualified applicants cannot be disconnected during the annual winter moratorium, the IUC urges all LIHEAP-certified customers to continue paying toward their energy bills through the winter to avoid accumulating high debt and face potential utility service disconnection after April 1. Customers currently disconnected must contact their utility provider to make payment arrangements to restore service.
Submitted by SIS Alpha Club
Mrs. Melissa Holtz, Principal of Solon Intermediate School, received the Optimist Achievement in Education Award. Mrs. Holtz gave the initial go ahead to start the Optimists’ Alpha Club program (for 4th and 5th grade students) and has been a huge support in our growth of the Alpha Club.
“This is such a great experience for our students,” said Holtz. “We really wanted to offer our students a chance for leadership and also to support their community.
The Alpha Club is a great opportunity for both!”
Alpha Club leader Sami McAtee said, “This year will be our third year implementing the Alpha Club for students at SIS. We have 25 returning members and will have around 75 students involved this year, total. We look forward to continue serving the community and teaching students effective and meaningful leadership! We will be raising funds and non-perishable items for the Solon food pantry, partnering with the Solon Care Center, and will host out third annual bingo
night, raising money for a chosen cause! We are so ready to see where this year takes our students!”
Alpha Club members were eager to share their thoughts on Mrs. Holtz and her award.
Luke Clark, a 5th Grader, said, “Mrs. Holtz always helps students when they are feeling down, and is always caring, and wants us to be the best people we can be!”
Kamryn Deike, a 5th Grader, said, “(She) Deserves the reward because she gets things done and is a very cooperative person.”
And Ava LaRoche, also a
5th Grader, said, “I am so happy for Mrs. Holtz, but I am not surprised that she
won this educator award because she is very nice and understanding.”
Volume 144 I Issue 43
Of a Little Weekly Miracle PO Box 249, Solon, IA 52333 Phone: 319-624-2233 news@soloneconomist.com
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Whether you enjoy keeping your brain operating at full capacity through reading or through trivia - we’ve got you covered! Trivia at the Library is now at two different times, so you can decide what time works best for you.
On Friday, November 1, you can join us for Afternoon Trivia at 2:30 p.m. or at 6:30 p.m. for Trivia Night. It’s the same great Trivia, with teams (up to six people) competing in four rounds of general knowledge trivia. Don’t forget to visit the Library early to check out up to five books to use as reference during play. Registration is required for the 6:30 p.m. Trivia.
We’re looking forward to a spooky Halloween week at the Library! Storytime Tuesday, October 29 at 10:30 a.m. will feature Halloween stories, songs, and games. Embark on a chilling adventure with "Iowa Haunted Corridor," a spine-tingling presentation that maps out the Corridor's most haunted locations. Discover the eerie tales and ghostly legends behind each stop on this haunted road map. From abandoned asylums to historic inns, this journey uncovers the dark history and supernatural occurrences that make Iowa a hotspot for paranormal activity. Perfect for ghost enthusiasts and history buffs alike, this presentation offers an engaging blend of local folklore and intriguing insights into Iowa's haunted past. Buckle up and prepare for a spine-chilling exploration into the unknown! Local Author Katie Hopkins will share the paranormal experiences and the journey's she has taken Tuesday, October 29, at 6:30 p.m.
On Thursday, October 31, our afterschool kids will enjoy making play dough monsters and creating stop motion fun! Then the Library will close early at 4:00 p.m. to allow patrons and staff to get home safely for trick-or-treating fun. But the fun doesn’t
end there! We’ll enjoy a Teen After Hours Halloween Party from 5-7:00 p.m. Teens (6th-12th graders) are encouraged to wear their costumes and enjoy Halloween games (and candy) with friends at the Library.
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.
We will be open Thursday, October 31, 9:00 a.m.-4:00 p.m. to allow staff and community members time to safely travel home before trick-or-treating begins.
Tuesday, November 5, the Library is open regular hours, 9:00 a.m.-7:00 p.m. We are not hosting any regularly scheduled Library programs due to Election Day. The Library is a polling site for Solon city residents. The polls are open 7:00 a.m.-8:00 p.m.
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.
These are a few of the latest fiction books added to the Library, find something to enjoy at your next visit!
Assistant to the Villian by Hannah Nicole Maehrer. ASSISTANT WANTED: Notorious, high-ranking villain seeks loyal, levelheaded assistant for unspecified office duties, supporting staff for random mayhem and terror, and other Dark Things In Gen-
Liu Graduates from Mercy College of Health Sciences, named to Dean’s List
DES MOINES — Ziwei Liu of Solon was conferred a Bachelor of Science in Nursing by Mercy College of Health Sciences, 928 6th Avenue, Des Moines, Iowa, on August 17, 2024. She was also named to the Dean's List for the summer 2024 term. To qualify for this academic recognition, students must attain a grade point average
eral. Discretion a must. Excellent benefits. With ailing family to support, Evie Sage's employment status isn't just important, it's vital. So when a mishap with Rennedawn’s most infamous Villain results in a job offer― naturally, she says yes. No job is perfect, of course, but even less so when you develop a teeny crush on your terrifying, temperamental, and undeniably hot boss. Don’t find evil so attractive, Evie.
But just when she’s getting used to severed heads suspended from the ceiling and the odd squish of an errant eyeball beneath her heel, Evie suspects this dungeon has a huge rat…and not just the literal kind. Because something rotten is growing in the kingdom of Rennedawn, and someone wants to take the Villain―and his entire nefarious empire―out.
Now Evie must not only resist drooling over her boss but also figure out exactly who is sabotaging his work…and ensure he makes them pay. After all, a good job is hard to find.
Assistant to the Villian (Book 1) is available in print and cd audiobook, with Apprentice to the Villian (Book 2) also available in print at the Library.
Here One Moment by Liane Moriarty. Life is full of twists and turns you never see coming. But what if you did? The plane is jam-packed. Every seat is taken. So of course the flight is delayed! Flight attendant Allegra Patel likes her job—she’s generally happy with her life, even if she can’t figure out why she hooks up with a man she barely speaks to—but today is her twenty-eighth birthday. She can think of plenty of things she’d rather be doing than placating a bunch of grumpy passengers.
There’s the well-dressed man in seat 4C who is compulsively checking his watch, desperate not to miss his eleven-year-old daughter’s musical. Further back, a mother of two is frantically trying to keep her toddler entertained and her infant son quiet.
(GPA) between 3.50 and 3.749 for a minimum of six semester credit hours or four quarter credit hours in their most recent term.
Kirkwood Community College announces Dean's List honors
CEDAR RAPIDS — Kirkwood Community College has released its Dean's List for the summer 2024 semester.
CEDAR RAPIDS — Kirkwood Community College’s Respiratory Therapy Club will host the Second Annual Haunted Hospital on Saturday, Oct. 26, from 4:007:00 p.m. at the Katz Family Healthcare Simulation Center on the institution’s main campus in Cedar Rapids. Open to the public, the event will transform the simulation center into a haunted house featuring medical-themed Halloween scares. Funds raised will go to support students in the Respiratory Therapist program.
Debuting last year with great success, the Haunted Hospital serves as a unique fundraiser that gives the community an opportunity to engage with the program’s students, faculty, and staff in a creative and entertaining way. In addition to the usual ghouls and goblins, this year’s event will also feature a special guest appearance by Kirkwood’s mascot Sammy the Eagle, adding an extra element of fun for attendees.
Respiratory Therapist Program Director Liliana Hoffnagle expressed her excitement about the event as it heads into its second year.
“The Haunted Hospital was very successful last year, especially since we didn’t know what to expect with it being our first time," said Hoffnagle. "It was great to have such awesome support from Kirkwood faculty, staff, and alumni, as well as community members last October. We’re excited to host the event again this year. This time, it’s happening during Respiratory Care Week, which makes it extra special as we celebrate our profession.”
Last year’s Haunted Hospital raised nearly $500, with students and staff dressing as zombies and other undead creatures to create a haunted experience within the simulation center’s healthcare setting. The Respiratory Therapy Club hopes the event will make an even bigger impact in 2024.
"The more funds we raise, the more assistance we can give to our students in the program," said Hoffnagle. "If we can help cut the cost of their educational expenses, then they can focus more of their efforts on working toward their degree, graduating, and entering the workforce."
For more information about the Respiratory Therapist program at Kirkwood, go to www.kirkwood.edu/ respiratorytherapist.
How did she ever think being a stay-at-home mom would be easier than being a lawyer? Ethan is lost in thought; he’s flying back from his first funeral. A young couple has just gotten married; she’s still wearing her wedding dress. An emergency room nurse is looking forward to traveling the world once she retires in a few years, it’s going to be so much fun! If they ever get off the tarmac. . . . Suddenly a woman none of them know stands up. She makes predictions about how and when everyone on board will die. Some dismiss her. Others will do everything they can to make sure her prophecies do not come to pass. All of them will be forever changed.
Shutter by Ramona Emerson. Rita Todacheene is a forensic photographer working for the Albuquerque police force. Her excellent photography skills have cracked many cases—she is almost supernaturally good at capturing details. In fact, Rita has been hiding a secret: she sees the ghosts of crime victims who point her toward the clues that other investigators overlook.
As a lone portal back to the living for traumatized spirits, Rita is terrorized by nagging ghosts who won’t let her sleep and who sabotage her personal life. Her taboo and psychologically harrowing ability was what drove her away from the Navajo reservation, where she was raised by her grandmother. It has isolated her from friends and gotten her in trouble with the law.
And now it might be what gets her killed. When Rita is sent to photograph the scene of a supposed suicide on a highway overpass, the furious, discombobulated ghost of the victim—who insists she was murdered— latches onto Rita, forcing her on a quest for revenge against her killers, and Rita finds herself in the crosshairs of one of Albuquerque’s most dangerous cartels. Exposure (book 2) is also available at the Library.
These students have achieved a 3.3 grade point average or higher after completing 12 or more credit hours at the college.
Ely - Robert Biggart, Jarrett Bohlken, Josh Boyles, Asher Eichhorn, Sam Martin, and Brooke Schurbon Solon - Andrew Baumgartner, Eva Born, Hattie Droll, Makenna Eadie, Trea Eidahl, Miles Fuller, Devyn High, Lydia Hogan, Taylor Hogan, Liam James, and Gabi Ritchie
Iowa Department of Revenue
DES MOINES — The Iowa Department of Revenue announces the 2025 tax year individual income tax rate and the 2025 interest rate, which the agency charges for overdue payments.
Since the enactment of Iowa Senate File 2442 in May 2024, Iowa law provides for a flat tax rate of 3.8 percent for all levels of taxable individual income beginning with tax year 2025. There will be no income tax
brackets in 2025.
Iowa Department of Revenue Interest Rate
Starting January 1, 2025, the interest rate for taxpayers with overdue payments will be:
* 10.0% annually
* 0.8% monthly
* 0.027397 % daily
Iowa Code Section 421.7 specifies the procedures for calculating the Department’s annual and monthly interest rates. The annual rate is based on the average monthly prime rate during the preceding twelve month period (October through September). Iowa law requires that this average be rounded to the nearest whole percent and two percentage points to be added to it. The prime rate averaged 8.48 percent over the past twelve months. Rounded to the nearest whole percent, this average is 8.0 percent. Adding two percentage points results in the annual Department rate of 10.0 percent. The monthly rate is the annual rate divided by 12, rounded to the nearest one-tenth of a percentage point. The daily rate for 2025 is the annual rate divided by 365. The average monthly bank prime rate is published by the United States Federal Reserve.
Clear the shelters, they tell us. Adopt an abandoned or abused animal. Donate to pay for the care of animals someone else has mistreated or didn't want to be responsible for. What's wrong with this campaign that's been going on for years and shows no signs of ever solving the problem?
Well, it seems to be treating the symptoms and doing little or nothing to cure the cause. It is difficult to resist the pathetic images of neglected and abused animals, but we should remember that dogs who have survived bad relationships with people do not easily adapt to new owners. They have trouble trusting humans and are usually wary and defensive. As many as twenty percent of shelter dogs are returned as being difficult or impossible to fit into their new homes. Even dogs that have come from happy homes that were unable to keep them for unavoidable reasons are apt to have lost trust in humans and have difficulties settling into a new environment.
Dogs are by far the most frequently returned of all shelter animals, possibly because they become much more closely and emotionally dependent on their owners than other pets. Having been in complicated, mutually beneficial partnerships with humans for much longer than other animals, dogs seem to understand and care about us as much or more than we care about them, going so far as to imitate our behavior and even attempt to talk with us. It is clear that they understand many words even though they cannot speak.
All that said, it seems incredible to me that anyone would chain or pen up a dog without sufficient shelter, food and water or even the chance to seek those necessities for himself. Most dogs, left free, are capable of surviving on their own. Confining a dog in addition to neglecting him, is the cruelest act of all. It is not the thoughtless and cruel owners who support the animal shelters, they close their hearts and run away. The rest of us are asked to adopt and donate – dealing with the “symptoms” of the “disease” while the basic cause of the problem is inadequately dealt with. All this is about as effective as a band-aid would be in curing a migraine. The problem is never going to end as long as we continue as we do now. The people responsible should be the ones who pay the bills, not those of us who are constantly being asked to pay for the cruelty and neglect of others. The cause of over-crowded shelters must be eliminated, but I've no idea how to go about achieving that. Meanwhile, those of us who want to help can donate to shelters and adopt or foster shelter animals, but we must take care and learn about the dogs we offer to share our homes and lives with. All dogs have unique personalities. Each breed has certain traits that are present in most individuals, but in varying degrees. Do not assume that because a breed is described as being “good with children” that all members of that breed will be the perfect pet to adopt into your young family. The individual dog's experiences are more relevant. My dad raised dogs for several years, and as a teenager, I attended dog shows and learned about many different breeds. Among one of the breeds that I became most familiar with, it was quite evident that each dachshund, while exhibiting most of the traits of the breed, had its own personality. Gretel, a serene black and tan grandmother was patient and obedient. Schnappsie, a muscular, low-slung, red-coated young fellow perfectly suited to his intended role of digging into badger holes and killing them, was aggressive, arrogant and lightning fast. Blondie was demure, cooperative and an exemplary mother – not at all a killer, she once attempted to mother an orphaned squirrel. There were also beagles, water spaniels and dalmatians, each individual unique and none totally typical of the standard AKC description. As for my experience with dogs in more recent years, of the four golden retrievers who have been members of our household (three from the same bloodline) no two were even close to being alike but all shared two traits - an intense desire to please and boundless playfulness.
A family acquaintance was on Vice President Dick Cheney’s Secret Service detail during George W. Bush’s presidency. His Christmas photo one year was a portrait of him, his wife and Cheney together at a White House reception.
Back then, the agent entertained us with stories of people lining the streets as Cheney’s motorcade passed. Many greeted the vice president with their middle fingers extended.
Back then, those spectators most likely were Democrats who disagreed with Bush administration policies. Today, such roadside salutes for Cheney probably would be extended by Republicans.
Such is the way Iowa and our nation have been turned topsy-turvy in the past dozen years. Dick Cheney is on a growing list of noteworthy Republicans who have publicly said their party’s nominee for president should not be allowed back in the White House.
Members of Donald Trump’s senior staff have called him “a threat to democracy” (Defense Secretary Mark Esper), “unfit to be president” (national security adviser John Bolton), “the most dangerous person to this country” (Joint Chiefs of Staff Chairman Mark Milley), and “the most flawed person I have ever met” (White House Chief of Staff John Kelly).
And there is Cheney’s daughter, Liz, the former congresswoman from Wyoming who co-chaired the House Select Committee that investigated the riot at the Capitol and Trump’s efforts to overturn the 2020 election.
Like her father, the lifelong Republican has endorsed Kamala Harris. Cheney said she disagrees with Harris on many issues. But Trump’s lies and disregard for the rule of law and the Constitution are more troubling than policy differences, Cheney said.
She laid out her criticism in her book, “Oath and Honor,” during a program that drew several thousand people to Drake University in March, and in interviews, speeches and Q&A sessions since then.
Cheney has no patience for Republicans who minimize Trump’s threat to our nation.
“So strong is the lure of power that men and women who had once seemed reasonable and responsible were suddenly willing to violate their oath to the Constitution out of political expediency and loyalty to Donald Trump,” she wrote.
She added: “Elected officials who believe their own political survival is more important than anything else threaten the survival of our republic, no matter what they tell themselves to justify their cowardice. Politicians who minimize the threat, repeat the lies, or enable the liar are not fit for office.”
There was no credible evidence voting systems deleted or lost votes or changed votes in 2020, Cheney said.
Bill Barr, Trump’s attorney general, has said there is no evidence that irregularities affected the election outcome in any state.
Courts reached the same conclusions. Trump and his allies filed 62 lawsuits. The courts, including the U.S. Supreme Court, ruled against him 61 times. In the 62nd case, not enough votes were in question to affect Biden’s victory there.
Cheney explained, “Elections can’t be overturned based merely on accusations, or because someone says they believe there has been fraud. Sufficient evidence is required, and the fraud must have occurred on a scale that could change the result.”
Cheney said the 2000 Bush/Gore presidential election was far closer than the Trump/Biden race four years ago. In 2000, the final margin in Florida was a few hundred votes, giving George W. Bush and Dick Cheney the Electoral College victory, 271-266. In contrast, Biden’s Electoral College victory in 2020 was a comfortable 306-232.
Cheney contrasts Trump’s “stop the steal” cries with Al Gore’s concession speech after the Supreme Court ruled in Bush’s favor in Florida. “I know many of my supporters are disappointed,” Gore said. “I am, too. But our disappointment must be overcome by our love of country.”
Cheney had a speech of her own ready to deliver on January 6. But it was shelved when the mob forced its way into the Capitol to stop the official tabulation. She and others in Congress fled for their lives, as did Vice President Mike Pence.
“I wanted the election to turn out differently,” Cheney wrote in those undelivered remarks. “But I’m bound by a solemn oath, given before God, to preserve, protect, and defend the Constitution. I cannot comply with that oath only when it is convenient politically. Our oaths are not given to any specific president. The oath does not bend or yield to popular sentiment, mob rule, or political threats.” Days later, she said, “The president of the United States summoned this mob, assembled the mob, and lit the flame of this attack. …There has never been a greater betrayal by a president of the United States.”
Cheney knew she was torpedoing her congressional career by criticizing Trump and joining the House Select Committee investigation. But she stood up for doing the right thing.
Neither Cheney, nor the Cabinet members who criticized him, nor the witnesses who testified before the House Select Committee, were Donald Trump’s political adversaries. These were his supporters, his appointees, his advisers.
As the committee’s hearings ended, Cheney had one final message for the public: “You saw an American president faced with a stark and unmistakable choice between right and wrong. There was no ambiguity. There is no way to excuse that behavior. …Can a president who is willing to make the choices Donald Trump made during the violence of January 6th ever be trusted with any position of authority in our great nation again?”
Randy Evans can be reached at DMRevans2810@gmail.com.
BUTLER COUNTY — U.S. Sen. Chuck Grassley (R-Iowa) wrote Vice President Kamala Harris asking questions about the policy decisions she has made in her role overseeing border issues for the Biden administration, as well as the dangerous consequences and crimes that have ensued as a result.
“Every community is a border community because the Biden-Harris administration has refused to enforce our immigration laws,” Grassley said of his letter. “The federal government’s number one job is to keep its citizens safe.
By reversing the effective border security policies of the Trump administration, the Biden-Harris administration has done the very opposite of protecting American citizens.”
Grassley on a radio call Tuesday, October 15, cited the following actions, among others, the Biden-Harris administration has taken that have weakened U.S. national security and made innocent Americans targets of otherwise preventable crimes:
• Ordering the Defense Department to stop building the southern border wall.
• Blocking $2 billion previously allocated for barrier
construction; and
• Ending the Trump-era “Remain in Mexico” program.
The full letter is below.
Vice President Kamala D. Harris
The White House Office of the Vice President 1600 Pennsylvania Avenue Washington, D.C. 20500
Dear Vice President Harris:
In one of your first official public appearances, you joined President Biden in the Oval Office when he opined on the Trump administration’s immigration and border policies. President Biden dismissed the previous administration’s policies as “counterproductive to our security,” “harmful,” and a “moral and national shame.”
Since your first day in office, you and President Biden have worked to dismantle the Trump-era border policies and halted further construction of the border wall. The presidential proclamation terminating construction read, in part: “It shall be the policy of my Administration that no more American taxpayer dollars be diverted to construct a border wall.” This initiated a so-called “careful review of all resources appropriated or redirected to construct a southern border wall.” By April 2021, the Department of Defense (DOD) announced the cancellation of border barrier projects. In June of the same year, the Biden-Harris administration returned $2 billion to the DOD previously allocated for the purpose of border wall construction. Your administration also initiated a review of the Remain in Mexico policy, which Department of Homeland Security (DHS) Secretary Mayorkas subsequently ended in June 2021.
Meanwhile, every fiscal year throughout your engagements, crossings from Mexico and the Northern Triangle markedly exceeded any year of the Trump administration. Despite the stark increase from those nations and many others, deportations and returns overall have decreased as a share of crossings.
Now, you are engaging in a numbers racket, telling Americans modest decreases in encounters from soaring, record highs is somehow proof that what your administration has been doing all along is working.
Craig Robinson Iowa Insurance Division
DES MOINES — Open enrollment for Iowans looking to purchase or change their Affordable Care Act (ACA) individual health coverage for 2025 begins Friday, November 1, 2024, and ends Wednesday, January 15, 2025.
“Now is the time for Iowans to be thinking about health insurance coverage for next year. Many employers are offering health insurance coverage to their employees, but Iowans looking to purchase their own coverage through the individual market, need to assess their upcoming health care needs now as the open enrollment through healthcare.gov approaches," Iowa Insurance Commissioner Doug Ommen said.
"It is important for all Iowans to have health insurance coverage and Iowans considering individual plans should talk with a licensed insurance agent to thoroughly research all coverage options to determine the best plan for themselves and their family’s health needs and budget," Ommen added.
Iowans can begin previewing sample premium amounts for individual ACA-compliant health insurance plans viewing the Sample 2025 Iowa Individual ACA Premiums Explorer at https://data.iowa.gov/
It is not.
President Biden’s executive order—more than three years after your administration’s reckless reversal of key policies—is an implicit admission that he and you bear ultimate responsibility for this crisis and this disastrous approach. As a result of these slow-walked changes, our national security has been undermined and the safety of our communities has been threatened all across the country.
Due to the Biden-Harris administration’s failure to achieve adequate border security, illegal immigrants, including those entering from Mexico and the Northern Triangle, have been able to perpetrate heinous acts against innocent American citizens. For example:
• On May 14, 2024, an 18-year-old Honduran national, who purportedly entered the United States illegally in April 2022, pled guilty to sexually abusing a 12-year-old girl in Waterloo, Iowa.
• On April 2, 2024, a Honduran national, who was previously convicted of sexual assaulting a woman in Connecticut and deported, was charged for failing to register as a sex offender. He was reportedly able to re-enter the United States undetected by Customs and Border Protection (CBP) and subsequently was arrested twice before being charged.
• On February 25, 2024, a 19-year-old Honduran national was arrested for the alleged rape and aggravated assault of a 14-year-old girl at knifepoint in Louisiana. He entered the United States illegally in October 2023.
• On May 4, 2024, a Guatemalan national was arrested for allegedly kidnapping and sexually assaulting an 11-year-old girl in a van in Palm Beach County, Florida. He reportedly entered the United States illegally in January 2024, was given an immigration hearing date in 2027, and was released by DHS.
• On June 26, 2024, a Guatemalan national was charged with alleged sexually battery of a 14-year-old girl in Okaloosa County, Florida. He was deported on February 9, 2024, before this incident, but was able to re-enter the United States untraced days later.
• On May 8, 2024, an El Salvadoran migrant was arrested for allegedly murdering a woman and the malicious assault of two homeless individuals with a baseball bat in West Virginia. He had an extensive criminal history and was in prison in El Salvador for over twenty years for “DUI
stories/s/7rtq-dygq?utm_medium=email&utm_ source=govdelivery. To view premium information by county, visit the Sample 2025 Iowa Affordable Care Act Premiums County Explorer at https://data.iowa. gov/stories/s/7rtq-dygq?utm_medium=email&utm_ source=govdelivery.. These official premium amounts will be posted to https://www.healthcare.gov during open enrollment beginning November 1, 2024.
The sample premiums available for window-shopping are NOT a substitute for healthcare.gov, but now is the time to be thinking about the choices. "It is important to realize that the sample premiums do not account for the advance premium tax credits available for many households," said Ommen. "The sample premiums available for review are based on geographical rating areas and also may not be available in the county in which you reside, however, it is a way to begin to understand the offerings that will soon be available on healthcare.gov."
Iowans who wish to purchase ACA-compliant coverage must complete enrollment between November 1 - December 15, 2024, for coverage to begin January 1, 2025. For those enrolling between December 16, 2024January 15, 2025, coverage will begin February 1, 2025. During open enrollment, Iowans may call 1-800-3182596 or visit healthcare.gov for information regarding enrollment and to calculate any applicable tax credits.
Local insurance agents, assisters and Iowa’s navigators are available to help Iowans review which insurance plan may best fit their needs. Iowans can find local help by visiting https://www.healthcare.gov/find-assistance/.
Iowa Total Care, Inc. (d/b/a AmBetter), Medica, Oscar, UnitedHealthcare Plan of the River Valley, and Wellmark Health Plan of Iowa will be offering ACA-compliant individual health insurance plans to Iowans for plan year 2025. Medica and Wellmark Health Plan of Iowa will serve Iowans in all 99 counties. Iowa Total Care will serve Iowans in 33 counties. Oscar will serve Iowans in
[driving under the influence], sexual assault/murder, aggravated robbery, and narcotics related crimes.” Law enforcement believes he illegally entered the United States shortly after his release from prison.
This is just a snapshot from this year alone of the sorts of preventable tragedies, which have become all too common across the United States.
The Biden-Harris administration’s policies—pulling resources, reversing Remain in Mexico, and stopping wall construction—are largely to blame for our open and unsafe border over the last three-and-a-half years. Because of your actions and inactions, every state is now a border state and every community is a border community.
Given your role as the leader of engagement with this region, which the media has colloquially dubbed as “Border Czar” or “Root Causes Czar,” I ask that you provide answers to the following immigration and border policy questions by October 24, 2024.
• Have you engaged with your international counterparts regarding violence perpetrated against innocent Americans by citizens of their countries? Have you raised this concern with any counterpart(s)? If so, what concerns were raised and when? What was their response?
• In light of the Biden-Harris administration’s ending of Remain in Mexico in 2021, what data can you provide suggesting migration from Mexico has been “stemmed” as you were tasked with accomplishing prior to 2024?
• In February 2024, the Biden-Harris administration endorsed a proposal that, among other provisions, included a requirement that a few hundred million dollars in unspent funds be used specifically for border wall construction. As noted above, the Biden-Harris administration previously returned $2 billion allocated for the purpose of building a border wall. Did the BidenHarris administration ever consider reversing course regarding this funding? If not, why not? If so, why has no discernable action been taken to that end?
• The Biden-Harris administration has auctioned off some $300 million worth of unused border wall materials for mere pennies on the dollar. Why did the Biden-Harris administration endorse a proposal asking Congress to require them to use hundreds of millions of unspent dollars for border wall construction after deciding to sit on hundreds of millions of dollars’ worth of unused supplies instead of building the wall?
75 counties. UnitedHealthcare Plan of the River Valley will serve Iowans in 17 counties.
If you currently have coverage through healthcare. gov and do not choose a plan for 2025 by the end of open enrollment, you will be re-enrolled into the same or similar plan.
If you are considering changing insurance carriers, double-check to ensure your preferred healthcare provider(s) are in-network and your prescription drugs will continue to be covered.
Iowans also want to review health coverage options through a health benefit plan sponsored by a non-profit agricultural organization or through a short-term limited duration plan.
Iowa Total Care: Benton, Buchanan, Cedar, Cerro Gordo, Cherokee, Chickasaw, Clinton, Crawford, Dubuque, Floyd, Fremont, Hancock, Hardin, Henry, Ida, Jackson, Jefferson, Kossuth, Lee, Linn, Louisa, Mahaska, Mills, Monona, Monroe, Montgomery, Pottawattamie, Ringgold, Shelby, Sioux, Van Buren, Washington, Woodbury
Medica: All counties in Iowa
Oscar: Adair, Adams, Appanoose, Audubon, Benton, Black Hawk, Boone, Bremer, Buchanan, Buena Vista, Butler, Calhoun, Carroll, Cass, Cedar, Cerro Gordo, Cherokee, Chickasaw, Clarke, Clayton, Clinton, Dallas, Decatur, Delaware, Dubuque, Fayette, Floyd, Franklin, Greene, Grundy, Guthrie, Hamilton, Hancock, Hardin, Harrison, Howard, Humboldt, Ida, Iowa, Jackson, Jasper, Jefferson, Jones, Keokuk, Kossuth, Lucas, Madison, Mahaska, Marion, Marshall, Mills, Mitchell, Monona, Monroe, Montgomery, Palo Alto, Plymouth, Polk, Pottawattamie, Poweshiek, Ringgold, Sac, Scott, Shelby, Sioux, Tama, Union, Van Buren, Wapello, Warren, Wayne, Winnebago, Woodbury, Worth, Wright
UnitedHealthcare Plan of the River Valley: Adair, Adams, Audubon, Cass, Clarke, Decatur, Fremont, Guthrie, Harrison, Mills, Montgomery, Page, Pottawattamie, Ringgold, Shelby, Taylor, Union Wellmark Health Plan of Iowa: All counties in Iowa
Kyle T. Prondzinki
For the Solon Economist
SOLON — For a moment, everything slowed down—the cheers, the chatter, the PA announcer. All that remained was the moment's silence. Underneath the clear night sky, these athletes, who had given so much to their team over the years, stood together savoring the final minutes of what could be their last time playing on this field. Most of these men had been playing together for as long as six years, leaving them wondering where the time had gone.
The seniors (Beau Mullen, Karsyn Regennitter, Cole Carney, Charlie Karam, Oliver Owens, Ty Bell, Owen Einwalter, Eddie Johnson, Abe Houtakker, Owen Grimm, Grant Wilson, Reece Rochholz, Jackson Feuerbach, and Mike DeValk) left on a high note, achieving a dominant 61-19 victory over the Fairfield Trojans on Friday night.
“This is the way to go out,” said senior Eddie Johnson as the Solon community embraced him after leaving his mark at Spartan Stadium. Each senior heard their name called over the stadium speakers and hugged coaches, teammates, and family members.
If this was indeed Solon’s final home game, Johnson's last touchdown will be remembered for a long time. Starting from their own five-yard line is never ideal. But this gave Johnson more room to get crafty. After taking the ball on a dive RPO play, he dodged one defender, juked past another, and broke through a third, ultimately outrunning everyone to score a 95-yard touchdown, securing a hat trick, his third touchdown of the night.
The Spartans were motivated going into the game. Not only was it Senior Night, but they were looking to rebound after a two-game losing streak. Yet the celebration after each big play was subdued for the most part, just a few high fives and helmet slaps. It felt more like a business trip than anything.
“Just because we had a few bumps in the road doesn’t mean we can’t still achieve everything we want,” said Head Coach Lucas Stanton. He praised his team's effort from start to finish, highlighting the defense's discipline against an unfamiliar double-tight run offense.
The Spartans controlled the game from the get-go. They scored on their opening drive in just 1:42, with Eddie Johnson running it in from five yards out. From that point, there was no looking back.
By halftime, Solon held a commanding 48-0 lead as Fairfield had yet to find answers for the Spartans. Senior quarterback Ty Bell threw four touchdown passes while Johnson had 195 rushing yards and three touchdowns in the first half alone.
The starters' night ended early as they rested for the entire second half. Fairfield managed to find some rhythm and scored three touchdowns to Solon’s two, but by then the game was well out of reach.
Solon will conclude the regular season this as they travel to South Tama Friday, October 25. The frosh-soph game is set for 5:00 p.m. with the varsity at 7:30 p.m.
Passing – Ty Bell 8/12, 177 yards, four TDs. Eli Kampman 6/7, 74 yards, one TD.
Rushing – Eddie Johnson 131 yards/10 carries, two TDs (longest – 95 yards). Kampman 36 yards/two carries. Bell 17 yards/one carry. Einar Stecher ten yards/five carries, one TD. Maddox Kelley three yards/one carry. Brady White -2 yards/two carries, one TD. Receiving – Kelley 78 yards/four receptions, one TD. Johnson 64 yards/ one reception, one TD. Karsyn Regennitter 23 yards/one reception, one TD. James Thomsen 21 yards/one reception. Kaden Hoeper 20 yards/ two receptions. White 15 yards/one reception. Will Brandt ten yards/ one reception. Charlie Karam eight yards/one reception, one TD. Beau Mullen six yards/one reception, one TD. Stecher six yards/one reception. Defense – Oliver Owens three solo tackles, two for a loss. Cody Milliman three solo, one for a loss. Teague Williams three solo. Kelley two solo. Hoeper two solo, one for a loss. Jadyn Lang two solo. Luis Buck two solo. Hunter Sonntag two solo. Colby Myers two solo, 1.5 for a loss. Ryan Locke two solo. Mullen one solo (for a loss). Regennitter one solo. Karam one solo. Johnson one solo (for a loss). Tripp Johnson one solo. Brandt one solo. Nick Gerdin one solo. Eli Cash one solo. Thomsen one solo. White one solo. Stecher one solo. Abe Houtakker one solo. Grant Wilson one solo. Jackson Feuerbach one solo. Mike DeValk one solo. Lucas Feuerbach one solo. Sacks – Owens one. Eddie Johnson one. Milliman one. Houtakker one. Owen Grimm .5. Myers .5 Interceptions – Regennitter one. PAT – Collin McKie 7/9.
Round of 16 games for all classes are scheduled for Friday, Nov. 1 at 7:00 p.m. Quarterfinals – 7:00 p.m. Friday, Nov. 8. Semifinals, at the UNI-Dome in Cedar Falls – Saturday, Nov. 16, 4:00 p.m. and 7:00 p.m. Finals, at the UNI-Dome – Friday, Nov. 22, 1:00 p.m.
Above: Greg Willson embraces and lifts son Grant Wilson after the Spartans’ 61-19 win over Fairfield Friday on Senior Night. After the game, the seniors went through a tunnel formed by their families with fist bumps, high-fives, and hugs.
Left: Fairfield’s Luke Konczal (11) tries to stop senior Eddie Johnson (10) on Senior Night this past Friday. Johnson scored three touchdowns including a 95yard dash to score in a 61-19 win.
Solon Economist
MARION — The regular season for varsity volleyball was marked by the WaMaC Tournament Thursday, October 17 at Marion High School with the Lady Spartans going 2-1 on the night.
First up was a 2-0 win (25-15, 25-13) over South Tama. Then, it was a duel against archrival Mount Vernon and a 2-0 loss with the Mustangs taking the first set 25-13. Solon overcame a deficit in the second set and came close to forcing a third before falling 25-27. The Lady Spartans rebounded with a 2-0 (25-15, 25-20) win over Grinnell.
The Mustangs went on to claim the WaMaC Championship.
Individual stats were not available as of Sunday night’s deadline.
Marion 2 Benton Community 0 (25-16, 25-9)
Independence 2 Williamsburg 0 (25-15, 25-11) Vinton-Shellsburg 2 Center Point-Urbana 0 (25-10, 26-24)
COUNTRY
CPU 2 Grinnell 1 (23-25, 25-23, 15-12
West Delaware 2 Independence 0 (25-6, 25-15)
Clear Creek Amana 2 Marion 0 (25-22, 25-23)
South Tama 2 Vinton-Shellsburg 0 (25-21, 25-22)
Benton 2 Williamsburg 0 (25-21, 25-13)
Marion 2 Independence 0 (26-24, 25-17)
West Delaware 2 CCA 1 (25-16, 15-25, 15-11)
Mount Vernon 2 CPU 0 (25-19, 25-17)
Mount Vernon 2, West Delaware 0 (25-19, 25-13)
Postseason play is this week
Class 3A Quarterfinals were played Tuesday, October 22 (after this edition had gone to print) with Solon (2713) hosting Camanche (11-15). Also on Tuesday, Wahlert Catholic (22-8) hosted Tipton (9-20) while North Fayette Valley (17-6) hosted Waukon (17-14), and Monticello (24-8) hosted Oelwein (13-19). The winners will play Thursday, October 24 at Wahlert and Solon with a 7:00 p.m. start time.
The Regional Final with a trip to the State Tournament at stake will be played Tuesday, October 29 at the highest ranked team’s site.
In the Thursday, October 9 rankings by the Iowa Girls High School Athletic Union, Wahlert was ranked No. 4 while Solon remained in the No. 11 spot as the only ranked teams in Region 4.
Tickets for Thursday’s match are available online at www.gobound.com/ia/ighsau/vb/2024/tickets.
State Tournament information
The 2024 State Tournament is scheduled for Monday, Nov. 4 – Thursday, Nov. 7 at the Xtream Arena in Coralville with Class 3A Quarterfinals Tuesday, Nov. 5 at 10:00 and 10:25 a.m. and 12:00 and 12:25 p.m. 3A Semifinals are set for Wednesday, Nov. 6 at 2:00 and 2:25 p.m. with the Championship Match Thursday, Nov. 7 at 2:30 p.m.
Full tournament details including live stream and ticket information can be found at https://ighsau.org/ news/2024-volleyball-tournament-central/.
Armentrout and Stahle lead JV girls to team win
MARION — The final meet of the regular season found the Spartans and Lady Spartans competing in the 2024 WaMaC Conference Meet Thursday, October 17 the Antioch Christian Church in Marion.
Sydney Dee (fourth, 19:46.6) and Kinley Mai (sixth, 19:49.3) led the varsity girls to a second place (76 team points) finish behind Champion Mount Vernon-Lisbon (53 points). Livya Nelson came in ninth (20:02.0).
Quinn Armentrout (second, 21:52.7), Aly Stahle (third, 21:56.8), Rose McAtee (seventh, 22:30.7), and Avery Johnson (tenth, 22:49.3) led the JV squad to a team title with 35 points. Mount Vernon-Lisbon tied with 35 but the tiebreaker went to Solon.
Anders Holmes (11th, 17:07.0) led the varsity boys to a sixth place finish (162 team points) behind Champion Grinnell (50 points), Clear Creek Amana (56), Mount Vernon-Lisbon (61), Williamsburg (125), and Vinton-Shellsburg (132).
Charlie Pettit (eighth, 18:34.0) led the JV boys to a sixth place finish (140 points) behind Champion Mount Vernon-Lisbon (32), Clear Creek Amana (49), Grinnell (83), Marion (105), and Williamsburg (132).
Four earn All-Conference honors
Sydney Dee, Kinley Mai, and Liv Nelson received 1st Team Girls All-Conference while Anders Holmes was a 2nd Team selection for the boys.
“The WaMaC was a good meet for us. Our JV teams ended on a great note and many of them had their best times of the season. And the girls beat Mt. Vernon.
The varsity teams will run on Wednesday in Solon (after this edition was printed). This week we are working on getting their legs fresh so they feel good and fast on Wednesday at our State Qualifier. The top three teams and 15 individuals will qualify for the State Meet.”
Ticket Information
All spectators kindergarten and older must purchase a ticket.
Children who are not yet in school will NOT require a ticket. Cost is $13 per day ($3 goes to the City of Fort Dodge Parks and Recreation for Parking). Tickets will be available for purchase on Bound only. - Tickets will be available for purchase on Monday 10/28/24 at www.gobound.com/ ia/ighsau/girlscrosscountry/2024-25/ tickets.
Dates/Location
The meet begins Friday, Nov. 1 and runs through Saturday, Nov. 2 at Lakeside Municipal Golf Course in Fort Dodge.
3A girls – Friday, Nov. 1, 10:00 a.m.
3A boys – Friday, Nov. 1, 11:15 a.m.
3A Awards Ceremony – Friday, Nov. 1, 12:00 p.m. For more information
https://ighsau.org/news/state-crosscountry-meet-central-2024/.
Tama
girls
girls' varsity and leads Solon to a second place finish in the 2024 WaMaC conference meet Thursday, October 17.
Team scores – 1, Solon, 35. 2, Mount Vernon-Lisbon, 35. 3, Clear Creek Amana, 71. 4, Williamsburg, 84. 5, West Delaware, 155. 6, Marion, 166. 7, Benton Community, 220. Individual – 2, Quinn Armentrout, 21:52.7. 3, Aly Stahle, 21:56.8. 7, Rose McAtee, 22:30.7. 10, Avery Johnson, 22:49.3. 13, Jillian Jansen, 22:58.1. 18, Beckitt Kabela, 23:22.1. 23, Madelyn McCandless, 23:40.3. 26, Sydney Kunkel, 23:50.7. 30, Marin Ashbacker, 24:01.4. 31, Joli Sinnwell, 24:09.9. 37, Sophia Miles, 24:37.2. 43, Olivia Bonnema, 24:52.8. 44, Piper Barnhouse, 24:56.4. 47, Piper Stahle, 25:04.6. 51, Lucy Miller, 25:19.3. 52, Ellie Durr, 25:32.4. 58, Kendall Werner, 25:49.4. 59, Miranda Simison, 25:54.2. 64, Vivi Schmooke, 26:16.1. 68, Kayanna Schmidt, 26:38.0. 71, Caidence Macke, 26:51.2. 77, Zoey Grimm, 27:28.4. JV boys
Team scores – 1, Mount Vernon-Lisbon, 32. 2, Clear Creek Amana, 49. 3, Grinnell, 83. 4, Marion, 106. 5, Williamsburg, 132. 6, Solon, 140. 7, Benton Community, 224. 8, Center Point-Urbana, 227. 9, Vinton-Shellsburg, 228. Individual – 8, Charlie Pettit, 18:34.0. 21, Max Ferin, 19:26.6. 34, Braydon Baker, 19:55.0. 48, Ethan Ressler, 20:22.9. 49, Caden Mai, 20:27.6. 55, Ben Yeomans, 20:45.5. 65, Will McAtee, 21:24.2. 74, Evzen Meza, 21:44.2. 80, Harber Viet, 22:02.5. 81, Clayton Cooney, 22:08.8. 86, Beck Lary, 22:26.2. 93, Lochlan Gatts, 23:08.1. 98, Benjamin Fetzer, 23:30.8. 99, Owen Rekers, 23:33.5. 102, Evan Gleason, 24:03.4. 117, Ian Stranberg, 28:29.0. 119, Porter Ball, 33:04.5.
Varsity girls
Team scores – 1, Mount Vernon-Lisbon, 53. 2, Solon, 76. 3, Marion, 93. 4, Clear Creek Amana, 109. 5, Center Point-Urbana, 113. 6, Williamsburg, 126. 7, West Delaware, 201. 8, Vinton-Shellsburg, 206. 9, Benton Community, 228. 10, Grinnell, 259. Individual – 4, Sydney Dee, 19:46.6. 6, Kinley Mai, 19:49.3. 9, Livya Nelson, 20:02.0. 56, Ella Sheeley, 21:15.5. 31, Ava Rolwes, 21:36.7. 33, Addison Seamans, 21:46.1.
Varsity boys
Team scores – 1, Grinnell, 50. 2, Clear Creek Amana, 56. 3, Mount Vernon-Lisbon, 61. 4, Williamsburg, 125. 5, Vinton-Shellsburg, 132. 6, Solon, 162. 7, Center Point-Urbana, 188. 8, Marion, 201. 9, West Delaware, 244. 10, Benton Community, 248. 11, Independence, 322. Individual – 11, Anders Holmes, 17:07.0. 33, Rene Meza, 18:13.5. 37, Deacon Waddell, 18:22.1. 39, Preston Raasch, 18:30.4. 47, Owen Young, 18:53.3. 53, Camden Lyons, 19:12.4.
Golf season move delayed for 3A, 2A, 1A
News from the Iowa High School Athletic Association
BOONE — The transition of golf seasons for Classes 3A, 2A, and 1A was discussed for the third consecutive meeting, with action taken Thursday, October 17, to postpone any change in golf seasons for the foreseeable future.
The IHSAA and IGHSAU had announced in August a move for girls’ tennis and all boys’ golf classes to be played in the fall starting in 2025-26. However, the Board of Control voted to delay the boys’ golf change indefinitely, so the sport will remain in the spring for 2025-26 and until the board considers additional information.
“We considered the feedback from our member schools and the board ultimately decided it was worth reconsidering our initial vote,” said board chairperson Dr. Andy Crozier, superintendent at Central Lee. “It became clear that there were too many obstacles that
The Johnson County Commission of Veteran Affairs has selected Mandy Coates as the new Veteran Affairs director following the resignation of the previous director, Gary Boseneiler. In her new role as director, Coates serves on the Johnson County Commission of Veterans Affairs and manages the Veterans Affairs office located in the Health and Human Services Building in Iowa City. The commission strives to assist all honorably discharged veterans and their dependents living in Johnson County by connecting them with local, state, and federal benefits. Coates joined the United States Army Reserve shortly after graduating from high school. In 2003 she was deployed to spearhead the war in Iraq completing a 15-month tour. She returned to the States, completed her reserve time as a sergeant, and took a position in the private sector in human services. She moved career fields and worked for the railroad while attending Mount Mercy University, earning her bachelor’s degree in business administration with a minor in human resources. Coates welcomed twins while working full-time and completing school in 2012. She became a stay-at-home parent and began her role as a Commissioner with Johnson County Veterans Affairs in 2015. In 2023, Coates started her career as a County Veteran Service Officer. She also serves as a Selective Service Local Board Member and strives daily to advocate and support veterans and their families throughout Johnson County.
25/25 for Alannah Mahoney and Arthur Martin
Solon Economist
MUSCATINE - The Solon fall trapshooting team thrived in the pleasant weather during Sunday’s meet, hosted by the Wilton Trap Team at the Muscatine Izaak Walton League, which included competitors from Davenport Youth and Easton Valley. The event featured singles, handicap, and doubles competitions.
Alannah Mahoney achieved remarkable success earning second place in women's singles by scoring a perfect 25 out of 25 in a tense shoot-off against two other competitors. She
need to be resolved in the short-term to make this change for the 2025-26 school year.”
The change was announced in August as a way to reduce the congestion of the spring schedule for school activities and improve the student-athlete golf experience.
Since then, the IHSAA’s numerous committees and school feedback structures often cited challenges with small school participation in fall sports, coaching conflicts, and golf course availability.
Discussions among the board on Thursday turned the golf seasons from a discussion item to an action item and resulted in a 5-3 vote to delay moving the sport out of the spring at this time.
Class 4A boys’ golf will remain in the fall, where it has been exclusively since 1993 and concluded its championships last Tuesday.
“We appreciate our Board’s desire to continue its due diligence as it more fully considers a possible move of Class 1A, 2A, and 3A golf to a fall season,” IHSAA executive director Tom Keating said. “We will continue to provide them with whatever information they need regarding the impact on and perspective of our member schools.”
A statement released by the Commission on Friday commended Coates’ dedication, leadership, and passion for supporting veterans. “Mandy brings a wealth of experience and a deep commitment to ensuring our veterans receive the care and resources they need. We are confident that under her guidance, the County will see significant strides in enhancing programs and services for those who have served our Country,” the statement read.
Those seeking services can contact the Veterans Affairs office at 319-356-6049 or email va@ johnsoncountyiowa.gov regarding any questions or to set up an appointment. Regular business hours are Monday through Friday, 7:30 a.m. to 4 p.m. More information can be found at: https://www. johnsoncountyiowa.gov/department-of-veteransaffairs.
also secured second place in the handicap category.
Dylan Dunnwald demonstrated his skill by garnering second place medals in all three disciplines within the JV division.
Arthur Martin celebrated a personal milestone, shooting his first perfect score of 25 in competition, which earned him first place in the intermediate singles division with a total of 47 out of 50.
Connor Mahoney claimed first place in the intermediate doubles division and second in the handicap event. The fall season w ill conclude in the coming weeks and the team will resume practice after spring break in late March. Members will begin seeking sponsorships for the 2025 season after the new year. If you are interested in sponsoring the team or joining the Solon trapshooting team, please visit the Solon Trapshooting Facebook page or email soloniatrap@gmail.com.
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 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
1 Out
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 LUNCH
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 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)
“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 24
Mini Pancakes (LV/SIS)
G&G Bag (LV) Mini Pancakes
Muffin Top, Mini Pancakes & Sausage Links
Fruit, Juice Crackers & Milk
Friday, October 25
Long John (LV/SIS)
G&G Bag (LV) Donut Potatoes & Egg Boat or Long John Fruit, Juice Crackers & Milk
Monday, October 28
Waffles & Bacon (LV/SIS)
G&G Bag (LV) Strawberry Boli Breakfast Taco & Cini Mini Fruit, Juice
Friday, October 25
MS/HS Alt: Cook’s Delight
Sloppy Joe Sandwich
Delicious Baked Beans, Carrots Spears, Watermelon Chunks
Baked Lays Chips
Monday, October 28
MS/HS Alt: Chicken Fillet
Sandwich
Hot Dog
Criss Cross Sweet Potato Fries,
Crunch Carrots
Fresh Pears, Mandarin Oranges (MS/HS)
Popcorn Trail Mix
Tuesday, October 29
MS/HS Alt: Mac & Cheese
Chicken Nuggets
Creamy Mashed Potatoes &
— Elizabeth Andrew
Crackers & Milk
Tuesday, October 29
Pumpkin/Banana Bread (SIS/ LV)
G&G Bag (LV) Pump/Banana Bread
Egg Breakfast Bake, Dutch Waffle & Bacon
Fruit, Juice Crackers & Milk
Wednesday, October 30
Fruity Oatmeal (LV/SIS)
G&G Bag (LV) Pop tart
Breakfast Sandwich, Frudel Fruit, Juice Crackers & Milk
Thursday, October 31
Egg Scramble w/ Hash Brown (LV/SIS)
G&G Bag (LV) Muffin
CC French Toast w/ Sausage Links or Egg Scramble w/ Hash Brown Fruit, Juice
Crackers & Milk
Gravy
Sweet Corn, Dinner Roll Fruit Cocktail, Pretzels (MS/HS)
Wednesday, October 30
MS/HS Alt: Chicken Flatbread
Pizza
Cheese Bites with Marinara Lean Mean Green Beans, Seasoned Garbanzo Beans
Strawberries & Bananas
Rice Crispy Bar
Thursday, October 31
MS/HS Alt: Taco Bake
Cheesy Potatoes & Ham, Dinner Roll (MS/HS)
Peas, Apple Juice (MS/HS)
Dragon Punch (SIS/LV)
Bug Bites
Peaches (MS/HS)
Across
6 Law mandating curb cuts, in brief
9 A state slogan: Don’t ...
14 Monument seen in the Pacific Northwest
15 “It’s a ___” (2021 miniseries chronicling the AIDS crisis)
16 Piece of equipment for a pitmaster
17 A proverb about risk: Don’t ...
19 Party animal?
20 Govt. agency whose initialism omits “Explosives”
21 Yankees slugger Juan
22 Topper
23 Miniature dog
24 Therefore
26 Snickers component
28 Department store department
29 Haul
31 In a subdued manner
33 Per formers wearing oshiroi makeup
37 Cable channel known for its original movies
41 A tip in the working world: Don’t ...
43 At the wheel
44 Pasta specification
45 Population centers, informally
47 Posed for a portrait
48 Act out
51 Electricians, at times
54 February Revolution abdicator
57 An idiom about regret: Don’t ...
58 Rosten who wrote “The Joys of Yiddish”
59 Genesis creator
61 Group for alkali metals on the periodic table
62 More frosty
64 A plea to plan wisely: Don’t ...
66 One way to be caught
67 President Obama’s caused Reddit to crash, for short
68 Made public
69 Sets of elevators
70 Half a score
71 With a wink, say
Down
1 Attempting to beat the curve?
2 Reluctant (to)
3 “There’s no point”
4 Most important thing
5 Jason Mraz hit that spent 76 weeks on the Billboard Hot 100 chart
6 Request that one can
7 Fade away
8 Leaf-cutter, e.g.
9 Betwixt
10 Long stretch
11 Senator’s footwear?
12 Wyoming peak
13 Diagnostics done with “Foot-oscopes” in old shoe stores
16 Malicious
18 Goads
22 Thin layer
25 “I said what I said!”
27 Some square dancers
28 “Put your wallet away!”
30 Reporter’s question
32 Largest city in Yorkshire, England
33 Modern navigation aid
34 Certain grocery payment option, for short
35 So to speak
36 Japanese company that created Hello Kitty
38 Has no remorse
39 Mr. ___ (baseball mascot)
40 L.A.-to-Austin dir
42 Composer Stravinsky
46 Bagel option
48 Fast-food sandwich that has had multiple “farewell tours”
49 Character name in both “The Seagull” and “Three Sisters”
50 “I knew you’d come through, bro!”
52 Per formed again, as an experiment
53 Command ___ Maj. (onetime rank for Tim Walz)
55 Photographer Adams
56 Like a bassoon’s sound
58 Items given to arriving passengers at Daniel K. Inouye International Airport
60 Sounds of realization
63 Sort
64 Abraham Lincoln was the first to keep one at the White House
65 Paint type
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.
which are authorized by law. However, for purposes of a primary election, a United States citizen must be at least eighteen years of age as of the next general election following the primary election. The required periods of residence shall not exceed six months in this state and sixty days in the county.
2 Shall the following amendment to the Constitution be adopted?
Summary: Provides that the lieutenant governor will act as the governor if there is a temporary disability of the governor. Further provides that the lieutenant governor or lieutenant governor-elect will be the governor or governor-elect in the case of the resignation, death, or permanent disability of the governor or governor-elect thus creating a vacancy in the office of lieutenant governor or lieutenant governor-elect, as appropriate. Full Text: Section 17 of Article IV of the Constitution of the State of Iowa is repealed and the following adopted in lieu thereof: Sec. 17. Lieutenant governor or lieutenant governor-elect to become or act as governor or governor-elect. If there is a temporary disability of the governor, the lieutenant governor shall act as governor until the disability is removed, or the governor dies, resigns, or is removed from office. In case of the death, resignation, or removal from office of the governor, the lieutenant governor shall become governor for the remainder of the term, which shall create a vacancy in the office of lieutenant governor. This section shall also apply, as appropriate, to the governor-elect and the lieutenant governor-elect.
LY
Shall the following public measure be adopted?
Shall the County of Johnson, State of Iowa, issue its general obligation bonds in an amount not exceeding the amount of $30,000,000 for the purpose of acquiring and developing lands with public access provided, in order to protect the water quality in rivers, lakes and streams; protect forests to improve air quality; protect natural areas and wildlife habitat from development; and provide for parks and trails; to be managed by the Johnson County Conservation Board? All expenditures will be subject to an annual independent audit. It is estimated the annual increase in property taxes on a residential property with an actual valuation of one hundred thousand dollars resulting from issuing the bonds will be $7.09. However, the Board of Supervisors may determine in any fiscal year the debt is outstanding to alternatively budget from any other available revenues for the payment of principal, interest, and premium, if any, pursuant to the terms of the bonds.
VF
Shall the following public measure be adopted?
Shall the Board of Directors of the Highland Community School District in the Counties of Washington, Johnson, and Louisa, State of Iowa, be authorized to contract indebtedness and issue General Obligation Bonds in an amount not to exceed $15,000,000 to provide funds to construct, build, furnish, and equip renovations and additions to the middle/high school building, including locker room and athletic support spaces, multipurpose area/gymnasium, commons, and site improvements; and to construct, build, furnish, and equip renovations and additions to the elementary school, including classrooms, a secure entry and administrative spaces, and site improvements?
LA
Shall the following public measure be adopted?
Shall the Board of Directors of the Williamsburg Community School District in the Counties of Iowa and Johnson, State of Iowa, be authorized to contract indebtedness and issue General Obligation Bonds in an amount not to exceed $22,335,000 to provide funds to construct, build, furnish, and equip an addition to the Elementary building and improve the site; and renovate, remodel, repair, and improve portions of the existing Junior/Senior High School building?
IDENTIFICATION REQUIREMENTS
Pre-registered voters are required to provide an approved form of identification at the polling place before receiving and casting a regular ballot. Voters who are not pre-registered – such as voters registering to vote on Election Day – and voters changing precincts must also provide proof of residence. A voter who is unable to provide an approved form of identification (or prove residence if required) may 1) have the voter’s identity/residence attested to by another registered voter in the precinct, 2) prove identity and residence using Election Day Registration documents, or 3) cast a provisional ballot and provide proof of identity/residence at the county auditor’s office by NOON on November 12, 2024. Election Day Registrant attesters must provide an approved form of identification. For additional information about providing proof of identity and/or residence, please visit: https://sos.iowa.gov/voterid or phone 319-356-6004. Any voter who is physically unable to enter a polling place has the right to vote in the voter’s vehicle. For further information, please contact the Johnson County Auditor’s Office by phone at 319356-6004, by email at elections@johnsoncountyiowa.gov or visit https://www. johnsoncountyiowa.gov/auditor/elections. For TTY access, dial 711 + 319-356-6004. This notice is given pursuant to Chapter 49 of the Code of Iowa, as amended. /s/ Erin Shane
Johnson County Auditor and Commissioner of Elections Published in the Solon Economist October 24, 2024.
DEPARTMENT
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 24, 2024.
BOARD OF EDUCATION- REGULAR BOARD MEETING
The Board of Education met on Thursday, October 17, 2024, in the Solon Central Office Board Room. The regular board meeting was called to order by President Brown at 5:30 p.m. with the following members in attendance at roll call: Present; Rochholz, Wolf, Haluska, Coons, Brown Student Rep Bri Henning Pledge of Allegiance Welcome to Visitors and Representatives of the Press/Community Comments Celebration of Achievements: Principal Bunkers- Ag Students attending Prairie High School and PAES Lab for Special Education Students. Principal Herdliska- Assessments completed, fall band and choir concerts and 6-8 lock-in. Principal HoltzCompleted benchmark assessments and the Intermediate school playground is completed. Principal Westlund- Data review with teachers, professional development day math implementation workshop
Focus on Learning: Career Technical Education, High School CTE Department (listen to audio for details)
Admin Report: Principal Holtz- Intermediate School data (listen to audio for details)
Board Committee Updates:
• Strategic Plan • Capital Projects- Lakeview Project discussion and 28E agreement discussion
• Financial Services • Governance
Consent Agenda: Approval of Minutes, Approval of Claims, Financial Report, Overnight Field Trip(s): FBLA to Des Moines October 21-21, 2024, Contracts/ Resignations
A motion was made by Haluska second by Coons to approve consent agenda as presented.
Motion carried 5-0.
Action Items:
Second Reading Board Policies 501.3, 501.10, 501.10R-1, 711.2R-2, 804.06, 804.06R-1
Motion made by Coons second by Wolf to Approve the Second Reading Board Policies 501.3, 501.10, 501.10R-1, 711.2R-2, 804.06, 804.06R-1 as presented.
Motion carries 5-0
Informational Items: • IASB Conference- November 21, 2024
• Student Board Member Interview Timeline, application due by October 31, 2024. Interviews will take place Monday, November 4, 2024 • December Work Session SchedulingDecember 12, 2024 @ 6:30pm Board Learning: The Power of Public Education Podcast & The Building Blocks of Effective Relationships with Your Legislators Podcast Discussion Motion by Coons and second by Rochholz to table Board Learning Talking Points: Wolf excited about opportunities on campus, Rohhlolz wants to find more funding for CTE, Haluska enjoyed the SIS presentation and the students are advancing. Coons enjoyed to hear the celebration about FFA, Brown liked having Principals here to give the board updates.
Closed Session Iowa Code Section 21.5 (1)(j)
Motion made by Wolf second by Haluska to enter into closed session @ 7:19p.m.
Roll call: AYES: Rochholz, Wolf, Haluska, Coons, Brown
NAYS: None
Returned from Closed Session @ 7:40
p.m.
Next Regular Board Meeting: Tuesday, November 19, 2024 5:30 p.m.
Central Office Board Room
Adjournment: A motion was made by Wolf second by Rochholz to adjourn the meeting.
Motion carried unanimously. Time 7:40 p.m.
Board President Board Secretary Published in the Solon Economist October 24, 2024.
Heinemann
291.53
North Liberty True Value Misc maintenance supplies 125.03
Nutrition Fund SOY, Milk Break, FY21&22 in GF RT 100.00
Office Express Paper 1,099.81
Pinnacle Plumbing Holdings, LLC IFS boiler treatment 319.00
Pipe Pro Inc HVAC issues--HS 7,240.87
Plumbers Supply Company Plumbing supplies for MS 897.98
Practical Applications Reading Recovery PD 4,960.00
Prull Group, Inc, The HVAC repair at LV 10,841.21
Reliance Standard Life Insurance Company Life/ADD/LTD, Vol Life, October 3,390.65
RevTrak Merchant Fees- GF 1,692.50
Sherwin Williams Paint for the HS 62.78
Sigwarth, Noah Fuel Reimbursement 65.90
Solon Hardware Tech Supplies 89.95
South East Iowa Band Association Seiba Dues 20.00
South Slope Coop Telephone Co Telephone 1,240.38
Student Publications, Inc Publications 181.80
Suburban Auto Seats Co School Bus Restraint 310.00
Summit Companies 5 year sprinkler inspection--MS 780.00
Terry-Durin Company Lights 150.00
Timberline Billing Service LLC Medicaid Billing Services, Sept 3.66
University of Iowa Tuition 250.00
Us Cellular Hot Spots 272.45
Visa Supplies 2,135.54
Walmart Community Science classroom supplies 880.54
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).
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
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.
Safe Step. North America’s #1 Walk-In Tub. Comprehensive lifetime warranty. Top-of-the-line installation and service. Now featuring our FREE shower package and $1600 Off for a limited time! Call today! Financing available. Call Safe Step 1-844-376-4154.
Prepare for power outages today with a Generac Home Standby Generator. Act now to receive a FREE 7-Year warranty with qualifying purchase. Call 1-855-954-5087 today to schedule a free quote. It’s not just a generator. It’s a power move.
Photos by Chris Umscheid | Solon Economist
Front page: Halloween was the spirit theme for the Solon High School student section Friday, October 18 on Senior Night.
Right and center: The Spartan Marching Band was joined by Solon Middle School students for a Halloween-themed halftime show on Senior Night.
Below: Snow White (Lily Warnock), six Dwarves, and The Evil Queen handled Color Guard duties for the Spartan Marching Band Friday, October 18 on a Halloween-themed Senior Night.
Bottom center: Charlie Brown (Porter Ball) and Fred Flintstone (Lincoln Schwartz) were spotted in the student section Friday, October 18 on a Halloween-themed Senior Night. True to form, Charlie had a little trouble with the scissors while turning a sheet into a ghost costume, and even brought his ill-fated kite with him.
The 2024 Election Guide is a collaboration between The Daily Iowan, Mount Vernon-Lisbon Sun, and Solon Economist. The guide includes preview stories on the election and candidate profiles in national, state, and local races.
Jason Brummond | Publisher
Jami Martin-Trainor | Executive Editor, The Daily Iowan
Nathan Countryman | Editor, Mount Vernon-Lisbon Sun
Chris Umscheid | Editor, Solon Economist
Daily Iowan
Jami Martin-Trainor | Executive Editor
Stella Shipman | Managing Editor
Marandah Mangra-Dutcher | Managing Editor, Print
Jack Moore | Managing Editor, News
Cody Blissett | Managing Editor, Visuals
Isabella Tisdale & Emma Calabro | Visual Editors
Roxy Ekberg | Politics Editor
Liam Halawith | Elections Editor
Riley Dunn | Digital Editor
Shreya Reddy | Audience Editor
Isabelle Foland | News Reporter & Spanish Translator
Debra Plath | Business Manager
Juli Krause | Classifieds/Circulation Manager
Heidi Owen | Production Manager
Nathan Countryman | Editor
Ryan Suchomel | Sports
Paul Rowland | Advertising Sales
Rochelle Ferguson | Office/Sales Assistant
Chris Umscheid | Editor
Catherine Bilskie | Advertising Sales
Learn more on how to vote in-person, absentee, and by mail in Iowa.
Mia O’Connor-Walker Politics Reporter politics@dailyiowan.com
The 2024 general election will take place on Nov. 5. In order to vote in this election, a voter must be at least 18 years old, a U.S. citizen, and an Iowa resident. Election day polls will be open in Iowa from 7:00 a.m. until 8:00 pm.
The deadline for online voter registration has passed, however, you can register to vote at the polls or the auditor’s office if voting early in person. As long as you are a resident of Iowa, you may register to vote at the polls on election day before receiving your ballot. You must bring proof of identity and residency such as a driver’s license or other official photo ID.
Certain college students may be able to register by showing a current student identification card for an Iowa college or university and a copy of their residential agreement. Once the in-person same-day registration form is complete and has been checked for completion by an elections clerk, the voter will be issued an in-person ballot.
College students may choose to register to vote at their home or their school address. If attending college in Johnson County, such as the University of Iowa, you may register with your Johnson County address. If your address is a dorm, include the dorm number and room number, but the street address of the dorm is not needed. In the “Where You Receive Mail” portion of the form, do not include your home address if you’re planning on voting in Johnson County with your school address.
If you’re a student who wishes to vote from their permanent/ home address, you either need to travel to vote in that county, or you will need to vote by absentee ballot.
If you have not requested your absentee ballot in Iowa already, the deadline has passed and you will have to vote early in-person or at your polling precinct on election day. However, if you have already requested your absentee ballot, once it arrives follow the instructions that arrived with your ballot to complete it and send it to your auditor’s office.
However, to ensure your absentee ballot is counted it must be received by your county’s auditor on election day by 8 p.m. You can return your ballot via mail to the auditor’s office in the envelope provided to you with your ballot.
If you are worried it may not make it by election day you can return your ballot in person to the auditor’s office by 8 p.m. on election day, surrender your absentee ballot at your polling precinct on election day, or vote a provisional ballot at your polling precinct if your ballot cannot be surrendered. You cannot return your ballot to your polling precinct.
You can also track your absentee ballot request on the Iowa Secretary of State’s website.
Early voting began on Oct. 16 and continues through Nov. 4. Voters may vote early in-person at their county auditor’s office:
Johnson County
Johnson County Auditor’s Office, 913 S. Dubuque St.
There will also be a drive-thru voting option at the Health and Human Services Building parking ramp, 855 S. Dubuque St. Hours are:
• Weekdays from Wednesday, Oct. 16 through Monday, Nov. 4, from 8 a.m. to 5 p.m.
• Evening hours from Monday, Oct. 28, through Wednesday, Oct. 30, from 8 a.m. to 7 p.m.
• Saturday, Oct. 26 through Sunday, Oct. 27, from noon to 5 p.m.
• Saturday, Nov. 2, from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m.
• Sunday, Nov. 3, from noon to 5 p.m.
Find more information on the Johnson County Auditor’s website or call 319-356-6004.
Linn County
Linn County Public Service Center, 935 Second St. SW, Cedar Rapids.
Hours are:
• Weekdays from Wednesday, Oct. 16 through Monday, Nov. 4, from 7:30 a.m. to 4:30 p.m.
Find more information on the Linn County Auditor’s website or call 319-892-5300.
Jones County Jones County Auditor’s Office, 500 W. Main Street, Anamosa.
Hours are:
• Weekdays from Wednesday, Oct. 16 through Monday, Nov. 4, from 8 a.m. to 4:30 p.m.
• Extended hours: Monday, Oct. 21 and Friday, Nov. 1, from 8 a.m. to 5 p.m.
• Saturday, Nov. 2, from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m.
Find more information on the Jones County Auditor’s website or call 319-462-2282.
Cedar County
Cedar County Auditor’s Office, 400 Cedar Street, Tipton.
Hours are:
• Weekdays from Wednesday, Oct. 16 through Monday, Nov. 4, from 8 a.m. to 4:00 p.m.
• Extended hours: Monday, Oct. 21, Friday, Oct. 25, and Friday, Nov. 1, from 8 a.m. to 5 p.m.
• Saturday, Nov. 2, from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m.
Find more information on the Cedar County Auditor’s website or call 319-886-3168.
On election day, there is no in-person absentee voting. Voters will have to vote at their polling place.
Polling places are determined by address, and voters may go to your county auditor’s website or contact their office to find their Nov. 5 polling location.
To vote in person you must provide one of the following forms of ID at the polling place on election day:
• Iowa Driver’s License (not expired more than 90 days)
• Iowa Non-Operator ID (not expired more than 90 days)
• U.S. Passport (not expired)
• U.S. Military ID or Veteran ID (not expired)
• Iowa Voter Identification Card (must be signed)
• Tribal ID Card/Document (must be signed, with photo, not expired)
Liam Halawith Elections Editor liam.halawith@dailyiowan.com
Months ago, voters’ collective outlook on the 2024 election wasn’t optimistic. Not many were excited by the impending presidential race. With President Joe Biden and former President Donald Trump hurling towards an unpopular rematch, not many voters were excited to rehash the wounds of just four years earlier.
Polling bore that collective doom out with a January 2024 Reuters/Ipsos poll finding that 67 percent of poll respondents were “tired of seeing the same candidate.”
Voters were dissatisfied with their choices, and Democrats were anxious that Trump would be able to capitalize on disappointment with Biden’s administration and eke out a win.
Those anxieties reared their head just four months later when Biden, 81, fumbled a June 27 debate against Trump. Biden was seen looking confused, freezing mid-sentence, and stumbling over his responses to questions.
The poor debate performance started a media frenzy questioning Biden’s fitness for office, people wondering whether he would be able to fend off Trump’s increasing support.
Democrats, including Iowa’s 1st Congressional District Democratic Candidate Christina Bohannan and 2nd Congressional District Candidate Sarah Corkery, called for Biden to drop out.
Biden announced he would not continue his bid for the White House almost a month after his debate with Trump ended his electoral chances. Within hours, he endorsed his running mate Vice President Kamala Harris to take his place as the Democratic nominee for president of the United States.
The Democratic party quickly coalesced around Harris, nominating her in August at an energy-filled Democratic National Convention in Chicago, Illinois.
Now, with Harris at the helm, Democrats are more excited about the upcoming election. Nationally, nearly eight in ten Democrats say they are more excited than ever to vote in November, according to an August Gallup poll. More
voters at-large are excited about voting on Nov. 5 with 69 percent of Gallup poll respondents saying as much. The poll shows that excitement is at the highest it has been since 2000.
This has translated to a transformed race with Harris leading national polling by small margins just weeks before the election, where Biden was behind Trump in the polls. The excitement opens new pathways to victory for Harris in the Electoral College, increasing her chances of winning in November.
Harris’ rise has also changed the race for down-ballot races, like those in Iowa. Cutting into Trump’s lead in the state Harris is only four points behind Trump in Iowa according to a September Des Moines Register/Mediacom poll. Democrats are also more excited in Iowa, with excitement among the party doubling from the June to the September edition of the Iowa poll. Now, more than 80 percent of Iowa Democrats are excited about the upcoming election.
Experts say that Harris’ rising tide could lift Iowa Democrats to electoral success by bolstering excitement at the
top of the ticket and bring down-ballot races from Congressional seats to state house races into play. With an exceptionally close race in Iowa’s 1st Congressional District, this changing dynamic could decide the balance of power in the halls of Congress.
However, nationally, the presidential race is still in a dead heat with Harris only leading by three points, according to an October New York Times/Sienna College poll. Harris and Trump are also deadlocked in key swing states that will decide the election, according to October polling from Emerson College.
While the race is currently neckand-neck, Harris has expanded the map where Biden was unable to. Before Biden’s departure from the race, only Wisconsin, Michigan, and Pennsylvania were considered “tossups,” but with Harris at the helm, she turned Arizona, Nevada, Georgia, and North Carolina into swing states that could go either way — opening more pathways to victory for Harris than Trump.
Harris’s entry into the race expanded the map in states that pollsters previously thought would go to Trump, while Trump has been unable to convert states thought to be blue states into toss-ups.
“Essentially, it makes it harder for Trump to win and easier for her to win, because Trump is not changing what were blue states into tossups for him,” Sara Mitchell, a political science professor at the University of Iowa, said.
The collection of four swing states — Arizona, Nevada, Georgia, and North Carolina — are colloquially known as the “Sun Belt” and open another path to a victory in the Electoral College for Harris.
The states were previously unmovable for Biden, whose lackluster polling and enthusiasm worried Democrats. But under Harris, she has closed in on Trump’s lead in the states, in some surpassing his lead.
October polling by Emerson College found that Harris leads in Nevada and is tied with Trump in Wisconsin and
Michigan, with Trump ahead in Pennsylvania, a state considered key in winning the Electoral College.
Candidates need 270 Electoral College votes to win the election. Each state is awarded Electoral College votes based on the number of members of Congress the state has. Forty-eight of
With Harris closing in on Trump’s lead in Iowa and rising Democratic excitement, Iowa’s 1st and 3rd Congressional Districts are now considered toss-ups by election forecasters, signaling a tight race that could
“Essentially, it makes it harder for Trump to win and easier for her to win, because Trump is not changing what were blue states into toss-ups for him.”
Sara Mitchell
University of Iowa political science professor
the 50 states award Electoral College votes based on who wins the state, with Nebraska and Maine awarding votes based on Congressional districts.
While Harris’ expanded map means more ways to win the Electoral College, Iowa isn’t part of what experts consider a “swing state” despite Harris being only four points behind Trump in the state. Though Iowa Democrats hope that Harris’ tide of enthusiasm could turn into down-ballot success for the state.
affect the balance of power in Congress.
Iowa’s 1st District is especially close with an October Des Moines Register/ Mediacom Iowa Poll finding that a generic Democratic Congressional candidate is preferred by three percentage points to a generic Republican Congressional candidate in the district.
The three-point lead is well within the poll’s margin of error but is the first time a Democrat has taken the lead in a Congressional poll in Iowa this election cycle.
Donna Hoffman, a University of
Northern Iowa political science professor, said that the changing dynamics in Iowa’s 1st and 3rd Districts are unsurprising. The districts have a history of being competitive with three of Iowa’s four Congressional seats being held by Democrats as recently as 2018.
The race in Iowa’s 1st Congressional District has been competitive during most of recent political memory. Incumbent U.S. Rep. Mariannette Miller-Meeks, R-Iowa, won her seat in 2020 by only six votes when she ran for a seat vacated by long-time Democratic incumbent Dave Loebsack. In 2022, she won by only seven percentage points over Iowa City Democrat Christina Bohannan, who is running against Miller-Meeks for the second time this election cycle.
“In those kinds of situations, turnout makes and enthusiasm connected to that makes a huge difference,” Hoffman said. “That can make Democratic turnout surge, and down-ballot races can oftentimes benefit from that enthusiasm at the top of the ticket, just like they can be harmed by lacklusterness at the top of the ticket.”
Democrats have looked to capitalize on the changing dynamics in their favor. Iowa’s 1st District started the election cycle as “likely Republican” and has since
changed to “toss-up” status, showing favor moving towards Democrats in the district.
Iowa Democratic Party Chair Rita Hart said that the state party has been working to capture the recent uptick in Democratic excitement in the state, which doubled when Harris entered the race, by knocking on hundreds of thousands of doors across the state to turnout results for Democrats in key races.
“We’re excited to see what the enthusiasm around the Harris-Walz ticket brings to Iowa,” Hart said in a statement to The Daily Iowan. “We’ve always known that if we can get Democrats to the polls that we have an opportunity for our down-ballot races to get across the finish line. With this enthusiasm, we can make that happen.”
Bohannan said the change in polling reflects the changing dynamics that her team has seen on the ground.
“The truth is that polling really is
only useful if it reflects what we’re seeing and feeling on the ground, and we are. For many months now, we have felt that something is happening in Iowa,” Bohannan said in an interview with the DI . “People are ready for change and we have been seeing that appetite for change here for the last year since I got into this race.”
tossup race, obviously people are getting even more excited and more committed to doing this work and to really getting out the vote here,” Bohannan said. “So we have seen a lot of energy and enthusiasm around this race, especially in these last few weeks, as the race has started to move in our favor and it’s really exciting to see your hard work pay off.”
“The truth is that polling really is only useful if it reflects what we’re seeing and feeling on the ground, and we are.”
Christina Bohannan
for Iowa’s 1st Congressional District
Bohannan said she has seen a large uptick in excitement in the district in just the past few weeks — ever since the race had signaled changing dynamics in polling.
“When they see that this is officially a
could see a boost from races at the top of the ticket.
“When the dynamics of the race seem to be changing, with more enthusiasm at the national level, you can see that may have a down-ballot effect,” Hoffman said.
While increased enthusiasm and Democratic results at the top of the ticket is likely to affect key Congressional races in Iowa, it could also mean results for state house races this election cycle.
Democrats in Iowa’s legislature currently hold a minority with only 36 seats in the 100-person Iowa House of Representatives, and only 16 seats in the 50-person Iowa Senate.
However, state house Democrats could see a boost from excitement for the top-of-the-ticket races.
Hoffman said that with today’s hyper-politicized world, not many voters are voting “split tickets,” or voting for a different party for races at the top of the ticket, like the president, and down-ballot races, like statehouse races. However, with Iowa’s large number of independent voters, it is more common in Iowa than in other states. Pairing a number of swing voters that will vote for Trump and a Democrat for state house, and increased turnout for Democrats, could spell electoral success.
“Having that enthusiasm, which can translate into having more boots on the ground talking to real people, can have a cascading effect to those state-level races that will benefit partisans of the same ticket,” Hoffman said.
Hart said that they expect a number of tight state house races this election cycle and have a higher number of Democrats running for state house seats than previous cycles.
This increase in excitement could mean electoral results for Iowa Democrats, Hoffmann said, but mostly signal that this election will be tighter than originally predicted from the presidential race down to state house seats that
“We are excited that these are quality candidates who have stepped up to run because they are dissatisfied with the extreme laws that have come from the Republican-controlled legislature,” Hart said in a statement to the DI. “Democrats will put people over politics and bring some common sense back to the statehouse that has been lacking with the Republican supermajority that’s currently in power. It’s time to bring common sense back into the halls of government.”
Big Grove - St. Mary Catholic Church, 1749 Racine Ave. NE, Solon
Cedar - Johnson County Conservation Sutliff Shop, 5438 Sutliff Rd. NE
Graham - Celebration Farm, 4696 Robin Woods Ln. NE
Newport - Celebration Farm, 4696 Robin Woods Ln. NE
Solon - Solon Public Library, 320 W. Main St. (new location)
Bertram Township - Camp Tanager, 1614 W. Mount Vernon Rd, Mount Vernon
Brown – Linn - Springville Memorial Library, 264 Broadway St., Springville
Franklin Township - Lisbon City Hall 115 N. Washington St., Lisbon
Mount Vernon 01 - Saint John the Baptist Catholic Church, 212 7th St. SE, Mount Vernon
Mount Vernon 02 - Mount Vernon City Hall, 213 1st St. NW, Mount Vernon
Putnam Township - St. John Lutheran Church, 14 20 Walker St, Ely
Greenfield - Martelle Fire Station, 212 Iowa Street, Martelle
A yes vote on Public Measure 1 would allow all 17-yearolds to vote in primary elections if they would be 18 on or before the date of the general election. This is currently state law but would codify the law in Iowa’s constitution.
A no vote would block the measure allowing 17-yearolds to vote in primary elections if they would be 18 on or before the date of the general election from becoming enshrined in the state constitution but would not reverse the current state law that allows this.
A yes vote on Public Measure 2 would clarify the gubernatorial line of succession in Iowa’s constitution to say the lieutenant governor would assume the governorship if the current governor resignes, dies, or is removed from office. The new governor would be able to then appoint a new lieutenant governor.
A no vote on Public Measure 2 would reject the change to the state constitution and in the case of the governor leaving office, the lieutenant governor would not be able to legally appoint a new lieutenant governor until they are reelected.
A yes vote on Public Measure LY would allow Johnson County to borrow $30,000,000 in bonds for acquiring and developing public lands, protecting water quality, protecting air quality, protecting natural areas, protecting wildlife, and provideing for parks and trails, all of which will be managed by the Johnson County Conservation Board. The bond will increase property taxes by $7.09 per every $100,000
A no vote would reject the bond that the county has historically used to expand conservation efforts in Johnson County.
LOCATION: Iowa City
OCCUPATION: University of Iowa law professor
EDUCATION: University of Iowa
Christina Bohannan is a University of Iowa law school professor and is originally from Florida but moved to Iowa more than to two decades ago to teach at the UI. Bohannan attended the University of Florida, where she obtained a degree in engineering and later went to law school. After law school, Bohannan served as a clerk on the U.S. Court of Appeals 11th Circuit.
The 1st Congressional District race has tightened in recent months with a generic Democrat being favored in the district by three percentage points, well within the poll’s margin of error, according to a September Des Moines Register/ Mediacom poll. The district is also rated as a toss-up by several election forecasters signaling the race is closing in.
Immigration: Bohannan said she supports securing the border and providing an earned pathway to citizenship for undocumented immigrants.
Abortion: Bohannan supports codifying federal protections for abortion rights into law if she were elected to Congress.
AGE: 48
LOCATION:
Sarah Corkery is a small business owner from Cedar Falls and has previously worked in non-profits in the Cedar Falls area. Corkery has made reproductive rights, an issue her opponent
Ashley Hinson has staunchly supported restricting, a hallmark of her campaign. However, she has failed to gain traction against incumbent Hinson in the 2nd Congressional District.
Corkery is not expected to win the race with election forecasters rating the 2nd Congressional District race “Solid Republican.” A September Des Moines Register/Mediacom poll found that a generic Republican is favored by eight percentage points in the 2nd Congressional District.
Immigration: Corkery supports securing the border by providing more resources to the border and reforming the over-burdened immigration system to provide more pathways to citizenship.
Abortion: Corkery supports restoring federal protections for abortion and leaving the decision to a woman and her doctors.
Mariannette Miller-Meeks currently represents Iowa’s 1st Congressional District in Congress, claiming the open seat after incumbent Democrat Dave Loebsack retired. She won the seat by six votes in 2020 after several recounts. Miller-Meeks currently serves on the energy and commerce committee and the veterans affairs committee in the U.S. House.
The 1st district race has tightened in recent months with a generic Democrat being favored in the district by 3 percentage points, well within the poll’s margin of error, according to a September Des Moines Register/Mediacom poll. The district is also rated as a toss-up by several election forecasters signaling the race is closing in.
Immigration: Miller-Meeks said she supports securing the southern border and improving immigration policy and technology at the border.
Abortion: Miller-Meeks said she is pro-life and supports exceptions for rape, incest, or the life of the mother.
Ashley Hinson currently represents Iowa’s 2nd Congressional District after being elected in 2020 and beating incumbent Abby Finkenauer. Hinson was handily reelected in 2022 and won against Democrat Liz Mathis with over 55 percent of the vote. Hinson currently serves on the appropriations committee and the house select committee on the Chinese Communist Party.
Hinson is expected to win the race with election forecasters rating her race as “Solid Republican.” A September Des Moines Register/Mediacom poll found that a generic Republican is favored by 8 percentage points in the 2nd Congressional District.
Immigration: Hinson said she supports restarting the border wall construction, increasing the number of border patrol agents, ending catch and release policies, and closing asylum loopholes.
Abortion: Hinson said she supports pro-life policies and exceptions to abortion bans.
AGE: 59
LOCATION: Los Angeles, California
OCCUPATION: Vice President
EDUCATION: Howard University, University of California Law School San Francisco
Vice President Kamala Harris rose to the top of the Democratic ticket in July after President Joe Biden ended his campaign. Biden stepped out of the presidential race after top party officials called for him to step down because of his poor debate performance against former President Donald Trump on June 27. Immediately after he announced he would be ending his campaign, Biden endorsed Harris to fill his spot. The party quickly coalesced around Harris and nominated her in August.
Harris has made the race more competitive by opening more pathways to victory in the Electoral College and gaining on Trump in polling across the country. In a Des Moines Register/Mediacom Poll Harris cut down on Trump’s lead in the state to only 4 percentage points, where Biden was 18 percentage points behind Trump. Poll respondents favored Trump with 47 percent saying they would vote for the former president and 43 percent saying they would vote for Harris. Harris is ahead according to an October New York Times/Sienna
College poll that shows her leading Trump by three points. However, Harris and Trump are in a dead heat in seven swing states that will decide the election.
Harris was the junior Senator from California from January 2017 to January 2021. Before that, Harris served for nearly a decade as the Attorney General of California, a title she often emphasizes in the campaign to draw a contrast between her and Trump, who is being prosecuted for over one hundred felony charges. Before her tenure as attorney general, Harris was the district attorney for San Francisco — another title she held for nearly a decade.
Harris has beat Trump in fundraising despite starting late. Harris has raised more than $670 million throughout her campaign, according to an Aug. 31 campaign finance report. Meanwhile, Trump has raised more than $313 million, according to an August campaign finance report. Harris has a cash-on-hand advantage with $235 million compared to Trump’s $145 million on hand.
Immigration: Harris supports securing the U.S.Mexico border, which has become a hot-button issue this election cycle. She also supports reforming the immigration system to make an easier path to citizenship. Harris would sign the bipartisan Senate immigration reform bill that she claims Trump killed for political gain.
Abortion: Harris has made abortion a hallmark issue for her campaign. She has committed to signing a bill to codify Roe v. Wade into federal law. Harris has said she supports protections for fertility treatments that have come under attack by abortion bans.
Education: Harris has vowed to make college more affordable and will continue to expand viable pathways to apprenticeships, trades, and alternative forms of higher education. Harris also pledged to continue fighting for student loan debt relief.
Gun control: Harris has said she will ban assault weapons and high-capacity magazines, require universal background checks, and support red flag laws that keep weapons from people deemed dangerous. She will continue to support proven gun violence prevention programs. Harris said she will also continue to invest in funding law enforcement including training and hiring officers.
AGE: 78
LOCATION: Palm Beach, Florida
OCCUPATION: Former president, entrepreneur
EDUCATION:
Wharton School of Finance and Commerce at the University of Pennsylvania
Former President Donald Trump’s 2024 presidential campaign has been chock-full of highs and lows, ranging from unprecedented caucus results to legal woes and assassination attempts. Trump followed a high point of his campaign after trouncing challengers with an over 30-point lead in the Iowa Caucuses in January. His polls soared after his debate performance against President Joe Biden on June 27, before souring after a Sept. 31 debate with Vice President Kamala Harris.
Since Harris took to the top of the Democratic ticket, Trump’s polling fell and the gap between the two parties closed. A September Des Moines Register/Mediacom Iowa Poll shows Trump’s lead in the Hawkeye state cut to only 4 percentage points ahead of Harris. Respondents to the poll favored the former president with 47 percent saying they would vote for Trump and 43 percent saying they would cast a ballot for Harris.
An Oct. 8 national New York Times/Siena College poll shows Harris taking a slim lead in the race to the
Oval Office. The findings show that it was the first time Harris had led Trump in the Times/Siena poll since Biden dropped out of the race. The flip came as the candidates’ campaign entered its final month. However, Trump and Harris are in a dead heat in the seven swing states that will decide the election.
On May 30, a New York state jury convicted Trump on 34 felony counts of falsifying business records in connection with 2016 payments to adult film star Stormy Daniels. He was later indicted on dozens of other federal and state charges.
Multiple assassination attempts have been made on the former president as he campaigns for his second term in office. The first attempt occurred at a rally in Butler, Pennsylvania on July 13 when a young man fired shots at Trump from a rooftop near the rally site. Another attempt was made on Trump’s life as he was golfing on Sept. 15 at Trump International Golf Club in West Palm Beach, Florida.
Immigration: Trump supports a historically restrictive agenda on immigration, including carrying out the largest deportation operation in American history. Trump plans to continue with his previous immigration policies, including finishing building a wall at the U.S.-Mexico border. Trump supports ending birthright citizenship for the children of undocumented parents.
Abortion: Trump’s messaging on abortion remains inconsistent, ranging from taking credit for the overturning of Roe v. Wade in 2022 to criticizing some of the most restrictive state laws on abortion, including his home state Florida. Trump supports abortion rights being decided by states and recently vowed to veto a federal abortion ban.
Education: Trump plans to cut federal funding for any school teaching critical race theory, “radical gender ideology,” or other “inappropriate racial, sexual, or political content.” Trump’s education platform focuses on parental rights, universal school choice, and a fight for “patriotic education” in schools. Trump opposed widespread student loan debt cancellation but backed measures to consolidate income-driven repayment plans. Trump plans to “deport pro-Hamas radicals” who protest on college campuses.
Gun control: Trump remains a staunch supporter of the right to bear arms. Trump plans to safeguard gun rights by appointing federal judges who oppose new firearm limits.
AGE: 43
LOCATION: Des Moines
OCCUPATION:
Former U.S. Department of Agriculture official
EDUCATION: Drake University
Lanon Baccam is a former U.S. Department of Agriculture official who worked with farmers and veterans for almost a decade. Baccam, originally from Mount Pleasant, now lives in Des Moines. Baccam also served in the Iowa National Guard for a decade and served a tour in Afghanistan.
The 3rd Congressional District race has tightened in recent months with a generic Republican being favored in the district by eight percent, according to a September Des Moines Register/Mediacom poll. The district, however, has been moved to a toss-up by election forecasters, signaling the race is closer than previously thought.
Immigration: Baccam said he supports securing the U.S.-Mexico border and would work across the aisle to do so and create more pathways to citizenship.
Abortion: Baccam supports restoring federal protections for abortion access and preventing a national abortion ban.
LOCATION:
Zach Nunn currently represents Iowa’s 3rd Congressional District in Congress after being elected in 2022. Nunn beat then-incumbent Democrat Cindy Axne by only a few thousand votes. Nunn currently serves on the Agriculture Committee and the Financial Services Committee.
The 3rd Congressional District race has tightened in recent months with a generic Republican being favored in the district by 8 percent, according to a September Des Moines Register/Mediacom poll. The district, however, has been moved to a toss-up by election forecasters, signaling the race is closer than previously thought.
Immigration: Nunn Supports reforming the immigration system, but supports more aggressive actions to secure the border.
Abortion: Nunn said he is pro-life but does not support a nationwide abortion ban and thinks it should be left to the states.
Ryan Melton is an insurance supervisor from Webster City and has lived and worked in the community for most of his life. Melton was born and grew up in Omaha, Nebraska. He went to Iowa State University and obtained a Bachelor of Science in history and political science.
Melton has made environmental issues and property owner rights the key tenants of his campaign against his opponent Randy Feenstra. However, he has failed to gain traction against Feenstra in the district.
Feenstra is expected to win the race with election forecasters rating the race as “Solid Republican” and a generic Republican is favored by 19 percent, according to a September Des Moines Register/Mediacom poll.
Immigration: Melton said he supports fixing the broken and overwhelmed immigration system and providing more pathways to citizenship. He also supports addressing the root causes of migration to the U.S.
Abortion: Melton supports codifying federal protections for abortion rights into law if he were elected to Congress.
Randy Feenstra currently represents Iowa’s 4th Congressional District after being elected in 2020, beating incumbent Republican Steve King in a primary contest. Feenstra was reelected in 2022, beating Democrat Ryan Melton by a wide margin. Feenstra has faced a primary challenge by Kevin Virgil earlier this year for not being conservative enough, but Feenstra won the primary contest. Feenstra currently serves on the house agriculture and house ways and means committee.
Feenstra is expected to win the race with election forecasters rating his race as “Solid Republican” and a generic Republican is favored by 19 percent, according to a September Des Moines Register/Mediacom poll.
Immigration: Feenstra said that he supports securing the southern border by ending “catch and release” policies and reinstating “Remain in Mexico” policies. He also supports fighting the flow of fentanyl into the U.S.
Abortion: Feenstra said he is pro-life and that he is against using tax-payer funding to legalize abortion.
Molly Donahue of Marion has been both an Iowa state senator and representative over the past six years. She has also been a teacher in public schools for the past 33 years. She was a ranking member on the Workforce Committee and Health and Human Services Appropriations Subcommittee. She also served on the Appropriations Committee, Education Committee, and Health and Human Services Committee in the Iowa Senate.
Brandy Zumbach Meisheid was born and raised on a farm in rural Coggon. She works as director of development for Buena Vista University. Brandy has served on AmeriCorps, working with youth at the Bridge of Storm Lake and coaching high school basketball. She also serves as vice chair on the Linn County Board of Adjustment and has volunteered with the Linn County Fair Association and Walker Pickle Days.
Rod Sullivan, of Sutliff, Iowa, is running for reelection as a Johnson County supervisor in 2024. Sullivan has served as a supervisor since 2004 and currently holds the position of board chair. Sullivan graduated with a B.A. from the University of Iowa in 1998. His campaign focuses on raising the minimum wage, expanding affordable housing, advocating for human rights, and preserving local landmarks like the Historic Poor Farm. He also prioritizes issues such as climate action, public transportation improvements, and sustainable development. In addition to his public service, Sullivan’s work is deeply rooted in community-centered governance and fiscal responsibility.
Lisa Green-Douglass, of rural North Liberty, is running for reelection to the Johnson County Board of Supervisors in 2024. She was first elected in a special election in January 2016, filling a vacancy, and has since been reelected in 2016 and 2020. Originally from Carson, California, Green-Douglass moved to Johnson County in 1980 and holds a Ph.D. in Spanish from the University of Iowa. Before her role on the board, she worked as a Spanish-language trainer, collaborating with local law enforcement and other agencies. GreenDouglass is known for her advocacy in mental health care, contributing to the creation of the GuideLink Center.
Mandi Remington, of Iowa City, who has lived in Johnson County for most of her life, is running for a seat on the Johnson County Board of Supervisors in 2024. Growing up in a military family, life in Southern California and Japan before settling in North Liberty at age 14. Over the past 26 years, Remington has experienced the community from many perspectives: as a student, small business owner, single parent, domestic violence survivor, and University of Iowa employee. Currently, Remington is vice chair of the University of Iowa Council on the Status of Women and the founder and director of the Corridor Community Action Network, where she focuses on equity, advocacy, and empowerment.
Jay Gorsh, a former public school teacher and current director of University of Iowa Wildlife Instruction and Leadership Development, is running for Iowa House District 91 as a Democrat. Gorsh grew up in Williamsburg, Iowa. Education is a prominent issue on Gorsh’s campaign website, stating that he wants to increase investment and ensure adequate oversight of funding use. He aims to lower student-teacher ratios and collaborate with school districts and communities across the state to make Iowa the top state for education. Gorsh’s campaign website also highlights conservation as a top priority. He aims to spearhead creative policies to protect soil and water quality and provide incentives to bring long-term benefits.
Judd Lawler is a former assistant U.S. attorney and seventh-generation Iowan, according to his campaign website. He advanced from the Republican primary on June 4 and is running for Iowa House District 91. Lawler vows to protect individual rights, particularly the rights of the unborn, and the first six amendments of the U.S. Constitution. He is also committed to ensuring public safety by protecting law enforcement officers, firefighters, public health workers, and the military. His campaign website says Lawler will support legislative measures to give small farmers more freedom and support agriculture and agribusinesses. Having spent years homeschooling his two children, he also supports parents’ right to choose the best educational model for their children.
Kent McNally of Central City is the Democrat nominee for House District 83. McNally has served for 30 years as a union electrician. He’s been vice president and a board member of the union for multiple years. For the past eight years, he has served as an instructor at the Joint Apprenticeship and Training Committee, a national organization focused on providing apprenticeships. McNally has also served as a volunteer with his church and in his community of Walker.
McNally’s priorities in the election include strong public schools for all Iowans, collective bargaining for Iowa workers, increasing the minimum wage, and equal rights for all Iowans.
Incumbent Cindy Golding of Palo has been representing House District 83 since 2020. Prior to serving in the Iowa Legislature, she has served as an entrepreneur, farmer, and chemist. She has served 22 years on the Linn County Farm Bureau board, 18 years as a church youth leader, and 32 years on the statewide leadership of the National Federation of Independent Businesses. In the legislature, she serves on the Labor and Workforce Committee, Veterans Affairs Committee, and the State Government Committee. She is the vice chair of the Local Government Committee for the Iowa House.
Landowner rights is a key issue for Golding. She joined with several Republicans to stand against the use of eminent domain for the proposed carbon sequestration pipelines in northern Iowa. Education, economic, health, and family values are also key issues for Golding.
WIESE Phil Wiese is a sixth-generation farmer who lives outside Blue Grass. He grew up in Dixon, and managed the Tipton Maid-Rite when he turned 18. He and his partner, Bao, farm outside Blue Grass. He earned degrees from Kirkwood Community College and the University of Iowa. He is an Eagle Scout and also serves as a volunteer firefighter and first responder with the Montpelier Fire Department.
Bobby Kaufmann, who grew up in Wilton and then went to Muscatine Community College and the University of Iowa, has been part of the legislature since 2012. Kaufmann currently serves on the State Government, Government Oversight, Judiciary, and Legislative Council committees, and is chair of the Ways and Means Committee. Kaufmann is a crop and livestock farmer and owns and operates a steel hauling, construction and demolition business in Cedar County.
Andy is a husband, father, grandfather and retired attorney from Jones County. Andy and his wife, Connie, have been married for 40 years. They live on an acreage on the edge of Anamosa. Andy served 28 years in the House and Senate, and was first elected in 1978. He went on to serve on the Jones County Board of Supervisors. After retiring from a 35-year law practice, he ran for and was elected to the Iowa House in 2016, and defeated in 2020 by Steven Bradley.
Steven Bradley, who was elected in 2020, is from Cascade and is a dentist and flight instructor. Bradley serves on the Education, Health and Human Services, and Labor and Workforce committees. Bradley has been a dentist for 35 years, and has worked his way to the president of the Iowa Dental Association. He has served as president of the Cascade Chamber of Commerce, a member of the Finley Hospital Foundation Board, and completed dental missions in Bolivia, as well as the Iowa Mission of Mercy.
Ed Chabal, a Democrat, is running for the District 46 seat in the Iowa State Senate. According to his campaign website, Chabal was raised on a farm in rural Southeast Iowa. Chabal is a husband and father of two. He has previously served in several roles in education organizations, including as a school business official in the Mount Pleasant Community School District and president of the Association of School Business Officials International Board of Directors. He has also volunteered as a coach for various youth sports teams in his community. Chabal’s campaign website states that he is running to support and fully fund public education, support small businesses, and protect reproductive freedoms.
Dawn Driscoll, a recruiter for Hummer AgriBusiness Search, Inc., is seeking reelection to her seat in the Iowa State Senate for Senate District 46. Driscoll is a Republican and has served her district since January 2023. From 2023-24, she was the chair of the Senate agriculture committee and a member of several other committees, including local government, natural resources and environment, state government, ways and means, and workforce. Driscoll, a sixth-generation farmer, was previously the president of the Iowa County Farm Bureau. Driscoll has been involved in volunteer positions in her community, such as coaching sports teams, teaching religious education classes, and being chair of agriculture programming in local schools.
Todd Taylor, a Democrat of Cedar Rapids, has served two terms as a state senator. Prior to serving as a senator, Taylor served 12 years as a member of the Iowa House of Representatives. Taylor received a B.A. in English from Graceland College and a B.S. in political science from the University of Iowa.
Terry Chostner of Alburnett has served as a sales engineer for Hartfiel Automation since July 2000. He was chosen by the Republican party to run as a candidate for Linn County Auditor. Chostner had previously run for a seat on the Alburnett School Board in 2023.
Roxy Ekberg Politics Editor roxy.ekberg@dailyiowan.com
Before receiving abortion care, Allison Bierman, 31, of Iowa City, did not consider herself to be politically active. If someone had asked her if she would be speaking at public forums and appearing in Congressional candidate’s ad campaigns, she said she would have laughed in their face.
However, Bierman is now speaking out about her experience requiring an abortion for an ectopic pregnancy, which means the baby was growing outside of
the uterus.
Featured in an ad for Iowa’s 1st Congressional District candidate and Democrat Christina Bohannan, Bierman is encouraging voters to cast their ballots for Bohannan, whose campaign centers on reproductive rights and access to abortion.
Bierman said Iowa’s recent six-week abortion ban catalyzed many people, including herself, to become politically active and advocate for reproductive freedom. The ban, enacted on July 29, bars almost all abortions after fetal cardiac activity is detected.
Local artist Kymbyrly Koester
does not consider herself to be an activist. Instead, she uses art as a medium to express her pro-abortion rights stance. She helped facilitate a visit from the BodyFreedom for Every(Body) truck, a cross-country art exhibition tour advocating for abortion rights, in Iowa City on Sept. 18.
Sitting barefoot in her garden at Public Space One, Koester spoke about her experience receiving an abortion at the Emma Goldman Clinic in Iowa City when she was 23 years old. Koester said Iowa’s abortion ban both saddens and enrages her.
“It breaks my heart if I let it because it should not even be a conversation,” Koester said. “It’s a medical procedure. Everybody, everybody has the right to medical procedures.”
Koester uses art to create space for joy and says holding spaces against the horribleness of hateful legislation is important.
“There’s no excuse, really, to be quiet in this day and age,” Koester said.
Encouraging people to take up space and speak out for their rights, Koester said it is important to vote in both local and national elections, and voters must take the time and energy to read up on candidates’ stances.
With similar and more restrictive abortion bans enacted in 21 states, the upcoming 2024 general election marks the first presidential election in which abortion is on the ballot since the overturning of Roe v. Wade two years prior.
Candidates from the top to the bottom of the ballot have put abortion at the forefront of the upcoming election.
Democrats advocate for abortion rights and push to overturn bans restricting access. Bohannan, running against incumbent U.S. Rep. Mariannette Miller-Meeks, R-Iowa, has placed reproductive rights at the center of her campaign. Vice President Kamala Harris has done the same in her bid for the White House, using the issue as a platform for her campaign.
Republicans running for office, such as former President Donald Trump, take varying stances on the issue, with some calling for a national abortion ban and others supporting abortion bans with exceptions for rape, incest, or the life of the Mother. Others suggest the issue should be left to the states to decide.
Political messaging from both parties centers around key issues for voters. In this election cycle, abortion is top-of-mind for a large swath of voters.
Reproductive rights and abortion access are top issues for voters in Iowa and across the nation. A September 2024 Pew Research Center survey found that 51 percent of voters feel abortion is an important issue when considering who to vote for in the 2024 election.
A candidate’s stance on the issue is likely to determine whether or not a voter casts a ballot in their favor.
Megan Goldberg, Cornell College political science professor, said Democratic campaigns are focusing on stories of real women who have required abortion care or have been negatively impacted by restrictive abortion policies, such as Bohannan’s ad featuring Bierman.
Goldberg said this tactic is emotionally appealing to voters and helps show the magnitude of the issue to voters, and Democrats are most effective when they use real stories and real people impacted by the issue.
“It’s one thing for a candidate to come and say there’s a lot of gray area, let me get into the technicalities and the medical terms,” she said. “Frankly, even if it’s a really high-stakes issue when it’s technical, it’s often boring. It’s much more effective to relay information — and this comes from cognitive psychology — to do it in a narrative form, and to illustrate this with a narrative.”
Vice President Kamala Harris has been the White House’s public face for efforts to ensure abortion access and improve maternal health care. She became the highest-ranking U.S. official to make a public visit to an abortion clinic in March.
Her messaging on abortion has highlighted the stories of those impacted by the abortion ban.
At a rally in Atlanta, Georgia, a swing state, she referenced reporting from ProPublica about two Georgia women whose deaths were deemed preventable by maternal health care experts, who blamed the state’s abortion ban.
Republicans have struggled to navigate how to campaign on abortion.
“Trying to sort of stage out where they actually are on this issue is really tricky for them sometimes,” Goldberg said.
“We saw that there are several candidates right now trying to walk back where the party stands.”
Despite deeming himself the “most pro-life president in history,” Trump has waffled on abortion policy over the years.
Trump cemented the conservative U.S. Supreme Court majority which overturned Roe v. Wade.
His latest position is that abortion policies should be decided by the states.
Republican vice presidential candidate Ohio Sen. JD Vance called for a national abortion ban in 2022, however, in an Oct. 1 debate against Democratic Minnesota Gov. Tim Walz, he echoed Trump’s stance that abortion should be decided by states.
Goldberg said abortion was not always a polarizing issue as we see it today. Goldberg said before the Roe v. Wade decision, neither party had staked out their contrasting positions on abortion.
Goldberg said in the 2016 election, abortion was top of mind for certain types of voters, especially religious political groups, but it is now a much more important issue to voters because state and national lawmakers can now enact legislation and policy
about abortion.
“When you’re voting for a legislator, there is a good chance that they’ll be voting on some sort of reproductive rights concerning abortion, and that wasn’t really the case before,” she said.
Goldberg said the abortion debate that people are familiar with now is very divisive and deeply tied to religion.
“This is one of those issues that they start to become active on as part of an overarching ideology about what family life should look like in the U.S.,” Goldberg said.
Reproductive health care and abortion access are critical issues for voters in Iowa politics and across the nation, following restrictive abortion bans such as the Hawkeye state’s recent sixweek abortion ban. A recent Des Moines Register/Mediacom poll found 64 percent of Iowans think abortion should be legal in all or most cases.
Nationally, voters largely support abortion access. According to Gallup’s May 2024 poll on Americans’ abortion views, 51 percent of U.S. adults favor expansive abortion rights, wanting abortion to be legal in all or most cases.
Organizations on either side of the abortion issue support candidates who back their views.
Within hours of President Joe Biden announcing his decision to drop out of the race, several pro-abortion advocacy groups endorsed Harris. EMILYs List, which champions Democratic women in support of abortion rights, announced it would spend at least $20 million to boost Harris. Anti-abortion rights groups have been dismayed by Trump not endorsing a national abortion ban, they continue to rally for the former president.
In Iowa, both pro and antiabortion groups support candidates who align with their views on the issue.
Pulse Life Advocates, an Iowa
pro-life group, does not endorse candidates but is working to educate Iowans on how candidates stand on the issue of abortion.
Maggie DeWitte, executive director of Pulse Life Advocates, said the organization has been stressing the importance of the upcoming election via its website, blogs, and social media posts. The material highlights the positions of national and state candidates.
“We’re working very vigorously to make sure that Iowans are aware of where candidates stand on the life issue, and if they are in support of restricting abortion, if they’re in support of protecting moms and babies from the harm of abortion,” DeWitte said. “We want people to be educated on that and understand what their positions are regarding the life issue.”
DeWitte and her organization are laying the groundwork with Iowa legislators to bring forward a Life at Conception Act next legislative session.
Planned Parenthood Advocates of Iowa PAC is investing a quarter million dollars into this election, said Mazie Stilwell, director of public affairs in Iowa for Planned Parenthood North Central States. The funds are invested directly into candidates and used to spread education about the importance of reproductive freedom
Stilwell said the organization knows momentum for reproductive freedom is at an all-time high, and they want to capitalize on that and help voters see how their current representatives have either supported or failed them on the issue. She said she wants Iowa’s voters to see the difference they can make on the issue.
“We’re in a time where, of course, there’s so much conversation about the presidential election, and we do have an incredible champion at the top of the ticket in Vice President Harris and Governor Walz, but what we also know is
former Iowa state senator and current Iowa Democratic Party Chair Rita Hart in 2020 by just six votes. She won reelection against Bohannan in 2022 by seven percentage points.
Races in two of Iowa’s Congressional districts tighten, with Democratic candidates capitalizing on their Republican opponent’s wavering and unpopular stances on abortion.
The 1st and 3rd District U.S. House races in Iowa are now considered true “tossups,” according to an Oct. 5 Cook Political Report, an organization of nonpartisan elections analysts.
A September Des Moines Register/Mediacom poll found Democrats are favored in Iowa’s 1st Congressional District by three points, well within the poll’s margin of error. The poll marks the first time during the 2024 election cycle that polling showed favor for a Democrat over a Republican in an Iowa congressional district.
Stilwell said voter turnout for reproductive freedom is especially important in these local elections because legislative seats have come to just six votes in past elections.
Miller-Meeks, running for reelection in Iowa’s 1st Congressional District, first won her seat in Congress against
“We know that these come down to just a handful of votes,” Stilwell said. “So when voters are feeling like their vote doesn’t make a difference, or nobody cares what I really think about these issues, or my one vote isn’t going to tip the balance of power here, my one vote is not going to go far. It’s so important for us to be able to get that message across.”
Bierman said if people want to see an immediate change in Iowa regarding reproductive health care, they need to focus on local and state government and ensure the state has elected officials who reflect what the people want.
Electing pro-choice candidates like Bohannan to Iowa’s legislature won’t reinstate Roe v. Wade, Bierman said, but it will go a long way in the state government of overturning Iowa’s abortion ban. She said electing just a Democratic president will not trickle down to make these changes in local government.
“I really hope people are focusing as much on their local elections as they are the national one as well, because it’s equally, if not more important right now,” Bierman said.
Sample ballots are shown for the Mount Vernon 01 and Solon districts. You can find a sample ballot for your district on your county auditor’s website.
