Solon Economist – 10.03.24 by Student Publications, Inc.

Homecoming 2024

Photos by Chris Umscheid | Solon Economist

Left: 2023 Homecoming Queen Mia Stahle places the crown on Aly Stahle’s head during the 2024 Queen Crowning, held during halftime of Friday’s varsity Homecoming Game against the Grinnell Tigers.

Right: 2023 Homecoming King Ben Duckett places the crown on Eddie Johnson’s head during the 2024 King Crowning event Wednesday, Sept. 25 in Spartan Stadium. PHOTOS | 12

3rd annual Bone Dash is Saturday, October 5

provide networking, support, and education for Iowa’s pediatric patients battling rheumatic disease. Rheumatic diseases encompass a broad range of autoimmune and inflammatory diseases and disorders affecting the bones, muscles, joints, and even internal organs.

Chris Umscheid | Solon Economist

Participants in the 2nd annual Bone Dash 5k start the race Saturday, October 14, 2023, at the SRNA. The family friendly event benefited the University of Iowa Stead Family Children’s Hospital’s Joining Hands Pediatric Rheumatology Support Group.

5k/1-mile "Monster Mile" event benefits Pediatric Rheumatology Support Group

SOLON — The third annual Bone Dash 5k and Monster Mile run/walk event, raising money for the UI Health

Care pediatric rheumatology support group, Joining Hands, will be held Saturday, October 5 at the Solon Recreation and Nature Area (SRNA).

The support group was started three years ago to help

“Many people don’t realize that kids can be affected with autoimmune diseases such as arthritis, lupus and scleroderma too,” said Advanced Registered Nurse Practitioner (ARNP) Courtney Kremer, of Solon. “The Bone Dash event helps bring awareness to the community.” Kremer and Research Coordinator Emma Leisinger started the event in 2022 to raise money for the support group and met with success that exceeded their expectations. “It took off way bigger than we expected it to for the first year,” said Kremer, “and our boss said, ‘Sign it up again.’ Last year we raised approximately $8,500 and nearly doubled our participants.” The support group uses the funds raised to hold quarterly gatherings and educational activities for patients and their families.

The organizers gratefully acknowledge donations from PepsiCo, the Solon Lions Club, Solon Beef Days, Cedar Rapids Kernels, The Iowa Children’s Museum, and The Bread Garden among others. Thanks to their generous support, there will be prizes for participants.

Kremer said, “We anticipate continued growth of the Bone Dash this year. The event is Halloween-themed and participants are encouraged to dress in costume. There will be two face painters this year, as well as Disney princesses and HERKY! Lots of candy, craft tables and photo backdrops will also be part of the fun.”

Details for the 3rd annual Bone Dash

Date – Saturday, October 5

Location – SRNA at the Timber Dome Lodge Times - Both the 5k and 1 mile run/walk start at 10:00 a.m. Registration - https://runsignup.com/Race/IA/ Solon/BoneDash5KMonsterMileFunRun

Participants can pick up their race packets Friday October 4 from 6-8:00 p.m. at the Timber Dome Lodge or prior to the run/walk on Saturday October 5, 7:30 a.m. – 9:00 a.m. NOTE: Day of registration is only available online. For more information - pedsrheumsupportgroup@ healthcare.uiowa.edu

SOLON — 92 kids displayed their prowess in the skills of football Saturday, Sept. 21 during the annual Punt, Pass, and Kick Competition in Spartan Stadium. First-fourth graders competed in punting, passing, and kicking while fifth-eighth graders battled in a flag football tournament.

The event, a fundraiser for the high school football program, netted approximately $1,800.

Prizes for the winners were provided by Zoetic, Good Vibes, RJ’Z Express, and The Eat Shop.

Punting, passing, and kickin on a Saturday morning Youth cheerleader clinic

Contributed photos Left: 7th and 8th Grade Flag Football winners

Photos by Chris Umscheid | Solon Economist

Future Spartan Cheerleaders perform a routine they learned during a two-hour practice session during halftime of the JV game Friday, Sept. 20. 140 Solon girls from Pre-K through fifth grade participated in the performance.

Above: High school cheerleaders work with Pre-K through fifth grade girls during halftime of the JV game Friday, Sept. 20.

Right: 5th and 6th Grade Flag Football winners

1st Grade PPK winners: 1st Place –Louis Thompson. 2nd Place – Case Visser. 3rd Place – Ben Edmonds

3rd Grade PPK winners: 1st Place –Brecken Keese. 2nd Place – Coen Visser. 3rd Place – Gabe McKie

2nd Grade PPK winners: 1st Place – Parker Humpal. 2nd Place –Cameron Stull. 3rd Place – Jett Croy

4th Grade PPK winners: 1st Place – Isaiah Costigan. 2nd Place – Jett Haluska. 3rd Place – Dawson Ohloff

Solon Economist

The Spartan cheerleaders conducted a clinic for 140 young girls culminating in a performance at halftime of the JV football game Friday evening, September 20.

Sandra (Phillips) Freiberg-Albaugh, of White Lake, MI passed away on Tuesday, September 24, 2024. She was 84 years old. Sandy grew up in Solon, IA and graduated from Solon High School Class of 1958. She has strong family ties and would return every year to visit with the Krob, Phillips and Albaugh families.

She will be dearly missed by her children, Stevon (Kim) Freiberg, Sean (Candy) Freiberg, and Shane (Sarah) Freiberg; grandchildren, Grace (Nick) Ottoy, Leah, Cassie, Kaitlyn, Cooper, and Abigail Freiberg; her sister, Carol (Dan) Scanlan; nieces Nicole (Tim) Tiefenbach and great niece Finnley and niece Stacey Scanlan -Erskin, and many step-children and step-grandchildren.

Sandra is preceded in death by her 1st husband, Dr. Jerry Freiberg, and her 2nd husband, Michael Albaugh.

In lieu of flowers, contributions can be made in Sandra's name to Christ Lutheran Church and to the Tunnel to Towers Foundation.

Services were held at Lynch & Sons Funeral Home, Milford, MI on Wednesday, October 2, 2024.

Lexi Stebral and Zane Boswell exchanged wedding vows August 3, 2024, at the Country Lane Lodge in Adel, IA.

Lexi is the daughter of Terry and Laurie Stebral of Iowa City, IA. She is the granddaughter of Jim and Glenda Lee of Wheatland, IA and Jim and Virginia Stebral of Solon, IA.

Zane is the son of Mike and Holly Mackie of Blair, NE and Todd and Mimi Boswell of Omaha, NE. He is the grandson of Doug and Diane Brown and John and Shirley Boswell, both of Corning, IA.

The ceremony was officiated by Pastor Lisa Locoh of Des Moines, IA. Lexi was given away in marriage by her father, Terry.

Attendants of the bride were: Allison Prybil and McKenna Miller, maids of honor and friends of the bride; Alaina Wilkin, cousin of the bride; Carissa Klosterman, cousin of the bride; Ava Stebral, cousin of the bride; Katy Hackworth, friend of the bride, Hannah Mackie, sister of the groom; Kamryn Klosterman, flower girl, cousin and Goddaughter of the bride.

Attendants of the groom were: Collin McClain and Peyton Mattea, best men and friends of the groom; Michael Demers, Alex Von Seggern, Jordan Brown, Mitchell Burnett, all friends of the groom and Trey Stebral, brother of the bride; Brantlee Tyson, ring bearer and cousin to the groom.

Ushers were Keegan Olson and Devon Wormuth, friends of the groom.

Hostesses were Pam Martensen, Lori Stebral, Jody Donaldson, aunts of the bride and Sarah Jensen, aunt of the groom.

Following the ceremony a reception and dance was held at the same location, The Country Lane Lodge.

Lexi is a 2017 graduate of Solon High School and a 2020 graduate of The University of Northern Iowa. She is a Compliance Specialist for Titan Medical Group in Omaha, NE.

Zane is a 2016 graduate of Blair High School and a 2020 graduate of The University of Nebraska Omaha. He is the Strength & Conditioning Teacher at Tekamah-Herman High School in Tekamah, NE. He is also the Head Varsity Baseball Coach, Assistant Junior High Baseball Coach and Assistant Varsity Football Coach for Tekamah-Herman High School.

The newlyweds honeymooned in Key West, FL. They now reside in Blair, NE.

The Great Pumpkin Decorating Contest is here! We invite everyone to pick out your perfect pumpkin (no larger than 8 inches in diameter) and get it all dressed up. Use your creative skills to gather materials and decorate to your heart's content, just don’t carve your pumpkin!

Bring your decorated pumpkin into the Library to enter the contest by Wednesday, October 23.

Judging will take place the morning of October 24 and prizes will be awarded! Visit our website or pick up a copy of the complete details at the Library. We look forward to seeing what you create with your pumpkin!

Library Events

The Friends of the Library host their annual Halloween Costume and Decor sale Saturday, October 5 from 8:00 a.m. to Noon in the Library’s community meeting room. Seasonal items are available for a free will donation. Thank you for supporting your Library! DIY Night: A night of learning and creating. Each month adult and young adult participants learn new skills, try new techniques, and have a great time while interacting with other adults. On Tuesday, October 8 at 6:30 p.m., we're creating interchangeable WELCOME signs to adorn your space. Each participant will create up to four shapes to change their sign with changing seasons and holidays. Registration is required as space and materials are limited.

At September’s Fun For All Night we kicked off the season of indoor gym games and a movie night for all-ages to enjoy. We hope you’ll join us for October’s spooky movie, The Nightmare Before Christmas , Saturday, October 12. We’ll once again enjoy gym games at 6:00 p.m. and the movie will begin at 7:00 p.m. Don’t forget your lawn chair or blankets to get comfy in the gym for the movie. Fun For All Night takes place at the Solon Community Center, 313 S. Iowa St, Solon. Join us for a fun and informative Quilting 101 workshop Monday, October 14 at 4:00 p.m. In this beginner-friendly class, quilting expert Sara Yoder-Parker will guide you through the steps of crafting your very own pot holder. Sara’s easy-to-follow instructions and expert tips will ensure you leave with a beautiful, functional piece of art and the con -

fidence to tackle more quilting projects in the future. Whether you’re new to quilting or looking to refresh your skills, this workshop is the perfect opportunity to get hands-on experience and meet fellow craft enthusiasts. No prior quilting experience is necessary—just bring your enthusiasm! Spaces are limited, so be sure to sign up early to secure your spot. We look forward to quilting with you!

Have you heard of the Libby app? Ready to learn how to access our digital library? Join us for Tech Talk Thursday, October 17 at 9:30 a.m. to get hands on help as we teach the ins and outs of the Libby app. You’ll then have access to thousands of eBooks, eAudiobooks, and magazines right at your fingertips.

Have you tried Chair Yoga? Patrons have remarked about increased range of motion, improvements to quality of life, and enjoyed the social interaction. You can join us to see what the fuss is all about! Mondays at 12:30 p.m. and Wednesdays at 10:00 a.m. Please note adults only, and the class size is capped at 25 to allow adequate space and optimal instruction.

Library Access

Regular Library hours are Monday-Thursday, 9:00 a.m.-7:00 p.m. and Friday-Saturday, 9:00 a.m.-5:00 p.m. Closed Sundays.

We will be closed Friday, October 25 for our annual staff safety training.

Don’t forget, the digital library is always available! Find an eBook, eAudiobook, magazines and more with Bridges, or with the Libby app on your favorite smart device. You can even stream classic films, discover new favorites, and more with Kanopy on your favorite smart device.

Everyone is welcome at the Library and our programs. Please contact us with access needs.

What’s New?

Enjoy a new movie at home! And don’t forget you can check out a DVD or Blu Ray Player if you don’t have one at home.

The Amazing Maurice. Maurice is a streetwise ginger cat who comes up with a money-making scam by befriending a group of self-taught talking rats. When Maurice and the rodents meet a bookworm called Malicia, their little con soon goes down the drain. [PG]

Horizon: An American Saga . Chapter 1. In 1859 families discover the lure of the Old West as they settle in territories from Wyoming to Kansas. Meanwhile, a gruff cowboy soon finds himself on the run with a prostitute and a young boy after killing a fellow gunman. [R]

Inside Out 2. Joy, Sadness, Anger, Fear and Disgust have been running a successful operation by all accounts. However, when Anxiety shows up, they aren't sure how to feel. [PG]

Past Lives. Nora and Hae Sung, two deeply connected childhood friends, are torn apart after Nora's family emigrates from South Korea. Decades later, they are reunited for one fateful week as they confront destiny, love and the choices that make a life. [PG-13]

Reacher: Season 2. Itinerant former military policeman Jack Reacher solves crimes and metes out his own brand of street justice. Based on the novels by Lee Child. [TV-MA]

Stebral, Boswell exchange vows

OPINIONS

As time goes by — much too quickly

Food for Thought

I guess I've known for most of my life that time is relative. To a four-year-old, four years is in fact a lifetime. To a college student, it's the fleeting memories of high school days. To the couple with a young family, it's the very short time before that balloon payment on the mortgage is due. And to the nonagenarian - it's yesterday. Calendars are one of mankind's oldest creations, and one of our strictest slavemasters. We have to make and keep appointments within their limitations. They dictate holidays and celebrations, decide which days we work and play and relentlessly remind us that we are growing older. Calendars have been mostly based on the dictates of nature, the stars, the seasons, the cycles of our lives. We seem to need a way to remind ourselves of what looms in the future. Not as if we expect to have any say-so about what lies ahead, but just so we are warned in time to prepare for the inevitable.

There are some people, and I point at the ubiquitous advertising industry, who use the calendar as a weapon to lure us into thinking time passes even faster than it actually does. They urge us to shop for seasonal merchandise weeks, even months, before we actually need them. By midsummer, we are beginning to be bombarded with the urgency of shopping for school supplies; school has barely started before we are being badgered to stockpile Halloween treats and pick out costumes for parties, parades and trick-ortreat night. We can hardly finish our Thanksgiving dinner before we must rush out and stand in line to be first to grab the best bargains of the Christmas sales. We're reminded to buy Valentine gifts while the Christmas lights are still up. I'm tempted to predict that we will soon think it necessary to prepare for holidays and other celebrations a year or more in advance.

This early heads-up not only gives us a false sense of urgency. An un-evadable monopoly, it demands our attention until, by the time special occasions actually arrive, we are thoroughly bored with them. This past summer's Olympic Games are a case in point. Months ahead, we were treated to glimpses of the Paris preparations, then various qualifying competitions. We were reminded of medalists from past games, stories of hope, disappointments, dreams and failures of champions and would-be champions until, when the games finally began, we felt they had already taken place. By then, even though I marvel at what some athletes can endure and what feats they can perform, I was saturated with the experience and ready to return to my former television entertainments. Of course, they weren't there for me to watch.

The World Olympic Games are filled with glamour, glitz and glory, but they are still just games. Those ancient Olympics were probably more important. They began as preparation and training for warfare. They served as shows of strength to impress adversaries. They glorified skills, physical fitness and endurance necessary to survival and often ended, not with cheers and medals, but with maiming and death. I question what practical use there is, in our modern time, for being able to swim faster than the other guy or to jump high and spin around three times before landing on a narrow rail.

Competitions and refinement of specific skills benefit those who are dedicated to self-improvement and I can understand their value, but for the rest of us they are mere spectator sports. We can lounge on the sofa with our beer and chips and never work up the slightest trace of a sweat. While watching such near-perfection may be more interesting than some of the things that make it to the airwaves, some of us simply have other interests, and different ideas of what constitutes entertainment. I wish that, four years from now, someone will have figured out a way for us to watch as much of the Olympic games as we desire – with an equal chance of continuing to enjoy our usual programming. Perhaps each network could add one channel exclusively for the Olympics and leave the rest just as they've always been – at least we'd have a broader choice of what to watch.

Secrecy hasn't always impeded understanding Iowa school shootings

Thirty-three years ago on a snowy Friday in November, the nightmare of mass school shootings shocked Iowa like it has never been shocked before.

Stray Thoughts

It was 3:40 p.m. A former University of Iowa graduate student with a brilliant scientific mind, and a .38-caliber revolver, walked into a conference room in Van Allen Hall, the home of the university’s renowned Department of Physics and Astronomy.

Gang Lu, a native of China, pulled the revolver from his coat and in quick succession fatally shot two professors, Christoph Goertz and Robert Smith, and another Chinese grad student, Linhua Shan, who were seated at the large conference table. A handful of others in the room were spared.

Lu then walked down a flight of stairs to the office of the department chairman, Dwight Nicholson, where he fired a bullet into Nicholson’s head, killing him.

Lu left the building and walked a couple of blocks west to Jessup Hall, the main U of I administration building. He went to the office of the associate vice president for academic affairs and mortally wounded T. Anne Cleary. On his way out, he paused to shoot a student clerical worker, Miya Rodolfo-Sioson, leaving her paralyzed.

With police officers closing in, Lu went upstairs to an empty classroom. There, he killed himself with a single bullet.

The gunfire was over — but the questions began.

Gang Lu’s cold, methodical plan comes to mind today not just because of the magnitude of the awful events in Iowa City, nor because this crime spree was eight years before the massacre at Columbine High School in Colorado came to symbolize school violence.

The Iowa City events merit our review because prosecutors and law enforcement officials back then began providing details and analysis that evening of November 1, 1991. In the days to follow, officials allayed fears and snuffed out rumors and suspicions with facts, details and first-hand accounts.

The response back then is markedly different from the way investigators clamped down on information and answers in the wake of the school killings in Perry last January 4. Such shootings are not new in Iowa, but access to authoritative information to help communities understand these tragedies has changed.

Eight months after the Perry tragedy, parents, teachers and taxpayers have been stymied by the unwillingness of officials to provide authoritative information. Community pressure likely forced Dallas County Attorney Jeannine Ritchie to change her mind last week and now say she will release a summary of state investigators’ findings and conclusions.

State agents have finished their investigation. But Ritchie said she needs more time to decide whether criminal charges are warranted. She will not say when that will occur or how detailed her summary will be.

We know a Perry student, Dylan Butler, 17, fatally wounded high school principal Dan Marburger and sixthgrader Ahmir Jolliff. He also wounded two other school employees and five other students, but their names have not been confirmed. The horrible events ended when

Butler took his own life. Perry residents still do not know where, when or how Butler obtained the shotgun and pistol he had on January 4. Residents still do not know whether rumors of Butler being bullied by some students are accurate. They still do not know whether his parents were aware he had the guns. Nor does the public know whether Butler was having mental health problems.

By contrast, consider the details made public in the days immediately after the awful afternoon in Iowa City. The morning after the killings, The Daily Iowan, the student newspaper, filled a 4-page special section with details.

Three days after the shootings, the New York Times reported Johnson County Attorney J. Patrick White said of Gang Lu, "He had a personal belief that guns were an important means to an individual to redress grievances."

When the first officer found Lu’s body in Jessup Hall, White said, Lu was still carrying the .38-caliber revolver used in the killings, as well as a loaded .22-caliber handgun.

The Times’ report included details from County Sheriff Robert Carpenter, who said records showed Lu purchased the 38-caliber revolver at an Iowa City sporting goods store five months before the killings. While Lu legally owned the two guns, he did not have a permit to carry them, Carpenter said.

White said Lu left a three-page letter in which all but one of his victims were named. The letter also included the name of U of I President Hunter Rawlings III, whose office was down the hall from Cleary’s. Rawlings was out of town that day.

The Times quoted White as portraying Lu as a darkly disturbed man who drove himself to success and destruction. Despite the perception he was an outstanding scholar in space physics, White said there was a sinister edge to Lu's character well before the shootings.

The day after the killings, White told reporters the evidence shows Lu planned to murder faculty members who did not nominate him for an academic prize and who did not take his side in his appeal to reverse the decision to award the prize to Shan.

“His state of mind was that of a premeditated, coldblooded murderer,” White said.

The Los Angeles Times reported on the final words Lu left before the killings. His comments were in the letter released by police after the shootings.

Lu wrote: “I have finished what I am supposed to do here, which is to make right what was once wrong. So long, my friends, maybe we will meet again in another time at another place.”

The letter helped the people of Iowa City understand what was going through Lu’s mind that terrible day. They learned this in the days immediately after the shootings. They did not have to wait eight months for answers.

Randy Evans is executive director of the Iowa Freedom of Information Council, a nonpartisan, nonprofit organization that promotes openness and transparency in Iowa's state and local governments. He can be reached at DMRevans2810@gmail.com.

New report highlights critical turning point for middle class families

Escalating costs in housing, childcare, transportation, and most every household budget item can only be tackled through crosssector solutions

Michael Salmassian Financial Health Network

CHICAGO — A “middle class” income no longer guarantees financial security, threatening both the nation’s economy and its social fabric, according to a new report released Wednesday, Sept. 25, by the Financial Health Network, the leading voice on financial health. The report, Households Under Financial Pressure, describes how daily economic challenges

Randy Evans Iowa Freedom of Information Council

Milli Gilbaugh

have heightened pessimism and political polarization; previous research found that only about one-third of Americans are considered “financially healthy.”

Financial health is broadly defined as the ability to spend, save, borrow, and plan in ways that allow people to be financially secure and withstand financial shocks. The report stresses the need for urgent collaboration across key sectors like housing, childcare, and transportation to restore the financial security and well-being of America’s middle class.

“The middle class might be a hot campaign topic, but let's be clear: financial health isn’t a red or blue issue — families are struggling financially and it's happening across race, geography, and politics,” said Jennifer Tescher, president and CEO of the Financial Health Network. “Rising costs for essentials mean more middleclass households struggle with the day-to-day and can’t save for the future, regardless of how much they work or plan ahead. No matter the outcome of this election, we all have an opportunity — and a responsibility — to build a bold new coalition that transcends political divides and is fully committed to securing financial health for all.”

What is “Middle Class”?

A May 2024 Gallup poll found that 54% of Americans identify as middle class … but are they?

• Pew Research Center defines middle class as earning two-thirds to twice the national median income, or $67,819 to $203,458 in 2022 for a family of four. However, only about 50% of adults fall into this category, a figure that has declined steadily over the past five decades.

• An Obama Administration Task Force on the Middle Class defined the middle class as “one’s ability to achieve common goals, like home and car ownership, college education for children, health and retirement security, and occasional family vacations.”

• A February 2024 Washington Post study used “basic lifestyle elements” to define middle class achievement: a secure job, ability to save money for the future, ability to afford an emergency $1,000 expense without going into debt, ability to pay all bills on time without worry, having health insurance, and the ability to retire comfortably. With this criteria, just 35% of the population classify as “middle class.”

One month remaining for Iowa students to submit academy nominations

Office of Sen. Chuck Grassley

WASHINGTON, DC — Sen. Chuck Grassley (R-Iowa) is accepting applications from Iowa high school students who wish to be considered for appointments to U.S. service academies.

Students must submit their applications to Grassley’s office by Friday, October 25.

Applications submitted after the deadline will not be considered. Nominations will be finalized by December 31, 2024.

“U.S. service academies offer students the opportunity to receive a world-class education while serving our great nation,” Grassley said. “It’s a privilege to nominate Iowa’s best and brightest to these prestigious academies. I encourage any interested student to apply.”

Recommendations for shaping the future of financial health

The report is part of a new initiative aimed at identifying the needs, challenges, and opportunities for financial health. Financial Health Frontiers, a new Financial Health Network initiative supported by the Citi Foundation, will explore the headwinds and tailwinds that will shape financial health in the years to come. The effort is being guided by an Advisory Council of industry experts, business leaders, policymakers, advocates, and researchers.

The report makes several broad recommendations, including:

• Expanding measurement, evaluation, and research efforts to assess how housing, labor, and environment policies and investments in education can support the middle class.

• Looking more holistically at the interconnected expenses families face – things like childcare, housing, and transportation – with a particular focus on how different communities experience the barriers to a middle class lifestyle to design new solutions.

• More intentionally fostering collaboration among business leaders, community-based organizations, and government agencies, along with policymakers and advocates working in housing, education, transportation, finance, and health care to build the middle class.

This report will be followed by deep dives into how other financial headwinds and tailwinds – shifting demographics, the changing nature of work, climate change, and tech/ artificial intelligence – will impact financial health in the future.

About the Financial Health Network

The Financial Health Network is the leading authority on financial health. We are a trusted resource for business leaders, policymakers, and innovators united in a mission to improve the financial health of their customers, employees, and communities. Through research, advisory services, measurement tools, and opportunities for cross-sector collaboration, we advance awareness, understanding, and proven best practices in support of improved financial health for all. For more on the Financial Health Network, go to www.finhealthnetwork.org and follow us on Twitter at @FinHealthNet.

Grassley’s academy nomination application can be found at www.grassley.senate.gov/services/academynominations. Students may hand-deliver their applications to any of Grassley’s Iowa offices or mail them to the following address:

U.S. Senator Chuck Grassley Attn: Nominations Coordinator 721 Federal Building 210 Walnut Street Des Moines, Iowa 50309

Note: Applicants must also submit preliminary applications to the academies of their choice and ask that a pre-candidate file be opened on their behalf.

Additional Information:

The U.S. Air Force Academy, U.S. Military Academy at West Point, and U.S. Naval Academy each select at least one student from Grassley’s nominations every year. The U.S. Merchant Marine Academy makes selections in proportion to states’ representation in Congress. Students are encouraged to apply to more than one service academy and seek additional recommendations from Sen. Joni Ernst (R-Iowa) and their federal representative in the House of Representatives. For more information, please contact Grassley’s Des Moines office at (515) 288-1145 or academynominations@grassley.senate.gov.

JCSO conducts Sex Offender Registry compliance check

News from the Johnson County Sheriff’s Office

JOHNSON COUNTY — Over the course of September 22 and September 23, 2024, multiple law enforcement agencies in Johnson County conducted a countywide Sex Offender Registry compliance check. The goal of the operation was to ensure all registered sex offenders residing in Johnson County were registered in accordance with Iowa law and promote voluntary compliance. During the operation law enforcement checked 151 registered offenders; 148 were found

in compliance and two were non-compliant, with charges pending. Law enforcement also determined one individual had passed away however the registry was unaware of the death. Two other sex offenders were taken into custody for violating the sex offender registry requirements.

The following agencies assisted the Johnson County Sheriff’s Office in this operation: Iowa Division of Criminal Investigation Coralville Police Department Iowa City Police Department United States Marshall’s Service- Southern District. Karen Smith has been named to Upper Iowa University's Summer 2024 Dean's List

A battle of unbeaten teams leaves the Spartans standing tall

No. 1 Solon knocks off Grinnell 36-7 on Homecoming night

Kyle T. Prondzinki For the Solon Economist

SOLON — The Solon Spartans remain undefeated after they overcame an early deficit to secure a 26-7 victory over the Grinnell Tigers in their district opener during homecoming at Spartan Stadium on Friday night.

In back-to-back weeks, the Solon Spartans have

faced a top-ten opponent rolling into town, and this time against Number 7-ranked Grinnell.

More than securing a win was required. Spartan players and coaches kept straight faces and shook their heads with a little bit of frustration. They knew they had left a lot on the table.

“We still got a lot to clean up… that’s not who we are,”

Stats

win.

was Spartans head coach Lucas Stanton’s message after the game. Stanton mentioned it goes both ways; the coaching and the execution need to improve.

Stanton was proud of his guys for winning but knew you couldn’t make many mistakes and win with the upcoming schedule.

Solon got out of the gate slowly as Grinnell drew first blood after an interception

Passing – Ty Bell 14/23, 166 yards, two TD’s, three interceptions. Eli Kampman 0/1. Rushing – Cole Carney 127 yards/16 carries, one TD. Eddie Johnson 115 yards/22 carries, 1 TD. Bell 53 yards/five carries. Einar Stecher 27 yards/four carries.

Receiving – Karsyn Regennitter 42 yards/three carries. Maddox Kelley 41 yards/four carries, 1 TD. Owen Einwalter 36 yards/three carries, one TD. Johnson 27 yards/one carry. Cody Milliman 20 yards/two carries. Kampman 0 yards/one carry.

Defense – Kelley four solo tackles. Kyler Jensen, three solo. Lucas Feuerbach three solo. Regennitter two solo. Kampman two solo. Bell two solo. Colby Myers two solo, one sack. Einwalter one solo. Tripp Johnson one solo. Teague Williams one solo. Milliman one solo. Luis Buck one solo. Owen Grimm one solo. Grant Wilson one solo.

Class 3A-5 Standings

Cody Milliman (17), Colby Myers (59), Kyler Jensen (52), and Grant Wilson (55) extricate themselves from a banner filled with balloons as they take the field to start the second half this past Friday on Homecoming Night.

set up the Tigers on Solon’s 17-yard line. Quarterback Brady Coffman converted a fourth and goal by taking it himself on an eight-yard scamper with 6:33 to go in the first frame.

The Spartans were not phased. They proved it by going on a ten-play, 80-yard drive that ended when Ty Bell hit Owen Einwalter for a ten-yard touchdown pass. An unsportsmanlike

penalty and errant snap led to a missed PAT attempt keeping the score at 7-6 with 3:49 remaining in the first.

Senior Eddie Johnson then got a chance to have his name echoed by PA announcer Scott Seagren. When his teammate Colby Myers stripped the ball loose from the Tigers’ quarterback in the end zone, the ball wobbled right

in front of Johnson, where he pounced on it. Two plays later, he ended the offensive series by powering his way between the tackles for a three-yard rushing touchdown.

Johnson finished with 22 carries, 115 yards, and a touchdown.

“I didn’t play my best, I'm just happy we got the win.” Johnson stated. A teamfirst performance from the Homecoming King.

The Spartans kept their foot on Grinnell’s throat as Bell found Maddox Kelley in the end zone on a fiveyard slant pass to extend their lead to 19-7 at the end of the first half.

After both teams discussed their adjustments at halftime, the game became a chess match. Both teams knew what was coming at them. Both defenses thrived and controlled the tempo of the third quarter as the frame went scoreless.

Solon put the dagger in when Senior running back Cole Carney lowered his shoulder and steamrolled his way in from four yards out. The extra point made it 26-7 with just 8:05 to go in the game. Carney would end up over the century mark as well. He totaled 127 rushing yards on 16 carries to go on top of his touchdown.

Coach Stanton finished by saying, “We need everyone to step up. We gotta play better team football, or we’ll get bit over these next two weeks.”

The Spartans will now have to travel for the next two games. They have Benton Community (3-2, won 29-14 over Fairfield) this week and Williamsburg (4-1, won 54-14 over S. Tama) the following week.

Photos by Chris Umscheid | Solon Economist

The Varsity Spartans storm the field passing through a tunnel formed by Solon’s 2024 youth football teams for the Homecoming Game vs. the Grinnell Tigers this past Friday. The Spartans remained undefeated with a 26-7

Girls cross country places second at Anamosa, boys place six amid more injuries

Joel Kellar

Solon Economist

joel-kellar@uiowa.edu

ANAMOSA — Solon’s cross country teams had a tough challenge ahead at the cross country course around Anamosa Middle School. The course that was laid out in front of the boys’ and girls’ teams was daunting. It was full of tight turns, side hills, and rolling hills. The start did not make it any easier for runners to run quick times. The wide starting line quickly bottlenecked to a trail about six feet wide. A strong start was essential for a good race, a task that proved insurmountable for the Solon teams.

The Lady Spartans were able to bounce back from the slower start, but not enough to get the win. Fort Madison – ranked 11th in 3A – used tight, pack running to pull off the upset victory. Fort Madison edged out the Lady Spartans by a two-point margin.

"We can turn this into a positive and make us hungry again,” said Solon cross country head coach Emy Williams, “We know that every meet we’ve got to be ready to come and compete.”

Senior Sydney Dee ran about 30 seconds slower than she did at the home meet last Monday, but she still held her position near the top. Dee’s time was 20:11 and was good enough for fourth place.

Freshman Kinley Mai took her usual spot a few places behind the senior. Mai placed sixth with a 20:32. Mai helped give the Lady Spartans a chance to win, but the wave of four Fort Madison runners crossed the finish line before the Lady Spartans third runner, Addison Seamans.

"Just realizing and figuring out where we’re at with our pack and who we need

to pop in to break up that pack is going to be our focus next time we see them,” said Williams.

The boys’ team continued to test their depth. Evan Burg was unable to race, which forced the Spartans to try and make up for the loss of another top runner so far this year. Freshman Anders Holmes stepped up and placed sixth for the Spartans running a 17:48.

Holmes was one of three freshmen in their top four runners. He was joined by Deacon Waddell and Preston Raasch who placed 38th and 39th.

"I think we’re learning,” said Williams, “We’ve got three freshmen in our top five and that’s a good learning experience for them.”

Middle School Victories

The future of the cross country programs continue to look promising as both middle school teams placed first, in a dominating way.

The girls placed their four scorers in the top seven. All four are eighth graders and they were led by Mailee Schmidt. She placed second in the two-mile race with a time of 12:38. Nora Sanderson, Stella Beck, and Kali Poe followed Schmidt, crossing the finish line about a minute later.

The boys also placed their four scorers in the top seven. They were led by Macklin Svalstad, the winner of the boys' middle school two-mile race. Svalstad ran 11:03 on the way to the victory. Brooks Kabela was the next runner in as he placed third. Declan Doyle and Jaimyn Lang secured the victory for the middle school Spartans as they placed seventh and eighth.

Upcoming Events

Saturday, October 12 – North Linn HS. 8:10 a.m.

Thursday, October 17 – WaMaC Tourney at Antioch Christian Church, 433 Cross Road, Marion. 4:00 p.m.

Anamosa Meet Results

HS boys – 6, Anders Holmes, 17:48.20. 28, Rene Meza, 18:51.70. 38, Deacon Waddell, 19:15.70. 39, Preston Raasch, 19:16.10. 46, Cam Lyons, 19:30.70. 62, Max Ferin, 20:21.40. 63, Charlie Pettitt, 20:21.50. 73, Caden Mai, 21:07.40. 98, Will McAtee, 22:43.10. 100, Ben Yeomans, 22:48.60. 102, Clayton Cooney, 22:51.80. 117, Harbor Viet, 24:28.30. 122, Ben Fetzer, 25:13.90. 125, Evan Gleason, 25:42.70. 134, Beck Lary, 27:24.30. 136, Lochlan Gatts, 27:58.10. 138, Porter Ball, 35:33.30. Team Scores – 1, Oelwein, 60. 2, Anamosa, 80. 3, Fort Madison, 95. 4, Monticello, 112. 5, Tipton, 115. 6, Solon, 153. 7, Maquoketa Valley, 173. 8, CR Jefferson, 210. 9, Cascade, 237. 10, Prince of Peace, 240. 11, Maquoketa, 283. HS girls – 4, Sydney Dee, 20:11.30. 6, Kinley Mai, 20:32.20. 15, Addison Seamans, 21:07.30. 18, Livya Nelson, 21:29.10. 20, Ella Sheeley, 22:02.50. 25, Quinn Armentrout, 22:34.70. 29, Falyn Svalstad, 22:39.90. 32, Rose McAtee, 22:46.40. 33, Aly Stahle, 22:50.10. 39, Mya Fordice, 23:28.90. 50, Kenley Murken, 24:27.60. 55, Beckitt Kabela, 24:44.50. 56, Madelyn McCandless, 24:44.60. 57, Jillian Jansen, 24:59.20. 61, Joli Sinnwell, 25:43.00. 63, Marin Ashbacker, 25:47.10. 67, Sydney Kunkel, 25:52.80. 70, Piper Barnhouse, 26:05.80. 73, Kayanna Schmidt, 26:15.90. 75, Sophia Miles, 26:20.30. 77, Kendall Werner, 26:25.30. 78, Avery Johnson, 26:38.20. 79, Piper Stahle, 26:40.70. 83, Kailee Miller, 26:59.80. 89, Vivi Schmooke, 27:47.80. 99, Caidence Macke, 28:48.50. 100, Ellie Durr, 28:52.10. 113, Violet Houtakker, 32:15.50.

Team Scores – 1, Fort Madison, 61. 2, Solon, 63. 3, Tipton, 81. 4, Monticello, 108. 5, Cascade, 142. 6, Maquoketa Valley, 161. 7, Maquoketa, 170. 8, Anamosa, 188. 9, CR Jefferson, 213. 10, Oelwein, 279. 11, North Linn, 325.

MS boys – 1, Macklin Svalstad, 11:03.7. 3, Brooks Kabela, 11:47.0. 6, Declan Doyle, 12:33.1. 7, Jaimyn Lang, 12:41.1. 8, Drew Clark, 12:56.7. 12, Layne Harden, 13:13.1. 16, Boden Laing, 13:23.3. 18, Sam Ekroth, 13:33.8. 22, James Dooley, 13:57.0. 23, Kale Applegarth, 14:02.4. 25, Jeremiah Bartlett, 14:14.8. 33, Asher Sutton, 15:06.3. 36, Grant Gleason, 15:31.0. 40, Sawyer Gerlits, 15:40.8. 46, Juran Wachendorf, 20:21.4. MS girls – 2, Mailee Schmidt, 12:38.7. 3, Nora Sanderson, 13:37.3. 5, Stella Beck, 13:44.7. 7, Kali Poe, 13:50.7. 11, Keatyn Schnoor, 14:18.3. 16, Evelyn Osgood, 14:36.6. 20, Elynn Hemann, 15:08.1 22, Chloe Madura, 15:13.6. 23, Katherine Rolwes, 15:17.0. 25, Kennedy Dennison, 15:24.3. 27, Raelynn Hamer, 15:38.1. 30, Isabelle Walter, 15:57.7. 32, Hannah Thomsen, 16:12.3. 33, Thea Bonnema, 16:14.0. 40, Alli Kallaus, 17:06.8. 44, Lila Kleinmeyer, 17:39.2. 52, Natalie Macke, 20:31.2. 53, Maya Lord, 20:32.2.

Photos by Joel Kellar | Solon Economist

(Left) Preston Raasch and (right) Deacon Waddell finish together. The freshmen are two of three that scored for the Spartans this past Saturday in Anamosa.

Eighth grader Mailee Schmidt finishes in second place for the girls middle school team in 12:38.7 for the two-mile run Saturday, Sept. 28 at the Anamosa Middle School.

Eighth grader Macklin Svalstad chases the gator en route to a first place finish in the two-mile run Saturday, Sept. 28 in Anamosa.

Wolves sweep the Lady Spartans

SWIMMING

SOLON — The Lady Spartans dipped to 16-9 Tuesday, Sept. 24 as WaMaC East foe Marion visited on Youth Volleyball and Cancer Awareness Night. The Wolves swept Solon 3-0 (25-27, 22-25, 26-28).

Marion’s Carlee Webber, a senior, led all with 21 kills. Stats for Solon were not available as of deadline.

Lady Spartans drop one spot in IGHSAU rankings

Solon dropped to No. 11 in Class 3A, down from No. 10 the week before in the Iowa Girls High School Athletic Union’s weekly rankings released last Thursday. Mount Vernon remained firmly in the No. 1 spot as Western Christian moved into the No. 2 spot (up from No. 3). West Delaware also moved up from No. 4 to No. 2. Wahlert Catholic, Assumption Catholic, Sioux Center, Kuemper Catholic, Mid-Prairie, Cherokee, Wilton, the Lady Spartans, Roland-Story, West Liberty, Anamosa, and Clarenda rounded out the top-15 teams in the state.

Addie Miller (3) digs at the net in varsity action at home against Marion Tuesday, Sept. 24. The Wolves swept the Lady Spartans 3-0.

Upcoming Events

Saturday, October 5 – Union (LaPorte City) Tournament

Solon vs. Beckman Catholic, 8:30 a.m. Solon vs. Edgewood-Colesburg, 11:00 a.m. Solon vs. Central Springs, 11:45 a.m. Tuesday, October 8 – Home vs. Independence (Senior Night).

Freshmen and Sophomores – 5:00 p.m. JV game – 6:00 p.m. Varsity – 7:30 p.m.

Saturday, October 12 – CPU Tournament, Center Point Thursday, October 17 – WaMaC Tournament, Marion HS. 4:00 p.m.

WaMaC Conference Standings

Gable Knight (10) pounds a kill shot over the net against Marion Tuesday, Sept. 24. The Lady Spartans fell 3-0 to the WaMaC East Wolves.

Little Hawks fifth in home relays

Solon’s Grace Hoeper wins two events

Solon Economist

IOWA CITY — City High’s varsity Little Hawks took fifth place in their home relays Saturday, Sept. 21 at the Mercer Park Aquatic Center as the Iowa City West High/ Liberty High Trojan-Bolts won the day with 426 points. Bettendorf (404), Waukee (379), Pleasant Valley (341), City High (252), and North Scott (86) rounded out the six-team field.

Solon senior Grace Hoeper and Pleasant Valley’s Dawsyn Green tied in the medal count with two first place finishes apiece. Hoeper won the 50-yard freestyle in 23.31 seconds and the 100-yard freestyle in 51.11. Solon sophomore Madelyn Elkins finished 12th in the 50-yard freestyle in 27.53 seconds.

Little Hawks fifth at Cougar Invitational

Hoeper wins 200 freestyle and 100 butterfly

Solon Economist

CEDAR RAPIDS — City High’s varsity swimmers finished fifth out of nine teams this past Saturday in Cedar Rapids Kennedy’s Cougar Invitational meet. Iowa City West High took the day with 454 team points followed by Pleasant Valley (428), Southeast Polk (339), Johnston (295), the Little Hawks (243), the host Cougars (223), Cedar Rapids Jefferson (145), Decorah (130), and Theodore Roosevelt HS (47).

Solon senior Grace Hoeper won the 200-yard freestyle in 1:53.71 and the 100-yard butterfly in 56.39 once again topping the automatic qualifier times for the 2024 State Meet. Hoeper also anchored the winning 200-yard freestyle relay led off by Solon sophomore Madelyn Elkins with City’s Saoirse Miller and Elsa Farber (1:42.90) and anchored the 2nd place 400-yard freestyle relay with Celeste Miller, Louisa BerryStoelzle, and Farber (3:49.84).

Elkins took 13th in the 50-yard freestyle in 27.47 seconds and anchored the 5th place 200-yard medley relay with Celeste Miller, Saoirse Miller, and Berry-

Lions splash past the Little Hawks

All four Solon girls in action as City High hosts Linn-Mar

Solon Economist

IOWA CITY — All four Solon High School swimmers saw action with the City High Little Hawks last Tuesday (Sept. 24) as Mississippi Valley Conference foe LinnMar visited the Mercer Park Aquatic Center. The Lions splashed the Little Hawks 110-76 dropping City High to 2-3 in the MVC and 3-7 overall on the season while improving the Lions’ record to 2-1 MVC and 10-11.

Senior Grace Hoeper picked up two more wins taking the 100-yard breaststroke in 1:09.52 and the 200-yard Individual Medley (IM) in 2:11.29. As of Thursday, Sept. 26, Hoeper had automatically qualified for the 200-yard freestyle, 200-yard IM, 100-yard butterfly, 500-yard freestyle, and 50-yard freestyle events in the 2024 State Meet, which is scheduled for Nov. 15 and 16.

Sophomore Madelyn Elkins took second in the 50-freestyle (27.40) and was third in the 100-freestyle (1:02.26). Freshman Nora Bumsted took tenth in the 100-freestyle in 1:18.99 and was 11th in the 100-backstroke in 1:39.21. Sophomore Ella Pressler placed 11th in the 1-meter dive with 83.65.

Upcoming Events

Tuesday, October 8 – Home vs. Cedar Falls, 6:00 p.m. (Senior Night)

Thursday, October 24 – MVC Diving Championships, Mercer Park, 5:00 p.m.

Saturday, October 26 – MVC Swimming Championships, Mercer Park, 12:00 p.m.

Photos by Deb Rebal | Special to the Solon Economist

Macy Fuller (7) digs from the back in varsity action at home against Marion Tuesday, Sept. 24. The Wolves swept the Lady Spartans 3-0.

Solon Economist

CALENDAR & PUZZLES

Get ready, It’s SPOOK MONTH!

Contributed photo

Solon Senior Dining will hold a Halloween Party Wednesday, October 30.

SEPTEMBER HAPPENINGS

••••

Wednesday, October 9 – Sponsored Meal, Rick Jedlicka

Wednesday, October 16 – EntertainmentAccordion Club, at Noon

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 4

Glazed Salmon Fillet

Mini Baked Potatoes

Creamed Peas

Smore’s Cheesecake Fluff

Monday, October 7

Crusted Pork Chop

Baked Yam

Pea Salad

Triple Berry Crisp

Wednesday, October 9

Iowa Child Passenger Safety Law vs. Best Practice

Rear-facing seat – Iowa law states children must ride in an appropriate rear-facing child safety seat until one year of age and at least 20 pounds. Best practice says children should ride in an appropriate rear-facing child safety seat until the maximum height or weight limit of the seat is reached.

Forward-facing seat – Iowa law states children must ride in a child safety seat or booster seat through the age of five (in accordance with the manufacturer’s directions). Best practice says children should be restrained in a five-point harness system until the maximum height or weight of the child safety seat is reached.

Booster seat – Iowa law states children must ride in a booster seat or seat belt between the ages of 6-11, regardless of their seating position, within a vehicle. Best practice says after outgrowing a five-point harness, children should move into a booster seat. Children should ride in a booster seat until the vehicle’s lap and shoulder belt fit them properly. Most children will need a booster seat until they are between 8-12 years old.

Seatbelt – Iowa law requires rear seat occupants up to 18 years of age be secured by a seatbelt. Best practice says, “Buckle up for Life!”

Regardless of age, the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration encourages occupants of vehicles to protect themselves and those they are traveling with by buckling up every trip, every time, regardless of where they may sit.

Chris Umscheid | Solon Economist

Alexis Kurth, Adult Services Librarian, installs a child safety seat in the backseat of a vehicle during a car seat safety inspection event Saturday, Sept. 21 at the Solon Public Library. Kurth and former Solon staffer Cassi Elton helped participants figure out the maze of straps, buckles, and clips to ensure proper use of the seats.

CLASSIFIEDS

Garage Sale

Fall Garage Sale. October 4th & 5th, 7AM - ? Winter clothes, holiday decor and lots of misc items. 401 Whispering Willow Lane, Solon.

Help Wanted

Salon 30, A full service salon and spa located at 941 Highway 30 in Lisbon, has a chair rental available immediately for a licensed Cosmetologist. $450/month includes utilities and laundry facility. Contact suejnelson02@gmail.com for information.

For Rent:

3 bedroom, 1 1/2 bath home for rent just outside of Solon and in the Solon School District. Unfinished basement for storage and on a blacktop road. Attached 1 stall garage. Nice deck with an amazing country view. No pets. Call Lou at 319624-2912

Miscellaneous

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Prepare for power outages today with a Generac Home Standby Generator. Act now to receive a FREE 7-Year warranty with qualifying purchase. Call 1-855-954-5087 today to schedule a free quote. It’s not just a generator. It’s a power move.

The ”Suicide Trombones” performed between the first and second quarters of the varsity Homecoming Game this past Friday. The daring musicians raise and lower their horns and swing them side to side alternating between swingers and duckers as the slides pass overhead.

Aly

from the back of a corvette during the 2024 Homecoming Parade last Wednesday. Stahle was crowned the Homecoming Queen at halftime of the

Below: Cheerleaders wave from the back of a pickup truck at the people attending the

center: 2023 Homecoming Queen Mia Stahle and 2024 Queen Aly Stahle pose after the crowning event Friday during halftime of the varsity Homecoming Game against Grinnell.

Left: Olivia Bonnema tosses a piece of candy from a wagon carrying members of the Homecoming Court and their escorts during the 2024 Homecoming Parade last Wednesday evening.

Left: The Solon cheerleaders lead the crowd in a chant during the pep rally last Wednesday in Spartan Stadium. Solon students take part in a cheer during the pep rally for Homecoming Week last Wednesday.

Photos by Chris Umscheid and Joel Kellar | Solon Economist

It’s raining candy as spectators at the 2024 Homecoming Parade grab candy tossed from the fall sports teams Wednesday, Sept. 25 along Racine Ave.

Maddox Stormer waits patiently for candy to be tossed from the 2024 Homecoming Parade as it passes by his position near the SRNA on Racine Ave. last Wednesday evening.

Above

Spartan Marching Band trombonists and percussionist Olivia Bonnema watch the drum major during their performance of the 2024 show, “Elemental” during the Homecoming Week pep rally last Wednesday.

Foster Owens tosses candy to Maddox Stormer (outstretched arms) from a wagon carrying the freshman football team during the 2024 Homecoming Parade Wednesday, Sept. 25.

Left:

Stahle smiles

varsity football game Friday.

Solon homecoming parade Wednesday, Sept. 25.

Right: Senior Eddie Johnson celebrates being crowned as homecoming king after the parade.

Below: Homecoming prince Ryker Paulson waves to the crowd during the 2024 Homecoming Parade.