Filling bellies and trying to keep shelves filled
Chris Umscheid
SOLON — It’s a job Elaine Claude loves to do, but one she wishes didn’t need to be done.
Claude is the Director of the Solon Community Food Pantry, a role she took on back in February. As Director she oversees the daily operations of the Pantry located in the basement of the Solon Methodist Church at 122 N. West St. in Solon.
In addition to overseeing the operations of the Pantry, Claude also manages a crew of volunteers, to whom she gives much credit.
“We’ve got a great group of volunteers, without them we wouldn’t be here. They do a lot of work for us.” That work has increased, she said, from approximately 25 Pantry users to an average of 31.
“Sometimes the same people come in every week and some only come in once or twice a month. So, if everybody came
in, we’d have more than 31.” She noted there’s no common denominator as the patrons span all age groups, some are couples, others single, some have children, others do not. Other socioeconomic factors such as employed or unemployed and income levels are not taken into consideration either.
“We don’t dig into all of the details of their home life,” she said. “We don’t know why they’re here, exactly. We don’t ask them if they have a job or not. I don’t feel we need to know all of that information.”
New users do fill out some paperwork with basic information.
America goes red, Johnson County stays blue
Solon Economist
JOHNSON COUNTY — While the 2024 presidential and general election showed a “red wave” with Republicans winning the presidency, U.S. Senate, and U.S. House of Representatives, Johnson County voters favored Democratic candidates.
Vice President Kamala Harris easily won the county with 58,772 votes to former President Donald Trump’s 26,069 votes. Trump won Iowa’s six Electoral College votes however with 926,653 (56%) to Harris’ 706,556 (42.7%) according to the Associated Press. Locally, Trump won Solon 232 (61.70%)-136 (36.07%), Big Grove Twp.-Solon Annex 699 (52.95%)-598 (45.30%), and Cedar Twp. 228 (55.88%)-173 (42.40%) while Harris won Graham and Newport townships.
The U.S. House of Representatives District 1 race
between incumbent Republican Mariannette MillerMeeks and Democrat Christina Bohannan had not officially been declared as of Saturday night although Miller-Meeks had claimed victory with 206,680 (50.1%) votes to Bohannan’s 205,884 (49.9%). Iowa’s other three Congressional districts remained Republican with Ashley Hinson (District 2) Zach Nunn (District 3), and Randy Feenstra (District 4) all victorious.
Two “red” spots in an otherwise “blue” county was State Senator Dawn Driscoll retaining her District 46 (Big Grove-Solon Annex) seat as she held off a challenge by Democrat Ed Chabal and Republican Judd Lawler defeating Jay Gorsch 5,220-4,942 in the State Representative District 91 seat previously held by Republican Brad Sherman.
Sheriff, Auditor, and Supervisor candidates win uncontested races
Sheriff Brad Kunkel, a Democrat, ran unopposed and garnered 63,129 votes with 1,231 write-in’s while County Auditor Julie Persons, also running unopposed, picked up 62,133 votes with 861 write-in’s.
Incumbent County Supervisors Lisa GreenDouglass and Rod Sulivan, with newcomer Mandi Remington, won the June 4 primary and advanced to the general election unopposed. Green-Douglass netted 51,643 votes with 51,220 for Sullivan and 50,530 for Remington. There were 3,698 write-in ballots cast.
Chris Umscheid | Solon Economist
Elaine Claude, Director of the Solon Food Pantry, organizes a shelf in the Pantry, which continues to see an increase in requests for assistance.
Johnson County passes $30 million conservation bond
The bond aims to continue the efforts of the initial $20 million bond passed in 2008, said Think Iowa City President Josh Schamberger.
Brianna Brands
The Daily Iowan
A $30 million conservation bond for Johnson County was passed by a supermajority of voters in the general election Tuesday. The bond passed with a total of 58,992 votes, or just over 77 percent.
The bond aims to continue the efforts of the initial $20 million bond passed in 2008, according to Think Iowa City President Josh Schamberger.
“It’s been used to support 15 different projects that range from flood mitigation and creating new bank and watershed areas to more park space, cleaning up FW Kent Park, and it’s built miles and miles of trails, which the community continues to enjoy,” Schamberger said.
According to the website created to encourage people to vote “yes” for the bond, the $20 million bond became nearly $37.2 million in local investment in Johnson County conservation projects, nearly doubling the taxpayers’ investment.
As previously reported by The Daily Iowan, acting director Bradley Freidhof said the bond was a nonpartisan effort that benefits everyone.
“I have a lot of friends who hunt and fish and a lot of them are Republican,” Freidhof said. “But they love the outdoors.”
Schamberger expressed how important it was that people voted to approve the bond.
“We’re continuing to make decisions that will have an incredibly important impact for our kids, for their kids, and continue to have our small little part of conservation,” he said.
Johnson County Board of Supervisors, sheriff elected to office
All three candidates running for board of supervisors were elected.
Brianna Brands
The Daily Iowan
In Johnson County, all three candidates running for the board of supervisors were elected.
Democrat Rod Sullivan received 51,220 votes, maintaining the seat he has held on the board since 2004. He currently holds the position of board chair.
During his time on the board, Sullivan has focused on raising the minimum wage, expanding affordable housing, advocating for human rights, and preserving local landmarks.
Democrat Lisa GreenDouglass received 51,643
votes, maintaining the seat she won during a vacancy in 2016.
Much of GreenDouglass’ time on the board has been dedicated to mental health advocacy.
Democrat Mandi Remington announced her campaign in January and unseated incumbent supervisor Royceann Porter during the primary election in June.
Remington received 50,530 votes on Tuesday. Remington’s campaign website highlights improved access to basic needs, improved accessibility, and improved community health as her top policies and priorities.
Democrat Julie Persons received 62,133 votes and will be the first woman county auditor in nearly 50 years. Persons is currently the mayor of Swisher and secured the nomination for auditor during a four-candidate convention in August.
As mayor, Persons previously told the DI she has experience in managing municipal budgets, facilitating public meetings, and working closely with city residents.
Incumbent Sheriff Brad Kunkel ran unopposed for a second term, receiving 63,129 votes.
As sheriff, Kunkel has focused on securing adequate funding for
Portion of Lulu Merle Johnson exhibit passes JoCo board consideration
The project, which includes a bronze statue and interpretive panels, aims to celebrate Johnson’s legacy and will be completed by September 2025.
Jacob Calvin The Daily Iowan
The Johnson County Board of Supervisors passed a $118,250 agreement for an exhibit that will include a bronze statue commemorating Lulu Merle Johnson, the county’s eponym.
The supervisors approved an amount not to exceed $118,250 with eSJay Creative Works to design plans for the exhibit. Johnson was the first Black woman to earn a Ph.D. in the state of Iowa from the University of Iowa.
This consideration is the latest in a series of approvals that have gone through the Board of Supervisors when the exhibit project began in 2021.
The project is slated for completion in September 2025 to coincide with Johnson’s 100-year anniversary of enrolling at the UI. Along with the statue, interpretive panels, and a short film documenting Johnson’s legacy and the process of renaming Johnson County in her honor will be included. Out of their $118,250 proposal, specific allocations include the development of the panels detailing Johnson’s life and
contributions, the creation of the exhibit catalog, and the production of the short film.
Born in Gravity, Iowa, to a prominent Black family, Johnson navigated the challenges of segregation at the UI. Her activism included protests against discriminatory policies, such as housing segregation and the university’s swimming test policy, which required separate facilities for Black students.
Throughout her career, Johnson faced institutional racism. Still, she made significant academic contributions, particularly in the study of slavery in Northern U.S. states, which taught the practice as beneficial to slaves at the time. Unable to find a teaching job in Iowa, she worked at historically Black colleges and universities, eventually becoming a history professor and dean of women at Cheyney State.
The agreement with eSJay work was spearheaded by Sonya Jackson, Johnson’s great niece and Rebecca Conard and Professor Emeritus of History Rebecca Conard.
Johnson was officially made the eponym of Johnson County on June 24, 2021, by the Johnson County Board of Supervisors. Richard Mentor Johnson, the ninth vice president of the United States, was the original namesake of the county.
At the time, the supervisors said Lulu Johnson was more deserving of the namesake than the former vice president who was a slave holder.
public safety personnel and seeing much needed renovations done to the county jail.
Sheriff’s time report for Solon
SOLON — The Johnson County Sheriff’s Office (JCSO) provides law enforcement to the city of Solon on a contracted basis and releases a monthly Town Time Report documenting the agency’s activities and time spent within the corporate limits of Solon.
October
Deputies conducted 44 traffic stops (129 total since July 1), responded to ten 9-1-1 hangups (the most since July), 16 emergency medical incidents, and five fire responses among 163 total calls for service. Also, deputies responded to five animal calls, one motor vehicle accident, and two missing persons. Two burglaries were reported, and 13 school visits/patrols were conducted.
As a reminder the Sheriff’s substation is open at 223 S. Iowa St. in Solon. The facility is not staffed 24/7 but if a deputy is needed (non-emergency) call 319-356-6800 to make a request to have one meet you. In an emergency, dial 9-1-1.
Volume 144 I Issue 46
Of a Little Weekly Miracle PO Box 249, Solon, IA 52333 Phone: 319-624-2233 news@soloneconomist.com
The Solon Economist strives for accuracy and fairness in reporting news. If we’ve made an error or a report is misleading, let us know about it: news@soloneconomist.com.
STAFF
Publisher Jason Brummond jason.brummond@dailyiowan.com
Editor Chris Umscheid chris.umscheid@ soloneconomist.com
Advertising Sales Catherine Bilskie catherine.bilskie@ soloneconomist.com
Reporter Intern Joel Kellar
Production Manager Heidi Owen heidi.owen@dailyiowan.com
Business Manager Debbie Plath debra.plath@dailyiowan.com
Official Newspaper: Solon, Johnson County, Solon Community School District, Solon Tri-Township Emergency Response
Solon Economist USPS #500860 Copyright © 2024 by Student Publications, Inc. is published weekly by Student Publications, 100 Adler Journalism Building, Room El31, Iowa City, IA 52242. Call 319-6242233 to subscribe. Periodicals postage is paid at Iowa City, IA, and additional mailing offices.
POSTMASTER: Send address changes to Solon Economist at PO Box 249, Solon, IA 52333. Subscriptions: Contact Catherine Bilskie at 319-624-2233 or catherine. bilskie@soloneconomist.com for additional information. Subscription rates: Johnson and adjoining counties – $55 annually; elsewhere In Iowa – $75 annually; out of state –$85 annually.
Copyright 2024 Solon Economist, a division of The Daily Iowan and Student Publications, Inc. All articles, photographs and graphics, both in print and online editions, are the property of Student Publications, Inc., and may not be reproduced or republished without written permission.
soloneconomist.com
The Rita Brannaman Family
thanks her relatives, neighbors, and friends for visits, cards, flowers, food and memorials received after her death. Special appreciation goes to Father Charles, Solon Retirement Village and Hospice for their care of Mom. We thank Matt at Brosh’s for his guidance of funeral arrangements.
We’re grateful for all this support.
TOURNAMENT!
Thursday, Nov. 21st from 4-5pm Snacks & drinks provided. Winners get prizes! Scan the QR Code for details and to register. (For 6th-12th graders)
Get ready to rumble! We’re having a Teen (6th-12th graders) Super Smash Bros. Ultimate Tournament Thursday, November 21, from 4-5:00 p.m. Matches will be a battle royale between up to four people. Matches will end after eight minutes or when there is one player standing, whichever comes first. Prizes will be awarded to winners & we’ll have snacks! Visit our online calendar to register or give us a call. Who will be the last player standing?
Library Events
Join us at Cookbook Club for a delicious culinary adventure with Dips & Sauces Saturday, Nov. 16, at 11:00 a.m.! This unique program invites food enthusiasts of all levels to explore the world of dips and sauces, perfect for any occasion. Whether you’re a novice cook or a seasoned chef, you’ll discover new recipes and techniques that elevate your appetizer game. Bring your dip, sauce, and foods to dip in them to share with our group.
Littles and caregivers enjoy songs, games, and books at Storytime Tuesday mornings at 10:30. Please note our holiday schedule this month as we will not have Storytime on Tuesday, Nover 26. In this technology-driven world we’re all trying to keep up with all the new devices and apps. We don’t have to do this alone! Our monthly Tech Talk program aims to help bridge the gap and keep us all learning the latest technology. On Thursday, Nov. 21, at 9:30 a.m., we’re learning about Facebook, the social networking site. We’ll have Chrome-
ELECTION from 1
2024 Presidential and General Election results for Solon and the surrounding area
Solon
President
Donald J. Trump (Republican)
– 232 (61.70%)
Kamala Harris (Democratic)
– 136 (36.17%)
Chase Oliver (Libertarian) – 2 (0.53%)
Claudia De la Cruz (Socialism and Liberation) – 1 (0.27%)
William P. Stodden (Socialist Party USA) - 0
Robert F. Kennedy (We the People Party) – 1 (0.27%)
Shiva Ayyadurai – 0
Write-in – 4 (1.06%)
U.S. Representative, District 1
Mariannette Miller-Meeks (R) – 236 (63.27%)
Christina Bohannan (D) – 136 (36.46%)
Write-in – 1 (0.27%)
State Senator, District 46
Dawn Driscoll (R) – 247 (67.67%)
Ed Chabal (D) – 118 (32.33%)
Write-in 0
State Representative, District 85
Amy Nielsen (D) – 1,173 (95.68%)
Write-in – 53 (4.32%)
Big Grove-Solon Annex
President
Donald J. Trump (R) – 699 (52.95%)
Kamela Harris (D) – 598 (45.30%)
Chase Oliver (Libertarian) – 7 (0.53%)
Claudia De la Cruz (Socialism and Liberation) – 1 (0.08%)
William P. Stodden (Socialist Party USA) - 0
Robert F. Kennedy (We the People Party) – 7 (0.53%)
books from our mobile computer lab available or bring your favorite device.
Thursday early-outs are for BAM POW fun at the Library! Thursday, Nov.21 marks the end of our fall schedule, so don’t forget to grab the winter schedule to see what we’re planning. BAM POW is from 1:45-2:45 p.m. Thursdays while school is in session, for 1st-8th graders. When the winter weather creates chaos with our Thursday schedule and school isn’t an early-out, we will not have a BAM POW program for 1st-8th graders.
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. As we approach the holiday season and winter weather, please always refer to our website calendar or call to check hours.
The Library will be open from 9 a.m. to 12:30 p.m. Friday, Nov. 22 due to staff in-service.
Plan ahead for Thanksgiving Holiday Hours! Wednesday, Nov. 27, the Library will be open 9:00-5:00 p.m. and Thursday and will be closed Thursday, Nov 28 through Saturday, Nov. 30.
Don’t forget, the digital library is always available! Find an eBook, eAudiobook, magazines and more with Bridges, or with the Libby app on your favorite smart device. You can even stream classic films, discover new favorites, and more with Kanopy on your favorite smart device.
Everyone is welcome at the Library and our programs. Please contact us with access needs.
What We’re Reading
This month the Solon Book Club is reading The Art Thief by Michael Finkel, a true story of love, crime, and a dangerous obsession.
“Stéphane Bréitwieser is the most prolific art thief of all time.
He pulled off more than 200 heists, often in crowded museums in broad daylight.
His girlfriend served as his accomplice. His collection was worth an estimated $2 billion. He never sold a piece, displaying his stolen art in his attic bedroom.
He felt like a king.
Shiva Ayyadurai – 1 (0.08%)
Write-in – 7 (0.53%)
U.S. Representative, District 1
Mariannette Miller-Meeks (R) – 700 (53.15%)
Christina Bohannan (D) – 617 (46.85%)
Write-in - 0
State Senator, District 46
Dawn Driscoll (R) – 741 (58.44%)
Ed Chabal (D) – 526 (41.48%)
Write-in – 1 (0.08%)
State Representative, District 91
Judd Lawler (R) – 716 (56.74%)
Jay Gorsch (D) – 545 (43.19%)
Write-in – 1 (0.08%)
Cedar Twp.
President
Donald J. Trump (Republican) – 228 (55.88%)
Kamala Harris (Democratic) – 173 (42.40%)
Chase Oliver (Libertarian) – 2 (0.49%)
Claudia De la Cruz (Socialism and Liberation) - 0
William P. Stodden (Socialist Party USA) - 0
Robert F. Kennedy (We the People Party) – 3 (0.74%)
Shiva Ayyadurai – 0
Write-in – 2 (0.49%)
U.S. Representative, District 1
Mariannette Miller-Meeks (R) – 220 (54.73%)
Christina Bohannan (D) – 182 (45.27%)
Write-in - 0
State Representative, District 85
Amy Nielsen (D) – 213 (94.67%)
Write-in – 12 (5.33%)
Graham Twp.
President
Donald J. Trump (Republican)
Until everything came to a shocking end. In this spellbinding portrait of obsession and flawed genius, Michael Finkel gives us one of the most remarkable true-crime narratives of our times, a riveting story of art, theft, love, and an insatiable hunger to possess beauty at any cost.”
Pick up a copy at the Library and join the discussion Tuesday, Nov. 19 at 6:30 p.m.
– 134 (40.36%)
Kamala Harris (Democratic) – 195 (58.73%)
Chase Oliver (Libertarian) - 0
Claudia De la Cruz (Socialism and Liberation) - 0
William P. Stodden (Socialist Party USA) - 0
Robert F. Kennedy (We the People Party) – 1 (0.30%)
Shiva Ayyadurai – 0
Write-in – 2 (0.60%)
U.S. Representative, District 1
Mariannette Miller-Meeks (R) – 129 (38.97%)
Christina Bohannan (D) – 202 (61.03%)
Write-in - 0
State Representative, District 85
Amy Nielsen (D) – 189 (97.42%)
Write-in – 5 (2.58%)
Newport Twp.
President
Donald J. Trump (Republican) – 679 (40.04%)
Kamala Harris (Democratic) – 989 (58.31%)
Chase Oliver (Libertarian) - 0
Claudia De la Cruz (Socialism and Liberation) - 0
William P. Stodden (Socialist Party USA) - 0
Robert F. Kennedy (We the People Party) – 9 (0.53%)
Shiva Ayyadurai – 1 (0.06%)
Write-in – 18 (1.06%)
U.S. Representative, District 1
Mariannette Miller-Meeks (R) – 689 (40.96%)
Christina Bohannan (D) – 993 (59.04%)
Write-in - 0
State Representative, District 85
Amy Nielsen (D) – 1,117 (96.71%)
Write-in – 38 (3.29%)
SOLON ECONOMIST
SPORTS
Grace Hoeper State Swimming bound
Solon senior qualifies in 50 freestyle, 100 freestyle, 200 freestyle relay, and 400 freestyle relay
Jami Martin-Trainor
For the Solon Economist
MARION — The few seconds right before swimmers dive into the pool before a race begins is eerily quiet.
It’s only a few seconds, but anticipation is thick in the air. The line of swimmers adjust their bodies at the diving blocks, situating themselves for the optimal pool entrance. The only sound comes from the whooshing of the pool’s filtration system. Even the surface of the pool is still, waiting patiently for the impending disruption. A voice speaks over the intercom, distorted, calling out the event name. More silence. Then, a buzzer sounds.
The quiet is immediately shattered. Water splashes several feet into the air, shouts and whistles from family members, fellow swimmers, and coaches echoing throughout the space.
Solon senior Grace Hoeper is only getting a few more of those moments before takeoff in her high school swimming career.
On Saturday, Nov. 9, Hoeper competed at the Iowa Girls High School Athletic Union State Qualifiers competition at Linn Mar High School. Hoeper qualified for state in two individual and two relay events.
At times, it seems like Hoeper’s toughest competition is herself. Hoeper already held the pool record for the 50-yard freestyle swim at Linn Mar, finishing in 23.41 seconds in 2023.
Hoeper beat herself out this year finishing in 23.34 seconds and qualifying for the state competition. She also placed first in the 100-yard freestyle with a time of 50.95 seconds. She was also the first swimmer for the first place, state-qualifying 200-yard freestyle relay team, the group finishing in 1:38.93.
Last year, Hoeper placed first for both the 50 and 100yard freestyle at the state competition with times of 23.44 and 50.27 seconds respectively. This consistent effort is what landed her an offer to swim for Division I Indiana University.
The work Hoeper put into her swimming started long before the state qualifying competition.
Even at the tail end of swim practice on September 12 with Iowa City High School — months before the stakes were raised with State Qualifiers on the horizon — Hoeper was swimming like she just jumped in the pool.
During the final round of partner drills at City High swim practice, head coach Mandi Kowal barked orders to
her squad, telling them if they weren’t going to put in the effort, they were going to have to repeat the drills.
It was clear that feedback wasn’t meant for the Indiana commit.
The instructions were to swim relay-style halfway across the pool and back. In other lanes, the pool’s water had a second to still while the swimmers were catching their breath.
Hoeper, however, didn’t hesitate. The second her partner’s hand touched the wall, Hoeper dove in, flexing her 11 years of experience and talent that got her accepted into one of the best schools in the Big Ten for swimming.
Hoeper has swam for Kowal, a former Iowa swimmer herself, all four years of high school. Having seen Hoeper’s skill develop over the years, she is excited to see her final state competition after making the cut for the last three years.
“It's just so fun to watch her swim, and she's put a lot of time into it and a lot of energy into this team,” Kowal said after Hoeper received her first qualifying ticket. “I just want her to have fun. That's what I want.”
2024 Iowa Girls High School Athletic Union State Swimming and Diving Meet information
The meet will be held Friday, Nov. 15 and Saturday, Nov. 16 at the Marshalltown YMCA/YWCA with three sessions scheduled.
The State Preliminary Meet is set for 11:00 a.m. Friday with the State Diving Meet set for 4:30 p.m.
The State Swimming Finals will begin at noon Saturday.
Tickets are being sold online through Bound (www.gobound. com/ia/ighsau/gsw/2024-25/tickets) for $15 plus processing fees. No cash will be accepted at the gate, but there will be card readers on site to process debit/credit cards on site. Parking fees are included in the admission ticket with parking lots opening at 6:00 a.m. both days.
For additional details including maps of parking lots and spectator expectations go to https://ighsau.org/news/stateswimming-diving-spectator-information/.
Above left: Senior Grace Hoeper dives into the pool during the Iowa Girls High School Athletic Union State Qualifiers competition at Linn Mar High School on Nov. 9, 2024. Hoeper is a student at Solon High School but swims with Iowa City’s City High School.
Above: Senior Grace Hoeper prepares to swim in the 50 -yard freestyle during the Iowa Girls High School Athletic Union State Qualifiers competition at Linn Mar High School on Nov. 9, 2024.
Below: Senior Grace Hoeper receives her state qualifying ticket from her coach, Mandi Kowal, after winning the 50yard freestyle during the Iowa Girls High School Athletic Union State Qualifiers competition at Linn Mar High School on Nov. 9, 2024. Hoeper broke her own record in the event, finishing in 23.34 seconds.
Photos by Jami Martin-Trainor | For the Solon Economist
Wildcats end season for Spartans
Humboldt knocks Solon out of the playoffs with 35-3 loss
Solon Economist
HUMBOLDT — Humboldt, in Humboldt County, is a three hour, 186 mile drive from Solon. A long time to spend on a bus, and even longer when the return trip follows a season-ending loss. The Spartans, with an 8-2 record, traveled to Humboldt Friday for a Class 3A Quarterfinal Round game against the 9-1 Wildcats and fell 35-3.
Solon got on the scoreboard first with a 36-yard field goal by Ryan Locke on the Spartans’ second possession. The drive nearly had a touchdown as quarterback Ty Bell found Eli Kampman in the endzone. Unfortunately for Solon, the pass was incomplete.
The Wildcats scored three times in the second quarter on a 49-yard pass, an 11-yard pass, and a one-yard dash by quarterback Coen Matson to lead 21-3 at the half. Humboldt nearly had a fourth score but for an interception by Owen Einwalter with 29 seconds remaining in the half.
The Wildcats made it 28-3 with 5:21 left in the third quarter on a drive following an interception. Solon’s next drive also ended with a Humboldt pick six, which started a Wildcat drive ending with a 36-yard pass for another touchdown and 35-3 advantage. Solon’s best shot at a touchdown came in the fourth quarter when Bell connected with Kampman, who scurried toward the endzone. Misfortune struck again though as the ball came loose just shy of the goal line for a touchback and turnover.
“Overall, it was a great season,” said Head Coach Lucas Stanton. “We finished in the top eight and of course we were disappointed with the loss vs Humboldt but when you get to step back and get perspective, our kids have nothing to hang their heads about. Considering what we lost from the year before and seeing so many new guys step in and step up was rewarding.
We battled injuries and a couple setbacks and the way the kids responded and grew as people was impressive. I was really proud of our kids and staff. This was a small senior class (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) and they will be missed. These guys stuck with it for four years and worked hard to get to where they are. I don't think many outside of our program thought they would go as far as they did but they never listened to the naysayers.”
Looking ahead to next season and the many hours of off season work ahead of the Spartans, the coach is optimistic. “We do return quite a bit going into next year and feel good about those guys. There is a lot of experience on both sides of the ball and overall good leadership! We are looking forward to a good off season.”
The Spartans ended the season at 8-3 while Humboldt advanced to the Semifinals to take on Mount Vernon (10-1) Friday, Nov. 16 in the UNI-Dome for the 3A Semifinals with Sergeant Bluff-Luton (11-0) and Wahlert Catholic (11-0). The Class 3A Championship Game will be played Friday, Nov. 22 at 1:00 p.m. in the UNI-Dome.
STATS
Passing – Ty Bell 15/37, 137 yards, three TDs, five interceptions.
Rushing – Eddie Johnson 79 yards/20 carries. Bell five yards/one carry. Maddox Kelley three yards/two carries. Receiving - Johnson 55 yards/eight carries. Eli Kampman 37 yards/one carry. Karsyn Regennitter 30 yards/three carries. Kelley 15 yards/three carries. Interceptions – Owen Einwalter one/seven yards.
Defense – Oliver Owens ten solo tackles/two for a loss. Kyler Jensen nine/two. Regennitter four. Kampman four. Einar Stecher four. Johnson three/one. Kelley two. Charlie Karam one. Bell one. Tripp Johnson one. Hunter Sonntag one. Grant Wilson one. Lucas Feuerbach one. Dylan Branscomb one/one.
Sacks – Eddie Johnson one. Jensen one. Branscomb one. Kick returns – Regennitter three/68 yards. Kelley two/44 yards. Luis Buck one/nine yards.
Punt returns – Kaden Hoeper two/30 yards. Kelley one/ eight yards.
Field Goal – Ryan Locke one/36 yards.
Center: Junior Eli Kampman (7) goes up for a reception Wildcats Friday, Nov. 8 in a Class 3A Quarterfinals game against the Humboldt Wildcats in Humboldt. Above: Senior Karsyn Regennitter (2) attempts to escape from a trio of Humboldt Wildcats Friday, Nov. 8 in a Class 3A Quarterfinals game against the Humboldt Wildcats in Humboldt.
far
Johnson (10) cross the field to meet the Humboldt Wildcats’ Captains for the pregame coin toss Friday, Nov. 8 in a Class 3A Quarterfinals game in Humboldt.
Top: Senior Eddie Johnson (10) deals with Humboldt’s Mason Van Pelt (8) Friday, Nov. 8 in a Class 3A Quarterfinals game against the Humboldt Wildcats in Humboldt.
Below
left: Captains Ty Bell (8), Owen Grimm (50), Grant Wilson (55), and Eddie
Below left: Kyler Jensen (52), a junior, is about to latch onto Humboldt’s Mason Van Pelt (8) Friday, Nov. 8 in a Class 3A Quarterfinals game against the Humboldt Wildcats in Humboldt.
Photos by Jessi Kelley | Special to the Solon Economist
Senior Eddie Johnson (10), attempts to escape a Humboldt Wildcat after disposing of another while grinding out yardage Friday, Nov. 8 in a Class 3A Quarterfinals game against the Humboldt Wildcats in Humboldt. The Wildcats ended the Spartans’ season with a 35-3 loss.
OPINIONS
Other things to celebrate this month
Food for Thought
Since Thanksgiving is so late this year, you might want to think about some of the other things you can celebrate in November.
The 16th is National Button Day. I'm not sure if it refers to the kind on your shirt or the kind on your lapel with a slogan, picture or witticism, but it probably means both. Did you know that buttons were invented about 4,000 years ago? Pictures of some of the earliest ones show they had just one hole in the middle, and they weren't used as fasteners, but as decorations and indications of wealth and importance. Believed to have been first made by people of the Indus River Valley civilization, they were usually carved from seashells. Strangely enough, it was not the button, but the invention of the buttonhole in Germany during the 13th century that made buttons a practical fastener for clothing. Buttons have been made from many different materials from shells, clay and wood to leather, gems, precious metals and human bones. And, still, they haven't figured out where they go to when they come off in the laundry.
The 18th is National Princess Day which I discovered is for little girls and others who fantasize about Disney princesses, rainbows and unicorns. If you know any genuine princesses, I guess you could include them as well. Since it's World Children's Day just two days later, you could probably combine the two and have a fantasy party for a bunch of kids. With a little imagination, you could include all the little boys who dream about being superheroes and knights in shining armor. (Just tell them that it's National Prince's Day; if you don't spell it out, they'll never know the difference.)
National Cinnamon Day and National Doughnut Day were both earlier this month, but I doubt if anyone would mind if you choose to celebrate them late. It seems they would go nicely together. The first Doughnut Day was sponsored by the Salvation Army to help people in need during the Great Depression. There is now a second one in June (spelled Donut Day) sponsored by Krispy Kreme, that awards free donuts to students through sixth grade – one for each A, up to six, on their report card. These are awarded only at Krispy Kreme stores, not at other businesses that sell their doughnuts.
Another pair of celebrations that seem to go together are Author's Day on November first and Fountain Pen Day on the first Friday of this month – it's a coincidence that they occurred on the same day this year. Unfortunately, we've missed them both, but don't let that keep you from enjoying your favorite author's work at any time. If you can get your hand on a relatively new fountain pen, you might want to write something – a poem, letter, grocery list, etc. just for fun. Fountain pens have been known to be messy to fill and to use, especially if they are old ones which have deteriorating rubber bladders prone to leaking ink all over your hands, desk and favorite shirt.
November 20 is Future Teachers of America Day, founded by the Future Teachers of America in 1937, it is intended to encourage high school students to consider teaching as a career, and was one of the many things that set me on the path to becoming a teacher. At the time, I intended to become a math teacher; it was my favorite subject, close behind English. Had our school system offered art classes, I've no doubt that art would have been my first choice. It was not until college when I discovered that art was more than magazine covers, calendars and greeting cards that I realized it was an option.
We have the entire month of November to observe the importance of two additional causes. You can observe National Family Caregivers Month by giving a helping hand to a dedicated caregiver. This is also National Native American Heritage Month. Iowa is fortunate to be home to the Meskwaki Sac and Fox Tribe of the Mississippi. Driven to Kansas by the French in the seventeen-hundreds, they gradually returned to Iowa's familiar woodlands. In 1856, the Iowa Legislature granted them the right to purchase over 8,000 acres near Tama. Today, we are proud of their success in preserving their heritage and the enriching dimension they contribute to life in our state.
Q&A: Lame-duck session U.S. Sen. Chuck Grassley
Q: What is a lame-duck session of Congress?
A: Each congressional term has two, one-year legislative sessions. A lame-duck session refers to a period of time when Congress meets after an election is held – prior to the end of its constitutional term – and before freshly elected lawmakers are sworn into office. The 20th amendment to the Constitution effectively narrowed the lame-duck window to the two months between an election and the beginning of the new Congress. It moved the start of each Congress from March to January.
Ratified in 1933, the terms of members of Congress begin and end on Jan. 3 of odd-numbered years. Since its implementation in the 74th Congress, federal lawmakers have met in lame-duck session 24 times to wrap up unfinished business. When Congress adjourns sine die, a Latin phrase that translates to “without a day” to convene, lawmakers typically won’t meet until Jan. 3 at the start of a new legislative session. However, Congress may decide to enter a conditional sine die adjournment to give either the upper or lower chamber the flexibility to reconvene to override a presidential veto.
Since 2000, both the Senate and House of Representatives have reconvened after every federal election. This year, Congress will wrap up the second session of the 118th Congress in a lame-duck session.
Q: What issues will Congress take up in the lame duck?
A: In the last decade or so, Congress has returned post-election to tackle spending and revenue measures to keep the government open for business. With increasing frequency, Congress meets in lameduck sessions right up to the new session that starts in January. For example, in the most recent lame-duck session following the mid-term elections in 2022, Congress considered appropriations bills and disaster relief. Despite my efforts to rein in Washington’s Wild West ways and hold lawmakers to a timeline to complete the dozen annual appropriations bills by the
end of the fiscal year on Sept. 30, Congress once again is perched atop a fiscal cliff and operating under a continuing resolution that expires on Dec. 20.
I’d like to see Congress complete government funding bills and enter the New Year on a clean slate with a new Trump administration. At the very least, I expect Congress to pass the National Defense Authorization Act, extend certain rural healthcare programs, including telehealth flexibilities, and replenish disaster assistance funding.
During my annual 99 county meetings this year, passage of a new farm bill gets raised at nearly every meeting. Earlier this year, I pushed Majority Leader Schumer to make passage of a five-year farm bill reauthorization a legislative priority. And yet, lawmakers have been at loggerheads this entire Congress. That’s why we passed a one-year extension of the 2018 farm bill last year, and with only a few weeks remaining until the end of the year, I expect another one-year renewal will pass during the lame-duck session. Don’t forget, the Democratled Senate hasn’t even passed a farm bill through the Agriculture Committee. This is consequential legislation and every voice deserves to be heard and amendments offered and considered, rather than having it written behind closed doors and rammed through in a lame duck.
Regardless, I won’t stop working to ensure farmers’ concerns and priorities are addressed. Specifically, we need more farm in the farm bill. More than 85% of funding in the farm bill pays for nutrition assistance. Farmers are struggling with high input costs and low commodity prices. The new farm bill must reflect these fiscal realities, raise reference prices for commodities and strengthen crop insurance. When work on the new farm bill gets underway in the 119th Congress, I’ll continue spearheading those priorities, as well as my efforts to help pork producers impacted by Proposition 12 (Editor’s note: Proposition 12 is California state legislation stipulating how hogs are to be raised and banning pork from states that do not conform to California’s standards), enact reasonable farm payment limits, fix overpayments in SNAP (food stamps), tighten fiscal controls for the Commodity Credit Corporation, and protect U.S. farmland from foreign adversaries. Food security is national security. Farmers make up only two percent of the population, who put in work 365 days a year to help feed the other 98 percent. It’s imperative our farm safety net helps ensure America’s farmers stay afloat and mitigate natural disasters and the cyclical nature of the markets.
Shopping for health insurance: Open enrollment for the Affordable Care Act (ACA) has started and ends January 15, 2025
Sonya Sellmeyer Consumer Advocacy Officer for the Iowa Insurance Division
Open enrollment for the Affordable Care Act (ACA) began Friday, November 1, 2024 and ends Wednesday, January 15, 2025. During open enrollment you may enroll in a new plan, switch plans if you are currently insured, or make changes to your individual health insurance plan for 2025.
Before shopping for the best health insurance options for you and your family on healthcare.gov it’s essential to understand some basic terms and concepts:
Premiums: This is the amount you pay each month for your insurance coverage. The quoted amounts on healthcare.gov are for individual premiums, not families. You may be eligible for premium tax credits which will lower your premium. The amount of your premium tax credit will depend on your estimated household income that you submit on your application.
Deductibles: This is the amount you must pay out-ofpocket for healthcare services before your insurance starts to pay. Generally, plans with lower monthly premiums have higher deductibles.
Copayments and Coinsurance: Copayments are fixed fees you pay for specific services (like doctor visits), while coinsurance is the percentage of costs you share with your insurer after meeting your deductible.
Network: This refers to the group of doctors, hospitals, and healthcare providers that have agreements with your insurance company to provide services at reduced rates and may be a Health Maintenance Organization (HMO) or Exclusive Provider Organization (EPO). A HMO plan limits coverage to those doctors who contract with the HMO,
require you to select a primary care physician, get referrals to see specialists, may require you to live or work in its service area to be eligible for coverage, and may not cover out-of-network providers except in the case of an emergency. An EPO is a managed care plan where services are only covered if you use the network’s doctors, specialists, or hospitals, except in an emergency.
Rating Area: The area of multiple county regions that health insurance companies use to set their rates, and thus, different policies are offered in different counties.
Metal Level: Plan choices under the ACA fall into different metal levels based on the portion of health care expenses the plan covers: Bronze Plan 60%, Silver Plan 70%, Gold Plan 80%, and Catastrophic Plan 60% which is generally limited to those under the age of 30.
Not sure which metal level to pick? Think about how much you spend on health care, what the plan covers, enroll in the silver plan if you qualify for extra savings or cost-sharing reductions, consider your premium tax credits which will lower your premium regardless of metal level, and the plan’s quality of care rating which is a scale of 1-5.
Outside of the open enrollment period, you can only enroll or make changes if you experience a qualifying life event, such as getting married, having a baby, or losing other health coverage.
Shopping for health insurance is a crucial task that requires careful consideration and planning. If you need help to understand and shop for health insurance, contact a licensed insurance agent or a navigator. The Iowa Insurance Division also has health insurance information on their website at iid.iowa.gov or may be reached at 877-955-1212.
Milli Gilbaugh
A card shower for Sandy!
Solon Senior Dining honored Sandy Hansen during in-house dining October 2 with a surprise appreciation “card shower.”
Sandy has been the inspiration of numerous programs in Solon benefiting not only seniors but the Solon community.
Her dedication and energy have touched many lives through these programs and projects; Solon Food Pantry, Solon history book “Solon Snapshots,” Senior of the Year, and countless restaurant and event trips, just to name a few.
Thank you Sandy!
NOVEMBER HAPPENINGS ••••
Wednesday, Nov. 20 – Cindy Jensen, Solon Senior Transport
Wednesday, Nov. 27 – Celebrate Thanksgiving
Thursday, Nov. 28 – Happy Thanksgiving!
Friday, Nov. 29 – CLOSED for Thanksgiving holiday, NO MEAL DELIVERIES
DINING •••••••••••••••••••••
Home Deliveries
Monday, Wednesday and Friday. Call 319-624-
CALENDAR & PUZZLES
2251 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
NOVEMBER MENU
Friday, Nov. 15
Honey Biscuit Flounder
Cheesy Broccoli Rice Casserole Beets in Orange Sauce Butterscotch Apple Cake
Monday, Nov. 18
BBQ Turkey Platter Cheesy Corn Creamy Coleslaw Cornbread/Marg Pudding Tart
Wednesday, Nov. 20
Glazed Ham Balls Cheesy Party Potatoes Carrots Heath Cheesecake
Thank you Solon Senior Dining volunteers! “Volunteers do not necessarily have the time, they just have the heart.”
SCHOOL BREAKFAST
The Solon Community School District is an equal opportunity provider.
Menus will vary to accommodate the Federal Nutrition Guidelines. Please understand that menus are subject to change as needed.
Please check your lunch account balances, purchases, and deposits online at solon. total.k12.com.
Nutrition office: 319-624-3401, Ext. 1120 or bwest@solon.k12.ia.us.
Student breakfast is FREE again this year
The Solon Community School District (SCSD) is once again able to offer free breakfast to students for the academic year.
Becky West, Nutrition Director, explained the Nutritional Department’s financial situation, based on standard practice and guidance from the state, makes it possible to offer this important service to the students.
SCHOOL
For information on the free and reduced program, and an application, go to www.solon. k12.ia.us/page/nutritionprogram and scroll down to Nutrition Documents & Links.
STUDENT LUNCH PRICES
High School - $2.70
Middle School - $2.60
SIS/Lakeview - $2.55 Reduced - $.40
Adult/Guest lunch: $4.70
Friday, Nov. 15
MS/HS Alt: Cook’s Delight
Cheesy Chicken & Noodles
Peas & Carrots, Crunchy
Cauliflower, Sliced Bread (MS/HS)
Mandarin Oranges
Strawberries (MS/HS)
Monday, Nov. 18
MS/HS Alt: Crispitos
“I believe that eating breakfast fuels the kids and teaches them how to eat a healthy breakfast to start your day,” said West.
Adult/Guest breakfast: $1.75
Friday, Nov. 15
Long John (LV/SIS)
G&G Bag (LV) Donut
Potatoes & Egg Boat or Long John
Fruit, Juice, Crackers & Milk
Monday, Nov. 18
Waffles & Bacon (LV/SIS)
G&G Bag (LV) Strawberry Boli
Breakfast Taco & Cini Mini Fruit, Juice, Crackers & Milk
Tuesday, Nov. 19
Pumpkin/Banana Bread (LV/ SIS)
G&G Bag (LV) Pump/Banana Bread
Egg Breakfast Bake, Dutch Waffle & Bacon
Fruit, Juice, Crackers & Milk
Sausage, Egg, and Cheese
Croissant
Cheesy Potatoes, Carrots
Strawberries & Blueberries
Chocolate Chip Snack (SIS/ MS/HS)
Tuesday, Nov. 19
MS/HS Alt: Egg Rolls
Popcorn Chicken
Mashed Potatoes, Corn, Gravy
Cubed Peaches, Strawberry
Yogurt (SIS/MS/HS)
Dinner Roll (MS/HS)
Wednesday, Nov. 20
MS/HS Alt: Stuffed Pepperoni
Pizza
Spartan Cheesy Bread
Orange Carrots, Fava Crisps Pineapple, Cottage Cheese (MS/HS) Apple Crisp
1 Site for a light bite
5 Cy Young winners, e.g.
9 Dog leg terminus
12 Like many Keats works
13 Swahili honorific
14 “Lucy and ___” (2022 documentary)
15 Instrument panels
17 Landed
18 Sweatshirt style
19 Syllables of laughter
— Elizabeth Andrew
Wednesday, Nov. 20
Fruity Oatmeal (LV/SIS)
G&G Bag (LV) Poptart
Breakfast Sandwich, Frudel
Fruit, Juice, Crackers & Milk
Thursday, Nov. 21
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
Friday, Nov. 22
Muffin Top (LV/SIS)
G&G Bag (LV) Oatmeal Bar
Breakfast Pizza or Cinnamon
Doughnuts
Fruit, Juice, Crackers & Milk
Monday, Nov. 25
Muffin (LV/SIS)
G&G Bag (LV) Muffin
Mini Breakfast Corndogs or French Toast & Sausage
Links
Fruit, Juice, Crackers & Milk
Thursday, Nov. 21
MS/HS Alt: Mini Corn Dogs
Chicken Alfredo & Noodles
Mixed Vegetables, Jicama
Sticks
Garlic Toast
Banana
Friday, Nov. 22
MS/HS Alt: Cook’s Delight
Potato Bar, Bright Broccoli
Cheese Sauce, Diced Ham
Garlic Knott (SIS/MS/HS), Mandarin Oranges
Gold Fish Crackers
Monday, Nov. 25
MS/HS Alt: Chicken Fillet
Sandwich
Corn Dog
Green Beans
Crunchy Carrots
Crisp Apple Slices, Cheetos, Pears (HS)
21 Word on a nutrition label
23 “Educated insolence,” per Aristotle
24 Gesture of reassurance
25 Long time span
26 Subject to damages
28 Trademark of deadpan stand-ups
30 Lou Grant’s wife on “The Mary Tyler Moore Show”
31 Bugs, perhaps
33 Areas that are lower than their surrounding terrain
35 “I’m flexible”
36 Toss out
40 Like the femur, among all bones in the body
43 Quiet period
44 What lies before you, with “the”
47 Not ruling out
49 Black ___
50 Stopover
51 What makes a sticker stickier?
52 Do some garden work
53 Dance floor lighting option
55 Text massager
57 Ungulate feature
58 Author’s concern that, when parse as four parts, provides a hint to this puzzle’s theme
62 Sufficient, informally
63 Bold, energetic and ambitious type, it’s said
64 Speed
65 Collector’s goal
66 Give, but expect back
67 Words to a betrayer
Down
1 Major food source animal
2 Computing pioneer Lovelace
3 Swerve wildly from side to side, as a car
4 ___ Park, neighborhood of Los Angeles
5 Anticipate
6 Mind
7 Burnt bit of brisket
8 Confidently struts
9 ___ Bay, neighborhood of the Bronx
10 Italian cheese
11 Fail to act decisively in the face of a challenge
13 Legislative collectives
14 One of three in an SOS message
16 Part of a pipe
20 Melancholy Musketeer
21 Raced, as away from danger
22 Right hand
24 Feeds (on)
27 “Twilight” protagonist
28 Lavishly regaled, in a way
29 Scooby-Doo, to Scrappy-Doo
32 Druid, e.g.
34 Indian honorific
37 Goes hog-wild
38 Prefix with cumulus
39 Move forward resolutely
41 Fountain of Youth’s promise
42 Old-timey medicines
44 Things listed on a wedding registry
45 Play opener
46 “Stee-RIKE three!” follower
48 Essence
51 Put two and two together, say
54 Not quite right
55 Whistle-blower Brockovich
56 Sludge
59 Rich rock
60 Private sleeping accommodations?
61 Big bird
SUDOKU
To play: Complete the grid so that every row, column and every 3x3 box contains the digits 1 to 9. There is no guessing or math involved, just use logic to solve.
It takes a community . . .
Local farmers such as Kroul Farms and Iowa Grown Market (on Newport Road) provide fresh produce to the Pantry, “Which is really nice,” said Claude. The Pantry also receives food through HACAP (Hawkeye Area Community Action Program) and TEFAP (The Emergency Food Assistance Program) – a federal nutrition program where the USDA purchases healthy foods and other staples (totaling over 120 different items) and then distributes that food to Feeding America network food banks. Iowa City based Table to Table also supplies food by collecting and redistributing food that otherwise would go to waste.
“They (Table to Table) give us fresh fruit, meals, bread, pastries, and milk,” she said. “And then we also get some meat from Field to Family.” Field to Family, also based in Iowa, acts as a local food hub. Members of the community also bring in donations of food, cash, and gift cards. Local groups and organizations also hold a variety of food drives to support the Pantry throughout the year. For example Solon Scout Troop 120 held a community-wide food drive last month where they asked residents to place non-perishable food in bags on their doorstep
for the Scouts to collect. Troop 120 was able to bring 1,668.8 lbs. of food plus a $60 Venmo donation and a gift card to Sam’s Main Street Market.
“The schools do a lot for us too, and the Library. It’s just a whole-community thing.”
Ways to help
Inventory on the Pantry’s shelves is always fluid, a recent large influx of peanut butter and canned tuna has, for now, crossed those items off of the Pantry’s want list for example. Typically, nonperishable food items such as canned chicken, canned fruit, ramen noodles, mac and cheese, Hamburger Helper®-type boxed meals, cereals, soups, and toilet paper are in great demand.
The Pantry also has a plethora of carrot and green bean products on their shelves. Canned carrots, green beans, peas, and corn are often inexpensive and thus very attractive for people to buy and donate, she explained.
“We could use beans (other than green beans), corn, toilet paper, paper towels, and soap.”
Some hunters may want to donate deer meat, however it must go through a processor such as Ruzicka’s in Solon. “We can’t just take it from someone who wants to donate it.” She added she’s fielded calls recently from people wanting to donate hams and turkeys for the upcoming holiday season,
Scout Troop 120 held a food drive for the Solon Community Food Pantry last month collecting 1,668.8 pounds of food plus a $100 donation via Venmo and a $60 gift card to Sam’s MainStreet Market.
“Which is fine because they’re all coming through a store or meat processor like Ruzicka’s. As long as it comes through somewhere like that, then we’re OK to take it.”
The Pantry also gratefully accepts monetary donations and/or gift cards with which to purchase additional groceries to keep the shelves well-stocked.
A new location, someday?
“I would love to find a new home for the Pantry,” Claude said. While she and her predecessors have appreciated the grace and hospitality of the church, the steep stairs leading down to the Pantry are a challenge to some patrons and a barrier to others. “We really could benefit from a new location. The
stairs are a problem.” In the meantime Claude is exploring the possibility of having a stairlift chair installed. Pantry volunteers help patrons by carrying groceries for them, she noted. “I don’t want people to not visit here because of the stairs. I don’t want them to think that they can’t come in because of those stairs.”
With the City in need of a new location for a community center within the next few years due to the Solon Community School District’s plan to demolish the former high school/middle school (site of the current Community Center), groups such as the Solon Senior Support and Solon Senior Advocates have made their desire for a Senior Center, or dedicated space for Solon’s seniors in a new community center.
It has also been suggested such a facility could house the Pantry as well. At this time though, there are no plans for a new facility.
Pantry hours and contact information
The Pantry is open 2-6:00 p.m. Mondays. Donations are accepted Monday mornings or can be placed in the donation box outside.
For questions or more information call 319-321-5232 or email luv2runiowa@yahoo.com or message the Pantry via the Facebook page at www.facebook.com/ solonfoodpantry.
The mailing address is P.O. box 582, Solon, IA, 52333.
“If people want to donate or volunteer, we can always use the help,” said Claude.
strategy with counsel in matters that are presently in litigation or where litigation is imminent where its disclosure would be likely to prejudice or disadvantage the position of the governmental body in that litigation. Roll call: Aye: Fixmer-Oraiz, Green, Porter, Sullivan; Absent: Green-Douglass. Recessed at 9:19 a.m.; reconvened at 9:24 a.m. with Fixmer-Oraiz absent.
Motion by Green, second by Porter, to leave the closed session at 9:37 a.m. Roll call: Aye: Green, Porter, Sullivan; Absent: Fixmer-Oraiz, Green-Douglass.
It-Comm.Llc
Motion by Porter, second by Green, to approve the minutes of the Formal Meeting of October 24, 2024. Roll call: Aye: Green, Porter, Sullivan. Absent: Fixmer-Oraiz, Green-Douglass.
Fixmer-Oraiz arrived at 9:08 a.m.
Motion by Green, second by Porter, to approve the payroll authorizations submitted by department heads and elected officials, as approved by a majority of the Supervisors.
Motion by Green, second by Porter, to approve the application for alcohol license for Baxa's Sutliff Store Tavern as contained in the agenda packet for this meeting Convened Public Hearing at 9:11 a.m. on Fiscal Year 2025 County Budget Amendment. Finance Director Dana Aschenbrenner presented information on the proposed Fiscal Year 2025 County Budget Amendment. No one from the public spoke. Public Hearing closed at 9:12 a.m.
Motion by Porter, second by Green, to approve the appointment of Melissa Blessing, DO, as Deputy Medical Exam iner for a two-year term ending January 1, 2026.
Motion by Porter, second by Green, to approve the Design Services Agreement with Vantage Architects, Iowa City, for Fleet Shop Expansion in the amount of $66,400 plus reimbursable expenses.
Motion by Porter, second by Green, to approve the October 2024 Amendment to the Use and Identification Agreement for Winter Shelter at 340 Southgate Avenue, Iowa City, with Shelter House Communi ty Shelter and Transition Services, Iowa City, to extend the period of licensed occupancy through November 15, 2024.
Motion by Green, second by Porter, to approve the following agreements with Abbe Health Inc., Iowa City, the Emergency Extension to the GuideLink Center Master Professional Services Agreement and the Emergency Extension to the GuideLink Center Lease Agreement “Appendix D” of the Master Professional Services Agreement, as contained in the agenda packet of the meeting.
CLASSIFIEDS
For Sale - Pets
When veterinary care is unavailable or unaffordable, ask for Happy Jack® animal healthcare products for cats, dogs, & horses. At Tractor Supply® & Bomgaars® (www.happyjackinc.com).
For Rent:
3 bedroom, 1 1/2 bath home for rent just outside of Solon and in the Solon School District. Unfinished basement for storage and on a blacktop road. Attached 1 stall garage. Nice deck with an amazing country view. No pets. Call Lou at 319-6242912
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Adjourned at 9:38 a.m. /s/ Rod Sullivan, Chair, Board of Supervisors Attest: /s/ Erin Shane, Auditor
On the 7th day of November 2024
Recorded by Auditor’s Office: Marly Melsh, Executive Clerk to the Board These minutes were sent for formal approval and publication on November 7, 2024. Published in the Solon Economist November 14, 2024.
Help Wanted
Motion by Porter, second by Green, to approve the VITA/EITC 24-25 Subcontract between Johnson County Social Services and the Iowa Center for Economic Success, Des Moines, for the Volunteer Income Tax Assistance Program, in the amount of $13,467.
CLOSED SESSION
Motion by Green, second by Porter, to enter closed session at 9:19 a.m., pursuant to Iowa Code § 21.5(1)(c), to discuss
Contributed photo