Solon Economist — 11.21.24

Solonites treated to a spectacular sunrise

Lindy Hopp was out for her morning run a few Saturdays ago and captured these images of a magnificent sunrise. We appreciate her sending these pics in so that we can share them with you.

Holiday Decorating Contest is happening now

Annual event benefits the Solon Public Library

Members of the community are invited to participate in the GFWC/Iowa Solon Women’s Club’s annual Holiday Decorating Contest at the Solon Public Library by donating a decorated holiday tree or wreath and/or by purchasing a decorated tree or wreath. The funds raised will be donated to the Solon Public Library. Bring the decorated tree, or wreath to the Solon Public Library before Tuesday, December 3 to be included in the judging. The decorated items will be sold by silent

auction until noon on Saturday, December 14 when they will be available for pickup. The bidding will continue on an item from now through December 15 until the Buy it Now price is reached.

So, pick out your tree or wreath, choose a theme and category, and decorate it. The theme categories are: Creative/Artistic, Nature, Book/Movie/Game, Sports, and Seasonal/Holiday.

The winner of each category and the Best Overall will be awarded a prize. Fill out an entry form and pay the $5 entry fee at the Solon Public Library.

Be creative and have fun!

Megan Laing appointed to SCSD Board of Directors

One year term will fill vacancy

SOLON — “When you lose somebody who’s on your team, it’s an opportunity to reform that team. The Board that existed Friday (Nov. 15) doesn’t exist anymore. We’ve got a new Board tomorrow (Tuesday, Nov. 19) and that Board will move forward together regardless of who is on there. This is our opportunity to push the Board and the District forward over this next year,” said Tim Brown, President of the Solon Community School District Board of Directors before calling for a motion to nominate one of three candidates to fill a vacancy on the School Board.

The Board met in special session Monday (Nov. 18) to consider three applicants – former Board Secretary Kris Wentzien, Iowa City Community School District

Photo by Lindy Hopp |Contributed photo

Laing

Driver takes a bite out of The Eat Shop

Charges filed in Tuesday evening crash in downtown Solon

Special Education administrator Jillian O’Rourke, and Solon Education Foundation board member Megan Laing, to fill the vacancy created by the departure of board member Jami Wolfe, who has moved out of the district. Wolfe’s resignation was effective as of Friday, Nov. 15. Laing won the appointment, after a motion by Cassie Rochholz and a second by Dan Coons, on a 4-0 vote and was sworn in at the Board’s regular monthly meeting Tuesday, Nov. 19 (moved up from Thursday due to the Iowa Association of School Boards’ annual convention in Des Moines).

After a battery of questions from the Board, Board member Adam Haluska noted, “I don’t think we could’ve picked three better candidates.” Board member Dan Coons agreed saying all three were “very qualified,” while Rochholz noted all three displayed “passion” and “heart” while Brown found “many strengths” and “few weaknesses” calling Wentzien “a foundation of the district,” citing Laing’s work on the Solon Education Foundation and connections in the district’s buildings and noting O’Rourke’s education background and “understanding of all of

City Council action from Nov. 6 meeting

SOLON — The Solon City Council met in regular session Wednesday, Nov. 6 with the following action taken.

Conditional rezoning approved for proposed senior housing development

A public hearing was held regarding rezoning Fox Ridge Part One A Lot 4 and 5 from commercial to residential, bringing a proposed senior housing complex one step closer to reality. It was noted by City Administrator Cami Rasmussen the parcels have been the subject of multiple proposals in recent years, and “The Council (in July) looked at a concept presented by the Senior Community Housing Corporation for a senior housing development on those lots.” An application was made to rezone the property, which was reviewed by Planning and Zoning (P&Z) during their October 1 meeting with approval recommended.

“The plan is to do the development in phases. The corner lot will be the first phase,” she said. “One of the concerns that Council had during this discussion, as well as P&Z, was…these are commercial lots that are being rezoned from Commercial-General to R-3 Residential, which is multi-family. The concern is, what if these (parcels) are rezoned and the development doesn’t move forward.”

To address the concern, City Attorney Kevin Olson drafted a conditional rezoning whereby the R-3 classification would only be applicable if the senior housing project moves forward. “If for some reason the project does not move forward, then the developer will have to rezone it back to commercial,” Olson said. Under the conditional rezoning, a site plan is to be submitted for approval by June 2025, however it was noted a plan was likely to be submitted in December.

“The Council has been very vocal about wanting high density (commercial and residential

SOLON — A Cedar Rapids driver was cited after a single vehicle crash Tuesday evening in Solon.

At 5:12 p.m. Tuesday, Nov. 12, the Joint Emergency Communications Center (JECC) received a report that a vehicle had struck the front of The Eat Shop, located at 120 W. Main St. in Solon.

According to Kristen Silver, Johnson County Public Safety & Justice Public Information Officer, Tinotenda Saradinya, age 22, of Cedar Rapids, mistakenly hit the gas pedal instead of the brake and hit the front of the building. The impact caused a glass door to break and damaged the building. Saradinya was cited for failure to maintain control.

the moving parts.” Brown added, “Each one moves us in a different direction,” highlighting the difficulty the Board had in making their selection.

Following the vote Brown thanked the trio for applying and making the Board’s decision a difficult one.

“I hope that you will all be involved (in the district),” he said. “I wish that we could appoint all of you but there’s no quick way to add two to make a five-person board into a seven-person board. I do appreciate you taking the opportunity to be here.”

Laing will serve for one year and be up for reelection in November 2025 for a full two-year term.

development) in this area,” said Rasmussen. “The Council’s reasoning for supporting this is because it meets the senior housing needs in the community and it is being run by a non-profit organization, so there are unique circumstances with this development that the Council supports the rezoning,” she added.

There were no comments from the public.

The Council approved the conditional rezoning agreement and the first of three readings of the ordinance to rezone the two parcels.

City Zoning Map updated

A public hearing was also held regarding updating the City’s Zoning Map.

“The last time we have formally updated our Zoning Map has been several years,” said Rasmussen. “Each time that we have updated the map, there has been annexation or rezoning. We finally just have to draw a line in the sand and say, ‘we have got to get this updated.’ We get a lot of calls from appraisers and realtors wanting to know if we have an updated map available on our website. It’s going to make everybody’s life easier plus it’s just time to update our Zoning Map.” Doing so, she added, has to be approved by ordinance, and it needs to be reviewed by P&Z, which was done at their October meeting. “We also have to give public notice, which is why the public hearing.” The Council approved the first of three readings and then the map will be shared with Johnson County.

“And then we also have the burden of making sure that as things get rezoned, that the latest rezoning is incorporated, so we’ll have to work closely with the County to make sure we keep the map updated.”

Again, there were no comments from the public.

Dog ordered to be removed from the city

A hearing was held regarding a dog owned by Solon resident Sara Towne. City Attorney Kevin Olson reported on October 14, 2024, Mayor Dan O’Neil issued a Notice of Violation and an Order to Remove the dog, which has been the subject of complaints. Olson read the applicable city ordinance to the Council, which states within three days of receiving the order, the offending animal must be removed from within city limits, permanently placed with an organization, or destroyed.

“There are two complaints that this is based

on,” Olson said. “On May 30th there was a complaint and on July 8th there was a complaint. Both complaints were investigated by the Johnson County Sheriff’s Office (JCSO) as required by the ordinance, and both (complaints) were found to be founded.” City Administrator Cami Rasmussen issued a warning letter after the first incident, and the second incident occurred about a month later, he said. An appeal was received from Towne whereby she stated she had put into place several methods of containment, said Olson.

Towne told the Council she had an inground fence installed but had had issues with batteries in the dog’s collar. “She’s my emotional support pet, I’m training her to be a service animal, and she hasn’t gotten out since that July occurrence, and she’s never bitten anybody or attacked anybody.”

Towne said the dog thought it was a game when she’d get out and Towne would chase after her to bring her back. “I don’t know what else I can do, I think I’ve done everything.”

Olson confirmed with a representative of the JCSO that there had been other incidents reported but were unable to confirm.

“What the City is thinking at this time,” said Olson, “is that this dog has been out a lot, and there’s been a lot of complaints over the years. So the Council’s duty is to either affirm the Mayor’s decision to make sure that the animal is removed from the city limits or you can reverse it (allowing the dog to stay).” Olson noted if the Council reversed the order and the dog were to get out again, “You’d probably be back here again.”

“Issuing it (the order) was certainly not an easy decision,” said O’Neil. “The concern was that there have been two founded vicious attacks and what’s not to say there wouldn’t be a third. There have been numerous complaints. If there were a child walking (and getting attacked), I would feel awful if there was a third incident and we didn’t do anything.”

A motion was made and seconded to affirm the Mayor’s order and passed on a unanimous vote.

FY 24 End of Year financial update

Travis Schmidt, Finance Officer for the City of Solon, provided an overview of the Financial Review for the end of Fiscal Year 2024 (FY 24), which ended on June 30.

The City undertook major projects including upgrading the watermains along Chabal and Elm Street and completing the reconstruction of

Volume 144 I Issue 47

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

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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.

Solon Economist

Chris Umscheid | Solon Economist Board Member Cassie Rochholz (at right) congratulates

Megan Laing on her appointment to the Solon Community School District Board of Directors. Laing was approved by the Board on a 4-0 vote Monday night to fill the vacancy created when Jami Wolf resigned due to moving out of the district.

East 5th St. Also, the City began the engineering process for the new wastewater treatment plant including purchasing property for the plant in the amount of $714,787. Properties were also purchased for the North Street Project, the former City Hall was remodeled for use as the Johnson County Sheriff’s Office Substation, and baseball diamonds at the SRNA were improved with new dugouts, sand, and sod.

$1 million in Local Option Sales Tax reserves was placed into Certificates of Deposit with the goal of accumulating interest prior to the groundbreaking for the new sewer plant.

And the Capital Equipment Replacement Schedule saw some major purchases including a new leaf vacuum, Ford Super Duty F-550 truck, a new cabbed lawn tractor, and a UTV with $110,000 set aside for future purchases for a total of $234,459 available in FY25.

Our annual tradition of Gingerbread House Decorating is quickly approaching! Each small group will receive one “gingerbread” house (graham cracker) with assorted sweets and frosting to decorate. We have three options for this magical and sweet activity, register for one: pick-up a take home kit between Monday, December 9 and Friday, December 13; join us in-person on Saturday, December 14 at 10:00 a.m. or Noon. Please note, registration closes Saturday, November 30 at 5:00 p.m. but it does fill quickly so don’t wait till the last minute!

Visit our website calendar to register or call the Library with questions.

Library Events

Don’t forget to check our hours and our program schedules during the holidays!

We’ll enjoy Chair Yoga for peace of mind and Zen stretches Monday, November 25 at 12:30 p.m. but will not have Chair Yoga Wednesday, November 27.

As we are all preparing for Thanksgiving at home, and at the Library, we will not have any programs Tuesday, November 26 or Wednesday, November 27, but we’ll return to regularly scheduled fun Monday, December 2.

Curl up with a good book and a good dog! Willa the French Bulldog will be joining us for individual youth reading sessions to boost reading confidence and provide a calming presence as kids read aloud. 1st-8th graders may sign up for a 10 minute reading slot with Willa. Pick out a book and join us in Study Room 2 when it is your registered time. December 4 and 18 are currently available for registration, look for more dates in the New Year.

It’s the perfect time of year to get cozy with fiber arts, great books, and even better friends! Join us at KNIT-LIT Wednesday, December 4 at 6:30 p.m. to work on your projects, chat about the latest read, and enjoy the company of other fiber artists. You don’t need to be an expert knitter, and you don’t have to read all the books, we’d love to see you! Get out and explore with the Iowa Libraries Adventure Pass this winter! The Adventure Pass program is a partnership between participating Iowa libraries and various museums, parks, and attractions. Solon Public Library patrons who reside in Solon or rural Johnson County can reserve a pass to enjoy the Des Moines Children’s Museum, The Science Center of Iowa, or the Quad Cities Fun Bundle (includes Putnam Museum, Quad City Botanical Center, and Niabi Zoo) once per 365 days. It’s a great way to explore these attractions around us! Plan your next adventure and reserve your pass on our website, under the Services menu, click on Iowa Adventure Pass for all the details and reservation site. Please let us know if you have any questions, we’re happy to help!

Library Access

Please note the Library will be open 9:00 a.m.-12:30 p.m. Friday, Nov. 22, due to staff in-service. Plan ahead for Thanksgiving Holiday Hours! The Library will be open 9:00 a.m.-5:00 p.m. Wednesday, Nov. 27, and will be CLOSED Thursday, November 28 through Saturday, November 30.

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.

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?

Discover something new at the Library! And if a murder mystery isn’t your thing, we’ve got holiday books to give you

The General Fund increased from $2,538,089 in FY23 to $3,001,302. Reserves increased from $1,879,899 to $2,777,574 while revenues decreased from $3,085,921 to $2,602,879. Expenditures increased from $2,905,529 to $4,073,390.

Increases in the General Fund Expenditures were seen in Police, Fire, and Emergency Management from $2,44,428 to $227,649; Streets from $516,554 to $823,948; Library from $360,273 to $371,736; Parks from $213,016 to $238,686; and Recreation from $234,352 to $264,063. Garbage and Recycling also saw an increase from $225,881 to $234,244.

Expenditures decreased in Mayor/Council, Legal, and Engineering from $116,393 to $70,614 and Financial Administration down from $994,631 to $831,643.

The City spent $1,010,810 on property acquisition in FY 24 for the future wastewater treatment plant and proper-

a cozy, feel-good story.

The Author’s Guide to Murder by Beatriz Williams, Lauren Willig, and Karen White. There’s been a sensational murder at historic Castle Kinloch, a gothic fantasy of grey granite on a remote island in the Highlands of Scotland. Literary superstar Brett Saffron Presley has been found dead—under bizarre circumstances—in the castle tower’s book-lined study. Years ago, Presley purchased the castle as a showpiece for his brand and to lure paying guests with a taste for writerly glamour. Now it seems, the castle has done him in…or, possibly, one of the castle’s guests has. Detective Chief Inspector Euan McIntosh, a local with no love for literary Americans, finds himself with the unenviable task of extracting statements from three American lady novelists. The prime suspects are Kat de Noir, a slinky erotica writer; Cassie Pringle, a Southern mom of six juggling multiple cozy mystery series; and Emma Endicott, a New England blue blood and author of critically acclaimed historical fiction. The women claim to be best friends writing a book together, but the authors’ stories about how they know Brett Saffron Presley don’t quite line up, and the detective is getting increasingly suspicious. Why did the authors really come to Castle Kinloch? And what really happened the night of the great Kinloch ceilidh, when Brett Saffron Presley skipped the folk dancing for a rendezvous with death?

A crafty locked-room mystery, a pointed satire about the literary world, and a tale of unexpected friendship and romance—this novel has it all, as only three bestselling authors can tell it!

Sons by Tim Johnston. What if Sean Courtland’s old Chevy truck had broken down somewhere else? What if he’d never met Denise Givens, a waitress at a local tavern, and gotten into a bar fight defending her honor? Or offered a ride to Dan Young, another young man like Sean, burdened by secrets and just drifting through the small

ties on North St.

Total expenditures went up from $2,905,529 to $4,073,390.

Revenue from property taxes, permits, and fees decreased from $2,538,778 to $2,042,810 while Road Use Tax Interest increased significantly from $361 in FY23 to $2,178 in FY24. Recreation saw an increase in revenue from $132,917 to $141,435.

Overall, revenues decreased from $3,085,921 in FY23 to $2,602,879. The full FY24 End of Year Financial Report is published in this week’s legal notices.

Council meeting dates/times

The Solon City Council meets the first and third Wednesdays of the month at 5:30 p.m. in City Hall, 101 N. Iowa St.

Wisconsin town?

Instead, Sean enlists Dan’s help with a construction job in the basement of a local—the elderly, reclusive Marion Devereaux—and gradually the two men come to realize that they’ve washed up in a place haunted by the disappearance of three young boys decades earlier. As Sean and Dan’s friendship deepens, and as Sean gets closer to Denise and her father, they come to the attention of a savvy local detective, Corrine Viegas, who has her own reasons for digging into Dan’s past—and for being unable to resist the pull of the town’s unsolved mystery. And with each chance connection, an irreversible chain of events is set in motion that culminates in shattering violence and the revelation of long-buried truths.

BUSINESS

Distant

OPINIONS

The 'first' Thanksgiving School board learns important lesson on secrecy

Food for Thought

Milli Gilbaugh

There are different accounts of that feast in Plymouth, Massachusetts in 1621. Some say it was not an observance of thanksgiving for a successful year, but the celebration of a treaty with the Wampanoag tribe and that the natives were invited guests. Others say that it was a celebration of another year of survival for the settlers after a long drought, and that the Wampanoag had not been invited.

I always wondered just why only the native men had been present and none of their women or children. According to some accounts, some of the settlers became a bit too happy during the feast and shot their firearms into the air. A group of native hunters nearby heard the commotion and mistook it as possible hostilities. Having been friendly with the settlers, they went to assess the situation, ready to help if the settlers were in trouble. Seeing that it was simply a rowdy celebration, and the settlers having realized their concern, they were invited to join in the festivities.

The feast itself is another area in question. We have “traditions” involving the foods that were served at that memorable meal – å lasted for days, by the way. This was, by no means, a sit-down dinner with place-cards and an appointed time. The cooking went on constantly and the eating and drinking followed as the food was ready. There are several things that we consider traditional for a Thanksgiving dinner that may not have been served at that historic feast. Pumpkin pie, cranberries, mashed potatoes and turkey come to mind, but history brings a measure of doubt to that belief.

While pumpkins were available and plentiful, they were served as a cooked vegetable, not in the form of pie – probably much as we eat potatoes which, native to the Andes, had not yet been raised in North America. Cranberries were plentiful, but as sweeteners were scarce, it is doubtful that they were eaten as the sweet, jellied sauces we enjoy. While familiar to the Wampanoag, the berries were used, not as food, but as dyes. There is much disagreement over the matter of the turkey that may or may not have been a part of the meal. In any event, the wild turkeys native to the area at the time had not been crossbred with the plumper, meatier bird from Europe, and did not much resemble either the wild or the domestic turkeys of today.

We know there were at least the five deer brought by the native hunting party. Roasted over a smoky wood fire, the thought of them makes my mouth water. I also envy the abundant fresh seafood the celebrants surely enjoyed –oysters, fish, mussels and lobsters which, I've read, were so plentiful that some grew to an amazing five feet long. There was a variety of vegetables the pilgrims raised; beans, onions, spinach, cabbage, carrots, turnips peas, and corn (called maize) which was not served fresh as we do today, but as a mush or soup, the dried mature kernels having first been pounded to a meal as the Indians had taught them to do.

There are many accounts of “first” Thanksgiving celebrations in the New World, taking place in a number of different locations. We must remember that giving thanks for a good harvest or for surviving a difficult time has been a common practice in civilizations since long before the settlement of the American colonies. There is, no doubt, an element of truth in even the most doubtful version. Stories of thanksgiving celebrations, especially those following survival of extreme hardships, have been passed from generation in written form as well as word of mouth. Facts can easily be forgotten, exaggerated and skewed with each telling. No doubt there is some truth in all those accounts. What we do know for certain is that the settlers survived, that we owe our present blessings to that survival, and that the celebration has survived for more than 200 years in our colonies and states. It was magazine editor Sarah Hale who persuaded President Lincoln to proclaim it a national holiday in 1863, to be observed on the last Thursday of November. That date prevailed until 1941, when President Franklin D. Roosevelt changed the date to the fourth Thursday of that month.

Stray Thoughts

Last week, I bumped into an Appanoose County woman I have known for several years. She thanked me and the nonprofit organization I manage for shining the spotlight on the actions of Centerville Community School District leaders.

This mother told me I was responsible for her spending part of a recent evening listening to the recording of a closed meeting of the Centerville school board that had just been made public by order of a judge.

The purpose for the 2023 closed session supposedly was to discuss the job performance of Ryan Hodges, the guidance counselor at Centerville High School. But Hodges submitted his resignation two days before the meeting.

The Appanoose County mother was troubled by what she heard on the recording. It bothered her that school board members and Superintendent Mark Taylor did NOT talk about the actions of Hodges, who has been accused of predatory behavior toward a 17-yearold female student the school was responsible for protecting.

Instead, what the mom heard were board members and superintendent expressing more concern about how the findings by an outside investigator had leaked to the public, rather than Hodges’ sexual “grooming” of the girl. She heard school officials agreeing to make sure their public statements did not imply Hodges was forced to resign. She heard discussion about board members’ concerns about how the resignation would affect Hodges’ own children in elementary school.

There was more. The mom also did NOT hear board members discuss the superintendent’s comment that another Centerville High School teacher may have allowed harassing talk in the classroom about the teen girl. As described in another lawsuit, that classroom chatter included accusations the girl was “a homewrecker.”

This closed-door meeting was at the center of a lawsuit the Iowa Freedom of Information Council and I filed against the school board in 2023 over its handling of the closed meeting. Hodges had already resigned. No one believed the school board would refuse to accept his resignation after he had been on paid leave for two months while outside investigations proceeded.

I told reporters the people in the Centerville district deserved to know what the investigators learned. Were the allegations founded or not? If they were not founded, why was he still on administrative leave? And if the allegations were founded, was the school board prepared to terminate him?

The Iowa FOI Council and I were not motivated by some prurient interest in the allegations against Hodges. Instead, our interest came from the belief that people who pay the taxes to operate the Centerville

Gov. Reynolds extends Harvest

Proclamation

DES MOINES — Friday, Nov. 8, Governor Kim Reynolds signed an extension of the proclamation relating to the weight limits and transportation of grain, fertilizer, and manure.

schools and send their kids and grandkids there deserve to know what went on at Centerville High School involving a supposedly trusted employee who had access to every student.

“The public needs information, not more secrecy,” I told the Ottumwa Courier at the time.

District Judge Mark Kruse of Burlington presided over a two-day trial of our lawsuit back in June. He issued his 28-page ruling three months later, finding the school board violated the open meetings law by failing to comply with the statute’s requirements for closed sessions.

The judge had access to the same audio recording my Appanoose County friend listened to. The judge wrote, “It is difficult to find any consistent, or meaningful, discussion evaluating the professional competency of Mr. Hodges.”

The judge added, “From the words used, it was obvious that Mr. Hodges would not be retained. The initial discussion in the closed meeting clearly did not reference an allegation, but a belief that an improper act had occurred.”

The judge’s conclusion was a stinging rebuke of the school leaders.

“The closed meeting was superfluous in that whether there was a closed meeting or not, the result was going to be the same,” the judge wrote. “For these reasons, the court does find that the requirements of the open meetings statute were not met, and this was shown by a preponderance of the evidence.”

Our lawsuit will be back in the news this week when the school district’s insurance provider issues a check, as ordered by Judge Kruse, to reimburse the Iowa FOI Council and our attorneys for $113,258 in legal expenses incurred in bringing the lawsuit.

The school district has already agreed to pay the family of the girl $79,000 to settle a lawsuit they brought against the district. That brings the total cost to the district to $192,000.

That is an expensive lesson for the Centerville schools. The lesson is one government boards and councils across Iowa should learn from, too, if they use the “professional evaluation” exemption in the open meetings law as a legal charade to justify excluding the public when a range of topics not involving an employee’s job performance are discussed.

Other boards, under the guise of conducting a “professional evaluation,” have used the secrecy to talk about gender questions involving school bathrooms or questions about controversial library books. Some boards have kicked out taxpayers when officials discussed entering into a six-figure “separation agreement” with a superintendent. Other boards have discussed in secret allowing an administrator to leave immediately while continuing to pay the person through the end of the school year.

The Centerville school board is not the first to retreat into secrecy to avoid having to let the public listen in. But the lesson Centerville learned should be heard loud and clear by every government board in Iowa.

Randy Evans, executive director of the Iowa Freedom of Information Council, can be reached at IowaFOICouncil@gmail.com.

The proclamation became effective immediately and continues through December 8, 2024. The proclamation allows vehicles transporting corn, soybeans, hay, straw, silage, stover, fertilizer (dry, liquid, and gas), and manure (dry and liquid) to be overweight (not exceeding 90,000 pounds gross weight) without a permit for the duration of this proclamation.

This proclamation applies to loads transported on all highways within Iowa (excluding the interstate system) and those which do not exceed a maximum of 90,000 pounds gross weight, do not exceed the maximum axle weight limit determined under the non-primary highway maximum gross weight table in Iowa Code § 321.463 (6) (b), by more than 12.5 percent, do not exceed the legal maximum axle weight limit of 20,000 pounds, and comply with posted limits on roads and bridges.

Randy Evans Iowa Freedom of Information Council

Q&A: Social Security Benefits Portal

With U.S. Senator Chuck Grassley

Q: How can Iowans check their Social Security benefits online?

A: The Social Security Administration offers free and secure online access for workers of all ages and current recipients to check their benefits. Individuals may create a personal account known as “my Social Security” that allows you to apply for benefits, request a replacement card, check application status, estimate future benefits and receive notices online. The SSA announced security improvements that will require individuals who created an account before September 18, 2021, to switch to Login.gov. As an outspoken advocate for beefing up cybersecurity protections, I’m glad the federal agency is taking action to ensure online services are safe and secure. I’ll be keeping tabs on the General Services Administration, the federal agency in charge of Login. gov, to ensure its compliance with federal guidelines to protect people’s information and verify identities. So, for those who opened their individual “my Social

Treasurer Smith announces $7 billion asset milestone for Iowa’s 529 Plan

News from the Office of the State of Iowa Treasurer’s Office

DES MOINES — State Treasurer Roby Smith announces ISave 529 and the IAdvisor 529 Plan reached a combined $7 billion in assets. “Being a long-time 529 investor, I always knew the power of saving in a 529 plan – both for myself and the confidence of my children,” said Smith. “Opening a dedicated education savings account for a child in your life could be the difference between a dream and a reality, and I hope this milestone is a reminder to get started.”

Buckle

Security account” more than three years ago, you need to transition to a Login.gov account. To learn more, watch a step-by-step tutorial produced by the Social Security Administration at https://www.youtube.com/ watch?v=AMADyonYNTE. More than five million Americans already have made the transition, and the SSA is urging legacy users to make the transition before the previous system ends. If you’re having issues making the transition, call the SSA help desk (800)772-1213, Monday through Friday, 8 a.m. to 7 p.m. For Americans living outside the U.S., you will need to create an account with ID.me to use the services available through the portal.

Q: What are the advantages of creating an online “my Social Security account?”

A: I hear from Iowans who are frustrated with getting their questions answered or having difficulty scheduling in-person assistance at local SSA field offices. The Social Security Administration serves more than 72 million beneficiaries who depend on their benefits and deserve quality customer service. I’ve pressed the Social Security Administrator about the agency’s efforts to improve services. At a Finance Committee hearing in June, I also asked a Social Security field office manager how many of her employees come to the office during the work week. The answer: only five of her 40 employees were in the office five days a week. Although President Biden ended pandemic restrictions from the national emergency back in April 2023, many federal agencies are still dragging their feet to get employees back into the office. Not everyone is able to conduct business online, so in-person appointments are important to keep available in local field offices. For those who want to take advantage of the online portal, it’s a convenient way to manage inquiries and check benefits on your own time. Opening a “my Social Security” account allows users to take advantage of personalized tools. If you’re currently receiving benefits,

Both 529 plans are administered by the State Treasurer’s Office and help families save for education expenses on a tax-advantaged basis. ISave 529 is direct-sold, meaning anyone can open an account. IAdvisor 529 Plan is opened through a financial advisor. “Flexibility is what makes 529 plans so great,” continued Smith. “By offering ISave 529 and the IAdvisor 529 Plan, families have more than just flexibility on when and where their funds are used, but also how they choose to have the accounts managed.”

Money in a 529 plan can be used to pay for tuition; room and board; computers; textbooks and other qualified education expenses at any eligible higher education institution in the U.S. or abroad. This includes colleges, universities, trade schools and apprenticeship programs. Account funds can also be used for tuition expenses in connection with enrollment at a K-12 institution, repayment of qualified education loans or rolled over to the beneficiary’s Roth IRA.

Iowa taxpayers invested in either of the state’s 529 plans can deduct up to $5,500 in contributions from their 2024 taxes. Since the deduction applies to each beneficiary account, a family of four can maximize the state tax deduction when both parents open accounts for their two children – increasing the deduction to $22,000 (4 x $5,500) in 2024.

Learn more at ISave529.com and IAdvisor529. com. Connect with the Treasurer on Facebook, Instagram and X to stay up-to-date on all areas of the office. For additional details, read the plans’ program descriptions.

up. Every trip. Every time.

DES MOINES — The Governor’s Traffic Safety Bureau (GTSB) is teaming up with law enforcement agencies across Iowa to promote road safety during the Thanksgiving holiday season. Drivers can expect to see increased police presence on Iowa roads through December 1, 2024.

As families travel near and far to celebrate, GTSB urges everyone to remember: Buckle Up. Every Trip. Every Time. Seat belts are not only the law, they are also your best defense against serious injury or death in a crash. Last year, during Thanksgiving week (November 19-26, 2023), 34 people died or suffered severe injuries on Iowa roads—tragically, 40% were not properly restrained. This heartbreak may have been prevented with the simple click of a seat belt.

“The Thanksgiving holiday marks the beginning of a cherished season for many,” says Marigrace Porcelli, GTSB Occupant Protection Program Coordinator. “Whether your journey is short or long, it’s essential all drivers and passengers buckle up—Every Trip, Every Time. Ensure every passenger in your vehicle is secured, including children.”

Additionally, GTSB reminds everyone that Buzzed Driving is Drunk Driving and to plan for a sober driver before heading out.

GTSB collaborates with city, county, state, and local organizations to create and implement strategies aimed at reducing fatalities and injuries on Iowa roads through federally funded grants.

For more tips on safe travel this Thanksgiving, visit www.drivesmartiowa.com. Be safe and enjoy your holiday!

for example, you can set up or change direct deposit, obtain a Social Security 1099 form, change your address and more. To create an account, visit the Social Security website at https://www.ssa.gov/myaccount/.

In addition to my oversight work to ensure the Social Security Administration is efficiently and effectively serving the people, I’m also beating the drum for Congress and the White House to stop kicking the fiscal can down the road with regard to the Social Security Trust Fund. As the ranking member on the Senate Budget Committee, I’ve made no bones about it: Social Security is on a road towards insolvency, primarily due to demographics as the ratio of workers paying into the system compared to retirees drawing benefits continues to shrink. According to the non-partisan Congressional Budget Office, Social Security’s primary trust fund will be able to pay only 75 percent of scheduled benefits by 2033. In plain language, that means if no action is taken to strengthen the program before then, current and future recipients in eight years would get an automatic 25 percent cut to their retirement benefits under present law. While there aren’t cuts facing current recipients today, the sooner we get Social Security on the road to solvency, the better. Washington needs to take a page from history and find common ground to shore up the program that is part of the social fabric of America. The American people deserve another Ronald Reagan-Tip O’Neill moment. In 1983, the president and speaker of the House set partisanship aside to broker a historic agreement for the public good. Those reforms to put Social Security on sound financial footing were phased in gradually to protect current and future recipients. We owe it to Americans to do the same.

Sen. Grassley’s office assists Iowans with issues they may have getting their questions answered from federal agencies, including the Social Security Administration. For assistance, learn more here: https://www.grassley. senate.gov/services/help-with-federal-agencies.

Attorney General Bird demands end to political prosecutions of President Trump

DES MOINES —Iowa Attorney General Brenna Bird today led a 23-state coalition in demanding that Special Counsel Jack Smith, New York Attorney General Letitia James, and Fulton County District Attorney Fani Willis immediately end their political prosecutions of President Donald Trump.

The prosecutions, which never should have been brought against President Trump at all, now threaten a Constitutional crisis. A federal court has already dismissed one of Smith’s cases targeting President Trump. Smith’s prosecution has violated many Department of Justice policies and has been illegitimate since the beginning. Even the U.S. Supreme Court has acknowledged that this is the “first criminal prosecution in our Nation’s history of a former President for actions taken during their presidency.” James and Willis are also pursuing political prosecutions and other legal challenges against President Trump.

“The unprecedented, political prosecutions of President Trump have been a sham from the start and should be immediately dropped,” said Attorney General Bird. “President Trump must be able to do his job as president without the threat of prosecutions. I am calling on Special Counsel Smith, Attorney General James, and District Attorney Willis to end the political prosecutions so that we can restore faith in our justice system and unify our country.”

Following the States’ letter this morning, Smith announced that he will drop his case. The States are demanding that James and Willis also end their political prosecutions and other legal challenges targeting President Trump.

Iowa led the letter and was joined by Alabama, Alaska, Arkansas, Florida, Georgia, Idaho, Indiana, Kansas, Kentucky, Louisiana, Mississippi, Missouri, Montana, Nebraska, North Dakota, South Carolina, South Dakota, Tennessee, Texas, Utah, Virginia, and West Virginia.

Alyssa Brouillet Communications Director, Iowa Office of the Attorney General

Colleen Powell GTSB Media and Communications

Tune in for Fall Festival 2024 on Iowa PBS

Hayley Schaefer Iowa Public Broadcast System

JOHNSTON — Tour some of the iconic structures in Council Bluffs, follow Rick Steves as he eats his way through Europe, learn more about the animals in All Creatures Great and Small, and revel in music from The Temptations, Chicago, Il Volo and more during Fall Festival 2024. Taking place November 23–December 4, this year’s event is filled with music, history, drama, Iowa architecture and more.

During the pledge drive, viewers will have the opportunity to support the programming and services they enjoy all year long, ensuring that Iowa PBS continues to educate, inform, enrich and inspire Iowans across the state.

The schedule for Iowa PBS .1 is below. Visit iowapbs. org for the full Fall Festival 2024 broadcast schedule, encore broadcasts, thank-you gifts and programs airing on Iowa PBS WORLD .3 and Iowa PBS Create .4.

Local

* Historic Buildings of Iowa: Council Bluffs, Tuesday, November 26 at 7 p.m. — All aboard! Journey west and ride the rails to Council Bluffs, where historic buildings and landmarks tell the tale of the innovators and explorers who would come to define this gateway to the American West.

* Historic Buildings of Iowa: Mason City and Clear Lake , Sunday, November 24 at 11:30 p.m. — Explore the art and architecture of Mason City and Clear Lake through Frank Lloyd Wright’s Prairie School style, one of the premier art museums of the Midwest, and sites dedicated to some of the most acclaimed musicians of the 20th century.

* Meredith Willson: America’s Music Man , Saturday, November 23 at 3 p.m. — He performed under Sousa and Toscanini. He scored films for the likes of Chaplin and wrote popular songs performed by Sinatra and The Beatles. And when the River City boys band marched on Broadway, Meredith Willson caught the whole world’s ear.

Music

* ’60s & ’70s Soul Celebration (My Music Presents), Saturday, November 30 at 7 p.m. — The legends of ’60s and ’70s soul music return to perform their biggest hits. Featuring The Temptations, James Brown, Patti LaBelle, The Chi-Lites, The Spinners, Sam Moore and more in this classic R&B and soul compilation.

* All New Rock, Pop and Doo Wop, Saturday, November 23 at 7 p.m. — Full-length performances include: Johnny Maestro, the Duprees, Jay Back, Little Anthony and the Imperials, and many other artists from the ’50s and ’60s.

* The Big Band Years (My Music Presents), Saturday, November 30 at 5 p.m. — Nick Clooney and Peter Marshall host a nostalgic look at hit makers and songs of the 1930s and ’40s.

* Chicago & Friends: Live at 55, Saturday, November 30 at 10 p.m. — Join Chicago as they perform their biggest hits with special guests, recorded live in Atlantic City.

* Classical Rewind (My Music), Saturday, November 23 at 1:30 p.m. — From the romantic mood of Beethoven’s “Moonlight Sonata” to the dramatic emotions of Orff’s “O Fortuna,” this special visits the greatest compositions and composers of all time.

* The Doobie Brothers With Michael McDonald: 50th Anniversary at Radio City Music Hall, Saturday, November 30 at 11:30 p.m. — Celebrate 50 years with the hitmaking band, who have sold more than 48 million records worldwide.

* The Everly Brothers — Harmonies From Heaven, Sunday, December 1 at 2 p.m. — Featuring archival interviews with Don and Phil, and interviews with artists they influenced, this special tells the story of two Midwestern boys who became some of the most influential musicians in rock ’n’ roll.

* Great Performances: Patsy Cline: Walkin’ After Midnight, Monday, November 25 at 8 p.m. — Recorded at Nashville’s legendary Ryman Auditorium, this special honors Patsy Cline’s legacy with her signature songs, and memories from those she knew and influenced.

* Great Performances: Rodgers & Hammerstein’s 80th Anniversary: My Favorite Things, Sunday, November 24 at 5:30 p.m. — Explore the vast repertoire of these musical theater pioneers in this star-studded concert.

* Il Volo in the Valley of the Temples , Monday, December 2 at 10 p.m. — Join the acclaimed Italian trio for a stunning concert in a breathtaking Sicilian setting.

* Lawrence Welk Holiday Special: Great Moments and Memories, Saturday, November 23 at 4:30 p.m. — Nine stars of the Lawrence Welk Musical Family host this special filled with moments and memories spanning 30 years of Christmas holiday shows.

* Simon & Garfunkel: The Concert in Central Park, Saturday, November 23 at 10:30 p.m. — Join the iconic duo and the 500,000 fans who came out for this once-in-a-lifetime 1981 concert.

* This Land Is Your Land (My Music Presents), Saturday, November 23 at 9 p.m. — The Smothers Brothers and Judy Collins host a look at the evolution of modern American folk music.

Drama

* All Creatures Great & Small: Tricki & Friends, Sunday, December 1 at 7:30 p.m. — This special celebrates the animals in this popular series by revisiting favorite scenes and going behind the scenes to learn more about the creatures viewers love.

* Vienna Blood: Analyzing the Hidden Truths, Sunday, December 1 at 10:30 p.m. — Go behind the scenes of this thrilling murder mystery series set in Vienna in the early 1900s.

* Wolf Hall on Masterpiece, Sunday, December 1 at 9 p.m. — In the season 1 finale, Henry’s love for Anne Boleyn has given way to anger and distrust, and he instructs Cromwell to rid him of his second queen.

General

* America’s Home Cooking: Easy Recipes for Thrifty Cooking, Saturday, November 30 at 11 a.m. — Chris Fennimore welcomes guest cooks who present recipes that are easy on the cook and the pocketbook.

* America’s Home Cooking: Sweets, Saturday, November 23 at 10 a.m. — This special celebrates everyone’s favorite course — dessert! Host Chris Fennimore walks you through some of his favorite, mouth-watering recipes.

* America’s Home Cooking: When in Rome, Saturday, November 30 at 9 a.m. — Host Chris Fennimore and company take you on a tour of authentic recipes from Rome and demonstrate the simplicity of Roman cooking.

* America’s Test Kitchen Celebrates 25 Years, Saturday, November 30 at 1 p.m. — Celebrate the 25th anniversary of the most-watched cooking show on public television.

* Mary Berry’s Highland Christmas, Saturday, November 23 at noon — Spend Christmas in Scotland with Mary Berry and enjoy some traditional delights.

* The Mustangs: America’s Wild Horses, Wednesday, December 4 at 7 p.m. — Explore how the American icon, the mustang horse has become entangled in controversy.

Essential autumn tree care tips

Iowa Dept. of Natural Resources

Seasonal fall temperatures and lack of snow make it perfect conditions to work in your yard or timber areas.

Late fall to winter is a great time to prune trees. Insect and pathogens are in dormant stages with colder weather. When trees start to grow next spring they will start to produce wound tissue to cover the cuts, reducing the chance of insect and disease problems. Leaves

History

* Henry Louis Gates Jr. — The Fabric of America, Tuesday, December 3 at 7 p.m. — Explore the work of one of the most renowned, respected and popular cultural historians.

* Ken Burns: One Nation, Many Stories, Sunday, November 24 at 3:30 p.m. — Explore the acclaimed filmmaker’s more recent work in interviews with Burns and his colleagues.

* Kinnick: The Documentary, Thursday, November 28 at 8:30 p.m. — The story of Nile Kinnick — child of the Depression, winner of the Heisman Trophy and pilot in World War II — unfolds in cinematic detail in this feature documentary.

* Leonardo da Vinci: The Disciple of Experience, Sunday, November 24 at 1 p.m. — Leonardo apprentices as an artist and craftsman in Florence, where the Renaissance is in full bloom. He shows extraordinary talent but struggles to finish commissions.

Travel

* Great Scenic Railway Journeys 30th Anniversary Special, Sunday, November 24 at 8 a.m. — Gain access to some of America's best railway adventures, from the Rocky Mountaineer to the Skyrail.

* Rick Steves’ European Christmas, Saturday, November 30 at 3 p.m. — Rick Steves celebrates Christmas in England, France, Norway, Germany, Austria, Switzerland and Italy.

* Rick Steves’ Festive Europe, Friday, November 29 at 6:30 p.m. — Rick ventures into the Parisian streets on Bastille Day and takes in the royal pageantry in London.

* Rick Steves’ Great German Cities, Saturday, November 23 at 8 a.m. — Rick Steves explores the German cities of Hamburg, Dresden, Leipzig, Frankfurt and Nürnberg.

Lifestyle

* Easy Yoga for Arthritis With Peggy Cappy, Saturday, November 30 at 6 a.m. — Peggy Cappy effectively addresses arthritis relief through the practice of yoga.

* Memory Makeover With Daniel Amen, M.D., Saturday, November 23 at 6 a.m. — Dr. Daniel Amen talks about how you can improve your memory.

* Supercharge Your Brain: Maximizing Your Cognitive Abilities, Sunday, November 24 at 6:30 a.m. — Join Dr. Lisa Genova to discover ways to enhance brain health for the rest of your life.

* Young Forever With Mark Hyman, M.D., Saturday, November 30 at 7 a.m. — Dr. Mark Hyman challenges viewers to reimagine their biology, health and the process of aging.

In addition to its statewide broadcast, Iowa PBS .1 is available to livestream on iowapbs.org/watch, pbs. org/livestream, the PBS app, Local Now, YouTube TV and Hulu + Live TV. Iowa PBS programs, behindthe-scenes extras and more can be enjoyed on iowapbs. org, Facebook and YouTube. Viewers can also stream their favorite shows on demand using the PBS app, available on iOS, Android and many streaming devices. Learn more at iowapbs.org.

For more information about Iowa PBS, please contact Hayley Schaefer at 515.776.0406 or hayley.schaefer@ iowapbs.org.

As Iowa's only statewide television network, Iowa PBS’s mission to educate, inform, enrich and inspire Iowans guides its quality, noncommercial programming that tells Iowa's stories like no one else can. Four statewide, public channels offer programs of lasting value to Iowans, regardless of where they live or what they can afford: Iowa PBS .1, Iowa PBS KIDS .2, Iowa PBS WORLD .3 and Iowa PBS Create .4 on Channel 11, Des Moines; Channel 12, Iowa City; Channel 21, Fort Dodge; Channel 24, Mason City; Channel 27, Sioux City; Channel 32, Waterloo; Channel 32, Council Bluffs; Channel 36, Davenport; Channel 36, Red Oak. More information can be found at iowapbs.org.

are gone off the trees making structural pruning much easier. Without the leaves on it is easier to see co-dominate leaders, crossing or rubbing branches, and branches with poor branch angles. Branches on trees in your yard should be removed before they are much thicker than your thumb. Try not to remove more than a quarter of the crown. Water your trees deeply and less frequently to encourage deep root growth and make them more resilient. Water

during the early morning to minimize evaporation and freezing. It gives your trees more time to drink up.

Invasive bush honeysuckle and buckthorn trees are easy to spot through the woods in the fall. Their leaves remain green late into the season after everything else has fallen off, and often remain attached as late as Thanksgiving. Pesticides applied to cut surfaces work best this time of year as sap is being translocated to the roots.

SPORTS

FOOTBALL SWIMMING

3A-5 All District Football Teams announced

Eddie Johnson named Defensive Line MVP, receives honors with ten Spartans

Solon Economist

All-District selections for varsity football’s Class 3A District 5 were released last week with 11 Spartans named.

Senior Eddie Johnson, the 2024 Homecoming King, earned Defensive Line MVP honors as well as being named to the 3A-5 First Team. Johnson made 17 solo tackles and 4.5 quarterback sacks this season with ten tackles for a loss of yards. Offensively, Johnson led the Spartans with 1,257 yards of rushing on 182 carries with a team high 18 touchdowns including a 95-yard dash for a score. He also racked up 305 receiving yards from 20 passes with three more scores.

1st Team – Grant Wilson, Maddox Kelley, Lucas Feuerbach, Kyler Jensen, and Owen Grimm Wilson – A senior lineman, Wilson had 18.5 total tackles with ten solos.

Kelley – A sophomore defensive back and wide receiver, Kelley rushed for 56 yards on 13 carries this season and was the Spartans’ leading receiver with 675 yards on 54 receptions, good for seven touchdowns including a 57-yard effort. Defensively he had 50 total tackles with 38 solos, recovered two fumbles, and made four interceptions for 59 yards. Kelley also returned a dozen kicks for 294 yards and 11 punts for 157 more.

Feuerbach – A sophomore lineman, Feuerbach made 28.5 total tackles with 22 solos, one quarterback sack, and five tackles for a loss.

Jensen – A junior running back and linebacker, Jensen led the Spartans’ defense with 63.5 total tackles and 42 solos with 3.5 sacks and ten tackles for a loss.

Grimm – A senior lineman, Grimm had 9.5 total tackles with five solos, one QB sack, and three for a loss.

2nd Team – Ty Bell, Tripp Johnson, and Cody Milliman

Bell – A senior, Bell was the primary quarterback for the Spartans this season with 154 completions out of 246 attempts (62.6%) for 1,831 yards with 19 touchdowns and a dozen interceptions. He also made 42 carries for 78 yards with one score. Defensively, Bell made three solo tackles.

Johnson – A junior tight end and linebacker, Johnson made 42 total tackles with 30 solos and 4.5 for a loss of yards.

Milliman – A sophomore defensive back and wide receiver, Milliman took eight passes 94 yards and made 24 total tackles with 19 solos, one QB sack, and 3.5 for a loss of yards. He also had one interception this season.

Honorable Mention – Oliver Owens and Jackson Feuerbach

Owens – A senior tight end and linebacker, Owens made 39 total tackles with 24 solos, one sack, and 9.5 for a loss of yards.

Feuerbach – A senior lineman, Feuerbach made 18 total tackles with ten solos, 1.5 QB sacks, and 1.5 for a loss.

Hoeper wins twice at State Swimming

Solon Senior finishes high school career as a 5-time State Champion

Solon Economist

MARSHALLTOWN — Grace Hoeper, the Solon senior swimming for the Iowa City High School Little Hawks (with sophomores Madelyn Elkins and Ella Pressler, and freshman Nora Bumsted), brought home a pair of State Championships in the 2024 Girls State Swimming and Diving Meet held this past weekend at the Marshalltown YMCA/YWCA.

She won the 50-yard freestyle in 23.06 beating her preliminary heat time of 23.12, which set a new City High record, and won the 100-yard freestyle in 49.94 beating her prelims time of 50.31. Hoeper was the No. 1-seed in both events with qualifying times of 23.31 and 50.95.

Hoeper led off for City in the No. 4-seeded 200-yard freestyle with Elsa Farber, Louisa Berry-Stoelzle, and Saoirse Miller. The foursome finished sixth in 1:38.30. She anchored the No. 9-seeded 400-yard freestyle relay with Berry-Stoelzle, Farber, and Celeste Miller with a 9th place showing in 3:40.03. Hoeper ends her high school career as a five-time State Champion.

“It’s been a rewarding four years at City High,” she said, “and I couldn’t have done any of it without my coach (Mandi Kowal) and my amazing team. I feel so lucky to be a part of the City High team.”

Committed to Indiana University for swimming, Hoeper made it official last Thursday during the 2024 National Signing Day.

“It will definitely be different next year at IU, but I’m looking forward to it.”

Top: Grace Hoeper and City High swimming and diving coach Mandi Kowal share a moment of celebration at the 2024 Girls State Swimming and Diving Meet in Marshalltown this past weekend. Hoeper, a senior, won both the 50 and 100-yard freestyle events to bring her State Championship total to five.

Chris Pose | Contributed photo

Right: Grace Hoeper smiles in victory at the 2024 Girls State Swimming and Diving Meet in Marshalltown this past weekend.

VOLLEYBALL

Grace Erwin named to IGCA volleyball teams

Solon Economist

Solon senior Grace Erwin was named to two honorary teams this week by the Iowa Girls Coaches Association (IGCA). Erwin was a 3rd Team pick for Class 3A All-State and was chosen for the Class 3A Northeast All-District Team. In addition, Erwin played in the IGCA Senior Classic All-Star Volleyball & Officials/Coaches Hall of Fame Induction weekend this past Saturday at Johnston Middle School.

Erwin led the Lady Spartans with 204 kills this season with a .437 efficiency and 46 solo blocks in 91 sets played.

Established in 1985, the Iowa Girls' Coaches Association (IGCA) is the only association of athletic directors and girls' coaches dedicated to promoting the achievements of the Iowa Girl, her coach and all those that support them. Members of the IGCA also are members of the oldest high school coaches association in the nation, the National High School Athletic Coaches Association (NHSACA), governed exclusively by active coaches.

Michael Dankert | Contributed photo

Chris Umscheid | Solon Economist

Grace Erwin

GIRLS BASKETBALL

Friday, Nov. 22 HOME vs. IC West

Tuesday, Nov. 26 AT Cascade

Friday, Dec. 6 HOME vs. CCA

Tuesday, Dec. 10 AT Grinnell 6:00 p.m.

Friday, Dec. 13 HOME vs. Benton 6:00 p.m.

Tuesday, Dec. 17 AT Mount Vernon 6:00 p.m.

Friday, Dec. 20 AT CPU 6:30 p.m.

Saturday, Jan. 4 AT Mid-Prairie 3:30 p.m.

Tuesday, Jan. 7 AT Williamsburg 6:00 p.m.

Thursday, Jan. 9 HOME vs. Monticello

Friday, Jan. 10 HOME vs. South Tama 6:00 p.m.

Tuesday, Jan. 4 HOME vs. Marion 6:00 p.m.

Friday, Jan. 17 AT West Delaware 6:00 p.m.

Tuesday, Jan. 21 AT Independence 6:00 p.m.

Friday, Jan. 24 HOME vs. Mount Vernon 6:00 p.m.

Tuesday, Jan. 28 HOME vs. CPU 6:00 p.m.

Friday, Jan. 31 AT Marion

Saturday, Feb. 1 At Regina Catholic HS (IC)

Tuesday, Feb. 4 HOME vs. West Delaware

Top: Anna Quillin (20) and Callie Levin (23) battle a Mid-Prairie Golen Hawk for a rebound Thursday, Dec. 11, 2023, at home.

Right: The Lady Spartans react to receiving the Class 3A Girls State Basketball Tournament Qualifier banner from Activities Director Casey Hack after defeating the Chariton Chargers 73-41 in a Regional Final Saturday, Feb. 17, 2024.

BOYS BASKETBALL

Monday, Nov. 25 Scrimmage AT CR Kennedy

Tuesday, Dec. 3 HOME vs. Maquoketa 7:15 p.m.

Friday, Dec. 6 HOME vs. CCA 7:15 p.m.

Tuesday, Dec. 10 AT Grinnell 7:15 p.m.

Friday, Dec. 13 HOME vs. Benton 7:15 p.m.

Tuesday, Dec. 17 AT Mount Vernon 7:30 p.m.

Friday, Dec. 20 AT CPU 8:00 p.m.

Saturday, Jan. 4 AT Mid-Prairie 5:15 p.m.

Tuesday, Jan. 7 AT Williamsburg

7:15 p.m.

Friday, Jan. 10 HOME vs. South Tama 7:15 p.m.

Tuesday, Jan. 14 HOME vs. Marion 7:15 p.m.

Friday, Jan. 17 AT West Delaware 7:15 p.m.

Tuesday, Jan. 21 AT Independence 7:15 p.m.

Friday, Jan. 24 HOME vs. Mount Vernon 7:15 p.m.

Tuesday, Jan. 28 HOME vs. CPU 7:15 p.m.

Friday, Jan. 31 AT Marion

7:15 p.m.

Saturday, Feb. 1 AT Regina Catholic 1:30 p.m.

Tuesday, Feb. 4 HOME vs. West Delaware 7:15 p.m.

Friday, Feb. 7 HOME vs. Independence 7:15 p.m.

Tuesday, Feb. 11 AT Vinton-Shellsburg 7:15 p.m.

Thursday, Feb. 13 AT West Branch

7:30 p.m.

Thursday, Feb. 20 HOME vs. Washington 7:00 p.m.

Vince Steinbrech (13) drives in for a two-point shot Friday, Dec. 8, 2023, at home against Grinnell. The Spartans improved to 2-0 with a 7364 win including 17 points from Steinbrech, a senior.

Right:

Left: Jake Benzing (15) puts up a jump shot Thursday, Dec. 2, 2023, at home against Mid-Prairie.

GIRLS WRESTLING

Tuesday, Nov. 19 HOME vs. CPU & Independence 5:30 p.m.

Thursday, Nov. 21 Tourney at South Tama 5:00 p.m.

Saturday, Nov. 23 Tourney at Independence 9:00 a.m.

Thursday, Dec. 5-Saturday, Dec. Friday, Dec. 6 - Dan Gable Donnybrook, Xtreme Arena, Coralville

Monday, Dec. 9 Tourney at Williamsburg 4:00 p.m.

Thursday, Dec. 12 AT Williamsburg 6:00 p.m.

Saturday, Dec. 14 AT Williamsburg 10:00 a.m.

Thursday, Dec. 19 HOME vs. IC West & Mid-Prairie 5:30 p.m.

Saturday, Dec. 21 Tourney at CR Prairie 9:00 a.m.

Thursday, Jan. 9 AT Marion 5:30 p.m.

Friday, Jan. 10 AT Central DeWitt Middle School 4:00 p.m.

Saturday, Jan. 11 Tourney AT Anamosa 9:30 a.m.

Thursday, Jan. 16 AT Benton Community 5:30 p.m.

Monday, Jan. 20 HOME TOURNEY 3:30 p.m.

Thursday, Jan. 23 HOME vs. Mount Vernon 6:00 p.m.

Friday, Jan. 24 Tourney AT Mount Vernon 5:00 p.m.

BOYS WRESTLING

Friday, Dec. 6 Tourney at Independence 2:00

Saturday, Dec. 7 Tourney at Independence 9:00

Thursday, Dec. 12 Dual meet at Williamsburg 6:00 p.m.

Saturday, Dec. 14 Tourney at Grinnell 10:00 a.m.

Thursday, Dec. 19 HOME vs. CPU and Independence 5:30 p.m.

Friday, Dec. 20 Tournament at Fort Madison 4:30 p.m.

Saturday, Dec. 21 Tournament at Fort Madison 9:30 a.m.

Saturday, Jan. 4 HOME TOURNAMENT 9:30 a.m.

Thursday, Jan. 9 Triangular at Marion 5:30 p.m.

Thursday, Jan. 16 Triangular at Benton Community 5:30 p.m.

Saturday, Jan. 18 HOME TOURNAMENT 9:30 a.m.

Thursday, Jan. 23 HOME dual meet vs. Mount Vernon 6:00 p.m.

Friday, Jan. 24 Tournament at OABCIG (Ida Grove) 4:30 p.m.

Saturday, Jan. 25 Tournament at OABCIG (Ida Grove) 9:30 a.m.

Saturday, Jan. 25 Tournament at Anamosa 9:30 a.m.

Thursday, Jan. 30 HOME quad meet 5:30 p.m.

Above: Olivia Bonnema works on West Delaware’s Abigail O’Rear in a 140-pound match Thursday, Jan. 11, 2024. Below left: The Lady Spartans react as Ireland Hagarty battles Williamsburg’s Ava Garcia in a 120-pound match Thursday, Dec. 7, 2023, at home. Below right: Anna Quillin (20) is fouled as she goes up for a two-point shot Friday, Dec. 15, 2023.

Above: Evan Burg works on Midland’s Nathan Rickels in a 126-pound match Thursday, Dec. 21, 2023, at the Solon Middle School. Burg won by tech fall (16-0, 4:08).

Left: Charlie Karam makes a move on Keokuk’s Joshua Baum in a 132-pound match Thursday, Dec. 21, 2023, at the Solon Middle School. Karam won by tech fall (TF 21-5, 4:45).

New team, same expectations for Lady Spartan Hoops

Joel Kellar Solon Economist joel-kellar@uiowa.edu

S OLON — Last season was right out of Hollywood for the Solon girls’ basketball team. After dropping two games in mid-January, the team won 12 consecutive games on their way to a Class 3A Iowa State Championship, beating top-ranked Estherville-Lincoln Central 54-47 in the finals at the State Tournament as the exclamation point on the year.

As fun as last season was for Solon, it is now time to turn the page to a new era of Lady Spartan basketball. They saw four seniors graduate last year including Miss Iowa Basketball herself, Callie Levin. Those four seniors combined for 1,268 points, nearly 75% of the team's total points. The team this year will be young, but talented and hungry to defend a championship. It all starts with senior Kobie Lietz. The guard started in all 27 games last season and dished out 49 assists with 59 steals. She also grabbed 71 rebounds as one of the shorter players on the court at 5’6.

Junior Delanie Durr will also bring some muchneeded experience to the Lady Spartans roster. Durr played in 23 games and averaged 4.6 points per game while coming off the bench. Solon head coach Jamie Smith will look toward Durr and Lietz to provide the young team with veteran leadership.

The new era of Solon girls’ basketball will creep into the starting lineup and in key roles coming off the bench. Sophomore’s Laini Hinkle and Laney Johnson will look to take on major roles for the team this year.

BOYS' BASKETBALL

They played in limited minutes off the bench last season, but both showed signs of a high ceiling for this season.

“Johnson is probably one of the better shooters I have ever coached,” said Smith, “Hinkle will be a bulldog on defense.” Jerzey Haluska will also look to play an important role this season. At 5'9, Haluska will be one of the taller players on the court and will provide some size and interior presence for the Lady Spartans. Haluska will look to build toward living up to the legacy of her last name. Her father, Adam Haluska, played college hoops for both Iowa and Iowa State and was honored as 3rd team All-Big Ten his senior year as a Hawkeye.

The lack of game experience on the Lady Spartans does not worry Smith. “They took some pounding in practice last year,” said Smith, “Our practices were pretty intense and those kids got better because of the players we lost, so we're going to lean on a lot of people here.”

The WaMaC will provide the Lady Spartans with plenty of competitive games all season long. Mount Vernon enters as the favorite as they return most of their key players from the semi-final team last year. Clear Creek Amana will also be in the top pack of teams in the conference. Solon will play CCA on Dec. 6 at home and will battle with Mount Vernon on the road Dec. 17 and at home on Jan. 24. The Lady Spartans will open their season Friday, Nov. 22 at home against Iowa City West. “Some people may think I’m crazy for scheduling [Iowa City West] for our first game, but we don’t shy away from who we’re playing,” said Smith, “I think we’ve built a program here, so the expectations are different now.”

A new crop of seniors leads the way for Spartan basketball

Joel Kellar Solon Economist joel-kellar@uiowa.edu

SOLON — It’s a brand-new team for Solon boys' basketball head coach Jared Galpin.

The team saw all five starters, plus three key depth pieces, graduate last spring after falling a few games short of the state tournament after a loss to Keokuk in the regional semifinal. Looking to redeem the disappointing end to a season where the Spartans only lost one game in the regular season, Galpin will turn to four seniors – guards Caleb Bock, Isaiah Zoske, and Nolan Seagren, and forward Jackson Link to anchor the lineup.

“They played well together through their freshman and sophomore years,” said Galpin, “They got some good experience last year as juniors, not starting experience, but good experience and I know they’re poised to lead us this year.” Bock is the highest scoring returner and will be a major part of the offense. The senior had an injury riddled season last year that knocked a promising season off course. In his 12 games played, including two starts, Bock averaged six points per game while also getting after it on the boards with 2.5 rebounds per game. Because of the loaded 2024 class, Bock had to sit outside of the spotlight last season. This year, he will be leaned on to get the offense going.

It will not just be Bock that Galpin needs to step up this year. Zoske and Seagren both played in over 20 games last season. During limited minutes in those games, the two guards flashed their potential. Seagren showed how he can affect a game with skills other than scoring with ten steals, 23 rebounds and 21 assists. Zoske’s production last season was nearly identical to Seagren. The former had 16 rebounds, 16 assists, and 17 steals. The two seniors' ability to force turnovers and limit second-chance opportunities for opposing

teams would help Galpin reload the team for a chance at a deep run in the postseason.

Link will provide some size on the interior for the Spartans. His 27 rebounds last season leads all returning players. The Spartans will ultimately have to rely on getting good minutes from players who have yet to play their first minutes of varsity hoops.

“There’s a few sophomores with potential [to play], but we’re going to see how it plays out,” said Galpin, “They’ve got to earn that spot, it is not going to be a given.”

With a new team come different expectations. Last season, the Spartans came into the season with the expectation of being one of the best in 3A. The one loss regular season certainly fulfilled those expectations. With the lack of returners who played meaningful minutes last year, the expectations for this season are not quite as high. “The only thing I expect of them is that we compete hard every game,” said Galpin, “That we continue to improve all year and play our best ball in February, then it’ll all work out.”

The Spartans will have plenty of tests this season. They open the year with a scrimmage against Cedar Rapids Kennedy on Monday, November 25. “That’s going to show us where we’re at right now,” said Galpin, “It’ll be a good litmus test.”

The WaMaC looks to be as competitive as ever. Grinnell, Clear Creek Amana, and Williamsburg start the season as some of the top contenders, not just for the conference, but for the state championship. The Spartans will play CCA and Grinnell in their second and third games of the year on Dec. 6 at home and Dec. 10 in Grinnell. The Spartans will travel to Williamsburg on Jan. 7 in what will be a big game in the middle of the season.

“There’s no off night when you’re playing in the WaMaC,” said Galpin, “It gets every team ready for tournament play.” The Spartans first regular season game will be on Dec. 3 against Maquoketa at home.

Chris Umscheid | Solon Economist

The Lady Spartans take the floor for the second half of the Class 3A Championship Game Friday, March 1, 2024, at Wells Fargo Arena in Des Moines. Solon defeated Estherville-Lincoln Central 54-47 for their first 3A State Championship, and the first since 1998 (2A).

Chris Umscheid | Solon Economist Austin Knight puts up two points against Marion Friday, Dec. 15, 2023, at home.

Solon girls' wrestling gears up for promising season with depth, talent, and growth

SOLON — The Solon High School girls wrestling team is stepping onto the mat this season with high expectations and a strong foundation of talent. Coming into the year ranked #7 in Class 1A out of 140 teams, the Lady Spartans are poised to make waves in the wrestling world. With an experienced roster, key returners, and a booming youth program, the program thrives under the leadership of Head Coach Jake Munson and his accomplished coaching staff.

A veteran-led team

This year’s senior class features five athletes who bring both leadership and skill to the team. Two-time state qualifier Olivia Bonnema (ranked #10 at 145 lbs.) and Kara VeDepo (ranked #3 at 100 lbs. after a 4th-place state finish in 2024) lead the charge. They are joined by returning let-

ter-winners Makayla Keller and Lucy Miller, and first-year wrestler Ella Sheeley, who is eager to make her mark. The juniors add further depth and experience to the roster. Standouts include Alannah Mahoney (state qualifier at 120 lbs., ranked #12) and McKenna Rogers, who has placed 5th at state for two years in a row at 105 lbs. and enters the season ranked #2. Returning letter winners like Alexis Anderson, Abby Gregory, and Adlie Miller round out a solid junior group, while Joli Sinnwell is the team manager. The team’s sophomores and freshmen bring a mix of returning talent and fresh energy. Sophomores Layla Knazze, Tess Richards, and Haiden Wolfe add stability to the roster. At the same time, first-year wrestlers like Evie Gasser, Sophia Barry, and Peyton Gordon represent the next generation of Lady Spartans.

A

program on the rise

One of the most exciting

aspects of Solon’s wrestling program is its rapid growth. This year, 60 girls from kindergarten through 8th grade have joined the girls' youth wrestling club. The surge in participation signals a bright future for the program and reflects the growing popularity of girls' wrestling in Iowa. Now, in his fifth year of leading the Lady Spartans, Coach Munson is thrilled to see the program expand. Backed by assistant coaches Kaitlin Hatcher, Brian Jett, T.J. Bevans, and Trinity Chapman (a Lady Spartan Wrestling alum), the coaching staff combines decades of experience and a deep commitment to developing wrestlers at all levels.

Looking ahead

With a talented roster and a flourishing youth program, the Solon girls’ wrestling team is setting its sights set high for the 2024-25 season. Fans and community members are encouraged to come out and support the team next Friday at

the intrasquad dual, where the athletes will showcase their hard work and skills. The Lady Spartans have the

tools, talent, and determination to build on last season’s success and cement their place as one of the top teams in Iowa.

Solon Wrestling ready for another successful season under veteran leadership

SOLON — As the Solon Spartans wrestling team prepares to hit the mats for the 2024-25 season, Head Coach Aaron Hadenfeldt and his staff are gearing up for what promises to be another exciting year. Entering his 10th season with the Solon program, Hadenfeldt is focused on building upon the program’s tradition of success. While he humbly admits he doesn’t know his exact record as a coach, the consistent excellence of his teams over the years speaks for itself.

"We’ve had some success during my time here," Hadenfeldt said, emphasizing the team's strong foundation and the opportunities ahead.

A strong and experienced coaching staff

An impressive coaching staff of experienced wrestlers and former collegiate athletes leads the Spartans. Hadenfeldt is joined by assistant coaches JJ Cooper, Jacob Feuerbach, TJ Bevans (a Solon alum), Matt Kidwell (also an alum), Jeremy Burke, Ryan Schott, and Ryan Osgood, along with Blake Williams, a former Solon coach. This veteran group brings a wealth of knowledge to the team, many of whom have competed at the collegiate level.

"The expertise of our coaching staff is a huge asset to our program," Hadenfeldt said. "These guys have seen it all and know how to prepare our athletes for the highest level of competition."

Returning talent sets high expectations

The Spartans return 11 of their 14 starters from last year, making them a team to watch this season. Senior Jordan Schmidt, who placed 5th at the state tournament last year, leads the returning group. State qualifiers Charlie Karam, Jackson Feuerbach, and Lucas Feuerbach also return, bringing valuable postseason experience to the lineup.

"We’re excited about what this group can do," Hadenfeldt said. "But a lot depends on staying healthy and seeing how the football players transition to wrestling after their season ends."

Opportunities for new faces

While the team has a solid core of returners, Hadenfeldt is also optimistic about the potential impact of newcomers and wrestlers stepping into starting roles for the first time.

"One of the unique things about wrestling is that weight classes and competition can change everything," Hadenfeldt said. "We’ve had some guys sitting behind strong wrestlers in past years, and now it’s their time to step up. I’m looking forward to seeing who earns their spot."

In addition to returners, the Spartans boast a talented first-year class, albeit small in numbers. Hadenfeldt believes this group has the potential to make meaningful contributions to the program this year.

Leadership will be a key

While the team’s depth and talent are undeniable, Hadenfeldt emphasized that leadership and work ethic determine how far this group can go.

"If we don’t have the right leadership in our room, this team will not reach its potential," Hadenfeldt said. "How we approach practice and how leaders step up will be big indicators of how good we can be."

The challenge of the WaMaC conference

As always, Solon’s schedule is demanding, thanks mainly to the strength of the WaMaC Conference, widely regarded as the most challenging wrestling conference in the state.

"In the WaMaC East alone, there are four teams ranked in the top ten and a few more from the other side," Hadenfeldt said. "Our guys will be tested weekly before we even get to the postseason."

Looking ahead

With a mix of experienced returners, promising newcomers, and an elite coaching staff, the Spartans are set up for a competitive season. While challenges remain, including the strength of their conference and the ever-changing dynamics of weight classes, Coach Hadenfeldt and his team are ready to rise to the occasion.

Solon fans won’t have to wait long to see the Spartans in action, as the wrestling season is just around the corner. If the team’s depth, talent, and leadership unite, this year’s unit could make another deep run in the postseason.

Kyle Prondzinski For the Solon Economist

Kyle Prondzinski For the Solon Economist

Chris Umscheid | Solon Economist

Kendall Jensen battles West Delaware’s Parker Robinson in a 155-pound match Thursday, Jan. 11. Robinson soured Senior Night for Jensen by pinning the Solon senior in 5:04

Chris Umscheid | Solon Economist Lawsin Sinnwell gets up after pinning Williamsburg’s Sawyer Kirby in a varsity 144-pound match Thursday, Dec. 7, 2023, at home.

Reid and Walker hope to strike it big for Little Hawks

IOWA CITY — Two Solon Spartans, Carson Reid and Trendon Walker, will don Iowa City High School red this winter as they once again bowl for the Little Hawks.

Reid, a senior, has been bowling for three years and is a two-time State Tournament qualifier who finished tenth last year with 690 (225-239-226) in pre-bracket play coming up just short of the eightman cut off. Reid was third on the Little Hawks’ squad in total pins knocked down last year with 4,334 in 20 games played with a high game of 258 and high score of 488. During the off season Reid bowls competitively around the country with tournaments ranging from the Quad City Youth Scholarship and

IOWA CITY HIGH BOYS' SWIMMING

Greater Iowa Scholarship to traveling to Las Vegas for a shot at joining Team USA. He also competed against 1,331 others in the Under-18 boys division to compete in the Junior Gold Championship Tournament where he finished in the top 3% with a 59th place finish.

Walker, a junior this year, bowled in 22 games for a total of 4,204 pins knocked down with a high game of 258 and a high score of 481.

Overall the Little Hawks went 4-6 in dual meets, finished fifth in Prairie’s Boys Baker Tournament, won the Mississippi Valley Conference (MVC) Falley Divisional Meet, and won a triangular meet against Marion and Vinton-Shellsburg.

The season opens Tuesday, Nov. 26 as City High welcomes Dubuque Senior at Colonial Lanes, 2253 Old Hwy. 218 S. in Iowa City at 3:15 p.m.

Two Spartans look to make a big splash for the Little Hawks this season

Kowal, lost five seniors to graduation including Solon’s Grant Bumsted.

2024-25 Iowa City High School boys swimming schedule

Tuesday, Dec. 3 HOME (Mercer Park Aquatic Center) vs. Waterloo

IOWA CITY — Two Solon freshmen, Elliott Hamm and William Thomsen, will don City High red as they swim with the Little Hawks this season. The Little Hawks, under Head Coach Mandi

The season opens Tuesday, Dec. 3 at home (Mercer Park Aquatic Center, 2701 Bradford Drive, Iowa City) with a dual meet against Waterloo West at 6:00 p.m.

Iowa’s unemployment rate increases to 3% in October

Jesse Dougherty, Iowa Workforce Development

DES MOINES — Iowa’s seasonally adjusted unemployment rate increased to 3.0 percent in October amid job cuts in manufacturing and construction. Meanwhile, the state’s labor force participation rate ticked down by 0.1 percentage points to 66.2 percent last month, and the U.S. unemployment rate remained at 4.1 percent in October.

“October’s report provides more indications of Iowans’ worry about the general state of the U.S. economy in the run up to the national election,” said Beth Townsend, Executive Director of Iowa Workforce Development. “Now that we are past the election, we expect employers’ prior hesitation may dissipate. We nonetheless have more than 52,000 jobs posted on iowaworks.

gov for any Iowan looking for a new career. IWD can help match you with an employer who needs what you can offer.”

The number of unemployed Iowans increased to 51,000 in October from 49,400 in September. The total number of working Iowans fell to 1,633,200 in October. This figure is 1,400 lower than September and 19,300 lower than one year ago.

Seasonally Adjusted Nonfarm Employment

Iowa firms shed 3,700 jobs in October, lowering total nonfarm employment to 1,600,200. Goodsproducing businesses, namely construction and manufacturing, showed the most movement since September and shed a combined 3,400 jobs. Service sectors showed significantly less

movement, losing a slight 300 jobs. Government (a sector that includes federal, state, and local political subdivisions, as well as schools, universities, and public hospitals) showed little change since September but remains up 3,500 jobs from one year ago, mostly due to hiring within local governments. Private industry has added 2,600 jobs.

Construction shed 1,800 jobs in October to lead all other sectors. This is the second month in a row that this sector lost jobs. Specialty trade contractors fueled much of the loss in October. Manufacturing also shed jobs this month, paring 1,600 jobs. Durable goods factories shed slightly more than nondurable goods shops. Machinery and transportation equipment factories fueled much of these losses. Smaller drops this month include financial activities (-800),

Tuesday, Jan. 7 AT Cedar Falls (Holmes Jr.

Jan.

Jan. 18 AT Grayhound Invite, Burlington

Tuesday, Jan. 21 AT CR Jefferson

Saturday, Jan. 25 MVC Meet, CR Jefferson High School

trade and transportation (-700), and professional and business services (-600). Alternatively, a few sectors added jobs this month – led by health care and social assistance (+1,100). Social assistance hiring was responsible for much of this monthly gain, although ambulatory health firms also lifted this sector in October. Leisure and hospitality added 600 jobs with hiring split between arts, entertainment, and recreational industries along with accommodations and food services.

Annually, leisure and hospitality leads all sectors with 6,100 jobs added since last October. Eating and drinking establishments have added the most jobs for this sector, although recreational industries have also added jobs over the past 12 months (+1,500). Education and health care has gained 5,900 jobs. Health care and social assistance bolstered this sector with 4,200 jobs added over the year. On the other hand, manufacturing has shed 6,100 jobs annually. Nondurable goods factories account

for most of the jobs shed (-5,000), although durable goods factories have also decreased since last October (-1,100). Professional and business services are down 3,500 jobs. Administrative support and waste management firms lost the most jobs within this sector (-2,500).

Visit www.iowalmi. gov for more information about current and historical data, labor force data, nonfarm employment, hours and earnings, and jobless benefits by county.

Solon Economist

Solon Economist

SOLON SENIORS

NOVEMBER HAPPENINGS ••••

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 319-6242251 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

CALENDAR & PUZZLES

NOVEMBER

Friday, Nov. 22

Catch of the Day

Fried Potatoes & Onions

Cabbage Bake Autumn Gelatin

Monday, Nov. 25

Creamy Sausage Gnocchi

Green & Gold Beans

Garlic Toast Hot Chocolate Mousse

Wednesday, Nov. 27 –Happy Thanksgiving!

Sesame Chicken

Fried Rice

Oriental Slaw

Breadstick

Tootie Frootie Bar

Friday, Nov. 29

CLOSED for Thanksgiving Holiday

Thank you Solon Senior Dining volunteers! “Volunteers do not necessarily have the time, they just have the heart.”

Across

1 Fed the kitty, perhaps

7 Salve

11 #1 pal

— Elizabeth Andrew

14 Hercule’s creator

15 One who might make a comeback?

16 Hebrew name meaning “my God”

17 Much ado about some punctuation?

19 No pro

20 It’s often gained by knocking

Down

1 Sprinkling on a lox bagel

2 What is to be done?

3 Pattern of intersecting stripes

4 Use a spoon, say

5 What Alexander Graham Bell suggested as the standard telephone-answering greeting

6 Thomas Lincoln, familiarly

7 Industry mogul

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.

“I believe that eating breakfast fuels the kids and teaches them how to eat a healthy breakfast to start your day,” said West.

Adult/Guest breakfast: $1.75

Thursday, 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

Tuesday, Nov. 26

Mini Doughnuts (LV/SIS)

G&G Bag (LV) Mini Doughnuts Breakfast Bagel or Bubble Cake Fruit, Juice, Crackers & Milk

Wednesday, Nov. 27 No School

Thursday, Nov. 28 No School, Happy Thanksgiving!

Friday, Nov. 29 No school

For information on the free and reduced program, and an application, go to www.solon.

k12.ia.us/page/nutritionprogram and scroll down to Nutrition Documents & Links.

STUDENT LUNCH PRICES

High School - $2.70

Middle School - $2.60

SIS/Lakeview - $2.55

Reduced - $.40

Adult/Guest lunch: $4.70

Thursday, 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)

Tuesday, Nov. 26

MS/HS Alt: Chicken Tenders

French Toast Sticks, Syrup Egg & Cheese Omelet

Hash Brown

Cucumbers Strawberries & Bananas

Wednesday, Nov. 27 No school Thanksgiving Break

Thursday, Nov. 28

Friday, Nov. 29 No school, Thanksgiving Break

21 Only city that entirely surrounds a country

22 Request from Oliver Twist

23 Nutrition fig.

24 Anger over a grammatically incorrect sentence?

26 She served on the court with Antonin and Anthony

29 Silky fabrics

30 Hunting cap feature

34 1930s vice president John ___ Garner

35 Harsh words regarding the past and the present?

38 Harbor sights

39 Take off

40 Commercial success?

42 Shipmate of Capt. Kirk

46 Brawl over what to call a piece of writing?

50 Toddler’s need, maybe

51 Grassy expanses

52 Regarding

53 Build, as a relationship

55 Possibilities

56 Punny summary of the battle between editor and writer seen in 17-, 24-, 35- and 46-Across?

58 Ornamental pond fish

59 Cross paths

60 Pill bug, e.g.

61 The Middle Ages or the Renaissance

62 ___ Nublar, fictional setting of “Jurassic Park”

63 Ending point of the first marathon

8 Don’t you forget it!

9 Light units

10 Violent sport, for short

11 Flattering, as clothing

12 First city in Europe with paved streets (1339)

13 Touch

18 Gru’s twin brother in the “Despicable Me” franchise

22 Blue lobsters and white tigers, e.g.

24 Half-baked?

25 Drawings that might encounter problems with intellectual property law

27 Consonants articulated with the tongue against the upper teeth

28 Do some grapplin’

31 Was up

32 Big feller?

33 Drug also called “rocket fuel” or “ozone,” for short

35 Absolutely amazing

36 One side of a perpetual war in Orwell’s “Nineteen Eighty-Four”

37 “Stop right there!”

38 Tall and pointy, as ears

41 Uses TurboTax, perhaps

43 Green, say

44 Scenic spot to snorkel

45 Overturns

47 Dirt

48 Climate activist Thunberg

49 Billy Joel’s “Tell ___ About It”

53 Observe Ramadan, in a way

54 “Then again …,” in a text

56 Bon ___

57 K.G.B. rival during the Cold War

To play: Complete the grid so that every row, column and every 3x3 box contains the digits 1 to 9. There is no guessing or math involved, just use logic to solve.

Cost of this publication: $318.63

Fiscal year to date cost: $6949.97

THE JOHNSON COUNTY BOARD OF SUPERVISORS

FORMAL MEETING MINUTES

NOVEMBER 7, 2024

Proclamations and resolutions adopted by the Board of Supervisors are only summarized in the published minutes; the full text may be inspected at the Office of the County Auditor, 913 S. Dubuque Street, Iowa City, Mon. thru Fri., between 8:00 a.m. and 5:00 p.m. and at www.johnsoncountyiowa.gov.

Chairperson Sullivan called the Johnson County Board of Supervisors to order in the Johnson County Health and Human Services Boardroom at 9:00 a.m. Members present: V Fixmer-Oraiz, Jon Green, Lisa Green-Douglass*, Royceann Porter, and Rod Sullivan. *Denotes electronic participation. All actions were taken unanimously. PUBLIC COMMENT Resident Mary McCann thanked the Board for recognizing veterans with the proclamation.

PROCLAMATION NO. 11-07-24-01

RECOGNIZING VETERANS DAY

NOVEMBER 11, 2024

Summary: On Veterans Day, we honor all Americans who have served in the Armed Forces, both in times of war and peace. Johnson County is committed to supporting our veterans in their transition back to civilian life and ensuring they have access to the benefits, resources, and opportunities they have earned. Board Action: The Board recognizes Monday, November 11, 2024, as Veterans Day in Johnson County and encourages residents to observe this day by honoring veterans, past and present. Motion by Green, second by Fixmer-Oraiz, to approve Proclamation No. 11-07-24-01. Veteran Affairs Director Mandy Coates spoke. The following County employees shared their military experience: County Treasurer Scott Finlayson, Treasurer’s Office Clerk II Jason Monthei, Human Resources Employment Manager Ines Beltre Sanchez, Chief Deputy Sheriff/Major Randy Lamm, Lieutenant Chris Wisman, Deputy Sheriff Ryan Quiles, Deputy Sheriff Luther Cassell, and Assistant Attorney Jacob Behnke.

PROCLAMATION NO. 11-07-24-02

ADOPTION MONTH

NOVEMBER 2024

Summary: We recognize the importance of giving children permanent, safe, and loving families through adoption. Board Action: The Board proclaims the month of November as Adoption Month in Johnson County and encourages all residents to recognize the importance of adoption, celebrate the adoptive families in our community, and support efforts to find loving homes for every child in need. Motion by Porter, second by Fixmer-Oraiz, to approve Proclamation No. 11-07-24-02. Four Oaks Family Connections staff Lindsey Phillips and Shannon Hoye and Board Office Media Production and Technology Specialist J.J. Johnson spoke. Motion by Green, second by Fixmer-Oraiz, to

Non-Program Current service area for the department of Historic Poor Farm increased for operating expenses ($12,500).

Other Capital Projects service area for the departments of Technology, Capital Expenditures, and Capital Projects increased for the acquisition and construction of various capital assets ($5,079,716).

Operating Transfer Out of the General Basic Fund to the Capital Projects Fund increased ($500,000).

EXPENDITURES & OPERATING TRANSFERS OUT DECREASED FOR:

Physical Health & Social Services service area for the department of General Basic Grants decreased for operating expenses (-$352,097). Administration service area for the department of Board of Supervisor’s Office decreased for operating expenses (-$3,050).

REVENUES & OPERATING TRANSFERS IN INCREASED FOR:

Increase for Intergovernmental Revenues in the General Basic Fund ($312,000) and Technology Fund ($19,000).

Increase for Charges for Service in the American Rescue Plan Act Fund ($90,000) Increase for Operating Transfers-In from the General Basic Fund to the Capital Projects Fund ($500,000).

After consideration of all comments at said hearing the Board of Supervisors has determined that it will be necessary to amend the Fiscal Year 2025 County Budget, and the amendment does not increase taxes to be collected in the fiscal year ending June 30, 2025. Board Action: Resolved that the following expenditures and revenues for the Fiscal Year 2025 County Budget be amended:

Motion by Fixmer-Oraiz, second by Porter, to approve the minutes of the Formal Meeting of October 31, 2024.

Motion by Fixmer-Oraiz, second by Green, 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 Ruzicka's Meat Processing & Catering as contained in the agenda packet of this meeting.

Motion by Fixmer-Oraiz, second by Porter, to approve the Settlement Agreement with the Iowa Economic Development Authority, Des Moines, and Cedar Ridge Vineyard, LLC, Swisher, for tax credit incentives, as contained in the agenda packet of the meeting.

RESOLUTION NO. 11-07-24-01

AMENDING THE FISCAL YEAR 2025 JOHNSON COUNTY BUDGET

Summary: The Board of Supervisors held a public hearing pursuant to Chapter 331, Code of Iowa, to amend the Fiscal Year 2025 County Budget. The explanation of changes is as follows: EXPENDITURES & OPERATING TRANSFERS OUT INCREASED FOR:

Public Safety & Legal Services service area for the departments of Ambulance, County Sheriff’s Office, Medical Examiner, and Prosecutor Forfeiture Proceeds increased for operating expenses ($570,545).

Physical Health & Social Services service area for the departments of Public Health and Social Services increased for operating expenses ($23,439). County Environment & Education service area for the departments of Planning, Development & Sustainability and General Basic Grants increased for operating expenses ($752,976).

Administration service area for the departments of Human Resources, Information Technology, Finance, and Central Services increased for operating expenses ($65,963).

EXPENDITURE INCREASES (by Service Area): Public Safety & Legal Services service area increases by $570,545 to $40,709,502, County Environment & Education service area increases by $752,976 to $10,360,171, Administration service area increases by $62,913 to $21,144,262, Non-Program Current service area increased by $12,500 to $73,500, Capital Projects service area increases by $5,079,716 to $60,001,243, and Operating Transfers Out increased by $500,000 to $33,911,381.

EXPENDITURE DECREASES (by Service Area): Physical Health & Social Services service area decreases by $328,658 to $33,700,306.

REVENUE INCREASES (by type): Intergovernmental increases by $331,000 to $25,896,523, Charges for Service increases by $90,000 to $5,541,735, and Operating Transfers-In increases by $500,000 to $33,911,381.

Motion by Porter, second by Green, to approve Resolution No. 11-07-24-01 effective November 7, 2024.

RESOLUTION NO. 11-07-24-02

RESOLUTION CHANGING DEPARTMENTAL APPROPRIATIONS

Summary: The Board of Supervisors held a public hearing to amend the Fiscal Year 2025 County Budget. Board Action: Resolved that the following department appropriations be changed as follows:

DEPARTMENT EXPENDITURES (Service Area): Dept. 01- Ambulance (Public Safety & Legal Services service area) increases $460,504 for YTD appropriation of $10,014,090.

Dept. 04- Public Health (Physical Health & Social Services service area) increases $5,653 for YTD appropriation of $6,515,146.

Dept. 05- Board of Supervisors (Administration service area) decreases $3,050 for YTD appropriation of $2,025,296.

Dept. 06– Human Resources (Administration service area) increases $26,153 for YTD appropriation of $824,842.

Dept. 07– Information Technology (Administration service area) increases $9,095 for YTD appropriation of $2,878,095.

Dept. 08- Sheriff’s Office (Public Safety & Legal Services service area) increases $90,000 for YTD appropriation of

$16,370,079.

Dept. 10- Medical Examiner (Public Safety & Legal Services service area) increases $10,041 for YTD appropriation of $1,552,843.

Dept. 15- Finance (Administration service area) increases $10,714 for YTD appropriation of $587,639.

Dept. 18- Central Services (Administration service area) increases $20,000 for YTD appropriation of $2,116,326.

Dept. 19– Planning, Development and Sustainability (County Environment and Education service area) increases $10,552 for YTD appropriation of $2,178,466.

Dept. 20- General Basic Grants (Physical Health & Social Services service area) decreases $352,097 for YTD appropriation of $2,250,712.

Dept. 20- General Basic Grants (County Environment and Education service area) increases $742,424 for YTD appropriation of $1,559,389

Dept. 25- County Farm (Nonprogram Current service area) increases $12,500 for YTD appropriation of $73,500.

Dept. 40- Technology (Other Capital Projects service area) increases $2,996,584 for YTD appropriation of $5,847,266.

Dept. 44- Capital Expenditures (Other Capital Projects service area) increases $1,993,132 for YTD appropriation of $6,897,638.

Dept. 45- Social Services (Physical Health & Social Services service area) increases $17,787 for YTD appropriation of $3,068,641.

Dept. 69- Prosecutor Forfeiture Proceeds (Public Safety & Legal Services service area) increases $10,000 for YTD appropriation of $19,500.

Dept. 85- Capital Projects (Other Capital Projects service area) increases $90,000 for YTD appropriation of $14,890,400.

Motion by Fixmer-Oraiz, second by Porter, to approve Resolution No. 11-0724-02 effective November 7, 2024. RESOLUTION NO. 11-07-24-03 DESIGNATING ADDITIONAL FUNDS TO BE TRANSFERRED FROM THE GENERAL BASIC FUND TO THE CAPITAL PROJECTS FUND IN THE FY25 BUDGET

Summary: It desired to make periodic transfers of the budgeted amount from the General Basic Fund to the Capital Projects Fund during the 2025 Fiscal Year as needed. Due to ongoing capital project costs, the potential of a fund deficit occurring was identified during the budget amendment process requiring additional unassigned monies that are available for use in the General Basic Fund, and the additional amount to be transferred is $500,000. Board Action: Resolved that the Auditor is authorized to make periodic transfers from the General Basic Fund to the Capital Projects Fund during the 2025 Fiscal Year as funds are needed and available, not to exceed the sum of $8,700,000. Motion by Green, second by Porter, to approve Resolution No. 11-07-24-03 effective November 7, 2024. Motion by Fixmer-Oraiz, second by Porter, to approve the Welcoming Certification Agreement with Welcoming America, Decatur, Georgia, for pursuing a 1-star Welcoming Certification designation, as contained in the agenda packet of the meeting.

Sullivan determined agenda item 1. F -Consider suspending the Johnson County Employee Bus Pass Subsidy Program has been addressed by the Planning, Development, and Sustainability department and no further action is needed from the Board.

RESOLUTION NO. 11-07-24-04

RESOLUTION DESIGNATING THE BOARD OFFICE EXECUTIVE DIRECTOR, FINANCE DIRECTOR, TREASURER AND DEPUTY AUDITOR AS JOHNSON COUNTY REPRESENTATIVES FOR THE PURPOSE OF PROVISIONING GOVCONNECTIOWA

ACCESS

Summary: GovConnectIowa is a platform through which Johnson County of-

fices and departments interact with Iowa Department of Revenue and requires local governments to designate a representative or multiple representatives of its pre-existing authority to act for the taxpayer by completing and submitting a representative certification. The designated representatives can then authorize other users to interact with government agencies via GovConnectIowa on behalf of the County. Board Action: Resolved that Johnson County designates the Board Office Executive Director, the Finance Director, Treasurer, and the Deputy Auditor as Johnson County representatives for the purpose of provisioning GovConnectIowa access on behalf of the County. Motion by Fixmer-Oraiz, second by Porter, to approve Resolution No. 11-07-24-04 effective November 7, 2024.

Motion by Green, second by Fixmer-Oraiz, to approve the 2025 Urban County Coalition Legislative Priorities, as contained in the agenda packet of this meeting. Sullivan deferred item G. Closed Session- Real Estate to a future Board Meeting.

Adjourned at 9:47 a.m.

/s/ Rod Sullivan, Chair, Board of Supervisors

Attest: /s/ Erin Shane, Auditor

On the 14th 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 14, 2024.

Sent to the Board of Supervisors on November 8, 2024, at 11:00 a.m. Published in the Solon Economist November 21, 2024.

SOLON CITY COUNCIL

SOLON CITY HALL SOLON, IOWA NOVEMBER 6, 2024

Pledge of Allegiance Mayor Dan O’Neil called to order the regular City Council meeting at 5:30 pm. Roll Call: Steve Duncan, John Farlinger, Cole Gabriel, Andrew Kramer. Absent: Lauren Whitehead. Also Present: City Administrator Cami Rasmussen, Public Works Director Scott Kleppe, City Attorney Kevin Olson, City Engineer Dave Schechinger,City Clerk Susie Siddell, Librarian Liz King and Travis Schmidt Finance Officer. Civility Pledge. Motion by Farlinger to approve the agenda. Seconded by Gabriel. Roll Call Vote. Duncan, Farlinger, Gabriel and Kramer. All Ayes. Motion Carried. 4-0. Citizen Speak: None Consent Agenda: Motion by Gabriel to approve the regular meeting minutes for October 16, 2024, list of bills, treasurer’s report and transfers, building permits and beer and liquor license approval – LC0037235 Eastwood’s. Seconded by Duncan. Roll Call Vote: Duncan, Farlinger, Gabriel and Kramer. All Ayes. Motion Carried. 4-0.

Councilperson Lauren Whitehead arrived Via Zoom at 5:33 pm

Fire Department Report: Mayor O’Neil stated the next Agency meeting was Wednesday, November 13th. Sheriff’s Department Report: None Public Works Director Report: Kleppe informed Council they had started flushing hydrants on Monday and had also started leaf pickup.

Library Report: King discussed a survey that had been put together informing Council there is an increase with the electrical devices. King stated Saturday will be another “Fun for all Night” with games starting at 6pm and the movie “Trolls Band Together” starting at 7pm. King stated the week of Thanksgiving the library will be closed Thursday through Saturday. City Engineer Report: Schechinger stated they have received the preliminary plat for Trail Ridge Part 3.

They have been looking at the layout for the new WWTP. Schechinger stated they are busy going over site plans. City Attorney Report: None PUBLIC HEARING: Rezoning Application for Fox Ridge Part OneA Lot 4 and Lot 5: Motion by Farlinger to open the public hearing. Seconded by Kramer. Roll Call Vote: Duncan, Farlinger, Gabriel, Kramer and Whitehead. All Ayes. Motion Carried. 5-0.

Rasmussen stated these lots have had multiple proposals and this proposal is from Solon Housing Community Group. Rasmussen stated Planning & Zoning had reviewed and approved the concept. Rasmussen stated this would be in two phases with the second phase at a later date. The lots will need to be rezoned from Commercial General to R-3 Residential. Farlinger stated he liked the idea but had concerns if project did not move forward. Olson stated if rezoned and project does not go forward it would go back to original zoning at developers cost. Mayor O’Neil questioned if there were any comments. There were none. Motion by Farlinger to close the public hearing. Seconded by Gabriel. Roll Call Vote: Duncan, Farlinger, Gabriel, Kramer and Whitehead. All Ayes. Motion Carried. 5-0. City Zoning Map Update 2024: Motion by Gabriel to open the public hearing. Seconded by Kramer. Roll Call Vote: Duncan, Farlinger, Gabriel, Kramer and Whitehead. All Ayes. Motion Carried. 5-0. Rasmussen stated this concerned the zoning map updates, public notice was needed. Mayor O’Neil questioned if there were any comments. There were none. Motion by Farlinger to close the public hearing. Seconded by Gabriel. Roll Call Vote: Duncan, Farlinger, Gabriel, Kramer and Whitehead. All Ayes. Motion Carried. 5-0 NEW BUSINESS: Sara Towne – Animal Order Hearing: Olson stated Sara Towne has been given notice to remove an animal on October 14, 2024. Olson stated there had been complaints of a vicious animal, two of the complaints – May 30th and July 8th – were investigated by the sheriff’s office. Rasmussen had issued a vicious animal warning letter after the first date but there was another incident a

reading of Ordinance No. 488. Seconded by Gabriel. Roll Call Vote: Duncan, Farlinger, Gabriel, Kramer and Whitehead. All Ayes. Motion Carried. 5-0.

North Market Square Phase 2 Site Plan

Amendment: Rasmussen stated the first phase of Neil Erusha’s project was approved in 2022. He is now wanting to work on the second phase. Jerry Waddilove the contractor for the project is present to discuss the underground water system.

Waddilove stated the current underground water system on the original site plan is very expensive, he has submitted a revised storm water plan, it is a dry bottom basin.

Waddilove stated there would be seven parking spaces lost. Farlinger stated they will be short a total of sixteen spaces, Rasmussen stated 36 spaces are required.

Council discussed parking issues with Kleppe stating in the future curb and gutter being done on Cedar Street which will help with parking. Over flow may also park at the Solon State Bank parking lot. Farlinger stated they should be cautious of being short of parking spaces, not wanting to end up way short and feels uncomfortable if short ten or so spaces. Whitehead stated she felt Solon would have parking issues no matter what but felt comfortable with the change. Gabriel stated he is hesitant. Duncan stated he felt ten spaces short seemed high. Erusha questioned 121 W. Main and the parking for that building. Rasmussen stated back when building was built decisions were different and made by a different council. The current council is very focused on parking. Motion by Duncan to approve the North Market phase 2 Site Plan Amendment with having no more than one restaurant. Seconded by Kramer. Roll Call Vote. Ayes: Duncan, Farlinger, Kramer and Whitehead. Nay: Gabriel. Motion Carried. 4-1. Ordinance No. 489 City Zoning Map 2024: Rasmussen stated this was updating the 2024 Zoning Map. Motion by Farlinger to approve the first reading or Ordinance. No. 489. Seconded by Duncan. Roll Call Vote: Duncan, Farlinger, Gabrie., Kramer and Whitehead. All Ayes. Motion Carried. 5-0

Resolution No. 24-33 City Map Update

2024: Rasmussen informed Council residents will be able to view on the website and will be computer friendly. Motion by Farlinger to approve Resolution No. 2433. Seconded by Gabriel. Roll Call Vote: Duncan, Farlinger, Gabriel, Kramer and Whitehead. All Ayes. Motion Carried. 5-0. FY24 End of Year Financial Update: Schmidt went over with council Fy24 year end updates and listed all the major projects the city had. Councilman Farlinger left 6:40 pm Resolution No. 24-34 FY24 Year End Transfers: Motion by Duncan to approve Resolution No. 24-34 approving FY24 year end transfers. Seconded by Gabriel. Roll Call Vote: Duncan, Gabriel, Kramer and Whitehead. All Ayes. Motion Carried. 4-0.

FY25 First Quarter Financial Update: Schmidt went over FY25 first quarter update and discussed expenditures and revenues.

Other Business: Council Committee Report: Sidewalks – Rasmussen stated staff reviews each year.

Police – Rasmussen stated staff had met with Lieutenant Wisman to discuss a stray animal procedure.

City Clerk Report: None City Administrator Comments: Rasmussen stated City Hall will be closed for Veteran’s Day. There will be a Board of Adjustment meeting November 12th and a Planning and Zoning meeting November 26th. Council Comments: None Mayor Comments: None Motion by Duncan to adjourn the meeting at 6:55 pm. Seconded by Gabriel. All Ayes. Motion Carried. 4-0. ATTEST: Susie Siddell, City Clerk Dan O’Neil, Mayor Published in the Solon Economist November 21, 2024.

$125.00

RASMUSSEN, CAMI CELL REIMB. $60.00

RICHARDS, DAVE CELL REIMB. $60.00

RICHARDSON, KRIS CELL REIMB. $60.00

RICKARD SIGN & DESIGN TRUCK

SIGNS-LOGO $255.00 RJZ EXPRESS FUEL $300.49

SCHIMBERG CO PIPE $210.39 SEE, JACOB CELL REIMB. $40.00 SOLON COMMUNITY SCHOOL SWIM

LESSON TRANSPORTATION $1,336.68 SOLON HARDWARE SUPPLIES $20.97 SOLON SENIOR SUPPORT CHAIR YOGA $60.00 SOUTH SLOPE COOPERATIVE TELEPH

PHONE-INTERNET $1,486.38

STEBRAL, RYAN CELL REIMB. $40.00

SUSIE SIDDELL CELL REIMB. $60.00

ULTRA BRIGHT LIGHTZ TAILGATE BAR $488.77

UNITYPOINT CLINIC-OCCUPATIONAL DRUG TESTING $84.00

OF IOWA HEALTH CARE DRUG TESTING $148.00 US POSTMASTER WATER BILL MAILING $788.48

VAN WINKLE-JACOB INSPECTOR FEES

Published in the Solon Economist November 21, 2024.

Johnson County Conservation Department hosts last seed harvest of the year

Volunteers with Johnson County Conservation harvest native seeds to help preserve Iowa’s prairies and support local ecosystems.

Shaely Odean

The Daily Iowan

Lois Albrecht grew up on a small farm in southeast Iowa. As children, Albrecht and her siblings played outside often, which is where she gained her love for the outdoors.

Her passion for the outdoors directly transferred to her participation in many seed harvests for Johnson County’s Conservation Department.

The seasonal naturalist for Johnson County has been participating in these harvests for 15 years. Although Albrecht could not make it to the Nov. 12 harvest, which was the last harvest of the year, she still recognizes the importance of community participation.

“Harvesting seed is really nice because it’s a tangible activity. I mean, if you spend an hour, you’ve got a bucket with some kind of seeds in it, and it’s really enjoyable,” Albrecht said.

The Nov. 12 harvest was held at Williams Prairie State Preserve in Oxford, Iowa. Harvest Educational Specialist Kristen Morrow led the harvest and noted the

importance of community members’ help.

“It’s super helpful to us to have volunteers. We’re able to bring in huge amounts of seeds, even if we have 10 to 20 people attend the event, it’s way more than what two or three staff members could devote on their own,” Morrow said.

Morrow and participating volunteers focused on harvesting seeds from bottle gentian. According to Northern Woodlands Magazine, this native flowering plant in northeastern North America attracts mainly bumblebees.

These seeds will be reseeded at a wetland in Cedar River Crossing to restore it, as it has struggled to thrive in the extreme drought Iowa has faced over the past couple of years. Morrow said harvesting the seeds of the bottle gentian provides a financial opportunity for Johnson County.

“It allows us to have seed from local areas, so the local genotype for the seed allows us as a conservation agency to not need to buy that seed, so we can spend less money on buying new seed,” Morrow said.

According to Iowa State University’s natural resource stewardship, prairie land cover in Iowa has been reduced to a tenth of a percent since European settlement.

“Well, there is no way that we’re going to get back the 99 percent of Iowa which was once prairie because it’s almost entirely farmland, cities, shopping malls, and all highways now,” Albrecht said.

Johnson County Conservation is striving to preserve and restore prairie and wetlands in the area with the community’s help, Conservation Program Manager Brad Freidhof said.

Morrow said this process is also a small way of contributing to solving climate change. Prairie roots sequester a large amount of carbon and, by extension, store it in the soil.

“The more that we can continue to play some small role in mitigating the amount of carbon emissions that are in the atmosphere, the more we are contributing to solving the climate crisis,” Morrow said.

According to the Iowa Association of Naturalists, prairies provide food, habitats, and protection from predators.

“It’s important to preserve some examples of prairie throughout the state so people can understand what was once here, and it’s also important because it provides habitat for insects, reptiles and small mammals,” Albrecht said.

Freidhof and Morrow both noted the importance of protecting and restoring prairie lands to revive some of the beauty before European settlements.

“We’re trying to protect those minuscule postage stamp pieces of habitats so we can piece them together to build an ecosystem that sustains us all. Because our survival on this planet is all due to a few inches of fertile soil and rainfall that comes hopefully every year,” Freidhof said.

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Front and above: The early morning sky was

Photos by Lindy Hopp | Contributed photos