Solon Economist — 11.28.24 by Student Publications, Inc.

All of us at the Solon Economist hope you had a wonderful Thanksgiving full of things to be thankful for.

All of us at the Solon Economist wish you a Happy Thanksgiving!

The Season is upon us

Chris Umscheid | Solon Economist

Left: A young girl goes through her Christmas wishes while Santa Claus pays close attention during the 2023 Solon Christmas Tree Walk. The Jolly Old Elf will return to Solon Saturday, Dec. 7 at 12:30 p.m. for the 2024 edition at the Solon Methodist Church’s Family Life Center, and will also visit with children at the Solon American Legion Stinocher Post 460 Saturday, Dec. 14 at 11:00 a.m. Right: A family looks for a patriotic ornament on one of several Christmas trees on display during the 2023 Solon Christmas Tree Walk at the Solon United Methodist Church’s Family Life Center. Participants in a scavenger hunt sought ornaments with the theme of “Let Freedom Ring.”

Christmas in Solon starts with annual Christmas Tree Walk & Arts Festival Dec. 7

Solon Economist

SOLON — The Christmas Season kicks off in grand style Saturday, Dec. 7 as the annual Christmas Tree Walk and Arts Festival returns to the Solon United Methodist Church’s Family Life Center.

This year’s event will feature an expanded arts and crafts show with local vendors, a bake sale, homemade

soup, sandwiches, and pies as well as fresh cookies baked while you wait.

A silent auction will be held for baskets overflowing with a bounty of goodies.

The Christmas Tree Walk will feature several pun trees with QR codes that can be scanned for the answer as well as a scavenger hunt. Those who find all of the ornaments in the scavenger hunt will be rewarded with a free cookie.

And, as usual, Santa will break away from the North Pole to make a special visit. The Jolly Old Elf will arrive at 12:30 p.m. and visit with kids of all ages until 2:30 p.m.

The Family Life Center is located across from the Solon United Methodist Church at 122 N. West St. in Solon.

Lights that Give Life to Days; Local community volunteers present Holiday Lights at the Lake

Annual event benefitting The Bird House Hospice Home of Johnson County now open through New Year’s Eve

Holiday Lights at the Lake Committee

IOWA CITY — The holidays in Eastern Iowa keep getting brighter thanks to Holiday Lights at the Lake. Entering its 4th year, Holiday Lights at the Lake, featuring a mile-long route of large, animated and dazzling light displays at the West Overlook Campground in Iowa City, offers an enchanting experience for all ages.

This event is open every night Thanksgiving Eve through New Year’s Eve and is organized and operated completely by volunteers! Holiday Lights at the Lake is honored to become a beloved tradition in the greater Iowa City area, creating and fostering long lasting memories for all. Viewers can enjoy the curated professional light displays that have been sponsored by local businesses. Each year, new displays and enhancements are added. Visitors should look forward to seeing the new “Farming in Iowa” section and as always, every person will receive a complimentary candy cane and treats for dogs too! Most nights offer a drive-through experience, but Wednesday evenings are closed to vehicles to offer a walking experience for guests who prefer to stroll through the event at their own pace. Cherished “Meet Your Local Heroes” night will be Wednesday, December 4, and “Glow in the Park” night will be Wednesday, December 18!

Wednesday, December 25 (Christmas) will be a drive-through due to the holiday, but all other Wednesdays will be a walk-through night as long as winter temperatures allow.

Chris Umscheid | Solon Economist

The 4th annual Holliday Lights at the Lake, a mile-long display of lighted features, is now open and runs through New Years Eve at the West Overlook Campground in Iowa City to benefit The Bird House Hospice House of Johnson County.

Details

Admission for vehicles starts at $10 for regularly sized family vehicles (car, SUV, mini-van), and is higher for larger vehicles (limos, buses, etc.). On Walk-through Wednesdays, the cost is $5 per person, with children 2 and under entering for free.

Hours are SundayThursday, 5:30 - 8:30 p.m. and Friday and Saturday, 5:00 – 9:00 p.m.

Santa & Mrs. Claus are expected to be at the event every Wednesday and Sunday evening before Christmas!

Tickets may be purchased in advance through Eventbrite (www. eventbrite.com), or cash at the gate is accepted to avoid added fees.

A benefit for the Bird House Hospice Home

All proceeds of this community event support Iowa’s only independent residential hospice home. The Bird House Hospice Home of Johnson County is one of only 81 such Omega Home Network homes in the U.S.

Its staff and volunteers have been dedicated to compassionate endof-life care since 2016. Since opening, they have cared for more than 420 hospice guests, their families, and friends in a compassionate home-like environment. Proceeds from this exciting event and legacy fundraiser enable the important work of The Bird House to

continue into the future.

Be sure to put Holiday Lights at the Lake on your “bucket list” this holiday season. For more information about the event,

volunteer opportunities and The Bird House, visit holidaylightsatthelake.com and follow along with their exciting updates on social media!

The 4th annual Holliday Lights at the Lake, a mile-long display of lighted

Great weather and a generous community for Mac Bride’s Pride 4-H Club’s can drive

The Mac Bride’s Pride 4-H Club held a can drive Saturday, Nov. 23 with 117 large bags of cans donated. According to The Can Shed, at 240 cans/bag, that’s approximately 28,080 cans for redemption.

“We had wonderful weather and amazing can donations from the community!” said Beth Craig, an adult leader with the club. “This is a great help for us to provide educational opportunities for Mac Bride’s Pride 4-H members.”

MacBride’s Pride Club and MacBride’s Clover Kids are also extending an invitation to Solon’s kids (K-12) to visit a club meeting and consider joining. Contact Beth Craig at rbcraig6@gmail.com for meeting dates and times.

Success in the classrooms for Solon CSD

Iowa Department of Education releases new state school performance ratings and federal designations

Solon Economist

SOLON — The Iowa Department of Education (IDOE) recently released new Iowa School Performance Profiles for the 202324 school year, marking the first time new state school performance ratings and federal designations have been determined using an updated state plan for school accountability and support.

“Our performance profiles provide critical, transparent information for families, educators, and communities on how our schools are serving all students,” said Iowa Department of Education Director McKenzie Snow. “Built with the feedback of thousands of Iowans, our new, world-class accountability system celebrates school success and supports continuous improvement, focusing resources on the classroom and what has the greatest impact on student achievement and growth. The Department will continue to partner with schools in need of support to accelerate student learning through high-quality instructional materials and practices, evi -

dence-based professional learning, leadership coaching, and learner engagement.”

This is the first year of designations and ratings using Iowa’s new accountability system, which includes a streamlined set of core indicators including proficiency results in English language arts, mathematics, science, student academic growth, chronic absenteeism, graduation rates and postsecondary readiness.

A snapshot of the Solon Community School District (SCSD)

For 2024 the Iowa Department of Education has Solon’s enrollment at 1,438 from kindergarten through high school seniors. 94.1% of the students are white, 2.6% Hispanic, 2.4% Multi-racial with 0.4% Asian, 0.3% Black, and 0.1% Hawaiian/Pacific Islander. Males make up 51.4% of the student body with 48.5% female and 0.1% identifying as “non-binary.”

Students with disabilities (IEP) are 6.8% of the student population, 0.1% are English Learners (English as a second language), and 6.7% are considered Low Socio-Economic Status (Free and Reduced Lunch program).

Academic Performance measured ISASP participation

IDOE’s report includes a number of performance metrics comparing the SCSD to the state average with several performance categories based on the Iowa Statewide

Assessment of Student Progress (ISASP), formerly the Iowa Test of Basic Skills. In other words, it is a snapshot in time of the SCSD. The IDOE expects all students to take the ISASP or Dynamic Learning Maps (DLM), an alternate assessment. Measurements show the percentage of students who were assessed in English language arts, math, and science. 99.71% took the science assessment (98.57% state average), 99.9% took the mathematics assessment (98.82% state average), and 99.9% took the English language arts assessment (98.9% state average) for an ISASP participation composite of 99.87% (98.82% state average). It was noted at the SCSD Board of Director’s meeting Tuesday, Nov. 19 that the less than 100% participation is due to some IEP students taking the DLM assessments instead of the ISASP.

SCSD shows improvements in absenteeism

The state has undertaken efforts to address chronic absenteeism and the SCSD has seen improvement. Chronic absenteeism, defined by the IDOE as students who miss more than 10% of school days, for any reason. Students who are deemed chronically absent are at risk of falling behind, which threatens their chances at success in school.

Solon Schools have seen a 5.1% growth in attendance over the previous year (2.18% state average) and has one of the lowest rates of chronic absenteeism in the state at 3.25%

STAFF

Advertising

for additional information. Subscription rates: Johnson and adjoining counties – $55 annually; elsewhere In Iowa – $75 annually; out of state –$85 annually.

Chris Umscheid | Solon Economist

features, is now open and runs through New Years Eve at the West Overlook Campground in Iowa City to benefit The Bird House Hospice House of Johnson County.

Contributed photo

Front row (From left) - Leader Mark Pence, Kacey Craig, Mackenzie Craig, 2024 Johnson County Fair Queen Madison Singbeil, Mackenna Craig, Emily Pence, and Leader Beth Craig. Back row – Gidyon Kleinsmith and Abe Singbeil

vs. a state average of 21.63%

Graduation rates

95.28% of Solon’s high school students graduate after four years vs. a state average of 87.46% and 100% had graduated after five years vs. a state average of 89.65%.

Growth and Proficiency measurements

The SCSD showed 52% growth in English Language Arts on the ISASP and 59% growth in mathematics vs. a state average of 50%

83.38% of Solon’s students were proficient in math-

Happy holidays! Friendly reminder for everyone – the Solon Public Library is closed for Thanksgiving from Thursday, November 28 through Saturday, November 30. We will reopen with regular hours on Monday, December 2. Our website calendar is always up-to-date with the latest holiday or special hours.

Library Events

Hit the town on Saturday, December 7, to enjoy the holiday festivities. The Friends of the Solon Public Library will host their annual Holiday Puzzle Sale from 8:00 a.m.-Noon in the Library’s community meeting room. As always, the Friends’ items are available for a free-will donation, and all funds continue to support the Friends’ mission of providing funding for Library programs. Once you’ve done a little shopping at the Library be sure to head over to the Solon United Methodist Church’s Holiday Tree Walk and enjoy the local businesses for more shopping right here in Solon!

Help us spread holiday cheer with the Toys for Tots campaign, bring your new, unwrapped toys by Saturday, December 7.

It's the last call to register for our Annual Gingerbread House Decorating Workshop, registration closes on Saturday, November 30! 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 Saturday, December 14, at 10:00 a.m. or Noon. Visit our website calendar to register or call the Library with questions.

Each month crafters join us for DIY Night, a night for learning and creating. It’s a great opportunity to learn a new skill or craft and enjoy a social night with friends and neighbors. Register to join us Tuesday, December 10, at 6:30 p.m. as we craft melted snowman ornaments, a perfect decoration for the season to gift or adorn your own tree. DIY Night is for adults and young adults, registration is required.

December’s Fun For All Night is Saturday, December 14, and is sure to be the perfect night out for the season! All-ages can enjoy gym time starting at 6:00 p.m. and the movie, The Polar Express [G] at 7:00 p.m. Fun for All Night takes place in the gym at the Solon Community Center, and is brought to you by the Solon Public Library and Solon Recreation Dept.

Save the date to ring in the NOON Year with us! On Saturday, December 28, we’ll celebrate Noon Year’s Eve at the Solon United Methodist Church’s Family Life Center gymnasium. We’ll enjoy crafts and games starting at 11:30 a.m. then a balloon drop at Noon, and more time for activities until 12:30 p.m.

Spread Holiday

Cheer by Gifting to an IAble Account

ematics (69.81% state average), 84.4% were proficient in English language arts (72.72% state average), and 77.97% proficiency was demonstrated on the ISASP in science (61.55% state average).

College classes popular with Solon

HS students

99.05 of Solon’s high school seniors (2022-2023 school year) earned college credit while in high school vs. 68.99% statewide with 12.38% engaged in workbased learning (college courses leading to certification). SCSD Schools earn positive ratings

Library Access

Regular Library hours are Monday-Thursday, 9:00 a.m.-7:00 p.m. and Friday-Saturday, 9:00 a.m.-5:00 p.m. Closed Sundays. As we approach the holiday season and winter weather, please always refer to our website calendar or call to check hours.

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?

Kick off your holidays with a movie! These are a few of the latest to arrive at the Library - and don’t forget to check out a holiday classic to enjoy!

Journey to Bethlehem . This live-action Christmas musical adventure for the entire family weaves classic Christmas melodies with humor, faith, and new pop songs in a retelling of the greatest story ever told: the story of Mary and Joseph and the birth of Jesus. [PG]

Blink Twice. When tech billionaire Slater King (Channing Tatum) meets cocktail waitress Frida (Naomi Ackie) at his fundraising gala, he invites her to join him and his friends for a dream vacation on his private island. Wild nights soon blend into sunsoaked days, but when strange things start to happen, Frida must uncover the truth if she hopes to make it out alive. [R]

It Ends With Us . Lily Bloom (Blake Lively) moves to Boston to chase her lifelong dream of opening her own business. A chance meeting with charming neurosurgeon Ryle Kincaid (Justin Baldoni) soon sparks an intense connection, but as the two fall deeply in love, she begins to see sides of Ryle that remind her of her parents' relationship. When Lily's first love, Atlas Corrigan, suddenly reenters her life, her relationship with Ryle gets upended, leaving her with an impossible choice. Based on the bestselling novel by Colleen Hoover. [PG-13]

The Marlow Murder Club (Season 1). Retired archaeologist and crossword setter Judith Potts believes that a brutal murder has taken place in the sleepy town of Marlow; when the police refuse to believe her story, she kicks off a private investigation with two unlikely friends. From PBS Masterpiece based on the novel, The Marlow Murder Club by Robert Thorogood.

a difference,” said Smith. “Contributing to a loved one’s IAble account is a meaningful way to support their well-being and independence.”

IAble, Iowa’s Achieving a Better Life Experience plan, provides an opportunity to save for housing, food, support services, transportation, education, assistive technology and other disability-related expenses without affecting eligibility for federal benefits. Additionally, IAble accounts provide tax advantages to maximize the benefits of saving. There are no annual taxes on the account earnings, there are no federal or state taxes on money withdrawn to pay for Qualified Disability Expenses and any Iowa taxpayer can deduct up to $5,500 in contributions from their state income taxes in 2024.

“Giving to a loved one’s IAble account enables family and friends to actively participate in enhancing the quality of life for their loved one. Your gift can make a significant impact in the life of someone living with a disability,” concluded Smith.

Visit IAble.gov for more information. Connect with the Treasurer on Facebook, Instagram and X, to stay informed of updates and news. For details about IAble, review the Plan Disclosure Booklet at www. iable.gov.

The IDOE determines if schools need additional support or not, and assign an overall score and rating. Lakeview Elementary – No support required, 451.05 overall score, “Commendable.”

Solon High School – No support required, 664.95 overall score, “High Performing.”

Solon Intermediate School – No support required, 451.05 overall score, “Commendable.”

Solon Middle School – No support required, 549.01 overall score, “Exceptional.”

The full report can be viewed online at www. iaschoolperformance.gov/ECP/StateDistrictSchool/ DistrictSummary?k=9140&y=2024.

Office of the Iowa State Treasurer

DES MOINES — This holiday season, State Treasurer Roby Smith invites family and friends to give the gift of financial freedom to individuals with disabilities through contributions to their IAble account.

spirit of the holidays is about giving and making

OPINIONS

Christmas trees and other frivolities

Food for Thought

Milli Gilbaugh

When you've finally dealt with the leftovers and gotten back on the diet, it's time to think seriously about Christmas. You've probably already put up the Christmas tree, most people do these days, especially if they have a good-looking artificial tree that won't have to be watered for almost a month. I remember when the only artificial trees scarcely resembled real evergreen trees at all.

If you remember those cheap tissue-paper imitation Hawaiian leis that were about an inch in diameter, you can imagine little paper trees that were merely the same green paper “needles” twisted on wire rather than string and fastened to a central stick. None of them ever fooled anyone into thinking they were real trees and most of them were just small, table-top decorations. There was a brief period of plastic trees, inconveniently heavy and soon banished as fire hazards, followed by shiny aluminum ones that, because they were made of metal, could not be festooned with electric lights. Somewhere along about that time, flocked trees had a period of fame.

Department store displays probably were the cause of the mad desire to have a tree that seemed to be laden with freshly-fallen snow. It wasn't long before you could have your tree “flocked” by being sprayed with sticky cellulose fibers or do it yourself with shaving cream or even shredded coconut (neither very successful, but people did try.) Soon to follow were trees flocked with pastel-tinted “snow.” First pink, closely followed by baby blue, lavender and aqua. Fortunately the practice faded pretty much before we had to suffer through fire engine red, navy blue, and purple (I don't suppose there would have been much demand for forest green if things had gone that far.)

The holiday decorations in my family seldom varied from year to year. Even those dangly tinsel “icicles” were carefully removed and wrapped in tissue paper for re-use the next year. They were not the lightweight plastic ones we have today, but made of heavy, leaded foil – crimped to add sparkle and blue on one side, silver on the other. Blown glass ornaments were few and treasured. Even chipped and broken ones, if mostly intact, were used. Most of the tree ornaments seemed to have been purchased separately, with only one set of nine similar ones that might have come in a box together. There were two delicate glass birds with shimmery glass fiber tails that were attached to the tree by clips rather than hooks. One string of eight flame-shaped colored lights, sometimes nestled in spun glass “angel hair” gave off a dim glow. Nearly all tree ornaments (except for the ones we made ourselves) were of blown glass and made in Germany. It seemed appropriate, since the idea of a decorated tree originated in Germany with Martin Luther and was introduced to the rest of the world by Prince Albert's gift of a decorated tree to his bride, the young Queen Victoria.

Some people today decorate their entire houses for Christmas, inside and out, but the only decorations, aside from the tree or an occasional table centerpiece, that I remember are two tissue paper wreaths framing electric candles that were placed in windows for the benefit of passers-by. These had to be placed in windows with access to electric outlets, and sometimes required an elaborate arrangement of extension cords.

Until the early fifties, most of our Christmas trees were scrawny Douglas firs that required our filling in gaps with tissue paper garlands or construction paper chains. Before the advent of cut-your-own tree farms, Dad sometimes arranged with farmers he knew for us to cut a tree on their property.

We decorated the tree on Christmas Eve and put our own real stockings on the floor under the tree before going to bed. We never had special Christmas stockings hanging from the fireplace mantle like the ones we saw on Christmas cards. Well, we didn't have a fireplace, for one thing, and our longest, stretchiest winter stockings could hold a lot more goodies than one of those magazine-inspired, felt stockings with our names spelled out in glittery sequins.

More access to government, not more secrecy, is needed

Stray Thoughts

citizens well for 50 years.

I was asked to speak last week at the annual conference of the National Freedom of Information Coalition. My remarks boiled down to a simple message: The public needs more information *about* their governments, not more secrecy *from* their governments.

I explained a troubling trend I see worming its way through local governments in Iowa. This trend cuts at the heart of the public meeting law that has served our state and its

Open meetings of government boards, councils and commissions give the tax-paying public a seat from which they can monitor what government boards are doing — or not doing.

That is the purpose the Legislature had in mind when it wrote the meetings law. Wise lawmakers believed it was important for citizens to be able to witness discussions among school board members, city council members and county supervisors. Lawmakers understood that by listening to these debates, the give-and-take, and the explanations of issues, people would be better able to understand the basis and rationale for government decisions.

The reality in some communities, unfortunately, differs from that feel-good, good-government mission statement lawmakers wrote. In some communities, government boards exclude Joe and Jane Citizen from having access to those discussions.

They are excluded because government officials have decided to put their own convenience and a desire to avoid uncomfortable public debate of embarrassing or controversial topics ahead of the interests of the residents of the school district, city or county.

The Iowa Freedom of Information Council has been involved in two cases in recent months that illustrate an all-too-common practice that is contrary to the spirit, if not the letter, of the open meetings law.

Orange City is a fine community of 6,300 people in Sioux County. The city was settled by Dutch immigrants 160 years ago, and the community honors that heritage each spring with a colorful tulip festival.

Recently, the Sioux County Capital-Democrat broke the news that members of the Orange City City Council and City Administrator Earl Woudstra have been able to schedule what are called a series of “2x2 meetings” of council members, mayor and administrator to discuss issues without the pesky presence of the public.

Each gathering includes less than a quorum of council members. Because there is not a quorum, the gathering is not considered an official meeting. No public notice of the gathering is posted at City Hall. No minutes are kept or published.

When the Legislature wrote the open meetings law, lawmakers conveyed their intent with this clear policy statement in the first paragraph: “Ambiguity in the construction or application of this chapter should be resolved in favor of openness.”

The Orange City 2x2 controversy bubbled into

LETTER TO THE EDITOR

Giving Tuesday – An opportunity to do good for good causes

This year “Giving Tuesday” is December 3, 2024. The Tuesday after Thanksgiving is designated as an international day of giving at the beginning of the holiday season. “Giving Tuesday” was created in 2012 as a day that encourages people to “do good”. Go to the website givingtuesday.org to learn more about this global generosity movement.

Since 2014 my late husband, Ron, and I have

public knowledge when the Capital-Democrat obtained emails city officials had exchanged with each other about whether to change the city’s ordinance that restricts raising chickens in the city. After several people voiced their opinions during a city council meeting, the council postponed a decision. Afterward, members exchanged emails with the city administrator about various options.

Finally, in July, Councilman Rod DeBoer sent this email to his colleagues: “I have asked Earl if we can have a 2x2 meeting with council members to get a direction as to how people will vote. No more council room debates/feedback.”

Three such private gatherings were held. The mayor and one council member attended the first. The mayor and two other council members were at the second. And the mayor and two more council members attended the third. In the end, the council decided to enforce the current chicken ordinance.

In a letter to the editor responding to the newspaper’s coverage of their private meetings, the mayor, council and city administrator asserted the open meetings law does not prohibit 2x2 gatherings. “It only become a violation when these meetings are used to formally conduct business, make final decisions, and make concerted efforts to keep the deliberations from the public,” the officials wrote.

The issue in Orange City is not the chicken ordinance. The issue is the council members working out disagreements and reaching a consensus outside the structure of public meetings of the council. Their letter does not address why their discussions needed to occur outside of public view.

It was not just Orange City that was on my mind when I spoke last week at the National Freedom of Information Coalition event. The Des Moines City Council was top of mind, too.

The Des Moines council has used a variation of the 2x2 meeting to move council members’ discussions of some thorny topics out of the public spotlight.

Last spring, the Des Moines Register said a planned city council meeting on the city’s standard development agreement for economic incentives was cancelled at the last minute, supposedly because of a scheduling conflict. The discussion had been anticipated by some residents who believed the city should place more and tougher expectations on developers who want taxpayer assistance. In place of a public discussion, the council and City Manager Scott Sanders hashed over the topic in private, back-to-back gatherings without the public or developers allowed in.

Serving on local government boards is never easy, especially with more people being more outspoken with their criticism of government leaders. But council members need to understand they risk eroding the public’s trust, confidence and respect when they intentionally circumvent the open meetings requirements.

If leaders in places like Orange City and Des Moines cannot understand the “when in doubt, meet in public” language in the law’s intent, perhaps the Legislature should make the statute even more explicit.

As I told attendees at the national conference last week, “Government officials sometimes forget that government belongs to the people, not to the officials.”

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

earmarked 80% of our annual charitable donations to organizations in Solon or in the State of Iowa. This year, the tax-deductible donation for my great grandfather’s historic site, the Matthew Edel Blacksmith Shop in Haverhill, Iowa will be earmarked for the Matthew Edel House. A copy of the letter from the State Historical Society of Iowa that explains the 2024 “Meet the Match” can be found online at soloneconomist.com.

Sincerely, Pat Ikan Solon, Iowa

Randy Evans Iowa Freedom of Information Council

Three reasons to choose a career before choosing a college

Scott Schneidermann Iowa Student Loan Liquidity Corporation board member

The traditional idea of a young adult going off to residential college to explore academics and choose a career isn't always appropriate for everyone's circumstances. Instead, high school students should explore potential careers to make an informed choice about the post-high school education or training that is most fitting for their goals. Focusing on potential careers before specific college choices provides several benefits.

1. You can choose the most appropriate educational path.

Once students have narrowed down potential careers, it's easier to consider what education or training program most suits their individual goals. Is a four-year degree required to get the job, or would an associate degree, a certificate program or an apprenticeship be as, or even more, suitable? Students should also consider the broader academic and social impacts of various programs. A traditional residential experience incorporating both major-related courses and general education classes is much different than living at home and working while attending school or training for a specific job. Each path has advantages, but one may be more appropriate than others for a particular student.

Families may explore their choices with the help of the free Return on College Investment tool on the ISL Education Lending website, which provides information on possible educational paths to reach a desired college degree.

2. Realistic starting salaries define an educational budget.

Obtaining a college degree is expensive, and many families rely on student loans to supplement their savings, earnings and financial aid. Settling on a career early can help prevent borrowing more to pay for additional years in college.

It's also important to consider potential starting salaries so that any student loans can be successfully repaid

later without undue financial hardships. Many experts recommend borrowing no more in total than a realistic starting salary. For example, an elementary teacher might expect a starting annual salary of around $40,000. A student intending to enter this field should not borrow more than that amount to obtain the degree needed for that job.

The Return on College Investment tool, as well as Student Loan Game Plan, another free resource from ISL Education Lending, also allows families to explore starting salaries for specific careers and college majors and understand how borrowing based on those choices affect future finances. Both are available at no charge at www.IowaStudentLoan.org/SmartBorrowing.

3. Career-related experience can begin early. A third benefit to exploring careers before starting a postsecondary education is that the student can choose part-time or seasonal work to provide income while gaining experience in the career field. The aspiring elementary teacher above, for example, may choose to work in childcare or tutor younger students instead of taking a fast-food job. While any part-time job could provide savings to offset future student loan debt, having a career goal in mind allows students to choose those that also provide insight into that career.

Start by exploring the free college planning and financing tools available at www.IowaStudentLoan.org/ SmartBorrowing.

Bridging the gap: How Kirkwood Community College blends traditional degrees and job-specific training to serve our community

Vice President of Continuing Education and Training, Kirkwood Community College

In today’s rapidly changing economy, traditional pathways to education and employment are evolving, and Kirkwood Community College is at the forefront of this transformation. In addition to offering standard degree programs, we are deeply committed to bridging the gap between academia and industry, ensuring that our students are equipped with theoretical knowledge and practical skills required in today’s workforce. This blending of traditional degrees and job-specific training allows us to address the unique needs of students and the community.

Kirkwood has long served as an educational solution for a broad range of students. Current high school students earn credentials through our dual enrollment programs, and our community-based English as a Second Language programs serve hundreds with varying skill and literacy levels, helping them attain language proficiency, join the workforce, and thrive in our communities. Our high school completion programs provide foundational knowledge and remove barriers for hundreds of adults annually, supporting them in earning the high school diplomas they need for employment.

While we are best known for our two-year degree programs, which serve students aiming to transfer to four-year institutions, and for our skilled graduates in career and technical education programs, many are unaware of the thousands of working professionals we serve.

Our partnerships with local businesses and industries allow us to continuously update our programs to reflect real-time market demands. Through customized training, apprenticeship programs, and a wide array of certificates, credentials, and courses offered through our Continuing Education division, we work closely with employers to identify skills gaps and emerging technologies that require specialized workforce. This adaptive approach has been essential in fields such as healthcare, advanced manufacturing, and information technology, where skills evolve quickly. It also supports employers in fields with specialized skills unmet by traditional education programs or where licensures require ongoing education to stay current with industry needs.

One of Kirkwood’s unique strengths is our dual approach, which offers both degree and certificate options, allowing students to customize their educational journey. Students in our traditional degree programs can supplement their studies with certifications that provide job-ready skills, while those enrolled in specific training programs can, if they choose, transition into associate degree programs. This flexibility allows students to stack credentials, making them more versatile and adaptable

failing to let other drivers change lanes, can create the perfect storm for collisions.

Stalled vehicles need space. Moving over is one of the simplest, yet most powerful ways to ensure everyone gets home safely, but it takes proactive driving. To keep yourself and the person on the shoulder safe, treat a stalled car the same way you would a construction zone or a crash scene – reduce your speed and signal to move over if it is safe to do so.

Moving over is not just a courtesy – it’s the law.

Iowa Department of Transportation

We’ve all lived this driving experience: you’re cruising along and up ahead you spot a stalled vehicle on the shoulder. Maybe the emergency hazards are on, but maybe not. You have precious seconds to assess the situation and take action.

What do you do?

You should slow down or move over as soon as safely possible. Crowding a stalled or working vehicle, or

Iowa’s Move Over laws require drivers to change lanes or slow down significantly when approaching any stopped vehicle with flashing lights, whether it’s an emergency responder, a tow truck, or a single stalled vehicle.

It’s critical that we remain alert when approaching all forms of traffic incident response activity, such as helping a stalled vehicle, clearing debris from the road, or responding to a crash.

In 2024 in Iowa, 308 people have been killed in traffic crashes. That’s an increase of seven since Friday, Nov. 15. In Iowa in 2023, there were 377 traffic-related deaths.

in a job market that values both depth and breadth of expertise.

Our focus on job-specific training programs plays a critical role in meeting the needs of the local economy. As a community college, Kirkwood has a responsibility to our seven-county region to cultivate a workforce that can support the growth and sustainability of local businesses. Through collaboration with regional employers, economic development agencies, and governmental partners, we are helping create job opportunities and economic stability, especially in high-demand fields where skilled workers are scarce. When local businesses have access to skilled talent, they can expand, innovate, and contribute to a more prosperous community. The success stories we hear from students and partners reflect the value of this approach.

At Kirkwood, we believe education is more than a job pathway; it is a bridge connecting individuals to opportunities, families to prosperity, and communities to growth. By blending traditional degrees with job-specific training, we are ensuring our students can navigate the modern workforce and contribute meaningfully to regional success. Having spent the last 16 years in workforce and economic development, I am proud to be part of an institution that so effectively serves our community by preparing individuals not just for jobs but for lifelong careers and personal growth.

Our commitment to bridging this educational gap strengthens Kirkwood’s legacy as a leader in accessible, relevant, and community-focused education.

Lindsay Armour Involved in Central College Symphonic Wind Ensemble

PELLA — Lindsay Armour, from Ely, Class of 2027, is participating in the Symphonic Wind Ensemble at Central College, playing percussion.

Central offers 18 music ensembles, ranging from the 60-voice A Cappella choir to the Flying Pans Steel Drum Band, which Armour is a member of. The music ensembles are open to music majors and non-majors alike, and several tour annually.

Central Students Participate in Music Ensembles

PELLA — Annika Kruse, of Solon, Class of 2026, is a Central College A Capella choir member, singing in the soprano section.

Solon students among Scholar Day participants

PELLA — Central College welcomed 156 students, including Solon High School students Ella Havlicek and Sydney Dee, to its Fall Scholar Days where prospective students compete for scholarships.

Jasmine Almoayyed

Schneidermann Almoayyed

SPORTS

GIRLS' WRESTLING

Solon Economist

SOLON — “It was rewarding to wrestle well on youth night where we welcomed and introduced the 60+ K-8 solon girls who participate in our Solon girls wrestling club to the crowd,” said Lady Spartans head coach Jake Munson.

And wrestle well they did sweeping a double dual meet Tuesday, Nov. 19 at home against Center Point-Urbana and Independence.

Solon 48 CPU 30

Olivia Bonnema (155 lbs.) pinned CPU’s Makenna Brissey in 2:09 in a dual that saw a double forfeit at 100 lbs. and seven wins by forfeit for Solon (McKenna Rogers (110), Tess Richards (115), Jadlyn Huynh (120), Harlow Meade (125), Alannah Mahoney (130), and Makayla Keller (135).

The Stormin’ Pointers picked up wins at 140 (Taylor Hoskins pinned Solon’s Alexis Anderson in 4:18), 145 (Tara Crowley pinned Solon’s Lucianna Miller), and 190 (Jenna Small pinned Solon’s Adlie Miller in 2:35). CPU won two forfeits at 170 and 235.

Solon 39 Independence 36

Six match wins, one forfeit (Haiden Wolfe, 235 lbs.), and one double forfeit (190 lbs.) led to a dual meet win over the Independence (Indee) Mustangs.

“We wrestled well as a team and knew it would be necessary to beat a very tough Independence lineup,” said Munson. “We bumped several of our girls up a weight class to cover an open weight class and those girls responded well and helped secure the dual victory.”

Solon’s Kara VeDepo (110 lbs.) pinned Sophia Hurley in 4:37, Rogers (115) pinned Sarah Greiner in 1:32, Mahoney (130) pinned Jordin Derr in 5:26), Keller won a 6-2 decision over Kennedi Bevans, Miller (145) pinned

GIRLS' BASKETBALL

CeCe Priebe in 5:58, and Bonnema (155) pinned Alex Westphal in 37 seconds.

Indee’s Natalie Nichols pinned Layla Knazze (105) in 5:49, Morgan Krall pinned Tess Richards (120) in 2:36, Claire Carey pinned Huynh (125) in 1:49, Kenleigh Trumblee pinned Alexis Anderson (140) in 3:58, and Ellie Fangman pinned Adlie Miller (190) in 21 seconds.

“We still have areas where we need to improve as a team, but it was a great start to our season earning two WaMaC dual victories,” said Munson. “We also had two girls that missed the entire last season due to injury (Layla Knazze 105 and Adlie Miller 190) and it was really rewarding to see both of them back in competition again.”

Time spent practicing had paid early dividends, he said. “We've been pushing the pace in the practice room this season more than in past seasons as 16 out of our 19 wrestlers came into the season with some wrestling experience. I've been pleased with how the girls have responded to the increased intensity and it made the difference on Tuesday night as we won a lot of matches in the third period.”

Knowing the admiring eyes of their young fans were upon them was a motivating factor for opening night success, the coach said. “We talked as a team before the dual meet that we wanted to wrestle for them and let those younger Solon girls see what our high school program is about.”

Upcoming schedule

Thursday, Dec. 5-Friday, Dec. 6 – Dan Gable Donnybrook Wrestling Tournament Xtream Arena, Coralville

Monday, Dec. 9 – Raider Girls Invitational, Williamsburg HS, 4:00 p.m.

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

Lady Spartans open wrestling season with wins over CPU and Indee Lady Spartans basketball falls in tough test against Iowa City West

Joel Kellar Solon Economist joel-kellar@uiowa.edu

SOLON — Winter coats were brought out for the first time of the year last week, and the Solon Lady Spartan girls’ basketball team tipped off for the first time this season. They took the court with an ambitious match-up in the first game of the season against the 13th-ranked 5A team in the state, the Iowa City West Trojans.

Despite hanging around for the first three quarters, the Lady Spartans could not get the job done against the Grace Fincham-led Trojans as they lost 59-44. The new era of Lady Spartan basketball started Friday, Nov. 22, with a layup from senior Kobi Lietz, assisted by junior Delaney Durr, the only upperclassmen to play minutes in the season opener. Lietz scored ten points and Durr followed with nine. Durr provided much of the longrange attack for the Lady Spartans as she went 3-5 from three-point range.

The deciding battle happened inside the paint. Sophomore Jerzey Haluska and freshman Beckett Kruse were tasked with limiting the damage Fincham can cause, a tough task for two players who started their first ever basketball game on Friday. Fincham scored 32 points and put the Trojans on their back against the 3A defending champions.

“I felt like [Fincham] had 80,” said Solon girls' basketball head coach Jamie Smith.

Despite the offensive juggernaut of Fincham, the Spartans fought to stay within reach all game. A couple of early runs by the Trojans had Solon down 19-11 early in the second quarter. Then Haluska announced her arrival to the Lady Spartan fans. Haluska drove into the crowded paint drawing contact and the foul. She sank one of her two high arching free throw attempts. After a Trojan three on the following possession, Haluska found herself wide open on the wing with the ball. Her shot spun in through the bottom of the net. The three

kept the Lady Spartans within single digits. The Trojans were able to stretch the lead to 20 after two big runs, one before the half and one directly after the break.

The Lady Spartans were down 20 with just 2:15 left in the third quarter. However, they did not roll over and gift the Trojans the win in the season opener. Smith took a quick timeout to get the girls back on track.

“I told them, ‘We are on our way to a running clock if we aren’t careful’,” Smith recalled, “After that timeout we responded.” Durr knocked down back-to-back three pointers. Starting a run for the Lady Spartans with ease. Haluska then battled two Trojans for the defensive rebound and took off down the court. Haluska found Kruse in stride and Kruse laid the ball in off the glass to put Solon within 12. The Solon defense clamped up on the next possession and Lietz forced a turnover by Sasha Baldwin, the Trojan three-point specialist.

On the offensive side, the ball found its way into the hands of Kruse. She got her defender to leave her feet on a pump fake, then pivoted to the left side of the basket and kissed the ball off the glass for the bucket. After a free throw made by the Trojans, the Lady Spartans had cut the 20-point West lead to 11 by the end of the third quarter.

“We played our butts off,” said Smith , “We kept playing hard and I think that’s a culture thing. It’s something we never have to question.” The Lady Spartans pulled to within nine points on the opening possession of the final quarter on a great drive by Lietz, dancing her way through defenders on her way to the basket. However, that would be the closest the game would get the rest of the way. Kruse drew a charge on the next possession and Lietz found herself with a great shot to pull within seven. Her short bunny jump shot rattled around the rim, touching every side of the cylinder before falling out of the hoop and into the hands of the Trojans. From there it was all Fincham and Iowa City West.

The Lady Spartans were plagued with turnovers all

Abby Feldmann | For the Solon Economist Top: Alannah Mahoney, 17, wins her 130-pound bout at the Solon Girls Triangular tournament at Solon High School in Solon, Iowa, on Tuesday, Nov. 19, 2024. Mahoney defeated Independence’s Jordin Derr. Above: Layla Knazze, 17, fights during her 105-pound bout at the Solon Girls Triangular tournament at Solon High School in Solon, Iowa, on Tuesday, Nov. 19, 2024. Knazze lost to Independence’s Natalie Nichols.

Hannah Hogan | For the Solon Economist Senior guard #1 Kobi Lietz goes up for a layup during the game against Iowa City West.

game. They ended with 23 turnovers compared to nine by the Trojans.

“We’ve got to clean it up, we haven’t had 23 turnovers in five years,” said Smith, “But some of it is who you’re playing.” The Lady Spartans knew the game would be a tough one to start the season, especially with the lack of varsity experience on the squad. They were able to battle throughout and flashed their talent and high potential for the season even in the loss.

GIRLS' WRESTLING

Short-handed Lady Spartans 13th at Independence Girls Invitational

VeDepo and Rogers improve to 10-0 each

Solon Economist

INDEPENDENCE — The Lady Spartans, with only eight wrestlers (due to injury and illness) placed 13th out of a 27-team field in Independence’s Girls Invitational Saturday, Nov. 23 with 154.0 team points. Osage took the team title with 369.5 points with Prairie, Cedar Rapids taking runner up with 341.5.

Kara VeDepo (105 lbs.) and McKenna Rogers (110 lbs.) improved to 10-0 records each as they swept the field for championships. VeDepo pinned East Buchanan’s Natalie Krum (2:43), Western Dubuque’s Elli Casey (0:49), New Hampton/Turkey Valley’s Taelynn Bass (0:36), Alburnett’s Josie McGraw (0:38), and Mason City’s Lila Sheehan (3:02). Rogers pinned Oelwein’s Devin Meyer (0:42), Denver’s Jules Neubauer (1:16), New Hampton’s Drey O’Brien (1:17), East Buc’s Valeria Torres (3:07), and Osage’s Alexis Kolbert (0:49).

Lucianna Miller (140 lbs.) placed sixth with a first round fall over Oelwein’s Emmah Hoveland (1:26) and a third round fall over Independence’s Kenleigh Trumblee (4:21) after a second round bye. She pinned Williamsburg’s Valerie Altenhofen in the quarterfinals (5:25) but fell to Waverly-Shell Rock’s Makena Miller in the semis (4:29) and dropped a 7-0 consolation round match to Prairie’s Claire

Eight Spartans earn IFCA All-State honors

Individual stats

Scoring – Kobi Lietz 10, Beckett Kruse 10, Delainey Durr 9, Jerzey Haluska 6, Laney Johnson 4, Quinn Armentrout 4, Laeni Hinkle 1

3-point baskets – Durr 3/5, Haluska 1/2

Rebounds – Lietz 5, Durr 4, Haluska 3, Hinkle 3, Johnson 2, Kruse 1, Kalynn Timmons 1

Assists – Lietz 4, Durr 3, Hinkle 3

Steals – Lietz 4, Haluska 2, Armentrout 2, Johnson 1

Hynek before falling to East Buc’s Andelyn Cabalka in the fifth place match (0:50).

Alexis Anderson (135 lbs.) and Adlie Miller (190 lbs.) placed 12th in the tournament. Anderson pinned Cascade’s Carly Maternach in the first round (3:03) but fell to New Hampton’s Sophie Glasser in the third after a second round bye. Osage’s Annaliese Arciniega pinned Anderson in the first consolation round (3:47) but she bounced back to pin Mason City’s Madeline Hoover (5:27) and North Scott’s Bryn Stephens (3:12) to advance to the 11th place match. However, Oelwein’s Jaylynn Craun got the pin (3:25).

Miller fell to Denver’s Kennedy Burk in the third round after a pair of byes (0:17) and fell in the first consolation round to Osage’s Addison Schenker (0:34). Miller pinned Alburnett’s Bree McCusker (1:27) in the third consolation round to advance to the 11th place match where she fell to West Delaware’s Ella Geodken (0:36).

Makayla Keller (130 lbs.) placed 14th after falling to Osage’s Emma Evens in the third round (4:16) and to Mason City’s Isobella Villarreal in the first consolation round (1:23). She won a 4-0 decision over Waverly-Shell Rock’s Kierstyn Klein in the second consolation round but fell to Louisa-Muscatine’s Rylee Carter (5:24) in the third and lost a 6-3 decision to Osage’s Emmery Dodd in the 13th place match.

Jadlyn Huynh (120 lbs.) placed 15th after pinning Western Dubuque’s Ella Digmann (0:17) in the second round and falling to Waverly-Shell Rock’s Julia Sough (1:48) in the third. She fell to Western Dubuque’s Gracelynn Reiff (1:47) and Alburnett’s Natalie Krohse (3:45) in the first and second consolation rounds before pinning VintonShellsburg’s Kaylee Cantrell (3:45) in the 15th place match.

Layla Knazze (110 lbs.) placed 18th after falling to LinnMar’s Adriana Garcia (1:59) and Vinton-Shellsburg’s Kaelynn Roster (2:28) in the first and second round. She pinned CCA’s Mckenna Sager (0:33) in the first consolation round and Waverly-Shell Rock’s Lydia Bluhm (1:05) in the second to advance to the 17th place match where Denver’s Jules Neubauer won by technical fall (16-0).

Tess Richards (115 lbs.) placed 23rd with a medical forfeit.

Comments from Coach Jake Munson

“Due to injury and a stomach bug going around our

The Iowa Football Coaches Association (IFCA) released its 2024 All-State selections last week with eight Solon Spartans named.

Senior running back Eddie Johnson and senior offensive lineman Grant Wilson were Class 3A 1st Team picks with sophomore wide receiver Maddox Kelley, sophomore

Upcoming schedule

Friday, Dec. 6 - HOME vs. Clear Creek Amana, 6:00 p.m.

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

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

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

Friday, Dec. 20 - AT Center Point-Urbana, 6:30 p.m.

team, we were left with only eight (out of fourteen) varsity wrestlers in our lineup so we knew it wasn't going to be our best showing in the team score race.

To finish in the top half of the tournament field (13th out of 27) with only half of a lineup speaks volumes about how our girls competed. Our two returning state place winners, Kara VeDepo (105) and McKenna Rogers (110), wrestled especially well, pinning their way through the tournament to titles. Lucy Miller (140 lbs.) has been wrestling well this early season, avenging a loss from Thursday night's final to place in the top six on Saturday. We now have a twelve day break from competition to get healthy again before competing in the Dan Gable Donnybrook in early December.”

Independence Girls Invitational results

Team scores – 1, Osage, 369.5. 2, Prairie, Cedar Rapids, 341.5. 3, East Buchanan, 303.5. 4, Waverly-Shell Rock, 298.0. 5, Cedar Rapids Kennedy, 257.0. 6, Linn-Mar, 250.5. 7, Mason City, 245.0. 8, Independence, 225.0. 9, VintonShellsburg, 209.0. 10, West Delaware, 189.0. 11, Western Dubuque, 173.0. 12, Sumner-Fredericksburg, 163.0. 13, Solon, 154.0. 14, North Scott, 143.0. 15, New Hampton/ Turkey Valley, 142.0. 16, Alburnett, 137.5. 17, Marion, 134.0. 18, Iowa City West, 130.0. 19, West Liberty, 114.5. 20, Williamsburg, 112.5. 21, Waterloo West, 100.0. 22, Clear Creek Amana, 91.0. 23, Denver, 62.5. 24, Oelwein, 52.0. 25, Louisa-Muscatine, 42.0. 26, Union Community, 21.0. 27, Cascade, 15.0.

Individual place winners

105 – Kara VeDepo, 1st place.

110 – McKenna Rogers, 1st place.

140 – Lucianna Miller, 6th place.

135 – Alexis Anderson, 12th place.

190 – Adlie Miller, 12th place.

130 – Makayla Keller, 14th place.

120 – Jadlyn Huynh, 15th place.

110 – Layla Knazze, 18th place.

115 – Tess Richards, 23rd place.

offensive lineman Lucas Feuerbach, and junior linebacker Kyler Jensen were named to the 3A 2nd Team. Seniors Tyler Bell, Owen Einwalter, and Jackson Feuerbach received Academic All-State honors. The Spartans finished the season at 8-3 overall and 3-2 in Class 3A District 5.

Lady Spartans third at S. Tama Girls Invitational

VeDepo and Rogers win in first tournament of the season

Solon Economist

TAMA — The Lady Spartan wrestlers placed third in South Tama’s Girls Invitational last Thursday (Nov. 21) with 156.5 team points behind champion VintonShellsburg (215.5) and runner up South Tama (179.0). Kara VeDepo and McKenna Rogers posted wins at 105 and 110 pounds. VeDepo went 5-0 on the night with a tech fall (16-0, 3:15) over Benton Community’s Kaebry Dixon before pinning Grinnell’s Piper Madren (0:52), Meskwaki Settlement’s Nahliya Pushetonequa (0:15), Vinton-Shellsburg’s Olivia Port (1:04), and South Tama’s Jayva Gomez (0:42). Rogers went 4-0 with a bye and pinning Benton’s Courtney Hlas (1:19), Williamsburg’s Anya Rivera (1:09), and Mount Vernon’s Kate Martin (4:32).

Lucianna Miller and Olivia Bonnema took second place at 140 and 145 pounds. Miller took a

December Solon Senior Advocates News

The Senior Advocates are planning to hire a Trip Coordinator who will take over the long established senior day trips planned each year. These trips are an essential part of the Advocates’ mission in promoting senior’s mobility, sociability, and engagement.

There are three main details of trip planning –choosing a destination and date, contracting with the bus company, and lining up senior participants.

Seniors are contacted via our monthly newsletters, from Senior Dining attendees, notices in the Solon Economist, and word of mouth. Acquiring a Trip Coordinator is essential in continuing the Advocates’ work in addressing needs of our seniors!

Please call 319-430-8655 for info or email sandrahanson@southslope.net.

Solon Annual Christmas Tree Walk & Arts Festival

Solon United Methodist Church Family Life Center

Saturday, Dec. 7, 10:00 a.m.-3:00 p.m.

Area arts & vendors, silent auction, craft & bake sale, scavenger hunt, homemade soup, sandwiches, and pies. Special guest – Santa Claus, 12:30 p.m.-2:30 p.m.

Restaurant Runs

Thursday, Dec. 12 – Foundry Food and Tap, 3266 Crosspark Rd, Suite 101, Coralville . 12:00 Noon, personal cars. Sign-up sheet Wednesdays at Senior Dining or call 319-430-8655.

***Solon pictorial history book Solon Snapshots is now on sale at the Solon Public Library for $35***

Solon Senior Transport – Provides volunteer transportation for seniors to medical appointments. For information and to enroll please call Cindy Jensen at 319-360-3279.

Senior Advocates Board

Art Tellin 319-626-2816, Sandy Hanson 319-430-8655, Barry Byrne 319-354-8757, Cindy Jensen 319-360-3279, Larry Brecht 319-624-2925, Ivan Hasselbusch 319-6709105, Phyllis Fiala 319-331-7447, and Mark Hollinrake 319-551-2811.

first round bye before pinning Meskwaki’s Rylee Roberts (0:43) and Grinnell’s Kiaya Shuey (1:12). She fell to Williamsburg’s Valerie Altenhofen in the championship round (2:48). Bonnema also received a first round bye and then pinned Grinnell’s Adriana Versendaal (0:51) and Mount Vernon’s Addi Whisner (4:00) before falling to Vinton-Shellsburg’s Chloe Sanders (0:46) in the finals.

Tess Richards took third place at 115 pounds. She received a first round bye then pinned Benton’s Kaitlynn Guldner (0:53) before dropping the semifinal match (3-1) to Mount Vernon’s Kiersten Swart. Richards won a 15-1 major decision over South Tama’s Ava Hendricks in the consolation semifinals before winning the third place match by injury default over BGM’s Amiah Lint.

Haiden Wolfe took fourth at 235 pounds with a first round bye and quarterfinal win by fall (1:19) over AP/GC’s Delaney Schafer. South Tama’s Emma Slifer pinned Wolfe in the semifinals (2:51) but Wolfe rebounded for a win by fall over Meskwaki’s Vawn Lesley (4:18) in the consolation semifinals before falling to Mount Vernon’s Josie Panos (1:37) in the third place match.

Jadlyn Huynh was fifth at 120 pounds. Huynh fell in the first round to South Tama’s London Jaennette (3:35) and had a bye in the first round of the consolation bracket before pinning BGM’s Daniela Pacheco (0:44) in the second round and Iowa Valley’s Kennedy Thiessen in the third (1:41). Grinnell’s Kyrie Chapman pinned Huynh in the consolation semifinals (0:49) and Huynh pinned Vinton’s Callie Nosbisch to win the fifth place match (1:41).

Makayla Keller placed seventh at 135 pounds. Keller fell to South Tama’s Maylee Rucker in the first round (0:56), pinned Union’s Willa Wolff in the first round of the consolation bracket (0:57) and South Tama’s Kyla Bessman in the second (1:05) but lost in sudden

Solon Senior Support December News

Happy Holidays from Solon Senior Support!

Solon Senior Support is a non-profit volunteer group helping Solon-area senior citizens. Please call Jill Weetman at 319-624-2773 for questions or information.

Senior Coffee

If you haven’t been to Senior Coffee group yet, you are missing out!

Stop by for FREE coffee/tea/hot chocolate and

victory to South Tama’s Ava Perkins in the third round before pinning AGWSR’s Denver Miller to win the seventh place match (3:30).

Comments from Coach Jake Munson

“The girls wrestled well. This tournament field is tough and loaded with girls we'll see later in the conference season. I thought it was a good showing for our team with many girls wrestling to above their seed. We're happy to finish in the top three at South Tama as there are a lot of quality teams, but also knowing we aren't that far away from being able to win this tournament.”

South Tama Girls Invitational results

Team scores – 1, Vinton-Shellsburg, 215.5. 2, South Tama, 179.0. 3, Solon, 156.5. 4, West Delaware, 132.5. 5, Benton Community, 126.0. 6, Mount Vernon, 115.0. 7, Williamsburg, 114.5. 8, Iowa Valley (Marengo), 82.0. 9, AP/GC, 78.0. 10, Center Point-Urbana, 72.0. 11, BGM, 63.0. 12, Grinnell, 57.0. 13, Ogden, 44.0. 14, BCLUW, 39.0. 15, AGWSR, 26.0. 16, Meskwaki Settlement, 18.0. 17, Union Community, 3.0.

Individual place winners

105 – Kara VeDepo, 1st place.

110 – McKenna Rogers, 1st place.

115 – Tess Richards, 3rd place.

120 – Jadlyn Huynh, 5th place.

135 – Makalya Keller, 7th place.

140 – Lucianna Miller, 2nd place.

145 – Olivia Bonnema, 2nd place.

235 – Haiden Wolfe, 4th place.

treats, meet new people, and enjoy great conversation Tuesdays and Thursdays, 9-11:00 a.m. at the Solon United Methodist Church.

Need a ride? Call Jill at 319-624-2773.

NOTE: NO coffee group Tuesday, Dec. 24 or Thursday, Dec. 26.

Solon Senior Transport

Winter is here! Let our volunteer drivers transport you to and from medical-related appointments. An enrollment form and a detailed brochure will be sent upon request. Once enrolled, the senior may call for a ride to a specific appointment. Requests for rides should be scheduled several days prior to the appointment date. All volunteer drivers are selfinsured.

Call Cindy Jensen at 319-360-3279.

Making the holidays a little brighter

We know the holiday season can be tough for those who have lost a loved one or are separated from their families. If you or someone you know could use a little holiday cheer sent their way, please contact Jill at solonseniors@gmail.com or call 319-624-2773 and we will have a special delivery for them.

Need help getting the tree or decorations up around the house?

Give us a call at 319-624-2773 and our volunteers can lend a hand!

SOLON SENIORS

Happy Holidays From Solon Senior Dining, a non-profit organization serving the Solon Community for over 40 years at the Solon Methodist Church.

DECEMBER HAPPENINGS

••••

Wednesday, Dec. 11 – Sponsors Jay & Helen Proffitt

Wednesday, Dec. 18 – Holiday Cheer

CLOSED Wednesday, Dec. 25 and Friday, Dec. 27, Merry Christmas!

CLOSED Wednesday, Jan. 1, Happy New Year’s!

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

CALENDAR & PUZZLES

10-11:00 a.m.

Bingo – Wednesdays AM/PM Cards – Wednesdays PM

DECEMBER MENU • • •••••••••

Friday, Dec. 6

Catch of the Day

Mini Baked Potatoes Vegetable Blend Sherbet

Monday, Dec. 9

Dijon Maple Chicken

Cornbread Stuffing

Hot Spiced Beets

Orange Poppyseed Cake

Wednesday, Dec. 11

SUDOKU

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

ber 28, 2024. SOLON CITY COUNCIL MEETING

SOLON CITY HALL SOLON, IOWA NOVEMBER 20, 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 Clerk Susie Siddell, Librarian Liz King and Travis Schmidt Finance Officer. Civility Pledge. Motion by Gabriel to approve the agenda. Seconded by Farlinger. Roll Call Vote. Duncan, Farlinger, Gabriel, Kramer and Whitehead. All Ayes. Motion Carried. 5-0. Citizen Speak: None

Councilperson Lauren Whitehead arrived 5:32 pm

Consent Agenda: Motion by Farlinger to approve the regular meeting minutes for November 6, 2024, list of bills, treasurer’s report, transfers and building permits. Seconded by Gabriel. Roll Call Vote: Duncan, Farlinger, Gabriel, Kramer and Whitehead. All Ayes. Motion Carried. 5-0. Public Works Director Report: Kleppe informed council staff was finished with flushing hydrants, the parks have been winterized and they will be picking up leaves one more time.

City Attorney Comments: None Old Business: Ordinance No. 488 – Rezoning Application for Fox Ridge Part 1A Lot 4 and 5: Rasmussen stated this was to rezone from Commercial General to R-3 Residential for the purpose of a senior housing development proposed by the Solon Community Housing Group. If proposed concept does not happen it will go back to Commercial General. Motion by Farlinger to approve the second reading of Ordinance. No. 488. Seconded by Duncan. Roll Call Vote: Duncan, Farlinger, Gabriel, Kramer and Whitehead. All Ayes. Motion Carried. 5-0. Ordinance No. 489 City Zoning Map 2024: Rasmussen stated it has been several years since updating the official zoning map, this will be user friendly on the city’s website. Motion by Gabriel to approve the second reading of Ordinance No. 489. Seconded by Kramer. Roll Call Vote: Duncan, Farlinger, Gabriel, Kramer and Whitehead. All Ayes. Motion Carried. 5-0 New Business: Board of Adjustment Variance –Krumm: Rasmussen stated Krumm’s that live at 1102 High Ridge Trail had gone before the Board of Adjustment meeting

November 12th which the board approved the side yard variance for their shed. Rasmussen stated the code does not allow a side yard accessory building but this was a unique situation. Farlinger questioned what type of shed was being proposed with Krumm stating a garden shed which will be located more behind the garage area not the house. Duncan stated he was opposed to the side yard with Farlinger stated he was good with it as it is to be tucked back and hidden. Motion by Gabriel to approve the side yard variance to Krumm’s for an accessory storage shed. Seconded by Kramer. Ayes. Farlinger, Gabriel, Kramer and Whitehead. Nay: Duncan. Motion Carried. 4-0. Sidewalk Inspection Program: Kleppe stated each year the city inspects sidewalks, they have never had an official policy so they have put one together that can be followed. Rasmussen stated the city gets questioned about their policy and now there is an official policy. Olson stated legal wise, it was a good idea to have a plan. Farlinger stated he also felt it was a good idea and the city continues to grow. Motion by Gabriel to adopt the Sidewalk Inspection Program. Seconded by Farlinger. Roll Call Vote: Duncan, Farlinger, Gabriel, Kramer and Whitehead. All Ayes. Motion Carried. 5-0

Resolution No. 24-35 Street Finance Report: Rasmussen stated this was an annual report required by the DOT. Motion by Farlinger to approve Resolution No. 24-25, approving the street finance report for fiscal year ending June 30, 2024. Seconded by Duncan. Roll Call Vote: Duncan, Farlinger, Gabriel, Kramer and Whitehead. All Ayes. Motion Carried. 5-0.

Resolution No. 24-36 Urban Renewal Report: Rasmussen stated this report was specific to the TIF fund, referring to loans and rebates. Motion by Whitehead to approve Resolution No. 24-26 approving the Annual Urban Renewal Report for fiscal year ending June 30, 2024 as prepared by staff. Seconded by Gabriel. Roll Call Vote: Duncan, Farlinger, Gabriel, Kramer and Whitehead. All Ayes. Motion Carried. 5-0 Resolution No. 24-37: Annual Finance Report: Motion by Farlinger to approve the Annual Finance Report for fiscal year ending June 30, 2024. Seconded by Duncan. Roll Call Vote: Duncan, Farlinger, Gabriel, Kramer and Whitehead. All Ayes. Motion Carried. 5-0.

Resolution No. 24-38 Annual Appropriations: Rasmussen stated this was to allow to borrow money not received from TIF. Motion by Duncan to approve authorizing annual appropriation payments. Seconded by Kramer. Roll Call Vote: Duncan, Farlinger, Gabriel, Kramer and Whitehead. All Ayes. Motion Carried. 5-0

FY26 TIF Certification: Rasmussen stated the was to approve TIF for next fiscal year. Motion by Gabriel to approve TIF Certification for FY26. Seconded by Kramer. Roll Call Vote: Duncan, Farlinger, Gabriel, Kramer and Whitehead. All Ayes. Motion Carried. 5-0.

Other Business:

Council Committee Reports: None

City Clerk Report: None

City Administrator Comments: Rasmussen informed Council trash/recycle pickup will be Saturday this year, there had been a fire at Johnson County Refuse and the landfill will be closed tomorrow with concerns of wind. Rasmussen almost discussed with council the first meeting in January fell on the first, so the first council meeting will be January 8th with a budget session following, she questioned council their thoughts on approval of paying any bills that would be due before January 8th.

Council approved.

Council Comments: None

Mayor Comments: Mayor O’Neil stated he had given a tour to some Boy Scouts of City Hall Motion by Farlinger to adjourn the meeting at 6 pm. Seconded by Gabriel. All Ayes. Motion Carried. 5-0. ATTEST Susie Siddell, City Clerk Dan O’Neil, Mayor Published in the Solon Economist November 28, 2024.

CITY OF SOLON LIST OF BILLS 20-NOV-24

VENDOR DESC AMOUNT

A TECH-FREEMAN ALARM ALARM MONITORING $165.00

AGVANTAGE FUEL $3,717.29

AIRGAS USA CHEMICALS $101.78

ALTORFER CAT VEHICLE PARTS $238.98 AM APPAREL YOUTH TSHIRTS $415.47 AMERICAN PUBLIC WORKS ASSOC. MEMBERSHIP RENEWAL

CEDAR

in the Solon Economist November 28, 2024.

CLASSIFIEDS

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