Christmas comes early for needy veterans
Solon Knights of Columbus make donation to Solon American Legion Auxiliary
Chris Umscheid | Solon Economist
Al Wieskamp (Grand Knight, Council 12129) signs a ceremonial check for $600 Wednesday, Dec. 4 at St. Mary Catholic Church in Solon. The Solon Knights of Columbus donated the funds raised during Donut Sunday, Sunday, Nov. 10, to the Solon American Legion Auxiliary to help eastern Iowa veterans in need this holiday season.
Chris Umscheid Solon Economist chris.umscheid@soloneconomist.com
SOLON — The holiday season may be a little brighter for some area veterans thanks to parishioners at St. Mary Catholic Church who reached into their pockets one Sunday morning last month.
Bill Wieland, a member and officer of Solon Knights of Columbus Council 12129, said the Knights held a Donut Sunday Nov. 10 (the day before Veterans Day).
“We ask our parishioners to make a (free will) donation (for the donuts),” said Wieland, “and we had contacted the American Legion (Stinocher Post 460). Kathy Hirl, a member of the Auxiliary, said they could use the donations for eastern Iowa vets that are in need. It would be for underwear, socks, T-shirts, things they have a need for this time of year. So, Father Charles (Fladung) announced from the pulpit what we were doing it for, and we had generous donations for that event.”
A check for $600 was presented to the Legion Auxiliary Wednesday, Dec. 4.
Christmas comes to Solon
Annual Tree Walk officially starts the holiday season
SOLON — The Christmas season officially started in Solon this past Saturday with the annual Christmas Tree Walk and Arts Festival at the Solon Methodist Church’s Family Life Center. The event, a Solon staple for over a decade, featured at least two dozen decorated trees with a scavenger hunt for attendees to complete as they searched for unique ornaments.
In addition to the Tree Walk, the Palmer House Stable was the site of Winterfest and the annual Shop the Walk event provided an opportunity for shoppers to avail themselves of the downtown merchants.
City Council Highlights from Dec. 4 meeting
Solon Economist
SOLON — The Solon City Council met in regular session Wednesday, Dec. 4.
Third and final reading of conditional rezoning approved for proposed senior housing development
The proposed senior housing complex in the Fox Ridge development took another step forward as the Council unanimously approved the third and final reading
of a conditional rezoning request from commercial to residential.
A site plan for the development has been submitted to the Planning and Zoning Commission for review and once approved will be forwarded to the Council for their approval.
City Engineer updates Council on the new wastewater treatment plant project
Dave Schechinger, City Engineer with Veenstra and
Solon Economist
The arts and crafts festival saw an increase in vendors this year and Santa Claus took a break from his duties at the North Pole to make one of several stops this season in Solon.
PHOTOS
growth up to 10,000 residents.
Capital Improvement planning
Kimm, told the Council a public outreach effort regarding the new wastewater treatment plant is being prepared to educate the community on the project. Schechinger said the next step was to review a number of layouts (which he distributed to the council members). He added cost estimates and summaries were in-progress for the layouts, which detail different processes for their consideration. The new facility is being designed to accommodate future population
City Administrator Cami Rasmussen reminded the Council the annual Capital Improvements discussions would be coming soon ahead of the annual budget process and referred to last year’s plan noting some projects were completed, some were still in-progress, and others may need to have their priority moved up to meet the needs of the community.
Washington County Riverboat Foundation Gives $1 Million Grant to the Timeless Values | Modern Experience Campaign
David Ancelet
Asst. Director of Marketing and Communications, Hoover Presidential Foundation
WEST BRANCH — The Hoover Presidential Foundation is excited to announce that it has been awarded a $1 million grant by the Washington County Riverboat Foundation. This impactful grant to the Timeless Values | Modern Experience campaign for the renovation of the Herbert Hoover Presidential Library and Museum brings the campaign total to $18.4 million of the $20.3 million goal. Gifts from the WCRF typically go to organizations within Washington County, but it was noted
Sheriff’s time report for Solon
SOLON — The Johnson County Sheriff’s Office (JCSO) provides law enforcement to the city of Solon on a contracted basis and releases a monthly Town Time Report documenting the agency’s activities and time spent within the corporate limits of Solon.
November
Deputies conducted 39 traffic stops (168 total since July 1), responded to five 9-1-1 hangups, 18 emergency medical incidents, and two fire responses among 164 total calls for service.
that this is “Iowa’s Presidential Library and Museum.”
This grant will fund the gallery “War on a Thousand Fronts,” which will be a gallery in the Herbert Hoover Presidential Library and Museum that will be a part of the total renovation of the museum. “War on a Thousand Fronts” will address the nation in the throes of the Great Depression. The exhibit will explore the causes of major crises, President Hoover’s responses, and their impact on the American people through an engaging and immersive storytelling experience. It will also highlight Hoover’s presidency, focusing on foreign and domestic policies, life in the White House, and the lasting philanthropic legacy of President
Also, deputies responded to one animal call, and four motor vehicle accidents. One burglary was reported, and seven school visits/patrols were conducted.
As a reminder the Sheriff’s substation is open at 223 S. Iowa St. in Solon. The facility is not staffed 24/7 but if a deputy is needed (non-emergency) call 319-356-6800 to make a request to have one meet you. In an emergency, dial 9-1-1.
November Hours in Solon
Chris Umscheid | Solon Economist (From left) Fr. Charles Fladung, Patti Montgomery Mullnix (President, Solon American Legion Auxiliary), Kevin Hayes, Linda Linderbaum (Secretary, Solon American Legion Auxiliary), Bill Wieland, John Donatelli, Al Wieskamp (Grand Knight, Council 12129), and Doug “Doc” Thompson pose with a $600 check the Solon Knights of Columbus presented to the Solon American Legion Auxiliary to help eastern Iowa’s veterans in need.
“Our goal for the next six months is to do a formal update to our Capital Improvement Plan,” she said. “We are going to need to know the Council’s priorities to be able to focus our time and our efforts.”
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. The next meeting is scheduled for Wednesday, Dec. 18.
and Mrs. Hoover.
This renovation, the first in over 30 years, will create a more engaging experience to share the story of Herbert Hoover. The Herbert Hoover Presidential Library and Museum will close in early 2025 for the renovation and reopen in the summer of 2026.
Hoover Presidential Foundation President and CEO Mundi McCarty said about the grant, “The generous gift from the Washington County Riverboat Foundation is significant in making the vision behind the renovated Herbert Hoover Library and Museum a reality, which will impact both this region and for those visiting from across the country and around the world.”
Founded in 2004, the Washington County Riverboat Foundation is the nonprofit license holder for the Riverside Casino and Golf Resort which provides the entirety of its funding. The WCRF provides significant financial resources to non-profit organizations and local governments to complete projects that make Washington County Iowa a better place to live and work. The WCRF awarded its first grants in 2006 and has since awarded thousands of grants totaling $70,380,749.
About the Foundation
The Hoover Presidential Foundation promotes and supports the Herbert Hoover Presidential Library-Museum, National Historic Site, and other programs that enhance the understanding of Herbert Hoover as president and humanitarian.
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
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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.
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Copyright 2024 Solon Economist, a division of The Daily Iowan and Student Publications, Inc. All articles, photographs and graphics, both in print and online editions, are the property of Student Publications, Inc., and may not be reproduced or republished without written permission.
soloneconomist.com
One of the most important tools we have to execute library tasks is our catalog system. We’ve advanced from the days of the large wooden catalogs with drawers full of cards, and now we’re preparing to advance to a new catalog system in January. As we continue to prepare for the update and all the necessary changes, we will keep you informed about the process and how you’ll access the new system. Keep an eye out for the details as we share them and as always, reach out to us with any questions.
Library Events
The Winter Library Challenge is for all-ages! Participate in activities and challenges at the Library in December and January to earn secret codes. It’s as simple as joining us for one of our events, checking out different types of materials, and enjoying activities around the Library. Redeem four secret codes for a small prize and a chance to win a grand prize! You can track your progress on paper slips or using READsquared. Challenge yourself and win this WIN-ter!
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.
Join us for an all-ages celebration of the New Year Saturday, December 28, for Noon Year’s Eve! We’ll enjoy games, activities, crafts, and snacks starting at 11:30 a.m. with a countdown to Noon and the giant balloon drop, and more time to enjoy activities after. Please note the Noon Year’s Eve celebration takes place in the gym at the Solon United Methodist Church’s Family Life Center, 131 N. West Street, Solon.
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.
Please take note of our December holiday hours. We’ll be closed Monday, Dec. 23 through Wednesday, December 25, for the Christmas holiday.
We’ll be open Friday, Dec. 27, 9:00 a.m.-4:00 p.m. to allow time for our monthly staff in-service.
As we celebrate the New Year, Tuesday, December 31, we are open 9:00 a.m.-5:00 p.m. and closed Wednesday, January 1.
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?
The world of non-fiction spans from religion, parenting, cookbooks, memoirs, and history. Discover something new at the library.
Believe: The Untold Story Behind Ted Lasso, the Show that Kicked its Way into Our Hearts by Jeremy Egner. When Ted Lasso first aired in 2020, nobody—including those who had worked on it—knew how a show inspired by an ad, centered around soccer, filled mostly with unknown actors, and led by a wondrously mustachioed “nice guy” would be received. Eleven Emmys and one Peabody Award later, it’s safe to say that the show’s status as a pop-culture phenomenon is secure. In Believe, entertainment journalist and Ted Lasso fan Jeremy Egner traces the show’s creation and legacy through the words of the people at its center. Drawing on dozens of interviews from key cast, creators, and more, Believe takes readers from the first, silly NBC Premier League commercial to the pitch to Apple executives, then into the show’s writers’ room, through the brilliant international casting, and on to the unforgettable set and locations of the show itself. Brimming with careful reporting and written to match the show’s heart and humor, Believe tells a story of teamwork, of hidden talent, of a group of friends looking around at the world’s increasingly nasty discourse and deciding that maybe simple decency still has the power to bring us together—a story about what happens when you dare to believe.
The Indian Card: Who Gets to be Native in America by Carrie Lowry Schuettpelz. To be Native American is to live in a world of contradictions. At the same time, the number of people in the US who claim Native identity has exploded―increasing 85 percent in just ten years―the number of people formally enrolled in Tribes has not. While the federal government recognizes Tribal sovereignty, being a member of a Tribe requires navigating blood quantum laws and rolls that the federal government created with the intention of wiping out Native people altogether. Over two million Native people are tribally enrolled, yet there are Native people who will never be. Native people who, for a variety of reasons ranging from displacement to disconnection, cannot be card-carrying members of their Tribe.
Vanishing Treasures: A Bestiary of Extraordinary Endangered Creatures by Katherine Rundell. The world is more astonishing, more miraculous, and more wonderful than our wildest imaginings. In this brilliant and passionately persuasive book, Katherine Rundell takes us on a globe-spanning tour of the world's most awe-inspiring animals currently facing extinction.
2024 Solon Holiday Events Schedule
Friday, Dec. 13
Santa Claus visits the Solon Fire Department, 4-7:00 p.m. Entry fee is one non-perishable food item to be donated to the Solon Food Pantry.
Friday, Dec. 13
Santa Claus visits Solon State Bank, 4-5:00 p.m.
Saturday, Dec. 14
Santa Claus visits the Solon American Legion Stinocher Post 460 from 11:00 a.m.-1:00 p.m.
Sunday, Dec. 15
Grinch on the Greens waffle breakfast, sponsored by the Spartan Ball Club at Lake MacBride Golf Course, 8:00 a.m.-Noon (waffle breakfast and Grinch sightings). Santa visits 11:00 a.m.-1:00 p.m. $12 (5 and under free) with takeout available.
Sunday, Dec. 15
Holiday Brass: A Christmas Concert by the Iowa Brass Band, 4:00 p.m. at the Solon Community Center with cookies and cider in the lobby following the concert.
Saturday, Dec. 21
St. Mary’s Catholic Church will host a live Nativity from 4-8:00 p.m.
Saturday, Dec. 28
The Solon Public Library will host their annual Noon Years Eve event at the Solon Community Center (131 N. West St.) from 11:30 a.m.-12:30 p.m.
Johnson County residents invited to share their views on livability for aging successfully Grandma got run over by a reindeer, who was texting
The Johnson County Livable Community for Successful Aging Policy Board (JCLC), appointed by the Johnson County Board of Supervisors, is launching a survey aimed at understanding the experiences and perceptions of residents aged 45 and older regarding livability in Johnson County.
With approximately 22% of Johnson County residents in this age group, the survey seeks to gather insights on essential elements that contribute to a livable community. A livable community is one where everyone can age successfully, providing safe, walkable streets, age-friendly housing, accessible transportation options, and opportunities to engage in community life.
The survey will cover critical topics related to livability and is designed to capture the voices of county residents.
“The insights gained from this survey
will be invaluable,” said John Kalohn, Chair of the Policy Board. “We aim to understand how we can enhance livability for all ages in Johnson County, ensuring that our community is a place where everyone can thrive.”
Responses will be used to inform strategic planning efforts and guide recommendations for improving livability in Johnson County. The feedback from residents will help shape future initiatives that support successful aging and community engagement.
The survey will begin in early December with a gradual rollout in rural communities, followed by expansion into the metropolitan area of Johnson County. All Johnson County residents aged 45 and older are encouraged to participate.
Participants can complete the survey online at www.livablecommunity.org or request a paper survey by calling 319335-1664.
Iowa Department of Transportation
In the humorous Christmas song, “Grandma Got Run Over by a Reindeer,” she’s a bit tipsy from enjoying too much eggnog on Christmas Eve. So, it’s easy to understand how Grandma could have stumbled into the path of Santa’s sleigh on her way home. As the story unfolds, it’s discovered that hoofprints found at the scene the next morning suggest she was the victim of a distracted sleigh driver. And now we know the real cause of the hitand-run: Rudolph was texting and flying. Holiday music and mischief aside, texting and driving is no joke. Studies show that taking your focus off of the road for even five seconds – just enough time to type “Rudolph did it” – is approximately the same amount of time it takes to drive the length of a football field at 55 mph. If your eyes are on your phone in those
critical moments, the consequences can be devastating.
The Iowa Governor’s Traffic Safety Bureau reports that in 2022, 9,201 crashes on Iowa roadways were the result of distracted/inattentive drivers. These incidents were responsible for 20 deaths, 3,652 injured persons, and more than $81 million dollars in property damage. The next time you’re tempted to text while driving, remember the tale of Grandma’s tragic trek (see the video at www.youtube.com/ watch?v=rX0YLZ3Hb6A) on Christmas Eve. Keep your attention on the road and may your travels be merry and bright! In 2024 in Iowa, 318 people have been killed in traffic crashes. That’s an increase of nine since Friday, Nov. 28. In Iowa in 2023, there were 377 traffic-related deaths.
NEWS FROM JOHNSON COUNTY
ROADSIDE CHAT
OPINIONS
Coming
soon; December 18th, a busy, busy day
Food for Thought
Milli Gilbaugh
The month of December embraces a number of significant events. If you were born on the eighteenth, you share your birthday with some pretty remarkable people including Brad Pitt, born in 1963, Steven Spielberg in 1946, Swiss artist Paul Klee in 1879, Rolling Stones guitarist Kieth Richards in 1943 and Franz Ferdinand, Archduke of Austria in 1863.
A couple of things that are solidly linked to our observation of Christmas also occurred on the eighteenth. Tchaikovsky 's ballet, “Nutcracker,” was first performed in St. Petersburg in 1892, and, on that date in 1966, “How the Grinch Stole Christmas” made its television debut.
If you couldn't get tickets to the ballet, and if you've seen “The Grinch” a few too many times, there are other things to turn your attention to. Among the choices, the day is Bake Cookies Day. To do the day justice, you could drag out all those old family favorites, revered recipes handed down for generations, and that pile of tempting recipes you cut from magazines, copied off packages of nuts, candy, cereal, raisins and dried apricots. Also ideas you got from cooking shows and picked up from friends, neighbors and co-workers over the years. Once you've sorted through them, you'll be too tired to mix cookie dough so you might want to get some of that frozen dough from the store or disguise store-bought cookies with lots of brightly colored frosting. (You can get that in tubs and tubes at the store while you're there.)
Too many sweets in the house already? The day is also National Roast a Suckling Pig Day. That should keep you occupied for most of the day and your family will appreciate a hot meal. No suckling pigs at the store? Get some little pork sausages and a tube of refrigerator biscuits and make Pigs in a Blanket – close enough.
Since it's getting awfully close to the BIG DAY, you might want to check over your gift list and make sure you have all the shopping finished and the gifts wrapped. When I was the person left in charge of those things, I always kept a few all-purpose gifts handy, just in case there was a shortage and no time to remedy it. Books and puzzles are appropriate for nearly anyone. Desk calendars, note cards and the ubiquitous gift cards will fill gaps for most adults. I've found that nearly everyone appreciates a new pillow every year or two, and those non-stick skillets need replacing pretty often. My mother relied on pen knives for the men and bubble bath for women. Kids got coloring books or paper dolls. For children, today offers such universal things as art and craft supplies, model kits, the latest little gadget that most adults don't understand (you can ask advice from anyone under twelve), novelty candies, pocket toys that make noise, spin, sparkle or can be turned into something else.
Some of the things I remember from my own childhood include novelty candy such as the two-pound giant peppermint sticks my sisters and I received one year and that lasted for nearly five years. We broke off egg-sized chunks with a hammer from time to time and, once that was consumed, didn't hunger for peppermint for several months. Kids can always use bright mittens, scarves and stocking-caps (knitted ones stretch to fit more than one size.) My very own roll of Scotch Tape and a whole package of assorted colors of construction paper are among the most extravagant and treasured gifts I remember receiving.
Little girls like glitz and glamour, so a fluffy “feather” boa or a sparkly tiara would go over big, along with “make-up” made for pretending, Young boys seem to always appreciate those miniature cars and trucks, and my own sons were fascinated by padlocks (I learned early to keep the extra key in a safe place for emergencies.)
Probably the most appreciated gifts I received were the books my dad picked out for me. One, “Pinocchio” was accompanied by a Pinocchio doll just like the one in the Walt Disney movie, and he still has an honored place under my Christmas tree every year.
Plant closure gives us an economics lesson
Stray Thoughts
Randy Evans Iowa Freedom of Information Council
Many people would rather get their teeth drilled than discuss economics. If you are one of them, dial up your dentist, because today’s topic probably will make you uncomfortable.
Some politicians like to talk about other countries “stealing” the jobs of American workers. The politicians would have us believe these countries are snatching jobs right from under the noses of unwilling, and unwitting, employers in the United States.
A menswear writer named Derek Guy recently provided an important dose of context for American consumers. That context shows politicians have not been completely candid with consumers about the economic realities behind this trend.
I will leave the discussion of the politics of this for another day and another person. Instead, I want to share Guy’s knowledge and analysis. He posted about this recently on social media.
The peg for Guy’s discussion of manufacturing economics was the closure and auction of the machines and other contents of what for 70 years was known as the Garland Shirt Factory. The plant was named for Garland, N.C., a town of about 600 people where 150 men and women made an American fashion icon, the Brooks Brothers button-down oxford shirts.
For generations, these high-quality shirts were chosen by the upwardly mobile men in boardrooms, banks and businesses throughout the United States. “They were a popular perennial,” Guy wrote of the Brooks Brothers’ shirts.
“But over time, Brooks Brothers fell into a common problem: the burden of expansion,” Guy wrote. “In 1971, they had just 11 locations. In 2001, there were 155 stores and outlets in the U.S. and Japan.”
During this expansion, the company’s real estate costs grew. The company was locked into long-term leases. So, executives looked for other ways to offset those expenses. One way was reducing the cost of making the shirts sold in their stores. Another was to turn to discounting to sell even more shirts.
Brooks Brothers moved its production to other countries, where labor costs were dramatically lower.
Traditionally, Brooks Brothers shirts rarely went on sale, Guy wrote. When they did, it was once a year and only after Christmas. But by 2010, Brooks Brothers
Attorney
Alyssa Brouillet Communications
Director, Office of the Iowa Attorney General
DES MOINES — Iowa Attorney General Brenna Bird and Secretary of State Paul Pate have announced a lawsuit against Secretary of Homeland Security Alejandro Mayorkas and the United States Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS), demanding that the Biden-Harris Administration hand over information about known noncitizens on Iowa’s voter rolls.
The Biden-Harris Administration’s USCIS has refused the State’s repeated requests for information
shirts were available at discount during mid-season sales, at end-of-season sales, at Christmas sales, “4 for $249” sales, and “select shirts for just $39” sales.
While that discounting led to more shirts being sold, it also made the economics of producing shirts at a profit in Garland, N.C., more difficult, even with the factory also sewing for other companies besides Brooks Brothers.
Guy explained this shirt-making reality in his social media post: “When Brooks Brothers filed for Chapter 11 bankruptcy, I interviewed a number of their executives. I asked, How is it possible that the company that invented the oxford cloth button-down, one of the most iconic American designs, is not able to charge a premium over stuff found on Amazon?”
Here are some shirt-making economics:
“The simple reason is because at $10-$14/hour wages, a shirt is expensive,” Guy wrote. “At such prices, a company might buy a shirt from Garland at $40, sell it to a store for $80, and then the store sells it to you for about $150.
“But people don’t want to pay $150 for a shirt. Ultimately, consumers want cheap clothes,” Guy wrote. What has occurred in Garland has occurred in many other American communities where textile companies have cut jobs and stopped cutting and sewing shirts — and suits, blouses, slacks and dresses — over the past several decades.
The U.S. International Trade Commission reported in September that the United States is the largest apparel importer in the world, bringing into the U.S. $79 billion worth of clothes each year, mostly from Asia.
A report by Statista, a data analysis company, provides a statistical foundation for why clothing manufacturing has shifted overseas, primarily to countries in Asia. While workers in Garland might have earned $10 to $14 per hour, garment workers in China are paid the equivalent of about $220 *per month*, Statista reported. In Cambodia, they receive about $190 per month. In Bangladesh, the pay is about $95 per month, according to Statista.
American employees have no desire to work for wages found in developing countries. And economists remind us that tariffs will simply increase the cost to American consumers for those button-down shirts Brooks Brothers now sells that are made overseas.
Kenneth Ragland, who last managed the Garland operation, summed up the challenge bluntly in an interview with North Carolina’s Sampson Independent newspaper: “Lots of people talk about Made in the USA as being so necessary, but when the rubber meets the road, most Americans want cheap goods, which do not make it easy for U.S. firms to survive.”
Randy Evans can be reached at DMRevans2810@gmail.com.
on the hundreds of noncitizens confirmed on Iowa’s voter rolls. USCIS’s failure meant that the State had to rely on the best—imperfect—data it had available to ensure that no Iowan's vote was canceled by an illegal, noncitizen vote. The State was then sued, due to the Biden-Harris Administration’s failure, right before election day. Senators Grassley and Ernst also called for the election integrity data that the federal government continues to withhold from Iowans. “I am suing for the Biden-Harris Administration to finally release the election integrity data that it has been hiding from Iowa,” said Attorney General Bird. “The Biden-Harris Administration knows who the hundreds of noncitizens are on our voter rolls and has
repeatedly refused to tell us who they are. But the law is clear: voters must be American citizens. Together, with the Secretary of State, we will fight to maintain safe and secure elections that Iowans can count on.”
The lawsuit demands that the Biden-Harris Administration follow the law and give Iowa access
Q&A: Presidential nominations With U.S. Senator Chuck Grassley
Q: How does the nominations process work following a presidential election?
A: Article II, Section 2 of the Constitution grants the president the power to nominate individuals to certain positions outlined in the Constitution or created by federal law. During the time between a presidential election in November and inauguration in January, a president-elect makes consequential decisions to assemble a team of advisors and high-level government officials. While a president can hire White House advisors on his own, key roles charged with implementing laws passed by Congress generally require Senate confirmation. Thousands of positions spanning federal departments and independent agencies are submitted to the U.S. Senate for its constitutional authority of Advice and Consent, a vital lever in our system of checks and balances. During the Eisenhower administration, a firstever list of presidentially appointed positions was created to inform President-elect Eisenhower which positions he would be responsible for filling. While officially called the “United States Government Policy and Supporting Positions,” the directory is more commonly known as the Plum Book, so-called for the color of its book jacket. Since 1960, the book has been published after every presidential election. Beginning in 2012, the U.S.
LETTER TO THE EDITOR
No logical reason to reopen the Duane Arnold Energy Center
I don't understand the logic of reopening the Duane Arnold Energy Center because life is like a cartoon called The Simpsons. What I do know is Caden Bell offers no logical reason to reopen the Duane Arnold Energy Center nuclear power plant in his Dec. 5 opinion in the Solon Economist.
First things first. The technology at Duane Arnold is old. The physical plant is old. Its permit has been
Prepare to file your application for college financial aid
Iowa Student Loan Liquidity Corporation board member
Families who will have students in college for the 2025-2026 school year should take the first step in the financial aid process now.
The Free Application for Federal Student Aid, or FAFSA, for 2025-2026 is now available.
Students and their parents should fill it out as soon as possible to ensure the best consideration for available college funding, which may be limited. For incoming freshmen, submitting earlier rather than later may also mean more opportunity to compare financial aid offers from multiple institutions before the final decision must be made.
The information on the FAFSA is used to determine eligibility for federal financial aid, like work-study and federal student loans, as well as aid from the state and the
to data on identified noncitizens on the State’s voter rolls.
“The role of Iowa Secretary of State requires balance between participation and integrity. We have identified solutions that will allow us to verify voter eligibility at registration – not at the time of voting,”
Government Publishing Office made the publication available online. Legislative updates designed to improve transparency and add search-friendly tools to the online federal directory were enacted in 2022 and maintained by the Office of Personnel Management.
When the presidency changes political hands, the transition team has its work cut out to assemble and vet a lengthy list of nominees, starting with key Cabinet assignments across the executive branch; ambassadors; U.S. Attorneys; and, top jobs leading independent agencies, such as NASA; as well as regulatory entities, such as the Federal Trade Commission and Securities Exchange Commission. Presidential appointments that require the advice and consent of the U.S. Senate take extra elbow grease to thoroughly vet and prepare nominees for the confirmation process. The nominee must be able to withstand intense public scrutiny by the media and answer questions by committee members during confirmation hearings. Being asked to serve the American people on behalf of the president is among the nation’s highest honors. It requires personal sacrifice, often earning less pay than in the private sector and setting privacy aside for public service.
Having a top-notch team of citizen-leaders in place enables the president to enact his agenda and keep promises made to the American people. In the first days of his presidency, Thomas Jefferson observed how the nominations process could make or break his administration: “There is nothing I am so anxious about as good nominations…conscious that the merit as well as reputation of an administration depends as much on [nominations] as on its measures.” In The Federalist Papers, Alexander Hamilton warned against the feeble execution of the government, “...a government ill executed, whatever it may be in theory, must be, in practice, a bad government.” The Founding Fathers appreciated the importance of having a talented team of highly qualified citizen-leaders to carry out the mission of the chief executive the American people elected. This practice stands the test of time, from the first to the 47th
renewed twice. There is a limit to the life of facilities built in the 1970s. Why throw new money after old technology? If Iowa were to restart nuclear power, we should at least wait until known problems have been resolved. Bill Gates is working on that, having received a permit for a small modular reactor in Wyoming. If nuclear power has a future in the energy mix, it is not at Duane Arnold, but in small modular reactors if the bugs can be worked out. That is a big if. Give Gates and company time to do the work.
Who will pay? The nuclear energy industry relies
college itself. These include grants and scholarships that do not need to be repaid.
Iowa Student Loan Liquidity Corporation, which funds college as ISL Education Lending, encourages all students to complete the FAFSA even if they don't feel they qualify for financial aid. Nearly all students are eligible for some federal student loans, and the college may require the FAFSA to be submitted before awarding scholarships or other aid, whether or not it has an income requirement.
The student as well as contributors - the student's spouse, a biological or adoptive parent, or the student's parent's spouse - complete the FAFSA.
To get started:
• Locate or create a studentaid.gov account for every contributor who will be completing the FAFSA. If you already have an FSA ID, you can use that account username and password to access the account. Otherwise, start with your name and Social Security number at https:// studentaid.gov/fsa-id/create-account. (Contributors without a Social Security number can still create an account to complete their portion of the FAFSA).
• Gather 2023 state and federal tax returns, income records and other financial information.
• Log in at https://studentaid.gov/h/apply-for-aid/fafsa to start the form.
After completion, you will be able to direct the FAFSA to be sent to your college. Freshmen for 2025-2026 can send the FAFSA to multiple institutions. Each college will then use the results to determine financial need, or the gap between the cost of attendance and available savings and earnings.
If you need help with the FAFSA, contact your college's financial aid office or set up an appointment at no cost with
said Secretary Pate. “The combination of access to the SAVE list, citizenship verification already completed by USCIS, and the ability to verify using social security numbers will not only make processes more efficient but will also provide another important tool in our toolbox to safeguard our elections process.”
president in our nation’s history.
Q: What is your approach to the confirmation process?
A: President-elect Trump and his transition team have been hard at work preparing to take office on Jan. 20, 2025. As one of 100 U.S. Senators, I’ll roll up my sleeves to consider the slate of nominees he sends to the Senate for advice and consent. As incoming chairman of the Senate Judiciary Committee, I will lead confirmation hearings for nominees who fall under the jurisdiction of this committee, such as the U.S. Attorney General. Being nominated by the president, particularly for a high-profile Cabinet position, requires nominees do their homework. Nominees often meet one-on-one with senators to become acquainted with individual members. Those meetings give me a chance to speak personally with them about their priorities while I advocate for our state and the needs of Iowans. Nominees also must fill out lengthy questionnaires and can expect tough questions at their confirmation hearings. I take the confirmation process one step at a time. Whether a Republican or Democrat administration, my policy is to withhold final judgment on nominees until after the confirmation hearings.
Our constitutional process helps foster public confidence in government to help ensure top government positions are filled by qualified citizen-leaders. In 1883, Congress passed the Pendleton Act to end political patronage and establish a merit-based system for federal workers. More than eight decades later, federal anti-nepotism laws were passed during the Lyndon B. Johnson administration to strengthen public confidence that top jobs are based on merit, not blood lines. Ultimately, presidential nominees must prove they’re ready, able and willing to faithfully execute laws passed by Congress and effectively carry out government services on behalf of the American people.
heavily on federal subsidies. Bell offers nothing about financing the return of nuclear power in Iowa. It remains a key issue with any electricity source. His opinion is useless without addressing who will pay and determining the source of funding..
My recommendation is Bell return to watching The Simpsons and keep opining about real-world issues like nuclear power among his university friends.
ICAN at www.ICANsucceed.org. ICAN can also help new college students compare financial aid offers from multiple institutions.
Filling out the FAFSA is just one of the many steps to the college planning process. ISL, a nonprofit that helps families pay for college, offers several additional online resources and award programs.
To learn more about programs that can help pay for college, visit www.IowaStudentLoan.org/Scholarships.
Paul Deaton Solon
Rob Denson
Denson
Front: Santa Clauws chats with Amelia Knowles during the annual Solon Christmas Tree Walk Saturday, Dec. 7 at the Solon Methodist Church’s Family Life Center. Mr. Claus makes several visits in Solon every year during the Christmas season including a stop at the Solon American Legion Stinocher Post 460 next Saturday morning. Above left: Kay Geguzis serves up a Church Burger with fellow Solon Methodist Church volunteers Jill Mack (at left) and Melody Morris. Above center: Cara Rehbock concentrates very hard in order to be sure she doesn’t forget anything while visiting with Santa Claus. Above right and below: Attendees were encouraged to complete a scavenger hunt with items strategically placed upon the trees on display
Left: Breckon Holub, of Solon, surveys one of the many Christmas trees on display.
Photos by Chris Umscheid | Solon Economist
A boy surveys one of the many Christmas trees on display at the annual Solon Christmas Tree Walk Saturday, Dec. 7 at the Solon Methodist Church’s Family Life Center.
Two girls compare notes as they work to complete a scavenger hunt with items strategically placed upon the trees on display at the annual Solon Christmas Tree Walk Saturday, Dec. 7.
Solon Middle School ranks in top 1.25 percent of all Iowa schools
A recent ranking from the Iowa Department of Education placed it as one of only 16 Iowa schools in the exceptional category.
Brianna Brands
The Daily Iowan
With low chronic absenteeism rates, exceptional student growth, and a demonstration of proficiency in English language arts, mathematics, and science, Solon Middle School is one of the top schools in the state of Iowa.
Every year, the Iowa Department of Education releases the Iowa School Performance Profiles, which help inform families how each school is serving students.
“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,” Department of Education Director McKenzie Snow said in a news release.
According to the Department of Education’s user guide for the profiles, each school receives an overall score based on its performance on accountability measures,
such as proficiency in core subjects based on assessment results, student growth, English language growth, chronic absenteeism rates, and attendance growth.
Schools receive a certain number of points based on performance in each category, which are then totaled up for an overall score. A total of 700 points are possible for middle and elementary schools, and 900 for high schools, which also factor in graduation rate and postsecondary readiness.
Solon Middle School received 549.01 points out of the possible 700, or 78.43 percent, compared to the state average of 60.95 percent. Any school with 78.25 percent or more of the possible points is placed in the exceptional category, the top category a school can be placed in.
Solon Middle School is one of only 16 schools in the state to receive the exceptional rating and the only one in Johnson County, placing it in the top 1.25 percent of all Iowa schools.
Solon Middle School Principal Mike Herdliska and Superintendent Davis Eidahl shared the key factors contributing to the school’s success.
“I think a large part of it, in my eyes, is we’ve been able to develop really an amazing culture in the building,” Herdliska said.
Eidahl said with the middle school in particular, they have the right game plan in place to ensure success for students. Though anybody can put the right plan in place, it is the buy-in from staff members that helps
make it so successful.
“With buy-in comes work ethic and belief, and we see that out of our staff, making sure that there is success for each and every child,” he said. “We’ve just been very appreciative of the job that they’re doing there.”
Herdliska said the staff is also much more focused on the people rather than content, showcasing a hard-tocome-by commitment.
Eidahl highlighted the school’s methods and practices of teaching, noting they don’t have a “one size fits all” approach for students. Instead, teachers teach a skill they want students to learn and will confer with students through a workshop model, either individually or in small groups, in order to get a sense of where each student is at and how to best proceed from there.
Every Thursday, the school releases students early, and teachers get together and collaborate based on student needs. Every six to eight weeks, they look at student data and make adjustments based on what the children need.
“It’s been a commitment from our staff and our admin to get the right materials in front of kids for those interventions, and we’ve got the system in place that allows an appropriate amount of time in our school day to help the kids that are struggling,” Herdliska said.
Eidahl said that commitment to education from families is also a huge contributor to the school’s success.
“As far as being in the top 1.25 percent, we’re blessed in Solon that we’ve got families that really prioritize education,” Eidahl said. “That is seen in our very, very, very low chronic absenteeism. We’ve got one of the lowest chronic absenteeism percentages in Iowa.”
Eidahl said the staff’s commitment to both students and their profession, as well as a strong partnership with parents, help the school stand out.
“We are intentional about creating an environment where kids feel like they belong,” he said.
Keep Iowa Beautiful opens 2025 scholarship
Andy Frantz Executive Director, Keep Iowa Beautiful
Keep Iowa Beautiful awards three $1,000 scholarships to Iowa high school seniors who plan to enroll in an Iowa college or university.
These annual scholarships honor important figures in Keep Iowa Beautiful history who have made significant contributions to Iowa communities
• The Byers Scholarship: — High school seniors who plan to enroll and study environmental science, community development, landscape architecture, or architecture (historical emphasis) or community planning and sustainability are eligible to apply. In memory of Bob Byer’s dedication to young people and environmental concerns, Keep Iowa Beautiful and the Byers family established the Byers Environmental Scholarship Fund in 2009.
• The Schnepf Scholarship: – High school seniors who have a record of community service and a desire to continue to support and contribute to the enhancement of the place they live and work are eligible to apply. College programs could include community and regional planning and volunteer management. This scholarship honors Gerry Schnepf, founding Executive Director of Keep Iowa Beautiful. His career spanned 50 years of making Iowa a better place to live, work, and raise a family.
• The Fultz Scholarship: — High school seniors who plan to enroll and study communications, public relations, and/or marketing are eligible to apply. This scholarship honors William J. Fultz, a founding Keep Iowa Beautiful board member and artist who started an advertising agency that became the largest agriculture advertising agency in the world.
“Keep Iowa Beautiful seeks to foster positive values in younger generations and reinforce them in older generations.
We encourage respect for home, neighborhood, community, and state,” said Andy Frantz, Executive Director of Keep Iowa Beautiful. “These students have a passion for improving the communities where they live and work, and we couldn’t be more excited to see where their educational journey takes them.”
For more information and to apply online, visit https://keepiowabeautiful. org/grants-scholarships/ scholarships/. Applications are due January 31, 2025, and winners will be notified in April 2025.
About Keep Iowa Beautiful Keep Iowa Beautiful was established in 2000 by Governor Robert D. Ray and Donald F. Lamberti becoming the 23rd
State Affiliate of Keep America Beautiful. The organization is 501c3 charitable organization working with citizens, neighborhoods, and communities in improving the vitality and cultural health of the state of Iowa. Keep Iowa Beautiful is helping build stronger communities to develop sustainable futures. Learn more at KeepIowaBeautiful.org.
CLASSIFIEDS
For Rent:
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BUSINESS SERVICES
Lady Spartans come up short against Clippers
CCA tops Solon 59-45 in WaMaC East vs. West rivalry
Jonah A. Frey For the Solon Economist
SOLON — Friday night was yet another chilly night in eastern Iowa, but Solon High School’s gymnasium was set ablaze by a dominant performance from the visiting Clear Creek Amana (CCA) Clippers. Clear Creek Amana (No. 9 in Class 4A in the Iowa Girls High School Athletic Union’s Dec. 4 rankings) defeated defending class 3A State Champ Solon Lady Spartans, 59-45.
The Spartan girls knocked down some shots early to create a back-and-forth first quarter, but the Clippers’ defense was simply too suffocating for the Lady Spartans to handle. With a tight score of 15-12 after the first quarter, the Clippers were able to use a few turnovers and an authoritative night in the paint to capture the momentum and never give
it back. Junior Averie Lower led the way for CCA with a very impressive 20 point performance.
Junior Delainey Durr led the way offensively for Solon with an impressive 20 points of her own, getting hot from threepoint land in the second half.
After the game, Solon head coach Jamie Smith was quick to acknowledge the fight that his girls showed until the final buzzer.
“We’re not big into moral victories but I do like the way we kept playing…Hustling and defense is something we base our program on.”
Coach Smith knows what it takes to win a state title with his team claiming the class 3A championship just nine months ago. He noted some points to improve on and kept it simple.
“Our standards are pretty high. We shot the ball well, but you can’t turn the ball over as much as we did.”
The Lady Spartans (1-2) returned to the court Tuesday at Grinnell High School (after this edition’s deadline), looking to avenge Friday night’s loss and get back to .500 on the season.
Scoring
Rebounds –
Emma R. Hussin | For the Solon Economist Solon point guard Kobi Lietz defends the ball from Clear Creek Amana point guard Averie Lower during a girls’ basketball game between Solon and Clear Creek Amana at Solon High School Friday, Dec. 6, 2024. The Clippers defeated the Spartans, 59–45.
Upcoming Schedule
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.
WaMaC East
(12/3/24)
Haluska 9, Kruse 9, Laeni Hinkle 2, Durr 1, Johnson 1, Quinn Armentrout 1
Assists – Durr 5, Lietz 3, Haluska 3, Johnson 1
Steals – Kruse 2, Lietz 1, Haluska 1
Blocks – Lietz 1 Individual Stats
– Delainey Durr 20, Beckett Kruse 11, Kobi Lietz 5, Laney Johnson 5, Jerzey Haluska 4 3-point baskets – Durr 6/14, Kruse 1/2, Johnson 1/4
Lietz 9,
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 10-11:00 a.m.
Bingo – Wednesdays AM/PM Cards – Wednesdays PM
DECEMBER MENU
Friday, Dec. 13
Sauteed Shrimp
Buttered Noodles
Broccoli
Raspberry Gelatin w/Marshmallow Topping
Monday, Dec. 16
Smothered Pork Chop
Scalloped Potatoes
Maple Brussel Sprouts & Squash
Cherry Cobbler
Wednesday, Dec. 18
Holiday Celebration
Chicken Parm Alfredo
Chalet Buttered Vegetables
Garlic Toast
Frosted Peanut Butter Bars
Friday, Dec. 20
Honey Biscuit Flounder
Cheesy Broccoli
Rice Casserole
Beets in Orange Sauce
Butterscotch Apple Cake
Thank you Solon Senior Dining volunteers! “Volunteers do not necessarily have the time, they just have the heart.”
SCHOOL BREAKFAST
The Solon Community School District is an equal opportunity provider.
Menus will vary to accommodate the Federal Nutrition Guidelines. Please understand that menus are subject to change as needed. Please check your lunch account balances, purchases, and deposits online at solon. total.k12.com.
Nutrition office: 319-624-3401, Ext. 1120 or bwest@solon.k12.ia.us.
Student breakfast is FREE again this year
The Solon Community School District (SCSD) is once again able to offer free breakfast to students for the academic year. Becky West, Nutrition Director, explained the Nutritional Department’s financial situation, based on standard practice and guidance from the state, makes it possible to offer this important
SCHOOL LUNCH
For information on the free and reduced program, and an application, go to www.solon.
k12.ia.us/page/nutritionprogram and scroll down to Nutrition Documents & Links.
STUDENT LUNCH PRICES
High School - $2.70
Middle School - $2.60
SIS/Lakeview - $2.55
Reduced - $.40
Adult/Guest lunch: $4.70
Thursday, Dec. 12
MS/HS Alt: Cheese Bites
Chicken Tenders (LV/SIS)
Chicken Wings & Sauce (MS/ HS)
Steamed Carrots, Celery
Chilled Pears
Biscuit with Butter Patty, Sunchips (HS)
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, Dec. 12
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, Dec. 13
Muffin Top (LV/SIS)
G&G Bag (LV) Oatmeal Bar
Breakfast Pizza or Cinnamon Doughnuts
Fruit, Juice Crackers & Milk
Monday, Dec.16
Muffin (LV/SIS)
G&G Bag (LV) Muffin
Friday, Dec. 13
MS/HS Alt: Cook’s Delight
Mac & Cheese, Little Smokies
Caesar Salad, Fava Crisps
Green Beans (MS/HS)
Pineapple Chunks, Garlic Toast (HS)
Monday, Dec. 16
MS/HS Alt: Fish Fillet Sandwich
Mandarin Chicken and Rice
Broccoli, Sweet Potato Fries
Apple Wedges, Yo Caramel (HS)
Pineapple (MS/HS) Garlic Knot
Tuesday, Dec. 17
MS/HS Alt: BBQ Pork
Sandwich
Walking Taco’s with Fixings
Mixed Vegetables
Across
1 Not quite burnt, say
4 “The Joy of ___” (“The Simpsons” episode about a cult)
8 Not genuine
14 Subject of many a grainy video
15 Dungeons & Dragons beast
16 Made do?
— Elizabeth Andrew
Mini Breakfast Corndogs or French Toast & Sausage Links
Fruit, Juice Crackers & Milk
Tuesday, Dec. 17
Mini Doughnuts (LV/SIS)
G&G Bag (LV) Mini Doughnuts
Breakfast Bagel or Bubble Cake
Fruit, Juice Crackers & Milk
Wednesday, Dec. 18
French Toast Sticks & Sausage
Links (LV/SIS)
G&G Bag (LV) Waffle Crackers
Breakfast Sandwich or Tornadoes
Fruit, Juice Crackers & Milk
Thursday, Dec. 19
Breakfast Sandwich (LV/SIS)
G&G Bag (LV) Cereal Bar
Egg Scramble w/Hash Brown or Mini Pancakes w/Sausage
Links
Fruit, Juice Crackers & Milk
Diced Pears
Goldfish (SIS/MS/HS) Trail Mix (MS/HS)
Wednesday, Dec. 18
MS/HS Alt: Spicy Chicken Patty
Chicken Patty on a Bun
Cauliflower & Cheese
Shredded Romaine
Sweet Mandarin Oranges, Wacky Cake
Thursday, Dec. 19
MS/HS Alt: Creamed Turkey, Mashed Potatoes & Dinner Roll
Cheese Pizza
Seasoned Crinkle Cut Fries
Tasty Peas
Mango Cubes
Ice Cream Treat
17 Developer’s purchase
18 Fills in with the latest
20 “Fannn-tastic!”
22 Yesterday, in Spanish
23 Et ___
24 Lilliputian
26 They might clash on a star-studded team
30 Petty complaint
32 Gochujang paste or hoisin sauce
35 Genius Bar staffer, perhaps
38 Mario Kart character with a pink outfit and a mushroom cap
39 Encyclopedia division: Abbr.
40 Given name of baseball’s Ozzie Smith
42 Body shop offering
43 Greek language?
45 Deep cuts
47 Home to the Van Gogh Museum
49 Meet up with
50 Will of “The Waltons”
51 Thornfield Hall governess
53 Place for a Lady chapel
56 No challenge
59 “Hold your head high!”
61 Result in a photo finish
65 Banking giant based in 47-Across
66 “Likewise”
67 Touched down
68 San Antonio-to-Dallas dir.
69 Shaky start?
70 ___ deal
71 Carol contraction
Down
2 On the bad side (of)
3 Freedom, per Janis Joplin
4 Stylish Miami neighborhood, in brief
5 Everglades hunter
6 Rave party?
7 Pink-colored euro banknote
9 Got up
1 Midwest city known as the “Capital of Route 66”
8 Online shop for some vintage items
10 Topping-laden pizza variety
11 Sight in Congo’s Virunga National Park
12 ___ shot
13 Debut character for Zadie Smith?
19 “I Will Survive” Grammy winner
21 Gaming console that preceded the Switch
25 Totally unacceptable
27 Not beat around the bush
28 How ballerinas often dance
29 Cooks, as tomatoes
31 Frequently recurring theme
33 “Rats!”
34 Noodle nuggets
35 Drip source in an E.R.
36 Crooner Mel
37 Beta tester, e.g.
41 One might require a higher prescription
44 Grid components
46 Prepare, as scallops
48 Claymation character of old “S.N.L.”
52 Chilling
54 Like the majority of Egyptians
55 Crimped parts of ravioli
57 Subject of the obsolete “plum pudding model”
58 “Beat it!”
60 Org. with a white rabbit in its logo
61 Not trans
62 Written homage
63 L’état, à Louis XIV
64 2020 #1 hit for Cardi B and Megan Thee Stallion
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.
GIRLS' WRESTLING
from 12
on the mat over the course of the two days but it was a positive experience for our program overall. We were able to put three wrestlers on the Top-eight podium (VeDepo: 105; Rogers: 110; Richards: 115) which is a first for our program in this tournament.”
Sade Kabedi Mutamba | For the Solon Economist The Solon High School girls’ wrestling team puts on their gear as they wait to enter Xtream Arena to warm up at the Dan Gable Donnybrook Wrestling Tournament Thursday, Dec. 6.
BOYS' BASKETBALL
Solon charges
past CCA 57-47
Spartans improve to 2-0 as they sink the Clippers
Jonah A. Frey
For the Solon Economist
SOLON — It was a packed house in Solon on Friday night as the Spartans took on the Clear Creek Amana (CCA) Clippers in a scrappy class 3A boys’ basketball rivalry thriller. The Spartans emerged victorious 57-47 thanks to a huge third quarter, where they outscored the Clippers 19-6.
From the opening tip, it was a classic game of runs. The momentum was traded off between the two teams like a couple of kids on a teeter totter. It came down to whoever wanted to keep that momentum long enough to create a double digit lead, and that’s exactly what Solon was able to do in the third quarter.
With a narrow 25-24 deficit at half, the Spartans soared out of the break with a 19-6 run. They closed the strong quarter with a 43-31 lead. The run was plenty enough for the Spartans to hold off the Clippers and keep themselves on the winning side of the rivalry for the third year in a row.
Spartans’ head coach Jared Galpin was glowing after the performance his boys had on the night.
“We knew we were up against a good team. This was a tremendous confidence booster for the guys.”
Coach Galpin discussed and reflected on the game plan he laid out for his team before the game. “I said we have to be the toughest, scrappiest team, and we were.”
Coach Galpin gave an example of his team’s toughness
Solon tops Cardinals 58-50
A fresh Spartan team earns their first win in their season opener over Maquoketa
Elise Gan
For the Solon Economist
SOLON — As December made its dramatic (and frigid) debut, so did Solon Spartans boys' basketball. In the warmth of their home gym, the Spartans welcomed former conference opponent and rival, the Maquoketa Cardinals, to compete in both teams’ season openers on Tuesday, December 3rd.
Things set off as sneakers made their way into the air, rewarding the Cardinals with the first possession of the game, yet with the little amount of scoring from both ends, the scoreboard remained empty for the first few minutes of the quarter.
As their previous five starters and three other influential pieces from last season graduated, the questions and expectations surrounding the newly adjusting Spartan team remain vast, as last year’s group only had one regular season loss and plowed their way to the regional semifinals later on. Now, as the first sixteen minutes of the 2024-2025 season dialed down, the ever-changing Spartans roster struggled, beginning their reign of turnovers and missing the majority of their shots, shooting for only 20%.
Team Scores
Team scores – 1, Raccoon River-Northwest 344.5. 2, Decorah 287.5. 3, Ankeny 277.0. 4, Mason City 234.0. 5, Waverly-Shell Rock 233.5. 6, Apple Valley 206.5. 7, Mount Vernon 192.5. 8, Prairie, Cedar Rapids 183.5. 9, Vinton-Shellsburg 177.5. 10, Basehor-Linwood HS 157.0. 11, Algona 155.5. 12 Linn-Mar 155.0. 13, Bettendorf 150.0. 13, Maple Park (Kaneland) 150.0. 15, New Lenox (Lincoln Way Central) 145.5. 16, Denver 138.5. 17, Charles City 134.5. 18, Liberty 128.5. 19, Iowa City High 123.0. 20, Staley 119.5. 21, Dekalb 113.5.
from late in the game when senior Nolan Seagren was at the free throw line to try and ice the game. He missed, but grabbed his own rebound, helping the Spartans to burn some more clock, and add more points to their lead.
The Spartans continue to lead the all-time series in dominating fashion against the Clippers with a 14-2 head to head record.
The boys looked to ride the momentum into their next matchup at Grinnell on Tuesday (after this edition’s deadline).
WaMaC East Standings (12/3/24)
Scoring – Caleb Bock 11, Simon Einwalter 10, Isaiah Zoske 9, Grant Gordon 9, Tanner Heims 6, Nolan Seagren 4, Kaden Hoeper 4, Ethan Ulch 2, Maddox Kelley 1, Jackson Link 1 3-point baskets – Einwalter 2/3, Gordon 2/3, Bock 1/1, Zoske 1/7
Rebounds – Bock 8, Einwalter 7, Seagren 4, Heims 4, Zoske 3, Kelley 2, Hoeper 2, Link 2, Gordon 1
Assists – Kelley 3, Bock 2, Hoeper 2, Einwalter 2, Link 2, Zoske 1, Seagren 1, Heims 1, Gordon 1
Steals – Zoske 2, Kelley 2, Gordon 2, Einwalter 2, Bock 1, Heims 1, Hoeper 1
Blocks – Zoske 1
“I know we’re gonna get a lot better, we’re trying to develop cohesiveness and consistency,” head coach Jared Galpin said. “We’re young, inexperienced, we make mistakes, but I know we’re going to get better at what we’re doing.”
With halftime giving them a chance to regroup, the Spartans returned from the locker room with a new spark of momentum and used it to their advantage, earning them their first win over the Cardinals, 58-50—but it did not come easy. The Spartans finished with 16 turnovers and shot 35.7%, only making 24 out of their 64 shots. They pulled through thanks to the leadership of senior Caleb Bock, who racked up 21 points, putting himself as the only player to reach double digits on both ends.
“Big game, I mean, that’s what I expect out of him. He’s a super athletic kid. Good on the glass, good on the rim, good at finishing. That was huge for us,” Galpin said. “He got good experience last year, now it’s his time to shine and he had a great game today to do so.”
Knowing he would be one of the new leaders of the pack, Bock channeled his role from the opening tip, taking shots from all angles, snatching rebounds, forcing turnovers and earning roars from the crowd with a couple of massive blocks, diminishing any momentum the Cardinals brought onto the court.
“A lot of guys were role players last year on our team, but we’re growing into new roles. They’re taking more leadership roles, they have more emphasis to be guys that are gonna be scorers and defenders for us,” Galpin said of Bock’s increased role on this year’s team.
Other players on Galpin’s watch list—seniors Nolan Seagren, Isaiah Zoske and Jackson Link—stepped up alongside Bock, combining for 19 points.
The game stayed close throughout all four quarters as the lead differences never exceeded single digits and Galpin energetically barked his instructions from the sideline. Keeping the Spartans’ momentum on pace, Galpin’s energy from the bench lasted from tipoff to when the final buzzer
22, Williamsburg 113.0. 23, Fort Dodge 104.5. 24, Solon 103.0. 25, Clinton 98.0. 26, Freedom 95.5. 27, New Hampton 92.5. 28, Lockport (Twp.) 92.0. 29, Huntley 87.0. 30, Marion 79.0. 31, Wahlert Catholic 77.0. 32, Waukon, 66.0. 33, Hortonville 63.0. 34, Oelwein 61.0. 35, West Marshall 59.5. 36, Iowa City West 59.0. 37, Omaha Westside Girls 58.0. 38, Albert Lea 56.0. 39, Aplington-Parkersburg 39.0. 40, Lombard (Montini) 37.0. Joliet (Catholic Academy) 31.5. 42, Medford Area 28.0. 43, Lee’s Summit 15.0. 44, Don Bosco 0.0.
Zhenya E. Loughney | For the Solon Economist Caleb Bock zips by his opponents as he drives toward the net at Solon High School Friday, Dec. 6 against Clear Creek Amana. The Spartans defeated the Clippers 57-47.
Upcoming Schedule
Friday, Dec. 13 - HOME vs. Benton Community, 7:15 p.m. Tuesday, Dec. 17 - AT Mount Vernon, 7:30 p.m. Friday, Dec. 20 - AT Center Point-Urbana, 8:00 p.m.
sounded. During timeouts, the head coach shrunk to his knees, leveled himself with his players and talked to them face-to-face, going into detail about how to improve and adjust.
“Maquoketa we’ve played in the past, they want to push the ball, and the biggest thing is getting back, transitions and then making them earn it,” Galpin explained regarding his coaching style. “They had man-to-man zones, so we had to talk about that, make some adjustments and I thought our guys responded to it well as the game went on.”
Galpin and the Spartans will continue to build off this mindset as they become more comfortable as a group, looking to maintain their second-half momentum in full throughout all future games.
– Caleb Bock 21, Nolan
4. Kaden Hoeper 2 3-point baskets – Link 2/9
Rebounds – Bock 17, Zoske 6, Grant Gordon 6, Kelley 4, Link 4, Seagren 3, Hoeper 3, Karsyn Regennitter 1, Einwalter 1 Assists – Link 3, Zoske 2, Bock 1, Kelley 1, Heims 1, Regennitter 1, Hoeper 1
Steals – Zoske 6, Bock 2, Seagren 2, Kelley 2, Gordon 1 Blocks – Bock 1, Einwalter 1, Link 1
Friday, Dec. 13- HOME vs. Benton Community, 7:15 p.m. Tuesday, Dec. 17 - AT Mount Vernon, 7:30 p.m. Friday, Dec. 20 -
Scoring
Seagren 8, Jackson Link 7, Maddox Kelley 6, Tanner Heims 6, Isaiah Zoske 4. Simon Einwalter
SPORTS
Spartans 12th at Indee’s Cliff Keen Invitational
Solon places seven in Gold and Silver brackets in tough tourney
Solon Economist
INDEPENDENCE — 30 teams competed this past weekend in Independence’s 2024 Cliff Keen Invitational wrestling tournament with the Solon Spartans placing 12th in team points with 199.5.
Lucas Feuerbach took the runner up spot at 215
pounds, Jordan Schmidt was fourth at 138 pounds, Grant Wilson was fifth at 285 pounds, Jackson Feurbach was seventh at 175 pounds, and Anderson Osgood placed eighth at 106 pounds to round out the topten finishers.
Jaydn Bevans was 12th at 150 pounds as was Kyler Jensen at 190 pounds. Charlie Karam and Carson Kidwell placed 17th at 144 and 157 pounds, Jayden Steapp was 19th at 120 pounds, Quinten Henning
Above:
was 24th at 113 pounds, Justin Moore was 26th at 126 pounds as was Connor Dunn at 157 pounds, Logan Ross was 27th at 165 pounds, Evan Gleason was 28th at 113 pounds with Michael Bigelow finishing 28th at 132 pounds.
“it was an up and down weekend,” said head coach Aaron Hadenfeldt. “This is arguably the toughest tournament in the state up until the state wrestling tournament, so it was good to get a barometer on where we're at as a team. I was happy with our effort for the most part, but we've got a ways to go if we're going to attain our goals as a team this year. We've got to get better at knowing how to wrestle in different situations and that will come with more experience. We had seven guys in the gold/ silver bracket, which we haven't had in a while. We're getting there, but we still have a ways to go.”
Upcoming Schedule
Thursday, Dec. 12 – At Williamsburg, 6:00 p.m.
Saturday, Dec. 14 – Tigers Duals at Grinnell HS, 10:00 a.m.
Thursday, Dec. 19 – HOME vs. CPU and Independence, 5:30 p.m.
Team Scores
1, Alburnett 348.0. 2, Carlisle 308.5. 3, Fennimore 294.5. 4, Burlington Notre Dame 294.0. 5, Independence 253.0. 6, Clear Creek Amana 228.5., 7, ClarionGoldfield-Dows 224.0. 8, Denver 215.0. 9, Algona 209.0. 10, Pleasant Valley 205.0. 11, Union, LaPorte City 203.0. 12, Solon 199.5. 13, Xavier Catholic 197.5. 14, Lisbon 193.5. 15, Osage 183.0. 16, Harrisburg 179.5. 17, West Liberty 150.0. 18, Prairie, Cedar Rapids 149.0. 19, Christian Brothers College 144.5. 20, PCM Monroe 143.0. 21, Interstate 35 133.0. 22, NH/TV 121.5. 24, Tinley Park (Andrew) 120.0. 25, Greene County 117.5. 26, Waterloo East 115.0. 27, South Tama County 88.0. 28, Roland-Story 82.5. 29, Maquoketa 45.0. 30, Dubuque Senior 31.5.
Lady Spartans 24th at Dan Gable Donnybrook
Solon
puts three wrestlers on top-eight podium
Solon Economist
CORALVILLE — 44 teams from across Iowa as well as from Illinois, Missouri, Nebraska,
Kansas, and Minnesota, were represented in the 2024 Dan Gable Donnybrook; a premier high school wrestling tournament held Thursday, Dec. 5 through Saturday, Dec. 7 at the Xtream Arena in Coralville.
Solon’s Lady Spartans placed 24th overall with 103 team points.
Senior Kara VeDepo was sixth at 105 pounds, junior McKenna Rogers was eighth at 110 pounds, sophomore Tess Richards was eighth at 115 pounds, freshman Harlow Meade placed third at 125 pounds Silver A, and sophomore Makayla Keller was eighth
Anderson (135 lbs.), senior Lucy Miller (135 lbs.), junior Adlie Miller (190 lbs.), and sophomore Haiden Wolfe (235 lbs.) did not place.
“We love to wrestle at the Dan Gable Donnybrook as it is one of the toughest tournaments in the Midwest featuring over 40 teams from five surrounding states,” said head coach Jake Munson. “We weren't quite at full strength and had some ups and downs
Upcoming Schedule
Thursday, Dec. 12 – At Williamsburg, 6:00 p.m.
Below: Solon High Schol
senior Kara VeDepo wrestles Algona High School senior Alyssa Olson. VeDepo won this match and improved to a 12-0
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 – At Prairie HS tourney, 9:00 a.m.
at 130 pounds
Silver. Sophomore Layla Knazze (105 lbs.), junior Alannah Mahoney (120 lbs.), freshman Alexis
BOYS' WRESTLING
GIRLS' WRESTLING
Shanna Schmidt | Contributetd photos
Anderson Osgood placed 8th at 106 pounds in the Cliff Keen Invitational tournament this past weekend in Independence.
Left: Jackson Feuerbach placed 7th at 175 pounds in the Cliff Keen Invitational tournament this past weekend in Independence.
GIRLS' WRESTLING | 11
Photos by Sade Kabedi Mutamba | For the Solon Economist
Above left: Solon High School junior McKenna Rogers wrestles
sophomore Veronica Skibicki of Lockport, Illinois at the Dan Gable Donnybrook Wrestling Tournament Thursday, Dec. 6. Above right: Solon High School junior McKenna Rogers is announced the winner of her match against sophomore Veronica Skibicki.
Left: Solon High School senior Kara VeDepo is announced the winner of her match against Iowa City West High sophomore Lila Bihun at the Dan Gable Donnybrook Wrestling Tournament Thursday, Dec. 6.
record.