Solon Community
Joel Kellar Solon Economist
SOLON — The Solon Community School District has several construction projects in various stages. Some are being completed as soon as Memorial Day weekend and
some are still years from becoming a reality for the Spartans.
The Solon Intermediate School (SIS) expansion is still on track to be completed on time and within budget. They look to complete the final punch list by Memorial Day weekend. All that is left inside the building is furnishing the interior. The
district is currently receiving furniture bids, which are due on February 18th. From there, they will select the best bid and complete one of the final steps of the expansion.
“[Finishing by Memorial weekend] will
needs
The Solon Community Food Pantry, located in the basement of the Solon Methodist Church, 122 N. West St. in Solon, has an ongoing need for food and other items to make available to its patrons. The Pantry receives food through HACAP (Hawkeye Area Community Action Program) and TEFAP (The Emergency Food Assistance Program) – a federal nutrition program where the USDA purchases healthy foods and other staples (totaling over 120 different items) and then distributes that food to Feeding America network food banks. Iowa City based Table to Table, Kroul Farms and Iowa Grown Market also provide food and produce to the Pantry. However, donations of food, monetary donations, and gift cards are also invaluable to replenish the Pantry’s shelves. Current needs, according to Director Elaine Claude, include - baked beans, spaghetti sauce, pasta (not spaghetti), Ramen noodles, BBQ sauce or any condiments, cake mix and frosting, pancake mix, cereal (not Cheerios®), mayonnaise, peanut butter (not creamy), canned meat (not tuna or chicken), toilet paper, Kleenex®, paper towels, hygiene products, soups (not tomato or vegetable), ravioli and Spaghetti-O’s®, sugar, and baking supplies.
Pantry hours and contact information
The Pantry is open 2-6:00 p.m. Mondays. Donations are accepted Monday mornings or can be placed in the donation box outside. For questions or more information call 319321-5232 or email luv2runiowa@yahoo.com or message the Pantry via the Facebook page at www.facebook.com/solonfoodpantry.
The mailing address is P.O. box 582, Solon, IA, 52333.
“If people want to donate or volunteer, we can always use the help,” said Claude.
Chris Umscheid Solon Economist chris.umscheid@soloneconomist.com
MISSOURI — Bobbi Jo is a very busy little girl. As a Future Leader Dog, she’s enjoying all of the excitement and adventures of being a Labrador retriever puppy, such as sitting and watching, playing with her canine “siblings,” playing hide and seek, and piling up all of her toys on her bed to chew on later. She’s also a working girl, taking the first paw steps toward learning the vital skills of a guide dog and earning the right to be called a Leader Dog helping a blind person to have freedom, companionship, and lifelong skills for safe and independent travel.
Leader Dogs for the Blind is a 100% philanthropically funded organization founded in 1939 by three members of the Uptown Lions Club of Detroit, Charles A. Nutting, Donald P. Schuur, and S.A. Dodge. The trio wanted to help their fellow Lion, Dr. Glenn Wheeler, who had lost his sight and wanted a guide dog. The result was the purchase of a small farm near Rochester Hills, Michigan, which has become a 14-acre campus for training guide dogs and their humans. The organization’s services (which also include training those who are deaf and blind, and using American Sign Language with a guide dog) have been provided free of charge since 1958 in an effort to make them available to all regardless of ability to pay.
One of the initiatives of Lions Club International is to prevent avoidable blindness and improve the quality of life for those who are blind or visually impaired. In that spirit, the Solon Centennial Lions Club made a donation in late December to Leader Dogs for the Blind for Bobbi Jo’s care and training. In a letter to the Solon Lions, Melissa L. Weisse, President & CEO of Leader Dogs for the Blind, gave the Lions a glimpse into Bobbi Jo’s world and the journey she is on.
“Puppies are constantly learning their first year of life and volunteer puppy raisers devote a tremendous amount of time, love, and energy helping lay the foundation for the puppies to succeed. As one puppy raiser described this tremendous responsibility, ‘I am humbled and awed by being a part of the process that creates a person-dog team that can give such freedom to someone who is visually impaired.’ We can’t thank you enough for helping to make this possible.”
After a year, Weisse said, Bobbi Jo will return to the Leader Dog campus for an intensive four-month training period to build her guide dog skills, “and become the Leader Dog she was born to be.” Ultimately, she will be matched with a client. Together, they will train for 25 days to learn how to travel safely together.
Introducing Bobbi Jo Breed – Labrador retriever
Personality – Ball of Fire, Curious, Watchful Favorite toy – Nylabone® dinosaur
Zodiac sign – Gemini
Lineage – Dam/Mom: Elsie, Labrador retriever.
Sire/Dad: Van Gogh, Labrador retriever Home – Missouri
Naming – Bobbi Jo’s puppy raisers are Lions Club members and named her in honor of Lions MD (Multiple District) 22 (Maryland/Delaware) Bob Jones
Family life – Bobbi Jo lives with her puppy raisers, a married team who have raised 17 puppies for Leader Dog. Three Labradors, all career-changed Leader Dogs, also share the home. These older dogs are great “co-raisers” for Bobbi Jo.
Training – Bobbi Jo is registered to begin an AKC STAR (Socialization, Training, Activity, and Responsibility) puppy
school class soon and then will continue with classes at a local training club to earn her AKC Canine Good Citizen title. Since Bobbi Jo is being raised in Missouri and her raiser’s puppy counselor lives in Colorado, their training sessions are done via Facetime or at other puppy group events when they are visiting Michigan.
For more information
Leader Dogs for the Blind – www.leaderdog.org
Solon Centennial Lions Club – on Facebook at Solon Centennial Lions Club
Contributed photo
give plenty of time for teachers to move in and get situated,” said Superintendent Davis Eidahl. The new transportation facility will also look to be completed by Memorial Day weekend.
Right after the school year is wrapped up and the students part for the summer, the district will begin to move everything down into the new office space. Construction has slowed down a little bit since earlier this year, but it is because the district has been focused on getting as many local contractors as they can.
“People in our community, they’ve always lived here, they support our district,” said Eidahl, “They support us, and we want to support them.”
Lakeview Elementary School is in the beginning phases of its plans to renovate both the exterior and interior. The year-long renovation is expected to begin construction over the summer. OPN was hired as the architect and Larson Construction was called upon to help with the project. Once the design phase is completed by March, they will be able to decide how to move forward in a way where they can work on it through the next school year. By moving a grade level into the intermediate school, they will be able to close off sections of that building to keep it safe for students during all of the construction.
The renovations include a new HVAC system and a new membrane on the roof. As well as a couple of cosmetic upgrades. The district wants to upgrade the flooring, paint the walls, and add new lighting.
“The goal is to do as much as we can to where when we’re finished with the project, it’s going to
A
resemble our other buildings,” said Eidahl.
Another major change to the building will happen on the sidewalks and parking lot surrounding the building. The district plans on redoing the sidewalk and curb in front of the school so it can have better water flow. About six years ago, there was a massive rain in Solon, and the water drained off the parking lot, up over the curb, under the front doors, and into some classrooms inside the building. This renovation would ensure that it will not happen again.
The bus lane behind Lakeview will also see some improvements. The district plans to extend the bus lane by changing the entry point. This would allow for more of a single file line, thus making it safer for students to hop off and on the buses.
The district has two big new plans for the future, but both are still waiting for a plot of land to open up. The district is continuing to search for a spot to build a brand-new multipurpose activity facility. The goal is to find a spot that is a walkable distance from the high school and middle school campus. Until that happens, the district is continuing to research other similar facilities in the area to make sure when the complex is built, they are not missing anything.
“We are just talking to some districts with those municipalities as far as, if you could go back and change something, what would you change? What do you like about your building, what don’t you like?” said Eidahl.
The other plan that is still years in the making is the new administrative offices. Once talked about as a collaboration project with the city, it has been decided that a combo-building is not feasible because of the lack of space in Solon
for such a massive entity. There are still talks about finding a place where the offices and a community center could be located near each other, but they are not going to rush the process.
“We want to make sure it’s in the right spot that will be a benefit to our students and our schools for many years to come,” said Eidahl.
One of the most recently completed projects by the district is the safety and security upgrades they made at the beginning of this school year.
New door scanners and cameras were installed – some cameras featuring a 180-degree view and a full 360-degree view. The district now has a view of more hallways and spaces than it had before the improvements. The live feeds are also accessible remotely by some administrators and the Johnson County Sheriff’s Department.
Editor’s note: Voters in 2023 approved a $25.5 million bond issue to expand the SIS, update Lakeview Elementary, convert the former truck shop on the north edge of Solon into a Transportation Center, demolish the former middle school/high school (and current administrative offices and Community Center) and replace with a new District Administrative Office, construct a large indoor multipurpose activities facility, and replace the field turf in Spartan Stadium.
The District received $200,000 of $75 million in federal pandemic relief funds dedicated to providing enhanced security measures for 1,500 school buildings in the state of Iowa. In January 2024 Eidahl estimated an approximate total of $328,000 will be invested in safety and security upgrades.
shift into spring means it’s budget season for the Solon Community School District
SOLON — As the school year begins to enter its final stretch, the Solon School District enters its budgeting season. A strong fiscal plan has allowed Solon to be in a great position going into the next couple of years. The State Senate and Governor Kim Reynolds proposed only a 2% increase in school funding for the next school year. The House is asking for a slightly higher increase of 2.25%.
While awaiting for a final decision from the state capital building, Solon Superintendent Davis Eidahl and the board have budgeted well enough where the low increase should have little, to no impact. They have put an emphasis on putting away more and more money each year in preparation for less funding, or a rainyday type of event. Unfortunately, the former has presented itself, but Solon will be able to power through.
“We feel good about our budget right now,” said Eidahl, “We’ve got a good solvency ratio that will tick down a bit, but it’s still above
where the Iowa School Board Association recommends it being.”
Last year, the district worked out a five-year deal with the teachers for a percentage increase that will be 3.25% per year. This is a higher number than the 2% increase in funding, but the district anticipated that in prior years, so it will not have a major impact on hiring or programs.
“Is that 2% increase each year going to sustain us for the next ten years? No,” said Eidahl, “But we can make it through some years and not have anybody really feel an impact.”
The budget for the 2025-26 school year will be finalized in March. The new AEA changes have had a minimal impact on the school district so far and Eidahl believes it will continue to be that way in the foreseeable future.
New classes and happenings in the SCSD
This year the district added a couple new classes focused on students’ future careers.
Solon Pantry to host vaccination clinic March 3
VFA program provides vaccinations to uninsured and underinsured adults
SOLON — Johnson County Public Health is partnering with communitybased organizations in the county to offer Seasonal Flu and COVID-19 vaccines for eligible adults through the Vaccines for Adults (VFA) program. The VFA Program aims to increase adult vaccination rates and decrease disparities in immunization coverage by providing no-cost vaccine for uninsured or underinsured adults 19 years of age and older. The CDC recommends updated 2024-2025 vaccines to protect against severe COVID-19 and flu this winter and spring.
The Solon Community Food Pantry will host a vaccination clinic Monday, March 3, 2-6:00 p.m. at the pantry located in the basement of the Solon Methodist Church, 122 N. West St., Solon. Eligibility criteria applies to receive the vaccines.
Eligibility criteria for VFA vaccines:
Adults 19 years of age or older who are...
• Uninsured - Does not have private insurance, Medicare, or Medicaid
• Underinsured - A person who has health insurance, but the insurance does not cover any vaccines; a person whose insurance covers only selected vaccines; a person whose insurance does not provide first-dollar coverage
These classes filled up quickly and have been very popular amongst students. These classes focus on a wide range of career paths ranging from manufacturing, woods, and welding to nursing.
The school also added individual career and academic plans to the middle school to vertically articulate with the high school plan. The middle school classes are meant to be much more explorative than the high school versions to promote trying out different areas of interest in the work force.
Next year, the district will increase the career tech department by adding another business teacher. This will free up time for a business teacher to focus on apprenticeships and getting students out into the community.
The Spartans will be getting a new addition to their athletic programs during the next school year. In spring 2026, the school will introduce junior high boys and girls soccer teams. The teams will be made up of seventh and eighth graders. Solon will join 6-7 other WaMaC school to add these teams.
Solon Spartan Trapshooting informational and registration meeting is Sunday, Feb. 23
The Solon Spartan Trapshooting Team will host its annual informational and registration meeting Sunday, February 23, at the Solon Public Library from 4:00-5:00 p.m.
Trapshooting is available for students in grades 6-12 within the Solon Community School District and the team participates in American Trap events locally from March until the State competition in June. Safety and responsible firearm handling are the top priorities for all participants. Members compete both individually and as part of a squad.
“Trap teaches shooters how to focus and develops physical discipline, enhancing stability and coordination,” commented Catherine Bilskie, the current President of the club.
For those who cannot attend the meeting, please reach out to communications manager Sherri Shima at 319330-9420, via our Facebook page - Solon Trapshooting, or email soloniatrap@gmail.com.
Volume 145 I Issue 8
Of a Little Weekly Miracle PO Box 249, Solon, IA 52333 Phone: 319-624-2233 news@soloneconomist.com
The Solon Economist strives for accuracy and fairness in reporting news. If we’ve made an error or a report is misleading, let us know about it: news@soloneconomist.com.
STAFF
Publisher Jason Brummond jason.brummond@dailyiowan.com
Editor Chris Umscheid chris.umscheid@ soloneconomist.com
Advertising Sales Catherine Bilskie catherine.bilskie@ soloneconomist.com
Reporter Intern Joel Kellar
Production Manager Heidi Owen heidi.owen@dailyiowan.com
Business Manager Debbie Plath debra.plath@dailyiowan.com
Official Newspaper: Solon, Johnson County, Solon Community School District, Solon Tri-Township Emergency Response Solon Economist USPS #500860 Copyright © 2024 by Student Publications, Inc. is published weekly by Student Publications, 100 Adler Journalism Building, Room El31, Iowa City, IA 52242. Call 319-6242233 to subscribe. Periodicals postage is paid at Iowa City, IA, and
POSTMASTER: Send address changes to Solon Economist at PO
249, Solon, IA 52333. Subscriptions: Contact Catherine Bilskie at 319-624-2233 or catherine. bilskie@soloneconomist.com for additional information. Subscription rates: Johnson and adjoining counties – $55 annually; elsewhere In Iowa – $75 annually; out of state –$85 annually.
Copyright 2025 Solon Economist, a division of The Daily Iowan and Student Publications, Inc. All articles, photographs and graphics, both in print and online editions, are
Joel Kellar Solon Economist
Johnson County makes strides to strengthen a HeartSafe Community
An Automated External Defibrillator (AED) was placed on a pole in front of Mushroom Park in July 2023 and is available for use by the public in a cardiac arrest emergency. AEDs greatly increase the chances of surviving a sudden cardiac arrest when used within the first few minutes. People can access the unit by calling 9-1-1 while at the box. The dispatcher at the Joint Emergency Communications Center (JECC) will take the information regarding the emergency, dispatch trained responders from the Solon Fire Dept., Johnson County Sheriff’s Office, and Johnson County Ambulance Service, and send a code for the caller to unlock the box.
IOWA CITY — The Johnson County Board of Supervisors has officially proclaimed February as American Heart Month, reinforcing the County’s commitment to cardiovascular health and life-saving emergency response initiatives.
Over 436,000 sudden cardiac arrests occur annually in the United States, with 90% of them being fatal. However, communities with bystander CPR (cardiopulmonary resuscitation) and AED (automated external defibrillator) programs are making a difference. Johnson County has been designated the fourth HeartSafe community in the nation. This designation is due in part to widespread CPR training, increased access to Automated External Defibrillators (AEDs), and the adoption of the PulsePoint app which have strengthened the County’s response system to further prevent sudden cardiac arrests from becoming irreversible death.
The PulsePoint app alerts subscribers when a cardiac emergency is happening in a nearby public location. Community members who receive an alert will be guided to the person needing CPR and advised where the closest AED is located. This early care is vitally important in the period before emergency services arrive on the scene. 911 dispatchers and the PulsePoint app provide instructions on how to perform CPR and use an AED if needed.
During the Johnson County Board of Supervisors meeting on Jan. 30, Dr. Jim Merchant, chair of the Rotary-Kerber HeartSafe Community Campaign, was present to receive the proclamation and share a few remarks. “Supervisors, thank you for the proclamation. Thank you for your continued support for this campaign. I think you know that you have one of the best ambulance services in the country,” he said. Merchant attributed much of the success to the leadership of Johnson County Ambulance Service Director, Fiona Johnson, who also attended the meeting.
With an initial $10,000 grant, the Rotary-Kerber HeartSafe Community Campaign, partnering with the Johnson County Ambulance Service and staffed by Rotary and other volunteers, was launched in 2019. Since then, Merchant said the campaign has had success with obtaining financial support from donors of about $50,000 per year, allowing the campaign to offer AED packages at an affordable cost to nonprofits and businesses in Johnson County through a costsharing program. According to Merchant, the AED package costs over $2,000 retail, but nonprofits can buy them for $500, small businesses for $600-$750, and large businesses with over 100 employees for $1,000 through the campaign’s cost-sharing AED program. The AED package consists of an AED, an AED wall mounting case, a rescue kit (gloves, scissors, face mask), and wall AED signage.
For more info on purchasing an AED, contact Fiona Johnson at fjohnson@johnsoncountyiowa.gov.
This past year, the campaign purchased CPR mannequins and AED trainers which have been donated to the public libraries in Iowa City, North Liberty, and Coralville and will be available for checkout soon. The Johnson County Ambulance Service provides CPR and AED training and those interested are encouraged to contact them for more information or visit the Johnson County website to see about upcoming training sessions. https://www.johnsoncountyiowa.gov/departmentof-ambulance.
Community involvement is necessary to save lives in Johnson County. Please make the commitment to learn Hands-Only CPR. Download the PulsePoint app, available on both Android and Apple devices, and be sure to enable critical alerts. Use a public access AED if you encounter a person who is unresponsive and not breathing normally.
Free Hands-Only CPR instruction is available noon to 1 p.m. Monday, Feb. 24 through Friday, Feb. 28 at Johnson County Ambulance, 808 South Dubuque Street, Iowa City.
Library Events
As a professor of Rhetoric and Communications at the University of Iowa, Don Ochs knew that continuing education was the key to unlocking a better future for anyone willing to try. As an avid reader himself, Don knew that a strong public library is essential to the support those who dreamed of a better future for themselves and for others. In honor and memory of Don Ochs and his commitment to the Solon community of learners, the Solon Public Library Foundation awards two (2) $500 scholarships each year to two students graduating from Solon High School or a home school program in the Solon Community School District. Full details are available on our website and at the library, applications are due by Saturday, March 8.
Scholarship recipients will be chosen by a review and discussion of all applications (excluding the applicant’s name) by a panel of judges selected by the Solon Public Library Foundation board of directors.
Library Events
Blind Date with a Book continues! Blind Date with a Book aims to break the habit of judging books by their covers or titles and encourages readers to step out of their comfort zones. You could discover a hidden gem and explore literature you might not have come across otherwise. Books are selected by library staff, wrapped in plain paper to conceal what’s inside, with a few clues added to pique your interest. Take a chance and try something new in February!
People of all ages enjoy hypothesizing the outcomes of battles in the annual March Mammal Madness program. With a fun twist to the ageold question of “Who Would Win?” patrons can pick up their 2025 March Mammal Madness Brackets beginning Friday, February 21, at the Library. Study the combatants, make your guesses, and return your completed brackets by Saturday, March 8, to watch the outcomes of these hypothetical battles between animals. One lucky winner will enjoy a prize at the end of the madness.
Hey Teens! What do you like to do for fun? Is there something you wish you knew more about or a skill you wish you had? Do you enjoy volunteering and leading activities? Are you in 6th-12th grades? If you answered yes to these questions, check out the Teen Advisory Board! Thursday, March 6, we’re hosting an open
meeting for all 6th-12th graders interested in getting involved or sharing ideas with us. We want to plan activities that YOU are interested in. We want to have great experiences and learn with YOU! So this is your chance to take control and make it happen! Join us at the Library from 3:30-4:30 to share your passions with us. We have just two Fun For All Nights left of the season! Join us for gym games, a movie, and popcorn at the Solon Community Center for an all-ages night of fun. Saturday, March 8, we’re showing Despicable Me 4 [PG] and will place votes for the April 12 movie. Gym Games start at 6:00 p.m. and the movie starts at 7:00 p.m. Don’t forget your lawn chairs and blankets to get comfy in the gym for the movie.
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. Please always refer to our website calendar or call to check hours as winter weather may impact our ability to be safely open. Please note the upcoming special hours at the Library: Thursday, February 20th The Library will be closed
Thursday, February 20, for a special Corridor Library Staff In-Service. The Library will be open Friday, February 28, 9:00 a.m.-4:00 p.m. to allow time for our regular monthly staff in-service after closing. Everyone is welcome at the Library and our programs. Please contact us with access needs.
What’s New?
The amount of information and variety of topics in the nonfiction section is sure to keep you entertained! These are a few of the latest titles to hit the shelves. From local Iowa authors to pirates, you’ll find something for everyone.
The Dynamite is in the Safe and the Pistol is in the Drawer by John K. Castle. This autobiography by a local Iowa businessman and philanthropist tells the story of his upbringing, and journeys that taught him the lessons that shaped him.
The Pirate Menace by Angus Konstam. Many of the privateers the British had used to prey on French and Spanish shipping during the War of the Spanish Succession turned to piracy. The pirates took over Nassau on the
Bahamian island of New Providence and turned it into their own pirate haven, where shady merchants were happy to buy their plunder. It became the hub of a pirate network that included some of the most notorious pirates in history: Blackbeard, 'Calico Jack’ Rackham, Charles Vane and Bartholomew Roberts.
The Sirens’ Call by Chris Hayes. We all feel it—the distraction, the loss of focus, the addictive focus on the wrong things for too long. We bump into the zombies on their phones in the street, and sometimes they’re us. We stare in pity at the four people at the table in the restaurant, all on their phones, and then we feel the buzz in our pocket. Something has changed utterly: for most of human history, the boundary between public and private has been clear, at least in theory. Now, as Chris Hayes writes, “With the help of a few tech firms, we basically tore it down in about a decade.” Hayes argues that we are in the midst of an epoch-defining transition whose only parallel is what happened to labor in the nineteenth century: attention has become a commodified resource extracted from us, and from which we are increasingly alienated.
OPINIONS
The grocery list changes – to what and why Q&A: Mysterious drug pricing needs a dose of sunshine
Food for Thought
Milli Gilbaugh
In years past I had a litany that I recited each week as I made out my shopping list. It went something like this: bread, butter, cereal, beverages, meat, potatoes, fruit, vegetables, canned goods, condiments, baking, laundry, cleaning, paper goods, hygiene, other. As I thought 'beverages' for instances, I'd buy coffee, Kool-Aid™, orange juice or whatever beverages were needed that week. 'Potatoes' could mean bakers, frozen French fries, sweet potatoes or a bag of chips.
Each category was enough to trigger my memory of just what items I needed to buy. All I needed was to give my memory a nudge. “Butter” got me to the dairy section where, if not butter, I might buy cheese, eggs, ice cream or chocolate milk. I knew what laundry supplies were running low and if the necessary paper goods were paper towels or toilet paper. Since I was the one who did the shopping, my list didn't have to make sense to anyone but me. In Iowa City, we lived a mere block from both a supermarket where I did most of the weekly shopping, and a neighborhood grocery where I could dispatch a child for a loaf of bread or can of soup to be put on the charge account. Moving to the country required a dramatic change in old habits. The kids could no longer walk or ride bikes to spend time with friends, engage in extracurricular school activities, run errands, etc. The nearest grocery store was only six or seven miles away, but a round trip in my station wagon used about a gallon of gas. I soon learned to buy staples in larger quantities. Water-softener salt to treat our well water became a regular item on the list. After we started seriously gardening during our second summer on the farm, we bought a larger freezer. We soon acquired a flock of chickens and began processing some of our own meat. With the kids eating lunch at school during the week, my cooking habits began to change. I began baking most of our bread, canned or froze huge quantities of fruits and vegetables, learned to cook more wild game as our boys learned to hunt and fish in our timber, fields and pond. When I began writing a food column for the Solon paper, I added many new foods to my list and it became, not only longer, but more specific.
At the age of ninety I no longer do my own grocery shopping, but I do still write my own shopping list. I'm no longer cooking for anyone but myself and I find that I am quite satisfied to eat simpler meals than during those more adventuresome days. That one-time categorical list no longer serves, as someone else does the shopping, so I work my way through three imaginary meals a day. Breakfast; one egg with toast and maybe one little sausage patty. Or cold cereal (oatmeal on cold mornings) with toasted raisin bread or English muffin half. I find that fat-free half-and-half keeps much longer than whole milk and works for most purposes. Sometimes I scramble the egg with a little half-and-half and some shredded cheddar cheese. Lunch; cottage cheese and applesauce with cinnamon; tuna salad on crackers and a banana, or a cup of mushroom or tomato soup and a Twinkie™ or chocolate chip cookie. Fish, beef, pork or chicken with veggies and a dessert for supper.
Snack time; if you regularly eat blueberries for all their remarkable benefits, try mixing frozen berries with room temperature applesauce for a change. The berries quickly thaw and chill the applesauce for a cool treat. Canned mandarin oranges, peach slices, seedless grapes, guacamole, go nicely with that handful of potato chips you are craving. Spiced tea, sugar-free gelatin, diet soft drinks can quell cravings without adding calories. Fruitflavored hard candies and mints are a good substitute for desserts. If you must have chocolate, stick to the best dark chocolate available, it has its own special qualities as one of nature's tranquilizers and has been shown to be beneficial to diabetics.
Peanut butter is a good source of protein for those who have trouble chewing meat, it's inexpensive, needn't be kept refrigerated and has a long shelf life. A spoonful on a cracker or two help protect my stomach from all those pills and painkillers.
With U.S. Senator Chuck Grassley
Q:
What are pharmacy benefit managers?
A: Iowans may not know exactly what pharmacy benefit managers (PBMs) are, but they do know they’re fed up with sticker shock at the pharmacy counter. Six decades ago, PBMs started out processing drug claims. Then, they evolved into an intermediary between pharmaceutical companies, pharmacies and third-party payers, including health insurance companies, selfinsured employers, unions and government programs. Eventually, a complex system emerged, expanding PBMs’ influence and profits instead of driving down costs and improving patient services. For example, PBMs’ business models incentivize purchasing brand name drugs over lower-priced generic drugs. Today, just three PBMs control nearly 80 percent of the prescription drug market. These conglomerates operate out of the view of regulators and consumers, setting prescription drug costs, deciding which drugs are covered by insurance plans, determining how they’re dispensed and pocketing unknown sums that might otherwise be passed along as savings to consumers. What’s more, they undercut local independent pharmacies. Things need to change.
For the better part of a decade, I’ve been laser-focused on shining a spotlight on PBMs. In 2019, as chairman of the Senate Finance Committee, I called the top executives from major PBMs to testify about drug pricing in America. I teamed up with Senator Ron Wyden to conduct a two-year bipartisan investigation into insulin price gouging. And I requested the Federal Trade Commission (FTC) to look into potential anticompetitive practices occurring in the industry. Three bills I co-sponsored have been signed into law, including the CREATES Act, Right Rebate Act and Patient Right to Know Drug Prices Act. In 2023, the Judiciary Committee passed five of my bipartisan bills to boost competition in the pharmaceutical industry and improve patient access to more affordable prescription medicines.
At my annual 99 county meetings, I hear regularly from Iowans who struggle to afford their medications and want to know why getting a prescription filled is so unnecessarily complicated, from mail-order options to confusing coupons and rebates. They also want to know why Americans pay more for the identical prescription medications than patients in other countries. According
THE DRISCOLL DISPATCH
Senator Dawn Driscoll
The fifth week in the Iowa Senate felt like a traditional snowy week in February, with Des Moines receiving several inches of snow between Tuesday and Wednesday. However, there weren’t just flurries outside the Capitol. We also had a flurry of legislative activity inside the Senate with subcommittee and committee meetings. It might have been cold outside, but things inside the Capitol were warm and lively, especially due to the Senate’s first floor debate of the legislative session!
Floor Debate
Our first floor debate was held last Tuesday (Feb. 11). The Senate passed several bills, sending a handful of legislation to the House of Representatives for their consideration. One bill we passed was Senate File 146, which prohibits the use or creation of bots to purchase event tickets on the internet. The bill protects Iowans trying to purchase concert or event tickets online from bots that often monopolize this process, creating a much fairer ticket-buying system.
Another bill the Senate passed was Senate File 152, which makes the process of obtaining an Iowa commercial driver’s license significantly easier for military members who drove as a part of their military service. This bill furthers our state’s dedication to honoring the men and women who have served our country.
Around the Capitol: Committees and Events
This was a busy week off the Senate floor, as well. The
to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), recent data show nearly 50 percent of Americans used at least one prescription drug in the previous month, nearly 25 percent used three or more prescription drugs and 13.5 percent used five or more. Tens of millions of Americans rely on pharmaceutical therapies to manage chronic conditions, particularly those diagnosed with diabetes, heart disease, hypertension, arthritis and cancer. This is a matter of life and death for loved ones in families across the country. In 2023, the U.S. health care system spent $449.7 billion on retail prescription drugs, more than any other country. American taxpayers and patients aren’t getting the most bang for the buck.
Q: What are you doing in this Congress to hold PBMs accountable?
A: Returning as Chairman of the Senate Judiciary Committee in January, lowering drug prices is among my top legislative and oversight priorities. That includes building on my efforts to shine a bright light on PBMs. To that end, I’m pushing the FTC to finish its work. While I’ve welcomed a couple of its interim reports, it’s time to get the job done. Senator Maria Cantwell, Ranking Member of the Senate Commerce Committee, and I have teamed up to reintroduce a pair of bipartisan bills to combat the high cost of prescription drugs and pull back the curtain on PBMs. Transparency brings accountability. The Prescription Pricing for the People Act would require the FTC to finish its study in a timely manner and provide policy recommendations to Congress to improve competition and protect consumers. The Pharmacy Benefit Manager (PBM) Transparency Act would ban deceptive and unfair pricing schemes and require PBMs to report to the FTC how much they make through spread pricing and pharmacy fees. Spread pricing is the difference between what PBMs charge a health plan and what they pay to a pharmacy for a certain drug. This practice is costing patients and taxpayers while curtailing access to affordable prescription drugs. I’m committed to bringing sunshine and fairness to the prescription drug marketplace.
Learn more about my work to lower prescription drug prices at www.grassley.senate.gov/loweringprescription-drug-prices
Local Government Committee discussed and approved several bills at our meeting on Wednesday (Feb. 12). One bill was Senate Study Bill 1010, which eliminates the implementation of citizen review boards. These boards, which review police officer conduct, undermine our law enforcement officers’ constitutional protections. The passage of SSB 1010 is another example of how we stand with our officers in blue.
Also prominently discussed around the Capitol last week was the “hands-free” bill (currently known as Senate File 22), which prohibits the use of cell phones while driving. The bill passed through the Senate Judiciary Committee on Tuesday, which was an important step forward in the bill’s legislative process. Given how cell phones have intensified the danger of Iowa’s roads, I know how important this bill is to Iowans’ safety, and I am optimistic this bill will continue to move through the legislature over the next few weeks.
Additionally, Tuesday was Career and Technical Education (CTE) Day at the Capitol. I had the opportunity to connect with several students from District 46 to talk about career and technical educational opportunities in Iowa, as well as these students’ future college and career plans. It is such an honor to be able to talk with young leaders in our communities, and these students make me so confident in and excited for Iowa’s future.
Day in the District
Over the last few weeks, our Day in the District tradition has resumed. This tradition has given Representative Hora, Representative Lawler, and I
several opportunities to meet with and visit various people and places in our districts. These interactions are always a highlight of my week, and I’m excited for them to continue throughout the next few months.
This past Friday was a busy Day in the District! We started with a visit to the Johnson County Attorney’s Office, where we met with various members of Johnson County’s law enforcement departments. I appreciated the law enforcement perspective these individuals provided on happenings in the community and on legislation, and I am especially grateful to them for everything they do to serve Iowa.
Our Day in the District continued with a trip to Towncrest Pharmacy, which is a local pharmacy that covers Iowa, Johnson, and Washington counties. We met with Kelly Kent, a Williamsburg resident, and talked about the importance of the pharmacy benefit managers (PBM) reform, especially for pharmacies that serve rural communities. We discussed how
Iowa’s pharmacies are struggling and noted that a lack of PBM reform will endanger rural communities: pharmacies will continue to close, which will in turn make consistent and reliable pharmaceutical access harder to reach. Our conversation was an excellent reminder of how important rural pharmacies are to our communities and our state.
This wraps up another busy week in the Iowa legislature. As always, please feel free to reach out to me with any questions or concerns you might have. It is an honor to serve District 46!
Senator Driscoll serves as the chair of the Agriculture Committee and also serves on the Commerce, Local Government, State Government, Ways and means, and Workforce Committees
New NFIB survey: Small businesses remain optimistic, but uncertainty rising on Main Street
Small business owners report few
skilled applicants in January for their open positions
Leah
Courtney National Federation of Independent Business
DES MOINES — The NFIB Small Business Optimism Index fell by 2.3 points in January to 102.8. This is the third consecutive month above the 51-year average of 98. The Uncertainty Index rose 14 points to 100 – the third highest recorded reading – after two months of decline.
“Overall, small business owners remain optimistic regarding future business conditions, but uncertainty is on the rise,” said NFIB Chief Economist Bill Dunkelberg. “Hiring challenges continue to frustrate Main Street owners as they struggle to find qualified workers to fill their many open positions. Meanwhile, fewer plan capital investments as they prepare for the months ahead.”
"For Iowa's small business community, this pricing pressure, combined with 18% of owners citing inflation as their top concern, signals ongoing challenges in maintaining profitability while serving our agricultural and manufacturing base,” said NFIB Iowa State Director Matt Everson. “Main Street needs pro-small business policies and tax relief now more than ever."
Key findings include:
• The net percent of owners expecting the economy to improve fell five points from December to a net 47% (seasonally adjusted)
• Seasonally adjusted, a net 26% plan price hikes in January, down two points from December.
• Thirty-five percent (seasonally adjusted) of all owners reported job openings they could not fill in the current period, unchanged from December.
• Twenty percent (seasonally adjusted) plan capital outlays in the next six months, down seven points from December.
• A net 3% of owners reported that their last loan was harder to get than in previous attempts (down one point). The last time it was this low was June 2022.
• A net 0% (seasonally adjusted) of owners plan inventory investment in the coming months, down six points from December’s highest reading since December 2021.
As reported in NFIB’s monthly jobs report, a seasonally adjusted 35% of all small business owners reported job openings they could not fill in January, unchanged from December. Of the 52% of owners hiring or trying to hire in January, 90% reported few or no qualified applicants for the positions they were trying to fill.
The percent of small business owners reporting labor quality as the single most important problem for business fell one point from December to 18%. Labor costs reported as the single most important problem for business owners fell two points to 9%, four points below the highest reading of 13% reached in December 2021.
Seasonally adjusted, a net 33% reported raising compensation, up four points from December’s lowest reading since March 2021. A seasonally adjusted net 20% plan to raise compensation in the next three months, down
four points from December.
Fifty-eight percent of owners reported capital outlays in the last six months, up two points from December. Of those making expenditures, 41% reported spending on new equipment, 24% acquired vehicles, and 16% improved or expanded facilities. Twelve percent spent money on new fixtures and furniture and 5% acquired new buildings or land for expansion. Twenty percent (seasonally adjusted) plan capital outlays in the next six months, down seven points from December. This index component had the greatest impact on this month’s Index decline.
A net negative 14% of all owners (seasonally adjusted) reported higher nominal sales in the past three months, down one point from December. The net percent of owners expecting higher real sales volumes fell two points from December’s highest reading since January 2020 to a net 20% (seasonally adjusted).
The net percent of owners reporting inventory gains fell six points to a net negative 6%, seasonally adjusted. Not seasonally adjusted, 9% reported increases in stocks and 21% reported reductions.
A net negative 1% (seasonally adjusted) of owners viewed current inventory stocks as “too low” in January, unchanged from December. A net 0% (seasonally adjusted) of owners plan inventory investment in the coming months, down six points from December’s highest reading since December 2021.
The net percent of owners raising average selling prices fell two points from December to a net 22% seasonally adjusted. Eighteen percent of owners reported that inflation was their single most important problem in operating their business, down two points from December and matching labor quality as the top issue. The last time it was this low was November 2021. Unadjusted, 9% of owners reported lower average selling prices and 30% reported higher average prices.
Price hikes were the most frequent in the finance (47% higher, 6% lower), retail (35% higher, 6% lower), wholesale (34% higher, 4% lower), and professional services (30% higher, 3% lower) sectors. Seasonally adjusted, a net 26% plan price hikes in January.
The frequency of reports of positive profit trends was a net negative 25% (seasonally adjusted), one point less negative than in December. Among owners reporting lower profits, 34% blamed weaker sales, 17% cited usual seasonal change, 10% blamed the rise in the cost of materials, and 9% cited labor costs. For owners reporting higher profits, 49% credited sales volumes, 24% cited usual seasonal change, and 11% cited higher selling prices.
Three percent of owners reported that all their borrowing needs were not satisfied, up one point from December. Twenty-five percent reported all credit needs met and 62% said they were not interested in a loan. A net 3% reported their last loan was harder to get than in previous attempts. The last time this reading was this low was in June 2022. Three percent of owners reported that financing was their top business problem in January, down one point from December. A net 3% reported paying a higher rate on their most recent loan, up two points from December’s lowest reading since September 2021.
The NFIB Research Center has collected Small Business Economic Trends data with quarterly surveys since the fourth quarter of 1973 and monthly surveys since 1986. Survey respondents are randomly drawn from NFIB’s membership. The report is released on the second Tuesday of each month. This survey was conducted in January 2025.
Nathan Countryman
Mount Vernon-Lisbon Sun
nathan.countryman@mvlsun.com
You’re planning on hosting an event, but you don’t necessarily have the time for meal preparation, cooking or planning for the celebration.
That’s where working with a caterer can come handy.
Regina Finn, Bon Appetit’s catering manager, provided insight into the catering process.
“Oftentimes, your caterer is not only skilled in providing you with the food you desire, but they are likely also an experienced event planner who has a comprehensive understanding of how to make your vision a reality in the most efficient, safe, effective, and stylish way possible,”
Finn said. “It is almost as important to let your caterer in on key event details like guest count, location, dietary restrictions, as it is to let them in on the general vision and vibe you are trying to achieve. Chances are, your caterer will know how to get you things that aren’t necessarily in their direct wheelhouse… or, through years of networking and relationship building, they’ll ‘know a guy who can get you what you need.”
Finn said every celebration or client is unique, and every event should be approached in such a manner.
“We certainly have instances where our clients have their own menu ideas and we will entertain our client’s concepts in these cases and help bring their envisioned menu to life,” Finn said. “Some clients don’t really know where to begin when it comes to menu planning, and in those cases, we can provide some inspiration via our catering guide and walk them through the best options for their unique event and audience. We offer guidance on menu selection and production amounts.”
Bon Appetit offers both onsite and offsite opportunities for catering, and they know clients come with a range of experience in planning events.
“As long as you come to us with honesty and your vision in mind, we can walk you through the entire process of making it a reality,” Finn said. “That’s our job and we love doing it.”
Celebrations
The onset of warm weather brings the season for many celebrations. Whether you are planning a wedding, anniversary, graduation or any other special occasion, there are several things to consider when planning your big event.
What you need to know about catering
Finn said one of the most important things clients can remember is there are a lot of small and sometimes unseen steps involved between the concept and actualization of the menus.
“The more information you are able to be forthright with in the early planning stages, makes a huge difference to your caterer and the overall quality of your event,” Finn said. “Even what would seem to be seemingly unimportant or minute details to the average eye, end up being very important for your caterer to know.”
Details like the average age of your guests can help a caterer know how much food to prepare, or even how long food is available at an event and keeping with food safety guidelines.
“The longer food is sitting on a buffet, the more difficult it becomes to ensure proper food temperatures and exposure times, so more expenses begin to add up,” Finn said.
Caterers also like to know details like food storage spaces available at an event space, any access to prep areas they may have and time customers may have for set up and tear down.
Finn said that Bon Appetit has catered a range of events at different locations –funeral celebrations at bars, graduation parties at mansions, backyard weddings in tents, dinners in classrooms.
“It’s very important for a caterer take the time to get to know their client, become one with their vision, and earn their trust,” Finn said. “This is the secret recipe to ensuring the satisfaction of your clients. It’s the little points of hospitality that really add up & help build that strong, loving and trusting relationship between you and the people who call you their caterer. We consider ourselves very lucky to have that love and trust in spades over here.”
Even if you are hosting an event in a space like outdoors, Finn said where a location is held is important, but it is rarely impossible for a caterer to do their job in many different locations.
“I don’t think it comes as a surprise to anyone that outdoor events and their requirements are logistically different than indoor events,” Finn said.
Items like access to water or electricity if planning an outdoor meal get a little harder, but are still doable.
Outdoors also means more contingencies because of the weather.
“There are often cost differences between planning indoor and outdoor events – It’s best to plan your event at a location that offers both,” Finn said.
Finn said that Cornell College is one of those spaces that offers both, especially during the summer 2025 season. One of Bon Appetit’s other longstanding local partners is Morning Glory farms in rural Mount Vernon, which offers an events center with both indoor and outdoor venue spaces.
“Always keep your caterer informed and involved when it comes to location,” Finn said “We’ve seen and worked in/under a variety of conditions and can therefore be a great asset to you when it comes to planning the overall “flow” of your event, no matter where it is taking place.”
For most caterers the biggest challenge always comes down to getting a guest count in a timely manner to adequately prepare.
“All caterers have limitations on how quickly we can change gears and accommodate for a larger than anticipated number of guests, and while we understand that last minute changes can occur, we cannot stress the importance of plan-
ning in contingency when it comes to guest count,” Finn said. “The quicker we have information, the quicker we can pivot.”
Bon Appetit’s availability is reduced during the school year, when the focus is on feeding Cornell College’s students first, but they are still happy to do the occasional event locally anywhere in the Iowa City or Cedar Rapids corridor.
“There are a couple of weeks out of the year (i.e. early October) where our time and resources are fully dedicated to the College – so contact us as soon as you know when your event will be taking place, and we will be happy to get you on our schedule,” Finn said.
When it comes to out of season events, Finn said having a couple months advance planning is helpful.
And if the event is being held on Cornell College campus, reserving that space as far in advance is possible is beneficial.
Finn said Bon Appetit has plenty of availability for catering graduation parties and weddings this summer. If you’re interested in catering an event, contact Finn at Regina.Finn@cafebonappetit.com or at 319-895-4470.
What you need to know about formal wear
Nathan Countryman Mount Vernon-Lisbon Sun nathan.countryman@mvlsun.com
Have a celebration or event coming up that requires more formal attire?
The crew at Bauman’s has been helping men look their best for more than 115 years now.
Olivia Randall, owner at Bauman’s, said when it comes to celebrations or events like weddings, they like meeting with couples nine months in advance of the wedding date to start discussing options.
“This gives them and us plenty of flexibility when it comes to ordering in product, renting items, and completing alterations,” Randall said.
When it comes to getting fitted for tuxes or formal wear, that usually happens three to six months out from the wedding, depending on if the suits are being purchased or rented.
For proms, Randall said one month out from the big event is a good time to come in and get measured for formal wear.
Randall said one of the most important things to keep in mind is price you’re willing to spend.
“That usually dictates the fabrics or materials of the formal wear you are getting,” Randall said. “We tend to recommend wool suits as the ones we sell to customers.
Local Wedding Venues
Palmer House Stable - Solon
Timber Dome Lodge - Solon
The Celebration Farm - Iowa City
The Midnight Gem -Swisher
Cedar Ridge - Swisher
Tin Roof Hideaway - Lisbon
The Hotel at Kirkwood - Cedar Rapids
The Carriage House - Cedar Rapids
Bella Sala Events Center - Tiffin
Wool provides the most breathability (no matter the weather) and durability which is important when you are investing in a tailored garment.”
Trends at the moment in both weddings and proms are still sticking with black suits.
“It is a very classic, timeless look,” Randall said.
Men are more interested in tailored and modern cuts that fit closer to the body.
Looking at items like, shoes, belts and socks that will accompany the formal wear becomes just as important to the look, Randall said.
Even if you’re not in the wedding party, sometimes seeing the label of “black tie” can set a bit of a panic in your head.
Randall says that you shouldn’t worry.
“This doesn’t necessarily mean you have to wear a black suit/tux, but often means that the expectation is for guests to wear a suit of some sort and not be dressed casually,” Randall said. “Typically, when attending an event, guests are safe in arriving with a suit or sport coat, dress slacks, and a button down shirt. Jackets can always be removed if the person feels too formal in their attire.”
And if you’re a high school student, worried about prom attire, Bauman’s has a few options coming up this March for local schools.
“We are hosting two separate Tux Fitting fundraisers
Local Catering Services
Ruzicka’s Catering
Amos Deans Catering
Bigs BBQ & Brewing Bon Appétit
Subway
El Sol
Frida Kahlo
The Eat Shop
Z’s Catering and BBQ
March 10 and March 27 from 3-7 p.m.,” Randall said. “If students come in for the fitting during the events, we donate $20 per student to their post-prom committee.”
For people who have not been measured for formal wear before, Randall explained that staff will measure them and have them try on different sample garments to ensure that they receive the proper sizing for their jacket, shirt, pants, and shoes.
“Then, people will pick out their suit, shirt, vest, and tie/bowtie from fabric swatches and catalogs,” Randall said. “It is helpful if the student brings a fabric sample of the dress they are trying to match their accessories to.”
Drake University announces President’s and Dean’s lists
DES MOINES — The following local students have been named to the Dean's and President's Lists at Drake University.
From Ely - Josie Koppes (Arts & Sciences, President’s List)
From Solon – Cassandra McPheron (Pharmacy & Health Sciences, Dean’s List) and Miracle Wilmot-DiCarlo (Arts & Sciences, President’s List)
To be eligible for the Dean's List, students must have earned a GPA of 3.5 or higher during the Fall 2024 semester at Drake.
To be eligible for the President's List, students must have earned a perfect 4.0 GPA during the Fall 2024 semester at Drake.
Ella Sheeley attends Central College Scholar Days
PELLA — NASA and the moon landings connected curious minds at Central College where 200 prospective students attended Scholar Days in January and February. These events welcomed admitted students to campus to learn about the college and to earn additional academic scholarships, up to full tuition.
Ella Sheeley, from Solon, attended Central's Scholar Day. Students discussed with faculty and staff the moon landing and the theoretical exploration of the dark side of the moon. Scholarship candidates prepared for the day by learning more about the Apollo project and hearing NASA astronaut, Raja Chari, discuss his experience as an astronaut.
During Scholar Day, participants were interviewed by faculty and invited to discuss how NASA team members embody engaged citizenship and how skills like critical thinking and working collaboratively made space missions possible. The group challenge is designed to showcase students' collaboration, creativity and communication skills.
Iowa State University announces fall 2024 Dean’s List
AMES — More than 11,500 Iowa State University students have been recognized for outstanding academic achievement by being named to the fall semester 2024 Dean's List. Students named to the Dean's List must earn a grade point average of at least 3.50 on a 4.00 scale while carrying a minimum of 12 credit hours of graded course work.
From Ely - Brandon Bruhn (Fourth Year (Vet Med), Veterinary Medicine, D.V.M.), Mitch Mahoney (Sophomore, Agricultural Business, B.S.), August Sellon (Sophomore, Psychology, B.S.), Kaitlyn Sellon (Senior, Biochemistry, B.S. (LAS)), Emily Stuecker (Sophomore, Event Management, B.S.), Lucas Sunner (Sophomore, Mechanical Engineering, B.S.), and Jakob Vavra, Senior, Mechanical Engineering, B.S.)
From Solon - Eva Born (Senior, Chemistry, B.S.), Sydney Christians (Senior, Technical Communication, B.S.), Adam Deeb (Senior, Finance, B.S.), Hayden Dumont (Senior, Event Management, B.S.), Trin Eidahl (Senior, Kinesiology and Health, B.S.), Abbie Felton (Sophomore, Criminal Justice, B.A.), Rylie Greazel (Sophomore, College of Liberal Arts and Sciences Open Option Undergraduate Undeclared Major), Addison Hackbarth (Junior, Biology, B.S. (AGLS)), Kaia Holtkamp (Senior, Finance, B.S.), Bella Jedlicka (Sophomore, College of Liberal Arts and Sciences Open Option Undergraduate Undeclared Major), Abigail Kaska (Second Year (Vet Med), Veterinary Medicine, D.V.M.), Bailey Lietz (Senior, Early Childhood Education, B.S.), Santino Longo (Junior, Graphic Design, B.F.A.), Emma Martin (Junior, Criminal Justice, B.A.), Garett
Martin (Junior, Forestry, B.S), Lance Martin (Senior, Electrical Engineering, B.S.), Brandon Merrick (Senior, Computer Science, B.S.), Brooke Miller (Senior, Animal Science, B.S.), Hailey Miller (First Year, Kinesiology and Health, B.S.), Brady Mullen (Senior, Supply Chain Management, B.S.), Delaney Pattison (Senior, Finance, B.S.), Ian Ressler (Junior, Mechanical Engineering, B.S.), Nathan Schadler (Junior, Civil Engineering, B.S.), Weston Steinbrech (Junior, Agricultural Studies, B.S.), Ryan Walsh (Sophomore, Mechanical Engineering, B.S.), Hayley Wisman (First Year, Elementary Education, B.S.), and Mike Yeomans (Junior, Agricultural Engineering, B.S.)
Burden named to DMACC’S Fall Semester Dean’s List
DES MOINES — Des Moines Area Community College
President Rob Denson recently released the names of students eligible for the Fall Semester Dean’s List including Addison Burden, Pathway-Math & Science, from Solon. To be eligible, a student must have completed a minimum of six credits and earned a 3.5 to 3.99 grade point average for that semester.
Roggendorf named to DMACC Fall Semester President’s List
DES MOINES — Des Moines Area Community College
President Rob Denson recently released the names of students eligible for the Fall Semester President’s List including John Roggendorf, Computer Information Systems, from Solon. To be eligible, a student must have completed a minimum of six credits and earned a 4.0 grade point average for that semester
Soderberg among graduates at University of Wisconsin Oshkosh midyear commencement
OSHKOSH, Wis. — The University of Wisconsin Oshkosh 60th midyear commencement Saturday, Dec. 14, 2024, at Kolf Sports Center recognized the accomplishments of students from its campuses in Oshkosh and Fox Cities. About 700 students earned associate, bachelor's, master's and doctoral degrees and joined the ranks of more than 100,000 UWO alumni.
Among the graduates was Kennedy Soderberg of Ely with a Bachelor of Science in Nursing.
Kirkwood Community College announces Dean's List honors
CEDAR RAPIDS — Kirkwood Community College has released its Dean's List for the fall 2024 semester. These students have achieved a 3.3 grade point average or higher after completing 12 or more credit hours at the college. Kirkwood students from the area earning this distinction are listed below.
Ely – Robert Biggart, Keely Biggs, Katlyn Bildstein, Jarrett Bohlken, Josh Boyles, Noah Coquyt, Tracen Dixon, Asher Eichhorn, Nile Fall, Ben Healy, Katie Hertel, Lauren Hunt, Easton Mai, Sam Martin, Kallie McGaffee, Lucy Miller, Austin Nederhoff, Chase Nelson, Hannah Rudd, Paige Schurbon, Curtis Sebetka, Emersyn Stout, Avery Welter, Ryleigh Wessels, Lydia Whitaker, and Josie Winter Solon – Bree Allen, Alex Anderson, Taryn Anderson, Andrew Baumgartner, Ty Bell, Ryan Bilskie, Dylan Branscomb, Tatum Burnhardt, Clare Connell, Mackenzie Craig, Sydney Dee, Hattie Droll, Tessa Droll, Donata Dyrke, Trea Eidahl, Owen Einwalter, Jaya Farlinger, Dawson Fordice, Izzy Frees, Alexis Glessner,
Zoey Grimm, Madalynn Harp, Ella Havlicek, Brennan Heesch, Bri Henning, Ben Hickman, Eve Hinners, Grace Hoeper, Lydia Hogan, Taylor Hogan, Abe Houtakker, Liam James, Makayla Keller, Kobi Lietz, Rose McAtee, Jayden Merrick, Audrey Michels, Sophia Miles, Mya Miller, Carter Moen, Beau Mullen, McKenna Nost, Dillon Ostrander, Lexi Pealer, Carson Reid, Emma Rein-Skerritt, Megan Richardson, Gabi Ritchie, Nolan Seagren, Kate Shafer, Ella Sheeley, Julia Steinbrech, Lincoln Swann, Reece Taylor, Lilly Towne, Kari Tvedte, Matthew Tvedte, Autumn Vang, Lauryn Wear, Trevin Wilcox, and Katy Yeomans
Minnesota State, Mankato, announces 2024 fall semester Dean’s List
MANKATO, MINN. — The Academic High Honor and Honor lists (Dean's lists) for the past fall semester at Minnesota State University, Mankato have been announced by Provost and Senior Vice President for Academic Affairs David Hood.
Among 4,404 students, a total of 1,354 students qualified for the High Honor List by achieving a 4.0 straight "A" average, while 3,050 students earned a 3.5 to 3.99 average to qualify for the Honor List.
To qualify for academic honors, undergraduate students must be enrolled for at least 12 credit hours for the semester. Local students recognized for their achievement include Katelyn Coons (High Honors List), Carly Ellison (High Honors List), Colton Hoffman (High Honors List), and Chloe Ortiz (High Honors List), all from Solon.
CALENDAR & PUZZLES
SOLON SENIORS
A Big Thank You to our sponsors and donors for their support in Senior Dining’s mission to serve the Solon Community, and especially to those who support Senior Dining by attending the lunches or receive home deliveries.
Reminders
Bad weather closings – Senior Dining will notify our clients by phone of cancellations. No meals Tuesdays and Thursdays
Bingo Wednesdays AM/PM Cards Wednesdays PM
DINING •••••••••••••••••••••
Home Deliveries
Monday, Wednesday, and Friday within a 5-mile radius, on hard surface roads only. Call 319-624-2251 for information.
In-House Dining
Solon Methodist Church, Wednesdays only at 11:30 a.m.
Meals cost $5.00 and are provided by the Solon Retirement Village Kitchen. Reservations for dine-in are required by calling 319-624-2251 Mondays between 10-11:00 a.m.
FEBRUARY HAPPENINGS•••
Wednesday, Feb. 26 – City Representative
SCHOOL BREAKFAST
The Solon Community School District is an equal opportunity provider.
Menus will vary to accommodate the Federal Nutrition Guidelines. Please understand that menus are subject to change as needed. Please check your lunch account balances, purchases, and deposits online at solon.total.k12.com.
Nutrition office: 319-624-3401, Ext. 1120 or bwest@solon.k12.ia.us.
Student breakfast is FREE again this year
The Solon Community School District (SCSD) is once again able to offer free breakfast to students for the academic year. Becky West, Nutrition Director, explained the Nutritional Department’s financial situation, based on standard practice and guidance from the state, makes it possible to offer this important service to the students. “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, Feb. 20
Mini Pancakes (LV/SIS)
G&G Bag (LV) Mini Pancakes
Muffin Top, Mini Pancakes & Sausage Links
Fruit, Juice, Crackers & Milk
Friday, Feb. 21
Long John (LV/SIS)
G&G Bag (LV) Donut
SCHOOL LUNCH
For information on the free and reduced program, and an application, go to www.solon.k12.ia.us/ page/nutrition-program and scroll down to Nutrition Documents & Links.
STUDENT LUNCH PRICES High School - $2.70
School - $2.60 SIS/Lakeview - $2.55
-
Thursday, Feb. 20
MS/HS Alt: Spicy Chicken Patty
Chicken Patty on a Bun
Cauliflower & Cheese
Shredded Romaine
Sweet Mandarin Oranges, Wacky Cake
Friday, Feb. 21
MS/HS Alt: Cook’s Delight
Cheese Pizza, Seasoned Crinkle Cut Fries, Tasty Peas
Mango Cubes
Tiger Bites (SIS/MS/HS)
Monday, Feb. 24
MS/HS Alt: Chicken Fillet Sandwich
Hot Dog Criss Cross Sweet Potato Fries, Crunch Carrots
FEBRUARY MENU
Friday, Feb. 21
Sauteed Shrimp
Buttered Noodles
Broccoli Raspberry Gelatin w/Marshmallow Topping
Monday, Feb. 24
Smothered Pork Chop
Scalloped Potatoes
Maple Brussel Sprouts & Squash
Cherry Cobbler
Wednesday, Feb. 26
City Representative
Chicken Parm Alfredo
Chalet Buttered Vegetables
Garlic Toast
Frosted Peanut Butter Bars
Friday, Feb. 28
Honey Biscuit Flounder
Cheesy Broccoli
Rice Casserole
Beats in Orange Sauce
Butterscotch Apple Cake
Thank you Solon Senior Dining volunteers!
“Volunteers do not necessarily have the time, they just have the heart.”
— Elizabeth Andrew
Potatoes & Egg Boat or Long John
Fruit, Juice, Crackers & Milk
Monday, Feb. 24
Waffles & Bacon (LV/SIS)
G&G Bag (LV) Strawberry Boli
Breakfast Taco & Cini Mini
Fruit, Juice, Crackers & Milk
Tuesday, Feb. 25
Pumpkin/Banana Bread (LV/SIS)
G&G Bag (LV) Pumpkin/Banana Bread
Egg Breakfast Bake, Dutch Waffle & Bacon
Fruit, Juice, Crackers & Milk
Wednesday, Feb. 26
Egg Breakfast Bake (LV/SIS)
G&G Bag (LV) Poptart
Breakfast Sandwich, Frudel
Fruit, Juice, Crackers & Milk
Thursday, Feb. 27
Egg Scramble w/Hash Brown (LV/SIS)
G&G Bag (LV) Muffin
CC French Toast 2/Sausage Links or Egg Scramble w/ Hash Brown
Fruit, Juice, Crackers & Milk
Friday, Feb. 28
Muffin Top (LV/SIS)
G&G Bag (LV) Oatmeal Bar
Breakfast Pizza or Cinnamon Doughnuts
Fruit, Juice, Crackers & Milk
Fresh Pears, Mandarin Oranges (MS/HS) Popcorn Trail Mix
Tuesday, Feb. 25
MS/HS Alt: Mac & Cheese Chicken Nuggets
Creamy Mashed Potatoes & Gravy
Sweet Corn, Dinner Roll
Fruit Cocktail, Pretzels (MS/HS)
Wednesday, Feb. 26
MS/HS Alt: Chicken Flatbread Pizza
Cheese Bites with Marinara
Lean Mean Green Beans, Seasoned Chic Peas
Strawberries & Bananas
Rice Crispy Bar
Thursday, Feb. 27
MS/HS Alt: Pepperoni Boat
Cheesy Potatoes & Ham, Dinner Roll (SIS/MS/HS) Peas, Apple Juice (MS/HS), Dragon Punch (SIS/LV) Bug Bites
Peaches (MS/HS)
Friday, Feb. 28
MS/HS Alt: Cook’s Delight Chicken Parmesan Garlic Noodles, Garlic Knot (MS/HS) Steamed Broccoli Trees
Zucchini Poles, Pears of Paradise
Across
1 Gaming ___ (console alternatives, for short)
4 Command to a skydiver
8 Make a quick appearance
13 Bad sound to hear while bending over
14 Taylor-Joy of “The Queen’s Gambit”
15 Have a loan from
16 Unfriendly, as a relationship
17 Brouhahas / Most appalling
19 Letters put in boxes
21 First half of a two-volume encyclopedia on physics, aptly?
22 Org. for important adults in a child’s life
23 “The Incredibles” costumer / Science class display
26 Smallest bit
27 Roasts
28 In
30 Singer/songwriter ___ Reznor
33 Worked (up)
34 Lock up for the night / Despairs
36 Woodwinds that are usually black
38 It’s all wound up
39 Sent a reminder text, in lingo
41 Weird flexes?
45 Cornhole action
46 Like some activities at a mountain lodge / Marketing fodder
49 Affirmation not usually spoken at a Jewish wedding
50 “My man!”
51 Grow a team, say
52 Set of educational standards … or a hint to 17-, 23-, 34- and 46-Across
56 What follows T.S.A., weirdly
57 Capital east of the Jordan River
58 Like some fabrics
59 Early tech giant
60 Not too sure
61 Genesis creator
1 Part of a makeup routine
2 Part of a summer swarm
3 Getting a sneak peek?
4 Sticky stuff
5 Point value of any vowel in Spanish Scrabble
6 “That’s on me”
7 Wasabi or miso
8 Something a meter reader reads?
9 Take responsibility for, as a mistake
10 Lookout point
11 “Let’s do this thing”
12 Covered in marginalia, maybe
18 Soft drink named for a nut
20 Final race stretches … or what racers may be on by then
24 Down in the dumps
25 Infrequently counterfeited bills
26 “What just happened?” reaction
29 North Korea has the fourth-highest number of these, after China, India and the U.S.
31 Original Super Mario console, in brief
32 Equivalent of 16 pinches: Abbr.
34 Something to put stock in
35 Sprinkler attachment
36 Vision-related
37 Housing bubble?
40 “Phooey!”
42 Button clicked to advance to a YouTube video
43 Aid in self-reflection
44 Unflinching
47 Goal seekers?
48 River through Lyon
50 What a good fillet of fish isn’t
53 Word that becomes its own synonym if you add a “k” to the end
54 Fix the wrong way?
55 H
62 Like cabernet sauvignon wine, typically Down
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.
FORMAL MEETING MINUTES
FEBRUARY 6, 2025
Resolutions adopted by the Board of Supervisors are only summarized in the published minutes; the full text may be inspected at the Office of the County Auditor, 913 S. Dubuque Street, Iowa City, Mon. through Fri., between 8:00 a.m. and 5:00 p.m. and at www.johnsoncountyiowa.gov.
Chairperson Green called the Johnson County Board of Supervisors to order in the Johnson County Health and Human Services Building Boardroom at 9:00a.m.
Members present: V Fixmer-Oraiz*, Jon Green, Lisa Green-Douglass*, Mandi Remington*, and Rod Sullivan.
*Denotes electronic participation.
2. The minutes of the Formal
for January 30, 2025.
3. Payroll authorizations submitted by department heads and elected officials.
4. Application for an alcohol license for Saddleback Operations, Inc. DBA Saddleback Ridge Golf Course and Driving Range, as contained in the agenda packet of the meeting.
Approved unanimously.
PROCLAMATION NO. 02-06-25-01 BLACK HISTORY MONTH-FEBRUARY 2025
Summary: Observing Black History Month provides opportunities to gain a deeper understanding of African American history and acknowledge the centuries of struggles for equality and freedom; and Black History Month serves as an opportunity to celebrate the past while reflecting on the present and recommitting to a future where systemic racism is dismantled, and justice and equality are not just ideals but realities for all. Johnson County stands united in its commitment to building an inclusive community that values diversity, confronts injustice, and ensures equity for all its residents. Board action; Proclaim the month of February 2025 as Black History Month in Johnson County, Iowa, and urge all residents to recognize this month by becoming aware of the history, culture, legacy, struggles, and achievements of African Americans and to continue to support them in being seen, heard, and celebrated throughout the year. Motion by Sullivan second by Fixmer-Oraiz, to approve Proclamation No. 02-06-25-01. Approved unanimously.
RESOLUTION NO. 02-06-25-01
APPROVING APPLICATION
UR-24-32546 FOR URBAN REVITALIZATION TAX EXEMPTION FOR PROPERTY WITHIN THE NAPLES AVENUE URBAN REVITALIZATION DISTRICT
Summary: Application UR-24-32546 was filed for Urban Revitalization Tax Exemption for improvements made at property legally described as Lot 2 of Scott’s Second Addition (“Application UR-2432546”), which is wholly within the Naples Avenue Area Urban Revitalization District and the application and all improvements are consistent with Chapter 404, Code of Iowa, the Naples Avenue Urban Revitalization Plan and all applicable county codes and ordinances. Board action: Application UR-24-32546 was found to be in compliance with the purpose and intent of Chapter 404 of the Code of Iowa and the Naples Avenue Urban Revitalization Plan and the tax exemption of one hundred percent (100%) of that portion of actual value added by the improvements described in Application UR-24-32546, as determined by the County Assessor, was approved for a period of three years, provided such improvements increase the assessed valuation of the qualified real estate by at least 15%. Motion by Green-Douglass second by Fixmer-Oraiz, to approve Resolution No. 02-06-25-01. Approved unanimously. RESOLUTION NO. 02-06-25-02 APPROVING THE SITE PLAN SUBMITTED BY DOUG YANSKY FOR THE PROPERTY LOCATED AT 4224 YVETTE ST SW. Summary: Application PZC-24-28612 sought Site Plan approval to construct commercial condominiums on the parcel addressed as 4224 Yvette St SW, Iowa City and the Johnson County Engineer, Johnson County Public Health, and Johnson County Planning, Development, and Sustainability Departments had no objections to approval of this Site Plan. Board action: The Site Plan is approved; the Chairperson is directed to sign the associated Conservation Easement Agreement; and the Zoning Administrator is authorized to issue permits for the site in accordance with the standards set forth in the Johnson County Unified Development Ordinance. Motion by Sullivan second by Green-Douglass, to approve Resolution No. 01-16-25-02. Approved unanimously. Consider Transgender Advisory Committee Recommendations- Fixmer-Oraiz said they are still working on the contracts with Lavender Legal and Iowa Trans Mutual Aid Fund. County Attorney Rachel Zimmermann Smith suggested the Board defer action on this matter until the contracts are completed. Green said action will be deferred until the contracts are complete. Motion by Fixmer-Oraiz second by Sullivan, to appoint Supervisor Remington to the Transgender Advisory Committee. Approved unanimously. Motion by Fixmer-Oraiz second by Green-Douglass, to approve the Amendment to Agreement with Shive-Hattery, Inc., West Des Moines, to work with OPN Architects, Inc. on a joint facility feasibility study, and split cost of $63,800 plus expenses with the City of Iowa City. Approved unanimously.
RESOLUTION NO. 02-06-25-03
AMENDING THE JOHNSON COUNTY POST BID GENERAL CONTRACTOR QUALITY ASSURANCE QUESTIONNAIRE POLICY
Summary: Iowa Code §26.9 requires contracts for public improvements be awarded to the “lowest responsive, responsible bidder” and Iowa law recognizes that a governmental entity may obtain information from the lowest responsive bidder to determine bidder’s responsibility relating to the bidder’s experience, number of employees, and ability to finance the cost of the public improvement. The Board desired to update the Post Bid General Contactor Quality Assurance Question-
naire Policy to incorporate improvements and bring the Policy into conformance with the Policy Development and Review of County-Wide Policy. Board action: Repeal the resolution approving the original policy and approve the updated Johnson County Post Bid General Contractor Quality Assurance Policy. Motion by Fixmer-Oraiz second by Sullivan, to approve Resolution No. 01-16-25-03. Approved unanimously.
Motion by Sullivan second by Fixmer-Oraiz, to appoint Lance Bohlen, North Liberty, to the Building Code Board of Appeals for a four-year term expiring December 31, 2028. Approved unanimously. Adjourned at 9:35 a.m. /s/Jon Green, Chair, Board of Supervisors
Attest: /s/ Julie Persons, Auditor
On the 13th day of February 2025
Recorded by Auditor’s Office: Eric Van Lancker, Deputy Auditor (Minutes)
These minutes were sent for formal approval and publication on February 13, 2025. Published in the Solon Economist February 20, 2025.
SOLON CITY COUNCIL MEETING MINUTES
SOLON CITY HALL, SOLON, IOWA
FEBRUARY 5, 2025
Pledge of Allegiance
Mayor Dan O’Neil called to order the regular City Council meeting at 5:30 pm.
Roll Call: Steve Duncan – Via Zoom, John Farlinger, Cole Gabriel, Andrew Kramer and Lauren Whitehead – Via Zoom. Also Present: City Administrator Cami Rasmussen, Public Works Director Scott Kleppe, City Engineer Dave Schechinger – Via Zoom, City Attorney Kevin Olson, City Clerk Susie Siddell, Finance Officer Travis Schmidt and Librarian Liz King – Via Zoom.
Special Recognition of Scott Kleppe:
Mayor O’Neil thanked Scott Kleppe for his 26 ½ years with the City of Solon. Others who spoke – Rick Jedlicka, Steve Stange, Brad Kunkel, Dave Wilson, Rasmussen and council members.
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
Consent Agenda: Motion by Farlinger to approve the regular meeting minutes for January 15, 2025, January 22, 2025 special meeting, list of bills, treasurer’s report, transfers, building permits and event application for the 4th annual Bond Dash at the SRNA October 11, 2025. Seconded by Kramer. Roll Call Vote: Duncan, Farlinger, Gabriel, Kramer and Whitehead. All Ayes. Motion Carried. 5-0.
Fire Department Report: Mayor O’Neil stated the agency meeting for January had been pushed back.
Sheriff’s Office Report: None
Public Works Report: Rasmussen informed council, Well 3 had gone down, the issue wasn’t as severe as they originally thought.
Library Report: King informed council all February would be Blind date with a book month. This coming Saturday will be “Fun for all Night”” with games at 6pm and the movie Migration at 7pm. The library Foundation will be hosting “Put a Bid on It” auction and March 1st the Friends of the Library will be hosting a book sale. King informed council they have completed their interviews for the part time position, they are waiting to hear back from someone they have offered the position to.
City Engineer Report: Schechinger stated they have received a couple construction drawings for Trail Ridge parts 3A and 3B. Schechinger informed council bids are due next Thursday for the Prairie Rose Street project.
City Attorney Report: None Old Business:
Ordinance N. 490 Rezoning Trail Ridge Estates: Motion by Garbriel to approve the third and final reading of Ordinance No. 490 to rezoning of Trail Ridge Estates to comply with updated plat and lots design.
Seconded by Kramer. Roll Call Vote: Duncan, Farlinger, Gabriel, Kramer and Whitehead. All Ayes. Motion Carried. 5-0.
New Business: Resolution No. 25-10 FY24 Audit Report: John Olson with Kronlage and Olson discussed the FY24 Audit with council. Motion by Farlinger to approve Resolution No. 25-10, the FY24 audit report. Seconded by Gabriel. Roll Call Vote: Duncan, Farlinger, Gabriel, Kramer and Whitehead. All Ayes. Motion Carried. 5-0
Other Business:
Streets: None
Utilities: None
Finance: Rasmussen stated there had been a meeting on Monday with discussion of the WWTP.
Personnel: Rasmussen stated they will be taking applications for the public works director position through February 12th, there have been fifteen applications submitted so far.
Building Needs: None
Police: None
City/School: Rasmussen stated the draft has been given to the school’s attorney and she is waiting to hear back.
City Clerk Report: None
City Administrator Comments: Kleppe stated he feels someone should be named as a lead person so there is someone to answer to in public works.
Council Comments: Schechinger went over the many projects himself and Kleppe had worked together on in all the years Kleppe had been with the City of Solon.
Mayor Comments: Mayor O’Neil talked of the impact Kleppe had with the City of Solon
Closed Session:
Heidi Kuhl with Northland Securities went over with council funding for the new WWTP preparing for payments, the debt capacity, general obligation debt summary, TIF revenues and expenditures and rate increases.
Rasmussen went over a recap of debt payments, the evaluation list of capital improvements, revenue and expenditures and certifications.
Motion by Farlinger to adjourn the meeting at 7:17 pm. Seconded by Kramer. All Ayes. Motion Carried. 5-0
ATTEST
Susie Siddell, City Clerk Dan O’Neil, Mayor Published in the Solon Economist February 20, 2025.
CITY OF SOLON LIST OF BILLS
FEBRUARY 5, 2025
VENDOR DESC AMOUNT A TECH ALARM MONITORING
$165.00
$6,065.73
AGVANTAGE FUEL
AIRGAS USA CHEMICALS $101.78
ALLIANT UTILITIES
ALTORFER CAT VEHCILE SUPPLIES
$21,474.77
$317.79
BAKER & TAYLOR LIBRARY BOOKS
$1,170.63
BECK, PARKER REFEREE FEE $80.00
BOHLEN, BRODIE CELL REIMB. $60.00
BRAUNS, CHRISTIAN LIBRARY REIMBS $43.52
CAT FINANCIAL CONTRACT PAYMENTS
$1,694.10
CEDAR VALLEY HUMANE SOCIETY
STRAY ANIMAL
$130.00
DELTA DENTAL OF IOWA INSURANCE $101.68
EINWALTER, OWEN REFEREE FEE $40.00
EINWALTER, SIMON REFEREE FEE $40.00
ELAN FINANCIAL CREDIT CARDS
$4,556.20
EMPLOYEE BENEFITS SYSTEMS FLEX FEE $85.00
EUROFINS ENVIRONMENT TESTING TESTING
$1,616.19
FERGUSON WATERWORKS METERS-SUPPLIES
$3,205.37
FRONTLINE WARNING SYSTEMS ANNUAL MAINTENANCE
$4,215.00
GORDON FLESCH CONTRACT PAYMENTS
$384.66
GRAINGER BOOSTER PUMP $1,918.26
HARRY'S CUSTOM TROPHIES PLAQUE $202.24
HAWKINS CHEMICALS $80.00
HEIMS, TANNER REFEREE FEE $20.00 HI-LINE PARTS-SUPPLIES $126.40 IMFOA MEMBERSHIP $20.00 IOWA ONE CALL LOCATES $29.70 IOWA PRISON INDUSTRIES STREET SIGNS $2,763.80 JAY PROFITT CONSTRUCTION N.
DUBUQUE HOUSES-DEMOS $18,000.00
JOHNSON COUNTY SHERIFF OFFICE SERVING PAPERS $47.92
KLEPPE, SCOTT CELL REIMB. $60.00
KONICA IT SUPPORT $1,831.70
KRAFKA LAWN & LANDSCAPE IRRIGATION
$2,859.00
KRONLAGE & OLSON AUDIT FEE
$1,230.00
KURTH, ALEXIS MILEAGE/SUPPLIES REIMB. $39.90
LINDSEY'S STITCHINS CLOTHING $920.00
LINOH20 WWTP $26,665.00
LRS-JOHNSON COUNTY REFUSE TRASH/ RECYCLE
LYNCH'S EXCAVATING SEWER PLANT
$19,991.00
$3,280.00
MCCLOUD PEST CONTROL PEST CONTROL $84.06
MIDAMERICAN ENERGY UTILITIES
$8,114.98
MIDWEST TAPE LIBRARY VIDEOS $128.20
MIDWEST WHEEL VEHICLE BULBS $12.82
MILLER, GRANT REFEREE FEE $80.00
MT VERNON ACE HARDWARE
$292.47
WANTED
WANTED: JUNK APPLIANCES. Will pick up for free. Farm clean-up, batteries. Will buy junk cars. 319-331-8122
Sporting Goods
GUN SHOW: February 21-23, 2025, Hippodrome, Waterloo IA Fri 4-9pm, Sat. 9am-5pm, Sun. 9am-3pm. $10 (under 14 FREE). Large selection of GUNS and AMMO for sale! More info: 563-608-4401 www.marvkrauspromotions.net
GUN SHOW: LARGE GUN & COIN AUCTION; Friday 2-282025, 28810 Hwy 5, Cincinnati Iowa. Coin Show starts @ 9a.m., Gun Auction @ 1p.m., Preview on 2-27 from 1-5, 641895-736
Miscellaneous
Does your basement or crawl space need some attention? Call Thrasher Foundation Repair! A permanent solution for waterproofing, failing foundations, sinking concrete and nasty crawl spaces. FREE Inspection & Same Day Estimate. $250 off ANY project with code GET250. Call 1-866-5541730
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ADVERTISE • 319.624.2233 whats happening around you.
PARTS-SUPPLIES
MURPHY, GRACE INSTRUCTOR $980.00
NATHAN SVEC CELL REIMB. $40.00
OFFICE EXPRESS SUPPLIES
OLSON, KEVIN ATTORNEY FEE
$193.80
$2,164.87
RASMUSSEN, CAMI REIMBS.-CELL/ MILEAGE/SUPPLIES
$397.97
RICHARDS, DAVE CELL REIMB. $60.00
RICHARDSON, KRIS CELL REIMB. $60.00
RJZ EXPRESS FUEL
S.J. SMITH CO. WELDING CYLINDERS
$435.43
$1,563.12
SAM'S MAIN ST. MARKET SUPPLIES
$67.96
SCHIMBERG CO. GASKETS-PIPES
$842.86
SEE, JACOB CELL REIMB. $40.00
SKYLINE SALT SOLUTIONS SALT MIX
$3,375.00
SOLON HARDWARE PARTS-SUPPLIES $209.75
SOLON SENIOR SUPPORT LIBRARY
CHAIR YOGA $60.00
SOLON TRITOWNSHIP AGENCY CONTRACT PAYMENTS $28,728.07
SOUTH SLOPE PHONE-INTERNET
$1,489.65
STATE HYGIENIC LAB TESTING
Motion by Gabriel to go into closed session pursuant to Iowa Code Chapter 21.5 (j) allowing for closed session regarding a real estate transaction. Seconded by Kramer. Roll Call Vote: Duncan, Farlinger, Gabriel, Kramer and Whitehead. All Ayes. Motion Carried. 5-0. Motion by Duncan to go out of closed session. Seconded by Gabriel. Roll Call Vote: Duncan, Farlinger, Gabriel, Kramer and Whitehead. All Ayes. Motion Carried. 5-0 Work Session:
Lady Spartans prevail over Knights in 3A Regional quarterfinals
Victory meant a rematch with Mt. Vernon
Kyle T. Prondzinki
For the Solon Economist
SOLON – Senior Kobi Lietz had the honor of dribbling up the court as the final seconds ticked away Saturday night, sealing a hard-fought 51-39 victory for the Solon Lady Spartans (12-10) over the Assumption Knights (9-13). The win advanced Solon to the Class 3A Region 1 semifinals and sent the home crowd into celebration after a tense, back-and-forth battle.
“That’s a big win. I don’t know if people realize how big of a win that is for us,” said Coach Smith, who looked both relieved and exhausted after the intense four quarters.
The Spartans entered the game riding momentum from their dominant 61-25 victory over Vinton-Shellsburg (5-17) earlier in the week. However, their latest win was anything but easy.
Neither team held a lead larger than four points in the first half, with Solon narrowly leading Assumption 12-11 after the first quarter and 27-25 at halftime. The effort on the court was contagious. Multiple times, girls played out to grab loose balls or rebounds.
The turning point? A timeout late in the third quarter. With 3:54 remaining in the period, the game was still deadlocked at 30-30. Coach Smith used the break to reset his team, and when they returned to the floor, they looked completely revitalized. Solon rattled off the next 12 points and outscored Assumption 12-5 in the third quarter, taking a 39-30 lead heading into the fourth. You could
feel the collective sigh of relief from the Spartan faithful.
“I think they finally started listening to me,” Smith joked after the game.
Sophomore Jerzey Haluska sparked the run, scoring five straight points. One highlight play saw the ball move fluidly around the perimeter, passing through the hands of every Spartan before finding Haluska under the hoop for an easy two.
The offense leaned heavily on sophomore Laney Johnson, who showcased her sharpshooting ability. Whenever the Spartans needed a spark, Johnson was there to hit a three. Johnson finished with 17 points, including four three-pointers and a tough finish for an and-1.
“My teammates kept getting me the ball, and I was hitting shots,” said a smiling Johnson.
Coach Smith had high praise for his young star.
“She’s one of the best shooters I’ve been around—she’s got no range limits,” he said.
Solon maintained their momentum in the fourth quarter, using the free-throw line to their advantage. They outscored Assumption 12-9 to close out the 51-39 victory.
The win advanced Solon to face Highway 1 and WaMaC East rival Mount Vernon (21-1) Wednesday evening. We will have a full report and photos in the Thursday, Feb. 27 edition of the Solon Economist.
The winner will face the victor of a Mediapolis (21-1) vs. Benton Community (8-14) semifinal in the Regional Championship Saturday, Feb. 22 at 7:00 p.m. at the highest-ranked team’s site. In the final Iowa Girls High School Athletic Union rankings for the ’24-’25 season, Mount Vernon was ranked No. 1 with Mediapolis ranked No. 13.
Photos by Chris Umscheid | Solon Economist
Top: Quinn Armentrout (10) gets a little help with her three-point attempt from some young fans as Assumption’s Gabby Stoffregen (1) watches with concern in Saturday’s Class 3A Region 1 Quarterfinals game in Solon. The Lady Spartans topped the Knights 51-39 to face Mt. Vernon Wednesday, Feb. 19 in the Mustangs’ stable.
Left: Kobi Lietz (1) puts up a shot under pressure from Assumption’s Ella Curoe (5) in Saturday’s Class 3A Region 1 Quarterfinals game in Solon. The Lady Spartans topped the Knights 51-39 to face Mt. Vernon Wednesday, Feb. 19 in the Mustangs’ stable.
Wahawks top Little Hawks in varsity boys bowling
led the Little Hawks with 426 pins while Solon junior Trendon Walker bowled 3636.
The Wahawks stayed perfect on the season at 10-0 while City High dropped to 2-8.
City High hosted a Class 3A State Qualifying Meet Tuesday, Feb. 18 after this edition had gone to print. The 2025 State Tournaments will be held at Cadillac XBC, 650 LaPorte Road, Waterloo, with Class 3A team competition Tuesday, Feb. 25 starting at 3:00 p.m. and the 3A individual tournament set for Wednesday, Feb. 26 starting at 9:00 a.m. Admission is $10 per person, plus fees, and are available online at www.gobound. com/ia/ighsau/gbo/2023-24/tickets.
Spartans enjoying a perfect month with wins over Vikings and Bears
Vinton-Shellsburg and West Branch fall to Solon as postseason looms large
Solon Economist
SOLON — The varsity boys improved to 15-5 with a five-game winning streak last week as they knocked off Vinton-Shellsburg and West Branch. The Spartans have had a perfect month with their last loss occurring Jan. 31 as they fell 63-51 on the road at Marion.
Spartans survive Vikings 62-58
VINTON — A pair of 18-point periods gave Solon a 36-29 halftime advantage Tuesday, Feb. 11 as the Spartans raided the Vinton-Shellsburg Vikings in a WaMaC East vs. West contest. The Vikings narrowed the gap in the third period, trailing the Spartans by four points (46-42) going into the final eight minutes.
Senior Caleb Bock led with 22 points and was backed up by seniors Isiah Zoske (18) and Nolan Seagren (15).
Solon vs. Vinton-Shellsburg, Individual stats
Scoring – Caleb Bock 22, Isaiah Zoske 18, Nolan Seagren 15, Grant Gordon 4, Jackson Link 3 3-point baskets – Seagren 2/3, Zoske 1/4, Link 1/4
Rebounds – Bock 7, Link 5, Seagren 3, Gordon 3, Kaden Hoeper 3, Maddox Kelley 2, Link 1
Assists – Bock 5, Gordon 5, Zoske 3, Kelley 2, Seagren 1 Steals – Bock 3, Seagren 2, Kelley 1, Gordon 1 Blocks – Zoske 1
Spartans tame the Bears
WEST BRANCH — The Spartans visited West Branch Thursday, Feb. 13 for a non-conference bout against the Class 2A Bears and held on for a 57-52 win.
Senior Isaiah Zoske led all with 16 points and was helped by senior Caleb Bock and sophomore Maddox Kelley with 13 points apiece.
Solon vs. West Branch, Individual stats
Scoring – Isaiah Zoske 16, Caleb Bock 13, Maddox Kelley 13, Jackson Link 5, Grant Gordon 5, Kaden Hoeper 2, Tanner Heims 2, Nolan Seagren 1 3-point baskets – Zoske 2/3, Kelley 2/3, Bock 1/1, Gordon 1/1, Link 1/4
Rebounds – Bock 6, Link 5, Zoske 3, Hoeper 3, Gordon 2, Seagren 1, Kelley 1, Karsyn Regennitter 1 Bock 5, Zoske 2, Seagren 2, Kelley 1, Regennitter 1, Gordon 1 Steals – Kelley 2, Zoske 1, Bock 1, Seagren 1, Link 1, Gordon 1 Blocks – Zoske 1
WaMaC East Standings (2-16-25)
Thursday,
Upcoming Schedule
State Tournament, Wells Fargo Arena, Des Moines
Solon Economist
WATERLOO — City High’s varsity boys fell 3,195 pins to 2,844 Thursday, Feb. 13 at Cadillac XBC in Waterloo. Solon senior Carson Reid
SPORTS
Solon wrestlers show grit during 2A Districts
Four Spartans qualify for this week’s State Wrestling Tournament
Above:
Below left: Solon’s Teague Williams and Mid-Prairie’s Josh Turner wrestle during 2A Districts at Williamsburg High School Saturday, Feb. 15.
Below right: Solon’s Charlie Karam and Washington’s Jude Carter wrestle during 2A Districts at Williamsburg High School Saturday, Feb. 15.
Jami E. Martin-Trainor For the Solon Economist
WILLIAMSBURG — When Charlie Karam stepped off the wrestling mat, he didn’t have a second to breathe before his peers surrounded him.
A slightly distorted voice coming from the speakers announced the news to the packed gymnasium at Williamsburg High School: Karam had earned his 100th career win after defeating Jude Carter, taking him to the championship match up for the 138-pound weight class at 2A Districts.
Beads of sweat dripped down his face. Karam panted as he was handed a poster commemorating his victory.
“It just shows the growth through all four years,” he said in the hallway just outside the gymnasium, a grin creeping up his face. “It’s awesome.”
And as Karam took the victory against Carter via technical fall, 16-1, Solon’s community came prepared to celebrate. Fans lifted vibrant, bright orange sheets of paper reading “100!” and accompanied them with cheers as Karam walked off the mat.
“Charlie had a specific vision for how he wanted his season to turn out,” Stacy Karam, Charlie Karam’s mom and organizer of the celebration, said. “We’re just so proud of him.”
Karam did not end up taking home first place, as he fell to Landen Davis of Eddyville-BlakesburgFremont High School in the championship match, but his efforts earned him the title of runner-up.
During districts, two athletes made the final push and came out victorious during their respective championship round: Jordan Schmidt in the 144pound weight class and Lucas Feuerbach in the 215-pound weight class. Schmidt defeated Mason Howe of Mid-Prairie High School via pin, and Feuerbach took down Carson Grier of Williamsburg High School via a 7-4 decision.
Schmidt, Feuerbach, and Karam, along with Jackson Feuerbach, who competed in the 175-pound weight class, qualified for Boys State Wrestling.
While only two athletes won in their brackets, several Solon wrestlers fought until the very end of their bout, only falling by decision after three periods of entangled limbs and exerted effort.
Even when athletes walked away from the mat without the rush that comes after their hand is lifted high in the air from a referee — signaling a bout won — the energy was still positive.
That same energy is what has helped Iowa City, a mere 12 miles away from Solon, earn the nickname “Wrestletown, USA.”
The thudding sound reverberating from cheerleaders slapping the mat. The cheers and clapping from friends and family in the audience during contentious bouts. The wrestlers with headphones in, warming up in solidarity to embrace the victory-first mindset. Coaches yelling “circle” and “get up” and “off your heels” to their athletes on the mat.
All of that together makes up the scene that is Iowa wrestling — a sport that has drawn so many eyes and athletes to the state of Iowa.
And that same energy will be carried to Des Moines for the final contest of the year. Iowa Boys State Wrestling will take place Wednesday, Feb. 19-Saturday, Feb. 22 at the Wells Fargo Arena, where athletes will show off their chops against the best in the state.
2025 Iowa High School State Wrestling Tournament information
www.iahsaa.org/wrestling/state-tournament-central/ Tickets – https://hyveetix.evenue.net/events/WR
How to watch:
• The Iowa High School Sports Network (IHSSN) will provide coverage of the semifinals and finals through its livestreaming platforms and its television partners (www. ihsnn.com)
• FloWrestling will stream the tournament through a subscription-based service (www.flowrestling.org)
Photos by Jami E. Martin-Trainor | For the Solon Economist
Solon’s Charlie Karam poses for a photo with a banner celebrating his 100th career win. Karam took a 16-1 technical fall against Washington’s Jude Carter in the semifinals and advanced to the State Tournament with a 2nd Place finish at 138 pounds.
Right: Solon’s Kyler Jensen and Mid-Prairie’s Brock Fisher wrestle during 2A Districts at Williamsburg High School Saturday, Feb. 15.