Lee Cusick hands a chair for the beer tent off to one of his sophomore basketball players. Cusick is the sophomore basketball coach and likes to see the community get together and celebrate during Beef Days, as well as having the opportunity for catching up with past students.
It takes many hands
Volunteers from all over the community set up for Beef Days
Joel Kellar
Solon Economist joel-keller@uiowa.edu
SOLON — Beef Days weekend is one of the highlights of the summer in Solon as thousands of people flock to Main Street for the festival. But the show would not go on without the many volunteers that help out in the days before the craziness.
The volunteers range from all sorts of people and organizations. The Co-President of Solon Beef Days, Denise Bruck, estimated that over 20 different organizations help with setting up the festival or cleaning up. Amongst these organizations are many of the Solon School District’s athletic teams. “It teaches the kids to give back to the community and we wouldn’t be able to do Beef Days without them,” she said.
The students show up Tuesday morning and all-day Thursday to help Solon Public Works Director Scott Kleppe and the rest of the city workers and volunteers. Thursday is the big day of set up for the volunteers. That is when the beer tent and stage go up with all the other benches and tables scattered around Main Street. This year the Solon boys’ basketball program worked Thursday afternoon to help set up the beer tent.
In the heat of the day the boys were working under the supervision of some of their coaches. Lee Cusick, the sophomore boys’ basketball coach, was the head of the supply chain of chairs making their way from a trailer to the beer tent. Cusick said they like to volunteer for Beef Days to help out in the community. For Cusick, one of the best parts of Beef Days is catching up with people and past students who come back to Solon for the event.
A new Champion is crowned
of I's Kade Pieper wins Beef Days Hay Bale Toss
Joel Kellar Solon Economist joel-keller@uiowa.edu
SOLON — It’s the can’t miss event of the Solon Beef Days: a competition of strength with a good ole’ Midwestern twist; the Hay Bale Toss.
The signature event packed a massive crowd onto Main Street Friday night, including a few who got a view above the crowd in the second and third floor of the building overlooking the ring. The event began with the women’s division. Many got a rude awakening of just how tough the competition was as only five of the twelve participants advanced past the first round.
Quinn Morelock, Kara Duchter and Alisha Boles were locked into a battle for the first-place prize, the champion’s belt and some cash. In the third round, they had to throw the bale over the eightfoot bar. One after the other, they did so with ease. But that was the last time any of them would be able to make it over. In the final round, all three fell just short of clearing the bar and the competition ended in a three-way tie.
The masters’ division followed with seven contestants signed up, and each one making a run for the title. It was Steve McElmeel and Moose Kueter who took over during this round as both made it over the ten-foot bar, knocking out the rest of the division. Kueter then cleared the next mark at 10’6”. And after missing the first, McElmeel cleared the bar to stay alive in the competition. However, they both were unable to reach the 11-foot bar. The round ended with the second tie for first place of the night.
22 people signed up for the open division, the division that Iowa Hawkeye football offensive-linemen have turned into a tradition to win with some winners even going on to make the NFL. Tyler Elsbury, Leighton Jones, Cael Winter, and Kade Peiper all continued that tradition and were four of the final five competitors. Haden Hammel was the outlier, making a push for the crown but ultimately the underdog story ended on the 11-foot bar.
It was down to the Hawkeye athletes from there.
Pieper was the only one to make it over the next bar at 11’-6”. Pieper had won the championship, but he did not want to stop there; he wanted the 14’-6” record set by two-time Champion Gennings Dunker last year. Pieper cleared 12-feet with ease, but that was where the tossing ended. Pieper said, “I think the bales were lighter last year, they were pretty green and heavy this year.”
PHOTOS | 10
Solon Retirement Village celebrates Christmas in July!
Scott Maiers Community Relations Director, Solon Retirement Village
SOLON — What started out as a celebration to welcome back family and friend visits with the residents after the long COVID restrictions. The event has become
an annual tradition at the Solon Retirement Village. This year marks the 4th annual Christmas in July celebration for the residents and staff.
This year’s event featured live music from “King Bruce” an Elvis tribute artist, games, photo booth, and food including pulled pork sandwiches, meatballs, cocktail weenies, veggie trays, and an assortment of desserts.
Linsey Jones, Activities Director at Solon Retirement Village stated “ I like giving our residents a reason to celebrate even when it’s not a holiday. It’s fun to decorate the community again with Christmas decorations and to see the residents and staff dressed up. Even though it’s July, the residents and attendees enjoy this festive Christmas event, and it is refreshing for everyone.
Above: Rita Brannaman poses with her granddaughter Andrea during the Solon Retirement Village’s Christmas in July event.
Left: Jane Marshall poses with her with daughter Erin and grandchildren during the Solon Retirement Village’s Christmas in July event.
Center: Elmer Smyth poses with his daughters Marilyn and Molly during the Solon Retirement Village’s Christmas in July event.
Contributed photo
Above: King Bruce performing with residents of the Solon Retirement Village during the annual Christmas in July event last Wednesday.
Contributed photos
Agnes Katherine Gogel, 94, of Solon, passed away on Sunday, July 14, 2024, in her home. Visitation will be from 4 to 7 p.m. Tuesday, July 23, 2024, at St. Mary Catholic Church in Solon, where there will be a 3:30 p.m. rosary.
Funeral Mass will be 10:30 a.m. Wednesday, July 24, 2024, at St. Mary Catholic Church. Burial will be in St. Mary Catholic Cemetery. Brosh Chapel and The Avacentre in Solon are in charge of arrangements.
Agnes was born on January 27, 1930, in St. Meinrad, Indiana, the daughter of Johann and Agnes (Reiter) Seckinger. She was united in marriage to Jerome M. Gogel on September 4, 1948, in St. Meinrad.
Agnes is survived by her children Valeria (Steven) Schnor, Marla (James) Hall, Gerry (Margaret) Gogel, Gail (Todd) Capps, Donna Eliasen, Keith Gogel, and Gregg (Erica) Gogel; seventeen grandchildren; thirty-two great-grandchildren; many step-grandchildren and great-grandchildren; as well as her nieces and nephews.
Agnes is preceded in death by her parents, her husband Jerome on July 16, 1991, her children Reynold, Gloria, Louis and Cynthia, her five siblings.
Memorials may be directed to the family.
Online condolences may be expressed to the family at www.broshchapel.com
VOLUNTEERS from 1
On the other side of the festival, Sherri Nieukrik worked away at setting up one of the many carnival games brought to Solon by Sam’s Amusements & Carnivals, Inc. from Shawnee, OK. Nieukrik has operated the game for 16 years at Beef Days. Her game is one of many carnival games that draw the attention of many who are looking to bring home a prize. Nieukrik shared the same love for the festival as Cusick did, as her favorite part is seeing all the people out at the festival again.
The volunteers help make the festival happen, whether they help set up, clean up, or even emcee the parade as Don Ellis, “The Voice of the Spartans,” has for decades. Organizations will even run booths selling food and products. Scout Troop 120 and Cub Scout Pack 120 run a food booth and this year, handed out free popcorn. The Solon Robotics Team have made it a tradition to sell ice cream every year at the Beef Days.
Because Beef Days is a non-profit, all the organizations that volunteer can receive some of the money Beef Days brings in. Bruck said, "There's just so many groups around town that they use this as their fundraiser. They volunteer for us, then when we are doing our funding request season, they can come ask us for money and we are able to help support their organizations.”
To close out our summer of incredible programs and guests, we’re excited to share Dinosaurs at Dusk on Thursday, August 1 at 5:30 p.m. We’ll enjoy a large variety of wooden dinosaurs from the Jack Neuzil collection on the Library patio and lawn. Friends can read a book with their favorite dinosaur, get creative with crafts, and enjoy sensory play. The Library will close at 5:00 p.m. to allow time for staff to prepare and host this spectacular event outside.
Library Events
Thursday, August 1 the Library will be open 9:00 a.m.-5:00 p.m. with Dinosaurs at Dusk taking place at 5:30 p.m. outdoors.
One last reminder! Get those summer reading slips turned in by Wednesday, July 31 to claim your prize and enter to win a grand prize. Thanks for reading with us!
Our final Teen Tuesday program of the summer is Tuesday, July 30 at 2:00 p.m. We’ll watch Five Nights at Freddy’s [PG-13] to close out the summer of teen programs. Teen Tuesday is for upcoming 6th-12th graders.
As we look into August, please note we will not have Storytime on Tuesday, August 6. Instead, join us Saturday, August 10 at 10:30 a.m. for our monthly Saturday Storytime. Regular weekly Storytime will continue Tuesday, August 13 at 10:30 a.m.
If you’ve missed out on a DIY Night or wished you could have a redo, our August DIY Night is for you! Register online or at the Library to join us Tuesday, August 13 at 6:30 p.m. for Second Chance Craft Night. Get a chance at making a felt cactus, a cork tree, puzzle wreath, and so much more! A full list of available crafts is available on our website calendar. As usual, registration is required and space is limited.
Get ready to show off your favorite sandwiches and burgers at Cookbook Club Saturday, August 17 at 11:00 a.m. Our Cookbook Club meets monthly to share successful (and sometimes unsuccessful) food and discuss cooking. Pick up a cookbook at the Library to get inspired and join us!
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. Friday, July 26th the Library will be open 9:00 a.m.-4:00 p.m. to allow time for our monthly staff meeting.
Don’t forget, the digital library is always available! Find an eBook, eAudiobook, magazines and more with Bridges, or with the Libby app on your favorite smart device. You can even stream classic films, discover new favorites, and more with Kanopy on your favorite smart device.
Everyone is welcome at the Library and our programs. Please contact us with access needs.
What’s New?
When you’re on a path to learn, whether it’s about parenting, history, or mental health, you’re sure to find a great book in the nonfiction collection. These are a few new titles that we’re excited about.
The Color of Everything: A Journey to Quiet the Chaos Within by Cory Richards. Growing up in the mountains of Utah, Cory Richards was constantly surrounded by the outdoors. His father, a high school teacher and a ski patroller, spent years teaching Richards and his brother how to ski, climb, mountaineer, and survive in the wild. Despite a seemingly idyllic childhood, the Richards home was fraught with violence, grief, and mental illness. After being diagnosed with bipolar disorder and dropping out of high school, Richards subsumed himself in the worlds of photography and climbing, seeking out the farthest reaches of the world to escape the darkness. Then, in the midst of a wildly successful career in adventure photography, a catastrophic avalanche changed everything, forcing Richards to confront the trauma of his past, evaluate his own mental health, and learn to rewrite his story.
Good Inside: A Guide to Becoming the Parent You Want to Be by Dr. Becky Kennedy. Over the past several years, Dr. Becky Kennedy—
known to her followers as “Dr. Becky”—has been sparking a parenting revolution. Millions of parents, tired of following advice that either doesn’t work or simply doesn’t feel good, have embraced Dr. Becky’s empowering and effective approach, a model that prioritizes connecting with our kids over correcting them. Parents have long been sold a model of childrearing that simply doesn’t work. From reward charts to time outs, many popular parenting approaches are based on shaping behavior, not raising humans. These techniques don’t build the skills kids need for life, or account for their complex emotional needs. Add to that parents’ complicated relationships with their own upbringings, and it’s easy to see why so many caretakers feel lost, burned out, and worried they’re failing their kids. In Good Inside, Dr. Becky shares her parenting philosophy, complete with actionable strategies, that will help parents move from uncertainty and self-blame to confidence and sturdy leadership. Offering perspective-shifting parenting principles and troubleshooting for specific scenarios—including sibling rivalry, separation anxiety, tantrums, and more—Good Inside is a comprehensive resource for a generation of parents looking for a new way to raise their kids while still setting them up for a lifetime of self-regulation, confidence, and resilience.
While You Were Out: An Intimate Family Portrait of Mental Illness in an Era of Silence by Meg Kissinger. Growing up in the 1960s in the suburbs of Chicago, Meg Kissinger’s family seemed to live a charmed life. With eight kids and two loving parents, the Kissingers radiated a warm, boisterous energy. Whether they were spending summer days on the shores of Lake Michigan, barreling down the ski slopes, or navigating the trials of their Catholic school, the Kissingers always knew how to live large and play hard. But behind closed doors, a harsher reality was unfolding—a heavily medicated mother hospitalized for anxiety and depression, a manic father prone to violence, and children in the throes of bipolar disorder and depression, two of whom would take their own lives. Through it all, the Kissingers faced the world with their signature dark humor and the unspoken family rule: never talk about it.
Joel Kellar | Solon Economist
Top: Sherri Nieukrik sets up a game on the carnival midway set up along West Main Street in downtown Solon. Nieukrik has run the carnival game for 16 years at Beef Days and said her favorite part of the festival is seeing all the people, both new and returning. Bottom: Kids in the Solon sophomore basketball program help set up the beer tent for Solon Beef Days. The young basketball players are part of one of the more than 20 organizations and programs that volunteer at Beef Days.
OPINIONS
The family finally gets to take a paid vacation
Food for Thought
There was a time, in the first part of the 1900's, when one could buy all the parts of an entire house through the Sears and Roebuck catalog and build it yourself. It was also possible to order all the various components of a car to be assembled by the purchaser. My dad, as a young man, did just that and the experience made him so familiar with the workings of an automobile that he became a life-long mechanic.
At some time around 1930, he became the proprietor of a small Chevrolet dealership in Knoxville where his reputation as a thorough and capable mechanic, and his backing by influential supporters made him into what is known as a “respected solid citizen.” He worked long hours, willing to go out in the middle of the night to deal with stranded motorists, unlock cars with the keys dangling tauntingly from the ignition inside, and during WWII, to keep the town's Chevys running with salvaged and rebuilt parts when new cars and replacement parts were unavailable.
At first, he was his only full-time mechanic, parts man, bookkeeper and salesman, but the business grew steadily and, by the mid 1940's he had several employees and was being pressured to enlarge the business and become more competitive with the several other auto companies in the community. He preferred to keep the dealership as it was, to continue to work only on Chevrolet cars and trucks (other makes required entirely different sets of tools from the ones he was accustomed to.)
He finally conceded that the competition from other dealers was dominating the local auto business, so he sold the dealership and became the shop foreman of the new, larger dealership. For a time, he flourished in the new role, enjoying the benefits of a steady, predictable income and the prospect of a paid vacation each year – something he had never had while being his own boss. Many of his longtime customers were unhappy with the new arrangement and urged him to continue servicing their cars, by-passing the new business. He couldn't honorably do that, as it was a disloyalty to the new dealer and to the mechanics he supervised.
For over a year, Dad worried his way through the new job, and when it was time to take advantage of his first paid vacation, he planned a trip to his hometown, Mellen, Wisconsin, to show his daughters where he grew up and to visit with the few close friends who remained in the town. Among those friends were Mr. and Mrs. Bowers who had been “a second set of parents” to him after his father had died of tuberculosis at an early age. They lived in a wooded tract near Loon Lake, where Dad had completed his notable long-distance swim around the lake in one session. They had built two log cabins on the property and rented them out to vacationers, fishermen and hunters during the year. Each cabin had sleeping facilities for four people and primitive kitchen arrangements. There was cold running water in each cabin and the bathroom was an out-house - no hardship for us as we were accustomed to similar facilities on our grandparents' farm.
Because there were six of us, Dad had reserved both cabins – one for himself, Mother and Ruthie who was about to turn four; the other for us three older girls. The gas to the kitchen hot-plate of our cabin was disconnected to prevent us from “burning the place down” and, unfortunately, also from heating water for “sparrow baths.” After all, there was a sparkling lake at our doorstep. A quick dip in its waters would be sufficient, except for the fact that, even though it was mid-July, the water could only be called frigid.
In spite of all the movies about glamorous resorts and beach parties with friendly, handsome, interesting boys, we did not see another vacationer of any description during our nine-day stay. The weather was cold and rainy for the whole time except for one sunny, breezy day when we donned swimsuits and ventured to the beach only to find the water cold and choppy - and not a boy in sight.
GUEST OPINION
When is it okay to take the life of an unborn baby?
Patty Benzing
I’m writing in response to Randy Evans’ opinion article published in the July 11 edition of the Solon Economist. In his article, Mr. Evans provides a onesided summary of highlights from the Iowa Supreme Court ruling reinstating the Heartbeat Law. This law protects an unborn child from abortion once a heartbeat is detected, typically around 6 weeks.
The article and quotes provided therein from Chief Justice Christensen and Justice Mansfield, are filled with many distractions from the key issue at stake in the abortion debate:
Is the unborn fetus a human life?
If the answer to this question is “yes” (and we know that it is), then the follow up question isn’t one of ‘Choice’, ‘Women’s Rights’, ‘Reproductive Rights’ or ‘Healthcare’ but instead…
When is it okay to take the life of an innocent human?
Is it okay when that human is at an early stage of development? Is the stage of development what gives life value? This line of reasoning won’t hold up, especially when we live in a day and age when advancements in technology enable the survival of increasingly younger premature babies. Is it okay to take innocent human life because it’s inside my body (‘my body my choice’)? Is location or degree of dependency what gives life value? If my newborn belongs to me, lives in my house and/or depends on me, is it my right to choose whether she lives or dies? Is it okay to kill a baby in the womb when the pregnancy is unexpected or inconvenient or when it’s a hardship? No doubt, these are difficult circumstances, but the solution isn’t to take the life of the baby, instead we need to provide support to the moms/families in these situations. Unfortunately, these are some of the top reasons why we as a country take the lives of nearly 1 million babies each year. Less than 2% of abortions are performed due to rape and
LETTER TO THE EDITOR
Fireworks should be banned in Solon
Banning fireworks doesn’t mean Independence Day every year can’t be celebrated. You can still have picnics, barbecues and fun. Just leave out the fireworks and firecrackers. The significant and long-lasting negative impact fireworks cause is far greater than the temporary enjoyment they offer.
According to the NFPA (National Fire Protection Association) Fireworks fire & injury facts:
• Fireworks started an estimated 31,302 fires in 2022, including 3,504 structure fires, 887 vehicle fires, 26,492 outside fires, and 418 unclassified fires. These fires caused an estimated six civilian deaths, 44 civilian injuries and $109M in direct property damage.
Attorney
Alyssa Brouillet Communications
Director, Office of the Iowa Attorney General
DES MOINES — Iowa Attorney General Brenna Bird today
incest despite the hyper focus on this in the media–again, a deceptive distraction in an attempt to take the focus off the core topic–unborn babies are human beings and we have no right to take their lives. Please don’t be deceived by the rhetoric of pro-choice advocates who often seek to distract from the foundational issue at hand and justify the termination of innocent life in the name of ‘choice’ or a ‘right’ or ‘healthcare.’
With regards to ‘choice’, there is no other circumstance in our society where it’s acceptable to ‘choose’ to take another life with the exception of self-defense and the death penalty. So why do we think it’s okay to kill an unborn baby in the name of ‘choice’? Abortion is often framed as a ‘women’s rights’ or ‘reproductive rights’ issue. Justice Christensen’s comments, for example, refer to a woman’s “right not to procreate,” as well as the “decision not to have children” as the fundamental right in this debate. However, abortion isn’t merely not procreating or not having children; rather, it is the act of ending the life of an already existing human child, which is not a choice we have the right to make. Abortion is a human rights issue, not a women’s rights issue, and those whose most fundamental human rights are at stake are the unborn.
Further, it is insulting to call abortion ‘healthcare’. Healthcare doesn’t take life, it restores health and gives life. A baby is not a disease.
How easily we can be swayed by loud voices and deceptive words that play on our emotions. The current debate around abortion is worth our attention. It is not just a personal matter; as Thomas Jefferson said, “The measure of society is how it treats the weakest members.” It is our responsibility to know the facts and follow the logic deeper to the heart of the matter. The truth will become evident if you let your conscience guide you. Please speak out and stand up for the unborn!
• In 2022, U.S hospital emergency rooms treated an estimated 10,200 people for fireworks related injuries; Over half of those injuries were to the extremities (29% hands and fingers, 19% legs, 5% arms) and 35% were to the eyes or other parts of the head.
Fireworks do not bring joy to everyone. They can cause real harm to veterans and others who suffer from PTSD. Pets (i.e., Dogs) have an acute sense of hearing. Dogs hear much higher frequencies than we can and can detect sounds from four times farther away. Fireworks that sound distant to you sound a lot closer to a dog.
The NFPA does not support the use of any consumer fireworks. They damage personal property, damage public property, terrorize our pets, blow up the fingers and hands of
users, disrupt our neighbors with noise, cause stress and worry, both in the fear of their potential danger and the suddenness of their noise, they’re bad for the environment, they smell and our most vulnerable citizens, including children and war veterans, are the ones most susceptible to this stress.
It is my belief that Solon city leaders should join their counterparts in neighboring municipalities (North Liberty, Lisbon, Mount Vernon, Swisher, Shueyville, and Tiffin) recognizing the dangers inherent in permitting the use of fireworks. It is also my hope that other like-minded Solon residents contact council members and express their views in support of the ban.
Robert Zeman Solon
co-led a 22-state coalition in a letter to Congressional leadership, urging the passage of the Safeguard American Voter Eligibility (“SAVE”) Act. The bill strengthens election integrity by preventing
illegal aliens from voting in federal elections. For years, Biden’s border invasion has threatened the safety of American communities. And now, it risks the security of our
Milli Gilbaugh
elections. A recent congressional report found the Biden Administration released more than five million illegal aliens into the United States. Another roughly 2 million more have sneaked into the country through Biden’s open-door policies, including convicted criminals, drug cartels, human traffickers, and suspected terrorists.
Even a small number of illegal votes cast in an election can determine who controls Congress or the White House. Under the SAVE Act, people must provide proof of citi -
zenship when registering to vote.
The SAVE Act will also help states identify and remove illegal aliens from their voter registration rolls.
“Americans get to decide the leaders who represent them, not illegal aliens,” said Attorney General Bird, “It is common sense. Biden’s historic border crisis has not only jeopardized the safety of our communities, but it now threatens the integrity of our elections. I am co-leading a 22-state coalition in calling on Congress to pass the SAVE Act that upholds the law and
secures our elections from illegal voting.”
Last week, the SAVE Act passed the U.S. House of Representatives in a bipartisan vote. The U.S. Senate has yet to vote.
Iowa and Indiana co-led the letter. They were joined by Alabama, Arkansas, Florida, Georgia, Idaho, Kansas, Louisiana, Mississippi, Missouri, Montana, Nebraska, New Hampshire, Oklahoma, South Carolina, South Dakota, Tennessee, Utah, Virginia, West Virginia, and Wyoming.support the public good.
Solon new wastewater treatment facility (sewer plant) update - Part 2
This update is the second of three updates planned for the summer of 2024 to provide Solon residents with information about the new wastewater treatment facility that will be constructed in the coming years for the City of Solon. The timeline, from early discussions that improvements are needed, to the completion of a newly constructed plant, will span several years. This wastewater treatment facility update series will help residents better understand the research, planning, costs, and overall project timeline.
Recap of Part 1
The decision to build a new treatment facility vs. a remodel or upgrade to the existing treatment facility came after extensive evaluation by city engineers. The age of the current facility, limited space, flooding issues, and more restrictive limits on wastewater discharges have steered the decision for a new facility. In 2023, the city purchased approximately 21 acres of hay field adjacent to Oakland Cemetery along Hwy 382 and will be the location of the new treatment facility.
Financing of a New Wastewater Treatment Facility
City engineers have indicated that the city can expect the cost of the new treatment facility to be around $27.5 million with the actual cost of the new facility unknown until the IDNR has reviewed the design and construction bids are received. City officials have been fiscally planning for the new treatment facility for some time to ensure the best financial scenario possible.
The State Revolving Fund (SRF) is a state of Iowa program that provides cities with low interest loans for water and sewer related projects. In addition to a low interest
construction loan, the SRF also provides no-interest Planning and Design Loans which help cities fund the costly design phases of the new treatment facility project. The City of Solon received an SRF Planning and Design Loan in May of 2024 for up to $3 million dollars. The Planning and Design loan will be combined with the construction loan at the appropriate time. The SRF loan will be repaid over a 20-year period.
Northland Securities provides financial planning services for the City of Solon and has worked with city staff and the Finance Committee on financial planning for the $27.5 million dollar facility. Northland has recommended a three-tiered approach includes:
1. A 20-year bond from the SRF program for $20M with payment to be paid by sewer bill revenues. As a regular practice the city council increases water and sewer rates 2% annually in July of each year. In addition, the $5 monthly sewer debt collected each month will increase to $10 monthly in July 2024.
2. A 20-year bond from SRF program for $5M with payment to be paid by TIF, LOST or Debt Service Levy. 3. Use Reserve cash on hand of $2.5M toward the overall project cost. LOST funds received in past years are currently held in high yield CD’s in anticipation of the new facility.
What can Solon residents expect next?
Part 3 of this series in August will look more closely at the nuances of wastewater treatment facilities along with the type of research and planning involved in designing and construction of a new facility.
Project Timeline
The timeline below provides a snapshot of the project timeline for the new wastewater treatment facility with completion expected in June 2029.
Cami Rasmussen
City Administrator, City of Solon
AMERICAN PICKERS to film in Iowa
Meredith Ball Producer, American Pickers
The American Pickers are excited to return to Iowa!
They plan to film episodes of The History Channel hit television series throughout your area in September 2024.
AMERICAN PICKERS is a documentary series that explores the
fascinating world of antique ‘picking’ on The History Channel. The hit show follows skilled pickers in the business, as they hunt for America’s most valuable antiques. They are always excited to find historically significant or rare items, in addition to unforgettable characters and their collections. As they hit the back roads from coast to coast, the Pickers are on a mission to recycle and rescue forgotten relics. Along the way, they want to meet characters with amazing stories and fun items. They hope to give historically significant objects a new lease on life while learning a thing or two about America’s past along the way. The Pickers have seen a lot of rusty gold over the years and are always looking to discover something they’ve never seen before. They are ready to find extraordinary items and hear fascinating tales about them.
Spartan archers showcase their sport during Beef Days
Second annual tourney provides an opportunity for practice and to educate
Joel Kellar Solon Economist joel-keller@uiowa.edu
SOLON — For those that needed a break from
the sun or wanted to learn a new skill, the second annual Beef Days Fun Shoot archery tournament at the Solon Middle School
The American Pickers TV show is looking for leads and would love to explore your hidden treasure. If you or someone you know has a unique item, story to tell, and is ready to sell…we would love to hear from you! Please note, the Pickers DO NOT pick stores, flea markets, malls, auction businesses,
was the place to be Saturday afternoon. Led by Solon archery coach Steve Madura, attendees were able to learn how to shoot arrows safely and how to keep track of score in a tournament-style setting. Madura said, “Beef Days gets our name in the community. It helps our team grow and helps the community understand that we are very active in the c ommunity.”
There were multiple sections throughout the day that lasted about an hour. In these sections, Madura would lead the participants through how to safely operate and shoot a bow and arrow. After doing a practice round of shooting, it was time for the participants to shoot for a score. The winners of the day got rewarded with
Photos by Joel Kellar | Solon Economist
Left: Miranda Simison shoots and arrow during the second annual Beef Days Archery Tournament. Simison is a member of the Solon Spartan Archery Team. Solon archery head coach Steve Madura said, “This event benefits the team because we are able to have our archers shoot in the summer when it’s the off-season. And we are reaching out to the community and letting them see what our organization is about.”
Below: Miranda Simison grabs her arrows from the target during the second annual Beef Days Archery Tournament. The tourney was for anyone who wanted to participate in shooting arrows.
a trophy.
The tournament also allowed for members of the Solon archery team to practice in the off-season for their sport. Madura said they do not shoot much in the summer, so the opportunity to do so is a nice bonus to running the event at Beef Days.
Madura said, "It's a lot of fun, we have a great time doing it.”
museums, or anything open to the public.
If interested, pleas send us your name, phone number, location, and description of the collection with photos to: americanpickers@cineflix.com or call (646) 493-2184. Contact us on Facebook: @GotAPick.
Cineflix Productions photo
Above: Hudson Thirtyacre shoots an arrow during the second annual Beef Days Archery Tournament at the Solon Middle School Saturday afternoon. The tournament taught
how to shoot an arrow.
Spartans well represented in Beef Days
5k/1-mile Run
Solon Economist
SOLON — The annual Beef Days 5k/1-Mile Run led off Saturday’s events starting at St. Marys Catholic Church, winding through the streets of Solon, and finishing behind Lakeview Elementary School.
While Drew Burmahl of Cedar Rapids and Ana Barroso of Iowa City were the overall male and female winners of the 5k, Solon was well represented in the event with MacKlin Svalstad winning the male 14-under class and Anna Quillin, Sydney Dee, and Falyn Svalstad pulling off a 1-2-3 finish in the female 15-18 class. Randy Jimenez won the 19-29 male class, Emily Moser won the 30-39 female class, Lindsey Reed won the 40-49 female class, and Mike Kinney won the 60+ class.
Victoria Rolwes, of Solon, was the overall female winner in the 1-Mile run while Nora Humpal won the 5-6 year old females class. Gage Laing won the 7-8 year old males class, Beckett Geary was the 7-8 females winner, Jeremiah Barlett was the 11-12 males winner, Kamryn Deike won the 11-12 females, and Chloe Madura won 13-15 females. Summer Hoffman won 16-18 females, Dustin Moore won 19+ males, and Aira Foster was the 19+ females winner.
Results courtesy of Andrew Kauder – Kauder Racing, LLC
Photos by Chris Umscheid | Solon Economist Runners cross Racine Ave. as they start the annual Beef Days 5k and 1-Mile run Saturday morning.
Joel Kellar | Solon Economist
Left: Runners (including Solon’s Emily Moser (231) and Annika Kruse) race each other during the 5k fun run at the Beef Days festival. The race began at 7:30 am Saturday morning and had 263 runners competing in it.
Left: Jeremiah Bartlett finished third overall in the 1-Mile run Saturday with a time of 6:47.
Right: Anna Quillin (416) won the females 15-18 class Saturday during the Beef Days 5-k run with a time of 21:31.
Right: Aira Foster (429) won the 19+ females class in Saturday’s Beef Days 1-Mile run in 7:22 with Ty Pirkl (390, of Victor) and Chloe Madura right behind her. Madura won the 13-15 year old females class in 7:27.
Above left: Bobbie Monahan (from North Liberty) charges up the hill on West Sovers St. before making the turn onto Racine Ave. and the final dash to the finish line behind Lakeview Elementary School Saturday morning while her son enjoys the ride. Above center: Mary Fiala (91) is flanked by Wyatt (48) and Abram Carls (47) of Ely and was fifth in the 19+ female class Saturday during the Beef Days 1-Mile run. Above right: Reuben Allgood (397) and Gavin Zenk (427) make the final dash to the finish line in Saturday’s 1-Mile run, part of the annual Beef Days celebration.
began at 10:00 a.m. and lasted a
Below center: Solon’s generational basketball player, Callie Levin, joined the Riverside Casino float for the Beef Days Parade Saturday morning. Levin, who graduated in May, will play on the University of Iowa’s hardwood this season after having committed before her sophomore year.
Photos by Chris Umscheid | Solon Economist
The 2024 Solon Beef Days Parade stretches down the length of Dubuque St. Saturday morning. The parade
little over an hour.
Below: Deacon Farnsworth checks out the candy he’s managed to harvest (with help from his parents) during a pause in the Beef Days Parade Saturday morning.
The El Kahir Shrine made their annual appearance in the Beef Days Parade complete with Leaping Lena. The Cedar Rapids based Shriners were joined by Shriners from the Louisa County Shrine Club from Columbus Junction, who brought their own “Leaping Lena.” Both cars performed dazzling displays of wheelies and other automotive gyrations seemingly on the edge of disaster.
William Bigelow, a player on the Solon Slayers youth baseball team, takes careful aim before throwing a popsicle Saturday morning during the Beef Days Parade.
Jim Steinbrech piloted a vintage Oliver tractor as he pulled the Knights of Columbus’ trailer with basketball hoops in the annual Beef Days Parade. Young and old alike were encouraged to take shots at the hoops as the trailer passed by.
Left: A kid puts up a jump shot on a basketball hoop set up on the Knights of Columbus’ trailer pulled by Jim Steinbrech. The trailer, an annual sight in the Beef Days Parade, challenges young and old alike.
Below: Kids on the Solon Storm youth baseball team throw
Solon Beef Days Parade Saturday morning.
Joel Kellar | Solon Economist
candy to people watching the 2024
Chris Umscheid | Solon Economist
Top left: Marilyn Hansen greeted friends and tossed out candy from her perch in the back of a convertible Saturday morning during the 2024 Solon Beef Days Parade. Marilyn and husband Denny, were selected as the 2024 Solon Seniors of the Year.
Above: The Solon HS Marching Band was joined by alumni members for the 2024 Solon Beef Days Parade.
Left: Members of the Spartan 11U Softball Team throw candy to people along the route of the 2024 Solon Beef Days Parade Saturday morning.
Chris Umscheid | Solon Economist
Jake Neville, a player on the Solon Slayers youth baseball team, hurls candy high and far Saturday morning during the Beef Days Parade.
Chris Umscheid | Solon Economist
Denny Hansen, Sgt. at Arms for Solon American Legion Stinocher Post 460, tosses candy and bubblegum to kids along the route of the Solon Beef Days Parade. Denny and wife Marilyn were selected as the 2024 Solon Seniors of the Year and rode in a convertible.
beef days 2024
Photos by Joel Kellar | Solon Economist
Front photo: Kade Pieper throws the hay bale well over the bar during the contest. Pieper won the hay bale toss at the 2024 Beef Days, topping out at 12 feet. Pieper wanted to chase down the record held by his Hawkeye football teammate, Gennings Dunker, but fell a few throws short. “I think the bales were lighter last year, they were pretty green and heavy this year.”
Left: Jessie Knobbe laughs after her hay bale does not make it over the bar. Knobbe was one of 12 participants in the women’s division for the hay bale toss.
Below: Ali Dorn tosses the bale over the bar. Dorn was one of five participants in the women’s division to advance to the third round.
Mike Reicks watches the bale drop on the other side of the bar. Reicks participated in the masters division and placed third.
Moose Kueter stares down the hay bale after it hits the ground. Kueter tied for first in the master division of the hay bale toss.
Nat Roberts gets a face full of hay while she attempts to throw the bale over the pole.
Cael Winter clears the bar with the hay bale to advance to the next round. His teammate, Leighton Jones, celebrates behind him.
Left: Kade Pieper throws the hay bale well over the bar during the contest. Pieper won the hay bale toss at the 2024 Beef Days, topping out at 12 feet. Pieper wanted to chase down the record held by his Hawkeye football teammate, Gennings Dunker, but fell a few throws short. “I think the bales were lighter last year, they were pretty green and heavy this year.”
Above: Quinn Morelock smiles as the hay bale falls to the ground after being tossed over the bar successfully. Morelock was one of the three participants that tied for first with their highest throw being eight feet high.
Left: Leighton Jones looks in disappointment as the hay bale falls to the ground, partnered by the bar. Jones made it all the way to the final three before getting beat by some of his teammates from the Iowa Hawkeye football team.
Haden Hammel tosses the hay bale during the contest. Hammel was the last non-Iowa football player to get eliminated.
Harris announced as a May 2024 UCA graduate
CONWAY, AR — The University of Central Arkansas held fall commencement Friday, May 3, and Saturday, May 4, 2024, in the Farris Center on campus. Degrees and certificates were conferred to approximately 1,600 graduates from the College of Arts, Humanities, and
Social Sciences; College of Business; College of Education; College of Health and Behavioral Sciences; College of Natural Sciences and Mathematics; and Graduate School.
Emma Harris of Ely graduated magna cum laude with a(n) Bachelor of Science in Education. Congratulations on your outstanding academic accomplishments. Go Bears!
Iowa’s unemployment rate remains at 2.8% for third straight month
Jesse Dougherty Iowa Workforce Development
DES MOINES — Iowa’s seasonally adjusted unemployment rate was 2.8 percent in June, unchanged since April and 0.1 percent lower than one year ago. The state’s labor force participation rate decreased to 66.5 percent from 66.7 percent in May, primarily due to increases in retirements. Nationally, the U.S. unemployment rate increased to 4.1 percent in June.
“Despite ongoing economic challenges, Iowa’s workforce held steady during June as private industries advanced by 1,500 jobs,” said Beth Townsend, Executive Director of Iowa Workforce Development. “Iowa’s economy has shown great resilience and employers continue to hire. IowaWORKS.gov includes over 58,000 open jobs and our team is ready to help Iowans find their next new opportunity.”
The number of unemployed Iowans decreased to 46,600 in June from 46,900 in May.
The total number of working Iowans fell to 1,641,400 in June. This figure is 3,200 lower than May and 21,400 lower than one year ago.
Seasonally Adjusted Nonfarm Employment
Iowa establishments gained 300 jobs in June, raising total nonfarm employment to 1,610,000 jobs. While the state experienced strong gains in February and March, payrolls have been relatively flat over the last three months. Private industry gains in June were most evident in health care and social assistance along with professional and business services. On the other hand, losses in manufacturing led to a small drop in goods-producing industries. Overall, private industries advanced by 1,500 jobs in June. This gain was contrasted
by a drop of 1,200 in government, which was related to the expected employment changes from schools breaking for the summer.
Among private industries, June’s largest gain was within health care and social assistance (+1,800), which has advanced by 3,900 jobs over the past three months. Professional and business services also added in June (+1,100 jobs). Scientific and technical services fueled most of these gains (+700), although administrative support and waste management services also showed signs of hiring (+300). Other gains in June included retail trade (+600), construction (+400), and finance which added jobs following losses over the prior three months (+300). On the flip side, manufacturing shed 1,000 jobs in June to lead all sectors. Both chemical product and food industries were among those factories shedding jobs compared to May. Leisure and hospitality reflected the only other decline (-800). Accommodations and food services fueled this loss.
Compared to last June, Iowa establishments have added 20,900 jobs. Health care and social assistance gained the most jobs during that span (+7,100). Leisure and hospitality industries also showed strong signs of hiring, adding 5,900 jobs over the last twelve months. Hiring in accommodations and food service businesses was responsible for all these jobs gained. Alternatively, losses were smaller by comparison and led by transportation and warehousing (-1,400). Retail continues to trend down and has lost 1,200 jobs over the last twelve months. Manufacturing shed 300 jobs with losses stemming from nondurable goods factories.
Visit www.iowalmi.gov for more information about current and historical data, labor force data, nonfarm employment, hours and earnings, and jobless benefits by county.
CALENDAR & PUZZLES
SOLON SENIORS
JULY EVENTS ••••••••••••••••
Wednesday, July 31 – City Representative
DINING •••••••••••••••••••••
Meals cost $5.00, call 319-624-2251 for reservations (required) between 10-11:30 a.m.
Home Deliveries
Monday, Wednesday, Friday
In-House Dining
Solon Methodist Church, Wednesdays ONLY at 11:30 a.m.
Except for Meal and Movie the last Friday of the month (meals will be catered). Call Sandy for reservations and information, 319-430-8655.
Thank you Solon Senior Dining volunteers!
“Volunteers do not necessarily have the time, they just have the heart.”
— Elizabeth Andrew
JULY MENU
Friday, July 26
Bingo/Cards
Glazed Salmon Filet
Mini Baker Potatoes
Creamed Peas
Smores Cheesecake Fluff
Monday, July 29
Crusted Pork Chop
Baked Yam
Pea Salad
Triple Berry Crisp
Wednesday, July 31
In-House Dining – City Representative
Tortellini Bake
Cascade Vegetables
Garlic Toast
Blueberry Bar
IOWA STATE FAIR
top 3 new foods announced
DES MOINES — A panel of esteemed judges has narrowed down the new food list from 84 to the top three 2024 Iowa State Fair foods. The top three 2024 Iowa State Fair New Foods Finalists are listed below, and Fairgoers can vote during the Fair to officially crown the People's Choice top new food for the 2024 Iowa State Fair. The 2023 winner was the Deep-Fried Bacon Brisket Mac-n-Cheese Grilled Cheese from What's Your Cheez.
The TOP 3 2024 Best New Foods, in no particular order:
Fairgoers can sample the top three finalists along with all the rest of the new foods and cast their vote starting Thursday, August 8 through Wednesday, August 14 at midnight. The winner will be announced Friday, August 16, during the Fair.
The eleven finalists and foods in the Best New Foods contest, in no particular order:
• Deep-Fried Uncrustable PB&J, Bird's Nest (near the MidAmerican Energy Stage)
• Piggy in a Donut, Biscuit Bar
(Grand Ave., West of North Entrance to Varied Industries Building)
• Tipsy Peach, Bubbly Bar & Bistro (Grandfather's Barn Area)
• Lobster Corn Dog, Destination Grille (West of Jacobson Exhibition Center)
• Dough-chos, Dough Crazy (Outside Perimeter of the Livestock Pavilion)
• Cinnamon Crunch Apple Taco, Iowa Specialty Crop Growers Association (Main Floor of Ag Building, Under SW Stairs)
• Funnel Cake Burger, Jada's Concessions
(North Side of Grand Ave, South of Knapp Stage)
• Party Balls, JR's SouthPork Ranch (West of Livestock Pavilion)
• Lemonade Donut Drops, The Snack Box (North Side of West Entrance to Pioneer Hall)
• Iowa Sm'Oak'ed Roll, Whatcha Smokin' BBQ (West of Jacobson Exhibition Center)
The Iowa State Fair boasts 200 food locations with traditional favorites and new zany, crazy creations. Some of the vendors participating in the new food contest are new vendors at the Iowa State Fair while others have a long history of making amazing food creations for Iowa State Fairgoers.
New vendors for 2024: Travelin' Tom's Coffee and Kona Ice, Dairy Zone, Taco King, Breakfast Bar, Jack Frost Freeze Dried Treats, The Nut Farm, Winn & Sara's Kitchen, Destination Grille. Same locations, new ownership: Grandfather's Barn, Bubbly Bar and Bistro, Bird's Nest, and the Campground Grocery Store.
NOTE: Congratulations to Barry Vosler on his retirement; although many Fairgoers will miss Crescenti's at the Fair in 2024, we all wish him the very best!
For a list of all the new and traditional foods at the Fair, visit iowastatefair.org or download the official Iowa State Fair App.
Frequently ranked as one of the top events in the country, the Iowa State Fair is the single largest event in the state of Iowa and one of the oldest and largest agricultural and industrial expositions in the country. Annually attracting more than a million people from all over the world, the Iowa State Fair located at East 30th and East University, just 10 minutes from downtown Des Moines, is Iowa's greatest celebration with a salute to the best in agriculture, industry, entertainment and achievement. Catch Fever Fair at the Iowa State Fair August 8-18, 2024. For more information, visit www.iowastatefair. org.
1 Evidence collector, for short
Airport acquisitions 10 Transports not allowed on highways, in brief
Homecoming, of a sort?
Lead-in to normative
Canning jar component
Marathoner’s focus
Trial figure
Itinerant
Hiking gear chain
Kids’ menu go-with
Reaching across
Neighbor of New York: Abbr. 29 Kind of
Hanger-on
Slop spots
Over it 35 Get out of Dodge 36 Fancy few 37 In reserve
38 Name associated with blue ribbons
39 Loud kiss 40 Staff note
41 Accessibility law inits.
44 Walked for a cause
46 Prisoner’s reprieve
49 Issue in a group project, perhaps
50 Sidekick of 1950s TV
52 Dress down
53 “Deal!”
55 Commercial identifiers … or what four pairs of answers must do in order to match their clues
57 Letters on an “Organic” label
58 Take baby steps
59 TV relative who wears a bowler hat and sunglasses
60 Dope
61 Roger’s cousin?
62 Position held by a woman at roughly 10% of Fortune 500 companies Down
1 Brand for bakers
2 Get bronze
3 Mens rea, for example
4 Bowling-pin-shaped creature of Al Capp cartoons
5 What the March Hare dips his watch in
6 Subject line abbr.
7 Process of cell division
8 Inspiration for an essay writer
9 Technology used in seafloor mapping
10 Vape’s lack
11 Most lachrymose
12 Kind of electrons on the outermost shell of an atom
13 Dancer’s haul
18 Lorelai’s place of business on “Gilmore Girls”
22 U.S. city where the frozen margarita was invented
25 Gullible
27 “Wild” ingredient in some beers
30 Symbol of industry
32 Smooth
33 Something to pick up at will call
34 Monk’s style
35 Boa you wouldn’t want around your neck
36 On the ___
37 “Wowzers!”
38 Fivesomes
39 Went from a trot to a canter, say
40 President during the Era of Good Feelings
41 Like some clocks
42 Have away with words?
43 Enhances
45 Eccentric
47 He played Mary Richards’s boss at WJM-TV
48 Former parent company of NBC
51 Calculations often expressed with a “+” or “–”
54 Partake of
56 Certain Ivy Leaguer
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.
Edited by Will Shortz No.
Spartans fight to the bitter end
ends Solon's season 6-2 in Substate Semifinals
Kellar
SOLON — They kept fighting. Even with their backs against the wall. Even down 6-0 in the second inning, the Spartans kept putting runners on and giving themselves a chance. They made Clear Creek Amana (CCA) earn their shot at advancing to the finals.
“We knew if we just kept grinding, we could put ourselves in a situation to win. We got guys in scoring position, and we had people up we wanted. We just couldn’t get that big hit. That was the difference in the game,” said Spartan Head Coach Keith McSweeney.
The Spartan baseball season ended just short of an appearance in Substate finals as they fell to Clear Creek Amana 2-6. They played from behind the entire game and were able to get traffic on the basepaths but stranded the runners they needed to bring home.
It was a rough outing by starting pitcher Jackson Link. He had a solid start to the game, getting two outs in the first three batters and walking the other. With two outs and two strikes on the next batter, Link was well on his way to a scoreless first inning. The payoff pitch found the location he wanted, but the CCA batter put a swing on the ball and barely pushed it over the fence for a two-run home run. McSweeney said, “He just put a good swing on it, it was a good pitch. That just changed the flow for us.”
The following inning Link could not catch a break. Every grounder found a hole in the defense and the Clippers scored four runs on four singles. The Spartans had yet to have their fourth batter of the game at the plate and they found themselves down 6-0.
Tyson Wheeler pitched the final five innings of the game for Solon. Wheeler was able to keep the Clippers off the scoreboard the rest of the way, giving the offense a glimmer of hope. “His game is to pitch to contact and get guys out. He shut the door and gave us a chance,” said McSweeney.
However, the Spartans could not get anything working on offense until the final inning. They had four hits and three walks going into the seventh, with only one run to show for it. The CCA southpaw on the mound made it a frustrating evening for the Spartans. Solon’s lefty-dominated lineup struggled to hit the nasty left-handed curveball they faced. McSweeney said, “It took us a couple at bats to adjust and by the time we did they got him out and their young guy came in and stepped up.”
Down to their final outs of the season – and for some, their high school career – the offense got on a roll. After back-to-back runners got on base to start the inning, Brett White knocked in a run to get within four runs. With two outs, Vince Steinbrech hit a single to load the bases. The Spartans had the tying run at the plate in the form of Maddox Kelley. Kelley hit a sharp grounder just to the right of second base. The Clipper’s second baseman ran it down just in time and made the throw to first. Just like that, the comeback was over, and the season was in the books.
It was the final game in a Solon uniform for seniors Gehrig Turner, Tyson Wheeler, Brick Kabela, Josh Milliman, Vince Steinbrech, Cole Farnsworth, Kaden Hanson, Garret Stebral, and Brett White. After the final out, the emotions were showing as those seniors realized their chapter had officially ended. They met in a huddle after the game and shared that final moment together as a team. McSweeney said, “I just told them I love being their coach and their teacher and I’m going to miss them all.”
Photos by Joel Kellar | Solon Economist
Above:: Tyson Wheeler pitches during the qualifying game against CCA. Wheeler gave the Spartans a chance to come back, but they were unable to get the clutch hits they needed to pull off the comeback.
Far left: Gehrig Turner walks back to the dugout after flying out to center field in the bottom of the seventh. The Solon offense could not make up the six-run deficit they faced after the second inning.
Left: Gehrig Turner (4) and Brett White (right) head back to the dugout for the last time. These are two of the nine seniors that played their last game as a Solon Spartan.
Below: (Left to Right) Cole Farnsworth, Josh Milliman, Tyson Wheeler and Ty Bell walk off the field for the last time this season. Solon lost in the state-qualifying round against CCA, 6-2.
Umscheid
Far left: Kendall Jensen (25) went the distance against CPU in last week’s 3A Regional Championship giving up eight hits and three runs (two earned) with one strikeout.
Left: Addison Walter (16) and Kendall Jensen (25) watch as Bailey Woolley (23) tags a CPU runner at third base during the 3A Regional Championship game last Tuesday. The Stormin’ Pointer was pronounced safe, however, and would go on to score the tying run (3-3).
Below:
moments after Kleppe
the game-winning
Left: The Lady Spartans receive their 3A State Tournament Qualifier banner after defeating Center Point-Urbana 4-3 last Tuesday at home. Solon,
in the
Below: The Lady Spartans celebrate after defeating Center Point-Urbana 4-3 last Tuesday at home in a Class 3A Regional Championship. Solon, seeded eighth, faced No. 1 seeded Benton Community Tuesday morning in the quarterfinal round of the 2024 State Softball Tournament in Fort Dodge.
Chris Umscheid | Solon Economist
Above left: Keegan Kleppe and Coach Brad Holub celebrate her triple in the bottom of the seventh inning of last Tuesday’s Class 3A Regional Championship game against CPU. Kleppe was soon on her way to home plate with the winning run thanks to an RBI from Laeni Hinkle. Above right: Laeni Hinkle, a freshman, belts out a line drive to a gap in left field and driving in Keegan Kleppe with the winning run in the bottom of the seventh inning of last Tuesday’s Class 3A Regional Championship game against CPU.
Chris
| Solon Economist
Chris Umscheid | Solon Economist
seeded eighth, faced No. 1 seeded Benton Community Tuesday morning
quarterfinal round in Fort Dodge.
Joel Kellar | Solon Economist
Keegan Kleppe (18) and Addie Miller (above) celebrate
scored
run. The Lady Spartans mobbed Kleppe at home plate in celebration of securing their berth in the state tournament.
Walk off win sends Lady Spartans to state tourney
Joel Kellar Solon Economist joel-keller@uiowa.edu
SOLON — Two plays after Cedar Point-Urbana (CPU) tied up the game with two outs in the top of the seventh inning, the Lady Spartans were in a premiere position to win the game. Keegan Kleppe led off the bottom of the seventh by hitting a rope into the gap in left field. Kleppe stretched the hit into a triple and suddenly Solon was 60 feet away from advancing to the state tournament.
Laeni Hinkle was due up to bat next. Lady Spartan Head Coach Brad Holub called a timeout and met with Hinkle halfway down the third-base line. Holub asked the freshman what she was comfortable doing. Hinkle said, “Not bunting.” Holub responded, telling her to hit it to the right side of the field then. Naturally, Hinkle got a pitch she liked and sent it up the middle but bouncing off the pitcher’s shin and to the right side. The single brought home Kleppe and the celebration began before she even crossed home plate.
The Lady Spartans pulled out the 4-3 walk off win over Cedar Point-Urbana to advance to the state tournament last Tuesday in a Class 3A Regional Final. This is the first time the Lady Spartans have made the state tournament in the past seven years. Holub said, “We overcame a lot of obstacles this year, it was not pretty at times. But we peaked at the right time and good things happened.”
The game was a struggle for Solon during the first four innings. Solon managed one hit and pitcher Kendall Jensen could only do so much to keep the tough Cedar Point offense at bay. Heading into the bottom of the fifth inning, Solon was down 2-0. Kleppe got the rally started as she slapped a single with one out. Hinkle then swapped places with Kleppe on a fielder’s choice. Izzy Frees came up with the hit that woke the Lady Spartan offense up. Frees hit a double to the fence and scored Hinkle for Solon’s first run of the game.
Addie Miller followed with a single and aggressive baserunning put runners on second and third for the Lady Spartans. Then Kendall Jensen finished the job by scoring both runners on a two-RBI single. With that, they led 3-2. Holub said, “They believed in one another and just worked. They took patient at-bats and played defense then we were there at the end.”
Kendall Jensen got two quick outs in the top of the seventh and had the third Cedar Point batter on the ropes with two strikes. Jensen was just one strike away. There was an energy in the crowd that sensed something special was about to happen –they were right, but it would not happen for a couple more minutes. Jensen’s ensuing pitch got hit for a single and the next batter hit a line drive into the outfield gap and brought home the tying run.
Holub called timeout and met the team in the circle. Holub recounts, “I said, hey ladies, Solon hasn’t been to state in seven years. Nobody said it was going to be easy. Let's get this out and go back
Laeni Hinkle drives in Keegan Kleppe for 4-3 Regional Championship victory
and score our run.”
The players did just that, about as efficiently as they could.
After the walk off winner, the players grabbed the State Qualifier banner, celebrated for a moment, and then ran to the outfield ready for their end of game meeting. Holub yelled over to them, laughing, and told them to keep celebrating and they can do the meeting later.
The young team faced a lot of adversity this season. Through that, they proved they can not only play with the best, but they are among the best in the state.
The win advanced Solon to the 2024 State Softball Tournament in Fort Dodge with the Lady Spartans the eighth-seed in Class 3A. Solon (18-24) faced No. 1-seed Benton Community (31-7) in the quarterfinals Tuesday morning (after this edition had gone to print) at Harlan Rogers Park in Fort Dodge.
Semifinals are set for 2:30 and 3:00 p.m. Wednesday with the 3A Championship Friday at 2:30 p.m. 3A consolation bracket games are set for 2:30 p.m. Tuesday and 10:00 a.m. Wednesday with the Third Place game scheduled for 1:00 p.m. Friday.
Check https://ighsau.org/news/2024-softball-tournament-central/ for ticket, IGHSAU Digital Network Live Streams, and Iowa PBS livestream of Championship games information.
PHOTOS | 15
Chris Umscheid | Solon Economist
The Lady Spartans swarm Keegan Kleppe (18) after she scored the winning run last Tuesday in a 3A Regional Championship against Center Point-Urbana. Laeni Hinkle drove in Kleppe in the bottom of the 7th inning breaking a 3-3 tie and sending Solon to the State Tournament for the first time since 2016.
