Plans for 20-unit development in preliminary stages
Joel Kellar Solon Economist joel-kellar@uiowa.edu
SOLON — Senior Housing Consults are planning to put in a new senior housing development within the next two years. The need for senior housing is growing in Solon, so the company is working on getting approval for a two-phase project that will start with a 20-unit building being built. 16 of these units would be single bedrooms with the remaining four being two-bedroom units.
The goal of the housing project is to create a complex for independent living seniors 55 years or older. They plan on adding garages to this complex and will include a community space in the interior.
The housing will be on two, one-acre lots on Windflower Lane. The lots are neighboring the Pet Health Center of Solon and across the street from Charlie’s Wholesale. The lots were put on sale by the Solon State Bank and both sides have agreed to the offer.
These lots have had a few discrepancies in the past when there were attempts to buy. The worries included traffic and parking, but President of Senior Housing Consultants, Allen Phillips, believes there will not be any issues this time around. Phillips said, “We have a nice project that will include plenty of parking. The great thing about seniors is not all of them even drive.”
The project still has a way to go before construction begins.
City Administrator Cami Rasmussen explained, “The project is at concept phase with no formal applications submitted to date. The next step in the process is for the city staff (myself, city engineer, Public Works Director) to meet with Mark Takes and Allen (Senior Housing board members) to better understand their intentions and begin to formulate a timeline for the above formal process.” Phillips and Takes presented their proposal to the city council on July 17. Rasmussen said it was, “well-received by
Local athletes to represent Team USA in Paris 2024 Paralympic Games
Erin Kerkhoff, the Hometown Hero that can’t see
Joel Kellar Solon Economist joel-kellar@uiowa.edu
SOLON — Erin Kerkhoff was just a third grader when she realized her passion and love for running. This epiphany came to her at track and field day at Solon elementary school, where Brent Sands ran the event. Unbeknownst to Kerkhoff, Sands would help coach her for the next 14 years as she achieved more than she ever dreamt of.
From the outside, Kerkhoff was just a little girl who was inspired by Allyson Felix, one of the all-time great female American sprinters. But Kerkhoff’s life was always a little different. Since birth, she has dealt with a visual impairment caused by an optic nerve atrophy. She has 20/300 vision in her right eye and 20/400 in her left. This means that she cannot see the big “E” when taking a regular vision test at the doctor's office.
Jessica Heims’ pipe dream turns into a reality for a third time
Joel Kellar
Solon Economist joel-kellar@uiowa.edu
SWISHER — Jessica Heims wanted to be a track and field athlete because her older sister had been running in track and cross country through the school program. As the younger sibling, she wanted to do everything her sister did because Heims wanted to be like her.
The sisters begged their mom to sign them up for a track club when Heims was ten years old, and she has been hooked on track and field ever since.
HOW TO WATCH
The Paris 2024 Paralympics (Wednesday, August 28-Sunday, September 8) can be seen on the Paralympic YouTube Channel (www.youtube.com/@paralympics) and the International Paralympic Committee website (https://www.paralympic.org) as well as on Peacock (www.nbc.com).
Since that moment on track and field day, Kerkhoff had an escape from her life whenever the stress piled on her. Even with all the success and outside noise being a Team USA athlete, she still finds herself using running as a way to take a break from life. Kerkhoff said, “[Running] is my free zone, it’s my space. Whenever I am stressed about an exam or anything like that, I know I just want to go run. It is just where I love to be.”
Kerkhoff quickly became a star in the track community. While running for the Lady Spartans, Kerkhoff was an 11-time state medalist and anchored the 2019 4x400 meter relay team to a state championship. She broke the school record in the 4x400 meter relay and the 400-meter dash. Her 4x400 meter relay record still stands as the fastest time in Solon girls’ track history.
Her records are impressive considering the disadvantage she has when competing with other athletes. She can only see a couple feet ahead of her, which can make it difficult to navigate the track during the race. She cannot see the fin-
“There’s no other sport for me. Track and field, that’s all she wrote,” said Heims. Scout Basset, USA Paralympian, played a major role in introducing Heims to para track. As an established para track athlete, she reached out to many younger para-athletes to give advice and guide them through being a para-athlete. Heims said, "We were her little ducklings. She made sure we were taken care of at competitions and that we had all the opportunities opened up to us. She would forward us grant opportunities and let us know how to get financial resources for prosthetics.”
Throughout high school at Cedar Rapids Prairie and college at the University of Northern Iowa, Heims dabbled in both throwing and running. An unusual combination for athletes. After her first Paralympic games at the 2016 Rio games, Heims decided to focus on one event. She wanted to be as healthy as possible to do as well as she could at that single event.
The postponement of the Tokyo games due to COVID allowed her extra time to prepare and decide what event to focus on. So Heims picked the discus. Heims said, “I have a huge passion for throwing. It’s a fun community, a fun event, and not one that is the most common. You don't see throwers every day, so I love that community.”
The first time she made the Paralympics in 2016 she had to keep reminding herself she was actually a Paralympian. At
ish line until she is about to cross it and can struggle to see the other runners, especially during the start of the race when they are in a stagger. To combat this, Kerkhoff will walk and jog the track before her races, memorizing different lines, exchange zones, and where to cut if necessary. Kerkhoff – laughing – said, “At least I do the 400 so I am always going around in a circle, I always know where I’m going to end.”
With her illustrious high school resume, Kerkhoff decided to run at the University of Northern Iowa. It was during this transition that she discovered that she could compete in Para track at the highest level.
Kerkhoff was offered the opportunity to run at the Paralympic U.S. trials for the 2020 Paralympics. She was on the fence about running with Team USA at first, but after the Olympics were delayed because of COVID, she decided she would give it a shot.
Kerkhoff qualified for the Paralympics after winning silver in the 100-meter and 400-meter dash at the trials. Then at the Tokyo Paralympics, Kerkhoff proved she belonged, placing eighth in the 400 and 15th in the 100.
Since then, she has competed at the international stage multiple times for the Team USA Paralympic team. Now she leaves for Paris this week with the hope of bringing
back gold for Team USA. Kerkhoff said, “I just want to go out there and do the best I can. I want to get a PR [personal record] and win gold. That's the goal right now, that’s what I’m trying to focus on. Which sounds crazy to say.”
This time around at the Paralympics, it will be a more normal experience for Kerkhoff. At least, as normal as an Olympic experience can be. Without all the guidelines for COVID like there were in Tokyo, Kerkhoff will be able to socialize more with other athletes and will have time to sightsee with her family.
Even though running has always been her way to escape, she never truly accepted herself for who she is until last year at the Para Track World Championships. This meet was where she won her medal on the world stage as she placed second in the 200-meter dash and fourth in the 400-meter dash. Kerkhoff said, "I finally realized that I just don't need to hold back from my vision loss, I don’t need to hide it."
On Monday, August 19, the Track Guy Foundation hosted a “send-off” event for Kerkhoff and her fellow teammate and Eastern Iowan, Jessica Heims. Iowa track legend Mike Jay interviewed the two paralympic athletes in front of family, friends, and fans at Field Day Brewery in North Liberty. Sands also took the stage to talk about Kerkhoff’s courage and strength needed to not just be an extraordinary athlete but also
photos
Front photo: Erin Kerkhoff finishes a relay race during her high school career at Solon. Kerkhoff won 11 state medals and broke two school records during her time racing as a Lady Spartan. Above: Erin Kerkhoff runs for Team USA during a meet. Kerkhoff has been running for Team USA since 2021 where she qualified for the Tokyo Paralympics.
an extraordinary person.
Kerkhoff will run the 100meter dash and the 400-meter dash this year in Paris. The 100 preliminaries will take place on
her first Paralympics, reality did not set in for Heims until the first time she saw her family at the track stadium in Rio. To Heims, the Paralympics were always a dream, but it was never one she thought would come true, much less during her senior year of high school. Heims said, “It was strange to go from one of the largest sports events in the world and then go home a do English homework.”
Eight years later, Heims has two Paralympics under her belt. She now has the experience to know what to expect at the Paralympic level of competition. She uses this knowledge to mentally prepare herself with visualization of competing at the games and try to help her Team USA teammates as best she can. The experience gives her added confidence compared to the Tokyo and Rio Paralympics.
Heims said, "I know that I can enjoy these games more
than I did the other two. Which I still enjoyed a ton, but there were a lot more nerves those times. Now I can really just experience it.”
Heim’s is a big believer in visualization of her competitions. She has been training with loud noise in the background sometimes to help prepare her for the loudness and many distractions while competing at the Paralympics. She will be throwing with a full crew of three people on Team USA. This will be the first time she has the luxury of competing like this. The three trained separately before the trip to Paris, but they will train and compete together in Paris. Heim's is excited to compete with her discus crew because it always helps her compete when she has people that care about her nearby. Heims said, “It will be even more fun because of the fact it will be their first games. I will have the honor of seeing the little version of me through their eyes and
September 3 and the 100 final will be later that day. The preliminary round for the 400 will be on September 5 and the final will be on September 7.
Joel Kellar | Solon Economist
Above: (From left) Jessica Heims and Erin Kerkhoff sign autographs during an Athletes Send-Off to Paris event Monday evening at Field Day Brewing Co. in North Liberty. The pair will compete in the 2024 Paris Paralympics. Left: (From left) Mike Jay and Team USA Paralympics competitors Erin Kerkhoff and Jessica Heims talk during the Athletes Send-Off to Paris event at Field Day Brewery in North Liberty Monday evening.
seeing them experience the games for the first time. I think it will help me bring in some more of that excitement."
Heims will throw the discus Sunday, September 1 during the morning session. She will throw a guaranteed three times and if she makes the final, she will throw three more times during the same session. This session will be streamed on NBC’s streaming service, Peacock.
Contributed photos
Front photo: Jessica Heims throws the discus during the 2020 Tokyo Paralympics. This was the first meet that Heims committed to only throwing discus.
Right: Jessica Heims runs for the Cedar Rapids Track Club as a kid. Heims wanted to run because her older sister did and they convinced their mom to sign them up for the track club. Now, she’s headed to Paris and the 2024 Paralympics.
Contributed
SOLON PUBLIC LIBRARY NEWS
It’s Back to School time! We’re excited for all of our friends to return to school and look forward to providing after school programs in September. Please be sure to read along and grab a calendar for all of the details.
Teens (6th-12th graders) can enjoy Switch & Social Tuesdays after school until 4:30 p.m. We’ll have snacks, games, and fun with friends with a new addition – every week we’ll have a theme with additional fun: we’ll get creative with art projects, bring out our Maker’s Carts, learn new skills, and cook fun recipes. Grab a flier with the schedule, bring a friend and enjoy this “Teen Only” time at the Library. Switch & Social begins Tuesday, September 3.
Our Thursday early-out program, BAM POW, begins September 5! All participating children in 1st-3rd grades MUST attend the program and be picked up by a caregiver at 2:45 p.m. Older children may enjoy the program or the rest of the Library. This is a drop-in program, no registration. There is no adult supervision outdoors at any time. We recommend parents and caregivers discuss these expectations, pick-up plans, etc. with their children.
Library staff are sharing these programs for participating children but this does not provide the need for supervised childcare.
Library Events
Storytime continues Tuesday mornings at 10:30. While gardeners are harvesting this year’s crop, we’re also planning for next year! Learn all about hügelkultur from Johnson County Master Gardener, John Weeg, Tuesday, August 27 at 6:30 p.m. This gardening method has been utilized in Europe for hundreds of years, why not give it a try at home?
There’s nothing better than a night with friends! Join us for Game Night Thursday, August 29 at 6:30 p.m. and play a classic game or try something new.
Another great after school program at the Library for students in 4th-8th grades! Join us for a 6-week Drawing Club! Beginning Wednesday, September 4 through October 9 from 3:45-4:45 p.m. Each week we will focus on learning about a different drawing skill or technique, followed by free-drawing time. Participants will enjoy a snack and artwork sharing circle at the end of each workshop. Registration is required. Participants are encouraged to attend all six sessions but may register for individual sessions as space allows. Supplies will be provided, register on our website calendar to save your spot!
Save the date! On Saturday, September 21 from 9:0011:00 a.m. we’re hosting a Car Seat Safety Inspection program. Car Seat Safety Week is the third Week of September! Parents and Caregivers, bring your child safety seat, your vehicle, and your child! Certified technicians will be on hand to answer questions, check for recalls, and assist with making sure your child safety seat is correctly installed. Registration is recommended, as a limited number of walk-in appointments will be available. Plan to spend 20-30 minutes at your appointment, making sure your child is safe!
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.
The Library is open 9:00 a.m.-4:00 p.m. Friday, August 23 to allow time for our monthly staff in-service.
The Library will be closed Monday, September 2 in observance of Labor Day.
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 We're Reading
It’s that time of the year again! We have staff recommendations on display by the front desk. If you’re looking for your next read (or watch) visit the display shelves and find something we’ve enjoyed.
Iris Kelly Doesn’t Date by Ashley Herring Blake. Everyone around Iris Kelly is in love. Her best friends are all coupled up, her siblings have their perfect partners, and her parents are still blissfully married. And she’s happy for all of them, truly. Iris doesn’t want any of that – dat-
ing, love, romance. This romantic comedy features a fake relationship and a lot of laughs!
The Family Romanov: Murder, Rebellion & the Fall of Imperial Russia by Candace Fleming. This award-winning author brilliantly showcases the extraordinary lives of the royal family, from their opulent upbringings to the crumbling of their massive empire, and finally to their tragic murders. Readers will be transported back to a remarkable time when both a family and an empire came tumbling down.
We Hunt the Flame by Hafsah Faizal. Zafira is the Hunter, disguising herself as a man when she braves the cursed forest of the Arz to feed her people. Nasir is the Prince of Death, assassinating those foolish enough to defy his autocratic father, the sultan. If Zafira is exposed as a girl, all of her achievements will be rejected; if Nasir displays his compassion, his father will punish him in the most brutal of ways. Both Zafira and Nasir are legends in the kingdom of Arawiya – but neither wants to be.
OPINIONS
Shopping for school stuff
Food for Thought
Milli Gilbaugh
By mid-August, Mother would have dug out the boxes of stored school dresses, raincoats, boots and the wool mittens, scarves and sweaters stored in her three cedar chests. One, a plain but lovely “hope chest” her father had made for her when she turned sixteen, sat under a window in the spacious bedroom-turned-bathroom where it contained spare woolen blankets in addition to small items of winter clothing. The other two – one an elaborately carved walnut work of art and the other a sleek modern number that matched the new bedroom suite of limned mahogany, were tucked away in the large master bedroom where they were safe from romping children and thoughtless visitors. In another month or so, she would retrieve the heavy winter coats and pleated wool skirts that were stored at the dry-cleaners, safe from moths and other summer dangers.
It seemed to always be the hottest day of summer when it was time for us to try on various garments
(heavy, itchy and suffocatingly warm) for her to assess which could be worn another season with, maybe, just letting the hem down or moving the buttons over a little. Well-made clothing was passed down to younger children when declared outgrown. Sometimes the items required drastic altering because we were not similar in build or taste in what we wore. Dorothy was tall and slender and fashion-conscious. Next in line, I was short and plump and my only concerns were comfort and my favorite color. After me came Betty, thin and dainty with an aversion to plaids and ruffles. It was not practical for Mother to insist we wear things we didn't approve of, for we would simply shove them to the back of the closet and neglect to wear them. Once the assessments had been made, we could look forward to the annual shopping trip to Oskaloosa where there were both Sears & Roebuck and Montgomery Ward stores as well as several dress shops and, our favorite, an expensive little children's shop called Tot's Toggery. Here we could try on satin and velvet dresses, lace-trimmed and beribboned blouses, swirly skirts with built-in petticoats and trendy jackets and boleros with applique and hand-embroidery. Mother very seldom bought any of the garments we claimed we couldn't live without, but she made careful note of the ones she could reproduce at home with the help of her White Rotary sewing machine and big box of sewing patterns. She was a gifted seamstress, having been taught to sew by an aunt who was a tailor and a clever Dutch girl who showed her many labor-saving shortcuts and how to re-cut old
garments into the latest styles. I particularly remember one dress she made for me. It was red-violet (my favorite color) with a row of small, fabric-covered buttons up the back, long sleeves and a circle skirt that flared out satisfactorily when I twirled around – an acceptable simulation of Sonia Heine in her skating costume – at least in my mind.
Of course, there were less glamorous purchases to be made back in Knoxville; new socks and underwear from the J C Penney Store and sturdy brown oxfords from the Brown Shoe Fit Company where the X-ray machine showed there was ample growing room to last through the school year. We would be warned to “break in” the stiff new shoes by wearing them in the house for several days before school started, a precaution against blisters after a summer of sandals and bare feet.
In another week or so we would be required to troop down to the schoolhouse to register for the new school year. There, we would be given a list of basic school supplies we were expected to bring for the first semester. Both the Kresge's and Ben Franklin five-and-dime stores would have all the items, but usable things left from previous years or by older siblings were acceptable. It was also noted that we were to have clean hands and clean handkerchiefs every morning when we arrived at school. This requirement was enforced by “inspection” immediately after reciting the Pledge of Allegiance, when we were required to line up and show our clean teeth and ears as well as hands and hankies.
Attorney General Bird leads coalition to end California’s green car mandate
Alyssa Brouillet Communications Director Office of the Iowa Attorney General
DES MOINES—Iowa Attorney General Brenna Bird is leading a coalition of eight states in supporting Ohio’s lawsuit against the Biden-Harris EPA for authorizing California’s illegal ban on traditional, gas-powered cars. California’s mandate requires that all cars, trucks, and SUVs sold be electric by 2035. Car manufacturers will be forced to ban traditional cars to keep up with woke green quotas. And given California’s large market share, the State has become a decision-maker for the entire national trucking industry. That means states like Iowa will have to comply with California’s
green car mandates to compete in the market. Without traditional car options, Americans will have no option but to buy more expensive electric vehicles. The mandates will also increase prices for used, traditional cars due to the increased demand.
This green car crusade comes as part of a larger war by the Biden-Harris EPA and California on traditional, gas-powered vehicles. In 2023, Attorney General Bird led a similar lawsuit challenging California’s truck ban that requires trucks, including vans, buses, and tractor-trailers, be electric by 2035. Attorney General Bird has also pushed back against California’s green fleet mandate that demands if a fleet has at least 50 trucks, and even one of those trucks hauls through California, the entire fleet be electric by 2042.
“I will not stand by as American families are forced
Iowa law enforcement agencies conducting special end of summer traffic enforcement
Colleen Powell
GTSB Media & Communications Specialist
DES MOINES — Last year, during the final weeks of summer, there were 54 traffic fatalities in Iowa; 44% involved impairment.* To prevent future tragedies, the Governor’s Traffic Safety Bureau (GTSB) is partnering with law enforcement across the state to decrease impaired driving. Now through September 2, agencies will be participating in the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration’s (NHTSA) Drive Sober or Get Pulled Over high-visibility enforcement project. You’ll see officers working together to remove impaired drivers/motorcycle riders from the road.
“We want drivers to understand it’s law enforcement’s first priority to keep people safe, so we’re asking everyone to make a plan,” says GTSB’s Law Enforcement Liaison Randy Kunert. “The drive sober/ride sober campaign is an awareness effort to spread the message that impaired driving is illegal, and it takes lives.”
There are plenty of options to get impaired drivers home
safely. Designate a sober driver or call a taxi/rideshare service. If available, use your community’s sober ride program. If you see a drunk driver/rider on the road, contact local law enforcement.
GTSB works with city, county, state, and local organizations to develop and implement strategies to reduce deaths and injuries on Iowa’s roadways using federally funded grants.
The Iowa Department of Public Safety (DPS) is the largest law enforcement agency in the state. It includes seven divisions and several bureaus, all working together with local, state, and federal government agencies and the private sector to keep Iowa a safe place by following our core values: leadership, integrity, professionalism, courtesy, service, and protection. Divisions within the Iowa DPS: Iowa Division of Criminal Investigation, Iowa Division of Narcotics Enforcement, Iowa State Patrol, Iowa State
to pay the price for California’s green car mandates,” said Attorney General Bird. “California and the Biden-Harris EPA are eliminating purchasing options for families across the country and mandating they buy more expensive electric cars at a time when they are already struggling to make ends meet. The law is clear; California does not have the power to mandate the cars Iowans drive.”
The States makes the case that one state cannot force mandates onto another. California’s Advanced Clean Cars II rule also violates the Clean Air Act and other federal laws.
Iowa led a coalition of eight states in the amicus brief and was joined by Idaho, New Hampshire, North Dakota, South Dakota, Tennessee, Virginia, and Wyoming.
Fire Marshal Division, Iowa Division of Intelligence and Fusion Center, Professional Development and Support Services Division, and Administrative Services Division. The Department of Public Safety is led by the Commissioner who is appointed by the Governor
VOLLEYBALL
A new season and a new coach
Kellar Solon Economist joel-kellar@uiowa.edu
Solon volleyball will have a new head coach this season.
Ruben Galvan will lead the Lady Spartans as they attempt to return to the regional championship to play for a trip to the state tournament.
Galvan will be beginning this new chapter at Solon after being the head coach at West Liberty for the past 26 years. Galvan found a lot of success at West Liberty including being the 3A State Runner-up in 2021. Galvan will look to get Solon into the state tournament for the first time in a decade. Galvan said, "I'm the type of person that likes challenges and this will be the perfect one for me.”
Galvan was born in Mexico and was brought up in a family that was passionate about volleyball. However, he was never able to play competitively as a kid. The first year he made the team, his family moved to America before the season began.
The family-shared passion for volleyball has led Galvan to be a volleyball coach. This season will be his 35th year coaching and his 29th year as a head coach. Starting at new school will bring upon some challenges of readjusting. Galvan said, "[A big challenge] is to just to get the know the kids and for them to adjust to my system of coaching.” He got the team right to work when he officially started earlier this summer as the volleyball head coach. Galvan started hosting open gym workouts right when school was let out for the summer. He had these twice a week for all high school and junior high athletes and got over 100 kids to attend and practice.
The Lady Spartans lost Britta Elijah, Brynn Deike, and Ally Stahle to graduation and return seniors Grace Erwin, Izzy Frees, Addie Miller, Yasmine Sell, and Lauryn Wear with juniors Kiley Devery, Cydney Jaster, Gable Knight, Jozie Lahr, and Kennedy Whitford. Sophomores Scarlet Ferin
IHSAA & IGHSAU separate golf starting in 2025-26
Boys to switch from spring to fall
Chris Umscheid Solon Economist
chris.umscheid@soloneconomist.com
DES MOINES—GoverBOONE — The Iowa High School Athletic Association and Iowa Girls High School Athletic Union have collaborated to reduce spring schedule congestion by moving boys’ golf and girls’ tennis to the fall sport seasons starting in the 2025-26 school year, said Chris Cuellar, Communications Director for the IHSAA in the association’s Board Briefs released last week.
The changes, Cuellar wrote, address decades-long concerns from member schools over scheduling and were approved by both the IHSAA’s board and IGHSAU’s board following discussions at a joint meeting in early July.
“Our member schools have been asking for ways to relieve the crowded spring sports seasons for years” IGHSAU executive director Erin Gerlich said. “The new changes provide relief in an already busy spring, and an opportunity for the IGHSAU and IHSAA to enhance the state tournament experiences for tennis and golf. A lot of work has gone into this process and we appreciate all of the input we have received regarding these changes.”
Iowa’s current spring schedule includes eight sports –golf, soccer, tennis, track and field for both boys and girls – and overlaps seasonally with baseball and softball. In 2025, boys’ golf (3A, 2A, 1A) will compete in both the 202425 spring season and the 2025-26 fall season. Class 4A
and Macy Fuller are shown on this season’s roster as well. Solon went 22-15 last year bowing out in the 3A Region 8 Championship with a 3-0 loss to Assumption Catholic (Davenport).
Now as the season gets closer to the start on September 3, Galvan will focus on mak-
boys’ golf has competed exclusively in the fall since 1993 and features the earliest competition start date of any fall sport.
The adjustment was discussed across 2023-24 district meetings, the IHSADA state conference, advisory committees, and the 2023 IHSAA membership survey. “Reducing the congestion in the spring schedule has been a topic of conversation among ADs, our staffs, representative councils, boards, and the joint IHSAA & IGHSAU committee for several years,” IHSAA executive director Tom Keating said. “Moving our Class 3A, 2A, and 1A golf competitions to the fall to align with Class 4A is a step toward easing that congestion.”
News of the decision, while not totally unexpected, was still a bit of a surprise for Solon head boys coach Adam Stahle. “It was being discussed, but it didn’t seem like it would be anything that would be immediate. So then it got announced and I found about it through social media. I didn’t get an email or anything saying it was going to affect us. It definitely caught a lot of people off-guard, it came out of left field.”
Now comes the process of changing schedules, something of a daunting task. “Especially with the WaMaC,” said Stahle, noting the conference schedule is pretty well set from year-to-year. “You know what it looks like and then we have some open dates where we go out and try to find competition that we feel will be adequate for our team for that year; and obviously that’s going to change a little bit. It’s going to be interesting to see how this all shakes out. For years it’s been the same sort of schedule and now it’s going to be there might be an opportunity for us to play in some 4A schools’ tournaments now.”
Another potential opportunity from the shift, Stahle said, might be better weather during the season. This year Solon’s first competition was held Monday, April 1st at Mount Vernon. According to the National Weather Service, the high temperature was 46 degrees. The spring sports athletes typically endure temperatures from the 30s to the 50s, rain-sleet-even snow showers, and wind. Lots of wind.
“Even when we were able to get outside (for practice, or competition) it might be 35 degrees with a 25-mile per hour wind and spitting rain at you. By the end of the season,
ing the team look more like a team. Galvan said, “We have a lot of good individual players, now we need to focus on getting the team together. From my experience talent can only take you so far, so you got to be able to create a good environment and surround yourself with good teammates.”
at the State Tournament, the weather was a lot better. So from that aspect, this is a huge plus.” Stahle noted currently practice begins shortly after spring break, meaning unless the golfers have access to indoor facilities during the winter, they’re having to shake off the rust. With the new fall start, “Kids are now going to be able to practice during the summer in good weather and play in tournaments. That’s definitely going to be a benefit. And I think, the opportunity to see where you stand by challenging yourself to play some of these larger schools, will definitely be a positive.”
As with any change, for all of the “pros,” there are of course some “cons.”
“I know a lot of the smaller schools have been very vocal about competing against the machine of football (for student athlete participation). As a Solon kid myself, that will be a challenge. That being said, I have all the confidence in the world with the coaches that we have in Solon (Emy Williams for cross country and Lucas Stanton for football) that if we see the opportunity where we have athletes that are going to be able to help both programs; trying to find that common ground to have kids able to participate in both sports.” Multi-sport athletes are common in Solon with girls golfer Sydney Dee also running with the Lady Spartans track and field team and 2024 grad Gehrig Turner playing baseball, which has had its season start sooner and overlap into golf, for examples.
The IHSAA and IGHSAU noted among nine other peer state associations in the Midwest, seven separate golf seasons by gender and all nine separate tennis seasons. The increased availability of facilities, coaching, and school resources, plus the reduction of scheduling conflicts are the top cited reasons for those successful season separations.
“Other Midwest states have found success with this model and I am confident our schools will adjust to the new format,” said Keating, who served as president of the NFHS in 2023-24. “While we recognize some of the initial challenges, the advantages of reducing scheduling congestion in the spring, reducing lost class time, and giving the option of having the same coach for spring and fall combine to lead us in this direction.”
Joel
Ruben Galvan takes over Lady Spartans volleyball
Joel Kellar | Solon Economist
Ruben Galvan works with his players during a recent practice. Galvan is the new head coach for Lady Spartans volleyball this season and brings 35 years of coaching experience to Solon including 26 years with the 2021 3A State Runner-up West Liberty Comets.
GOLF
Quad AT West Branch, 5:30 p.m.
Marshalltown invitational, 5:00 p.m.
Tourney AT CR Washington HS, 9:00 a.m.
AT Mount Vernon, 7:30 p.m.
HOME vs. Vinton-Shellsburg, 5:00 p.m.
Tourney AT Linn-Mar, 9:00 a.m.
AT Center Point-Urbana, 7:30 p.m.
Invitational AT Clinton, 8:30 a.m.
HOME vs. Marion, 7:30 p.m.
AT West Delaware, 7:30 p.m.
Tourney at Union HS, 9:00 a.m.
HOME vs. Independence, 7:30 p.m.
Saturday, October 12 . . . . Tourney AT Center Point-Urbana, 8:30 a.m.
Thursday, October 17 . . . . WaMaC Tourney AT Marion, 4:00 p.m.
Chris Umsheid | Solon Economist Gable Knight (a junior this year) lines up a kill shot against the Central Lee Hawks in a 3A Region 8 quarterfinal match Tuesday, October 17, 2023 at home.
Chris Umsheid | Solon Economist Kennedey Whitford (a junior this season), Solon’s libero, bumps the ball back toward the net from the back edge of the court Tuesday, Sept. 5, 2023, in varsity action against rival Mount Vernon.
Chris Umsheid | Solon Economist
Aly Stahle (2024 grad) fires a kill shot through the outstretched arms of a West Liberty player during the season opening varsity quad Tuesday, August 29, 2023 at home.
Chris Umsheid | Solon Economist Yasmine Sell (a senior this year) makes a dig against the Marion Wolves Tuesday, Sept. 19, 2023, in Marion.
Saturday, August 31 AT Anamosa Middle School, 9:00 a.m.
Thursday, Sept. 5 ..... AT Iowa City Kickers Soccer Complex, 4:00 p.m.
Tuesday, Sept. 10 Tipton meet (Tipton City Park), 5:00 p.m.
Thursday, Sept. 12 Invitational AT Iowa State University, 5:00 p.m.
Monday, Sept. 23 HOME MEET at SRNA, 5:00 p.m.
Saturday, Sept. 28 AT Anamosa Middle School, 9:00 a.m.
Tuesday, Sept. 17 . . . . . . AT Center Point-Urbana, 7:30 p.m.
Saturday, Sept. 21 Invitational AT Clinton, 8:30 a.m.
Tuesday, Sept. 24 HOME vs. Marion, 7:30 p.m.
Tuesday, October 1 AT Williamsburg Rec Center, 4:30 p.m.
Olivia Bonnema (a senior this year) and Marin Ashbacker (a junior this year) are all smiles as they kick in the afterburners to sprint to the finish line while middle school runners cheer them on Thursday, Sept. 7, 2023, in Tipton’s invitational.
Tuesday, August 22, 2023, in City High’s season opening meet at Cedar Rapids Kennedy.
was the 2023 State Champion in the 50 and 100yard freestyle events
Chris Umsheid | Solon Economist
Tuesday, August 27 HOME vs. CR Kennedy, 6:00 p.m.
Tuesday, Sept. 3 AT Wahlert Catholic (Loras College), 6:00 p.m.
Tuesday, Sept. 10 ... HOME vs. Dubuque Hempstead, 6:00 p.m.
Tuesday, Sept. 17 AT CR Washington, 6:00 p.m.
Saturday, Sept. 21 HOME Little Hawk Relays, 8:30 a.m.
Tuesday, Sept. 24 AT Linn-Mar, 6:00 p.m.
Saturday, Sept. 28 AT CR Kennedy, 9:00 a.m.
Tuesday, October 1 AT Iowa City West (Coralville Rec), 6:00 p.m.
Tuesday, October 8 . HOME vs. Cedar Falls, 6:00 p.m.
Chris Umsheid | Solon Economist Grace Hoeper smiles after anchoring the winning 200yard freestyle relay
Hoeper
Wyatt Applegarth (2024 grad) led the junior varsity boys to a third place team finish Thursday, October 12, 2023, in the WaMaC Conference Meet in Marion with his third-place showing in 18:46.1.
Chris Umsheid | Solon Economist
A tale of two cities for Solon’s runners this season
2024 cross country preview
Joel Kellar Solon Economist
joel-kellar@uiowa.edu
It’s a tale of two cities for the Solon cross country program this season. The girls' team is returning all but one of their varsity starters whereas the boys’ team will need to replace three of the seven starters from last year.
Emy Williams is entering her 24th season as the head coach for both squads. She is joined by assistant coaches, Brian Fitzpatrick, Michelle Lyons, Emily Moser, Chase Moser, and Katie Courtney.
Both teams are coming off excellent years in the 2023 season. The girls placed second at both the WaMaC conference meet and the state qualifying meet. They took the momentum from those meets into state where they placed eighth. Gone are Mia Duckett, Gracie Federspiel, Bella Jedlicka, Kailee Miller, Anna Quillin, Kate Richards, and Ashlyn Williams.
The girls are bringing back a strong group of runners led by Sydney Dee. Last year Dee received First-Team WaMaC All-Conference honors and placed 18th at the 3A state meet with a time of 19:31. The senior will be eyeing 3A All-State honors this year as she anchors the girls’ team.
The returners behind Dee are seniors Ella Sheeley (Honorable Mention WaMaC All-Conference), and Rose McAtee, sophomores Ava Rolwes, Jillian Janssen, and
The strong core will be joined by a talented freshman class. The freshman class won the middle school state championship last year and will be looking to make an instant impact on the varsity team. Williams is excited for the depth they will bring to the team.
The Boys’ team lost some of their top runners last year as Wyatt Applegarth, Colin and Grant Bumsted, Ben Duckett, Tyler Gregory, Brick Kabela, Ethan Melloy, Rhett Mesch, Gabe Nicholson, Mason Pauley, Lawsin Sinnwell, and Michael Yeomans have graduated, but they bring in a solid core to build around. Evan Burg is the only senior returning from the varsity squad last year. Burg finished strong with a 17:13 time at the state meet. The other returning scorer from the state meet is Spencer Michels. The junior was only a few seconds behind Burg at state as he ran a 17:16. These two will look to make improvements on their times last season to anchor this team as the Spartans attempt to make their fifth straight appearance at the state meet.
Juniors Camden Lyons and Rene Meza are the only other returners from the varsity squad last season. They were the sixth and seventh runners for the Spartans at the state meet and will look to use that experience to help guide the younger team to state.
Williams believes the WaMaC conference will be very competitive yet again for both the girls and boys. She is excited to build on the past seasons results.
The season opens next Saturday with Anamosa’s invitational varsity meet, which starts at 9:00 a.m. at the Anamosa Middle School, 410 Old Dubuque Road.
Spartans looking to finish the job
A preview into 2024 varsity football
Joel Kellar Solon Economist joel-kellar@uiowa.edu
Fresh off a trip to the 3A state semifinals, the Spartan football team is looking to finish the job. Last season, the team led by head coach Lucas Stanton, went 10-2 before a disappointing end to the season against Williamsburg.
Graduation led to the departure of seniors Cole Buffington, Barret Schade, Brayden Miller, Ben Kampman, Jack McCarty, Keenan Kruse, Nash Kotar, Gavin Sieverding, Charlie Brandt, Jace Janssen, Cole Farnsworth, Ryan Walsh, Austin Knight, Nicholas Johnson, Milo Ashbacker, Grant Knipper, Brayden Moore, Brett White, Trevor Meyers, Marcus Richard, Mason Scott, Weston Steinbrech, CJ Tabor, Carter Grimm, Kaleb Behrends, Josh Henneberry, Davin Walker, Will Cusick, and Noah Kottenstette.
Even with the loss of 29 seniors, key starters return for Stanton's Spartans as they eye a run to the championship.
Ty Bell, a senior, is back under center for the Spartans. After taking over the starting quarterback job last season, Bell broke out for over 1,400 yards with 14 touchdowns and only nine interceptions. Stanton said Bell has improved his arm strength and speed over the offseason.
The center snapping the ball to Bell is one of the highest decorated players returning. Grant Wilson, a senior, received second-team All-State and first-team All-District honors last season. Wilson will anchor an offensive line that is on the younger side, but still has a lot of snaps under their belt.
On the other side of the ball is the other returning AllState player, Cole Carney, a junior. The outside linebacker is the only returner to the starting lineup on defense. The defense may not have any other returning starters, but there will be some talented players getting their chance after sitting behind defensive studs last season. Senior Eddie Johnson, freshman Oliver Owens, junior Kyler Jensen, and Wilson will all try to fill the holes left by the class of 2024.
Stanton noted that they are not as deep as they have been in recent years, so they will need to stay healthy this
season. It will be a good opportunity for many younger players to show their talent and potential.
Stanton expects the district to be one of the toughest in 3A yet again. The reigning state champions, Williamsburg, will remain a tough team to beat. Stanton believes Grinnell and Benton will be two teams in contention for the district title. But the Spartans have the talent to be right up there competing with those teams. Stanton said, “We will be right there in the mix. Our non-district schedule will have us battle tested."
The Spartans open the season at home on August 30 against Assumption. They will have three other home games with archrival Mount Vernon, Grinnell, and Fairfield all coming to town. September 20 will be Armed
Forces Night as Solon hosts Mount Vernon. The following day will be the Punt/Pass/Kick fundraiser. Homecoming and Youth Recognition Night will both be Friday, September 27. Their opponent will be Grinnell and will be the Spartans’ first district test. October 18 will be the final regular season home game for the Spartans and will be Senior Night. They will play Fairfield that night after a pair of tough road trips against Benton and Williamsburg.
Stanton said, “We are excited for the season to begin. Our Spartan football players have put in the time and have worked hard to have a successful season. We look forward to the challenge that lies ahead of us and appreciate all the support from the community.”
Chris Umscheid | Solon Economist Jillian Janssen (262) and Rose McAtee (264) pace a pair of Washington Demons at the Kickers Soccer Complex in Iowa City during last year’s Bob Brown Invitational hosted by Regina Catholic, Iowa City.
Deb Rebal | Special to the Solon Economist
The Spartans gather around the Class 3A State Participant trophy after falling 45-14 to WaMaC West rival Williamsburg Saturday, Nov. 11, 2023, in the Semifinal round at the UNI Dome in Cedar Falls.
CALENDAR & PUZZLES
SOLON SENIORS
AUGUST EVENTS ••••••••••••
Wednesday, August 28 – City Representative – “Happenings in Solon”
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
AUGUST MENU ••••••••••••••
Friday, August 23
Shrimp & Chips
Broccoli w/Cheese Cornbread Fresh Fruit Bingo/Cards
Monday, August 26
Fried Chicken
SCHOOL BREAKFAST
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.
The SCSD Board of Education approved the free breakfast proposal 4-0 last month.
Adult/Guest breakfast: $1.75. lunch $4.70
SCHOOL LUNCH
STUDENT LUNCH PRICES
High School - $2.70
Middle School - $2.60
SIS/Lakeview - $2.55
Reduced - $.40
Adult/Guest breakfast: $1.75. lunch $4.70
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.
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.
Breakfast Taco & Cini Mini Fruit, Juice Crackers & Milk
Tuesday, August 27
Pumpkin/Banana Bread (LV/ SIS)
G&G Bag (LV) Pumpkin/ Banana Bread
Egg Breakfast Bake, Dutch Waffle & Bacon
Fruit, Juice Crackers & Milk
Friday, August 23
MS/HS Alt: Pork Tenderloin sandwich French Fries, Tomatoes Sliced (MS/HS) Pickles (SIS/MS/HS) Applesauce Cup, Fruit Roll-Up
Monday, August 26
MS/HS Alt: Fish Fillet Sandwich
Mandarin Chicken and Rice
Broccoli, Sweet Potato Fries
Apple Weges, Yo Caramel (HS) Pineapple (MS/HS), Garlic Knot
Tuesday, August 27
MS/HS Alt: BBQ Pork Sandwich
Walking Taco’s with Fixings
Mixed Vegetables
Diced Pears
Goldfish (SIS/MS/HS) Trail Mix (MS/HS)
Wednesday, August 28
Cini Mini’s (LV/SIS) G&G Bag (LV)
Pop Tart
Breakfast Sandwich, Frudeltm Fruit, Juice Crackers & Milk
Thursday, August 29
Egg Scramble w/Hash Brown (LV/SIS)
G&G Bag (LV) Muffin
CC French Toast w/Sausage Links or Egg Scramble w/Hash Brown
Fruit, Juice Crackers & Milk
Friday, August 30
Mini Doughnuts (LV/SIS) G&G Bag (LV) Mini Donut
Breakfast Pizza or Cinnamon Doughnuts Fruit, Juice Crackers & Milk
Wednesday, August 28
MS/HS Alt: Spicy Chicken Patty Chicken Patty on a Bun Cauliflower & Cheese
Shredded Romaine
Sweet Mandarin Oranges, Wacky Cake
Thursday, August 29
MS/HS Alt: Creamed Turkey/ Mashed Potatoes & Dinner Roll
Cheese Pizza, Seasoned
Crinkle Cut Fries, Tasty Peas
Mango Cubes
Tiger Bites (SIS/MS/HS)
Friday, August 30
MS/HS Alt: Cook’s Delight
Sloppy Joe Sandwich
Delicious Baked Beans, Carrots
Watermelon Chunks
Baked Lays Chips
32 Excessive
33 One on a mission
37 “What’s up?,” in text shorthand
40 Charlottesville sch.
41 Major faults
45 Words of commitment
46 Part of a neural network
49 Portion
50 New Jersey borough known for its shopping malls
52 A long, long way back
54 The green light in “The Great Gatsby,” for one
56 Generational divide
57 Depositing checks with one’s phone, say
60 Quartz-filled rock
62 Small change in party parity?
63 Like many bars during happy hour
66 Harold who composed “Over the Rainbow”
67 “Gross!”
68 Muppet with a distinctive snickering laugh
69 Port in western France 70 Caustic cleaner
71 Carl who wrote “Cosmos” Down
1 Fortifies
First-rate 3 Domesticated relative of the vicuña 4 “Hi” follower
5 An “e-” one was first developed in 2003, for short 6 Barely simmering, say
7 Badly rough up 8 Olympic weapons
9 Festoons with bathroom tissue, informally
10 Oldest major TV network in the U.S. 11 Question that casts doubt 12 Say “nay” 13 Popular Italian cheese
26 Classic Chrysler 27 “___ is long, life is short” (Greek aphorism)
29 Org. that might organize a book fair 30 Indian flatbread
34 Routes down a ski mountain
35 Products of oogenesis 36 Scruff
37 Where one’s hands are placed at the end of the macarena
38 Anita of jazz
39 Portal represented by each pair of circled letters in this puzzle
42 Losing steam
43 Word repeated in an “Animal House” chant 44 “Enough!” 47 Wintry season 48 Enjoy a bath
Houses 53 Title with a tilde
58 Back out unexpectedly
59 Figure in the Louvre’s “Winged Victory of Samothrace”
60 “Gift” that can be annoying to others
Transgress
64 One-named pop singer with hits such as “Elastic Heart” and “The Greatest” 65 Hunger or thirst
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.
Sandy Hanson | Contributed photo
The Iowa State Fair was celebrated Wednesday, August 14 with special table decorations.
the council and now city staff will help them work through the details and application process.” Phillips believes rezoning could happen at the next council meeting and does not anticipate any challenges. Senior Housing Consultants has hired MMS Consultants and Solum/Lang Architects to help them through the rezoning process and to create site plans and architectural renderings to share with the community. Phillips said, “If [the zoning] moves forward, we will be taking the next steps on what would it cost, and who would build it. I am assuming it will be a series of a few council meetings.”
After the council, the next hurdle to get over would be figuring out the finances. Senior Housing Consultants have met with Dave Stein and Bridge Bank and there is interest in helping finance the project once the numbers are finalized.
Once it gets approved the project is something that they believe can be completed within a year and they hope to have it up and running at some point next year.
Senior Housing Consultants already have 20 units by St. Mary’s Catholic Church. This was also a twophase project with the first built in 2000 and the second in 2008. Phillips said, “They have basically been at full occupancy for quite some time. This [project] is strictly for the community itself.”
CLASSIFIEDS
Pets
Labradoodle puppies for sale. 3 months old. Asking $500 OBO. Call 319-560-2137.
For Rent
2 bedroom duplex for rent in Lisbon. Attached garage. Laundry hookups. Small yard. $950 per month. 319-310-5898
Garage Sale
Garage Sale 8/24 and 8/25, 9 am to 4 pm both days, at 625 6th St NW in Mount Vernon (Ash Park Dist.). Housewares, home decor, holiday decor. Women's professional work clothes, sizes 8 to 14.
Miscellaneous
The bathroom of your dreams in as little as 1 day. Limited Time Offer - $1000 off or No Payments and No Interest for 18 months for customers who qualify. BCI Bath & Shower. Many options available. Quality materials & professional installation. Senior & Military Discounts Available. Call Today! 1-888-708-4754
Safe Step. North America’s #1 Walk-In Tub. Comprehensive lifetime warranty. Top-ofthe-line installation and service. Now featuring our FREE shower package and $1600 Off for a limited time! Call today! Financing available. Call Safe Step 1-844-376-4154
Eliminate gutter cleaning forever! LeafFilter, the most advanced debris-blocking gutter protection. Schedule a FREE LeafFilter estimate today. 20% off Entire Purchase. Plus 10% Senior & Military Discounts. Call 1-855-913-1560.
Prepare for power outages today with a Generac Home Standby Generator. Act now to receive a FREE 7-Year warranty with qualifying purchase. Call 1-855-954-5087 today to schedule a free quote. It’s not just a generator. It’s a power move.
