Solon Salutes vets with banner program
October 15 deadline for inclusion this year
Contributed photo
City employees put up nine banners honoring Solon’s veterans last Wednesday. The Solon American Legion Stinocher Post 460 has partnered with the City of Solon for a hometown heroes banner program called “Solon Salutes!” The banners will be up until after Veterans Day. More banners are coming and applications are still being accepted.
Chris Umscheid Solon Economist chris.umscheid@soloneconomist.com
SOLON — The first nine photo banners honoring Solon’s veterans went up on poles last week with more to come soon.
Earlier this year the Solon American Legion Stinocher Post 460, in partnership with the City of Solon, announced a new hometown heroes banner program called “Solon Salutes!” as a way to honor and recognize past and present members of the Armed Forces. “The program is open to all past and present Servicemembers of the Solon area, past and present Solon area residents that would like to honor a family member, and past and present Servicemembers that are or were members of a Veteran Support Organization in the Solon area,” said Adam Hopp, Commander of Post 460. Proof of eligibility will be required before an application is considered complete.
Applications received before October 15 will still fly this year (until after Veterans Day (Monday, Nov. 11) and will be up again next year starting in mid-May. Full eligibility requirements and an application are available on the Legions website, www.solonamericanlegionpost460.com.
American Legion of Iowa Foundation makes donation to Solon firefighters
Joel Kellar Solon Economist joel-kellar@uiowa.edu
SOLON — The American Legion of Iowa Foundation made a $1000 donation to the Solon Fire Department Wednesday, August 21.
“We have the opportunity to do this because of the money we pull in, and we try to share with the community,” said Henry Rios, member
of the Solon American Legion Stinocher Post 460. The organization held their annual fundraising golf tournament at Saddleback Ridge in June.
The foundation donates to many different organizations and charities. The foundation brings money in through donations, sponsorships, and cause-marketing initiatives. Rios said, "Every year we get a little bit more money and every year we
can give out a little more. We don't keep anything for ourselves.” This donation to the fire department will add to the department funds. Solon Fire Chief Bob Siddell said, “We're very appreciative of what the Legion does for the community and for the fire department. We are very fortunate. They have done this a couple of times now for us and we are very grateful and thankful.”
Joel Kellar Solon Economist joel-kellar@uiowa.edu
Brad Freidhof, the acting Director of Johnson County Conservation, spends most of his days in his office, yearning for a break to go outside into nature. Freidhof said, “There’s times
mentally and physically I need to get out of the office. I need to feel dirt between my fingers, leaves under my feet and I need to hear the birds and insects buzzing around me."
Freidhof is one of the people who are at the head of putting together the $30 million conservation bond up for vote in November’s general election.
The bond stands for protecting the air, water and other nature. Freidhof said, “We take it for granted. We think ‘air is out there’ but it’s not. It's produced by plants and if we continue to take that for granted, it’s gone before you know it.”
Spartans hosted
Maquoketa Cardinals and Monticello Panthers on the brand new turf in Spartan Stadium.
Joel Kellar | Solon Economist
Fire Chief Bob Siddell receives a $1,000 donation from Henry Rios (left) and Larry Swan, representing the American Legion of Iowa Foundation.
The bond up for a vote is the second of its kind that Johnson County has seen. In 2008, the county passed its first conservation bond for $20 million. This was the first of its kind to pass in Iowa. These bonds need a super-majority to pass, meaning it needs 60% or more of the votes.
After 16 years, the $20 million from the first bond is drying up and there is a need for more funding. There have been 15 projects funded through the 2008 bond including 9.2 miles of hard-surface trails created and nearly 1,200 acres of non-farmable land acquired for public use, conservation areas, reserves and prairies.
Freidhof said, “We’re losing wildlife species at an alarming rate. Anything we can do to protect that habitat is also protecting our
population.”
The $20 million in the original bond was able to be used to apply for grants. Because the bond was voted on by the public with a super majority, many grants look at Johnson County Conservation favorably. They were able to add $17.1 million in grants over the past 16 years. "Citizens of Johnson County made an investment of $20 million and we got a good rate of return on that,” said Freidhof. “We almost doubled the amount of projects we could complete with that $20 million.”
According to Freidhof, the bond only costs each household $7.09 per $100,000 of the home valuation each year and the money goes directly to protecting the water, land, air quality, and creating recreational opportunities. This will also not increase taxes because it is a continuation of the 2008 bond. Since Johnson County passed
IC opens urban bow hunt applications
The 2024-25 season begins on Sept. 21 with a newly revised plan.
Kate Perez
The Daily Iowan katharine.perez@dailyiowan.com
As summer winds down and fall begins in Johnson County, Iowa City officials are preparing for this year’s urban bow hunt — the first since the city created its new deer management plan in hopes of controlling the population.
The newly revised, five-year deer management plan was approved by the Iowa City City Council on July 16 and includes multiple management strategies, including non-lethal solutions, urban bow hunting, and sharpshooting, which is planned for 2026 pending approval from the Iowa Natural Resource Commission.
Iowa City’s 2024-25 urban bow hunt season will start on Sept. 21 and will end on Jan. 10, 2025. Kirk Lehmann, Iowa City’s assistant city manager, said the city has been receiving an increasing number of complaints of deer in urban areas like Hickory Hill Park over the past two to three years, most of them concerning deer eating gardens or destroying property.
The application form for the 2024-25 urban bow hunt season is live on the Iowa City website, and officials are hoping to see an increase in applications, Lehmann said. If approved, hunters must pass an annual archery proficiency test proctored by the Iowa City Fin and Feather before hunting.
The number of hunters in the urban bow hunt has gradually increased since 2021, with 16 hunters approved in the 202324 season compared to the 12 approved in the previous season.
the bond in 2008, Polk and Linn counties have passed similar bonds. Story County will also have a conservation bond on the ballet this election cycle. This time around, Johnson County Conservation will point to the success they have had the past 16 years as a reason the new bond should pass. Freidhof said, "We’re not solving all the problems, but we think we’re making improvements providing economic opportunities, improving our water quality, and protecting land for future use.”
Freidhof says if the bond were to pass, they would get to work on connecting more trails together. There are many trails they look to connect like the trail from Solon to West Branch, Iowa City to West Branch, and finishing the trail to Kent Park and the Amana Colonies. They want to buffer the rivers and improve water quality by redirecting the runoff from farmers.
Freidhof said, “It’s all about taking that investment and using it wisely. Identifying projects that are advantageous to our public.”
The bond looks to fund the continuation of developing the recreational lives of citizens. As well as building destinations in the community that bring people to town, like RAGBRAI.
“When people come here for college or work, what are they doing on the weekends. I don’t want to stand and stare at a cornfield, that’s what everybody across the US thinks we are. I say, no, we are a bike destination.”
Voters will find the bond referendum on the back side of their ballot. Wednesday, October 16 is the first day for in-person early voting (at the Johnson County Auditor’s Office) and the first day mailed absentee ballots can be sent. On Election Day polls will be open 7:00 a.m.-8:00 p.m.
Lehmann said the number of hunters needs to increase to properly control the deer population, which is why the city is also pursuing gun-based sharpshooting in 2026, but the trend is positive.
The city has also seen an increase in deer harvested each year, with 32 harvested in the 2023-24 urban bow hunt compared to 29 the year before. In addition to designated urban hunting locations, Iowa City works with larger property owners who allow hunting on their land, which Lehmann attributes to the increase.
Lehmann said the private property involved in the hunt must meet a set of criteria to participate, including being at least 150 feet away from public right-of-way spaces, buildings, parks, trails, and other developments to keep the neighboring community safe. Properties also have to fill out a permission form through the city.
The goal moving forward is to continue to expand the areas where hunters can harvest deer while keeping the Iowa City community safe, Lehmann added.
“We're trying to maintain those connections and expand the number of other individual property owners that are interested in participating,” Lehmann said.
The City of Iowa City worked with the Iowa Department of Natural Resources and the Iowa Natural Resource Commission on the updated plan. Ross Ellingson, Iowa Department of Natural Resources wildlife depredation biologist, said the department and commission help the city determine the need for deer management within city limits and the best management practices.
Ellingson said he has worked with Iowa City to refine its plan
and determine whether urban bow hunting would be more effective than sharpshooting hunting. Iowa City has a history of sharpshooting but implemented bow hunting in its last five-year plan after residents questioned why the city did not also have an archerybased urban hunt, he said.
“It got off to a slow start, but it's growing in popularity, and they harvested more deer each year, so we can only look forward to a growing and more effective urban archery hunt in the Iowa City limits,” Ellingson said.
Ellingson said he expects the program to expand this season and beyond as city officials work with private property owners to utilize their land as hunting spaces.
“Hunters enjoy the ability to hunt close to home and not have to travel too far out of the city,” Ellingson said. “I think that's part of the reason people are so interested and want to participate and help out.”
In the past, Iowa City’s deer management program has drawn criticism from some members of the community. During the previous plan, a petition was filed against the city by Iowa City Deer Friends asking the city to prevent the hunt.
As previously reported by The Daily Iowan, the September 2020 petition argued the bow hunt was unnecessary and not regulated well enough to protect public safety.
The district court’s first ruling denied the petition and request to stop the hunt. The final ruling in February 2021 rejected the claims of alleged illegality, dismissing the lawsuit, according to the Iowa City deer management program’s online timeline.
The Solon Economist strives for accuracy and fairness in reporting news. If we’ve made an error or a report is misleading, let us know about it: news@soloneconomist.com.
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Other cities and counties in Iowa also control the deer population through urban bow hunting. The City of Coralville has had an urban deer management program for over a decade, Deb Summers, Coralville Police Department patrol lieutenant, said.
Summers said the city took 50 deer out of population in its 2022 urban deer hunt, with 1,995 total deer removed since 1999. The program is designed to protect natural habitats, reduce disease spread, prevent collisions, and minimize property damage.
“We do find it effective. If we didn’t find it effective, we wouldn't do it every year,” Summers said.
Most of the City of Coralville urban bow hunt takes place on city property, she said. The property owners within the city who permit their property to be hunted are listed in the hunt’s informational pamphlet.
The program is successful because people can see the benefits reflected in their communities, she said.
“They see that there's less damage to their property,” Summers said. “If you live here long enough, you've seen how beneficial it is to reduce the number of deer in the community. For one, for causing traffic accidents on the roadways, and then keeping their properties and such from getting destroyed.”
Summers said the program is established and advertised to hunters, which helps its success rates. Hunters in the Coralville program have to complete a bow hunting safety course at Fin and Feather.
“We do it in a way that keeps the community safe at the same time, and so it's very, very well regulated by the police department,” Summers said.
Jordan Barry | The Daily Iowan
A deer is seen in Hickory Hill Park on Saturday, August 24, 2024.
MARION — Melvin (Mel) Joseph Holubar, age 96, of Summit Point Senior Living Community in Marion, Iowa, passed away peacefully on August 21, 2024, surrounded by his children.
A vigil service was held Monday, August 26 at Murdoch Funeral Home & Cremation Service in Marion followed by a Rosary led by members of the St. Joseph Catholic Church.
A Funeral Mass was held Tuesday, August 27 at St. Joseph Catholic Church in Marion, conducted by Father Neil Manternach. Internment was at St. Mary’s Cemetery in Solon, Iowa, with Military Honors.
Mel was born July 6, 1928, to Roy and Mayme (Shima) Holubar on his parent’s farm in Solon, Iowa. He graduated from Solon High School in 1945 and continued farming with his parents. One of the first major projects he undertook on the farm alongside his father was to design and construct a state of the art granary that had an inside elevator. This would store both ear corn and oats and was completed in 1947. Following this, Mel and his father designed and constructed a machine shed in 1948. Mel attributes his carpentry skills to his father. After a flood in 1950 washed away the original wooden bridge that served as the only access to the farm, Mel designed and constructed a new bridge made of steel I-beams and a concrete pad. In 1953, another two buildings were built simultaneously, one being a hog barn and the other a corn crib. Mel was very proud that all his buildings and the bridge are still in use today.
Mel served in the Army during the Korean War from 1951-53. Upon his return, he again took up farming and had a request from the American Legion in Solon to help start the first Boy Scout Troop 120 in Solon. This troop still continues today. Being interested in agriculture, he also helped start the first 4-H Club, named ‘The Big Grove Buddies’ in 1949.
Mel received his BA from Loras College in Dubuque, Iowa, followed by his BSME degree from the University of Iowa. During this time he also met his future wife, Carolyn Ann Locher. They married on August 16, 1958. Carolyn introduced Mel to classical music early in their marriage. You could often find them listening to various artists at home, in the car or at orchestra concerts. In 1960, Mel started his employment with Collins
SOLON PUBLIC LIBRARY NEWS
Fun For All Night returns Saturday, September 14! In partnership with Solon Recreation we’ll enjoy this tradition on the second Saturday of the month (September - April) at the Solon Community Center. Join us for gym games at 6:00 p.m. and then head to the auditorium at 7:00 p.m. for the movie, Elemental [PG] and popcorn. This free night of fun is for all-ages to enjoy, so bring your friends and neighbors and enjoy a night out!
Library Events
When we hosted our first Sewing 101 you asked, what about kids? Good news, on Saturday, September 7 from 10:00 a.m. to Noon, registered participants will join us for an introduction to sewing for kids! We will go over the basics of using a sewing machine, making simple patterns, and each child will make a pillow to take home. Please register your child and plan on attending with your child, space is limited. If you have a sewing machine at home, please bring it to the program. We will have a few extra machines for those without one at home. This program is intended for youth 3rd-8th grade, and their caregiver.
DIY Night: a night of learning and creating. Each month participants learn new skills, try new techniques, and have a great time while interacting with other adults. DIY night meets the second Tuesday of every month from 6:30-8:00 PM. Come try a new thing! This month we're painting bricks Tuesday, September 10 at 6:30 p.m. Take some time to brighten up your garden with this painted craft. These colorful items can be placed on your porch, used as bookends for real books, home decor, or even used as a door stopper. Registration required as space is limited.
Our Fall Session of Drawing Club begins Wednesday, September 4! We are excited to host 4th-8th graders 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
Radio, later renamed Rockwell Collins as a Mechanical Design Engineer and later an Engineering Manager. During his employment, he received his Master’s Degree in Mechanical Engineering from the University of Iowa. Mel and Carolyn welcomed five children into their family. They moved to an acreage in rural Marion, where the family started raising sheep. Soon they added a pony, cats, a dog and later added several steers. You could always find Mel outside working up fallen trees, gardening, making fences, painting, or making renovations to the family home. He was an avid beer can collector and had a substantial collection that was prominently displayed in their basement. Mel also took each of his children to the Boundary Waters region in Northern Minnesota, where they camped, canoed, portaged, fished, and enjoyed many bonfires for a week at a time.
Mel was involved in a prominent government contract through Collins. This included a telecommunications system for the presidential aircraft, Air Force One. He was a charter member of the NE Iowa Section of ASME, served as Chairman from 1966-67 and was a member for many years. Mel was a Class II Director and representative of ASME at the then, Eastern Iowa Science Fair, and became Director of the Fair in 1968. In 1970 he wanted to rekindle his interest in the Boy Scouts of America. For the next 25 years, he served as Scout Leader with several Cub and Boy Scout troops. Mel joined Post No. 0298 of the Marion American Legion. He was a charter member of the Kiwanis Club of Marion Sunrisers and celebrated his 50th Anniversary with the Kiwanis in February 2023. Mel spent time volunteering at the National Czech and Slovak Museum and Library as a docent and was a representative of the Museum Guild on the NCSML Board. Mel was a proud 77 year member of the Catholic Order of Foresters (COF). In later years, Mel was elected to the Iowa State Court as a Trustee. Following that, he was elected as a COF High Court Trustee. Mel was also a Charter Member of the Knights of Columbus, Joseph C. Carroll Council 5390 in Marion.
Mel and Carolyn took up skiing later in life and enjoyed skiing in 53 different resorts throughout the United States. In 1990, they skied the Alps in Austria which fulfilled a dream they both had. After retiring in 1993, he and Carolyn enjoyed traveling to many memorable places throughout the world. Being a Mechanical Engineer, Mel wanted to see some outstanding mechanical achievements. This included the Panama Canal, Great Wall of China, Pyramids of Giza, Pantheon in Rome, and the Acropolis in Greece. Mel was very proud of his Czech heritage and in 2011 they traveled to
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!
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 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 New?
From historical fiction novels set in small town Iowa to suspense filled adventures and dystopian worlds, the fiction collection has something for you! These are a few of the latest titles we’ve added.
Beyond Ivy Walls by Rachel Fordham. Iowa, 1903. All of Monticello believes Otis Taylor has been away fostering his musical genius. But the truth is that his father exiled him long ago, rejecting Otis's appearance and the scars that came with it. Now that he is the last living Taylor, Otis has covertly returned to settle his family's affairs and rid himself of his past for good. However, he soon discovers that he may not have been the only abandoned Taylor and begins a tireless search for his missing toddler niece. At twenty-three years old, Sadie West left her family farm and found employment at the Hoag feather duster factory. It isn't a romantic job, but she's hardly had a glimmer of romance since her beau went off to college, leaving her with no promise of a future together. Desperate to save money and
Prague. While there, they visited the village of Lisnice (East of Prague) where Mel was able to visit the home of his great-great-grandparents who left in 1855 when they immigrated to Iowa and bought land in the Iowa City-Solon area.
Mel was an avid Iowa Hawkeye fan and proud season ticket holder enjoying 33 years of Iowa Football. He and Carolyn attended many bowl games over the years, the 1st being the 1959 Rose Bowl where the Hawkeye’s were victorious. Each year, Mel would take one of his children to a home game where they would cheer on the Hawks.
One of Mel’s proudest moments was in 2014 when he took the Honor Flight from Cedar Rapids to Washington D.C., accompanied by his son Rob where they viewed various war memorials.
Carolyn was the true love of his life. They were married for 63 years until her passing in 2022. He adored their five children and the time he spent with them. Mel would often be found on the family farm helping with numerous projects and helping Ron with the harvest. He and Carolyn visited Candace yearly in Texas and especially enjoyed Thanksgiving with her family. Many trips and cruises were taken with Bonnie, and she could often be found helping them on their acreage. Kay and her family lived next door to them for 17 years, many bonfires and family meals were shared. Rob and Mel enjoyed each other’s company at the par 3 golf courses and driving ranges. Mel played a very special role in the lives of his grandchildren and great-grandchildren as well. He will be greatly missed by all who knew and loved him.
Left to cherish Mel’s memory are his son, Ron (Mary) Holubar of Solon, daughter, Candace (Mark) Ifflander of Coppell, Texas, daughter, Bonnie Holubar of Marion, daughter, Kay (Oscar) Sanchez of Marion, and son, Rob (Jennifer) Holubar of Timnath, Colorado; 13 grandchildren, Courtney, Tom, Ashley, Kylie, Elly, Ryan, Colton, Ariana, Brandon, Sarah, Emily, Hannah, and Elizabeth; and five great-grandchildren, Ellyn, Mason, Kaden, Bennett, and Lyndin. He was preceded in death by his parents Roy and Mayme (Shima) Holubar, his wife Carolyn (Locher) Holubar; infant son, Melvin and sister Margene Meis.
The family would like to extend a very special thank you to the staff and tenants at Summit Pointe Senior Living Community as well as Mercy Home Care and Hospice of Mercy.
In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be sent to St. Joseph Catholic Church, Marion, Iowa 52302. Please share a memory of Mel at www.murdochfuneralhome.com under obituaries.
help her family make ends meet, she trespasses and finds shelter in an abandoned building--and is thrown in the path of the town's mysterious bachelor. Otis's wounds are deep, but as Sadie's friendship with him grows, she begins to fall for the man beneath the mask. Locating his long-lost niece, however, is more difficult than either could have imagined, and Sadie West may be the key to Otis Taylor finally finding his way home.
Burn by Peter Heller. Every year, Jess and Storey have made an annual pilgrimage to the most remote corners of the country, where they camp, hunt, and hike, leaving much from their long friendship unspoken. Although the state of Maine has convulsed all summer with secession mania—a mania that has simultaneously spread across other states—Jess and Storey figure it’s a fight reserved for legislators or, worst-case scenario, folks in the capital. But after weeks hunting off the grid, the men reach a small town and are shocked by what they find: a bridge blown apart, buildings burned to the ground, and bombedout cars abandoned on the road. Trying to make sense of the sudden destruction all around them, they set their sights on finding their way home, dragging a wagon across bumpy dirt roads, scavenging from boats left in lakes, and dodging armed men—secessionists or U.S. military, they cannot tell—as they seek a path to safety. Then, a startling discovery drastically alters their path and the stakes of their escape.
Shadow of Doubt by Brad Thor. A mysterious cargo plane, flanked by a squadron of Russia’s most lethal fighters, has just taken off from a remote airbase. Closely monitored by the United States, no one inside the Pentagon has any idea where it’s going or what it’s carrying. A high-level Russian defector, a walking vault of secrets that could shatter the West, seeks asylum in Norway. Across the continent, in the heart of Paris, a lone French agent stumbles upon a conspiracy so explosive it could ignite a global firestorm. As alarm bells ring in Washington, the CIA’s most lethal weapon, Scot Harvath, is forced to choose between his conscience and his country.
Melvin Holubar
OPINIONS
The last days of summer
Food for Thought
Milli Gilbaugh
I always looked forward to the unstructured days of summer, though I was reluctant to give up the pleasures of school. For some reason, except for the children who lived in our immediate neighborhood, I seldom had any contact with any of my schoolmates during summer vacation, and as the summer began to wind down, I began to think of my school friends and to miss them.
Few of my classmates lived in our immediate neighborhood. One was Norma Jo who had a heart murmur and was never out playing with the other neighbor kids. I occasionally walked the block west from our house to spend a few hours playing quietly in the house with her. An only child, she was allowed to play at her mother's dressing table where we experimented with jewelry and make-up. We usually played quietly with her many dolls and indulged in snacks of soft white bread slathered with mayonnaise – something I had never had at home. It still makes me think of Norma Jo.
Two brothers, very close in age, lived just two houses away on our block. Dwayne was one of my classmates and his brother Dwight was less than two years older and a bit of a bully at times. He declared himself “owner” of the sidewalk that ran past our houses and refused to let me roller skate or ride my tricycle on “his” portion of the walk unless I let him ride on the back of my tricycle. This required that he hold onto my shoulders and he insisted that I must turn the wheel constantly and rapidly from side to side “like race drivers do,” he insisted The second time I “gave” him a ride, the front wheel caught on a crack in the sidewalk, we catapulted forward over the handlebars and my chin skidded along the rough concrete, tearing a flap of skin that required many stitches and a serious conversation between my dad and the boys' father who happened to be a doctor, but not the one who repaired the damage. When I was older, Dwight and I became good friends in college and the “accident” was never mentioned.
There are subtle changes in the atmosphere and vegetation as summer begins to wane, changes that bring a feeling of both endings and beginnings resulting in a nostalgic yearning tempered by an eagerness for change. It brought, inexplicably, a compulsion to take one more bike ride which, for some reason, ended at the schoolhouse playground. It was as if we needed to reassure ourselves it was still there and waiting for our return. We usually took a few rides on the swings with their long, clanking chains, a quick turn on the teeter-totter and climbed to the top of the Jungle-gym to survey the landscape. Then, remembering it was time for the red-haws to be ripe, we'd stroll down to the big hawthorn tree and nibble a few of the tiny red fruits.
There was a sheltered paved area tucked into the southwest niche of the school building where we often spent recesses jumping rope or playing catch with basketball-size red rubber balls when the playground was too muddy or too snowy. It was strictly forbidden, during the school year, to ride bicycles on that paved area, so of course we delighted in doing just that during our late summer excursion. Then, with nothing more to do except wait for the first day of classes, we rode our bikes slowly homeward, taking the route we would be walking just a few days later. At home, we would help Mother put away the Parcheesi, Chinese checkers and other board games, comic books, coloring books and other summer pastimes in the closet under the stairs and bring out the arithmetic and spelling flashcards, the wooden map puzzle of the United states, barely used tins of water colors and sets of colored pencils. We gladly used last year's rulers, scissors and a few other yearly requirements that were always on the supply list, but we preferred to arrive that first day with spanking new tablets, sharp-pointed crayons and long, yellow No. 2 pencils with pristine erasers. If there were left-over workbooks or unfinished projects from last year, we might spend a few hours playing at “school.” I was suddenly tired of summer and could hardly wait for school to start.
Don’t bend your principles to get a desired outcome
Here we go again.
Don’t be surprised if there is a hard-fought campaign between now and the November election over a guy named David May. You may not recognize his name. But you will in the weeks to come.
May is the newest member of the Iowa Supreme Court. His name will be on the ballot in November, with voters having the opportunity to weigh in on whether he should be retained as one of the seven justices on the court.
Stray Thoughts
May is a native of Kirksville, Mo. He received a bachelor’s degree from the University of Missouri in Columbia and a master’s degree in public health from the University of Oklahoma before earning his law degree from Drake University in 1998.
May was in private legal practice in Des Moines until 2016, when he was appointed a district court judge. Three years later, he was appointed to the Iowa Court of Appeals. Two years ago, Gov. Kim Reynolds chose him to fill a vacancy on the Supreme Court following Justice Brent Appel’s retirement.
But this is not why May likely will become a household name this autumn.
That will occur because he was among the four Supreme Court justices who decided in June to uphold Iowa’s so-called fetal heartbeat law, which was passed in 2023 during a special session of the Legislature. Supporters of pregnant women’s right to choose whether to have an abortion have been talking up the idea of using the November retention referendum on May to convey their disagreement with the Supreme Court’s decision.
My friend Rekha Basu, the retired Des Moines Register columnist, wrote recently about efforts by a group called Iowans for Reproductive Freedom. The organization has not taken an official position on Justice May, although it has purchased billboards around Des Moines bearing messages like “Keep Government Out of Women’s Health Care” and “If Men Got Pregnant, We Wouldn’t Be Discussing This.”
One of the group’s founders, Lea DeLong of Des Moines, wrote a letter that is circulating among likeminded people. In that letter, she writes, “It is an unfortunate development in our society that these kinds of actions against judges must happen, but I’m afraid we have had to learn some sad lessons from those who deny the rights of women.”
DeLong told Basu, “The ideological bias of this court does not reflect the will of most Iowans, and I’m not sure how far it follows the constitution.”
Iowans for Reproductive Freedom is taking a page right from the playbook of conservative activist Bob Vander Plaats and his organization, the Fam-
ily Leader. In 2010, he and others were angered by the Iowa Supreme Court’s unanimous decision finding the state discriminated against same-sex couples by limiting civil marriage to couples of opposite gender. Vander Plaats’ campaign against the decision led to voters removing three Supreme Court justices that November.
Iowans who thought retaliation was wrong then for one decision among the hundreds that justices Marsha Ternus, David Baker and Michael Streit had made should not be rationalizing now why retribution against David May is somehow different and right.
Either your principles are carefully thought out and are firmly held, or your principles are as flexible as a foam pool noodle and you stand by them only when convenient.
Two Des Moines attorneys, Guy Cook and Cynthia Moser, both former presidents of the Iowa State Bar Association, are of the firmly-held-principles school of thought. They wrote in a recent guest column in the Des Moines Register, “Voting Justice May out will not, and cannot, change the opinion of the Iowa Supreme Court.”
They continued: “As children, we all learned the timeless proverb that two wrongs don’t make a right, a straightforward concept that sums up the enduring wisdom that responding to a perceived or real injustice with another act of injustice or wrongdoing is never justified or ethical.”
It is entirely proper to disagree with a judge’s ruling. Judges and attorneys often disagree over what a law means. Trying to oust an honorable member of the court because of such a disagreement moves us one step closer to judges making their decisions based on public opinion, not on guiding legal doctrines.
Cook and Moser explained it this way: “Reasonable people can, and do, disagree on abortion restrictions and reproductive rights. Indeed, three Iowa Supreme Court justices, including the chief justice, did just that, with detailed and forceful dissenting opinions.
“… When citizens disagree with a court’s interpretation of a law, they can petition the Legislature to amend the law, or, if they disagree with a court’s interpretation of the Constitution, they have the power to seek to amend the Constitution.”
Perpetuating the cycle of retribution that Bob Vander Plaats launched 14 years ago will not change how Iowa law views abortion. It will only serve to further undermine judicial independence in our state.
Iowans should not want that, regardless of what side we are on with one issue or another.
Randy Evans can be reached at DMRevans2810@gmail.com.
A new low for Republicans
Criticizing Tom Walz for not reenlisting into military service is a new low for Republicans. Walz served honorably for 24 years in the Army and was perfectly within his rights and responsibilities to opt out just as millions of veterans (including me) have done before. He should be thanked for every year he served.
If Republicans really want to look for someone shirking their duty to their country they need to look no further than Donald Trump, who used his position of wealth to dodge the draft.
Brian Fleck Solon
Randy Evans Iowa Freedom of Information Council
Johnson County Criminal Justice Coordinating vacancies
The Johnson County Board of Supervisors announces two vacancies on the Criminal Justice Coordinating Committee (CJCC), beginning upon appointment. One vacancy is for a resident of unincorporated Johnson County.
Members shall be residents of Johnson County and demonstrate an interest in the criminal justice system. The CJCC will meet once a month beginning in October. The CJCC will advise the Board on ways to reduce jail inmate populations. The committee serves as a countrywide means for communication, policy and practice review, and comprehensive planning regarding the space and service issues of the Johnson County Jail. The committee will give specific recommendations regarding policies, procedures, and practices relevant to policy makers.
Application forms are available on the Johnson County website at www.johnsoncountyiowa.gov/vacancies. Completed applications must be returned to the Board of Supervisors Office, 913 S. Dubuque St., Iowa City, IA 52240-4281, by 4:30 p.m. Thursday, Sept. 19.
Guernsey’s grace the grounds at Iowa State Fair competition
Solon’s Kaden Recker brings home honors
DES MOINES — Dairies competed for top honors in the Guernsey Dairy Cattle show judged Thursday, August 8, at the 2024 Iowa State Fair.
Solon’s Kaden Recker took fourth place in Spring Heifer Calf (March 1-May 31, 2024), seventh place in Summer Yearling Heifer (June 1-August 31, 2023) and won second place and Senior Champion Female & Reserve in Aged Cow (before Sept. 1, 2018)
Abbie Gahring of Homestead earned Grand Champion Female. John Arnold of Waverly took home the Reserve Grand Champion Female and honorable mention titles and received Champion Premier Exhibitor and Champion Premier Breeder.
The Premier Breeder Award is given to the competitor who earns the most points for animals bred and exhibited by the entrant or others during the day's show. The Premier Exhibitor Award is given to the exhibitor who accumulates the most points based upon the day's placings.
Brown Swiss Dairy Show recognizes breeders' successes
Dairy farms competed for top honors in the Brown Swiss Dairy Cattle show judged Thursday, August 8. Recker took tenth place in the Spring Yearling Heifer
(March 1-May 31, 2023) competition.
Adam Kruse of Holy Cross received Grand Champion Female honors and Lane Domeyer of Delhi received the Reserve Grand Champion Female.
Mackenzie Craig recognized as beginning sewers compete in 2024 Iowa State Fair
DES MOINES — Mackenzie Craig, of Solon, received Honorable Mention as participants created a variety of pieces for the Fabric and Threads Junior Division judged before the start of the 2024 Iowa State Fair. Each piece is judged upon design, workmanship and finishing.
Craig received the award in the Pieced Quilt, (Age 11-18) competition.
The Fabric and Threads exhibits were on display every day of the Fair in the William C. Knapp Varied Industries Building sponsored by Principal.
The Iowa State Fair is one of the oldest and largest agricultural and industrial expositions in the country and the single largest event in the state. The Fair began 170 years ago and is now considered one of the best events in the nation, attracting more than one million Fairgoers every year from all over the world. The Fairgrounds are located at East 30th and East University, just off the interstate and minutes from Downtown Des Moines. Catch Fair Fever at the Iowa State Fair, August 8-18, 2024. For more information, visit www. iowastatefair.org.
Alex Murphy Iowa HHS Director of Communications
Last Thursday, Governor Kim Reynolds unveiled a new, first-of-its kind-in-the-nation, website called Iowa Child Care Connect (childcareconnect.iowa.gov) to help Iowans more easily find child care availability near their homes, where they attend school or near parents and caretakers work places.
“Using Iowa’s Child Care Connect, Iowa parents will be able to locate any open child care spots in their neighborhood or along their route to work-- almost in real time,” said Governor Reynolds. “This new innovative solution is just one way we are meeting the critical child care needs of working families in our state. Iowa Child Care Connect is a game changer and I am so proud of all the partnership and work that has gone into its creation.”
Iowa HHS, in partnership with Iowa State University and Resultant, a data and technology consulting firm, developed the Iowa Child Care Connect website platform with a focus on child care availability mapping for Iowans. This project is one of the recommendations brought by the Governor’s Child Care Task Force.
meet working Iowa parents right where they are and expand accessibility to open child care slots.”
Iowa Child Care Connect was intentionally created with the flexibility to adapt and change for the needs of Iowans, leading to a sustainable, long-term solution. This platform was built using a well-known mapping system that has the capability to calculate trip times in both miles and minutes. Leveraging this technology allows Iowans to identify child care vacancies on their way to work, while also factoring in other potential stops they make along the way.
Parents or other caretakers searching for openings are able to filter vacancies by specific criteria such as type of child care setting, age ranges, hours of operation, rating level and Child Care Assistance availability.
Iowa Child Care Connect can also serve as a valuable and essential tool in emergency situations. First responders will be able to use the child care search information to make sure all children in a specific area are safe and accounted for during an emergency.
Iowa unveils first-of-its-kind-in-thenation child care availability website Treasurer Smith announces more than halfa-million in missing money found at Iowa State Fair
DES MOINES — State Treasurer Roby Smith is celebrating another outstanding year of finding Iowans’ missing money at the Iowa State Fair. “This year marks another success at the fair as we were able to reunite thousands of Iowans with their missing money,” said Smith. “Fairgoers had ‘Fair Fever’ and in those 11-days, over 2,400 claims were filed at the Iowa State Fair and more than $572,900 was claimed. The largest single claim filed was $50,717!”
Great Iowa Treasure Hunt is Iowa’s only legitimate source of unclaimed property. Each year, millions of dollars are turned over after financial institutions and businesses lose contact with the owner. If assets held by financial institutions and businesses go a specific period of time without activity or contact from the owner, State law requires those assets be turned over to the Treasurer’s Office for safekeeping. It is then the Treasurer’s responsibility to locate and reunite the funds with the owner or heir through Great Iowa Treasure Hunt. Examples include dormant checking and savings accounts, lost stocks, uncashed checks, life insurance policies, utility refunds and safe deposit box contents.
“Thousands of fairgoers stopped to search for unclaimed money,” Smith continued. “Currently, my office is safekeeping more than $521 million to be claimed. Even if you have claimed in the past, search again. New properties are continually being added.”
To see if the State has any unclaimed property waiting for you, visit GreatIowaTreasureHunt.gov to complete your search. Stay up-to-date with the Treasurer’s Office on Instagram, Facebook and X.
“As a working mom of young children, I understand firsthand and know the challenges of what working parents face in finding available and affordable child care,” said Kelly Garcia, director of Iowa HHS. “We are thrilled to provide this new, easy-to-use tool that will
In addition to Iowa Child Care Connect, Iowa is leading the nation in launching public dashboards with data showing near-real-time and historical data of child care vacancies, supply, and demand which can be filtered by local, regional or statewide data. Iowa HHS will use the data to understand supply and demand trends and local officials, employers and other entities can utilize the data to help plan for future child care needs in their communities or other planning efforts.
Planning, Development and Sustainability Department and County Assessor’s Office returning to Administration Building
IOWA CITY — The Johnson County Planning, Development and Sustainability Department and the County Assessor’s Office have moved into their permanent locations in the newly remodeled Administration Building, 913 S. Dubuque St., Iowa City.
Detailed schedule changes include:
Planning, Development and Sustainability: The Planning, Development, and Sustainability Department will resume normal business hours and reopen in its permanent location on the second floor of the Administration Building on Wednesday, Aug. 28.
County Assessor’s Office: The County Assessor’s
Office will be closed for business on Thursday, Aug. 29. It will resume normal business hours and reopen in its permanent location on the second floor of the Administration Building on Friday, Aug. 30.
Public parking for the Administration Building is available in front of the main entrance.
Johnson County remains committed to delivering high-quality services while creating a safer, more accessible, and productive environment for all residents and staff. The County is excited to welcome the community back to an improved Administration Building.
For further information and updates on the Johnson County Administration Building remodel, please visit www.johnsoncountyiowa.gov/remodel.
Office of the State Treasurer of Iowa
SPORTS
WEEK ZERO
For the Spartans a couple of tests before facing Assumption this Friday
Chris Umscheid Solon Economist chris.umscheid@soloneconomist.com
SOLON — The high school football season runs nine weeks with four weeks of postseason play. Before that
Top left: Freshman Foster Owens (22) scampers toward a touchdown this past Friday evening against Maquoketa in a non-scoring scrimmage game on the brand new turf in Spartan Stadium.
Top right: Sophomore Maddox Kelley (4) celebrates a touchdown against Monticello this past Friday during a scrimmage game. The Spartan freshmen, JV (sophomores), and varsity tangled with Monticello and Maquoketa in non-scoring “Week Zero” games to hone their skills against the season openers this week.
Center: Freshmen Dayne Rickertsen (65), Ian Cronk (24), Foster Owens (22), and Sawyer Hancox (26) get ready for battle. The freshmen scrimmaged against Maquoketa this past Friday evening in a nonscoring half-field game while the JV squad (sophomores) battled Monticello on the other half of the field before the varsity tangled with Maquoketa and Monticello in a triangular fashion.
out
Photos by Chris Umscheid | Solon Economist
Above: Senior Eddie Johnson (10) grinds
some yards in a scrimmage game against Monticello this past Friday evening on the brand new turf in Spartan Stadium.
Right: A Monticello Panther kicks up rubber pellets from the brand new turf in Spartan Stadium during a varsity scrimmage game this past Friday evening
senior Cole
junior
and
gang up on a Maquoketa Cardinal in Spartan Stadium during a varsity scrimmage game this past Friday evening. Solon’s varsity played against Monticello and
in a non-scoring triangular, which was preceded by the freshmen and sophomores playing simultaneously in a pair of half-field games.
2024 Varsity Football Schedule
Friday, August 30 – HOME vs. Davenport Assumption 7:30 p.m. Friday, Sept. 6 - AT Clear Creek Amana 7:30 p.m. Friday, Sept. 13 – AT Central Clinton, DeWitt 7:30 pm. Friday, Sept. 20 – HOME vs. Mt. Vernon (Armed Forces Night) 7:30 p.m. Friday, Sept. 27 – HOMECOMING vs. Grinnell 7:30 p.m. Friday, October 4 – AT Benton Community 7:30 p.m. Friday, October 11 – AT Williamsburg 7:30 p.m. Friday, October 18 – HOME vs. Fairfield 7:30 p.m. Friday, October 25 – AT South Tama County 7:30 p.m.
Above: Freshman Rowan Ashbacker (44) prepares to meet a Maquoketa Cardinal as he grinds toward the endzone in a scrimmage game this past Friday evening.
Right: Luis Buck (38) follows Bradyn Schnoor (62) on a carry during a JV scrimmage this past Friday on the new turf in Spartan Stadium. Buck, a sophomore, is a tight end and linebacker while fellow soph Schnoor is a lineman.
Left: Junior Will Brandt (12),
Carney (3),
Kyler Jensen (52),
senior Jackson Feuerbach 60)
Maquoketa
Below: Sophomores Brogan Woolley (63) and Luis Buck (38) introduce a Monticello Panther to the new turf during a scrimmage game this past Friday in Spartan Stadium.
Passing the torch
WNBA legend Maya Moore’s number was retired as fans flocked to watch a new star in action.
Jami Martin-Trainor
The Daily Iowan
jami.martin.trainor@dailyiowan.com
MINNEAPOLIS — The number 23 now lives in the rafters of Minneapolis’ Target Center indefinitely.
After the Minnesota Lynx took on the Indiana Fever Saturday and came out on top, 90-80, the Lynx held a ceremony to reveal women’s basketball legend Maya Moore’s number hanging in the rafters.
While all eyes were on Moore and the reveal of the blue and white 23 suspended in the arena during her jersey retirement ceremony, another player watched from the sidelines: Caitlin Clark.
After breaking record after record and bringing the Iowa women’s basketball team to the NCAA National Championship twice, Clark’s talent and impact on the game is indisputable.
But before Clark rocked the world of women’s basketball, she was just a young girl who idolized the pros in the WNBA — especially Moore.
“She’s courtside, and you look over and it’s like, ‘That’s your childhood hero,’” Clark said in the post-game press conference. “You kind of have to pinch yourself at times.”
So, when Clark got to stand in the tunnels while her hero was immortalized as one of the all-time greats, she couldn’t help but recognize that moment as special.
“You can’t really script it any better,” Clark said.
At the pregame press conference, Clark recounted a moment when she and her dad traveled from Iowa to Minnesota to watch the Lynx play. When Clark spotted Moore, she didn’t have a pen for an autograph — instead choosing to run up and give her hero a hug.
“There’s no documentation of that moment, but in my brain, it was one of the most pivotal moments of my entire basketball career,” Clark said. “As a young girl loving sports, that meant the world to me.”
Now that years have passed and Clark has transformed into one of the biggest women’s basketball players in just her first year playing in the league, Moore’s influence cuts even deeper.
Minnesota Lynx head coach Cheryl Reeve said without the league’s rich history, players like Clark or current Lynx forward Napheesa Collier wouldn’t have role models like Moore to look up to.
And while Moore doesn’t remember the exact instance Clark ran up and gave her a hug, she certainly recognizes the impact that moment had.
“It’s really, really cool to think about how one of those kids turned out to be Caitlin Clark,” Moore said.
Now, Clark gets to be that same hero for young girls across the country.
Growing the game
When Caitlin Clark enters any game she plays, roaring applause follows.
It doesn’t matter if she’s at home in Gainbridge Fieldhouse or hundreds of miles away on someone else’s turf.
Around 600 miles from Indianapolis, the Indiana Fever had a rather supportive crowd while playing against the Minnesota Lynx on Saturday, Aug. 24. Black and gold shirts emblazoned with the number 22 were spotted across the packed Target Center, carried over from Clark’s time playing with the Iowa Hawkeyes.
Since her rocky rookie start in May, Clark has pushed ahead, already breaking records and setting new standards.
On July 6, she became the first-ever WNBA rookie to record a triple-double, a feat she accomplished quite often while at Iowa. On July 17, she broke the all-time record for assists in a single game, notching 19 against the Dallas Wings, just a couple of months into her professional career. On Aug. 24, she became the fastest player in league history to score at least 500 points and notch 200 assists.
Clark recorded 23 points and eight assists against the Lynx on Aug. 24, and the crowd roared for every free throw, field goal, and clean pass she made. While Clark’s effort wasn’t able to secure a win for Indiana, her influence has been intense both on and off the court.
According to a mid-season stat report from the Indiana Fever, the team has seen monstrous growth in ticket sales, social media reach, and merchandise sales. This year, jersey sales for the Fever have increased by well over 1,000 percent and the team has gained 1.3 million followers on Instagram since April 15 — the day Indiana selected Clark as the first pick in the WNBA draft.
Former Lynx player Maya Moore reacts to speeches after a WNBA game between the Minnesota Lynx and the Indiana Fever at the Target Center in Minneapolis, Minn., on Saturday, Aug. 24, 2024. The Lynx defeated the Fever, 90-80. Moore was honored with her jersey being retired.
Growing the game and being a role model for young kids has always been a priority for Clark. Back in 2023, after Iowa lost to LSU in the NCAA National Championship, Clark spoke to her position as a figure who people look up to.
“I want my legacy to be the impact I have on young kids and the people of Iowa,” Clark said during the postgame press conference with tears in her eyes. “I was that young girl. All you have to do is dream, and you can be in moments like this.”
Hawkeye fans following the WNBA
Clark is not the only former Hawkeye garnering attention in the WNBA.
Kate Martin and Megan Gustafson, both Hawks who graduated in 2024 and 2019, respectively, played with the Las Vegas Aces against the Minnesota Lynx on Aug. 23. While Martin and Gustafson had limited playing time, it’s clear they were fan favorites.
When either of the former Iowa players checked in, the crowd was bursting with energy, holding up signs with Martin’s name and cheering loudly both times Gustafson scored. A few times, groups of fans started chants, urging Aces head coach Becky Hammon to put Martin in the game.
While the Indiana Fever was playing an away game on Aug. 24 against the Lynx, Hawkeye and Clark fans drove great distances to watch the team play.
Whenever Indiana had possession of the ball, Fever fans attempted to drown out “defense” chants from the crowd by shouting either “offense” or “Fever.” When Clark sank her first three-point shot of the night, the crowd exploded with excitement.
Billy Offerman, his wife Haley, and their children all traveled from Iowa to cheer on Clark and the Indiana Fever in Minneapolis. The Offermans said their family started getting interested in women’s basketball during Iowa’s first run through the NCAA Tournament.
Since then, they have been following the Iowa women’s basketball team and later became fans of the Indiana Fever.
“Being a girl dad, it’s great to see Caitlin doing such good things with her visibility and just being very humble and gracious about what she has done,” Billy Offerman said.
Even people who have been watching collegiate basketball for years are being brought into the WNBA, thanks in part to Clark and her magnetic gameplay.
Jessica Niles of Elk Point, South Dakota, traveled with family to watch Clark play with the Indiana Fever. Niles said while she hasn’t watched Clark play live, her daughters have.
Niles said her family has followed women’s basketball since around 2010, but the jump to watching WNBA games has been new.
“My girls play, and they’ve been watching college and high school basketball for years,” Niles said. “What Caitlin has done for the sport has been pretty miraculous, not just for my girls but for their whole team.”
Brady Behrend contributed to this report.
SOLON ECONOMIST
Isabella Tisdale | The Daily Iowan
SOLON SENIORS
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.
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.
Friday, August 30
CALENDAR & PUZZLES
Thank you Solon Senior Dining volunteers!
“Volunteers do not necessarily have the time, they just have the heart.”
— Elizabeth Andrew AUGUST MENU
Friday, August 30
Glazed Salmon Filet
Mini Baker Potatoes
Creamed Peas
Smores Cheesecake Fluff
Bingo/Cards
Mini Doughnuts (LV/SIS) G&G
Bag (LV) Mini Donut
Breakfast Pizza or Cinnamon Doughnuts Fruit, Juice Crackers & Milk
Monday, Sept. 2 NO SCHOOL
Tuesday, Sept. 3
Cinnamon Mini Doughnuts (LV/SIS)
G&G Bag (LV)
Oatmeal Bar
Breakfast Bagel or Blueberry
Bubble Cake Fruit, Juice, Crackers & Milk
Wednesday, Sept. 4
French Toast Sticks & Sausage
Links (LV/SIS)
G&G (LV) Waffle Crackers
Thursday, Sept. 5
Breakfast Sandwich (LV/SIS)
G&G Bag (LV) Cereal Bar
Egg Scramble w/Hash Brown or Mini Pancakes w/Sausage
Links
Fruit, Juice, Crackers & Milk
Friday, Sept. 6
Mini CC French Toast (LV/SIS) G&G Bag Donut
Long John or Cinnamon Roll
Fruit, Juice, Crackers & Milk
Monday, Sept. 9
Breakfast Pizza (LV/SIS)
G&G (LV) Oatmeal Bar
Sausage & Gravy over Biscuit, Frudel
Tuesday, Sept. 10
Parfait (LV/SIS)
Across
1 Build up
6 Adjective that’s been called “one of the most hated words in the English language”
11 Pilates class equipment
15 Pike relative
16 Prefix meaning “straight” or “correct”
17 Like some accounts
18 Big name in cosmetics
Adult/Guest breakfast: $1.75. lunch $4.70
Breakfast Sandwich or Tornadoes Fruit, Juice, Crackers & Milk
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/nutritionprogram and scroll down to Nutrition Documents & Links.
Friday, August 30
MS/HS Alt: Cook’s Delight
Sloppy Joe Sandwich
Delicious Baked Beans, Carrots
Watermelon Chunks Baked Lays Chips
Monday, Sept. 2 NO SCHOOL
Tuesday, Sept. 3
MS/HS Alt: Mac & Cheese
Chicken Nuggets
Creamy Mashed Potatoes & Gravy
Sweet Corn, Dinner Roll Fruit Cocktail, Pretzels (MS/HS)
Wednesday, Sept. 4
MS/HS Alt: Chicken Flatbread Pizza
Cheese Bites with Marinara
Lean Mean Green Beans, Seasoned Chic Peas
Strawberries & Bananas Rice Crispy Bar
Thursday, Sept. 5
MS/HS Alt: Pepperoni Boat
Cheesy Potatoes & Ham, Dinner
Fruit, Juice, Crackers & Milk
G&G Bag (LV) Snack bread
Fruit, Juice, Crackers & Milk SCHOOL BREAKFAST
French Toast Bake, Waffles & Sausage Patty
Roll (SIS/MS/HS)
Peas, Apple Juice (MS/HS), Dragon Punch (SIS/LV)
Bug Bites
Peaches (MS/HS)
Friday, Sept. 6
MS/HS Alt: Cook’s Delight
Chicken Parmesan Garlic Noodles, Garlic Knot (MS/HS)
Steamed Broccoli Trees
Zucchini Poles, Pears of Paradise
Monday, Sept. 9
MS/HS Alt: Quesadilla
Chicken Bacon Ranch Pasta
Peas & Carrots, Grape
Tomatoes, Garlic Toast
Watermelon, Mixed Fruit (HS)
Cottage Cheese (MS/HS)
Tuesday, Sept. 10
MS/HS Alt: Hot Dog
Spaghetti
Dinner Roll
Caesar Salad with Cucumbers
Coins
Green Beans (MS/HS), Peaches
19 Gave credit where credit was due, say
20 Singer who coaches on “The Voice,” familiarly
21 *Nabisco cookie brand
23 English town known for its mineral springs
24 Either parent of Zeus
25 *Major fantasy sports platform
26 Feature of “woulda,” “coulda” or “shoulda”
29 Ones doing impressions
31 Head off
32 Totally perplexed
34 Meadow call
37 Finishes in grand style, like the answers to the starred clues?
41 Scroll holder
42 British unit of mass
43 “___ Doone”
44 Creates buzz for
46 Get more of the same, maybe
48 Currency units in Nepal and Sri Lanka
51 How children’s books are often read
52 Union gain?
53 *Willa Cather novel set in 1880s Nebraska
58 Had too much, for short
59 Aptly named two-time Super Bowl M.V.P.
60 Hardship
61 *Slogan in the 2016 Republican presidential primary
62 One of 11 in “The Twelve Days of Christmas”
63 Present, for one
64 Son of Zeus
65 Digression of sorts
MCC 2024 Summer graduates announced
MARSHALLTOWN — Marshalltown Community College is pleased to announce Grace Mae Scott of Solon is among the Summer 2024 graduates, a group of students who have shown remarkable perseverance and achievement. This summer's graduating class reflects MCC's commitment to providing a supportive and enriching educational environment, enabling students to reach their academic goals and contribute to their communities.
Scott earned a diploma in Dental Assisting with honors (3.5 GPA or higher).
Marshalltown Community College, located in Marshalltown, is a member of the Iowa Valley Community College District. The District is comprised of Marshalltown Community College, Ellsworth Community College, Iowa Valley Grinnell, and Iowa Valley Continuing Education. The District serves a broad range of students and businesses throughout Central Iowa. For more information, check out the website at mcc.iavalley.edu. COLLEGE NEWS
1 ___ Douglas-Home, former British P.M.
2 Hit the ball well, in baseball slang
3 Not a fan of
4 Symbols of sovereignty
5 Views, as the future
6 Specialty espresso drink
7 Hunter in the night sky
8 Wee 9 The whole ___ 10 Browning who directed 1931’s “Dracula” 11 Transforms 12 Juvenile rebuttal
13 Out of bounds
14 Exciting in a noisy or violent way
22 Counsel: Abbr.
23 Musical aptitude
25 “That’s right”
26 George R.R. Martin’s “A Song of Ice and Fire,” for one
27 Songwriter Novello
28 Plant in the allium family
29 Speller’s clarification
30 First actor to portray a Bond villain (Le Chiffre, 1954)
33 Many basketball buckets
Teller of tales
Oscar-winning Hathaway
Gelatin substitute in vegan recipes
Org. that delivers
Classic children’s song about a lark
Was neighbors with
66 Outlines Down
Rocks out to heavy metal, say
Fine-grained wood 47 One of four in Earth’s history
Spanish region with a namesake wine 49 Anesthetized
Academy newbie
Ran
___ Day and the Knights, band that performs “Shout” in “Animal House”
Nickname for un padre
Criminal group
R.S.V.P. convenience 57 Rigid bracelets 59 Belgian town known for its mineral springs
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.
Drive chill-be cool. Kids are back in school
slower speeds give you more time to react if children run into the road.
drop-off or pick-up areas when they are available.
Last Friday marked the first day of school for many Iowa students. As kids and their parents settle back into their routines the roads might look a bit different than they did during the summer months. While most people think of encountering school traffic in the city, near schools, you need to be school-aware in residential areas and out in the country.
Even if you aren’t personally a part of the school traffic, you still need to be aware of the changes happening around you.
There are several steps you can take to make sure your driving keeps students of all ages safe:
• Obey school zone speed limits –
• Stop for school buses – It’s illegal to pass a bus with its stop arm out, even if you’re going in the opposite direction in some situations. Unsure when you need to stop? Check out this handy resource on the Iowa DOT’s website, https://iowadot.gov/ schoolbus/.
• Obey crossing guards – When a crossing guard steps into the intersection with their stop sign, stop until all the children cross and the guard clears the intersection.
• Dropping-off or picking-up? Avoid using school parking lots if possible – It can be difficult for children to see vehicles leaving parking spots or for drivers to see children behind or around other vehicles, especially in bad weather. Use designated
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SOLON ECONOMIST
• Limit distractions – Put your phone out of reach, avoid eating or drinking, and keep your windshield, side mirrors, and rearview mirrors clean so you can see little ones that may be around you.
Both drivers and pedestrians have an important role to make sure everyone gets home safely to the ones they love each day. Check out this video (www.youtube.com/ watch?v=dTh-A7JkQgc) for more tips on how to stay safe as we ease our way back into school.
In 2024 in Iowa, 195 people have been killed in traffic crashes. That’s an increase of 13 since Friday, August 16. In Iowa in 2023, there were 377 traffic-related deaths.
Susie Siddell, City Clerk Dan O’Neil, Mayor
2024.
Solon’s new wastewater treatment facility (sewer plant) update - Part 3
Cami Rasmussen City Administrator, City of Solon
Dave Schechinger
and Emily Linebaugh V&K Engineering
This is the final update 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 planning to completion will span several years.
Recap of Parts 1 & 2
The decision to build a new 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 to for a new facility. In 2023, the city purchased a 21-acre site adjacent to Oakland Cemetery along Hwy 382 for the new facility.
The cost of the new facility is anticipated to be around $27.5 million with the actual facility cost still unknown until design is complete and the project is bid. The City is planning to finance the improvements using a State Revolving Fund (SRF) loan and cash reserves. Completion of the facility is anticipated in June 2029.
New Treatment Process Description
A new sewer will be constructed from the existing treatment facility to the new facility site. At the new site, the first stage of treatment will be screening and grit removal to remove rags, wipes, sticks, and grit that are commonly found in wastewater. The larger solids and grit will typically be properly disposed of at a local landfill.
After this first stage, the wastewater will continue on to secondary treatment for removal of nutrients and other contaminants. The City of Solon will use an activated sludge process consisting of multi-stage aeration basins which selectively promote microorganisms that remove contaminants. The wastewater then flows to clarifiers where the clear water is separated from the microorganisms using gravity settling. The clear water is then treated using ultraviolet disinfection to kill any organisms so that it is safe for human and animal contact before being discharged to the receiving stream. The solids removed in the clarifiers require further stabilization and ultimately can be land applied on agricultural fields.
Advantages of the New reatment Facility
The City’s new facility
includes additional treatment steps and incorporate new technology to improve the quality of the water and increase safety. The City’s existing facility does not have any screening or grit removal which leads
to increased equipment wear and requires more staff time to remove clogs and debris.
The new aeration basins are designed to provide better treatment including nitrogen and phosphorus removal as required
Don’t be a victim of storm-related scams
Sonya Sellmeyer Consumer Advocacy Officer for the Iowa Insurance Division
As Iowans continue to rebuild from storms, it is essential to stay vigilant about storm-related scams. Here are some common scams to watch out for: FEMA Scams: Scammers may impersonate Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) representatives and ask for personal information and account numbers. If a FEMA representative comes to your home for an inspection, check their official FEMA identification. If FEMA benefits were applied for in your name without your knowledge, call the FEMA fraud hotline at 866-720-5721 or send an email to StopFEMAFraud@ fema.dhs.gov. Remember, FEMA does not charge for assistance. If you have any questions regarding a claim with FEMA, visit your local Disaster Recovery Center.
Contractor Scams: After a storm, unscrupulous contractors, also known as storm chasers, may offer to repair damage but then take the payment and disappear without doing the work. To prevent these types of scams, get more than one estimate. Don’t pay large up-front payments or give into pressure tactics. Always verify the contractor’s credentials, license, and check reviews. Get a written contract that details the type of work to be done, the schedule, and the payment arrangements. Don’t pay for any services with gift cards or virtual currency. If you are suspicious of a storm chaser scam call the Iowa Attorney General’s Office at 888-777-4590. If you feel a contractor is acting as an unlicensed public adjuster contact the Iowa
Insurance Division at https://iid.iowa.gov/consumers/ filing-complaints.
Charity Scams: Fake charities might appear after a disaster, claiming to collect donations for relief efforts. Research and donate to established and reputable organizations. Verify their legitimacy through watchdog organizations like Charity Navigator or GuideStar. Charity scams may be reported to the Iowa Attorney General’s Office.
Insurance Scams: Watch out for individuals or companies that claim they can expedite your insurance claim or promise large payouts for a fee. Always contact your insurance company directly and never share your policy details with unsolicited contacts. Remember to communicate directly with your insurance company and understand the settlement of your claim. Call the Iowa Insurance Division if you have questions at 877-955-1212 or 515-654-6600.
Phishing Phone Calls, Emails, and Texts: Scammers might call, send emails or texts pretending to be from official organizations, asking for donations or personal information such as bank or credit card account numbers. Don’t answer phone calls from unknown numbers, and don’t click on links in emails or text messages from unknown sources. Be cautious of any unsolicited communications and verify their authenticity through official channels.
Identity Theft: You may be asked to give personal information during a disaster in order to obtain assistance. Protect yourself from identity theft by freezing your credit with all three credit bureaus: Equifax, TransUnion, and Experian. If something seems too good to be true, or involves being pressured to act quickly, stop and double check by verifying the information through reliable sources. The Iowa Insurance Division is here to assist at 877955-1212 or 515-654-6600.
by new discharge permit limits. Finally, utilization of ultraviolet disinfection instead of the City’s current chlorination and dechlorination will mean fewer chemicals and safer operations for staff.
Sonya Sellmeyer