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Armed Forces Night
The sophomore football team carries a 35’ American Flag (on loan from the Cedar Rapids Fire Department) along the sideline as pregame ceremonies for Armed Forces Night are about to get underway this past Friday during the Mount Vernon vs. Solon varsity football game.
This past Friday the Solon Spartans held Armed Forces Night as part of the annual rivalry game with Mount Vernon. One tradition of the night is recognizing a Solon veteran as the Honored Veteran of the Game, who service to our country and community stands out as going above and beyond the call of duty.
This year’s recipient was Retired United States Army Major John Proe, who was escorted by his wife BJ.
A native of New Jersey, John Proe graduated from the Citadel Military Academy in 1959 and was commissioned as a 2nd
Lieutenant with the 101st Airborne Division “Screaming Eagles”. Among his many achievements during his career, John’s proudest was earning his Combat Medic certification, even more so than his Airborne Ranger certification.
During a tour of duty in Vietnam from 1967 to 1969, John served as the Senior Medical Advisor to the 4th Vietnamese Corps’ Surgeon General. His role included participating in hundreds of helicopter medical rescue missions into hostile battle situations to evacuate wounded personnel.
Throughout his distinguished military career, John received numerous commendations and medals, including, the Bronze
Photo by Chris Umscheid | Solon Economist
Star Medal with V for Valor plus an Oak Leaf Cluster, Four-Air Medals with Valor, the Army Commendation Medal, the National Defense Service Medal, the Vietnam Service Medal, the Vietnam Cross of Valor with a Palm Leaf, the Vietnam Honor Medal 1st Class. the Vietnam Civic Action Medal, and the Vietnam Campaign Medal.
John was medically retired in 1973 due to longterm effects from injuries sustained while serving in Vietnam. Despite being classified as 100% Combat Disabled, John achieved remarkable success as a civilian. He earned a Master’s Degree in Hospital Administration from Baylor University and a PhD in Organizational Studies from the University of Iowa. John went on to teach for 18 years as a professor at Shenandoah University in Winchester, VA, where he achieved the status of Professor Emeritus.
Six years ago, John and his wife BJ moved to Solon to be closer to their daughter Jessica. Since then, he has been a fixture in Solon motoring around town on his electric wheelchair. An active member of Post 460, John wants to express his love for the community and the people of Solon.
Photos by Chris Umscheid | Solon Economist
Front: Retired Army Major John Proe salutes the crowd while receiving a standing ovation after being recognized as Solon’s Honored Veteran of the Game Friday prior to the kickoff of the Mount Vernon vs. Solon varsity football game.
STAFF
Solon Council approves 5-year contract with Sheriff’s Office
Solon Economist
SOLON — The City Council approved a five-year contract with the Johnson County Sheriff’s Office (JCSO) during their regular monthly meeting Wednesday, Sept. 18. The Sherrif’s Office provides law enforcement services to the city with a contract-specified number of patrol hours per month and opened a substation on Iowa St. 9-1-1 response is provided 24/7/365 regardless of the contracted hours. The current contract started July 1 and since August 31 the JCSO had logged 466 hours and 38 minutes with a total of 2,340 hours contracted at a rate of $57/per hour and 45 hours/week.
The move to a five-year contract was initiated by Sheriff Brad Kunkel. The Sheriff is in the process of encouraging communities without their own police force to move to the five-year plan, which he feels offers benefits to the JCSO for meeting staffing needs and making the budgetary process easier for all entities concerned. City Administrator Cami Rasmussen explained the dynamics of the new contract to the council.
“The agreement has been a work in-progress with Sheriff Kunkel and the Police Committee since earlier this year during our budget talks when we talked about a five-year contract.
I think we have an agreement that meets the needs of our community as we continue to grow over the next five years and also allows the Sheriff’s Department to plan accordingly for their staffing as well,” she said. With the five-year contract, the scheduled patrol hours increase gradually. However the hourly rate also increases annually. Rasmussen noted the increases move the city closer to Sheriff Kunkel’s desire to have the cities cover more of the costs incurred by providing law enforcement, particularly as growth continues and increases the number of calls for service. “I think it’s a great step,” she said, “because we want to be paying our fair share. We also know the great value that the Johnson County Sheriff’s Office provides to Solon. We’ve had a great relationship for many years and this agreement is just a representation of the long-standing relationship that we hope to continue.”
The agreement goes into effect July 1,
2025, and runs until June 30, 2030, unless amended, modified, or terminated.
Under the contract the JCSO shall provide:
• Routine patrol including door checks of commercial establishments
• Respond to non-emergency calls for service and 9-1-1 calls made to the Joint Emergency Communications Center (JECC)
• Enforcement of criminal-related state laws and local ordinances
• Investigation and follow-up of crimes warranting additional investigation in the opinion of the Sheriff’s Office
• Specialized traffic and vehicle enforcement operations
• Community policing activities
• Monthly attendance at City Council meetings
• Coordination or referrals to appropriate mental health/and or crisis related services
• Animal control services as specified in the contract.
• The City of Solon will provide or make arrangements to provide space for temporary custody of cats and dogs within the city limits. A deputy may transport a cat or dog to the designated location within the City. Transportation of animals to a location outside of the City will be handled by City staff or through a third party.
Editor’s note: Rasmussen explained the City
of Solon handles stray animals complaints with the Public Works Department responsible for collecting strays and delivering them to the Cedar Valley Humane Society if the owner is unknown. “Stray animals have become more frequent in recent years leading to discussions with JSCO on how to best handle these situations,” she said. “As a result of those discussions, animal control language was added to the most recent JCSO agreement that was effective on July 1, 2024, as well as the recently approved 5-year agreement. Our role will be to coordinate between the two entities (JCSO and Cedar Valley Humane Society) as needed for stray animals.”
Rasmussen added, “Responsible pet ownership is our expectation, which promotes safe and friendly neighborhoods. Pets do get loose at times and generally neighbors are good about getting the word out and helping find the owner without any city involvement. An annual pet license is required for dogs and cats ($2 if spayed or neutered/$10 if not) and helps to locate the owner if a pet does get loose.”
• Other general law enforcement duties as required
Rates and hours
Current Fiscal Year (FY) – 45 hours/week @ $57/hour
FY 2026-2027 – 47 hours/week @ $61/hour
FY 2027-2028 – 47 hours/week @ $65/hour
FY 2028-2029 – 50 hours/week @ $69/ hour
FY 2029-2030 – 53 hours/week @ $71/hour
“As Cami said, we’ve been working on this for quite a while,” said Sheriff Kunkel, who was present at the meeting. He noted previous agreements have been more of Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) versus a formal 28E agreement. 28E agreements (so named as they fall under Code of Iowa Chapter 28E) allow governmental entities to enter into contracts with other governmental entities for mutual advantages. “It’s what we should’ve been doing for the last 30 years, so I’m going to be moving all of the towns to this (28E agreement) format also.”
BJ Proe smiles as her husband Retired Army Major John Proe is recognized as the Honored Veteran of the Game this past Friday at the Mount Vernon vs. Solon varsity football game during Armed Forces Night pregame ceremonies.
Retired Army Major John Proe smiles after being recognized as Solon’s Honored Veteran of the Game Friday prior to the kickoff of the Mount Vernon vs. Solon varsity football game. Behind him are Solon HS students Pfc. Evzen Meza, Pvt. Logan Rudish, and Jake Grimm, all members of the Iowa Army National Guard.
SOLON PUBLIC LIBRARY NEWS
Banned Books Week was launched in 1982 in response to a sudden surge in the number of challenges to books in libraries, bookstores, and schools. Typically (but not always) held during the last week of September, the annual event highlights the value of free and open access to information and brings together the entire book community — librarians, educators, authors, publishers, booksellers, and readers of all types — in shared support of the freedom to seek and to express ideas.
By focusing on efforts across the country to remove or restrict access to books, Banned Books Week draws national attention to the harms of censorship. The ALA Office for Intellectual Freedom (OIF) compiles lists of challenged books as reported in the media and submitted by librarians and teachers across the country. To learn more about Banned Books Week visit bannedbooksweek.org or stop in to the Library and check out our displays (bannedbooksweek.org).
Library Events
The Great Pumpkin Decorating Contest begins October 1st! We invite everyone to pick out your perfect pumpkin (no larger than 8 inches in diameter) and get it all dressed up. Use your creative skills to gather materials and decorate to your heart's content, just don’t carve your pumpkin!
Bring your decorated pumpkin into the Library to enter the contest by Wednesday, October 23.
Judging will take place the morning of October 24 and prizes will be awarded! Visit our website or pick up a copy of the complete details. We look forward to seeing what you create with your pumpkin!
The Friends of the Library host their annual Halloween Costume and Decor sale Saturday, October 5, 8:00 a.m.-Noon in the Library’s community meeting room. Seasonal items are available for a free will donation. Thank you for supporting your Library!
Join us Tuesday mornings at 10:30 for Storytime! We’ll share songs, books, and games with friends and caregivers. In October we’re sharing stories with the theme of Heritage, each week focusing on diverse communities. October 1st we’re highlighting Hispanic Heritage Month, October 8 is Disability Employment Awareness, October 15 is Indigenous Peoples’ Day, and October 22 is LGBTQ History Month.
Teens (6th-12th graders) are invited to join us for an Introduction to Archery Thursday, October 3 from 4-5:00 p.m. Teens will learn which equipment they will need to begin shooting bows and arrows. They will also learn about local archery resources, including retail-
September is National Ovarian Cancer Awareness Month
Contributed photo
The Johnson County Board of Supervisors (from left Lisa Green-Douglass, Chairman Rod Sullivan, Royceann Porter, V Fixmer-Oraiz, and Jon Green) have officially designated September 2024 as National Ovarian Cancer Awareness Month in Johnson County. Receiving the proclamation is Patient Advocate Bridget Toomey who lost her mother from ovarian cancer in 2016, Deb Schnoor, ARNP, and Courtney Shaw, ARNP.
Ovarian cancer ranks fifth in cancer deaths among women in Iowa and is the deadliest of the gynecologic cancers, with a five-year survival rate of just 46 percent. Because of the location of the ovaries in the body, most ovarian cancers are not diagnosed until the late stages of the disease. Additionally, there is no screening test for ovarian cancer, as a pap smear does not detect ovarian cancer.
The American Cancer Society estimates 19,680 cases of ovarian cancer will be newly diagnosed in 2024 and 12,740 individuals will die from the disease nationwide, including 190 new cases and 130 deaths in Iowa. The designation of September as Ovarian Cancer Month will help raise awareness of the disease.
ers, bow hunting opportunities, and the Solon Archery Team. This program will be co-hosted by the Solon Archery Team. No prior experience is required!
Mark your calendars for more fun programs that are coming in October…
Are you ready to dive into the world of quilting? Join us for a fun and informative Quilting 101 workshop Monday, October 14 at 4:00 p.m., where you’ll learn the basics of quilting and create a practical, handmade pot holder!
In this beginner-friendly class, quilting expert Sara Yoder-Parker will guide you through the steps of crafting your very own pot holder. Sara’s easy-to-follow instructions and expert tips will ensure you leave with a beautiful, functional piece of art and the confidence to tackle more quilting projects in the future. Whether you’re new to quilting or looking to refresh your skills, this workshop is the perfect opportunity to get hands-on experience and meet fellow craft enthusiasts. No prior quilting experience is necessary—just bring your enthusiasm!
Spaces are limited, so be sure to sign up early to secure your spot. We look forward to quilting with you!
Homeschool families! Join us to meet other homeschoolers in the area and learn about resources that the public library offers to your household Friday, October 18 at 10:00 a.m. We will start with introductions, hear from our Youth Services Librarian about helpful resources in the library and surrounding area, and have time to socialize with each other. Unable to make it to this program but want to know more? Email ysl@solon. lib.ia.us for more information.
Monday, October 21, we’re having LEGO Night for AllAges at 6L00 p.m. During this hour-long LEGO mania we'll have fun prompts, STEM challenges, and of course many, many LEGOs to build with. Bring your family or just bring some friends, who says adults can't play with LEGOs?
Library Access
Regular Library hours are Monday-Thursday, 9:00 a.m.-7:00 p.m. and Friday-Saturday, 9:00 a.m.-5L00 p.m. Closed Sundays.
Friday, September 27 we will be open 9:00 a.m.-4:00 p.m. to allow time for our monthly staff-in-service. 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
COLLEGE NEWS
Mount Mercy University congratulates August 2024 graduates
CEDAR RAPIDS — The following students graduated from Mount Mercy University in August. Jessa Day, from Ely, Bachelor of Science in Nursing, Summa Cum Laude
Benjamin Hektoen, from Solon, Master of Science
device.
Everyone is welcome at the Library and our programs. Please contact us with access needs.
What We’re Reading
Banned or Challenged Books we’re reading.
Beach Read by Emily Henry. Augustus Everett is an acclaimed author of literary fiction. January Andrews writes bestselling romance. When she pens a happily ever after, he kills off his entire cast. They’re polar opposites. In fact, the only thing they have in common is that for the next three months, they're living in neighboring beach houses, broke, and bogged down with writer's block. Until, one hazy evening, one thing leads to another and they strike a deal designed to force them out of their creative ruts: Augustus will spend the summer writing something happy, and January will pen the next Great American Novel. She’ll take him on field trips worthy of any rom-com montage, and he’ll take her to interview surviving members of a backwoods death cult (obviously). Everyone will finish a book and no one will fall in love. Really.
Beartown by Fredrik Backman. By the lake in Beartown is an old ice rink, and in that ice rink Kevin, Amat, Benji, and the rest of the town’s junior ice hockey team are about to compete in the national semi-finals— and they actually have a shot at winning. All the hopes and dreams of this place now rest on the shoulders of a handful of teenage boys. Under that heavy burden, the match becomes the catalyst for a violent act that will leave a young girl traumatized and a town in turmoil. Accusations are made and, like ripples on a pond, they travel through all of Beartown.
This is a story about a town and a game, but even more about loyalty, commitment, and the responsibilities of friendship; the people we disappoint even though we love them; and the decisions we make every day that come to define us. In this story of a small forest town, Fredrik Backman has found the entire world.
Throne of Glass series by Sarah J. Maas. When magic has gone from the world, and a vicious king rules from his throne of glass, an assassin comes to the castle. She does not come to kill, but to win her freedom. If she can defeat twenty-three killers, thieves, and warriors in a competition to find the greatest assassin in the land, she will become the king’s champion and earn her freedom. Her name is Celaena Sardothien – beautiful, deadly, and destined for greatness.
SOLON FLU CLINIC
Tuesday, October 15 Solon United Methodist Church 12:00 – 2:00 p.m.
Seasonal flu and COVID-19 vaccines
Visit https://app.acuityscheduling.com/schedule.php? owner=21141420&calendarID=9040276 to register for the 10/15/24 COVID-19 bivalent booster vaccine clinic online. A form must be submitted for BOTH flu and COVID-19 vaccines. Everyone will need to bring their insurance card(s) with them and we will make a copy at the time of registration. For those unable to register on-line please call 319-430-8655 to enable your registration.
Sponsored by: Solon Senior Advocates & Towncrest Pharmacy
OPINIONS
WORST TV COMMERCIALS award winners
Food for
Thought
If you've read this column for more than a few weeks, you must be aware that I blame the advertising community for some of the things that are going wrong in this world. Some of the reasons I do that are strictly personal; things that irritate or offend me. Others are more serious as they have potential to cause problems to humanity in general, to the environment, peace, health or for a number of other reasons. That said, I offer you (with tongue occasionally in cheek) and, in no particular order, a limited list of theoretical awards I would present to some of the worst offenders.
The blackmailers: Those who insist that you must call within the next five minutes or during the current program to take advantage of a special offer. That identical offer is made several times in one day, for several days in a row, for months or years at a time. Add to that list the threat that the item may soon be unavailable due to rising production costs or shortages, and you should order two or three just to be safe. Then there is the agonizingly tedious fund-raiser that won't let you view their regular programs until they have received promises of sufficient donations to fund them until the next opportunity to give in to extortion.
Useless “necessities”; An air cooler that adds moisture to the air – in Iowa? where summer suffering “isn't the heat, it's the humidity”? Products to keep your eyeballs and your teeth white. Is there any real reason for white teeth and eyeballs other than fad or vanity? Any harm from continuous use? Can a spray actually replenish (replace) skin after you shave? And why worry about that when we are losing dead skin cells constantly?
I suppose we are more pleasant to be around if we smell and look nice, but mankind is the only creature that is determined to avoid looking and smelling like what we are. Some animals practice a form of personal hygiene in an effort to elude predators, but we don't normally risk that danger. This includes so-called necessities such as cosmetics, shampoo, hair coloring products and wrinkle removers. I am particularly annoyed by being urged to “watch what happens to this woman's bags under her eyes.” Didn't anyone, during the production of that commercial, notice how simple it would be to say, “watch what happens to the bags under this woman's eyes”? It wouldn't change my opinion of the lack of necessity for the product, but it wouldn't sound as awkward and irritating.
Celebrity theft: Celebrities have enough trouble living near-normal lives and trying to evade the intrusions of overly enthusiastic fans without having their images and voices imitated for the advantage of some advertiser. Artificial intelligence without recompense is a sin if not a crime, and I see far too many examples of celebrity look-alikes to believe that they are all accidental, approved of or paid for in some fashion. Possibly the most crude examples are the Princess Diana clones after her tragic death and commercials featuring women closely resembling Gabby Giffords, after her shooting in 2011. Now, it's Prince Harry. It's bad enough when someone profits from just happening to resemble a famous personage, but thoughtless, cruel and reprehensible to deliberately take advantage of disaster.
How to stay off my list of bad advertising; Avoid halftruths and outright lies. Do not create artificial deadlines, urgency, questionable usefulness and necessity. Never use celebrity images, voices or other personal identities without approval and/or compensation. Do not indulge in homemade commercials, especially those that use spouses, favorite employees, best friends, your adorable grandchildren, women with high squeaky voices or (except in rare instances) the boss, inventor of the product or the guy paying for the ad, unless they are experienced and competent public speakers.
Too many of the ads I see on TV these days smack of those outdated horse traders and snake-oil salesmen. We have a marvelous medium for informing people of available products and how to conveniently acquire them. Let's strive to hold the ads to a standard equal to the opportunity.
Grassley, Sullivan Seek to Hold VA Accountable for $3 Billion Budget Shortfall
WASHINGTON, DC — Sen. Chuck Grassley (R-Iowa) joined Sen. Dan Sullivan (R-Alaska) on a bill to hold the Veterans Affairs Department (VA) accountable for running a $3 billion deficit on its 2024 fund for administering veterans’ benefits.
“The VA grossly mismanaged taxpayer dollars and put veterans’ benefits at risk. We won’t leave our nation’s veterans in limbo, hard stop. The VA, on the other hand, has major explaining to do: Veterans, Congress and the public deserve answers to basic questions. Namely, what led to this egregious financial shortfall and how will the agency fix the mess it created,” Grassley said. “Our legislation institutes needed accountability measures to prevent the VA from squandering taxpayer dollars intended to benefit those who’ve honorably served our nation.”
“Telling Congress we have to provide $3 billion to the VA in a matter of days or our constituents
LETTER TO THE EDITOR
won't get their benefits—without any accountability or reforms—is a shocking failure in leadership and management,” Sullivan said. “It is incumbent upon the Secretary to appear before the committee and answer questions, but remarkably, he declined to do so. This is not a great victory as some are spinning it. The VA has a duty to provide congressional oversight committees with highquality, in-person briefings explaining these shortfalls in the future—earlier than just a month in advance. In light of this budgetary fiasco and the millions of dollars’ worth of bonuses improperly distributed to VA executives, I’ve put forward commonsense legislation to require the VA to abide by a basic level of accountability and oversight.
“Let me be clear: We will fund this shortfall. Our veterans deserve and rely upon their hard-earned benefits. But, going forward, our veterans also expect a much higher
A well-informed electorate is a cornerstone
of a healthy democracy
For more than 100 years, the League of Women Voters of Johnson County, Iowa has been a grassroots organization dedicated to empowering voters. The League is a trusted source of objective information on issues, candidates, and elections. We are a nonpartisan group of women and men who volunteer to register voters, research issues, and host forums, all with the goal of increasing citizen engagement. Vote411.org is a website developed by the League’s Voter Education Fund. It is a user-friendly, one-stop shop for voter registration, checking your registration status, and finding out who and what will be on your ballot based on your address. Dates and polling locations will also be there when early voting starts.
standard of accountability from VA leaders. I expect the Secretary and other VA leaders to come to the table with clear answers as to how these deficiencies keep happening and how they are going to prevent them in the future.”
The Protecting Regular Order (PRO) for Veterans Act requires the VA for the next three years to submit quarterly, in-person budget reports to Congress, fostering greater financial oversight. Certain senior personnel from the VA and Office of Management and Budget would not receive their bonuses in the event of additional financial shortfalls.
Joining Grassley and Sullivan are Sens. Roger Wicker (R-Miss.), Steve Daines (R-Mont.), Tommy Tuberville (R-Ala.), Marsha Blackburn (R-Tenn.), Joni Ernst (R-Iowa), Pete Ricketts (R-Neb.), Ted Budd (R-N.C.), Mike Braun (R-Ind.), Bill Cassidy (R-La.), Marco Rubio (R-Fla.), Lisa Murkowski (R-Alaska) and Thom Tillis (R-N.C.).
Soon, the League will be asking candidates to complete a simple Vote411 questionnaire. It is important to note that while the basic candidate information comes directly from their filing affidavits, the candidates’ positions are in their own words: no editing and no outside opinions. The candidates decide what issues to highlight, and what they believe is important for voters to know. If a candidate does not answer the League’s questionnaire, there will be a blank space. We encourage all candidates to complete this short, simple questionnaire. If a candidate on your ballot hasn’t offered that information, we encourage you to contact them directly.
Vicki Aden LWVJC President Iowa City
Treasurer Smith spreads the word about IAble to support students with disabilities
Office of the State Treasurer
DES MOINES — State Treasurer
Roby Smith explains how IAble, Iowa’s Achieving a Better Life Experience (ABLE) plan, can be another tool in the toolbox for students with disabilities. “From establishing an Individualized Education Program (IEP) to coordinating adaptations with school personnel, many caregivers with a child receiving special education services work yearround to make sure their child has the resources to excel,” said Smith. “IAble makes it easy to save for those resources and beyond.”
IAble accounts are disregarded from Medicaid, Supplemental
Security Income (SSI) and other federal means-tested benefits, and the money saved can be used to pay for Qualified Disability Expenses. For students, this could include a tutor, text-to-speech software, noise-cancelling headphones, audiobooks, a personal listening device and more. “There are endless possibilities when it comes to using an IAble account to support your student,” Smith said. “But don’t forget about using it for students who might be transitioning to adulthood, too. IAble accounts help individuals with disabilities at all stages of life, and saving for longterm goals is also important.”
Additionally, IAble accounts provide tax advantages to maximize
the benefits of saving. There are no annual taxes on the account earnings to provide potential for additional investment growth, there are no federal or state taxes on money withdrawn to pay for Qualified Disability Expenses and any Iowa taxpayer can deduct up to $5,500 in contributions from their income taxes in 2024.
To learn about opening an account on behalf of an eligible student, visit the Who Can Open an Account? page at IAble.gov or call (888) 6098910. Connect with the Treasurer on Facebook, Instagram and X, to stay informed on current events and updates. For additional details, read the IAble Plan Disclosure Booklet at IAble.gov.
Milli Gilbaugh
NEWS FROM THE OFFICE OF SENATOR CHUCK GRASSLEY
Health Department partners with CredibleMind to Launch Mental Health Website
JOHNSON COUNTY
— Johnson County Public Health partners with CredibleMind, an online platform that promotes mental wellness by providing evidence-based resources to improve mental well-being through assessments, personalized steps, and access to 200+ topics for everyone. CredibleMind brings together expertrated and vetted videos, podcasts, apps, online programs, books, and articles all in one easy-to-
use place. Confidential and available 24/7, JCPH wants to provide all community members an opportunity better to understand their mental health at their own pace. This FREE site is set to launch Tuesday, October 1, 2024, through October 2026. Online materials will be available in English and Spanish.
A few examples of topics include:
• Stress Burnout
Anxiety
Depression
Relationships
Mindfulness • Resilience • Coping with Medical Diagnosis
Time Management
Happiness
Sleep
Parenting
Grief and Loss
• Flourishing • Substance Use • Aging
To learn more, visit: healthyjoco.crediblemind.
com
Everyone who creates a free account and completes the Mental Health Check-In assessment within the first two weeks of launching (October 1 – October 15) will be entered into a $100 gift card drawing sponsored by CredibleMind.
To learn more about other health department initiatives visit: healthyjoco.com.
Solon Oktoberfest is this Saturday
An afternoon and evening of fun benefiting the Solon
Solon Economist
SOLON — Oktoberfest is an annual festival originating in Munich, Germany (Bavaria) and traditionally held between mid-tolate September and the first Sunday in October.
Saturday, Sept. 28, Oktoberfest comes to Solon in an afternoon and evening of music, food, games, and beer benefiting the Solon Fire Department.
“It’s something new,” said Solon Firefighter Greg Morris. While the all-volunteer department has held an annual street dance as a fundraiser, this year they were presented with a unique opportunity.
“Jason Buffington (Buff’s GAMEDAY) approached us about partnering up. Every year we have a street dance but this will be something different, it’s more of a music fest.”
Solon’s own Trophy Dads kick off
the entertainment from 12:30-2:30 p.m. followed by Solon’s Mill Creek Band from 3:00-5:00 p.m. Boot Jack Band out of Cedar Rapids takes the stage at 5:30 p.m. (playing until 8:00 p.m.) and local favorite Molly Shannon performs in Buff’s, 8:0011:00 p.m. DJ Curtis will be on-site and cranking out the tunes all day as well.
“The Legion is going to have something after 8:00 p.m.,” said Morris. “The Legion, Buff’s and El Sol are working together to help with food and we’re shutting half of Main Street down. We’re encouraging everyone to bring their favorite lawn chairs and we’ll have some picnic tables out there.”
Buff’s, he added, will be featuring some special Oktoberfest beers and there will be a keg of root beer for the kids (who get in for free). Also, the $10/person is good for entire event with wristbands given out for those who leave and wish to come back later. As a first-time event,
Fire Department
Morris anticipates challenges will arise throughout the day. “We just ask that everybody be patient. We’ll muddle through it together, we’ll make it work, and as people come in…if they have suggestions for us to make it better, let us know.”
Funds from the event will help with the department’s budget, which faced a challenge in the form of an increase in the cost of insurance. Unlike other entities, the fire department cannot raise it’s tax levy. “We’re at a capped dollar amount,” explained Morris. “Insurance has to come out of our annual budget. So, if something comes up between now and June 30 (end of the fiscal year), funds raised through this event may allow us to pay for it (a piece of equipment, for example) instead of having to budget it for next year.”
Morris reiterated appreciation for the community’s generosity toward the fire department.
“Come one, come all, we’ll all be here to have fun.”
Hawks Vs. Cyclones food drive competition
GFWC/Iowa Solon Women’s Club collecting food Saturday, Sept. 28
Eileen Hageman, GFWC/Iowa Solon Women’s Club
We know the Iowa State Cyclones defeated the University of Iowa Hawkeyes earlier this month in a competitive football game. It still stings! Hawk fans, here is an opportunity to beat the Cyclones, proving which team has the most generous fan base. The GFWC/ Iowa Solon Women’s Club will be running a food drive for the Solon Food Pantry, Saturday, September 28. Food and cash donations will be collected at two locations, the Solon Public Library, 9:00 a.m. to 3:00 p.m., and Main Street, 12-8:00
pm, during the Buff’s Oktoberfest community celebration and fundraiser.
Donated items will be tallied to determine the winning team.
Periodic updates will be available during the day via social media and at collection sites. The Solon Women’s Club will donate $100 for each 500 lbs. of food, and $100 for each $500 of cash donations.
Our community food pantry plays an important role in helping to eliminate food insecurity, locally. Per Solon Food Pantry Director, Elaine Claude, the most needed items are:
• Canned soups, regular or chunky
• Canned vegetables except carrots, green beans, or corn
• Canned meats
• Peanut butter and jelly
• Macaroni and cheese, suddenly salad, hamburger, tuna, or chicken helpers
• Ramen noodles
• Toilet paper, paper towels, soaps, and shampoo (Toothpaste and toothbrushes are not needed currently)
Cyclone and Hawk fans, this an event that can help make a difference in our community! Which team will have bragging rights for the next year? We are looking forward to some serious competition. Let’s see how many food bins we can fill!
GFWC, General Federation of Women’s Clubs, is an international organization. International President, Suellen Brazil, has designated September 28th to be a National Day of Service to help eliminate food insecurity. She has challenged each of the 3000 clubs and 60,000 club members to participate in the September 28th Day of Service. This is the 2nd year that our local GFWC Iowa Solon Women’s Club has participated in the event.
Spartans survive late charge by Mustangs
Solon 7 Mount Vernon 6
It was a top-ranked defensive battle. Solon escaped despite last-minute heroics from Mount Vernon.
Top-ranked Solon narrowly defeated No. 3 Mount Vernon 7-6 in a Class 3A non-district high school football showdown during Armed Forces Night Friday, Sept. 20 at Spartan Stadium. The Pregame featured three earpiercing blasts from a canon as soon as the National Anthem concluded.
The Spartans started the game fast with Senior Running Back Eddie Johnson sprinting downhill between the tackles and catching a pass in the flat, resulting in a 45-yard gain. Johnson took it in for a two-yard score just 1:59 into the game.
That wasn’t all they wanted, but it was all they needed, with Johnson giving his defense a seven-point head start. The defense took the field and dictated the rest of the game.
“Resilience. We got a lot of resilient kids here…we bent a lot, but we didn’t break,” said Spartans Head Coach Lucas Stanton. Stanton praised his defense for their efforts on Friday.
The defense forced three interceptions and pitched a shutout for 46 minutes. However, their offense stalled out at that time and couldn’t help them. Solon was forced to punt seven times, with a lost fumble mixed in between.
The game saw little action, as these two rivals knew each other well. Both defenses had their way, limiting the big plays.
Mount Vernon refused to quit and had one last drive
to stay alive. That’s when Mustangs quarterback Kellen Haverback found Watson Krob, who leaped over the defender to haul in the pass and take it for a 65-yard touchdown with 1:53 to go in the 4th.
Mount Vernon’s Head Coach, Brad Meester, immediately threw up two fingers. Meester wanted to steal a victory right then and there. The Mustangs drew up a roll-out right for Haverback, who found senior Cole Thurn in the back of the endzone; refs called him out of bounds.
A failed onside kick allowed Solon to get into victory formation. Quarterback Ty Bell had the honor of kneeling out the clock.
“This was a playoff atmosphere,” said Stanton, who mentioned that the bleachers returned to life as the Mustang offense returned to the field to try the two-point conversion.
The defense was led by Maddox Kelley, a sophomore defensive back, and wide receiver with two of the team’s three interceptions.
“I hoped he threw my way,” said Kelley, who recognized the familiar motion, cheated to the outside, and broke on the ball as soon as it was thrown, ultimately jumping the corner route for the takeaway midway through the 3rd.
Maddox also found himself at the right place at the right time as Haverback’s pass was ping-ponged off two Mustangs and one Spartan, then fell right into Kelley Lap. This ended one of the only chances the Mustangs had to score, as Kelley got the red zone interception with under two minutes to go in the first half.
“We’re a young team; they should feel really proud of themselves,” Stanton said. Stanton ended the game by expressing gratitude for his players. However, he made it clear that Friday’s game wasn’t perfect, and there’s plenty of film to go over. Their schedule doesn’t get any easier, especially with number 10-ranked Grinnell (4-0) coming to Solon this week for Homecoming and to start district play.
The night opens at 5:00 p.m. with the JV game followed at 7:30 p.m. by the varsity.
The Spartans travel to Benton Community Friday, October 4.
Stats Summary
Ty Bell completed 17/17 passes for 98 yards.
Eddie Johnson rushed 109 yards on 23 carries with one touchdown, a two-yard dash. Cole Carney made three carries for 16 yards.
Johnson took two passes 53 yards, Karsyn Regennitter took six passes for 26 yards, Cody Milliman had an eightyard reception, and Owen Einwalter took two for six yards.
Kyler Jensen led the defense with six solo tackles, Maddox Kelley had four, Milliman, Owen Grimm, and Colby Myers had three each with two solos by Eli Kampman, Tripp Johnson, and Lucas Feuerbach. Regennitter,
The perfect shot
Joel Kellar
Solon Economist joel-kellar@uiowa.edu
CEDAR RAPIDS — The only sound is the buzz of cicadas in the shooting range. Everything drops to a silent stillness with the range waiting in anticipation. A shotgun sits rested on Alannah Mahoney’s shoulder, meticulously aimed toward the trap house. All it takes is Mahoney to say one word to end the still picture – a trap house sitting in front of a small forest at Otter Creek Sportsman Club in the outskirts of Cedar Rapids. “Pull.”
The trap shoots out a clay pigeon – the target for Mahoney. She tracks the target with her eyes. Peering through her glasses, her cheek resting against the laminated wood that makes up the cheek piece. Her index finger traces the trigger as she steadily tracks the pigeon gliding through the air at 42 mph.
She uses her aiming beads to line the shotgun up with the pigeon. A process completed
up a pass intended for Mount Vernon’s Watson Krob (1) this past Friday at home on Armed Forces Night. The Spartans held off their archrivals for a 7-6 win to remain undefeated at 4-0 on the season ahead of the start of district play this week. Left: Eddie Johnson (10) fights off Mount Vernon’s Leule Korte (55) as he sprints toward the endzone this past Friday at home as the Spartans and Mustangs tangled in the annual rivalry game. Johnson scored Solon’s only touchdown in a 7-6 win that kept the Spartans perfect at 4-0 on the season.
Carney, Oliver Owens, Teague Williams, Grant Wilson, Jackson Feuerbach, and Dylan Branscomb were each credited with one solo tackle.
Kelley returned two interceptions for four yards with Einwalter returning one 24 yards.
Kelley had a 29-yard kick return as well.
in mere milliseconds.
Mahoney squeezes the trigger and a “bang” rings through the air.
The recoil of the gun shoves the stock into Mahoney’s shoulder. Mahoney’s intense focus on the target now changes to anticipation of the clay pigeon breaking.
“I just think about staying smooth and focused,” said Mahoney, “I try to trust myself since I’ve done this thousands of times.”
300 BBs fly in line with the clay pigeon, find their target and the clay pigeon floating in the air splits into three pieces. Each piece glides, spinning down to the ground in a separate direction.
Mahoney lowers her gun. She unloads the empty shell and places her barrel on the magnetic cover. She turns around with a smile and sense of accomplishment. Mahoney just hit her 50th pigeon in a row, a new personal best.
Though Mahoney had never done that before, she never wavered in her routine and focused on a reset between each shot.
"I just try to start fresh each time. Past is in the past you know,” said Mahoney, “When I’m trying to focus, I like to repeat the same thing and make it instinctual.”
In the fall offseason for the Solons trapshooting team, the athletes are getting essential practice to be successful in the upcoming year. They practice every Tuesday for two hours. The practices imitate the trap shooting meets the team will compete in this spring. Each athlete shoots multiple rounds of 25 shots and rotate shooting positions every five shots.
One of the most important topics during each practice is safety. The athletes take many safety precautions when shooting trap. They use a magnet to cover the muzzle of the gun when moving with the gun. Each athlete has eye protection and ear plugs they must wear while shooting. They also discuss the safety of handling a gun and never load the gun unless they are set up to shoot.
SOLON —
Photos by Chris Umscheid | Solon Economist Above: Eli Kampman (7) attempts to break
Kyle T. Prondzinki For the Solon Economist
“The only sport safer is billiards,” said Eric Bilskie, the head coach of the Solon trapshooting team.
Many of the athletes come from a leisure activity enjoyed by many in Iowa: hunting. The experience shooting a gun while hunting makes it a bit easier for the athletes to begin competing in trap. It is not the same as hunting deer and turkey but has similarities to hunting duck.
The season begins in the spring and ends at the beginning of June. Solon’s team has practices every Tuesday in the fall to keep the shooters fresh throughout the offseason.
The sport is very friendly to beginners. In the beginning of the spring season the team hosts two practices strictly for beginners. They teach the safety rules and the basics of shooting the gun safely and accurately. This provides a smooth entry to the team for anyone who wants to be on the team that has never shot a gun before.
Competing in the sport is the same as joining a community. The meets provide ample time to talk with teammates, other athletes, and their coaches. The community aspect of the sport makes the waiting in between shooting light-hearted and takes the pressure off from the intensity of the next box to shoot.
“The best part is the team and the stuff we come up with to do at meets to pass time,” said junior athlete Allen Shima.
Hoeper smokes the field in 200 IM and 500 Freestyle but CR Wash tops City High
Warriors 98, Little Hawks 88 in girls swimming
Chris Umscheid Solon Economist chris.umscheid@soloneconomist.com
CEDAR RAPIDS — City High’s Little Hawks dipped to 2-1 on the season after dropping a dual meet 98-88 (varsity) last Tuesday (Sept. 17) at Cedar Rapids Washington.
Solon’s Grace Hoeper, Madelyn Elkins, and Nora Bumsted added to City’s point totals with Hoeper winning the varsity 200-yard Individual Medley in 2:10.83, beating the automatic state meet qualifying standard of 2:12.38 and 21 seconds ahead of second place finisher Lily Belle Barker (CR Wash). Hoeper also smoked the field in the 500-yard freestyle with a winning time of 5:11.43, beating the qualifying standard of 5:18.88 and 51 seconds ahead
of Wash’s Lillian Buresh (second place). She anchored the winning 200-yard freestyle relay (1:45.16) with Louisa Berry-Stoelzle, Elkins, and Elsa Farber and swam the third leg of the 200 medley relay (1:59.78) with Celeste Miller, Saoirse Miller, and BerryStoelzle.
Elkins led off for the winning varsity 400yard freestyle relay (4:08.42) with Farber, Celeste Miller, and Saoirse Miller, finished sixth in the varsity 200 IM (2:47.28), and was fourth in the varsity 100-freestyle (1:02.59).
Bumsted added to the Junior Varsity’s 90-38 win over the Warriors with a third place finish (1:56.13) in the 100-breaststroke and led off the fourth-place JV 200-freestyle relay (2:27.37) with Shaona Emmanuel, Betsy Gavin, and Malorie James, and took third in the 100-breastroke in 1:56.13.
Tuesday, Sept. 17. Mahoney hit 50 consecutive targets for the first time
Madelyn Elkins finished sixth in the varsity 200 IM (2:47.28) and was fourth in the varsity 100-freestyle (1:02.59) last Tuesday at Cedar Rapids Washington. She also led off for the winning varsity 400-yard freestyle relay (4:08.42).
won the varsity 200-yard IM and the 500-yard Freestyle events last Tuesday at Cedar Rapids Washington High School, easily out-pacing the field and besting the state qualifying times in both.
Upcoming Events
Saturday, Sept. 28 - CR Kennedy tournament, 9:00 a.m. Tuesday, October 1 - AT Iowa City West (Coralville Rec. Center), 6:00 p.m.
Tuesday, October 8 – HOME vs. Cedar Falls, 6:00 p.m.
Thursday, October 24 – MVC Diving Championship (Mercer Park), 5:00 p.m.
Saturday, October 26 – MVC Swimming Championship (Mercer Park), 12:00 p.m.
Lady Spartans win, Spartans
Joel Kellar Solon Economist joel-kellar@uiowa.edu
SOLON — At the beginning of the season, Solon cross country coach Emy Williams’ key to a great season was strong leadership for the talented underclassmen. Senior runner Sydney Dee has done just that to help power the Lady Spartans to their fourth team win this season at the Solon Invitational Monday evening at the SRNA.
The cool weather and mostly flat course gave
the runners prime conditions to run fast times and compete against the second-ranked team in the state, Mount Vernon-Lisbon. It was a perfect opportunity to show that the Lady Spartans may be a young team, but they are talented and are anchored by great leadership.
“Those freshmen are just listening to what the leaders are telling them to do, and they just come up and are not afraid,” said Williams.
The girls are yet to back down to any challenge, with MV-L being the latest casualty. The Lady
Photos by Chris Umscheid | Solon Economist
Solon senior Grace Hoeper
Jonah Frey | For the Solon Economist Sydney Dee battles her way to a 4th overall finish in the Women's Varsity race Monday in Solon’s home invitational meet.
Photos by Joel Kellar | Solon Economist
Above: Allen Shima (left) and Kacey Craig (right) set up for their shots during trapshooting practice.
Left: Alannah Mahoney takes aim at the clay pigeon during practice
in her career during the session.
Spartans won the meet by nine points with a score of 49. The meet featured seven teams, but Solon and MV-L broke away from the rest of the crowd to have a tightly contested battle.
Dee led the Lady Spartans running 19:34 en route to a fourth-place finish. Dee dropped nearly a minute from her time the last time out as she took advantage of the opportunity to run on the quick, home course. It was Dee’s second consecutive time placing in the top five as she continues to improve while playing the role as the leader and hammer for the young team.
“She has some really big goals this season, so as a senior, she is just going to get after them,” said Williams.
For Dee to lead this team to a podiumfinish at the state meet in October, she will need the underclassmen to continue to live up to the hype. Three of the other four scorers for Solon were freshmen, mixing in a sophomore to round out the winning squad.
Livya Nelson and Kinley Mai ran together for the entirety of the meet. They were never more than ten yards apart, basically attached to the hip for the majority of the race. The two freshmen were able to use each other to stride into top ten finishes. Nelson placed eighth running 20:15 and Mai placed ninth
running 20:18.
“We talk about running right by our teammate so we can help each other,” said Williams, “I think [Mai] has taken that to heart.”
Mai and Nelson gave Solon a chance to win, but it was Falyn Svalstad and Addison Seamans who hammered the Lady Spartans home. The two runners put distance between MV-L’s fourth and fifth runners. Both were able to finish before the Mustangs’ fourth runner as Svalstad placed 13th and Seamans placed 16th.
The boys' team were not able to replicate the girls’ success, but they still put on a solid performance in front of the home crowd. The Spartans placed fourth and were only 11 points away from a podium finish.
Two of the top-five scorers were freshman, including the top scorer for Solon, Anders Holmes. The youth provided a spark for the team while Spencer Michels had to miss the meet due to an injury and may not be able to return for the rest of the season.
Holmes placed 13th with a 17:45 while running in his first high school home meet. Senior Evan Burg was not far behind as he rolled into the finish in 19th place. The two were shortly joined across the finish line by junior Rene Meza in 24th and freshman Preston Raasch in 30th.
The final three runners on varsity all finished within 16 seconds of each other.
Max Ferin scores second for Solon Men's JV, helping the Spartans to third place.
Junior Camden Lyons placed 39th, freshman Deacon Waddel placed 40th, and junior Owen Young placed 42nd. The team is still working out a few kinks while trying to find runners to step up in Michel’s absence, but the strong finish at the Spartan Invitational was a step in the right direction.
“We’re seeing some great things where other runners are stepping up into roles and being good role models and leaders for us,” said Williams, “I think we’re really going to need that and continue to do that throughout the rest of the season.”
Both JV squads placed on the podium. The girls’ team placed second with three top ten finishers: freshman Quinn Armentrout, senior Aly Stahle, and freshman Kenley Murken.
The boys' team placed third with junior Charlie Pettit placing ninth as the only Spartan in the top ten.
The middle school teams won both of their respective races. The girls placed four runners in the top ten: Mailee Schmidt in second, Nora Sanderson in sixth, Kali Poe in ninth, and Stella Beck in tenth. The boys placed their four scoring runners in the top eight on the path to victory. Macklin Svalstad won the meet for the Spartans. He was followed by Brooks Kabela in fourth, Jaimyn Lang in seventh, and Declan Doyle in eighth. The cross country teams race next at Anamosa Middle School on Saturday, Sept. 28.
MS Girls 2-Mile Team Scores – 1, Solon, 27. 2, Drexler, 45. 3, Williamsburg, 47. 4, CR Prairie, 53. 5, Mount Vernon, 73. 6, Regina Catholic, 115. 7, Central DeWitt, 116. Individual – 2, Mailee Schmidt, 12:34.0. 6, Nora Sanderson, 13:26.3. 9, Kali Poe, 13:42.1. 10, Stella Beck, 13:45.2. 15, Katherine Rolwes, 14:20.3. 19, Keatyn Schnoor, 14:42.3. 31, Evelyn Osgood, 15:12.9. 34, Kennedy Dennison, 15:19.4. 37, Chloe Madura, 15:21.4. 44, Raelynn Hamer, 15:41.7. 45, Elynn Hemann, 15:45.7. 55, Hannah Thomsen, 16:03.3. 56, Thea Bonnema, 16:05.9. 64, Alli Kallaus, 16:40.4. 66, Isabelle Walter, 16:46.3. 73, Lila Kleinmeyer, 17:43.4. 88, Natalie Macke, 20:47.8. 95, Maya Lord, 22:34.4. MS Boys 2-Mile Team Scores – 1, Solon, 20. 2, Williamsburg, 34. 3, CR Prairie, 62. 4, Regina Catholic (IC), 80. 5, Central DeWitt, 84. 6, Mount Vernon, 87. 7, Drexler, 116. 8, North Linn, 143. Individual – 1, Macklin Svalstad, 10:43.5. 4, Brooks Kabela, 11:29.2. 7, Jaimyn Lang, 11:47.1. 8, Declan Doyle, 12:00.2. 11, Drew Clark, 12:10.3. 23, Boden Laing, 13:16.4. 26, James Dooley, 13:22.2. 31, Layne Harden, 13:27.4. 32, Sam Ekroth, 13:29.3. 40, Jeremiah Bartlett, 13:33.9. 70, Kale Applegarth, 14:52.8. 84, Charles Ferin, 15:20.5. 85, Asher Sutton, 15:28.2. 89, Sawyer Gerlits, 15:43.5. 90, Grant Gleason, 15:44.1.
Varsity Girls 5K Team Scores – 1, Solon, 49. Mount Vernon-Lisbon, 58. 3, Tipton, 86. 4, Williamsburg, 87. 5, Clinton, 114. 6, Xavier Catholic (CR), 130. 7, Davenport North, 210. Individual – 3, Sydney Dee, 19:34.6. 8, Livya Nelson, 20:15.5. 9, Kinley Mai, 20:18.6. 13, Falyn Svalstad, 20:29.6. 16, Addison Seamans, 20:48.9. 23, Ella Sheeley, 21:33.3. 24, Rose McAtee, 21:40.1. Varsity Boys 5K
Team Scores – 1, Mount Vernon-Lisbon, 43. 2, Tipton, 67.
3, Xavier Catholic, 111. 4, Solon, 122. 5, Williamsburg, 123. 6, Springville, 124. 7, Davenport North, 133. 8, West Liberty, 197. 9, Clinton, 210. Individual – 13, Anders Holmes, 17:45.2. 19, Evan Burg, 18:12.1. 24, Rene Meza, 18:23.7. 30, Preston Raasch, 18:40.7. 39, Camden Lyons, 19:01.3. 40, Deacon Waddell, 19:11.4. 42, Owen Young, 19:16.8. JV Girls 5K Team Scores – 1, Mount Vernon-Lisbon, 21. 2, Solon, 42. 3, Xavier Catholic, 109. 5, Clinton, 142. Individual – 5, Quinn Armentrout, 22:17.4. 6, Aly Stahle, 22:17.7. 8, Kenley Murken, 22:32.1. 11, Mya Fordice, 22:58.8. 14, Jillian Jansen, 23:32.8. 15, Madelyn McCandless, 23:33.6. 16, Beckitt Kabela, 23:35.1. 18, Avery Johnson, 23:52.2. 20, Joli Sinnwell, 24:04.6. 24, Layla Shipley, 24:31.2. 26, Marin Ashbacker, 24:48.6. 27, Kayanna Schmidt, 24:58.3. 29, Sydney Kunkel, 25:05.6. 33, Piper Stahle, 25:18.4. 35, Sophia Miles, 25:23.0. 37, Kailee Miller, 25:26.4. 38, Olivia Bonnema, 25:26.5. 41, Kendall Werner, 25:46.7. 42, Piper Barnhouse, 25:47.4. 43, Lucy Miller, 25:51.9. 44, Vivi Schmooke, 25:56.4. 47, Caidence Macke, 25:59.7. 49, Zoey Grimm, 26:30.2. 51, Miranda Simison, 26:40.5. 55, Ellie Durr, 26:46.6. 71, Violet Houtakker, 29:01.0. JV Boys 5K Team Scores – 1, Mount Vernon-Lisbon, 15. 2, Williamsburg, 69. 3, Solon, 81. 4, Tipton, 138. 5, Xavier Catholic, 141, 6, Davenport North, 149. 7, Clinton, 152. 8, West Liberty, 225. Individual – 9, Charlie Pettit, 19:38.2. 14, Max Ferin, 19:57.8. 17, Caden Mai, 20:16.0. 19, Braydon Baker, 20:29.9. 29, Ethan Ressler, 21:14.7. 30, Ben Yeomans, 21:15.7. 42, Harber Viet, 21:58.4. 47, Will McAtee, 22:36.0. 48, Beck Lary, 22:40.8. 49, Clayton Cooney, 22:49.4. 53, Jason Calef, 23:31.7. 57, Owen Rekers, 23:44.5. 61, Lochlan Gatts, 24:48.5. 63, Bennjamin Fetzer, 25:17.0. 69, Evan Gleason, 26:01.4. 79, Ian Stranberg, 29:22.6. 82, Porter Ball, 33:16.6.
Freshmen runners lead Solon to team titles in Independence
Special to the Solon Economist
INDEPENDENCE — Solon’s boys and girls teams won titles in Independence Thursday, September 19 in less than ideal running conditions. With veterans Spencer Michaels and Evan Burg out with injuries and a host of Spartans feeling under the weather, the teams battled hot and windy conditions with several freshman stepping up with solid races. Both teams put all five scoring runners in the event’s top-11. Senior Sydney Dee led the Class 3A third-ranked girls with a runner up finish in 20:33. Freshmen Kinley Mai, Livya Nelson and Addison Seamans also scored placing 6th, 10th and 11th. Sophomore Falyn Svalstad was Solon’s third runner and placed 9th. Dee was pleased with her team’s effort nosing out #5 Clear Creek Amana. “We know every place matters when we run
against Clear Creek, it’s always going to be super close.” When asked about Monday’s home meet, Dee said the Spartans have a surprise for another WaMaC rival, 2nd ranked Mount Vernon. “I’m excited to run against Mt. Vernon. I want them to see our new freshmen and know we can beat them.”
Freshman Anders Holmes led the boys effort, clocking 18:37 and finishing 4th. Holmes was joined by fellow freshmen Preston Raasch and Deacon Waddell placing 7th and 11th. Juniors Rena Meza and Camden Lyons continued their solid seasons placing 5th and 6th.
When asked on his newfound #1 runner status for the Spartans, Holmes remarked,” I hope it’s only temporary, I hope Spencer (Michaels) gets better soon.” Holmes added he personally is looking down the road at some big goals for a freshman runner. “I’m hoping to make state and break 17 minutes”.
The Spartans hosted their home meet Monday September 23. They continue their season on Saturday in Anamosa.
Varsity Girls – 2, Sydney Dee, 20:33.86. 6, Kinley Mai, 21:29.05. 9, Falyn Svalstad, 21:34.06. 10, Livya Nelson, 21:55.97. 11, Addison Seamans, 22:26.99. 17, Ella Sheeley, 23:07.03. Team Scores – 1, Solon, 38. 2, Clear Creek Amana, 41. 3, Iowa Falls-Alden, 95. 4, Waverly-Shell Rock, 101. 5, Union LaPorte City, 106. 6, North Fayette Valley, 152. 7, Independence, 179. JV Girls – 1, Rose McAtee, 23:12.70. 2, Kenley Murken, 23:21.95. 3, Quinn Armentrout, 23:21.98. 4, Aly Stahle, 23:26.31. 5, Mya Fordice, 24:36.57. 6, Joli Sinnwell, 24:45.96. 9, Beckitt Kabela, 25:23.91. 11, Jillian Jansen, 25:50.62. 12, Lucy Miller, 25:53.12. 16, Madelyn McCandless, 26:10.89. 17, Avery Johnson, 26:18.89, 19, Sydney Kunkel, 26:57.52. 21, Piper Barnhouse, 27:23.27. 23, Kailee Miller, 27:33.32. 27, Marin Ashbacker, 27:53.42. 28, Sophia Miles, 28:06.32. 30, Piper Stahle, 28:13.80. 35, Kendall Werner, 29:04.84. 36, Kayanna Schmidt, 29:08.45. 39, Miranda Simison, 29:26.57. 49, Caidence Macke, 33:17.40. 50, Violet Houtakker, 35:09.52.
Team Scores – 1, Solon, 15. 2, Clear Creek Amana, 61. 3, Waverly-Shell Rock, 66. 4, Iowa Falls-Alden, 100. Varsity Boys – 4, Anders Holmes, 18:37.42. 5, Rene Meza, 19:06.51. 6, Camden Lyons, 19:16.14. 7, Preston Raasch, 19:16.94. 11, Deacon Waddell, 19:47.22. Team Scores – 1, Solon, 33. 2, Waverly-Shell Rock, 39. 3, North Fayette Valley, 81. 4, Union LaPorte City, 97. 5, Independence, 100. JV Boys – 5, Owen Young, 19:52.51. 8, Max Ferin, 20:21.69. 12, Caiden Mai, 20:51.33. 16, Charlie Pettit, 21:52.92. 17, Braydon Baker, 22:05.79. 29, Ben Yeomans, 23:12.81. 30, Evzen Meza, 23:15.33. 32, Will McAtee, 23:58.98. 37, Clayton Cooney, 24:14.59. 39, Beck Lary, 24:23.81. 41, Jason Calef, 25:00.62. 43, Ethan Ressler, 25:09.59. 44, Harber Viet, 25:11.75. 51, Own Rekers, 26:37.08. 54, Evan Gleason, 28:30.22. 55, Lochlan Gatts, 28:36.27. 58, Benjamin Fetzer, 31:28.17. 59, Porter Ball, 39:02.26. Team Scores – 1, Clear Creek Amana, 16. 2, Solon, 49. 3, Waverly-Shell Rock, 74. 4, Edgewood-Colesburg, 119. 5, North Fayette Valley, 132.
Mike Kabela
Editor’s note: We greatly appreciate Mike Kabela’s (and Joe Wilkinson’s too) help with cross country coverage this season!
Camden Lyons finishes strong to score for the Spartans in the Men's Varsity race.
Photos by Jonah Frey | For the Solon Economist
Quinn Armentrout on her way to a 5th place finish in the Women's JV race.
Stormin’ Pointers chew on Lady Spartans
Solon Economist
CENTER POINT — The varsity Lady Spartans dipped to 13-6 after falling 3-1 to Center Point-Urbana (CPU) last Tuesday (Sept. 17) in Center Point. CPU entered the contest ranked tenth in Class 3A by the Iowa Girls High School Athletic Union while Solon was 11th.
Solon took the first set 25-21 but fell 25-11 and 25-23 before nearly forcing a fifth set with a 28-26 loss in the fourth. CPU’s Addy Tupa, a senior, led all with 16 kills, backed up by Pointer sophomore Brynley Havel’s 13. Senior Yasmine Sell led Solon with nine kills, junior Kiley Devery put up eight, senior Adelyn Miller made seven, senior Grace Erwin had six, junior Jozie Lahr produced three with two from junior Gable Knight. Erwin led all
HOMECOMING COURT
defensively with four solo blocks and six assists. Junior Kennedey Whitford and freshman Charleigh Whitford had an ace serve apiece. CPU improved to 9-5.
Positive movement in IGHSAU rankings
Solon moved up one spot to tenth in 3A in last week’s weekly rankings. Mount Vernon remained in the No. 1 spot while Wahlert Catholic (Dubuque) held onto the No. 2 spot. CPU moved up one spot to No. 9.
Solon splits at Clinton tourney
Solon 2, Central DeWitt 0 (21-5, 21-18)
Wilton 2, Solon 0 (20-25, 25-15)
Upcoming Events
Tuesday, October 1 – AT West Delaware HS. Freshmen/Sophs-5:00 p.m., JV-6:00 p.m., Varsity 7:30 p.m.
Saturday, October 6 – Union HS varsity invitational, LaPorte City. 9:00 a.m.
Tuesday, October 8 – HOME vs. Independence (SENIOR NIGHT). Freshmen/Sophs-5:00
Rucking through Solon for vets
2nd annual 2.2-mile walk spotlights veterans in distress
Chris Umscheid Solon Economist chris.umscheid@soloneconomist.com
SOLON — The second annual Ruck 22 walk to raise awareness of veteran suicide, estimated by some at 22 per day, was held Saturday morning. Organizer Doug “Doc” Thompson, Chaplain for the Solon American Legion Stinocher Post 460 and a Navy corpsman (combat medic) assigned to the Fleet Marine Force in Vietnam, knows all too well the demons that can torment veterans. The 2.2-mile walk honored veterans while recognizing their struggles through symbolism such as the distance, the $22 entry fee, $22 commemorative shirts, and some participants (such as Thompson) wearing either a 22-pound vest or a 22-pound backpack.
Proceeds from the event, which worked it’s way from the Legion, through Solon, and back to the Legion with approximately 90 participants, went to Iowa Veterans Outdoor Experience (IVOE), a Solon-based all-volunteer organization dedicated to providing hunting and fishing expeditions for veterans. To date the organization has directly impacted at least 19 veterans who were actively contemplating suicide.
Some walkers, such as Army veteran and retired Iowa City and Solon firefighter Denny Hansen, were sponsored with the Solon Firefighters Benevolent Association donating $200 in Hansen’s name.
For more information on IVOE and their mission of supporting veterans call 319-631-0334 or go to www.iowaveteransoutdoorexperience.com. IVOE is also on Facebook at www.facebook.com/ IowaVeteransOutdoorExperience, which includes a link to make a donation.
Help is available 24/7 for veterans in crisis or concerned loved ones through the Veterans Crisis Line. Dial 988 then press 1 or text 838255 or chat online at www. veteranscrisisline.net.
Thompson summed up the event’s ultimate goal saying, “We want to save lives.”
Above: Participants in the second annual Ruck 22 walk proceed down Main Street Saturday morning. The 2.2mile walk (“ruck”) raised funds for Iowa Veterans Outdoor Experience, an all-volunteer organization that provides hunting and fishing trips for veterans, while also raising awareness of the epidemic of veteran suicide, estimated at 22 per day. Below: Participants in the second annual Ruck 22 walk form up outside the Solon American Legion Stinocher Post 460 Saturday morning. Left: Participants in the second annual Ruck 22 walk along W. Elm St. past the American Legion Field Saturday morning.
Photos by Chris Umscheid | Solon Economist
Left: Scott Storck looks on as Doug “Doc” Thompson (at right) speaks about the challenges, and personal demons, faced by veterans during a pre-walk briefing Saturday morning for participants in the second annual Ruck 22 two-mile walk Saturday morning. Some participants wore a 22-pound vest (such as Thompson) while others wore 22 pounds in a backpack to symbolize the veterans.
SOLON SENIORS
DINING •••••••••••••••••••••
Home Deliveries
Monday, Wednesday and Friday. Call 319-6242251 for information.
In-House Dining
Solon Methodist Church, Wednesdays only at 11:30 a.m. Meals cost $5.00, call 319-624-2251 for reservations (required) Monday between 10-11:00 a.m.
Bingo – Wednesdays AM/PM
Cards – Wednesdays PM
CALENDAR & PUZZLES
SEPTEMBER MENU
Friday, Sept. 27
Shrimp & Chips
Broccoli w/Cheese Cornbread Fresh Fruit
Monday, Sept. 30
Fried Chicken Mashed Potatoes Carrots
Strawberry Rhubarb Snickerdoodle Crunch
Thank you Solon Senior Dining volunteers!
“Volunteers do not necessarily have the time, they just have the heart.”
The Solon Community School District is an equal opportunity provider.
Menus will vary to accommodate the Federal Nutrition Guidelines. Please understand that menus are subject to change as needed. Please check your lunch account balances, purchases, and deposits online at solon. total.k12.com.
Nutrition office: 319-624-3401, Ext. 1120 or bwest@solon.k12.ia.us.
Student breakfast is FREE again this year
The Solon Community School District (SCSD) is once again able to offer free breakfast to students for the academic year.
Becky West, Nutrition Director, explained the Nutritional Department’s financial situation, based on standard practice and guidance from the state, makes it possible to offer this important service to the students.
“I believe that eating breakfast fuels the kids and teaches them how to eat a healthy breakfast to start your day,” said West.
Adult/Guest breakfast: $1.75
For information on the free and reduced program, and an application, go to www.solon.
k12.ia.us/page/nutritionprogram and scroll down to Nutrition Documents & Links.
STUDENT LUNCH PRICES
High School - $2.70
Middle School - $2.60
SIS/Lakeview - $2.55
Reduced - $.40
Adult/Guest lunch: $4.70
Thursday, Sept. 26
MS/HS Alt: Mini Corn Dogs
Chicken Alfredo & Noodles
Mixed Vegetables, Jicama Sticks
Garlic Toast Banana
Friday, Sept. 27
MS/HS Alt: Cook’s Delight
Potato Bar, Bright Broccoli Cheese Sauce, Diced Ham
Garlic Knott (SIS/MS/HS)
Mandarin Oranges Gold Fish Crackers
Thursday, Sept. 26
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. 27
Mini CC French Toast (LV/SIS)
G&G Bag (LV) Mini Donut
Breakfast Pizza or Cinnamon Doughnuts
Fruit, Juice, Crackers & Milk
Monday, Sept. 30
Breakfast Pizza (LV/SIS)
G&G (LV) Oatmeal Bar
Sausage & Gravy over Biscuit, Frudel
Fruit, Juice, Crackers & Milk
Tuesday, October 1
Parfait (LV/SIS) G&G Bag (LV)
Snack bread
French Toast Bake
Waffles & Sausage Patty
Fruit, Juice
Crackers & Milk
Wednesday, October 2
Cream Cheese Bagel (LV/SIS)
G&G Bag (LV) Nutri Grain Bar
Breakfast Pizza or Cinnamon Doughnuts
Fruit, Juice
— Elizabeth Andrew
Crackers & Milk
Thursday, October 3
Mini Pancakes (LV/SIS)
G&G Bag (LV) Strawberry Boli
Muffin Top, Mini Pancakes & Sausage Links
Fruit, Juice Crackers & Milk
Friday, October 4
Long John (LV/SIS)
G&G Bag (LV) Donut
Potatoes & Egg Boat or Long
John
Fruit, Juice Crackers & Milk
Monday, October 7
Breakfast Pizza (LV/SIS)
G&G Bag (LV) Oatmeal Bar
Sausage & Gravy over Biscuit, Frudel
Fruit, Juice Crackers & Milk
Tuesday, October 8
Pumpkin/Banana Bread (LV/ SIS)
G&G Bag (LV) Pump/Banana Bread
Egg Breakfast Bake, Dutch Waffle & Bacon
Fruit, Juice Crackers & Milk
Monday, Sept. 30
MS/HS Alt: Chicken Fillet Sandwich Corn Dog Green Beans
Crunchy Carrots
Crisp Apple Slices, Cheetos, Pears (HS)
Tuesday, October 1
MS/HS Alt: Chicken Tenders
French Toast Sticks, Syrup, Egg & Cheese Omelet
Hash Browns
Cucumbers Strawberries & Bananas
Wednesday, October 2
MS/HS Alt: Bacon
Cheeseburger
Stuffed Crust Cheese Pizza
Sweet Corn, Crisp Broccoli Ranch (MS/HS)
Orange Slices, Ranger Cookie, Peaches (MS/HS)
Thursday, October 3
MS/HS Alt: Taco Bake
Nacho Supreme with Fixings
Refried Beans, Bosco Stick Kiwi, Mixed Fruit (MS/HS) Salsa
Edited by Will Shortz
Across
1 Confident claim
5 Tootsie treat?
9 Enclosed rhyme scheme
13 Stone measure
15 Modern-day home of Persepolis
16 Godsend
17 MEDALS
19 “Cheers” bartender Woody
20 Crafty inits.
21 Baseball pitcher’s feat, informally
22 Irritated
23 They work through a lot of baggage, for short
24 GOBI DESERT
27 Quite some time
29 Source of the Golden Fleece
30 What doesn’t look the best naked?
31 Choir section
33 Not so loud
36 “SAY WHAT?”
40 Acting unconsciously
41 Prevailing spirit
43 Game piece in Mastermind
46 Legislative subject of the 2020 miniseries “Mrs. America,” for short
47 Spain’s longest river
48 NEOLITH
54 “Scientia potentia ___” (“Knowledge is power”)
55 Lassie’s owner on old TV
Friday, October 4
MS/HS Alt: Cook’s Delight Pork Tenderloin Sandwich Ranch Potato Wedges
Grape Tomatoes
Peaches, Sunflower Seeds (HS)
Monday, October 7
MS/HS Alt: Crispito Mozzarella Cheese Sticks, Marinara Garlic Knot, Steamed Cauliflower (MS/HS)
Fava Crisps
Tossed Salad & Ranch
Cantaloupe, Choodle Cookie
Tuesday, October 8
MS/HS Alt: Pizza Crunchers Popcorn Chicken, Mashed
Potatoes
Sweet Corn, Gravy, Broccoli
Fruit Salad
Strawberry Yogurt (MS/HS), Dinner Roll (MS/HS)
Wednesday, October 9
MS/HS Alt: Max Sticks
Goulash
Dinner Roll (SIS/MS/HS), Green Beans & Celery Sticks
Banana Chex Snack Mix (HS)
56 Premier couple’s retreat?
57 Furtive laugh
58 Troll’s lookalike
59 RUMMY
62 Land that split from Zanzibar in 1861
63 Medicinal form
64 Word with screen or space
65 Self images?
66 Sleep restlessly
67 Something passed down the line
Down
1 Cold beverage popularized at the 1904 World’s Fair in St. Louis
2 Sleeveless top
3 Small marching band?
4 Vote in opposition
5 Word that can precede or follow “player”
6 Flynn of Hollywood’s Golden Age
7 41, to 43
8 Popular crowd
9 Top of the order?
10 Foot warmer
11 Young male lover, informally
12 Foul shot following a basket, in hoops lingo
14 Blue reef fish
18 Heartache
22 Reproductive cell
25 Lover of Euridice, in opera
26 Scratching post scratchers
28 Middle-of-the-road
32 With a clear head
33 Zippo
34 Sound asleep
35 Formal ceremony
37 About 2 1/2 pints of beer
38 Catchphrase for moviedom’s “International Man of Mystery”
39 Vikings, e.g.
42 “That’ll show ya!”
43 Buns
44 Tough nut to crack
45 Fitness fanatic, in slang
49 What seers read
50 University of North Carolina team, to fans
51 Pastoral poems
52 Keanu Reeves role
53 Stampeders in “The Lion King”
59 Spot-on
60 Birthplace of bossa nova
61 Joke
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.
Armed Forces Night student spirt
Solon High School’s student section reacts to a favorable call on the field as the varsity Spartans tangle with archrival Mount Vernon this past Friday on Armed Forces Night. The students, who dress according to a particular theme for each home football game, donned red, white, and blue attire showing their patriotic spirt.
Photos by Chris Umscheid | Solon Economist
Left: Adam Hopp, Commander, Solon American Legion Stinocher Post 460, talks with Maj. John Proe as the pregame Armed Forces Night ceremonies conclude Friday. Maj. Proe was honored as the Veteran of the Game and was escorted by his wife BJ.
Below: Noah Stanton, son of Coach Lucas Stanton, joined with the sophomore football team in carrying a 35’ long American Flag (on loan from the Cedar Rapids Fire Department) for the pregame ceremonies Friday on Armed Forces Night.
Above: Private First Class Evzen Meza, Private Logan Rudish, and Jake Grimm were recognized with Major John Proe (US Army, retired) during a pregame ceremony Friday for Armed Forces Night. PFC Meza and Pvt. Rudish are Solon High School seniors who joined the Iowa Army National Guard as juniors and completed basic training this past summer. Grimm enlisted in the Guard last week and will go to basic training next summer. Maj. Proe was honored as the Veteran of the Game in recognition of his distinguished service including serving in Vietnam from 1967-1969. Maj. Proe was awarded numerous commendations and medals including the Bronze Star with V for Valor and an Oak Leaf Cluster and four Air Medals with Valor.
The American Legion’s Color Guard consisted of Legion members from Solon’s Stinocher Post 460 and Mount Vernon’s Hahn Howard Post 480 and currently enlisted soldiers including Solon High School students who have joined the National Guard.
Matt Tracy with American Legion Stinocher Post 460 talks with Levi Mann about how to hold the corner of a 35’ long American Flag (on loan from the Cedar Rapids Fire Department) for the pregame ceremonies Friday on Armed Forces Night. Mann and his fellow sophomore football players carried the large flag for the event.