Solon receives funding from Iowa Local Food for Schools
$2,000 grant to procure healthy locally-grown foods
Becky West Nutrition Director, Solon Community School District
More Solon Community School meals will be featuring Iowa foods thanks to a grant from the Iowa Local Food for Schools grant (LFS).
The school district has been awarded $2000 to procure local foods that are healthy, nutritious and unique to their geographic area.
In addition to increasing local food consumption, funds also build and expand economic opportunity for local, socially disadvantaged producers and small businesses. Through this program, producers are able to sell to K-12 schools participating in the National School Lunch Program. School awards are facilitated by the local food hubs.
“We are proud to support farmers,” said Becky West, Nutrition Director for the Solon Community School District. “I grew up on a farm in Northeast Iowa and I recognize the importance of supporting our farmers that work hard to provide our students with healthy meal options. When we receive the local produce the students can taste a difference in the freshness of the products we serve from our local providers. We also feel the importance of teaching our younger students on the process of growing produce and the benefits through our taste testing in classrooms.”
West says that through the LFS program their schools will be serving fresh local produce including tomatoes, cucumbers, zucchini, peppers, watermelons, kiwi berries, apples, yogurt, cottage cheese, frozen veggies and many more items. Iowa Local Food for Schools was launched in October 2022 by the USDA Agricultural Marketing Service with funding from USDA’s Commodity Credit Corporation. LFS is a cooperative agreement with the USDA and Iowa Department of Agriculture and Land Stewardship.
To learn more about the program and how to support it, visit https://www.iowafarmtoschoolearlycare.org/lfs. The LFS program is building new partnerships and infrastructure across the state to continue serving K-12 schools with high-quality local food.
Making the Library a place for tweens and teens
Solon Public Library welcomes Christian Brauns to its staff as the new Teen Services Librarian
Chris Umscheid
Solon Economist
chris.umscheid@soloneconomist.com
SOLON — Patrons of the Solon Public Library may have noticed a new face behind the counter lately as Christian Brauns has assumed the role as the Teen Services Librarian. Brauns, a May graduate of the University of Iowa’s Master’s degree program in Library Information Science, has been on the staff since mid-August undergoing training and orientation. His role is to create programming for middle school through high school students and to curate the book collections appropriate for their age groups and interests. The purpose of the teen programing, he said, is to provide activities for Solon’s teens that teach them life skills and have them interact with their fellow teenagers (face to face and not through social media). “It’s a place where teens can get together and participate in activities that they’re interested in and meet people. We have the upcoming Switch & Social events (Tuesdays 3:15-4:30 p.m.) that my predecessor (Madison) started up. This year it’s not going to be just (playing) video games, it’s going to be projects at the same
time.” Brauns had crafting pewter jewelry on tap for the first program, which was held on Tuesday. For next week (Sept. 10), he’ll introduce the kids to the art and craft of cooking eggs. “Madison was kind enough to create a three-month itinerary for the fall before I started so I wouldn’t be overwhelmed,” he said. Brauns also oversees the CATS:
Creative, Amazing Teens of Solon program for 6th-12th grade students. “I have some ideas for STEM (Science, Technology, Engineering, and Math) programs, I’m really interested in doing some projects on electricity and electronics, having people build their own electrical cir-
City Administrator Cami Rasmussen gives an update on construction projects around Solon
Chris Umscheid
Solon Economist
chris.umscheid@soloneconomist.com
SOLON — Solon Senior Dining is a weekly opportunity for people to gather and enjoy fellowship while sharing a meal. Throughout the month special events such as celebrating the month’s birthdays, live entertainment, or celebrating special occasions such as Dairy Month (May) or the State Fair are held. The last
Wednesday of the month, however, is reserved for an appearance by a city representative and a report on the city’s happenings.
This past Wednesday, City Administrator Cami Rasmussen presented the monthly update with a focus on the end of construction projects around town, namely wrapping up this year’s curb and gutter program. The first, on Iowa Street between fourth and fifth streets, did both sides and included an asphalt overlay. Also, Main Street was done from the Hwy. 1 intersection alongside RJ’Z Express. “It was very rough, lots of potholes,” Rasmussen said noting it too received new asphalt paving. “It’s pretty much complete but we’ve
Chris Umscheid | Solon Economist Christian Brauns, new Teen Services Librarian at the Solon Public Library, is charged with creating programming for Solon students from 6th-12th grade and curating book collections appropriate to their age groups and interests.
cuits for example, and I’ve also thought about doing a trading card day where kids can come in and play Pokémon or Magic the Gathering. On Thursdays I want to do programs that are really aimed at teens, like the STEM programs. Those are going to take longer and they’re not going to be easy so they’re going to take up the full hour (4:00-5:00 p.m.).”
He is also considering the feasibility of some sports or exercise programs. “Some of the teens here have a lot of energy and they’ll run around the library even though we tell them not to so I’m thinking maybe an ultimate frisbee game or a squirt gun day, something where they can just run around and be kids.”
Such programming, common now, was unheard of in the past and serves as an example of how libraries continue to evolve to serve their communities as they not only remain a repository for books but also a social center for the community. Brauns credits the information and technology age, in part, for the transition.
“I think the big thing was the internet because now with search engines, you don’t have to go to a library and ask the reference librarian ‘how do I find information on this, or that.’ Now you just go to Google, type in what you want, and you get millions of search hits instantaneously. So, libraries want to continue
got some landscaping to do.”
The curbs, she explained, channels storm water rather than having it pooling on the roadway, which helps lead to potholes, and helps to prevent flooding. “We’re guiding all that water to go in the proper flow. Ultimately a lot of stormwater ends up at our sewer treatment plant, which can overburden the plant. So we need the ability to help guide that water.” For at least the past decade the City has taken on twoto-three blocks of curb and gutter work each year with an emphasis in the older parts of Solon (south of Main Street). Once those areas are complete we’ll move on to the north side,” she added.
For those curious about a large hole on Main Street near the Bluebird Café last week, Rasmussen said a hydrant had been leaking for quite some time,
to be important to the communities and that’s why a lot of libraries today offer various programs for kids, adults, and even infants; it’s a place where people can hang out and belong.”
There is a bit of a balancing act between kids getting maybe a little rambunctious during activities and the traditional stone-cold silence however. “I still like a quiet library, a place where you can read books, do work in a quiet environment, a very relaxing environment; but libraries are more social centers these days. It’s a place where kids can hang out, gossip, use the computer, especially on after school days when they can come and hang out here with their friends.”
For Brauns the Teen Librarian position was an opportunity he couldn’t pass up.
“Ever since I was a child I was really into libraries. When I went to college I wanted to become a writer but I didn’t really like the creative writing and English programs so I went to history instead, which I really liked, but I can’t really just get a job with a history degree so after I graduated I was torn between library science and law enforcement. I actually submitted my resume to some police departments here in Iowa and did the physical fitness test with the Norwalk Police Department. But I was accepted into the school of Library Information Science here at the U of I and two years later, here I am. I’ve always wanted to work in a smalltown library and it seemed like a really good part time job. I’ve been applying for full-
and the City had been trying to get a contractor in to fix it. “Today was the day,” she said, for the digging with the actual repair work slated for the following day (Thursday, August 29). While the pipe repair was estimated to take only an hour or so, patching the hole may take some time. Rasmussen said gravel would be placed but would need to settle for “a few weeks” before it is paved over. SCSD continues to make progress on their projects Rasmussen also reported on the Solon Community School District’s bond referendum-funded construction projects, which to date includes renovation of the former truck shop on the north end of town along Hwy. 1 to the district’s transportation facility with the dirt lot paved and canopies erected for school bus parking, and expansion of the Solon Intermediate School. The turf in Spartan Stadium was replaced this sum -
mer and was the setting for a 33-7 season opening win over Assumption Catholic (Davenport) this past Friday (see the sports pages for a complete game summary and photos).
The end is in sight for repairs to the Solon Hardware Store
Rasmussen said she had OK’d the plans for what is anticipated to be the final phase of repairs to the Solon Hardware Store, which had its roof torn off in the March 31, 2023, tornado. Repairing the roof led to the discovery of additional issues, which has necessitated owner Tom Trump having to hire a structural engineer to formulate a plan for approval by the City’s building inspector. His original engineer resigned forcing Trump to find another, which was complicated by a reluctance on the part of many engineers to work with such an old, yet very common, structure.
“It’s been a long process,” said Rasmussen, but we’re close, real close to the end.”
time library jobs for the past six months but it’s a very competitive job market, so when they offered me this position, I jumped on it.”
Brauns, from Coralville, is a 2018 Iowa City West High grad. As a part time librarian, he works 24 hours per week at the Library and puts in twelve hours at the North Liberty Rec Center as a lifeguard.
“This is my first programming job so nothing’s really set in stone yet. I want to meet with our Teen Advisory Board (TAB) and hear what they have to say and hear what their programming ideas are.”
The TAB is a group of teenagers who make recommendations on the programs and books they would like Brauns and the Library to offer. “Its also an opportunity for the teen volunteers to plan their own programs. That’s an important part of being a teen services librarian-letting teenagers design their own programs.
“I do hope that more teenagers will volunteer at the Library,” he said. The ones who currently do are greatly appreciated and their hours count toward Silver Cord honors for graduating seniors. Brauns also hopes to reach out to the community for programming ideas and guest speakers.
For the latest information on upcoming events and programs at the Solon Public Library, check out their website, www.solon. lib.ia.us, and watch for weekly updates in the Solon Economist.
League of Women Voters to hold Dave Markward book event: From Dubuque to Selma and Beyond: My Journey to Understand Racism in America
IOWA CITY — The Johnson County League of Women Voters and Tools and Resources for Active Independent Living (TRAIL) of Johnson County will host a book event Tuesday, Sept. 17 at 7:00 p.m. in the Assembly Room of the Senior Center of Iowa City as moderator Karl Cassell will discuss race in America with Dave Markward. Markward is the author of From Dubuque to Selma and Beyond: My Journey to Understand Racism in America.
Markward was superintendent of the Cedar Rapids Community School District and spent six years researching and doing interviews for his book.
The Senior Center is located at 28 S. Linn St. in Iowa City.
The League of Women Voters of Johnson County is a nonpartisan, grassroots civic organization that encourages informed and active participation in government, works to increase understanding of major public policy issues, and influences public policy through education and advocacy. Membership in the League is open to people 16 years and older of all gender identities. With over 100 years of experience, the League is one of America’s oldest and most trusted civic nonprofit organizations.
Volume
The Solon Economist strives for accuracy and fairness in reporting news. If we’ve made an error or a report is misleading, let us know about it: news@soloneconomist.com.
STAFF
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Reporter Intern Joel Kellar
Design Intern Marandah Mangra-Dutcher
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Official Newspaper: Solon, Johnson County, Solon Community School District, Solon Tri-Township Emergency Response Solon Economist USPS #500860 Copyright © 2024 by Student Publications, Inc. is published weekly by Student Publications, 100 Adler Journalism Building, Room El31, Iowa City, IA 52242. Call 319-6242233 to subscribe. Periodicals postage is paid at Iowa City, IA, and additional mailing offices.
POSTMASTER: Send address changes to Solon Economist at PO Box 249, Solon, IA 52333.
Subscriptions: Contact Catherine Bilskie at 319-624-2233 or catherine. bilskie@soloneconomist.com for additional information. Subscription rates: Johnson and adjoining counties – $55 annually; elsewhere In Iowa – $75 annually; out of state –$85 annually.
Copyright 2024 Solon Economist, a division of The Daily Iowan and Student Publications, Inc. All articles, photographs and graphics, both in print and online editions, are the property of Student Publications, Inc., and may not be reproduced or republished without written permission.
SOLON PUBLIC LIBRARY NEWS
Roll out to the Library and Celebrate Library Card Sign-Up Month with us!
September was named National Library Card Sign Up Month in 1987 to help mark the start of a new school year and the importance of a library card to a child's education.
At Solon Public Library we want every community member to know they are welcome at the Library!
We're celebrating Library Card Sign Up Month with a special Pickleball prize!
There are two ways to enter to win:
1) Get a new Library Card or 2) Update your existing account in September. One entry per account.
Lost your Library card? Replacement card fees are waived in September!
Library Events
After School Programs have begun at the Library! Tuesdays are for Teens (6th-12th graders) with Switch & Social from 3:30-4:30 p.m. and Thursdays for 1st-8th graders to enjoy BAM POW from 1:45-2:45 p.m. For all of the details of these fun activities, please visit our website, pick up a calendar, or ask a staff member. Switch & Social and our BAM POW program are drop-in programs, they do not require registration.
Our Fall Session of Drawing Club began on Wednesday, Sept. 4 and continues weekly through October 9 from 3:454:45 p.m. This 6-week program is for 4th-8th graders and does require registration. Sign up on our website calendar and join us to learn drawing techniques, participate in a sharing circle, and enjoy a snack! All supplies are provided. Come try a new thing at DIY Night! This month we're
September Solon Senior Advocates News
The Advocates have been arranging day trips for seniors for almost 17 years and have visited many cities, theaters and other places of interest. In looking toward 2025 trips we are asking for your input into where you would like to go, what you would like to see or experience.
Some ideas of our well-supported trips the past few years:
• Kinze Innovation Center – Williamsburg
• Billy Clocks/Vesterheim Museum – Spillville/Decorah
• Art Sculpture bus tour/Jasper Co. Museum – Newton
• John Deere/Grout Museum – Waterloo
• Villages of Van Buren County – Tour of five villages/ Dutchman’s Store
• Maharishi University – Fairfield
• Repertoire Theater/Swedesburg – Mt. Pleasant
• Matchstick Museum – Gladbrook
• Galena Tours
• Muscatine Button Museum
• Neil Smith Wildlife Refuge – Prairie City
• Breitbach’s Restaurant/Balltown – 12 years
• Circa 21 Dinner Theater – Rock Island – 14 years
• Kalona meal & local stops – 17 years
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. 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!
provided resource to assist in learning a language or keeping up your skills. You can use this resource on a computer (connected to the internet) and on your smart device via the Transparent Language app. Bring your favorite device or use a Chromebook to get hands on help at Tech Talk.
Anyone who’s installed a child car seat can attest that there’s a lot of details that go into getting it right. You want to make sure the seat is fitting well in your vehicle, buckle it in tight, and you even need to make sure the seat is the right size for your child and not expired. Why take the chance on all of these details? Have your child’s car seat inspected by a trained professional! On Saturday, September 21 Child Passenger Safety Technicians (CPST) will be on-site and ready to answer questions, check your seat for safety recalls, and assist with making sure your child safety seat is correctly installed. Appointments are available from 9:00-11:00 a.m. Registration is recommended, as a limited number of walk-in appointments will be available. Plan to spend 20-30 minutes at your appointment, making sure your child is safe!
Tech Talk returns Thursday, September 19 at 9:30 a.m. and we’re highlighting Transparent Language, a Library
If any of these trips appeal to you we would like to hear from you, or if you may have ideas or suggestions for places to visit. Our trips are taken within one day leaving the Solon Recreation and Nature Area (SRNA) in the morning hours and returning by 5:30-6:00 p.m. at the latest. We have been engaging Windstar Lines for many years, who provide competent drivers and well-appointed buses.
Also, check out the proposed 2025 trips and mark your calendar so that you can join us on those dates! Watch the monthly Senior Advocates News for date confirmation and details!
2024 Advocate Trips
All trips leave from the Solon Recreation and Nature Area (SRNA) or “Rec Park,” call 319-430-8655 for reservations
Friday, October 18 – Breitbach’s Restaurant. Cost $85. Leave SRNA at 9:15 a.m.
We plan to return to Solon from Breitbach’s via Wisconsin by taking the Cassville Ferry to Millville, Iowa (see photos).
2025 Proposed Advocate Trips
• Wednesday, March 5 – Circa 21/Rock Island, “Sherlock Holmes,” Mystery/Comedy
• Thursday, May 15 – Kalona, leave Rec Park at 11:00 a.m. Illa Miller’s homecooked meal, Golden Delight Baker, String Town Community Store, South West Valley Greenhouse (Perry Bender’s).
• Wednesday, June 11 – Circa 21/Rock Island, “Chicago,” The Musical
Library Access
Regular Library hours are Monday-Thursday, 9:00 a.m.7:00 p.m. and Friday-Saturday, 9:00 a.m.-to 5:00 p.m. Closed Sundays.
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?
Find something for everyone and enjoy a movie night at home!
The Bikeriders. Over the course of a decade, a Midwestern motorcycle club evolves from a gathering place for local outsiders to a sinister gang, threatening the original group's way of life. Starring Austin Butler, Tom Hardy, Jodie Comer, and Norman Reedus. [Rated R]
Civil War. In a dystopian future America, a team of military-embedded journalists races against time to reach Washington, D.C., before rebel factions descend upon the White House. Starring Kirsten Dunst, Wagner Moura, and Cailee Spaeny. [Rated R]
The Garfield Movie. After an unexpected reunion with his long-lost father, a scruffy street cat, Garfield is forced to leave his perfectly pampered life in order to take part in a high-stakes heist. And an incredible outdoor adventure begins! 2024 Animated Film based on the cartoon series by Jim Davis. [Rated PG]
IF (Imaginary Friends). After discovering she can see everyone's imaginary friends, a girl embarks on a magical adventure to reconnect forgotten imaginary friends with their kids. Starring Cailey Fleming, Ryan Reynolds, and John Krasinski. [Rated PG]
Meal & Movie (M&M)
No movies the last Friday of the month until further notice.
Restaurant Runs
• Thursday, September 19 – Sally’s/Springville. 12:00 Noon, personal cars. Call 319-430-8655 if going.
Solon Senior Transport – Provides volunteer transportation for seniors to medical appointments. For information and to enroll please call Cindy Jensen at 319360-3279.
Senior Advocates Board
Art Tellin 319-626-2816, John Lamantia 319-621-6887, Sandy Hanson 319-430-8655, Barry Byrne 319-354-8757, Larry Meister 319-624-2516, Don Burch 319-624-4054, Cindy Jensen 319-360-3279, Larry Brecht 319-624-2925, Ivan Hasselbusch 319-670-9105, Phyllis Fiala 319-331-7447, and Mark Hollinrake 319-551-2811.
S andy H anson Come eat cake wi
No gifts, please — Just friends! F U S on community .
Sunday, September 15 from 3-5pm at Solon American Legion
OPINIONS
Voters, be careful what you ask for
Stray Thoughts
We are in the home stretch of another presidential campaign, and it is important for voters to be alert for the unintended consequences of candidates’ promises.
Office-seekers and their supporters like to portray issues in terms of absolutes — as in, my position is the very best way to address this issue; my opponent’s way is all wrong.
Most of the time, issues are not all black, nor all white. Most of the time, issues involve many shades of gray, meaning there are no simple solutions.
Take illegal immigration, for example.
There should be a vigorous debate of how the United States should deal with people who have entered our country without permission or who have remained here after their visas expired. This issue has been around for decades, but the public is imploring our leaders in Washington to confront these challenges now.
Of course, politicians find it easier to issue press releases and offer their thoughts in 30-second television sound bites.
Donald Trump, for example, has made no secret about the solution he favors: “To keep our families safe, the Republican platform promises to launch the largest deportation operation in the history of our country” — an effort that would remove 15 million to 20 million people who are in the U.S. without authorization.
But his Iowa supporters who cheer his promise may want to pause to think about the economic effects such an undertaking would have.
There could be dramatic consequences in Iowa, where foreigners are an important labor source in livestock confinement facilities, in milking parlors on large dairy farms, and in livestock slaughter and meatpacking plants. The shockwaves would ripple farther, too, through landscaping and roofing businesses whose owners often turn to immigrants to take hard-to-fill
The first day of school
and long-lived friendships
Food for Thought
Milli Gilbaugh
jobs.
In northwest Iowa’s Sioux County, farmers raise thousands of head of pigs, beef cattle and dairy cattle. About 2,000 foreign-born workers are employed on those farms, the Des Moines Register reported in 2018. The total includes people who are authorized to be in the U.S., as well as those without the proper legal documents.
Cattle producer Kent Pruismann, a former president of the Iowa Cattlemen’s Association, told the Register, “If all of Sioux County’s immigrant labor left tomorrow, we’d have a huge problem.… We don’t have the people to replace them.”
Sioux County is not unique in that regard.
The Register reported the Pew Research Center estimated Iowa had about 40,000 workers 10 years ago who were undocumented immigrants. That represents nearly half of the 84,000 immigrant workers believed to be in the state in 2018.
“If all of Sioux County’s immigrant labor left tomorrow, we’d have a huge problem.... We don’t have the people to replace them.”
Kent Pruismann Cattle producer
It is not simply a matter of replacing immigrant labor with workers born in the United States. It is difficult finding people who want jobs involving the backbreaking work of mucking out manure, hauling bedding for the animals and moving thousands of pounds of feed for them every day.
Craig Lang, a Poweshiek County dairy farmer and former president of the Iowa Farm Bureau, told the Register in 2018, “It’s just that local people are fully employed. And they don’t want to milk cows when it’s 20-below zero.”
Don’t think for a minute Lang and other livestock leaders are advocates for open borders. What they want is for the federal government to increase the number of year-round visas that are available to bring foreigners into the U.S. to work on farms and in other businesses. But such initiatives could hit a roadblock during a second Trump administration. Ken Cuccinelli, his for -
There's something special about the first day of school. Even now, I find myself anticipating the beginning of a new adventure when those first yellow busses appear, loaded with chattering children, backpacks bursting with school supplies. I wonder how many of them are excited about the new adventure, how many are dreading the unknown challenges, how many are anxious to find last year's best friend, or hoping the class bully has moved to a new school. My biggest worry was nearly always if I would remember my new teacher's name, or would I relive the embarrassing fiasco of my first day of kindergarten. Her name was Miss Simon. I had repeated it over and over every day since we registered for school over a week before. There were no “Kindergarten round-ups” in my hometown at the time. We had visited our new classrooms and met our teachers briefly on registration day, but our only glimpse of what school would actually be like was limited to having “visited” school with an older sibling at some time in the past, and the experience of “playing school” at home – a fantasy limited to recess, coloring books and learning to sing “I'm a Little Teapot” with gestures.
On my first day of kindergarten, I repeated “Miss Simon” about a hundred times in my head and several times out loud that afternoon as I walked the six blocks east from our house. I went around the school building to the side door that led to the former storeroom converted for the new kindergarten (a concept that many school systems were slow to adopt.) There were morning and afternoon sessions. We would switch for the second semester when I would learn that I was not a “morning person.”
The classroom was cheery, painted a soothing pale green with windows high on the walls, a piano, chalkboards and three low tables surrounded by child-size chairs. There were name tags taped on the table-tops. I'd seen the room briefly on registration day but it seemed different filled with children, all curiously looking each other over and subdued among so many strangers. The teacher wore a pinkish-orange dress almost the exact
mer acting director of U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services, has recommended the government should reduce the use of temporary work visas for farm labor.
The demand for ag labor is going to continue to rise, even as the population in rural Iowa declines.
One of the nation’s largest dairy companies, Daisy Brand, announced in April it will build a $625 million milk processing plant in Boone to produce cottage cheese, sour cream and dips. The plant will employ 250 people. It will process the milk from 43,000 dairy cows each day.
That would represent an 18 percent increase in Iowa dairy herds. Those cows are estimated to need about 4,000 more farm laborers to care for them.
The former president has said his plan to round up illegal immigrants will be larger than President Dwight Eisenhower’s mass deportation in 1954 of tens of thousands of illegal immigrants — and some U.S. citizens, unfortunately. But scholars note Eisenhower’s crackdown came at the same time as the government was increasing the number of migrants who would be lawfully admitted to the U.S. through a “guest worker” program.
“It wasn’t really about getting rid of immigrants in any real sense,” University of Pittsburgh historian Eladio Bobadilla recently told States Newsroom publications. “It was a way to sell the American public that the problem had been solved.”
During his four years in the White House, Trump also tried to end the Deferred Action for Childhood Arrivals program, which affects about 500,000 undocumented people who came to the U.S. as children, called “Dreamers.” Many of those children grew up in communities like Iowa and do not speak their parents’ native languages.
The Supreme Court blocked the president’s efforts the last time, but Trump is not one to give up after an initial court loss. This does not mean Kamala Harris and Democrats can simply dig in, ignoring the desire of Americans to find some middle ground on immigration. Middle ground means neither side will be entirely happy. But middle ground is much better than where we are.
Randy Evans can be reached at DMRevans2810@gmail.com.
color of the canned salmon that was one of my favorite meals when baked into one of Mother's tasty salmon loaves.
We were seated alphabetically and instructed to stand, say “Good afternoon,” and introduce ourselves. The boy across from me stood, “Good afternoon everyone. My name is Charles Anderson.” Next, Betty Brooks followed his example in a shy voice. Another Betty with the last name of Brown followed, less shy but in a hoarse voice that startled me. Ray Darrah came next, then Tom Goff, followed by an empty chair. “Norma Jo Grill well be here next week,” Miss Simon told us. “She is unable to be here today.” I had met Norma Jo and her mother on registration day. Her mother said that Norma Jo had a heart murmur and her activities were limited, especially on the very hot days of late summer. I felt just a little smug about knowing the reason.
Too suddenly it was my turn. Aware that each child had simply imitated Charles's example, I decided to be more original. I stood and smiled at Miss Simon. She looked pretty as a movie star with her shining auburn hair making a pleasing contrast to the salmon colored dress. “My name is Mildred Hanson,” I stated confidently and started to sit down. Then realizing I had left out a greeting, I added, “And good afternoon, Miss Salmon.” A low chuckle came from the boy across from me, and a muffled giggle from the Bettys. I felt my face turn hot. “Thank you, Mildred,” our teacher said with a smile. “It is a good afternoon because I get to meet all of you,” and she turned to the second table. I was soon absorbed in the new names and faces of the rest of the class and my embarrassment faded.
After school, Charles kindly said, “Most of them didn't remember her name anyway. It was sorta' funny, though.” Relieved, I was glad to agree. Betty Brown tapped my arm and pointed, “Do you live over this way? Can we walk home together?” It soon became a habit for we three to start home together nearly every day – and that's just one of the ways that life-long friendships begin.
Randy Evans Iowa Freedom of Information Council
Treasurer Smith looking to honor grandparents with unclaimed property this Grandparents Day
DES MOINES — State Treasurer Roby Smith is recognizing Grandparents Day, this year celebrated on September 8, by encouraging Iowans to search for “Mimi’s” or ”Pop’s” unclaimed money in Great Iowa Treasure Hunt, Iowa’s only legitimate unclaimed property source. “The bond between grandparents and grandchildren is special,” said Smith. “Grandparents Day lets us honor our grandparents for the wisdom they offer and the joy they bring. It’s also a great reminder for people of all ages to check and see if they have a treasure to claim.” Each year, millions of dollars are turned over after financial institutions and businesses lose contact with the owner. The State Treasurer’s Office safeguards these assets through the Great Iowa Treasure Hunt program until they are reunited with the rightful owner. “You can search any time to see if you or someone you know has
College Savings Iowa is now ISave 529
Office of the Iowa State Treasurer
DES MOINES — State Treasurer Roby Smith is proud to announce ISave 529 as the new name for Iowa’s direct-sold 529 plan, formerly College Savings Iowa.
“Saving for education encompasses a variety of paths, whether that be K-12 tuition, two-or-four-year college, graduate school, or apprenticeship programs, said Smith. “We have worked diligently to spread the word about the flexibility of using a 529 plan to help with all of these options, and ISave529 represents our commitment to making education savings a reality for any student’s dream.”
To celebrate, ISave 529 is doing a giveaway. “Enter our giveaway at Iowa529Contest.com by September 30 and you could win a $5,290 contribution to the education
Johnson County Auditor’s Office announces early voting hours for Nov. 5 General Election
IOWA CITY — The Johnson County Auditor’s Office announces early voting for the Nov. 5 General Election. Early voting provides residents more opportunity to cast their vote, allows for voting outside of normal polling locations, and avoids potential personal conflicts for voting on Election Day.
Early voting will be offered weekdays, 8:00 a.m.-5:00 p.m. starting Wednesday, October 16 and until Tuesday, Nov. 4. Early voting will be available in the Johnson County Administration Building lobby, 913 S. Dubuque St., in Iowa City.
Evening and weekend hours are as follows:
• 8:00 a.m.-7:00 p.m. Monday, October 28-Wednesday, October 30
• Noon to 5:00 p.m. Saturday, October 26 and Sunday, October 27
• 9:00 a.m.-5:00 p.m. Saturday, Nov. 2
• Noon to 5:00 p.m. Sunday, Nov. 3
Satellite early voting locations will also be provided. Petitions for satellite voting stations are due Thursday, Sept. 19 and the official satellite schedule will be announced soon after.
Sen. Grassley statement on USDA’s record trade deficit projection for Fiscal Year 2025
(The) USDA says American agriculture will face a $42.5 BILLION trade deficit next fiscal year. That’s a historic record no farmer should suffer through. The Biden/ Harris administration has abdicated leadership on trade for 3+ years. What will it take for them to prioritize U.S. producers and expand export markets?
U.S. Senator Chuck Grassley
cash to claim,” Smith added. “Even if you’ve searched and claimed in the past, check our website again. It's more common than one may think to lose track of your money or assets. Currently, my office is holding more than $521 million in unclaimed funds for past and present Iowans to claim.”
Common examples of unclaimed property include dormant checking and savings accounts, uncashed checks, utility refunds, lost stocks, life insurance policies and contents from abandoned safe deposit boxes. To date, Great Iowa Treasure Hunt has returned over $378 million to more than one million individuals.
To see if you have unclaimed property in Iowa, visit GreatIowaTreasureHunt.gov. Connect with the Treasurer on Facebook, Instagram and X to stay up-to-date on all areas of the office.
savings for a child in your life,” Smith continued. “That’s enough to cover an entire year’s tuition at a community college in the state!”
Along with the new name, there are other updates to the Plan.
“I am also excited to share we added new age-bands and portfolios for some of the Investment Options and increased the maximum amount an Account Owner can contribute to their account,” concluded Smith. “Providing options and an easy way to save has always been our number one priority, and these changes reflect that.”
A 529 plan is a type of investment account used to save for tuition, room and board, books, fees, and other qualified education expenses at any qualified education institution. Account Owners can benefit from a variety of tax advantages, including tax-deferred earnings, tax-free qualified withdrawals, and an Iowa income tax deduction.
Learn more about ISave 529 by visiting ISave529.com or calling (888) 672-9116. Follow ISave 529 on Facebook, Instagram, and X (Twitter) for current events and updates. For additional details about ISave 529, read the Program Description online at ISave529.com.
Other important election-related dates:
Tuesday, August 27 – Was the first day to submit Absentee Ballot Request forms to receive a mailed ballot for the General Election.
Thursday, Sept. 19 – Deadline to submit Satellite Absentee Voting Station petition and the first day the County Auditor’s Office can mail Absentee Ballots
Wednesday, October 16 – Early Voting begins at Johnson County Administration Building lobby and Health and Human Services parking ramp (drive-thru voting). Also, deadline for the Auditor’s Office to receive absentee ballot requests for mailed ballots is 5:00 p.m.
Monday, Nov. 4 – Early Voting ends at 5:00 p.m. Tuesday, Nov. 5 – Election Day-Vote at your assigned polling place. Polls are open 7:00 a.m.-8:00 p.m. Also, deadline for the Auditor’s Office to receive absentee ballots is 8:00 p.m.
For the most up-to-date early voting information visit the Auditor’s Office website at www.johnsoncountyiowa.gov/ november-5-2024-general-election.
CROSS COUNTRY
Jessica Heims sixth in Paralympics Discus Throw Newcomers help varsity cross teams to fast start in Anamosa
Erin Kerkhoff sets personal best in the 100-meter, will run Thursday
PARIS — Jessica Heims of Swisher finished sixth in the Women’s Discus Throw (F64) in the 2024 Paralympic Games Sunday, Sept. 1. Heims scratched on her first throw and clinched her medal with a 34.68 effort on the sixth and final throw. She set a Paralympic Record with a 34.89 throw in Tokyo in 2021.
Solon’s Erin Kerkhoff is also competing in Paris this year in the Women’s 100-meter and 400-meter events (T13). Kerkhoff ran a personal best 12.70 in heat 1 of the first round of the 100-meter dash on Tuesday with the finals set for later in the day (after this edition had gone to print). She will compete in Round 1 of the 400, set for 2:31 p.m. Thursday, Sept. 5. The final for the 400-meters is set for Saturday, Sept. 7 at 3:21 p.m. NBC, through their Peacock platform, is providing live streaming coverage. Also, the Paralympic Games have their own YouTube channel at www.youtube. com/@paralympics, and www.paralympic.org/paris-2024 will have videos and results as well.
ANAMOSA — Solon’s cross country teams kicked off their seasons in Anamosa Saturday August 31 with a couple podium finishes. Solon’s girls, ranked 5th in class 3A, edged out #17 Washington 60-55 to take the team title while the boys were third (82 points) behind Anamosa (79) and champion Cedar Rapids Kennedy (29) ranked 11th in class 4A.
Senior Sydney Dee and freshman Kinley Mai each ran 21:16.8 with Dee being declared the third place finisher and Mai 4th in the girls race. Sophomore Ava Rowles (14th) and senior Ella Sheeley (16th) were the next pair of Spartans to finish. Sophomore Falyn Svalstad round out the scoring with a 20th place finish followed closely by Livya Nelson (Fr.) in 21st. Senior Rose McAtee was Solon’s final varsity finisher placing 25th.
Mai’s strategy was simple yet brilliant, let Dee do the pacing and hold on as long as possible. “I wanted to see how long I could stick with her, but I did expect to be with her that long”. When asked about the course and the adjustment to 5000 meters from 3200 meter in junior
high Mai stated, “It was fun, a little bit muddy but. It definitely felt longer, but it didn’t make much of a difference.” Dee stated the cool temperatures were nice, but the bright morning sunshine combined with a good stretch of pure mud and water on the course did make for tough early season conditions. She added, “I’m very excited for our team this year, we are very strong and this meet showed we each have things to work on but we will only get better from here”.
Mike Kabela Special to the Solon Economist
Chris Umscheid | Solon Economist Freshman Kinley Mai and senior Sydney Dee each ran 21:16.8 with Dee being declared the third place finisher and Mai 4th in the girls race Saturday morning at the Anamosa Middle School for the Anamosa meet while the Lady Spartans edged out Washington for the team title.
Photos by Chris Umscheid | Solon Economist
Top left: Aly Stahle and Rose McAtee round a curve at the one mile mark Saturday morning at Anamosa’s meet. Bottom left: Owen Young makes the hard lefthand turn to a short but steep and slick downhill portion of the course at the Anamosa Middle School Saturday morning during the Anamosa meet.
Right: Sydney Dee and Kinley Mai round a curve at the one mile mark Saturday morning at Anamosa’s meet. Senior Dee and freshman Mai each ran 21:16.8 with Dee being declared the third place finisher and Mai 4th in the girls race while the Lady Spartans edged out Washington for the team title.
Junior Spencer Michels did not disappoint on the boys side. After a measured start Michels started moving up in the pack late in the first mile and finished third with an 18:00 clocking. ”I was hoping to run a lot faster, but with the muddy course and dead legs, it wasn’t going to be a fast day,” Michaels stated.
With the loss of five seniors that powered the boys team to four straight State Championship appearances and two top-five finishes, this year’s version has been completely retooled around Michaels and senior Evan Burg. Burg stopped mid race to retrieve a shoe lost in the mud, but still finished 26th as the Spartans 5th runner.
Finishing between the two veterans were varsity newcomers freshman Anders Holmes in 12th place, junior Rene Meza (18th) and freshman Deacon Waddell (25th).
Michaels was pleased with his teammates. “I think the team already is looking better than we thought we’d be and I’m expecting great things by the end of the year”.
Junior Camden Lyons and freshman Preston Raasch, nailed down varsity spots for the next meet as Solon’s 6th and 7th runners finishing 26th and 28th overall.
Both teams competed at the Kicker’s soccer complex in Iowa City at the Bob Brown Invitational September 5 and continue their season at the Iowa State University cross country course September 12.
Spartan Football dominates Assumption in the season opener
Joel
Kellar Solon Economist
joel-kellar@uiowa.edu
It was all Spartans from the get-go. The first possession set the tone for the rest of the game. Karsyn Regennitter set the offense up it great field position with a 38-yard return on the season opening kick. Then running back, Eddie Johnson, powered through Assumption defenders on his way to a 39-yard touchdown. It would be the first of two touchdowns for Johnson in the 33-7 rout of the Assumption Knights to open the season.
The running game propelled the Spartan offense in the first quarter, giving Tyler Bell and the receivers time to chase the first game jitters. After struggling to pass the ball in the first quarter, Bell was able to sling it around in the second, helping extend the lead to 30-0 by halftime. Bell said, “They got rid of [the nervousness] quick. They just came out ready to play. We’ve got some dudes out there in the skill positions.”
Sophomore Maddux Kelley was the safety blanket for Bell, leading the team with five receptions. On those receptions, Kelley gained 38 yards and scored a touchdown at the end of the first quarter to give the Spartans a 14-0 lead.
Bell shared the wealth with his skill players. Eight players had a reception with four receivers achieving a multi-reception game. Senior wide receiver Regennitter lead the team with 67 receiving yards, including a 42-yard touchdown reception in the second quarter.
Johnson ran all over the Knights with 120 yards rushing and two touchdowns. But he also got the job done on defense. Johnson came up with a big sack to force a third and long. It was the only sack of the game for the Spartans, but the front seven still limited the run-heavy Assumption offense to only one touchdown.
The Spartan defense took advantage of the Knights’ three false starts and two fumbled snaps in the first quarter to get the Spartan offense on the field as much as possible. The defense stood tall and showed they could replace the five
Photos by Chris Umscheid | Solon Economist
Left: A Muscatine runner paces Spencer Michels Saturday morning at Anamosa’s meet. Michels, a junior, finished third and led the Spartans to a third place team finish.
Right: Camden Lyons rounds a curve at the one mile mark Saturday morning at Anamosa’s meet.
Photos by Chris Umscheid | Solon Economist
Left: Sophomore Jonathan Thomson (1) slips past an Assumption Knight during the JV game this past Friday night. The Knights beat the Spartans 6-0.
Right: Sophomore Owen Gange (12) makes a dash as a host of Knights from Davenport Assumption zero-in on him during the JV game this past Friday night at home. Below: Sophomore Maddox Kelley (4) sails toward the soft new turf after being tripped up by an Assumption defender this past Friday in the varsity season opener.
FOOTBALL
from 7
All-State players they lost last year. Solon Head Coach Lucas Stanton said, “We knew they wanted to run the ball and that was one of our question marks for how we would replace our guy’s last year. I liked how we pursued the ball tonight.”
Colby Myers led the team with two tackles for loss. The junior, partnered with Cole Carney and Oliver Owens anchored the defense that came into the season with a lack of game experience.
The Spartans’ special teams made some waves in the home opener. They blocked a punt in the second quarter which lead to a 30-yard field goal for Spartan kicker Ryan Locke. The junior kicker went two for two on field goals and three for four on PATs.
Next up for the Spartans is an away game at Clear Creek-Amana on Friday, September 6 at 7:30 p.m.
Sophomore Benjamin McFadden
latches onto an Assumption Knight as sophomore Cohen Leichtman (36) moves in to assist during the JV game this past Friday night. The Knights beat the Spartans 6-0.
Senior Eddie Johnson (10) protects the football as a pair of Assumption Catholic Knights attempt to bring him down in the season opener this past Friday at home. Johnson scored two touchdowns in a 33-7 win.
A hot start to the season
Solon's Grace Heoper hits two State qualifying times in first
swim meet of the year
IOWA CITY — Four Solon athletes – freshman Nora Bumsted, sophomores Madelyn Elkins and Ella Pressler, and senior Grace Hoeper, are swimming with the Iowa City High School Little Hawks this season.
For Hoeper, her performance in last Tuesday’s first meet of the season (at the Mercer Park Aquatic Center against Cedar Rapids Kennedy) was as hot as the temperatures outside with two individual wins, both besting the qualifying times for the State Meet at the end of the season. Hoeper won the 200-yard freestyle in 1:55.08 to automatically qualify while beating the qualifying standard time of 1:57.74 and won the 100-yard fly in 56.73 seconds, again beating the qualifying mark of 59.81. Hoeper also anchored the winning 4x50-yard relay with City High’s Louisa Berry-Stoelzle and Elsa Farber, and fellow Solonite Madelyn Elkins with a total time of 1:45.34 and the 2nd place 4x100 freestyle relay with City’s Farber, Ellie Galloway, and Vidya Kumar with a time of 4:08.58.
Elkins anchored the 2nd place varsity 4x50-yard medley relay with Galloway, Berry-Stoelzle, and Eliza Mitchell (2:08.76) and took third in the varsity 50-yard freestyle (27.71) and varsity 100-yard freestyle (tying with City’s Farber, 1:02.51).
Nora Bumsted led off for the 5th place JV 4x50 medley with City’s Betsy Gavin, Ily Jensen, and Shaona Emmanuel (2:58.95) and swam the second leg of the 4th place JV 4x50 freestyle with Gavin, Emmanuel, and Malorie James (2:35.51). Bumsted took third in the JV 100-yard freestyle (1:19.52) and was sixth in the JV 100-yard backstroke (1:40.20).
The Kennedy Cougars swept the night winning the varsity meet 103-79 and the JV meet 84-71.
Upcoming Schedule
Tuesday, Sept. 10 – HOME (Mercer Park Aquatic Center) vs. Dubuque Hempstead. 6:00 p.m.
Tuesday, Sept. 17 – AT Cedar Rapids Washington HS. 6:00 p.m.
Saturday, Sept. 21 – HOME Little Hawk Relays. 8:30 a.m.
Tuesday, Sept. 24 – AT Linn-Mar HS, Marion. 6:00 p.m. Saturday, Sept. 28 – AT Cedar Rapids Kennedy HS. 9:00 a.m.
Solon Economist
Chris Umscheid | Solon Economist
Solon’s Grace Hoeper (in a file photo from last season) beat the State Meet qualifying times in the 200-yard freestyle and 100-yard fly last Tuesday in Iowa City High’s season opener at home against Cedar Rapids Kennedy. Hoeper, Nora Bumsted, Madelyn Elkins, and Ella Pressler are swimming with the Little Hawks this season.
Photos by Chris Umscheid | Solon Economist
Above:
(0)
Left:
Above: Sophomore Maddox Kelley (4), senior Owen Einwalter (9), and junior Kyler Jensen (52) celebrate with senior Eddie Johnson (10) after his first (of two) touchdown this past Friday at home in the varsity season opener against Assumption. The Spartans rolled the Knights 33-7 avenging a loss in Davenport last year.
Right: Senior quarterback Ty Bell (8) gives thumbs up this past Friday as he and his fellow Spartans celebrate a win in the home season opener against the Assumption Catholic Knights from Davenport. Bell completed 15 of 24 passes for 210 yards and two touchdowns in the 33-7 victory.
CALENDAR & PUZZLES
SOLON SENIORS
SEPTEMBER HAPPENINGS
Wednesday, Sept. 11 - Sponsored Meal, Adam’s Door
Wednesday, Sept. 25 - City Representative
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
Thank you Solon Senior Dining volunteers!
“Volunteers do not necessarily have the time, they just have the heart.” — Elizabeth Andrew
SEPTEMBER MENU
Friday, Sept. 6
Butter Burger on a bun French Fries Creamy Coleslaw Scotcharoos
Monday, Sept. 9
Meatloaf
Mashed Potatoes
Carrots
Peanut Butter Blondie
Wednesday, Sept. 11
Sponsored Meal – Adam’s Door
Smoked Pork Chop Garlic & Herb
Scalloped Potatoes
Buttered Peas
Strawberry Rhubarb Cobbler
SCHOOL BREAKFAST
The Solon Community School District is an equal opportunity provider.
Menus will vary to accommodate the Federal Nutrition Guidelines. Please understand that menus are subject to change as needed. Please check your lunch account balances, purchases, and deposits online at solon. total.k12.com.
Nutrition office: 319-624-3401, Ext. 1120 or bwest@solon.k12.ia.us.
Student breakfast is FREE again this year
The Solon Community School District (SCSD) is once again able to offer free breakfast to students for the academic year.
SCHOOL LUNCH
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
Friday, Sept. 6
MS/HS Alt: Cook’s Delight Chicken Parmesan
Friday, Sept. 13
Hushpuppy Fish
Tater Tots
Creamy Cucumber Salad
Tropical Pumpkin Pie
Monday, Sept. 16
Pony Shoe
Sweet Pepper Slaw
Seasonal Fresh Fruit
Wednesday, Sept. 18
Country Fried Steak
Mashed Potatoes
Country Gravy
Candied Carrots
Cheesecake w/Cherries
Friday, Sept. 20
Panko Crusted Tilapia
Lemon Kissed Asparagus
Cheesy Potato Tot Bake Fresh Fruit
Monday, Sept. 23
Spinach Alfredo Lasagna Roll-Up Carrots Garlic Toast
Monster Cookie Cake
Wednesday, Sept. 25
City Representative
Loaded Turkey Noodle Casserole Blended Vegetable Breadstick
French Chocolate Cheesecake
Friday, Sept. 27
Shrimp & Chips Broccoli w/Cheese Cornbread Fresh Fruit
Monday, Sept. 30
Fried Chicken
Mashed Potatoes
Carrots
Strawberry Rhubarb Snickerdoodle Crunch
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
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
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
Across
1 Tools for making belt holes
5 Cocktail served in a copper mug, familiarly
9 Like a kite
14 Signal to stop, say
15 Common ___
16 Tiny pest
17 *They’re found next to cabarets
19 Airpods come in them
20 Nearsighted sort
21 Neighbor of Ursa Major
23 Champagne name
24 *Viable investment plans
28 Kind of protein for bodybuilders
31 Split
32 Occupants of 53-Across
33 Like pomegranate seeds, but not apple seeds
34 Many a flower girl
38 *They might be marked as absent
40 *Baby talk
41 Measure the depth of
42 Like corduroy fabric
45 Show signs of mythomania
46 Racetrack leader
48 Google ___
Sausage & Gravy over Biscuit, Frudel Fruit, Juice, Crackers & Milk
Tuesday, Sept. 10
Parfait (LV/SIS)
G&G Bag (LV) Snack bread French Toast Bake, Waffles & Sausage Patty Fruit, Juice, Crackers & Milk
Wednesday, Sept. 11
Cream Cheese Bagel (LV/SIS)
G&G Bag (LV) Nutri Grain Bar
Breakfast Pizza or Cinnamon Doughnuts
Fruit, Juice, Crackers & Milk
Thursday, Sept. 12
Mini Pancakes (LV/SIS)
G&G Bag (LV) Strawberry Boli
Muffin Top, Mini Pancakes & Sausage Links Fruit, Juice, Crackers & Milk
Caesar Salad with Cucumbers Coins Green Beans (MS/HS), Peaches
Wednesday, Sept. 11
MS/HS Alt: Chicken Burrito Totchos Garlic Knot, Crunchy Cauliflower Grapes, Snickerdoodle Cookie Jalapeños (MS/HS)
Thursday, Sept. 12
MS/HS Alt: Lasagna Roll up Chicken Drumstick Baked Beans, Celery Stalks Melon Fruit Salad, Sun Chips Biscuit & Honey (HS)
49 *Like some nasty habits
53 Subjects of Project Blue Book
54 Isaac Newton, from the age of 62 onward
55 Tedium
59 Puts up on Zillow, perhaps
61 Many a gymgoer’s goal … or what the starred clues in this puzzle must have for their answers to make sense?
64 [$@#%!]
65 Lead-in to skeleton or scope
66 Where Columbus thought he had landed in 1498
67 Junipero ___, known as the “Apostle of California”
68 Trick-taking card game
69 Feature of a witch costume
Down
1 Interjection that might serve as a mild warning
2 Like some kitchen paper
3 Cosmetic procedure, for short
4 Not careful
5 Fannie of the finance industry
6 Popular subject for still-life drawing
7 Spare, perhaps
8 Makes a gradual entry
9 Psych (up)
10 Middle ground, from the Latin
11 Bad apple or sour grapes, e.g.
12 What subjects and their verbs should always does ... er, do?
13 Things weavers weave
18 ___-soul (music genre)
22 Condition associated with hyperawareness, for short
25 Documents that ensure secrecy, for short
26 Target of benzoyl peroxide
27 Novelist Miller
28 Go “Boo-hoo!”
29 Many pages are written using this
30 Isaac’s firstborn
33 Endpoint of a radius
35 ___ the Elephant, children’s TV character
36 Excerpt
37 They may be locked or rolled
39 Fraud
40 Man-eating menace
42 Brings back on
43 Where you might find yourself on edge?
44 Approximate recipe measure
47 Superiors of sgts.
48 Stylized name for a caffeinated soft drink
49 Flower shop purchases
50 Meet a mid-April deadline, say
51 Who pays all legal costs under the so-called “English rule”
52 “Twisters” director ___ Isaac Chung
56 Zilch
57 Company that acquired Postmates in 2020
58 “___ that nice!”
60 Word with dog or day
62 Open show of intimacy, for short
63 Flower shop purchase
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.
MINUTES
AUGUST 22, 2024
Resolutions adopted by the Board of Supervisors are only summarized in the published minutes; the full text may be inspected at the Office of the County Auditor, 913 S. Dubuque Street, Iowa City, Mon. thru Fri., between 8:00 a.m. and 5:00 p.m. and at www.johnsoncountyiowa.gov.
Chairperson Sullivan called the Johnson County Board of Supervisors to order in the Johnson County Health and Human Services Boardroom at 9:00 a.m. Members present: Jon Green*, Lisa Green-Douglass, Royceann Porter, and Rod Sullivan. Members absent: V Fixmer-Oraiz.
*Denotes electronic participation. All actions were taken by the following vote: Roll call: Aye: Green, Green-Douglass, Porter, Sullivan; Absent: Fixmer-Oraiz.
Motion by Green-Douglass, second by Porter, to approve the minutes of the Formal Meeting of August 15, 2024. Motion by Porter, second by Green-Douglass, to approve the payroll authorizations submitted by department heads and elected officials, as approved by a majority of the Supervisors. Motion by Green-Douglass, second by Porter, to receive and place on file the Recorder’s Report of Fees Collected for the month of July 2024 in the amount of $329,493.16, as submitted by County Recorder Kim Painter.
The Board acknowledged receipt of the July 8, 2024, Planning and Zoning Commission Meeting Minutes and the August 12, 2024, Report of the Planning and Zoning Commission.
RESOLUTION NO. 08-22-24-01
RESOLUTION APPROVING THE SITE PLAN SUBMITTED BY STREB CONSTRUCTION CO., LLC, FOR THE PROPERTY DESCRIBED AS LOTS 1 & 2 OF JOCO 50 SUBDIVISION
Summary: Application PZC-24-28565 was filed for site plan approval to build a temporary concrete ready-mix plant on Lots 1 and 2 of JoCo 50 Subdivision. The site plan has been reviewed by the County Engineer, Public Health, and Planning, Development and Sustainability in addition to the City of Cedar Rapids. Board Action: Resolved that said Site Plan be approved and Authorize the Zoning Administrator to issue permits for this site in accordance with the standards set forth in the Johnson County Unified Development Ordinance and subject to the following conditions: a) Approval of Site Plan application PZC24-28565 is valid through December 31, 2028. The current use shall not be extended, nor shall an alternate use be established, without prior approval of a new Site Plan in accordance with the Johnson County Unified Development Ordinance; b) The applicant shall apply dust control to all interior drive, parking, and loading areas no less frequently than quarterly for the duration of the use. The first application shall occur within 30 days of approval of this Site Plan; c) If determined to be necessary by the Zoning Administrator, the applicant shall be required to apply dust control more frequently than quarterly. Where the Zoning Administrator determines that additional dust control is warranted, the applicant shall cause dust control to be applied within 30 days of receiving notice from the Zoning Administrator.
Johnson
County property taxes must be paid by Monday, Sept. 30
Late payment penalties begin October 1
The first installment of Johnson County property and mobile home taxes are due Monday, Sept. 30, 2024. Payments must be delivered to the Treasurer’s Office, paid online, or postmarked by Sept. 30 to avoid a 1.5% monthly penalty that will begin Tuesday, October 1.
Motion by Green-Douglass, second by Porter, to approve Resolution No. 08-2224-01 effective August 22, 2024.
RESOLUTION NO. 08-22-24-02
RESOLUTION SETTING A PUBLIC HEARING ON VARIOUS DEVELOPMENT APPLICATIONS AND A PROPOSED AMENDMENT TO THE JOHNSON COUNTY UNIFIED DEVELOPMENT ORDINANCE
Summary: The Johnson County Planning and Zoning Commission has filed its report and recommendations for certain actions. Board Action: Set a public hearing for September 12, 2024, at 5:30 p.m. CT in Room 203 B/C, Johnson County Health & Human Services Building, 855 South Dubuque Street, Iowa City, Iowa, on the following applications and proposed amendment: a. Platting applications filed by Lawrence & Tamara Murphy (PZC-24-28536), Michael S. Green (PZC-24-28539), and Phyllis E. Black (PZC-24-28539); b. Future Land Use Map Amendment application filed by Jeff Carew (FLUM-24-28544); and c. An ordinance amending the Johnson County Unified Development Ordinance by updating and adding certain definitions; modifying allowed uses in certain zoning districts; updating, adding, and clarifying certain supplemental conditions; updating, adding, and clarifying certain additional regulations related to yard and area requirements, signs, fencing, parking, and temporary storage; updating, adding, and clarifying certain Site Plan regulations; updating and clarifying certain development application requirements and procedures; updating and clarifying certain subdivision regulations and procedures related to plat expiration and renewal, lot access and road standards, and legal documents; updating certain floodplain and building code regulations. Said ordinance shall apply to all property located in the unincorporated areas of Johnson County. Authorize the Auditor to publish the official notice of the above public hearing. Motion by Porter, second by Green-Douglass, to approve Resolution No. 08-2224-02 effective August 22, 2024.
Motion by Green-Douglass, second by Porter, to appoint Aria Guzulaityte to the Livable Community for Successful Aging Policy Board for a three-year term ending June 30, 2027. Adjourned at 9:14 a.m. /s/ Rod Sullivan, Chair, Board of Supervisors /s/ Attest: Erin Shane, Auditor
On the 29th day of August 2024
Recorded by Auditor’s Office: Marly Melsh, Executive Clerk to the Board These minutes were sent for formal approval and publication on August 29, 2024. Published in the Solon Economist September 5, 2024.
SOLON CITY COUNCIL
SOLON, IOWA
SOLON CITY HALL
AUGUST 21, 2024
Mayor Dan O’Neil called to order the regular City Council meeting at 5:30 pm.
Roll Call: Steve Duncan, John Farlinger, Cole Gabriel, Andrew Kramer and Lauren Whitehead. Also Present: City Administrator Cami Rasmussen, Public Works Director Scott Kleppe, City Engineer Dave Schechinger, City Clerk Susie Siddell and Librarian Liz King.
Pledge of Allegiance Reading of the Civility Pledge Motion by Gabriel to approve the agenda. Seconded by Farlinger. Roll Call Vote. Duncan, Farlinger, Gabriel, Kramer and Whitehead. All Ayes. Motion Carried. 5-0.
Citizen Speak: None
Rasmussen suggested tabling Sam’s Main Street Market Auto Renewal License till Council could discuss. Farlinger questioned if this would be an agenda item, Rasmussen stated she would have on next agenda. Rasmussen stated Spencer Larson was present representing the Ride 4 Youth bike ride.
Larson stated they would be coming off Sutliff Road going through North Market down Dubuque. Larson stated there will be approximately 50 riders that will be going 55 miles. Mayor O’Neil questioned if they would having signage. Larson stated they have talked with Johnson County Emergency Management. Motion by Gariel to approve the con-
statement must be submitted with the payment. Payments must be mailed to the Johnson County Treasurer’s Office, PO Box 2420, Iowa City, IA 52244-2420. Payments postmarked by Sept. 30 will be considered paid on time and no interest will be charged.
The U.S. Postal Service postmark is the only date recognized for date of mailing.
sent agenda including the minutes from August 7, 2024 regular meeting, list of bills, treasurer’s report and transfers, building permits, JCB Services LLC Outdoor Service September 28, 2024, Event Application – Ride 4 Youth United Action for Youth September 15, 2024 and the Lease Agreement – JCB Services LLC (Buff’s Game Day) Octoberfest September 28, 2024 - less the Sam’s Main Street Market license. Seconded by Whitehead. Roll Call Vote: Duncan, Farlinger, Gabriel, Kramer and Whitehead. All Ayes. Motion Carried. 5-0. Public Works Director Report: Kleppe stated with the 4 inches of rain had there have been some drainage issues, on Sovers Street they have replaced drain intakes. There have also been issues with water coming from the old high school/community center, he has been in contact with the school. The school will be handling the contractors to rectify the issue and the City will take care of materials. On Chabal Street they had dug out an area with issues and there are some on Elm Street. The concrete work for the curb and gutter was finished today, following will be the asphalt which will be done by the end of Friday. Kleppe mentioned to Council the Veteran banners that have been installed on Main Street. Kleppe stated they have been working on a leak survey of the community so find out where excess water is going, the leak across from city hall is still ongoing. The new fire station had some internet issues, it has been since July, they are replacing a network switch. Kleppe stated staff has been working on placing mulch at the parks. He also has received quotes to remove asbestos at the two houses the city has purchased. The lowest quote for both is $5100.00.
Library Report: King stated the summer reading program had 51 participants and they will be starting the after school program and they have hired a new Teen Librarian – Christian Brauns. City Engineer Report: Schechinger stated they had taken out the old meter pit at Trail Ridge and installed the new one. WWTP – they are working on some graphics. Prairie Rose Ln – they have been talking with contractors and the school area at North Market is mostly finished with the canopy project.
City Attorney: None Johnson County Supervisor V Fixmer-Oraiz: Absent NEW BUSINESS: Resolution No. 24-29 Road Closure Buff’s Octoberfest: Motion by Duncan to approve Resolution No. 24-29 the road closure for Buff;s Game Day Octoberfest on September 28, 2024. Seconded by Kramer. Roll Call Vote: Duncan, Farlinger, Gabriel, Kramer and Whitehead. All Ayes. Motion Carried. 5-0. Board of Adjustment – Hamm Variance: Rasmussen stated there had been a Board of Adjustment meeting August 13th with a request from Hamm’s asking for a 18ft rear yard setback to enclose their deck. The board stated they had some concerns with having so many of the same requests but felt this had a unique situation. Motion by Whitehead to approve the 18ft rear yard setback to enclose the deck. Seconded by Gabriel. Roll Call Vote: Duncan, Farlinger, Gabriel, Kramer and Whitehead. All Ayes. Motion Carried. 5-0 Board of Adjustment Conditional Use Permit – Waddell: Rasmussen stated this also had gone before Board of Adjustment on August 13th. This was in reference to the Empire building, when it was built there was a space in back that was approved for storage. Present – Eric Waddell, stated he would like to rent out the space to a local ballclub to have practices. Rasmussen stated the B o A wanted the original conditions to still stand but wants the hours limited for the ballclub to be 7am to 10pm. Schechinger was questioned if there would be an impact of original site plan. Schechinger stated there were noise concerns but they are addressing with the time limit and the parking there should not be an impact. Waddell stated there will be no exterior changes and minimal inside changes. Motion by Farlinger to approve to allow the storage area to be used for rental space for local sports clubs. Seconded by Duncan. Roll Call Vote: Duncan, Farlinger, Gabriel, Kramer and Whitehead. All Ayes. Motion Carried. 5-0.
Change of Use Request – Eric Waddell: Motion by Farlinger to approve the request to use the current storage space in Empire Fitness building at 100 Wind-
flower to rental space for local sports club practices and training. Seconded by Duncan. Roll Call Vote: Duncan, Farlinger, Gabriel, Kramer and Whitehead. All Ayes. Motion Carried. 5-0.
Chabal & Elm Street Water Main
Project Final Pay Estimate No. 7: Motion by Gabriel to approve Pay Estimate No. 7, final payment for the Chabal & Elm Street Water Main Project. Seconded by Duncan. Roll Call Vote: Duncan, Farlinger, Gabriel, Kramer and Whitehead. All Ayes. Motion Carried. 5-0.
OTHER BUSINESS:
Council Committees: No Reports
City Clerk Report: None
City Administrator Comments: None
Council Comments: None
Mayor Comments: None Motion by Gabriel to adjourn the meeting at 6 pm. Seconded by Farlinger. All Ayes. Motion Carried. 5-0. ATTEST Susie Siddell, City Clerk Dan O’Neil, Mayor Published in the Solon Economist September 5, 2024.
CITY OF SOLON LIST OF BILLS AUGUST 21, 2024
VENDOR DESC AMOUNT ACTION SEWER & SEPTIC WATER JETTING $451.00
AGVANTAGE FS FUEL $3,829.56
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LEE'S AG CLINIC BATTERY $168.23 LINDSEY'S STITCHINS PUBLIC WORKS CLOTHING
OIL $61.66
LORI MUSIC ON MAIN $600.00
J. GARTELOS P.L.C. ATTORNEY
$3,212.50
PRODUCTS COMPANY INC. BALLAST $289.71
$19.00
TELECOM SERVICES OF IOWA PHONE SYSTEM SERVICE $145.00
TOMLINSON CANNON HAND SAWSOVERS ST $500.00
ULINE STORAGE BOXES $393.52
USA BLUEBOOK STRAIGHT METER
COUPLING
INSURANCE $10,136.53
TOTAL $83,220.04 Published in the Solon Economist September 5, 2024.
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In-person payments must be made at the Treasurer’s Office, located on the first floor of the Johnson County Administration Building, 913 S. Dubuque St. in Iowa City. Business hours are Monday through Friday, 8:00 a.m.-5:00 p.m.
If paying by mail, the stub portion of the tax
The date written on a check, or a business metered date cannot be accepted as proof of the mailing date. Residents who would like a receipt must include a self-addressed stamped envelope with their payment.
To make an online payment, visit www.
IowaTaxAndTags.org. You can pay with an e-check, debit card, or credit card. Those methods of payment, whether online or at the Treasurer’s Office, are subject to a convenience fee. County Treasurers collect property taxes on behalf of all jurisdictions in the county and then distribute the taxes collected to the other jurisdictions, including the property owner’s city of residence, school district, and other taxing bodies in the county. Questions about payments should be directed to the Treasurer’s Office at 319-356-6087 or email to rblack@johnsoncountyiowa.gov. Additional information about property taxes is available at www. johnsoncountyiowa.gov.
SOLON INTERMEDIATE SCHOOL NEWS
Welcome Back, SIS! (a note from the Principal)
Allow me to reintroduce myself for all of our incoming 4th grade families. My name is Melissa Holtz and I am the principal at Solon Intermediate School. This is my fourth year at Solon, my eighth year as a principal, and my 21st year working fulltime in the field of education.
My family and I live in Solon. My husband, Dan, works at Wilton Precision Steel in Wilton, and I have two kids. My son, Austin, is entering his senior year of college at the University of Iowa and is majoring in Sports and Recreation Management with a minor in coaching. My daughter, Sara, is entering her sophomore year at the University of Northern Iowa, majoring in Athletic Training and Rehabilitation with a minor in coaching. We have two dogs, Champion and Chipper.
I look forward to seeing many returning faces as we welcome back our 5th grade students and can’t wait to get to know our incoming 4th grade families!
We are READY for OUR STUDENTS! We loved seeing each of you at Unpack your Backpack Night and are thrilled to know we will have many more exciting events ahead of us yet this year!
Take a peek at some upcoming important dates and extra information to follow including pick up and drop off procedures and meeting our new team members. Parents, if you have any questions or concerns please let me know. I can be reached via email at mholtz@solon.k12.ia.us or via my office phone at 319-624-3401, ext. 1502. - Mrs. Holtz
SIS Morning Arrival Routines and Procedures
Because we know the beginning of the school year can be a little bit chaotic, we wanted to share our pick up and drop off procedures with you so you can feel confident sending your child to school knowing he/she is ready to tackle the day.
Key Times:
7:45 a.m. – Doors unlock. If students need breakfast they should proceed to the gym, otherwise they can report directly to their classroom.
8:00 a.m. – Student day begins 3:00 p.m. – Student day ends 3:05 p.m. – Walkers, bikers, & parent pick-up dismissed
What to Expect:
Doors unlock at 7:45 a.m.
We do not have supervision prior to this time. If your child is dropped off early, he/ she will be unable to enter the building until the doors unlock at 7:45 a.m. Bus students
Buses arrive at SIS beginning at 7:45 a.m. Students should follow the sidewalk
around to the front of the building and enter through the main doors. Students should proceed to the gym for breakfast or, if they do not need breakfast, they should go directly to their classroom.
At the end of the day, students will exit the gym doors to load their respective buses.
Parent Drop Off and Pick Up
Students who will be dropped off by their parents should utilize the 5th St. circle drive. Please drop students off at the front doors near the crosswalk. Please note: our doors do not unlock until 7:45 a.m. Students should not arrive prior to 7:45 a.m. as we do not have staff available for supervision and they will be unable to enter the building.
Students not riding the bus will be dismissed at 3:05 p.m. Parents wishing to pick up their child may line up on the circle drive and drive through to pick him/her up. If you prefer to park and wait for him/her to come to your car you may do so. School staff will help supervise the crosswalk. In order to keep the process as efficient as possible, we ask that parents remain in their cars.
Walkers and Bike Riders
In order to maintain student safety, students who walk or ride their bike to school will be released after the buses have left the parking lot at roughly 3:05 p.m. Students should exit the front of the building (West doors) to retrieve their bike from the bike rack or use the sidewalk to head home.
Change of Plans
Should you need to change your child’s end of day plans, you will need to contact the office. You can do so by calling our school secretary, Mrs. Tiffany Hale at 319-6243401, ext. 1500 or you can email sisoffice@ solon.k12.ia.us. In order to ensure your message is received it is recommended that you contact the office at least a half hour before the end of the school day.
Welcome NEW SIS Team Members!
Mrs. Tiffany Hale – SIS Secretary
Mr. John Wilmer – 4th Grade Long Term Sub
Mrs. Katie Courtney – 5th Grade Teacher
Ms. Grace Quast-Villafana – 4th Grade Teacher
Ms. Katlyn Kent – Special Education
Mrs. Janet Jackson – Paraeducator
SIS
Things to Know
SIS works hard to make the transition from Lakeview a seamless one. Many of the details can be found in our school handbook. I just want to highlight a few things for you to ensure success as students move forward. These are topics that have historically been questions and tidbits parents appreciate knowing ahead of time.
Early Dismissal - SIS is the first school to dismiss each day. When we have an early dismissal, students are released at 1:32 p.m. Please take note of this time
and plan accordingly if your child is parent-pick up.
Cell Phones and Smart Devices
- Cell phones are to be turned off in a student’s book bags and not on their person during the school day. Smart watches and gizmos may be worn unless a student is using this device to text or contact others during the school day. If this happens, your child will need to remove the device and keep it in his/her book bag. One warning will be given. If it becomes a bigger problem, the device will be held in the office until a parent can come retrieve it and it may not return to school.
Here is the policy from our handbook: Cell Phones/Smart Watches/GizmosAll phones/smart watches/gizmos and other communication devices will be silenced or off in bags throughout the school day. If there is a distraction of any kind, the student will be asked to report to the principal’s office with the device. The parent/ guardian will be contacted to pick up the device.
Smart watches/Gizmos may not be used to text or interact with others during the school day. Any student using their watch inappropriately will be asked to remove it and place it in their bag. A second violation will result in the watch being confiscated and parents will be notified and asked to pick it up from the main office.
Classroom Food Items – Please be aware that some of our students do have severe food allergies to peanuts and eggs. We also want to keep wellness in mind when sending snacks and treats for special occasions. Our school handbook lays out all of the details and offers some nice options and ideas for healthy snacks. Check it out:
Wellness Policy
Snacks: During daily snack time, families will send snacks for students on an individual basis. These snacks must meet the requirements of the district wellness policy. Pop will not be permitted.
Lunch: Lunches brought to school must meet the requirements of the district wellness policy. Pop will not be permitted.
Classroom Celebrations: (i.e.: birthday and holiday parties) In order to protect our students with allergies and food intolerances, treats brought for celebrations must be commercially prepared food with an intact ingredient label or fresh, uncut fruit
and vegetables. Items not meeting these requirements will not be used and will be returned home. No homemade treats will be accepted. (Note: Snacks are also available upon request to purchase from the school food service program. Non-food celebration items are great too!).
To review the entire SCSD Wellness Policy please reference Board Policy 507.9, available on the district’s website.
Check out this list for healthy snack ideas: Cheese sticks, Gogurt/Yogurt, Yogurt Smoothie, Granola Bars (not including those dipped in chocolate), Clementine/Orange, Banana, Goldfish Crackers, Cheez-Its, All-Natural Fruit Leathers (not including Fruit by the Foot or fruit snacks), Apple, Carrots, Pretzels, Trail Mix, Raisins, Graham Crackers, Peanut Butter/Cheese Sandwich Crackers, Beef Sticks, and Popcorn.
Classroom Parties, Treats, and Birthdays
Parties/Celebrations - On occasion SIS will hold classroom parties to celebrate holidays or special events. At certain times of the year, SIS may hold building-wide celebrations. Classroom parties will be scheduled by the classroom teacher and approved by the building administrator. On occasion, teachers may ask parents to furnish treats for parties or celebrations in which case items must meet the wellness policy guidelines mentioned above.
Birthday Treats – If your child wishes, he/she may bring birthday treats during the year. If treats are brought, a treat should be brought for every child in the homeroom. Please follow the required SCSD Wellness policy guidelines as defined in Board Policy 507.9.
Birthday Invitations – If your child wishes to pass out birthday party invitations at school, invitations must be sent to all students in your child’s class. If a child does not have an invitation for each student in the class he/she will not be permitted to hand out his/her invitations.
Solon Intermediate School Contact Info
Email – mholtz@solon.k12.ia.us
Website – www.solon.k12.ia.us
Location – 200 West 5th Street, Solon, IA, USA Phone – 319-624-3401 X (Twitter) - @theholtzfamily4
SOLON
Iowa program tracks mosquito trends over 50 years: 2024 a big year
Ryan Smith Dept. of Plant Pathology and Entomology
Ann Y. Robinson Agriculture and Life Sciences Communication
AMES — Despite a slow start following several dry years, mosquito populations in Iowa have ramped up this season, according to Ryan Smith, associate professor of plant pathology, entomology and microbiology at Iowa State University.
“Regular rains and flooding in some areas of the state are providing good breeding conditions much later into the summer,” he said.
Smith leads the Iowa Mosquito Surveillance Program, which has been running since the 1960s. It is one of the country’s most active, long-running programs, and one of the few led by an academic institution. Visitors to the surveillance program’s website can view mosquito population trends by year, by county, by the sites where traps are located and see the most often observed species. Currently, the program monitors about 100 traps in 15 counties.
Through July 31 of this year, 110,547 mosquitoes were counted in Iowa, with Polk and Black Hawk counties reporting the highest numbers. This is higher than the end-of-year totals for the past five years in the state (see graph). By comparison, during the wet year of 2018, 184,000 mosquitoes were counted over the season.
With mosquitoes on the rise, Smith advises the best defense is to avoid the insects, which are generally most active at dawn
and dusk. If you are outside during those times, he encourages wearing protective clothing or using repellents.
A group effort
Trapping and identifying mosquito types is a group effort. A small cadre of Iowa State staff scientists and students working in Smith’s Lab count, sort and identify approximately 100,000 mosquitoes that are typical over the course of a season. They coordinate with partners in the Iowa Department of Health and Human Services (IDHHS) and its county health officials who lead trapping efforts, and the State Hygienic Laboratory at the University of Iowa, which tests a subset of mosquitoes (Culex species) for West Nile virus (WNV). Funding for the program comes from IDHHS through allocations from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention.
The mosquito surveillance program uses different types of traps, depending on a variety of factors. The most frequently used New Jersey Light traps that monitor mosquito abundance also catch other bugs, and thus, require painstaking sorting. Other traps, such as CDC light traps or gravid traps, respectively, require dry ice or water-based attractants to better target mosquitoes and preserve them in a condition that enables easier identification and WNV testing.
“The program is important to help track mosquitoes in the state, their abundance and where they are found, which can be valu-
able for our understanding of the seasonal risks of mosquito-borne disease transmission,” Smith said.
The information collected helps guide a variety of public health responses that include working with homeowners in an area to reduce attractive breeding locations and guiding use of insecticide treatments and public health advisories about hot spots where extra precautions should be taken to avoid mosquitoes.
55 types of mosquitoes
More than 50 types of mosquitoes have been found in Iowa. Some carry disease. Others don’t. Mosquitoes most often prey on birds and other wildlife or even livestock, with females sucking blood needed to produce eggs. When mosquitoes bite humans, they sometimes transmit diseases in the process.
Fortunately for Iowans, the state’s most common mosquito, Aedes vexans, is not a carrier of human disease. Species that pose more risks to humans include types of Aedes and Culex mosquitoes that can carry West Nile virus or other mosquito-borne diseases. WNV can be deadly to a small percentage of those exposed, especially the elderly or those with compromised immune systems. Fortunately, most people who contract WNV will experience mild or no symptoms, so its occurrence is likely underreported, according to Smith.
Thus far in 2024, 19 mosquito samples have tested
Drive high, get OWI
time, including alcohol, can amplify the impairing effects of each drug a person has consumed.
Illustration courtesy of Iowa Mosquito Surveillance Program
Comparison of mosquitoes collected for the first half of the “mosquito season” from 2016 to 2024. Data display the total numbers of mosquitoes, numbers for Ae. vexans (a primary nuisance mosquito) and that of Culex spp., which are implicated in West Nile Virus transmission. Numbers reflect combined data from New Jersey Light Traps, gravid traps and CDC light traps.
positive for WNV, and one human case reported (in Harrison County). In 2023, 96 mosquito samples tested positive for WNV, and 17 human cases were identified.
“This year, we’re finding relatively high numbers of Culex tarsalis, typically found in agricultural and irrigated areas. Their presence can really be a problem, especially in northwest Iowa, a known hot spot for this type of WNV-carrying mosquito,” Smith said.
Some years, Iowa’s mosquito tracking program looks for specific species -- often coordinated with national tracking efforts.
That includes studying native Anopheles species, which have the potential to transmit malaria. A new report in the Journal of Medical Entomology, co-authored by Smith and colleagues Christopher Lee and Mark Leonard in the Department of Plant Pathology, Entomology and Microbiology at Iowa State, reports on the abundance and dynamics of Anopheles species in Iowa over the last 20 years to provide insights on the implications
for public health.
A 2022 paper by Smith and others in Scientific Reports reported on the spread of the invasive Aedes albopictus mosquito known to carry Zika virus. The team concluded the mosquito is becoming established in Iowa due to warmer winter temperatures.
Though occurrences of both malaria and Zika so far in the state have been travel-related, resulting from infections acquired in regions where the diseases
are more widespread, the presence of these mosquito species increases the potential for future public health risks.
To learn more about the state’s mosquito tracking program and see examples of traps used for monitoring, you can watch a video created by the College of Agriculture and Life Sciences at Iowa State and Iowa State University Extension and Outreach at https:// vimeo.com/998862730/ a32338cdc7?share=copy.
it doesn’t matter what term you use –high, stoned, or wasted. It also doesn’t matter if the substance was legally or illegally obtained. Getting behind the wheel after using any type of substance that can impair you is extremely dangerous. In every U.S. state and territory, it is illegal to drive under influence of drugs – no exceptions.
According to the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration, here are some ways that substances can impair your ability to drive.
• Alcohol, marijuana, and other drugs can slow coordination, judgment, and reaction times.
• Cocaine and methamphetamine can make drivers more aggressive and reckless.
• Using two or more drugs at the same
• Some prescription and over-thecounter (OTC) medicines can cause extreme drowsiness, dizziness, and other side effects. Read and follow all warning labels before driving and note that warnings against “operating heavy machinery” include driving a vehicle.
This weekend, or anytime, if your plans include the possibility of using any substance that impairs you, plan to stay where you are or arrange for a sober driver ahead of time to safely get you to and from your destination.
Remember – if you feel different, you drive different.
In 2024 in Iowa, 209 people have been killed in traffic crashes. That’s an increase of 14 since Friday, August 23. In Iowa in 2023, there were 377 traffic-related deaths.
Iowa Department of Transportation